Love Letters

Meredith talks to former Love Letters guest Margaret H. Willison about “Adult Braces,” a new memoir by feminist writer Lindy West that has sparked big debate about West’s polyamorous relationship.West – who also wrote “Shrill” (which became a Hulu show) – says in this new book that she didn’t want to be in a non-monogamous relationship … but is now happy being one of three. But some readers/fans of West have found this happiness hard to believe.The book reminded Meredith of Margaret’s episode, which was about a complicated non-monogamous relationship that did not work out for Margaret.If you haven’t read the book, that’s OK. Meredith and Margaret will explain the conversation, and how critiques of the book have revealed what we expect of other people’s love stories.Margaret also gives an update on her love life, which is more calm than it used to be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We get a big update from Nicole, a guest who once explained an era of her life when she took a zillion classes – and signed up for countless activities (dragon boat racing, included) – to try to meet a boyfriend. Where is Nicole now? She tells us all about life after those classes, and why she wishes she could take more of them now. Join Meredith and Nicole for a sweet update about getting what you want – and what it means to keep learning and participating. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yowei Shaw, host of the podcast “Proxy” – and former host of NPR’s “Invisibilia” – joins Love Letters to tell a story about the time she was embarrassed of her partner … because he’s a man.This is Part 2 of our two-part series inspired by a viral Vogue essay that suggested women are now embarrassed about having male partners.Yowei’s story is a nuanced one. From the outside it might have seemed like Yowei was embarrassed by the wonderful man in her life, but in reality she was just trying to figure out who she was … and how to fit in.Laugh along as Yowei confesses how she hid a significant other, and how it changed her.To learn more about Love Letters and this episode (fun photos, etc.), sign up for Meredith’s newsletter at boston.com/Meredith.Love Letters is also an advice column. You can send any questions about friendship, love, dating, breakups, starting over, building community, etc. to [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last fall, Chanté Joseph wrote an essay with the headline: “Is it embarrassing to have a boyfriend now?” The piece – about the politics of showing off heterosexual relationships – went viral; people debated it all over TikTok and beyond. (Even New York City’s mayor weighed in.)Months later, Meredith and Chanté sit down to discuss why the essay hit so many nerves at once. Some readers hated Chanté's essay and what it suggested about the evolving values of women.Others – namely single straight women – loved that Chanté’s essay highlighted women who are choosing to post pictures of friends instead of significant others.It’s a complicated discussion – and Part 1 in a two-part exploration of why the concept of a boyfriend can be a bit … cringey.This episode features a montage of creators who were inspired by Chanté’s essay. They are, in order of appearance: @thanahit @maryarchived @jedidahbila @JeffHarryPlays @melvinoyx @rollotomassi @boyproblemsshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meredith has long been interested in the Kinsey Institute, a place were researchers focus their work on sex and relationships.In this episode, Meredith interviews Kinsey Executive Director Justin Garcia about his new book, “The Intimate Animal: The Science of Sex, Fidelity, and Why We Live and Die for Love.”Meredith read the book in one sitting.Her conversation with Justin covers many topics including monogamy, emotional intimacy, and how to keep long relationships working.They also discuss the concept of “slow love,” and why younger people think of marriage as the end of a road, as opposed to the beginning.Remember, Love Letters is also an advice column. When you ask a question, you help others wondering the same thing. Email your question to [email protected] up for Meredith’s newsletter at Boston.com/meredith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Third wheeling has long had a bad reputation. If you’re a single person, you may have heard that hanging out with a couple makes you the odd person out. But Meredith doesn’t believe that. She LOVES third wheels – and has third wheeled with plenty of couples. In this episode, Meredith’s sister, Brette, explains how her social life, as a newly divorced person, involves hanging out with a bunch of wonderful couples. Brette says that being a third wheel has broadened her community and enriched her soul. Meredith also interviews Brad and Marco, one of the couples for whom Brette third wheels. They explain why having a shared friend makes their relationship stronger. Consider this episode a guide to being a platonic third, and a love letter to third wheels and the couples who truly believe “the more the merrier.