New Episodes Of “Where Should We Begin?” Podcast: Relationships Are Hard

 There is a well-known quote about relationships that goes: "Affection is when you see someone's strengths. Love is when you accept someone's flaws."

Pop culture has been recently flooded with passionate evaluations of romance - from Taylor Swift’s takedown of a past relationship in “All Too Well”, to Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s second chance at love, and Adele’s new album “30” emotionally rehashing her divorce - it’s clearer than ever that relationships are...complicated.

Relationship expert Esther Perel untangles the relationships knots with new episodes of her flagship podcast “Where Should We Begin?” available now on Spotify. The newest episodes explore real-life couples seeking Esther’s valued advice and clarity, including a look back at a past couple to find out how their relationship has evolved, a couple trying to make space for their queerness in an outwardly appearing hetero relationship, and another couple whose lack of boundaries have eclipsed their romance. 

 

 ●      Where Are They Now - A Romantic Revival

○      Description: For the first time on the podcast, Esther invites a couple back to her office for a second session. 10 years ago, his first wife took her own life. A year later, he met his current wife, and she became an overnight stepmother to four children. Three years after they first spoke to Esther, she asks them what has changed? Have they been able to revive and sustain their love despite all the obstacles?

●      Before We Got Together I Identified as Gay

○      Description: Before they got together, he identified as straight and they identified as gay. What does it mean to make space for their queer identity while they date a straight man? And is that possible as they move into a more serious phase of their relationship?

●      I Don’t Mean to Be Mean, But…

○      Description: She has no boundaries, he’s walled off. And their opposing communication styles cause immediate tension in this explosive session. So much so, that Esther finds herself adding to the chorus of angry voices. There might only be three people in this session, but Esther realizes she needs at least three more chairs for the in-laws whose voices and opinions are always playing in the background of this marriage.

 This season Esther Perel speaks to a constellation of new relationships, including: A couple wrestling with the guilt they feel over the happiness their infidelity created. Esther checks back in with couples from seasons past to see where are they now, as she creates a space for us to hear our own lives and struggles articulated in the stories of others. And more.

  In season five, therapist Esther Perel counsels real couples as they reveal the most intimate, personal, and complicated details of the conflicts that have brought them to her door. This season, Perel speaks to a constellation of new relationships: A couple wrestling with the guilt they feel over the happiness their infidelity created. Another trying to make space for their queerness in an outwardly appearing hetero relationship. A set of friends trying to sort out if their childhood friendship needs to continue into adulthood. And Esther checks back in with couples from seasons past to see where are they now as she creates a space for us to hear our own lives and struggles articulated in the stories of others. So....where should we begin?

Psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author Esther Perel is recognized as one of today’s most insightful and original voices on modern relationships. Fluent in nine languages, she helms a therapy practice in New York City and serves as an organizational consultant for Fortune 500 companies around the world. Her celebrated TED Talks have garnered more than 30 million views and her international bestseller Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence is a global phenomenon that has been translated into nearly 30 languages. Her newest book is the New York Times bestseller The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity. Esther is also an executive producer and host of the award-winning podcasts Where Should We Begin? and How’s Work?.

You can listen to the podcast here.