111 episodes

Every Monday morning step into the office of iconic psychotherapist Esther Perel and listen in as real people in search of insight bare the raw, intimate, and profound details of their stories. From breakups and open relationships to workplace conflicts and fractures in the family, it’s a place to hear our own stories reflected in the lives of others. So…where should we begin? Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel Esther’s Office Hours

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.7 • 2K Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

Every Monday morning step into the office of iconic psychotherapist Esther Perel and listen in as real people in search of insight bare the raw, intimate, and profound details of their stories. From breakups and open relationships to workplace conflicts and fractures in the family, it’s a place to hear our own stories reflected in the lives of others. So…where should we begin? Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    I Think I Married the Wrong Person Follow-Up

    I Think I Married the Wrong Person Follow-Up

    Last fall, Esther helped a couple working to dissolve the patterns they each developed to protect themselves. It's been a few months and they've sent Esther an update on how things are going.

    I Think I Married the Wrong Person

    I Think I Married the Wrong Person

    She gets angry when she feels devalued and put down. He intellectualizes and rationalizes instead of sympathizing. Esther helps them to see each other and work towards dissolving the patterns they developed to protect themselves.

    For the first time on the U.S. stage, Esther invites you to an evening unlike any other. Join her as she shines a light on the cultural shifts transforming relationships and helps us rethink how we connect, how we desire – and even how we love. To find a city near you, go to https://www.estherperel.com/tour2024

    Want to learn more? Receive monthly insights, musings, and recommendations to improve your relational intelligence via email from Esther: https://www.estherperel.com/newsletter
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 54 min
    Esther Calling - My Exes Exes Keep Ruining My Relationships

    Esther Calling - My Exes Exes Keep Ruining My Relationships

    A woman whose ex-boyfriend cheated on her with his ex girlfriend ends a perfectly good relationship because she can't trust how close her current partner is with his own ex. She wonders if two people can meet each other's needs without having to sacrifice a part of themselves and if she can ever move past her fears and let love into her life.

    Esther Callings are a one time, 45-60 minute interventional phone call with Esther. They are edited for time, clarity, and anonymity. If you have a question you would like to talk through with Esther, send a voice memo to producer@estherperel.com.

    For the first time on the U.S. stage, Esther invites you to an evening unlike any other. Join her as she shines a light on the cultural shifts transforming relationships and helps us rethink how we connect, how we desire – and even how we love. To find a city near you, go to https://www.estherperel.com/tour2024

    Want to learn more? Receive monthly insights, musings, and recommendations to improve your relational intelligence via email from Esther: https://www.estherperel.com/newsletter
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 50 min
    Esther Perel on New AI - Artificial Intimacy

    Esther Perel on New AI - Artificial Intimacy

    This week we're airing a very special episode of Brené Brown's Unlocking Us where Esther and Brené discuss how we manage the paradox of exploring the world of social media and emerging technologies while staying tethered to our humanness. How do we create IRL relationships where we see and value others and feel seen and valued in the context of constant scrolling and using digital technology as armor?

    For the first time on the U.S. stage, Esther invites you to an evening unlike any other. Join her as she shines a light on the cultural shifts transforming relationships and helps us rethink how we connect, how we desire – and even how we love. To find a city near you, go to https://www.estherperel.com/tour2024

    Want to learn more? Receive monthly insights, musings, and recommendations to improve your relational intelligence via email from Esther: https://www.estherperel.com/newsletter
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 1 hr 7 min
    Couples Therapy is the Best Theater in Town

    Couples Therapy is the Best Theater in Town

    This week, Esther sits down with her close collaborator, Mary Alice Miller, journalist, writer, and Esther’s head of content. There comes a point where the people who work closely with you sometimes end up knowing you better than you know yourself, which is very much the case here. Together, they went back to Esther’s childhood to discuss the importance of play, what makes stories so essential to us all, and why Esther has made the decision to embark on her first-ever live U.S. tour.

    For the first time on the U.S. stage, Esther invites you to an evening unlike any other. Join her as she shines a light on the cultural shifts transforming relationships and helps us rethink how we connect, how we desire – and even how we love. To find a city near you, go to https://www.estherperel.com/tour2024

    Want to learn more? Receive monthly insights, musings, and recommendations to improve your relational intelligence via email from Esther: https://www.estherperel.com/newsletter

    Esther Calling - My Husband, His Other Wife, and Me

    Esther Calling - My Husband, His Other Wife, and Me

    They were aid workers who met abroad, fell in love, and came to the States to get married. After two years, her partner returned to his home country to fulfill his familial duty and marry his brother's widow. Esther talks her through what comes next.

    Esther Callings are a one time, 45-60 minute interventional phone call with Esther. They are edited for time, clarity, and anonymity. If you have a question you would like to talk through with Esther, send a voice memo to producer@estherperel.com.

    For the first time on the U.S. stage, Esther invites you to an evening unlike any other. Join her as she shines a light on the cultural shifts transforming relationships and helps us rethink how we connect, how we desire – and even how we love. To find a city near you, go to https://www.estherperel.com/tour2024

    Want to learn more? Receive monthly insights, musings, and recommendations to improve your relational intelligence via email from Esther: https://www.estherperel.com/newsletter
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 40 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
2K Ratings

2K Ratings

Nobstarmafu ,

Just listening is therapy

She’s such a wonderful therapist. I’m listening to her work with these couples I find I’m learning so much that I can apply to my own experience.
Feels like free, good quality therapy.

Casalomanevsedoma ,

Did Esther miss the mark on this one?

The episode “I Have Had Better” left me feeling disappointed. Esther didn't give the woman a chance to explain WHY her attitude towards sex with her husband changes AFTER having kids. Is there a chance that a woman resents her husband because of his lack of involvement in raising kids and helping around the house? This is one of the most common reasons why women say no to sex or any other type of intimacy - they are tired and touched out. Is this a racial issue? With a white, American, non-Muslim woman, the conversation would probably go very differently. It would be more about sharing the household responsibilities between two partners more equally and giving the woman some breathing room to feel like she is something else other than a wife and a mother. I hope Esther does a follow-up on this in her Gut Check series.

tyugncfdthh ,

Healing from Polarization

I deeply appreciate Esthers wisdom around holding complexity in our lives and our relationships which will not just help heal us and build our communities but prevent totalitarianism in our societies.

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