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Must you block your ex on social media? Maybe. Probably. It could make your breakup a lot easier to deal with. In this episode, Meredith talks to Love Letters podcast producer Jazmin Aguilera about Jazmin’s recent breakup. They listen to a classic episode about exes and social media, and talk about what lessons ring true in 2026.Enjoy a discussion about letting go in person and online.Remember, Love Letters is also an anonymous advice column. When you ask a relationship question, you help others wondering the same thing. Email your question to [email protected]. Sign up for Meredith’s newsletter at Boston.com/meredith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re looking for your stories for the Love Letters podcast. We love all tales of breakups, dating, love, and connection. But for a special upcoming series of the show, we’re looking for stories about COMMUNITY. We want to hear about friends, special acquaintances, or the seemingly inconsequential human ties that make your life better. We want to hear about important, platonic bonds you currently have, important bonds you’ve had (past tense), or meaningful bonds you’d like to form. Because significant others don’t have to be romantic … and sometimes having a strong non-romantic community makes it easier to find and maintain romantic love (if you want it). Tell us your story by filling out our questionnaire at Boston.com/LoveLettersStory. As always, thanks for listening and being a part of the Love Letters community. We can also be reached with questions for the Love Letters advice column at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meredith has always been a little afraid of Nantucket. Despite living a fast ferry ride away, she’s only been there twice. As far as Meredith is concerned, the people on Nantucket are fancy, the drama is high, and because it’s an island, it’s hard to escape. For best-selling author Elin Hiderbrand, though, Nantucket represents comfort … even when it’s stifling. Nantucket is where Elin found happiness after leaving New York. It’s what inspired her writing. It’s where she found community – and the best kinds of love. In a live conversation recorded in November, Meredith interviews Elin about Nantucket, what it means to fall in love with a place, and why Elin decided to stop writing about the island after decades of living there. They also talk about the power of books about women and love. Elin novels include “The Perfect Couple,” which became a Netflix show starring Nicole Kidman, and “The Five Star Weekend,” which is slated to be a series starring Jennifer Garner. This talk was part of “Globe Summit,” a two-day Boston Globe event that featured journalists speaking with experts in their fields. Remember, Love Letters is also an anonymous advice column. When you ask a relationship question, you help others wondering the same thing. Email your question to [email protected]. Sign up for Meredith’s newsletter at Boston.com/meredith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elise, 17, appreciates that she’s growing up in a world that understands what it means to be nonbinary. She just wishes people had an easier time understanding fluidity. Because sometimes Elise feels like a boy, and other times she feels like a girl. Sometimes these changes shift with the seasons. In this episode, Elise explains how her fluidity affects her dating life – because some people who fall for her as a masculine person might be less interested if she becomes more feminine months later. She also reveals she might be a chimera – meaning, as she sees it, she might literally be two people in one. Elise and Meredith talk it through together. If you love Love Letters, give us all the stars. We love validation. We’re also an anonymous advice question; when you ask a relationship question, you help others wondering the same thing. Email your question to [email protected] Sign up for Meredith’s newsletter at Boston.com/meredith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nexan Asencio Corado was 20 when he left Guatemala and crossed into the U.S. illegally. He wound up settling in Massachusetts and built a life there. Within a decade, he was working in construction and framing. He fell in love with Christina Toledo and married her. They had two twin sons. In May, Nexan – who had started the process of seeking lawful permanent residency in the U.S. – was arrested by ICE agents and brought to a Federal Correctional Institution. From that moment, Nexan and Christina faced important choices about how to stay together, care for each other, and protect their family. In this episode, Boston Globe immigration reporter Giulia McDonnell Nieto del Rio tells the story of Nexan and Christina, using recordings from their life and phone calls, with their permission. We love feedback and questions at Love Letters – and with this episode, there’s a lot to talk about. After listening, please send your thoughts to [email protected]. You can always email us a voice memo. We’re also a relationship advice column. You can send your anonymous questions to [email protected]. To learn more about this story and Love Letters, in general, sign up for the Love Letters newsletter at Boston.com/Meredith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jenna is a part-time model. Sometimes her modeling jobs are unique – think wearing