How a $100 Bet Saved Our Relationship

How a $100 Bet Saved Our Relationship

Author: The New York Times March 22, 2023 Duration: 22:29
Mark Jason Williams and his mom often butted heads on two issues: She was uncomfortable when he brought up anything about being gay, and he was tired of her incessantly talking about how he survived childhood cancer. By the age of 40, Mark had reached his wit’s end. He stopped pleading for her to change and instead proposed a $100 bet. But the real change in their relationship came when Mark broke his end of the bargain. Today, Mark and his mother, Betty Williams, tell their story.

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
A Dose Of Empathy | With Andrea Martin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:52
Andrea Martin ("Great News") reads Randi Davenport's essay, about a relationship that she says saved her life.
Was I On A Date Or Baby-Sitting? | With Sasheer Zamata [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:06
Julie Klausner tells the story of dating an "indie rock dreamboat" -- who she sees as a bit of a man-child. Sasheer Zamata ("United States of Music," "Pizza Mind") reads Julie's essay.
Modern Love Encore: 'A Heart Of Gold' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:30
In this encore, Ruth Negga ("Preacher," "Loving") reads a story about the deep bond between a woman and her unusual pet.