Dear Sugars

Remembering the grocery list, coordinating with the babysitter, making food for the potluck, scheduling a get-together with the in-laws: These are some of the invisible tasks that (most) women exclusively do in their romantic relationships — and the list goes on and on. The Sugars commiserate with Gemma Hartley, the writer who set off a national conversation about emotional labor with her viral article in Harper’s Bazaar, “Women Aren’t Nags — We’re Just Fed Up.” This episode was originally published on May 5th, 2018.

Dive into the intriguing world of the child-free movement, where individuals share their personal journeys and societal challenges. Explore the myths and stereotypes surrounding the choice to remain childfree, while uncovering the support found in online communities. Hear humorous anecdotes, like a middle schooler's antics with a robotic baby, reflecting complex feelings about parenthood. This discussion also tackles the emotional nuances of sterilization decisions and the dynamics of friendships shaped by parenting choices.

“It’s only when my pants are nearly impossible to button that I force myself to lose weight,” writes the letter-writer who calls herself Body Negative. “And then the pattern starts all over again.” Hilary Kinavey, M.S., L.P.C., and Dana Sturtevant, M.S., R.D., the co-owners of Be Nourished, join the Sugars on today’s episode to offer Body Negative and women like her some hope. This episode was originally released on June 11th, 2018.

Exploring the desires of older individuals, this podcast challenges societal norms and sheds light on the complexities of maintaining a sexual relationship in older age. Dr. Pepper Schwartz joins the hosts to discuss sexless relationships and the myths surrounding aging, emphasizing the importance of maintaining intimacy and fighting for sexual expression.

Words can be wielded like weapons. On today’s episode, the Sugars hear from people who have something to confess but are afraid to hurt others with the power of their words. This episode was originally released on December 9th, 2017.

In this special episode of Dear Sugars, Steve Almond is a featured guest on the Spoke Media podcast "Hot and Bothered." 

Dear Sugars' sister podcast, Kind World, recently produced a special series featuring stories of kindness and compassion at the U.S.-Mexico border. It's called "Lifelines" and tells stories of ordinary people who've stepped up in extraordinary ways during an ongoing humanitarian crisis. This story is called, "A Place Of Respite."

The Sugars answer a voicemail message from the Dear Sugars hotline. The message comes from a woman who reunited with her ex-boyfriend, who once assaulted her. Wracked with shame, she wonders if reconciling with him is acceptable and if it’s possible he’ll change. Esta Soler, president and founder of Futures Without Violence, joins the Sugars to help answer the question: Is it O.K. to love someone who abused you? This episode was originally released on April 21st, 2018.

Morgan Jerkins, a New York Times bestselling author known for her insightful essays, joins to discuss the complexities of anger, particularly from the perspective of a Black writer. The conversation takes a deep dive into how motherhood, grief, and personal trauma shape one's emotional landscape. Jerkins shares her journey of navigating rage in her work, emphasizing the importance of expressing rather than suppressing feelings. The hosts explore healing through emotional acceptance and the role of therapy, highlighting the intricate relationship between anger and creativity.

Snooping on your spouse is generally ill-advised, but what if he or she has an addiction and is constantly lying about it? The Sugars answer this question with the help of writer Ariel Levy. This episode was originally released on December 2nd, 2017