stilettos and popping balloons... or wearing lingerie while feeding ducks. Recently, she's been getting paid to play a damsel in distress. With cars. How does Jenna’s modeling work affect her dating life? It’s not easy. Some people act like they’re comfortable with her job at first - but then they turn out to be judgmental and jealous. In this episode, Jenna tells Meredith the story of how she got into this type of work and how much she's willing (or not) to give up for it. A universal lesson about compromise – and finding people who love us as we are. ___ Remember, Love Letters is an advice column, too! Send questions about human relationships (romantic, friendship, etc.) to [email protected]. Sign up for the Love Letters newsletter at Boston.com/Meredith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Situationships. Are they all bad? Can you have a meaningful, hopeful, life-changing … situationship? In this episode, Meredith talks to Nicole, a woman who has come full circle on situationships after many years of resenting them. She’s wanted a permanent partner, but maybe situationships aren’t so bad in the meantime. Meredith also has a conversation with word expert Amanda Montell, of the podcasts “Sounds Like a Cult” and “Magical Overthinkers,” who explains how the word “situationship” has evolved, and why it’s one of the best slang portmanteaus around. ___ Love Letters is also an advice column. Send an anonymous relationship question to [email protected]. Sign up for the Love Letters newsletter at boston.com/meredith . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This time of year is a little unsexy and unromantic to Love Letters host Meredith Goldstein. Why? She doesn't like sports. In the fall, there are so many sports. Football, hockey, and basketball – not to mention that baseball can extend into early November. On this episode, Meredith tries to rally for sports and seeks out new, romantic entry points into fandom. She gets help from two funny experts. One is The Boston Globe’s own Christopher L. Gasper – Meredith’s former roommate – who explains how athletes are fascinating personalities, not unlike characters on television dramas. It’s a conversation that includes talk of “Vanderpump Rules,” how difficult it can be to date a sports writer, and the one sport Chris believes should have a series of romance novels. Meredith also talks to best-selling romance novelist Tessa Bailey, who writes steamy stories about baseball, golf, and hockey. Tessa explains why she's chosen to focus on athletes, how she appreciates fandom in real life, and how anyone – even Meredith – can fall in love with the game. ___ Do you have a story? Send questions about your relationships to [email protected]. Sign up for Meredith’s newsletter – with behind-the-scenes pics, giveaways, and other extras – at boston.com/meredith . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Akela Cooper knows dating can be scary. Cooper, a screenwriter known for “M3GAN,” sits down with Meredith to talk about the horror of vulnerability – and opening yourself up to love. Enjoy this episode filled with pop culture references, advice, and thoughts about how sometimes it’s difficult to know whether you’re in a horror story … or just a bad romantic comedy. ___ Do you have a story? Send questions about your relationships to [email protected]. Sign up for Meredith’s newsletter – with behind-the-scenes pics, giveaways, and other extras – at boston.com/meredith . Episode art courtesy of Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rory Uphold was in a literal haunted house when she realized her date for the night... might be the real monster. Is she just a "final girl" in love? ___ Do you have a story? Send questions about your relationships to [email protected]. Sign up for Meredith’s newsletter – with behind-the-scenes pics, giveaways, and other extras – at boston.com/meredith . Episode art courtesy of AP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Moving is STRESSFUL and movers... are sometimes de facto relationship experts. They help people through their most stressful moments! In this new episode, Meredith talks to a professional mover who has seen it ALL - from makeups to breakups and even a mover fantasy? She also gets real with author Adam Sass who has moved (with his husband) 12 times in 10 years! Is feeling “settled” is ever really possible? ___ Love Letters is also an advice column. Send questions about your relationships (romance, friendship, family, etc.) to ⁠[email protected]⁠. Sign up for Meredith’s newsletter – with behind-the-scenes pics, giveaways, and other extras – at ⁠boston.com/meredith⁠ (all lowercase). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet an aspiring Single Mother By Choice. An SMBC, if you will. Kristy has made the decision to go it alone as she tries for her second child. What does it mean to choose children over romance – and why does it seem to matter so much to everyone else? Kristy joins Meredith to tell a story about controlling your own timeline in love and family planning. Meredith's favorite character in this one: Kristy's daughter. ___ Love Letters is also an advice column. Send your question about your relationships (romance, friendship, family, etc.) to ⁠[email protected]⁠. Sign up for Meredith’s newsletter – with behind-the-scenes pics, giveaways, and other extras – at ⁠boston.com/meredith⁠ (all lowercase). