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
Modern Love: The Podcast Valentine's Special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Forget Netflix and chill. Settle in for a binge episode of Modern Love: The Podcast featuring Tony Hale ("Veep"), Gillian Jacobs ("Love"), and Colin Farrell ("The Lobster")
On The Precipice, Wings Spread | With Megan Hilty [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:05
Tony-nominee Megan Hilty of "Smash" and "Noises Off" reads an essay about a couple with a seemingly perfect relationship--until the other shoe drops.
Beware Of Big Boxes | With Pamela Adlon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:27
Pamela Adlon of the FX series "Better Things" reads an essay about the dangers of romanticizing romantics.
Two Decembers | With Haydn Gwynne [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:43
Tony-nominated actor Haydn Gwynne reads about one woman's quest to reclaim one of the hardest days of her life--her birthday.