Malala Thought She’d Never Fall in Love

Malala Thought She’d Never Fall in Love

Author: The New York Times October 15, 2025 Duration: 55:53
When she was 15 years old, Malala Yousafzai was shot by the Taliban, targeted for saying that young women should have the right to an education. By the time she woke from the ensuing coma, the world had already cast her in the role of fearless activist. In the years that followed, she embraced the part, starting the Malala Fund and traveling the globe speaking truth to power. But now Malala has a new memoir out called “Finding My Way,” and she’s ready to reintroduce herself. Today, she tells us about navigating ordinary life — like making friends at university, finding her personal style, going to parties and … falling in love. “Finding My Way” comes out on Oct. 21. The Modern Love team also wants to hear your questions about dealing with family during the holidays. Read our submission guidelines here.

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
How I Got To Here | With Katie Couric [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:00
Katie Couric reads Leslie Lehr's Modern Love essay about learning the true depth of her relationship with her husband.
Friends Without Benefits | With Taissa Farmiga [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:29
Taissa Farmiga reads a story about "friends without benefits" who spend years circling each other without defining their drawn-out, nebulous relationship.
A Heart Outrun | With Colin Farrell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:01
Colin Farrell reads the story of man who had given up on love -- until it showed up at his door.
A Second Embrace | With Cheryl Strayed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:22
Cheryl Strayed -- co-host of WBUR's "Dear Sugar" podcast and author of the best-selling memoir "Wild" -- reads a story about taking a second chance on love.
Broken, Not Bound | With America Ferrera [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:31
America Ferrera reads the story of an African aid worker, and an event that drastically shifted her perspective.