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Hiller, a 2025 Emmy nominee for “Somebody Somewhere” – is a very funny man. A dramatic man. A theater man. A man with many feelings. What do thoughtful performers do when they get dumped? They make a screen-worthy speech. A proclamation. Like Julia Roberts saying “Choose me!” in “My Best Friend’s Wedding.” Or Conrad saying “I still love you” on “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” In this new episode, Jeff shares a hilarious and intimate story about a breakup in his 20s – and the short speech that followed. He and Meredith discuss the pros and cons of making big proclamations, especially if you’re talking to someone who doesn’t even reciprocate. Expect laughter, lessons, and DRAMA. Love Letters is also an advice column. Send your question about your relationships (romance, friendship, family, etc.) to [email protected]. You can also tell Meredith about a speech you made – and how it was received! Sign up for Meredith’s newsletter – with behind-the-scenes pics, giveaways, and other extras – at boston.com/meredith . Episode art courtesy of AP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back in the day, Meredith was kind of … married to her mother. It was “Gilmore Girls”-esque – for better and worse. That’s why Meredith brought her friend Kumar on Love Letters in 2022 – to talk about how having a partnership with a parent can change your love life. Kumar was kind of married to his mom, too. This is a classic Love Letters episode – with an update from Kumar about how how grief looks over time, and how being on the podcast might have helped him find a new kind of love. Listen and enjoy. Love Letters is also an advice column! Send your questions (we’ll keep them anonymous) to [email protected]. Get behind-the-scenes podcast news, giveaways, and more by signing up for the Love Letters newsletter at boston.com/Meredith (all lowercase). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love Letters is back with new episodes Sept. 9! You’ll hear guests tell REAL stories about finding love … dating more honestly … planning for a family … navigating big moves with a spouse … getting over breakups (with lots of laughter) … and the importance of family and friends. Get ready to feel your feelings. (Don’t be scared – we’ll be there with you.) Find Love Letters wherever you get podcasts. To get all the news, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes scoop, sign up for the Love Letters newsletter at boston.com/meredith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer camp love is for kids. Unless you reach out to your camp crush as an adult and fall in love with them all over again. Today, hear a classic Love Letters podcast episode about two people who reconnected after decades. Find out where they are now – with new commentary from the original storyteller. Maybe you'll realize the love you've been searching for ... is in your sleep-away camp directory. Remember, Love Letters is also an advice column! Send your anonymous questions about single life, married life, breakup life, and friendship life to [email protected] OR by visiting Boston.com/loveletters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Earlier this month, two executives were caught cheating – exposed via Jumbotron! – at a Coldplay concert. It happened at Gillette Stadium, about 40 minutes from Meredith’s house. The incident – and its viral aftermath – reminded Meredith of a classic episode of Love Letters … the one about a workplace romance that involved a woman in HR falling for an employee. Join Meredith for a new take on the story – with thoughts on Coldplaygate. Remember, Love Letters is also an advice column. If you want Meredith to answer a question about relationships (anonymously!), email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Five years ago, in the summer of 2020, Meredith Goldstein and the Love Letters team were in lockdown because of the pandemic, making the podcast from separate closets and basements. In their personal lives, they were asking: how can we remain isolated without losing support from community? How can live with loved ones …. without getting sick of them? They found answers by interviewing two people who were already experts in being alone, together: Glenn and Kim Schryver, who fell in love and chose an remote life as caretakers of the Grizzly Reservoir. Meredith revisits this episode and its meaning, five years later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This season, we’ve tried to answer one big question: Can people change for the better? The answer has been complicated. Basically: sometimes. In our season finale, we recap what we learned. We also visit a magical place called Butterfly Hollow, where caterpillars change into butterflies in real time. What can human learns from a creature that has to change to survive? Plenty, says an expert. Join us for an episode that brings metaphor to life. ___ Love Letters is taking stories for next season! To come on the show, email [email protected] with "my story" in the subject line. For giveaways, behind-the-scenes photos of guests, and extra commentary, sign up for Meredith's newsletter at boston.com/meredith (all lowercase). To leave Meredith a voicemail about any episode of Love Letters, call 401-484-0590. To send Meredith an anonymous question about relationships, go to boston.com/loveletters and hit "send letter." