What would change if, instead of prioritizing romantic relationships, we made friendships the center of our lives? NPR's Rhaina Cohen joins Reimagining Love to explore the possibilities embedded within that question. In her new book, Rhaina invites us into the worlds of people who've organized their lives around deep friendship and, in doing so, challenge our ideas and assumptions about which relationships should be at the heart of a fulfilling life. Relevant links:The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center by Rhaina CohenListen to "Dear Friend," the song inspired by Rhaina's bookConnect with Rhaina online"Parent–adult child estrangement in the United States by gender, race/ethnicity, and sexuality" from the Journal of Marriage and FamilyOrder Dr. Alexandra's new book, Love Every DaySubscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s NewsletterSubmit a Listener Question

Mark Groves and Kylie McBeath join Reimagining Love to share the story of their relationship—the story that inspired their new book, Liberated Love: Release Codependent Patterns and Create the Love You Desire. In this conversation, they get vulnerable about how they moved from breaking up to fostering breakthroughs; a journey they nurtured through what they call 'a sacred pause.' In the sacred pause, they identified the patterns that blocked their ability to find authentic love so that they could build a new relationship rooted in safety and interdependence.Relevant links: Liberated Love: Release Codependent Patterns and Create the Love You Desire by Mark Groves and Kylie McBeathAfter purchasing Liberated Love, access the PDF Workbook and free Meditation Order Dr. Alexandra's new book, Love Every DaySubscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s NewsletterSubmit a Listener Question

Throughout her decades as a therapist, Dr. Alexandra has helped many people navigate being "the affair partner." Participating in infidelity creates an intoxicating yet profoundly confusing blend of emotions and experiences. In this episode, Dr. Alexandra examines the psychology of this role and offers a compassionate look into the surrounding context: the thrills, secret benefits, sources of shame, and potential origin stories embedded within this controversial role.Relevant links:"A Great Wagon" by RumiJournal of Sex & Martial Therapy: "Object of Desire Self-Consciousness Theory" by Anthony F. Bogaert and Lori A. Brotto"Taking Sexy Back" by Dr. Alexandra SolomonFacebook Group: Esther Perel Discussion GroupReimagining Love episode: "Guidance for the Newly Single"Order Dr. Alexandra’s new book, Love Every DaySubscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s NewsletterSubmit a Listener Question

In this solo episode, Dr. Alexandra confronts a common roadblock to repair: shame. Often, in the wake of relational harm, feelings of shame secretly run the show, causing you to get combative and defensive or freeze, flee, or fawn in essential moments. Dr. Alexandra provides strategies for moving from shame into action—so that you can make yourself available for repair—and gives tangible tips for how to make a heartfelt and effective apology.Relevant links:Access this episode's companion worksheet hereReimagining Love episode: "Why Can't I Get Over It?"Dr. Alexandra's e-course: Can I Trust You Again? Rebuilding after Betrayal or DeceitBrené Brown's TED Talk: Listening to ShameBuilding Self-Esteem: How Learning from Shame Helps Us to Grow by Joseph BurgoOrder Dr. Alexandra’s new book, Love Every DaySubscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s NewsletterSubmit a Listener Question

Ten years after "conscious uncoupling" first entered the public lexicon, Katherine Woodward Thomas joins Reimagining Love to discuss her powerful rebrand of what's possible after a breakup or divorce. Through sharing her story and dissecting the cultural myths that cause us to view divorce as a failure, Katherine encourages us to bring a sense of generosity and intentionality to the process so that we can transform our relationships with our former partner, ourselves, and our futures.Relevant links:Conscious Uncoupling: 5 Steps to Living Happily Even After by Katherine Woodward ThomasCalling in the One: 7 Weeks to Attract the Love of Your Life (Revised) by Katherine Woodward ThomasConnect with Katherine online and on InstagramMarriage, a History: How Love Conquered Marriage by Stephanie CoontzThe Good Divorce by Constance AhronsUncoupling: Turning Points in Intimate Relationships by Diane VaughanOrder Dr. Alexandra's new book, Love Every DaySubscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s NewsletterSubmit a Listener Question

Esther Boykin joins Dr. Alexandra for an expansive conversation around the intersection of mental health and our careers. Esther highlights the difference between self-care and self-compassion, and points us towards using self-compassion as an essential tool for improving both our personal and work lives. When we bring self-compassion to our careers, we prevent burnout by opening up a deeper connection to our common humanity. Together, Esther and Dr. Alexandra then respond to a listener who thinks her relationship is being held back by her partner's ambition.Relevant links:Connect with Esther online and on InstagramLearn more about Therapy Is Not A Dirty Word and the Compassion CollectiveWho Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan SullivanReimagining Love episode: "Talking about the Future: Navigating a Pace Discrepancy"Order Dr. Alexandra's new book, Love Every DaySubscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s NewsletterSubmit a Listener Question

What does it feel like to be in a securely attached relationship? Renowned relationship expert and therapist Julie Menanno joins Reimagining Love to illuminate what we can learn from examining secure attachments. Together with Dr. Alexandra, Julie help anxious and avoidant partners understand each other by guiding us through how different attachment styles show up in tender moments. Ultimately, Julie reminds us that the purpose of attachment work is to help us heal from our past unmet needs so that we can form secure attachments today.Relevant links:Secure Love: Create a Relationship That Lasts a Lifetime by Julie MenannoConnect with Julie online and on InstagramOrder Dr. Alexandra's new book, Love Every DaySubscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s NewsletterSubmit a Listener Question

Deceit, infidelity, and betrayal profoundly shake our inner worlds. If you're struggling to heal from relational harm, you may be endlessly ruminating on the past and wondering why you can't just let it go. In this episode, Dr. Alexandra breaks down the process of forgiveness and provides seven reasons why you can’t get over it. Relevant links:Access this episode's companion worksheet hereDr. Alexandra's e-course: Can I Trust You Again? Rebuilding after Betrayal or DeceitReimagining Love episode: "Tending to "Little You" & Exploring Your Family of Origin"Taking Sexy Back: How to Own Your Sexuality and Create the Relationships You Want by Dr. Alexandra SolomonSubscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s Newsletter Submit a Listener Question 

What are trauma bonds and how can we heal from them? Dr. Laura Copley joins the podcast to dive into the sticky dynamics of unhealthy, trauma-bonded relationships. Drawing from personal experiences and her work as a relationship trauma expert, Dr. Laura gives us insight into what she calls "the hero's journey" — a transformative path towards recognizing our origin stories, attachment wounds, and current relationship dynamics so that we can transcend our trauma and form authentic connections.Relevant links: Loving You Is Hurting Me: A New Approach to Healing Trauma Bonds and Creating Authentic Connection by Dr. Laura Copley Learn more about Dr. Laura's work online and on Instagram Order Dr. Alexandra's new book, Love Every Day Subscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s Newsletter Submit a Listener Question 

Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh discusses the six key ingredients for successful relationships, focusing on reciprocity and intentionality over perfection. She emphasizes the importance of mutual attraction, trust, respect, loving behaviors, compassion, and shared vision in building thriving relationships. Dr. Sara encourages moving beyond the myth of finding a perfect mate and instead creating something special together.