My Husband’s Breakdown Was My Breakthrough

My Husband’s Breakdown Was My Breakthrough

Author: The New York Times April 8, 2026 Duration: 54:24
It was Stefanie and Jonathan’s worst nightmare: Jonathan’s depression had become so severe he was begging to be taken to the hospital. Stefanie took him to the hospital and then took care of everything else for the family. When she married Jonathan years earlier, Stefanie knew about his mental health struggles. But she wasn’t prepared for this moment. Then, Stefanie fell apart too — and it was Jonathan’s turn to take care of her. In this episode, Anna talks to Stefanie about what it’s like to love someone through the worst of it, and what Stefanie learned about her own needs after years of ignoring them. You can read Stefanie’s original story in the Modern Love column. Listen to and Follow ‘Modern Love’ Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube |iHeartRadio Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. We Want to Hear From You Email us at modernlovepodcast@nytimes.com. Here’s how to submit a Modern Love essay. Here’s how to submit a Tiny Love 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
Want to have better sex this year? Here’s how. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:12
Do you think you could be having better sex? Are you confident you know what really turns you on? What makes your body feel good? How do you communicate about it? Nicole McNichols wants everyone to be asking these questi…
I Cashed Out My 401(k) to Build a Women’s Only Retirement Community [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:58
When it came time to retire, Robyn Yerian didn’t feel like she had enough money saved. She didn’t want to depend on her children or end up in a nursing home, so she cashed out what she had in her 401(k) and bought a plot…
Finding the Magic, Just in Time (Encore) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:20
Clare Cory was 59 years old and had been single almost her whole life. She thought her love story was over. Then everything changed.
A Therapist’s Emotional Tool Kit for a Better Holiday Season [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:07
The holiday season is upon us. It’s a wonderful time, but if we’re being honest, it’s also a little stressful. Whether you’re worried about hosting a big family gathering, talking with cousins who have very different per…
There's a Better Way for Couples to Talk About Money [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:47
According to Ramit Sethi, a personal finance author and coach, a lot of couples get stuck bickering about everyday purchases. If you’re hung up on what’s in the cart at Target, or who’s buying too many iced teas on the w…
On Our Third Date, I Asked for a Joint Bank Account [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:54
Janene Lin loathed the moment when the dinner bill would hit the table. When her date would pay, she felt like her love was for sale. Splitting the bill felt like no one had anything at stake. Most of the time, she would…
The Love Poem Andrea Gibson Wrote for Their Widow...and for You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:32
Andrea Gibson was the poet laureate of Colorado and a giant of the spoken word poetry scene. This past July, Gibson died of ovarian cancer, leaving behind their devoted fans, friends, family and longtime partner, the poe…
W.N.B.A. Star Natasha Cloud Doesn’t Play When It Comes to Love [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:29
Natasha Cloud is a powerhouse. The New York Liberty point guard seems to have it all: a successful W.N.B.A. career, fierce confidence and a loving relationship with her girlfriend and teammate, Isabelle Harrison. On and…