
"Modern Relationships"
We rarely get to hear how people actually make relationships work, especially in the high-pressure, fast-paced world of tech. While there's endless dating advice out there, what's missing are the real, unfiltered stories of how ambitious people navigate modern relationships and build a life together.Unlike every other aspect of modern life that can be solved with an app or outsourced to a service, building meaningful relationships remains stubbornly resistant to quick fixes. Through conversations with leading relationship thinkers and candid interviews with real couples, we dig into the raw truth of what it takes to make partnerships work - from the challenges and fights to the breakthroughs and lessons learned along the way. I believe we learn best from seeing how others have navigated similar paths. These conversations offer honest perspectives on what it really takes to make modern relationships work in our corner of the world.Hosted by Erik Torenberg, investor and entrepreneur.Modern Relationships is part of the Turpentine podcast network.
Latest episodes

14 snips
May 9, 2025 • 56min
Triggered to Transformed with Art of Accomplishment's Joe Hudson and Tara Howley
In this insightful discussion, Joe Hudson and Tara Howley, co-founders of Art of Accomplishment, share their inspiring journey from toxic relationships to a deep, fulfilling partnership. They explore the crucial role of self-growth and therapy in navigating emotional turmoil and transforming communication patterns. With candid anecdotes, they emphasize the significance of mutual support and accountability in relationships. Their stories illustrate how confronting personal triggers can lead to profound healing and connection.

18 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 59min
Lindsay Taub & Harley Finkelstein: How to Build a Ride or Die Partnership
In a captivating discussion, Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify, and psychotherapist Lindsay Taub, explore their 15-year journey as partners. They share their charming speed dating origin and the ups and downs of maintaining a relationship while juggling demanding careers. The couple emphasizes the importance of open communication, mutual support, and setting shared life goals. They also touch on intentional parenting, teaching their daughters about gratitude and philanthropy, all while striving for authenticity in their evolving partnership.

42 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 1h 30min
The Two Questions That Matter Most in Finding a Life Partner with Jared Fliesler
Today on Modern Relationships Erik Torenberg is joined by Jared Fliesler, a former executive at Google, Square, and Scribd turned founder coach, discusses how to identify core values in partners, distinguish between compromise and "horse trading," and determine when someone is "good enough." He shares insights on building meaningful connections, his co-living experiments, and navigating long-distance relationships.Modern Relationships is a podcast from Turpentine. Learn more: www.turpentine.co--SPONSOR: Relationship HeroIt’s an open secret in Silicon Valley that people are using relationship coaches. Sign up for 1-on-1 relationship coaching (from anywhere) at RelationshipHero.com/modern. Get $50 off your first session.--LINKS | BOOKS RECOMMENDED:The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership by Jim Dethmer, Diana Champan, etc: https://conscious.is/15-commitmentsBook: https://www.amazon.com/15-Commitments-Conscious-Leadership-Sustainable-ebook/dp/B00R3MHWUEPositive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine: https://www.amazon.com/Positive-Intelligence-Individuals-Achieve-Potential/dp/1608322785--FOLLOW ON X:Jared -@JaredSFErik - @eriktorenbergTurpentine - @turpentinemediaChapters00:00:00 Intro00:01:30 How to Know When Someone is "Good Enough"00:04:20 Core Values vs. Surface Compatibility00:07:02 Evolution of Relationship Priorities00:14:06 Embracing Past Relationship Struggles00:15:48 Sponsor: Relationship Hero00:18:31 Tools for Aligning on What Really Matters00:24:35 Values Evolution: From San Francisco to Austin00:30:45 Living in Community: Beyond Roommates00:39:01 House Values and Shared Agreements00:41:17 When to Call It Quits in a Relationship00:45:22 Compromise vs. Horse Trading00:50:27 Communication Frameworks for Deeper Connection00:57:30 Navigating Age Gaps and Family Planning01:01:51 Making Long-Distance Relationships Work01:11:00 The Paradox of Choice in Modern Dating01:20:45 Dating Apps and Modern Gay Relationships01:25:34 Polyamory: Complexity and Connection01:27:38 Wrap

5 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 0sec
How to Navigate Conflict and Respond Better to Emotions | Ann Pierce
In this engaging discussion, Ann Pierce, a former startup founder turned interpersonal conflict expert and organizer of the Love Symposium, explores the complexities of emotional responses in relationships. She reveals how constructive conflicts can bolster trust and emphasizes the danger of invalidation. Ann highlights the importance of understanding personality types and emotional triggers, and shares strategies for empathetic communication. Listeners will gain insights on breaking conflict cycles and fostering healthier interpersonal dynamics.

27 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 54min
A Female Dating Coach Explains Men's Dating Behavior | Matchmaker Blaine Anderson
Blaine Anderson, a dating coach and matchmaking expert, dives into the intricate world of modern dating. She discusses the often misleading nature of instant chemistry and how real connections can evolve over time. Blaine shares strategies for men trapped in the friendzone, emphasizing the importance of moving on and personal growth. The conversation covers optimizing dating app profiles and the need to understand women’s perspectives in dating. With practical insights, Blaine equips listeners to navigate today’s complex relationship landscape.

9 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 1h 2min
How to Be Attractive & What Data Says About Dating | Rob Henderson
Rob Henderson, a best-selling author, Air Force veteran, and psychologist, dives into the intriguing world of modern dating and attraction. He discusses how evolutionary psychology explains women's interest in men with dark triad traits, shedding light on the paradox of aggression enhancing appeal. The conversation covers pickup artist culture and the evolving dynamics of dating apps, emphasizing the importance of emotional cues and genuine character development for building meaningful relationships. Discover how societal changes impact men's ability to connect in today’s dating landscape.

23 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 0sec
Love Lessons from a Dating Coach & a16z Tech Talent Expert | Whitnie & Carl Narcisse
Whitnie Narcisse, a former operating partner at First Round Capital, is now launching a matchmaking company, while her husband, Carl Narcisse, is a partner at Andreessen Horowitz. They share their journey of balancing tech careers and family life with three children. The couple discusses innovative tools like a relationship goals spreadsheet, the importance of cultural understanding, and the need for spiritual alignment in partnerships. They also explore how leadership dynamics affect relationships and the significance of empathy and communication in navigating love.

28 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 57min
A VC and OpenAI executive on work-relationship balance | Elizabeth & Kevin Weil
Elizabeth Weil, a venture capital founder, and Kevin Weil, OpenAI's Chief Product Officer, explore the challenging balance of tech careers and parenting. They share their whirlwind love story that began during marathon training and dive into the significance of nurturing natural resilience in children. Their discussion spans personal growth, the evolution of relationships through parenthood, and the need for clear communication and collaboration in balancing work and family life. Their philosophy emphasizes the importance of being with those who uplift and inspire you.

33 snips
Mar 8, 2025 • 1h 15min
What Wellness Coaches Know About Staying Married | Jonny Miller and Kelly Wilde Miller
Jonny Miller, host of Curious Humans, and Kelly Wilde Miller, a creative coach, dig into relationship dynamics and personal growth. They share their transformative Sunday check-in practice, emphasizing its power in preventing conflicts. The couple views marriage as a space for personal evolution, where vulnerability and honesty play crucial roles. They discuss the transition from friendship to romance and the importance of emotional communication, offering insights on how couples can foster deeper connections and navigate parenting challenges.

17 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 1h 9min
E8: Marriage is a Preparation for Divorce | Agnes Callard & Arnold Brooks
Agnes Callard, a philosopher at the University of Chicago, known for her unique views on marriage, joins her colleague Arnold Brooks, who focuses on Aristotle's insights about relationships. They discuss how their relationship evolved from a student-teacher dynamic into a deep partnership, arguing whether marriage should be transcendent or an achievement. Agnes provocatively claims that "marriage is a preparation for divorce," while Arnold suggests the essence of partnership is simply appreciating one's partner's life. Their conversation invites listeners to rethink modern love.
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