Twin brothers come to Esther with a shared question: how do they break free from the conflict that has shaped their relationship for years? One feels smothered, the other abandoned, and together they are caught in a cycle of pursuit and withdrawal that neither knows how to escape. With Esther, they explore how to loosen the grip of old roles and find each ot ... Show More
Jun 1
Love in the Time of AI with Kashmir Hill
A recent session was a threshold moment for Esther where she found herself doing couples therapy with a man and his AI companion. To explore the questions it raised, Esther sits down with New York Times technology reporter, Kashmir Hill, who has spent years reporting on the growi ... Show More
49m 55s
May 11
I Gave Him an Ultimatum. Now What?
A person gives their partner an ultimatum, and they fail to meet it. What happens then to the relationship? This couple comes to Esther with that question, wondering what future, if any, might be possible for them. A painful misalignment lies at the center of their polyamorous re ... Show More
58m 14s
Nov 2023
Bridging the Gap: Age Differences and Marital Challenges with Gary Lipovetsky
A harmonious marriage is like a perfectly tuned melody, where two people find joy and comfort in each other's company. It's the beauty of shared laughter, mutual understanding, and a sense of belonging. In this special episode, Gary joins Valeria for an honest and open conversati ... Show More
1h 8m
May 2023
Making Friends In Your 20's
<p>Your twenties are the part of your life where your friends become your family. In this episode, Lily gets real about overcoming loneliness to create true friendships post-grad, in a new city, and as an adult. She tosses out some ideas of places to meet new people, how to maint ... Show More
41m 43s
Aug 2024
What “I’m Not Ready For a Relationship” Really Means
<p>So many of us who grew up with trauma live as “divided selves” – longing for real love, but playing along to keep people around who DON’T want that – not with us, anyway – but who are happy to soak all our attention and time Iand of course, sex). Your ability to believe you ca ... Show More
24m 53s
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A lot of times in our relationships, it’s easy to look at our partner and notice all the things they could be doing better. “It’s you, not me.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What’s not-so-easy is taking the time to understand how ... Show More
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In this episode, I talk with Kimberley Quinlan, LMFT, about 5 relationship rules that changed her life. She’s been married for 20 years and has so much wisdom to share.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here’s a sneak p ... Show More
