This is Love

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.

Kitty Drake, a matchmaker for The Guardian in London, shares her intriguing insights into the world of blind dating. She humorously recounts the unpredictable nature of arranging dates and the emotional challenges that come with it. Kitty reflects on the nostalgic charm of old-fashioned matchmaking versus modern apps, highlighting memorable tales that touch on unexpected connections. With tales of love, heartbreak, and the joy of match-made relationships, the conversation offers a candid look at the complexities of finding romance.

About twenty years ago, D’yan Forest considered getting into stand-up comedy. “People told me, no, don’t go into comedy. Everybody is going to make fun of you. They’re gonna heckle you. You’re an old woman.” D’yan ignored them.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

When his older brother died of cancer, Patrick Bringley quit his New York office job and got a new one at the Metropolitan Museum of Art—as a security guard. He stayed for 10 years.Patrick Bringley's book is All the Beauty in the World.Say hello on Twitter, 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

Danny Stewart, a compassionate social worker, discovered an abandoned baby in a New York City subway, an event that transformed his life. Joining him is Pete Mercurio, his creative partner, who chronicles their adoption journey in his upcoming memoir. They discuss the emotional turmoil of becoming parents unexpectedly and how they navigated the complexities of adoption. With heartfelt anecdotes, they reflect on their deepened bond and the joys of parenthood, capturing the essence of family formed in the most unconventional ways.

Cody Bryant, who suffered amnesia after a moped accident in Spain, shares his incredible journey of recovery. His girlfriend, Haley Woloshen, recounts her dedication to supporting him through this traumatic time, highlighting the emotional challenges of reconnecting. The couple discusses their evolving bond, the complexities of memory loss, and the struggles of a love born amidst adversity. Their story is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, love, and the unexpected ways connections can deepen in the face of life's toughest trials.

The day Edgardo Griffith met Heidi Ross, he asked her if she’d like to come with him to look for frogs. He was looking for a particular kind – bright yellow, with black spots: the Panamanian golden frog. But by the time Edgardo and Heidi were engaged, the frogs had started to disappear.Say hello on Twitter, 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

Everything you didn’t know about Goodnight Moon, the book that’s put children to bed for generations — and the woman who wrote it. "She could write very well for young children because she remembered exactly what it was like to be one of them."Leonard Marcus’ book is Margaret Wise Brown: Awakened by the MoonSay hello on Twitter, 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