Love Letters

This season, we’ve been talking about how to change. We’ve wondered: can a big move really change you? Or are you the same inside, just with new, prettier scenery? Frances Mayes, author of “Under the Tuscan Sun,” has opinions about this. Decades ago, she moved to Italy and changed her life. After she wrote about her experience, other people followed her lead. Almost 30 years after "Under the Tuscan Sun" was published (and about 20 years after the movie), Mayes still sees many strangers stopping by her home in Cortona. They leave notes of appreciation and small gifts, making a small altar at the bottom of her driveway. They praise her for inspiring them to embrace change and find beauty in the world. In this episode, Meredith talks to Mayes about the power of geography, her novel “A Great Marriage,” and whether she believes real, internal change is possible by shifting your surroundings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meredith sits down with Dr. Steven Hyman – a brain expert at The Broad Institute – for a talk about the meaning of change … and whether it’s actually possible. Are people capable of change – in life and relationships? If so, how? Dr. Hyman explains the plastic brain, how it works, how eating a great sandwich in Chicago can be the best thing ever, and why Meredith once thought she looked like Reese Witherspoon. We also catch up with a very special Love Letters couple. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can moving to a new place change you? Consider the story of Kelly, from Western Australia, who never quite fit in around her small hometown – before, during, or after her marriage. She says she was the victim of Tall Poppy Syndrome; as she strived to grow taller and more beautiful, everyone wanted to chop her down. What was the fix? Moving to one of the most beautiful places in the world (Italy). Kelly explains how leaving town changed her – and her relationship with her ex-husband – in this episode about how geography affects our ability to be our best selves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Funmi Adejobi, a writer and filmmaker, shares her transformative journey from caregiver burnout to finding joy in clowning. After a traumatic period caring for her ill mother, she struggled with anxiety and social connections. Clown classes reignited her ability to play and reconnect with herself, influencing her dating life positively. From funny mishaps to deep insights on the science of play, Funmi reveals how embracing silliness helped her heal and explore love anew.

In Season 10 of Love Letters, host and advice columnist Meredith Goldstein explores whether people can change... in life, love, and relationships. Can old dogs learn new tricks? Can a troubled relationship improve over time? Can we be better to each other - and ourselves?Season 10 launches January 14. Email us at loveletters@boston.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this enlightening conversation, Kimberly Roten, a policy expert on LGBTQ+ rights, Alex Chen, a director of legal advocacy for LGBTQ+ issues, and Willie Burnley Jr., a progressive city councilor, delve into the groundbreaking non-discrimination ordinance in Somerville. They discuss the implications for polyamorous relationships, the complexities of legal recognition for diverse family structures, and the need for greater public understanding of alternative partnerships. Their insights illuminate the evolving nature of commitment, family, and the fight for inclusivity.

A bonus episode from Boston Globe podcast Say More with Shirley Leung. Sex educator Emily Nagoski didn’t set out to be an expert on stress. But it turns out, stress is affecting peoples’ sex lives, big time. After helping her sister Amelia through two life-threatening burnout episodes, the two got together to write a book about the science of stress and how it leads to burnout. For them, the journey to understanding stress became a deeper quest for sisterhood and meaning. Emily talks to Shirley about completing the stress cycle, the problem with self-care, and the connections between stress, sleep, and orgasm. Email us at Saymore@globe.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love Letters is getting ready for next season  — and it’s going to be good! You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You might move to Italy. It’ll all be explained. In the meantime, can you help us better ourselves? Please take this survey. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LLetters I wrote most of it myself! We want to know how to better entertain, serve, and give you *great* stuff. It’ll be quick, I promise. Again, find it here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LLetters See you soon. - Meredith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this guest episode from the podcast “Last Day,” host Stephanie Wittels Wachs shares the story of Brooke, who had the best and worst days of her life within a couple months of each other. The whiplash from the bliss of her wedding day to the reality of mourning rocked Brooke to her core. She had to learn how to treasure the memories while sitting in the worst suffering she’d ever felt. Find more episodes of “Last Day” at lemonadamedia.com/show/lastday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into a poignant exploration of storytelling and its impact against the backdrop of alarming book bans in the U.S. Young writers from 826 Boston share their insights, highlighting the vital role of literature in understanding marginalized voices. Experience a touching poetic journey reflecting on adolescence and self-identity. Heartfelt anecdotes reveal the power of friendships and the importance of support in personal growth. Celebrate the emotional connections that stories forge, reminding us of the beauty in shared experiences and the acts of kindness that shape our lives.