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meredith’s sister, Brette, has told a beautiful story about falling in love with her husband. But sometimes the narrative needs to change. In an emotional episode about partnership, sisterhood, and community, Meredith and Brette dissect the meaning of marriage – and how to make sure you’re getting what you need to be healthy. Enjoy this one. We loved recording it. Want to share your relationship story on Love Letters? Have thoughts about this episode? Email ⁠[email protected]⁠ or leave a voicemail at 401-484-0590. Read the Love Letters advice column or send a letter at ⁠boston.com/loveletters⁠. Sign up for Meredith's newsletter at ⁠boston.com/meredith⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you love meet-cutes? Then tune in to this episode – because Meredith would quite literally not exist without the adorable, rom-com love stories in it. Her family is FULL of meet cutes... and in this episode from Season 2 of Love Letters, you’ll get the details. We’re re-running this classic – updated with some new thoughts – to prepare you for next week’s story, which is about how the best love stories can change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

She’s American-Israeli. He’s Palestinian. They fell in love and navigated a universe of complications. Then, in 2023, a new war. Conflict, violence, and devastation rocked the world. Echos of trauma from decades past. Mya Guarnieri tells the story of how she met her now ex-husband, fell in love, and, in 2023, became each other's best support system, as exes, when they needed each other most. ___ Love Letters is taking stories for next season! To come on the show, email [email protected] with "my story" in the subject line. For giveaways, behind-the-scenes photos of guests, and extra commentary, sign up for Meredith's newsletter at boston.com/meredith (all lowercase). To leave Meredith a voicemail about any episode of Love Letters, call 401-484-0590. To send Meredith an anonymous question about relationships, go to boston.com/loveletters and hit "send letter." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sadie Dingfelder was in the grocery store one day. She went to her husband to ask him why he was buying something new. Then she realized… this man was not her husband. Sadie was eventually diagnosed with face blindness. How did that change her perception of herself? How did it change her marriage? Sadie explains to Meredith in this funny, fascinating, and sweet episode about how we see the people we love. For giveaways, behind-the-scenes photos of guests, and extra commentary, sign up for Meredith's newsletter at boston.com/meredith (all lowercase). To leave Meredith a voicemail about any episode of Love Letters, call 401-484-0590. To send Meredith an anonymous question about relationships, go to boston.com/loveletters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael's anxiety got so bad it was starting to ruin his marriage. That’s why he flew to Oregon for a psilocybin treatment that wound up changing his life. But with change ... comes more questions. Michael and his husband explain how mushrooms gave them a new perspective … on everything. Listen and take a trip to remember. Want to share your relationship story on Love Letters? Have thoughts about this episode? Email [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 401-484-0590. Read the Love Letters advice column or send a letter at boston.com/loveletters. Sign up for Meredith's newsletter at boston.com/meredith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we’re sharing a special episode from the Signal Award-winning podcast No Small Endeavor, a show that explores what it means to live a good life through insightful conversations with thought leaders across various disciplines. Hosted by Lee C. Camp, No Small Endeavor engages with some of the most compelling voices in philosophy, social justice, and the arts, like renowned happiness expert Gretchen Rubin, Hidden Brain podcast host Shankar Vedantam, and New York Times bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell. In this episode, Lee sits down with Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a leading expert on love and relationships, to discuss relational self-awareness—the key to building healthy, fulfilling connections. Together, they unpack the importance of self-knowledge in navigating love, how to handle relationship challenges with grace, and the role of curiosity in deepening emotional intimacy. No Small Endeavor is a must-listen for anyone drawn to thought-provoking discussions on personal growth and connection. Tune in to more episodes and follow the podcast here: https://lnk.to/D28Fv3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever heard of perimenopause? Meredith has! So has Eileen, who tells a story about how aging changed the course of her relationships for the better. This is a story about how an evolving older body … isn’t so bad. Sometimes the best love stories come later. Join Meredith and Eileen for a story about marriage, divorce, droughts, long-distance dating, and happiness in unexpected places. Also: sign up for Meredith's newsletter at Boston.com/Meredith to get the inside scoop on episodes, guests, and issues Meredith sees in the Love Letters advice column. To leave Love Letters a message – or a question – call 401-484-0590. