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3 Poignant ‘Modern Love’ Podcast Episodes That Attest To Our Vulnerability And Capacity To Love

Frequently, we need a reminder of what it means to be human; "Modern Love" provides just that.

Alexandra Gergova

Feb 27, 2021

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

3 Poignant ‘Modern Love’ Podcast Episodes That Attest To Our Vulnerability And Capacity To Love

Photo by visuals on Unsplash

Because we frequently find ourselves assailed with stories of heartbreak and looming divorces in popular media, I have found myself frequently withdrawing comfortably from these tales into a period dominated entirely by The New York Times' "Modern Love," a weekly "column, a book, a podcast — and now, in its 16th year, a television show — about relationships, feelings, betrayals and revelations."

Something particularly warm and tender about "Modern Love" is its rawness. Each episode reminds us of our humanity — our capacity to err, love, and feel — without holding back. Whether you are a first time or active listener, described below are 3 emotional and beautiful episodes to listen to.

Take Me as I am, Whoever I am (Oct. 28, 2016)

In this episode, Rebecca Hall reads Terri Cheney's reflective essay about how her bipolar disorder has affected her love life — both with herself and with others. There was something extremely raw about the way Cheney revealed that there was more comfort in repressing her diagnosis from others than allowing them to know her struggle with bipolar disorder — a fear that is inherently human.

The Language of Love (May 23, 2018)

In this episode, Saoirse Ronan reads Emily Robbins' essay documenting the love — as well as communication issues — that arises from a language barrier between an Iraqi doctor and a young woman. What was particularly powerful about this episode was the way it grappled with reflections and lessons from a relationship years after it had passed.

Learning Humanity from Dogs (Sept. 12, 2018)

In this episode, Ethan Hawke reads Pauls Toutonghi essay demonstrating that oftentimes the only way to escape turbulence and the lowest point is by loving another––in this case, a dog. I was incredibly touched by the way this episode reveals how endless a dog's capacity for love is and how salvation can be found in the furry arms of a dog.

The next time you find yourself with 20 or so minutes to spare, I highly recommend immersing yourself in a "Modern Love" episode. Our capacity for love should serve as a warm reminder of what it means to be human.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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3 Poignant ‘Modern Love’ Podcast Episodes That Attest To Our Vulnerability And Capacity To Love

Frequently, we need a reminder of what it means to be human; "Modern Love" provides just that.

Take Me as I am, Whoever I am (Oct. 28, 2016)

The Language of Love (May 23, 2018)

Learning Humanity from Dogs (Sept. 12, 2018)

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Why you should spend your next summer in New England.

Nature is beautiful (and so is math). The last one will blow your mind.

1. Shells

2. Trees

3. Flower Pistils

4. Flower Petals

5. Leaves

6. Storms

7. You!

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

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6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

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