This is Love

Rick Steves, America's beloved travel guide with over 40 years of experience, shares invaluable tips including why you should never check a bag and always travel with a journal. He emphasizes the joy of immersing in local cultures through authentic dining and personal stories of his travels along the Hippie Trail, filled with vibrant experiences. He also reflects on rediscovering life during the pandemic and how travel can reshape our perspectives, highlighting the importance of meaningful connections while exploring new places.

In 1966, Maurice and Maralyn Bailey had been married for three years. They’d bought a house in the suburbs in the middle of England, and had jobs at the tax office and a printing press. “They're living a respectable day-to-day suburban existence — which is kind of driving them both crazy. And one rainy evening, Maralyn just says, ‘You know what? Why don't we sell this house and build a boat and go?’” Sophie Elmhirst's book is A Marriage at Sea: A True Story of Love, Obsession, and Shipwreck. Say hello on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts. Want to listen to This is Love ad-free? Sign up for Criminal Plus – you’ll get to listen to This is Love, Criminal, and Phoebe Reads a Mystery without any ads. Plus, you’ll get behind-the-scenes bonus episodes of Criminal and other exclusive benefits. Learn more and sign up here. We also make Criminal and Phoebe Reads a Mystery. Artwork by Julienne Alexander. Check out our online shop. Episode transcripts are posted on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lida Maxwell, a political science professor and author of 'Rachel Carson and the Power of Queer Love', explores the profound bond between Rachel Carson and her neighbor Dorothy Freeman. They connected through letters filled with shared love for nature, revealing their emotional journey. The discussion highlights the significance of Carson's writings, the personal implications of her work on environmentalism, and how their correspondence illustrated the complexities of love and friendship during a transformative era. Nature plays a pivotal role in their connection.

Virginia Alley, co-founder of Ben's Chili Bowl, shares her heartfelt connection to hot dogs and their cultural significance in America. She recounts personal stories and memories linked to this beloved food, emphasizing its communal power. Alley highlights her late husband Ben's legacy, reflecting on how their restaurant became a symbol during the Civil Rights Movement. The conversation also touches on amusing anecdotes from competitive eaters and the enduring nostalgia tied to family traditions around hot dogs.

Allegra Rosenberg, a writer, uncovers a heartfelt love story hidden in the journals from the Terra Nova expedition. She delves into the intense dynamics between crew members, focusing on Navy surgeon Edward Atkinson's emotional struggles with masculinity and friendship. The podcast highlights the poignant reunions amid the expedition's trials and the deep bonds formed in the harsh Antarctic landscape. Rosenberg also reveals how the pressures of war further shaped the relationships, weaving a narrative of love, loss, and resilience.

Jeanne Abel, known for her quirky antics alongside her husband Alan, dives into their satirical campaign, the Society for Indecency to Naked Animals, which humorously advocated for animals to wear clothes. She shares delightful stories about picketing the White House and encounters with public figures. The couple's legacy also includes hilarious media pranks and family life intertwined with political satire, showcasing their unique bond through laughter and absurdity.

Dive into quirky tales of unusual legal sentences, like a poacher's monthly Bambi marathon. Enjoy amusing anecdotes from early radio days, along with a suspenseful rescue story involving a boy and his dog. Discover the chilling mystery surrounding the unsolved murder of Teresita Basa and the eerie role of dreams in her case. Plus, hear the wild incident at Chipotle that led to an unconventional punishment. It's a mix of nostalgia, humor, and intriguing crime stories that keeps you engaged!

Sally Winey, a dedicated teddy bear artist and the owner of Whiney Bears Repair, has spent 40 years restoring beloved stuffed animals. She shares touching stories of the emotional bonds people have with their toys, revealing how these cherished items hold a lifetime of memories. The podcast delves into the artistry and challenges of teddy bear repair, exploring the passion behind her craft and the significance of nostalgia. Sally's journey illustrates how love for a childhood companion can inspire a life devoted to restoring joy.

Terence McPherson and Shawnika Giger met at a party in Atlanta, and went on their first date a few weeks later. Things were going well, until they started to talk about money. This episode is in collaboration with our friends at This Is Uncomfortable. Say hello on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts. Want to listen to This is Love ad-free? Sign up for Criminal Plus – you’ll get to listen to This is Love, Criminal, and Phoebe Reads a Mystery without any ads. Plus, you’ll get behind-the-scenes bonus episodes of Criminal and other exclusive benefits. Learn more and sign up here. We also make Criminal and Phoebe Reads a Mystery. Artwork by Julienne Alexander. Check out our online shop. Episode transcripts are posted on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Blind dating takes center stage as strangers share their heartfelt journeys through love and loss. One woman's reflections on companionship after two marriages reveal unexpected insights. A date sparks a spontaneous trip to Rome, showcasing the thrill of new connections. Miscommunications unfold in playful banter, highlighting the complexities of modern dating. Meanwhile, a genuine bond blossoms from online encounters, illustrating the emotional significance of shared experiences. Distance doesn't diminish their connection, as shared moments deepen their relationship.