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Economist and Wharton professor Katy Milkman has spent a lot of time figuring out why people decide to change – and how they actually do it. Through a great conversation about everything from friendships to the power of “Twilight,” Milkman gives Meredith an honest take on what we can expect from ourselves, and how we can help others evolve ... when they want to. Meet Milkman, author of "How To Change." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 2 of a two-parter about video games and change, Meredith talks to Celeste Sangiorgio, a psychologist and researcher who thinks about video games a lot. Celeste happens to be co-creating a video game that’s meant to help us navigate relationships. Join this conversation about “The Last of Us,” “Cupid Parasite,” and a bunch of games that focus on love. Meredith will also talk about hew new favorite, a game about DADDIES. Even you non-gamers will enjoy. ALSO, we’re some episodes into the season. Do you have thoughts about the stories we’ve shared about how people have changed? Have you learned anything? Found anything surprising? Do you have your own thoughts about change – or stories you want to share about how you made positive change in your own life? Call and leave a message! You can be anonymous if you want. Call 401-484-0590. Tell us anything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Anthony Ureña, video games are more than simple entertainment or a way to pass the time. Games have actually changed him, he says. They’ve taught him who he is. They’ve shown him how to take the best next steps. Through a story about dating, loss, love, and resilience, Anthony explains how games have seen him through the most important relationship transitions in his life. Let’s all Pokemon Go! with him. (And Pac-Man with him. And Final Fantasy with him. And ... you get the point.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love can be addictive. When Heather Mason leaves her relatively happy marriage to follow her heart, she has no idea that the mysterious South African photographer she’s following will teach her so much about herself. This is a story about a woman who learns she can’t change others, but can be happier and healthier on her own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

In her late 20s, Funmi Adejobi was stuck in fight-or-flight mode. She’d been caregiving for her mom after a medical emergency – and every phone call felt like it would bring bad news. Forget dating. Funmi could barely relax on her own. But then … she took a clown class, which reminded her how to PLAY. How to be silly and ridiculous. That's when everything changed. Hear Funmi’s story about how she became a happy clown – one who’s open to love – on the season premiere of the Love Letters podcast. This whole season, we’re trying to answer one big question: Can people change? Funmi did. Let’s all learn how, together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last March, Somerville passed a first-of-its-kind ordinance protecting non-monogamous couples from discrimination. In a ‘Love Letters’ live podcast recording, host and columnist Meredith Goldstein interviews a few of the changemakers who made it happen about what this ordinance and other public policy changes might mean for the future of relationships in Massachusetts and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 [email protected]. 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

In the final episode of a season all about help, Meredith sits down with students from the writing and publishing organization 826 Boston, which just released a new book — called “What if the World Needs You?”— that’s full of advice and life lessons for young people. Also, Meredith’s producers surprise her with a collection of stories from her friends and loved ones about times she has helped them in ways large and small. Email us at [email protected]. You can also send relationship questions to Meredith and sign up for Love Letters updates by texting 617-744-7007. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As The Boston Globe’s travel writer, Chris Muther has gotten very good at navigating the planet alone. But he wasn’t always this way. It took years, through multiple relationships, for him to gain the independence necessary to thrive on his own — and be a better partner. How he got to this more confident place is a long, winding story that involves some of the most beautiful places in the world. Email us at [email protected]. You can also send relationship questions to Meredith and sign up for Love Letters updates by texting 617-744-7007. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices