Other People’s Lives

Go to https://everyplate.com/podcast and use code OPL199 to get started. New customers can enjoy this special offer of only $1.99 a meal. Other People’s Lives is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/opl and get on your way to being your best self. Check out https://www.squarespace.com/opl to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code OPL. To get 15% off your next gift, go to https://UNCOMMONGOODS.com/opl This week Joe Santagato and Greg Dybec speak with a man who is married to the animated character Honoka from the Dead or Alive video game series. He explains why he prefers a relationship with her over real people, how they communicate, and why he believes it is true love despite what anyone says. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The guest, a self-described "functioning crackhead," shares his gripping journey through addiction, starting with prescription pain pills at age 13 and escalating to crack use. He opens up about the struggles of maintaining a habit, the financial aspects of using crack, and his mental health challenges. Relapse triggers like grief and relationship pain weigh heavily on him, yet he expresses a desire to quit and emphasizes the need for empathy towards those battling addiction. His insights on coping strategies and the importance of seeking help are particularly poignant.

A woman shares her harrowing experience of being groomed and abused by her church pastor in her teenage years. The discussion highlights the emotional turmoil resulting from betrayal in trusted environments and the often-unaddressed trauma that follows. Listeners learn about the complexities of confronting past abusers, the importance of professional support in healing, and the societal failure of institutions to protect victims. This powerful narrative illustrates resilience, the fight for justice, and the transformative power of storytelling in recovery.

A woman shares her profound journey of navigating her husband's transition into a woman while raising two kids. They discuss the emotional complexities of love and identity, facing societal judgments, and the impact on family dynamics. Open communication with their children becomes a crucial theme, particularly in addressing changes and fostering understanding. The conversation highlights resilience in public spaces and the importance of support in personal relationships during such a transformational journey. It's an insightful glimpse into life, love, and adaptation.

A high school student shares her gripping survival story from a recent school shooting in Nashville, detailing the chaos and trauma of that day. The conversation dives into personal reflections on the shooter, illuminating the disturbing familiarity of such tragedies. She recounts experiences from school shooting drills, revealing the eerie contrast between practice and reality. The emotional aftermath of losing friends and coping with trauma is explored, highlighting the urgent need for mental health resources in the wake of violence.

A woman shares her journey from a conventional relationship to forming a throuple with her fiancé and his best friend. The transition brings new dynamics, filled with love and challenges of co-parenting. They discuss navigating jealousy and the balance needed in their unique family structure. Humor and deep emotional connections play crucial roles in their bond, helping them tackle societal perceptions and personal struggles. Despite the complexities, they embrace the joys of their unconventional setup.

Other People’s Lives is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/opl and get on your way to being your best self. Check out https://www.squarespace.com/OPL to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code OPL. This week Greg and Joe speak with a woman whose son is serving life in prison for murder. She talks about why she still supports him and how difficult and isolating it is to be the parent of a convicted murdered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A young woman shares her fascination with dating men over 50, revealing the thrill of age-gap relationships. She discusses her emotional journeys and complex friendships with older individuals, sometimes leading to uncharted attractions. The conversation navigates societal perceptions and the nuances of genuine connections, emphasizing mutual consent. With personal stories and reflections on shared interests, she challenges listeners to reconsider their views on age disparities in romance.

Other People’s Lives is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/opl and get on your way to being your best self. Check out https://www.squarespace.com/OPL to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code OPL. This week Joe Santagato and Greg Dybec chat with a woman who knows that cheating is wrong, but continues to do it anyway - and her fiancé has no idea. She calls it emotionally cheating, because she is doing everything up to the point of being physically intimate with all the other guys she is talking to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Head to https://www.squarespace.com/OPL to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code OPL. Go to bonobos.com and snag 2 pairs of chinos for 20% or 3 or more for 25% off. This week Joe Santagato and Greg Dybec speak with a man who is in into Race Play. He explains why racism is a turn on for him and how he finds partners to act out this controversial dynamic with him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices