
"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

Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 23min
Propose On the First Date | Adam Gries & Rie Yano
Adam Gries and Rie Yano, startup founders in the longevity space, explore the art of partnership. They share the quirky story of their first meeting born from misunderstanding and how it blossomed into a 50/50 marriage while balancing startups and parenting. Key topics include their anti-work philosophy, the necessity of equal responsibilities, and practical hacks for family organization like Google Calendars. They emphasize that great relationships shouldn't feel like constant toil and discuss the joys and tensions of working together.

10 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 2min
Date 60 Was The One | Tara Viswanathan & Alex Modon
Tara Viswanathan, Co-founder and CEO of Rupa Health, discusses her innovative, data-driven approach to finding love, emphasizing emotional alignment over checklists. Alex Modon, a tech entrepreneur, shares his unexpected journey to love and how personal growth plays a key role. They explore the balance of ambition and relationships, the significance of self-improvement, and the complexities of dating in your thirties. Together, they reveal that love is a conscious choice and navigating it requires both vulnerability and understanding.

Jan 31, 2025 • 1h 6min
Relationship Yoga | Aike Ho & Camilla Hermann
Aike Ho, a partner at ACME Capital, and Camilla Hermann, an entrepreneur, dive into the transformative practice of relationship yoga. They discuss how intimate relationships can reveal unresolved aspects of ourselves, emphasizing the growth potential through emotional triggers. Aike and Camilla explore the importance of self-awareness in healing and navigating long-term connections. They challenge superficial relationship norms, advocating for genuine connections based on personal growth and emotional maturity.

Jan 29, 2025 • 0sec
"The REAL Secret to Finding Love (Empty Cup Theory) 🫗"
"Fill your own cup first!" Why empowering your partner creates the strongest relationships. Watch how this Liv and Igor's counterintuitive approach leads to deeper connection. 💪 #RelationshipAdvice #SelfLove #PersonalGrowth #DatingTips

Jan 28, 2025 • 0sec
Our Marriage Runs on Daily Backgammon & Trash Talk 🎲
Pro poker players turned couple Igor and Liv reveal their unique morning ritual! Coffee + competitive backgammon + savage trash talk = relationship goals. Watch how they bet time instead of money! 🏆 #CouplesWhoGame #RelationshipGoals #Backgammon #GamerCouple

Jan 27, 2025 • 0sec
She Was Furious About My Vaping... But Here's Why We're Still Happy 💨
When Liv discovered Igor's vaping, she was MAD. But watch how this couple's approach to conflict means anger only lasts 24 hours max! Their secret? Full emotional expression = no lasting grudges. 🗣️ #CouplesTherapy #RelationshipTips #HealthyCommunication #Dating

Jan 26, 2025 • 0sec
Why Happy Couples Fight | Relationship Psychology 🤔
Want to know the secret to avoiding relationship explosions? 🤔 Most couples stay TOO nice (levels 0-2) until they blow up at level 10!
Igor & Liv reveal why staying at 4-5 - being direct and a little spicy - keeps their relationship drama-free. No taboo topics = no hidden resentment! 🗣️
#relationshipadviceforwomen #CouplesCommunication #HealthyRelationships #Dating

Jan 24, 2025 • 1h 8min
Get Romantically Involved With Your Best Friend | Liv Boeree & Igor Kurganov
Liv Boeree, a former poker champion and AI safety advocate, teams up with Igor Kurganov, a poker pro and effective altruism enthusiast. Together for a decade, they delve into their unique methods for handling conflict, like the playful 'hiss signal' for communication. Their conversation unpacks the evolution of attraction from physical looks to personality, along with reflections on parenthood and the significance of relationship rituals. With insights drawn from their dynamic journey, they champion rational decision-making in love.

Jan 20, 2025 • 0sec
"Fairness is overrated in relationships" 💭 The 30% rule that changed everything
Why keeping score in relationships is toxic!
Watch how this couple flipped the script on "50-50" partnerships and found a better way. Their controversial take: stop obsessing over fairness and focus on making it good instead 🎯
#relationshipadvice #CouplesTok

46 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 1h 3min
E2: Living Within Baby Monitor Range | Kristen Berman & Phil Levin
Kristen Berman, a behavioral scientist and founder of Live Near Friends, and Phil Levin, co-founder of the same community, explore their unconventional relationship journey that blossomed from friendship. They reveal quirky social experiments they conducted to navigate attraction and emotional connections. The duo emphasizes the significance of designing environments for success, the importance of shared values, and how thoughtful co-living fosters fulfilling lives. Their insights redefine commitment and the dynamics of emotional support in modern relationships.
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