A Bond Thicker Than Blood

A Bond Thicker Than Blood

Author: The New York Times December 8, 2022 Duration: 18:39
Brandon Kyle Goodman never knew his father, but he did know his Uncle Ronnie. Uncle Ronnie was Brandon’s godfather, originally his mom’s college bestie — and essentially, her sibling. Uncle Ronnie owned a hair salon, used words like “fabulous” and “honey” and was “the only person who never questioned my effeminate nature,” Brandon said. But when Brandon became an adult, their relationship changed. Today, Brandon reads his essay about the enduring bond with Uncle Ronnie. Then: Franki Kidd tells us about a stranger she met outside a bodega in Queens who changed her life.

For two decades, the Modern Love column in The New York Times has offered a uniquely intimate window into how people navigate relationships, heartbreak, and connection. That same spirit of honest, personal storytelling finds its voice in this weekly podcast, hosted by Anna Martin. Here, the written essays are brought to life, often by notable actors, and expanded upon through Martin’s thoughtful conversations with the authors and other guests. They delve into the aftermath of the published story, exploring what was learned and how lives have unfolded since. You’ll hear about love in its many forms-romantic, familial, platonic, and self-love-across a spectrum of experiences that are by turns heartbreaking, awkward, humorous, and profoundly uplifting. This isn’t about fairytales, but the real, messy, and transformative moments that define us. The Modern Love podcast, from The New York Times, continues that essential tradition of sharing our most vulnerable stories to see our own lives more clearly. New episodes arrive every Wednesday.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 445

Modern Love
Podcast Episodes
I Will Be Your Mother Figure | Encore [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:21
When people ask for advice, do they really want to hear what you have to say? Sometimes it's hardest to find a friend who can give just a simple, sympathetic ear. Actor Laura Dern takes us deep into a friendship that exp…
The Shirt Stays On | With Finn Wittrock [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:59
Getting undressed in front of your partner can be really hard. And for Jameson Rich, is was even more complicated. He writes about it in his piece, which is read by Finn Wittrock ("Write When You Get Work").
A Young Man's Game | With Stanley Tucci [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:31
When Rand Richards Cooper was in his 40s, he was faced with a question: How late is too late to first become a dad? He writes about it in his essay, which is read by Stanley Tucci ("A Private War").
On A Serpentine Road | With Michelle Rodriguez [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:37
How do we choose what to hold onto from loved ones after they've died? Doris Iarovici asks that question in her essay, which is read by Michelle Rodriguez ("Widows").
A Forgotten Prayer, Answered | With Mira Sorvino [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:33
When Charlotte Bacon went to a temple in Bhutan, the place unlocked feelings in her that she hadn't truly realized were there. Her essay is read by Mira Sorvino ("StartUp").
Maddy Just Might Work | Encore [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:10
Jennifer Finney Boylan -- an accomplished writer, academic and activist -- reads her own essay about coming out as transgender to her two young sons. This is an encore episode.
How To Break Up With A 2-Year-Old | With Busy Philipps [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:54
We cross paths with so many people in our lives -- but only a few of them truly change the direction we thought we were headed in. Busy Philipps ("Busy Tonight") reads Laurie Sandell's piece, about the little girl who ch…
I Was Hardly a Perfect Fit | With John C. Reilly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:13
Tim Elhajj was a divorced dad who was desperate to connect with his son -- and went about it in an unconventional way. His essay is read by John C. Reilly (The Sisters Brothers).