Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

In this engaging discussion, a couple who co-own a gym share their experiences of intertwining personal and professional life. They explore the challenges of communication during conflicts and how gender roles impact their workplace dynamics. With humor and honesty, they address the emotional aspects of running a business together, emphasizing the need for balance and mutual respect. As they navigate leadership and power dynamics, they highlight the importance of celebrating both small wins and personal milestones to strengthen their relationship and business.

A physician with 15 years in the field contemplates a career change, struggling with family expectations and personal fulfillment. Meanwhile, a government employee juggles a secret second job while trying to balance work, family, and well-being. As both navigate the fallout from the pandemic, they explore the emotional complexities of job dissatisfaction and the societal pressures to conform. Their candid discussion reveals the importance of open communication and support in maintaining a strong relationship despite the strains of changing careers.

A couple reflects on their bold move from Seattle to Lagos, Nigeria, just as COVID-19 looms. They navigate uncertainties with the decision to stay or leave, grappling with lockdown's chaos and emotional turmoil. Discussions reveal their struggles with connection, vulnerability, and maintaining intimacy amid the challenges of relocation. The couple's journey explores the complexities of communication and support during a globally disruptive time, revealing the often-unseen sacrifices of expatriate life.

In this thought-provoking discussion, a couple faces the turmoil of navigating their impending divorce during the COVID-19 lockdown. She clings to hope of rebuilding their volatile marriage, while he seeks emotional distance and a new beginning. They confront deep-seated resentments, concerns about co-parenting, and the stark realities of confinement. Esther helps them explore the delicate balance between shared responsibilities and personal needs, blending empathy with the harsh truths of their relationship.

A couple in Bavaria discusses their tumultuous relationship shaped by a year of living apart and the pandemic. They reflect on feelings of isolation and resentment, seeking to rekindle their connection. Esther Perel encourages them to focus on the love that remains rather than what was lost. They delve into the complexities of commitment, communication, and the importance of shared activities like cooking to enhance intimacy. Open dialogue becomes crucial as they navigate their emotional disconnect and adapt to new priorities amidst lockdown challenges.

A couple finds themselves in a small Sicilian apartment, navigating the emotional fallout of their strained relationship while juggling three kids. As one parent spends her days at the hospital, they confront past wounds and the necessity of communication. They explore the burdens of unaddressed issues and how childhood experiences shape their love today. The conversation emphasizes open dialogue, the power of connection during tough times, and the potential for growth amidst the challenges of family life and isolation.

Step into iconic relationship therapist Esther Perel’s office and listen as 10 anonymous couples in search of insight bare the raw, intimate, and profound details of their story. From infidelity to sexlessness to loss, it’s a space for people to be heard and understood. It’s also a place for us to listen and feel empowered in our own relationships. So…where should we begin? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices