I Wrote This Essay, but Then Changed My Mind

I Wrote This Essay, but Then Changed My Mind

Author: The New York Times October 25, 2023 Duration: 26:06
Heather Sellers wrote her Modern Love essay in 2013, about reconnecting with her elderly, estranged father. Although their relationship was painful, Heather made sure that her last words to her father were “I love you.” And at the time, that felt like closure. Now, 10 years later, Heather tells our host, Anna Martin, that she would write a completely different essay today. She sees her father, and herself, in a new light — and realizes that “forgiveness” isn’t as simple a concept as she once believed.

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
Dedicated To Two Women | With Terry Crews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:08
Terry Crews ("Brooklyn Nine-Nine") reads an essay by Brendan Halpin, about trying to find love again after loss.
A Role I Was Born To Play | With Tan France [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:29
Tan France ("Queer Eye," "Next in Fashion") reads an essay by Evan James, about a man finding his role within his family.
My Secret Left Me Unable To Help | With Jessalyn Gilsig [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:36
Love is about trust. But have you ever been tempted to breach that trust? To read someone's diary, check their text messages, or read their emails? Jessalyn Gilsig reads an essay by Joyce Maynard about facing that tempta…
Never Tell Our Business To Strangers | With Ruth Wilson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:37
"Never tell our business to strangers." That's what Jennifer Mascia was told growing up. But it wasn't until she was an adult that she learned the reason why. Ruth Wilson (HBO's "His Dark Materials") reads Jennifer's ess…