In this episode, I talk to renowned psychotherapist and author Esther Perel about love and relationships. We tackle the true essence of the word “eros” and “freedom” in the context of romantic relationships. Esther offers her perspective on marriage and affairs, getting to the root cause of why people cheat. With the redefinition of fidelity and sexuality, our current society is still learning how to navigate new patterns of relationships. We also touch on the topics of soulmates, masculinity, how to keep passion alive during a global pandemic, and Esther’s practice as a cross-cultural therapist.
Bio
Esther Perel is a psychotherapist and a New York Times bestselling author, recognized as one of today’s most insightful and original voices on modern relationships. Fluent in nine languages, she hones a therapy practice in New York City and serves as an organizational consultant for Fortune 500 companies around the world. Her celebrated TED Talks have garnered more than 30 million views and her best-selling books Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs are global phenomena translated into nearly 30 languages. Esther is also an executive producer and host of the popular podcast Where Should We Begin? And How’s Work? Her latest project is Where Should we Begin − A Game of Stories with Esther Perel.
Website: www.estherperel.com/
Instagram: @estherperelofficial
Topics
00:02:14 Adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic
00:05:04 Social connection during the pandemic
00:10:41 “The erotic is an antidote to death”
00:16:02 True freedom in relationships
00:21:05 Soulmates don’t exist
00:25:38 Why people in happy marriages cheat
00:33:54 Where Should We Begin?
00:38:00 Redefining marriage, fidelity, and sexuality
00:45:30 Esther’s cross-cultural approach to therapy
00:48:35 Esther’s interest in cultural transitions, identity, and relationships
00:54:01 The masculine obsession with power
00:59:13 The Great Adaptation
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Neuroscience of Manifestation w/ Dr. James Doty
How To Spot a Narcissist and Heal From Them w/ Dr. Ramani Durvasula
Collective Narcissism is Everywhere w/ Agnieszka Golec
What Does it Mean to Be Gifted? w/ Ellen Winner
What It’s Like to Live Constitutionally w/ A.J. Jacobs
Reclaim Yourself w/ Emma Seppala
How to Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down w/ Corey Keyes
Helping Teens Thrive Emotionally and Socially w/ Lisa Damour
How To Be A Supercommunicator W/ Charles Duhigg
Stop Worrying about What People Think of You w/ Michael Gervais
Play Is Learning w/ Yumi Kendall
Learning to Love Midlife w/ Chip Conley
Mastering Clear Thinking w/ Shane Parrish
Think Bigger and Innovate w/ Sheena S. Iyengar
Failing Well w/ Amy Edmondson
How To Be The Love You Seek w/ Dr. Nicole LePera
Cancelling Cancel Culture w/ Greg Lukianoff & Rikki Schlott
No Bad Parts w/ Richard Schwartz
Climbing The Mountains of Life and Fulfilling Your Maximum Potential w/ Alison Levine
Right Brain, Creativity, and Meaning in Life w/ Iain McGilchrist
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Poetry of Science
Behavioral Grooves Podcast
Hidden Brain
Something You Should Know
The Science of Happiness