logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2025
30m 6s

Why Gossiping Could Help Your Love Life

The New York Times
About this episode

For Kelsey McKinney, the author of the new book, “You Didn’t Hear This From Me: (Mostly) True Notes on Gossip,” spreading a good story occupied a morally gray zone throughout her childhood.

McKinney, who is also the former host of the podcast, “Normal Gossip,” talks with Modern Love’s Anna Martin about navigating the ups and downs of gossiping in her own life.

McKinney also reads the Modern Love essay “We Were a Party of Two, but Never Quite Alone” by Linda Button, who tells the story of how gossiping with her rich suitor’s exes brought the euphoria of her relationship back down to earth. While reading Button’s essay, McKinney fields questions from Martin so they can do some gossiping of their own.

How to submit a Modern Love Essay to The New York Times.

How to submit a Tiny Love Story.

Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Up next
Today
Let Mel Robbins Share Her 5 Tips for a Healthy Relationship
The best-selling author and motivational podcast host Mel Robbins is known for her blunt advice and viral wisdom, from The 5-Second Rule to countless proverbs on relationships, confidence and everyday stuck-ness. Her most recent book, “The Let Them Theory,” has given her readers ... Show More
50m 21s
Jul 2
‘The Interview’: Ocean Vuong was Ready to Kill. Then a Moment of Grace Changed His Life.
This week on Modern Love, we’re bringing you a conversation we liked so much that we’re envious we didn’t get to have ourselves. In a raw but deeply heartfelt and compassionate conversation with “The Interview" host David Marchese, author and poet Ocean Vuong talks about the real ... Show More
50m 52s
Jun 25
To Share or Not to Share? How Location Sharing Is Changing Our Relationships
When we asked Modern Love listeners how location sharing is affecting their relationships, the responses we got were all over the map. Some people love this technology. Some hate it. But either way, it has changed something fundamental about how we demonstrate our love and how we ... Show More
32m 54s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2023
267: Blind Gossip: PR Trick or Truth? With guest, TikTok's Kyle Marisa Roth
Let's dive deep into the deceptive world of celebrity PR strategies, anonymous gossip, with special guest, the fascinating and hugely entertaining Kyle Marisa Roth- one of TikTok's favorite Blind Gossip creators. Here are three things you can look forward to learning fr ... Show More
1h 30m
Apr 29
Alexandra Solomon: How to Have Flourishing Relationships (From the No Small Endeavors Podcast)
Today, we’re sharing a special episode from the Signal Award-winning podcast No Small Endeavor, a show that explores what it means to live a good life through insightful conversations with thought leaders across various disciplines. Hosted by Lee C. Camp, No Small Endeavor engage ... Show More
56m 37s
Apr 2024
Gossip Isn't Just Women's Business - It Saves Lives
A little bit gossip never hurt anybody… or so we tell ourselves. What we know gossip to be now, is very different from how it once was. From its old timey use during childbirth, to the more modern day concept of swapping secrets, and even its application as a tool for women’s saf ... Show More
16m 11s
Feb 2025
She Fell in Love With ChatGPT. Like, Actual Love. With Sex.
Warning: This episode discusses sexual themes.Artificial intelligence has changed how millions of people write emails, conduct research and seek advice.Kashmir Hill, who covers technology and privacy, tells the story of a woman whose relationship with a chatbot when much further ... Show More
32m 28s
Sep 2024
Esther Perel
Esther Perel is a psychotherapist and a leading voice on modern relationships. Growing up in Antwerp and practicing in the United States, she began her career studying the impact of cultural transitions on human relationships. In addition to her therapy practice in New York City, ... Show More
1h 42m
Jul 6
‘Modern Love’: To Share or Not To Share? How Location Sharing Is Changing Our Relationships
When the Modern Love podcast asked listeners how location sharing is affecting their relationships, the responses they got were all over the map. Some people love this technology. Some hate it. But either way, it has changed something fundamental about how we demonstrate our love ... Show More
32m 54s
May 2020
Loud Black Girls and Dating in Lockdown
This week on Slay In Your Lane: The Podcast, Yomi and Elizabeth discuss their new book, dating during lockdown and everyone's reaction to Adele's recent social media mic-drop. And in Slay or Nay we shout out the amazing gal-dem who have launched their new podcast, Growing Up With ... Show More
31m 17s
Mar 2025
Expanded Love: The New Paradigm of Dating, Relationships & Life!
The first episode of Season 3 of The New Truth Podcast with Kate! If you are feeling like any facet of your life is out of alignment, this episode is for you! It is an invitation to take full responsibility for your truths, your life, your relationships and also will illuminate a ... Show More
33m 42s
Jul 2024
BIG FACTS feat. JAY HILL
Media and radio personality Mr Jay Hill joins the Big Facts podcast crew for a thought-provoking hour-long discussion centered on faithfulness in relationships. The conversation delves deep into the complexities of modern relationships, with everyone offering their unique perspec ... Show More
1h 4m
Dec 2024
Having the Audacity with Jackie Adedeji
In this episode, I sit down with the fabulous Jackie Adedeji—a broadcaster, writer, and podcaster who’s unapologetically herself and a true force for women everywhere. Jackie has carved out a space for bold, real conversations about everything from body positivity to the complexi ... Show More
50m 31s