logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2025
39m 46s

Esther Calling - I Can Break up with Him...

Esther Perel Global Media
About this episode

Esther talks with a woman who is contemplating ending her five-year long-distance relationship. She reflects on avoidant behavior, stemming from a fear of intimacy and rejection, and the complex dynamics of her family background. Esther helps her confront these deeply rooted fears, encouraging her to vocalize her needs and to realize that not everything negative is about her. The conversation opens up pathways for the woman to seek closeness and be seen, ultimately aiming to break free from a life defined by fear and distance.


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.


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

Up next
Oct 6
Is It Our ADHD, OCD, and PTSD? Or Is It Us?
A couple sits down with Esther Perel to untangle trust, control, and intimacy after becoming parents. He feels weighed down by anxiety and responsibility; she struggles with ADHD, resistance to structure, and fears of falling short in her art career. Their love is strong, but eve ... Show More
55m 37s
Sep 29
Breaking News Has Broken Us
This is a classic session of How's Work? A large and scattered network of journalists meet for a virtual session with Esther. Over the past year, they've reported on the biggest stories of their careers, but they are burned out, isolated, grieving, and disconnected from the very ... Show More
52m 20s
Sep 22
Esther Calling - Will This Heartbreak Ever End?
Nothing changes us quite like our first love—or our first heartbreak. After falling in love for the first time in his late twenties, he now finds himself navigating the pain of his first breakup. He comes to Esther in search of clarity, healing, and a way forward. Esther Callings ... Show More
51m 38s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2024
How to Speak Up, Leave the Toxic Relationship, and Actually Save Yourself | Najwa Zebian PT 2
Welcome back to part 2 of this aaaaamazing conversation with my homie Najwa Zebian, the QUEEN of healing and embracing change.And if you thought part 1 of this convo was powerful, get ready cause we’re going even deeper into understanding WHY choosing to leave a toxic guy is SO C ... Show More
57m 48s
Jan 2025
428 SelfWork: The Shame and Self-Blame Game
The focus today is on what I call "the shame and self-blame game."One listener told me recently that she wondered for a long time - “Did I allow my abuse?” How many of you feel to blame for your own abuse? And does that very shame and self-blame make it even more important to kee ... Show More
23m 8s
Aug 21
How Technology Is Changing Love and Work — with Esther Perel
Scott speaks with Esther Perel, psychotherapist and bestselling author, about the state of modern relationships – at home and at work. They discuss how remote work and technology are fueling a “social atrophy,” why friendship and intimacy are in decline, and how connection is bec ... Show More
1h 2m
Jan 2025
Imposter Syndrome & Comparison Culture: Ditch Self Doubt and Boost Confidence with Deborah Conquest
Hi everyone, and welcome to another episode of Ask Dr. Jodi! Tonight, I have the privilege of sitting down with my dear friend and vocal coach extraordinaire, Deborah Conquest, to unpack the topic of imposter syndrome. If you’ve ever felt like a fraud, doubted your abilities, or ... Show More
38m 39s
Feb 2025
How Are You Contributing To What Is Not Working In Your Love Life? Hard Truths From Relationship Coach Jillian Turecki.
Why self-inquiry is the first ingredient to a healthy relationship.   Jillian Turecki is a renowned relationship coach, teacher, author, and host of the podcast, Jillian On Love. Fueled by an insatiable curiosity about what makes a relationship thrive, Jillian has helped thousand ... Show More
1h 6m
Sep 17
How To Love Pursuers Well
This episode from Relationship Advice, hosts Colter, Lauren, and Cayla lean into the dynamics of pursuer-withdrawer relationships, focusing on how to understand and support pursuers effectively. As part of a broader series on relational dynamics, this episode emphasizes recognizi ... Show More
46m 3s
Sep 20
Female Friendships Advice for Women Who Crave Deeper Connection | Best of Mary’s Cup of Tea
This self love podcast is ALL about women empowerment, and friendships are such a key part of that.But female friendships in particular can feel complicated, especially as women navigate a world that often undervalues their emotional needs and social bonds. In this self-love podc ... Show More
1h 18m
Feb 2025
Oprah and Esther Perel on the 3 Things Every Human Needs to Find Love
In this episode of The Oprah Podcast, presented by Ulta Beauty, world renowned relationship therapist Esther Perel offers her profound insight on modern romance, and what we can do to feel more alive in all our relationships – not just the romantic ones. With wisdom gained as a t ... Show More
52m 54s
Feb 2025
The Secrets to Deep, Meaningful Connections - Esther Perel
Esther Perel is a renowned Belgian-American psychotherapist, celebrated for her groundbreaking work on human relationships and modern intimacy. Best known for introducing the concept of "erotic intelligence," she explores the complexities of love, desire, and connection in long-t ... Show More
21m 57s
Aug 18
Why don’t you like yourself? Gabby Bernstein: How to stop numbing difficult emotions
Getting lost in anxiety, shame, or self-loathing? Spiritual leader Gabby Bernstein wants you to acknowledge all the messy parts of your true character. Spoiler: you’re not going suddenly to like yourself overnight, but acknowledging the uncomfortable bits will get you there soone ... Show More
57m 38s