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Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

Esther Perel Global Media
Communication
Family Dynamics
Intimacy
Relationship Dynamics
Friendship
Relationships
Marriage
Mental Health
Parenting
Conflict Resolution
Infidelity
Grief
Romantic Relationships
Divorce
Boundaries
Trauma
Therapy
Personal Growth
Communication In Relationships
Trust

Every Monday morning step into the office of iconic psychotherapist Esther Perel on "Where Should We Begin" and listen in as real people in search of insight bare the raw, intimate, and profound details of their stories. From breakups and open relationships to workplace conflicts and fractures in the family, it’s a place to hear our own stories reflected in the lives of others. So…where should we ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes219Founded9 years ago
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Society & CultureMental HealthHealth & Fitness

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Artwork for Where Should We Begin?

Latest Episodes

She comes to Esther with a question that feels distinctly of this moment: when does a tool become a transgression? After leaving a long, stable marriage, she finds herself in a new relationship marked by intense highs and low lows. She turns to AI, u... more

YouTube

The two couples had been inseparable—neighbors, chosen family, godparents to each other's children. She reaches out to Esther in despair after discovering that her husband had a ten-year-old affair with her best friend. For a decade, he kept the bet... more

When his ex calls in the middle of a crisis, he finds himself pulled back into a familiar role: the rescuer. He's always been the one women confide in, the one who steps up, the one who proves he's a good man by making sure no one falls apart on his ... more

YouTube

This week, Esther invites you into a conversation about desire, disruption, and what it means to stay alive to one another in a rapidly changing world.

Recorded live at Sessions Live, Esther is joined by journalist and Head of Content at Esther Pere... more

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Recent Guests

Kashmir Hill
New York Times reporter focused on AI and technology
The New York Times
Episode: Love in the Time of AI with Kashmir Hill
Spike Jonze
Director of Her, invited guest for this episode
Director/Creator, Her
Episode: Love, Loneliness, and AI: Where Should We Begin? Live with Esther Perel and Spike Jonze
Unnamed guest
A guest who shares his experience of unrequited love and personal growth.
Episode: In Loving You, I Learned to Love Myself
Julia Samuel
British psychologist specializing in grief, author of 'Grief Works'
Episode: Grief Begins With Love With Julia Samuel
Paul Browde
Psychiatrist and speaker
Practices in New York City
Episode: Two Conversations Esther Wants You To Hear From Sessions Live
Nedra Tawwab
Psychotherapist and author
Author of Set Boundaries, Find Peace
Episode: Two Conversations Esther Wants You To Hear From Sessions Live
Unnamed Woman
A 37-year-old artist and activist in a long-distance relationship
N/A
Episode: I Can Break up with Him But I'm Still Stuck With Myself
Unnamed Listener
A woman who describes her experience with a psychologically abusive former employer and seeks advice from Esther.
Episode: You Are So Not Invited to My Wedding
Miranda July
Author of the novel All Fours
Episode: Say More - Miranda July and Esther Perel on The Rebirth of Desire

Host

Esther Perel
Host of Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel; prominent psychotherapist and author.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 31.5k ratings
  • Great podcast… but ads on the subscriber edition?

    Each episode takes me on a journey of contemplation, reflection and expansion. I’m happy to be a premium subscriber but I’ve noticed that some of the older episodes still have ads (for example when clients call her)… is this a mistake or intentional. I would prefer if a paid account meant that there were no ads at all.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Eli Howes
    United Kingdom10 days ago
  • Very insightful show

    I love this show and I’m compelled to leave a review after hearing the feedback on the episode “I gave him an ultimatum..” I felt that Esther was dead on in her advice to the woman in the relationship. I got the feeling that this guy is manipulative and she is very susceptible. Esther made insights that made him uncomfortable because he is used to everyone believing him and she saw easily through his lies and the way he kept trying to change the conversation to center himself as the victim. At t... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JaxRenee11
    United Statesa month ago
  • I always appreciate Esther's insights and how clearly she explains what she's thinking. Very insightful podcast!

    Podcast Addict
    5
    thefattingtonfrisk
    a month ago
  • A persistent mirror

    Somehow I see myself in most episodes and learn a little bit more about how to approach X or Y or what may lie beneath it. A podcast sharing very insightful, realistic and human experiences. Thank you, Esther!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Sailing Kame
    United Statesa month ago
  • No more AI content

    Esther, please stop doing sessions about AI “relationships” as though they are common and worth discussion. It’s akin to those shows where someone says they are in love with their blender or something equally ridiculous. Let’s treat this like the fringe nonsense it is, rather than something the broad majority relates to in any way. I used to really enjoy this podcast for its highly intellectual and thoughtful discussion of relationship dynamics. However, now, most episodes are about AI, poly rel... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    pnw24climber
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise the show's empathy, depth, and ability to translate chaos into understandable insights.
Some critics feel the format has become more Esther-centric and less client-centered over time.
Many note high production quality and thought-provoking discussions, especially on modern relationship topics.
Fans appreciate the occasional deep-dives into AI and technology's impact on relationships.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Love in the Time of AI with Kashmir Hill
Q: Why do you think people are drawn to AI partners over human partners in some cases?
Kashmir explains that AI offers constant availability, no rejection, and an idealized version of care, which can be deeply reinforcing for someone feeling fragile or neglected in real relationships.
Love in the Time of AI with Kashmir Hill
Q: What has struck you about AI and love in the sessions you've seen?
Kashmir describes how these systems provide a convincing, self-reinforcing mirror of the user, which can create deep attachment and even delusional belief, while Esther asks about what this means for human relationships and responsibility.
Should I Have Another Baby?
Q: What would you need to feel ready to consider another child?
A period of psychological healing, clearer boundaries, and a space for the couple to reflect without a ticking clock, allowing room for self-care and diversified focus beyond the children.
Should I Have Another Baby?
Q: Are you making this decision alone, or is there a partner in your life?
The caller and her husband make decisions together, and they need to discuss boundaries and what they can or cannot live with as they consider expanding their family.
Am I Letting My Jealousy Ruin This?
Q: Meaning how? Tell me how you put the puzzle together.
The caller explains a pattern where she sees two parallel lives: one with a non-traditional arrangement that feels stimulating and intimate, and another with traditional family structure that triggers old insecurities; she seeks a coherent design that honors both connection and safety.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Where Should We Begin?

What is Where Should We Begin? about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This program centers on intimate conversations about love, relationships, family dynamics, sexuality, and personal growth, guided by a renowned psychotherapist. Episodes span polyamory, long-term partnerships, infidelity, parenting, divorce, and the impact of culture and trauma on intimate life. The approach blends therapeutic techniques with real-life storytelling, offering practical prompts, boundaries work, and nuanced perspectives on what it means to connect deeply while negotiating autonomy, safety, and belonging. A standout element is its willingness to address complex, sometimes provocative topics—often bridging psychology, ethics, and everyday relationship realities—through thoughtful, nonjudgmental dialogue that aims to illuminate ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Where Should We Begin??

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1. We Can Do Hard Things
2. Dear Therapists with Lori Gottlieb and Guy Winch
3. Modern Love
4. Death, Sex & Money
5. Dear Sugars

How many episodes of Where Should We Begin? are there?

Where Should We Begin? launched 9 years ago and published 219 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Where Should We Begin??

Recent guests on Where Should We Begin? include:

1. Kashmir Hill
2. Spike Jonze
3. Unnamed guest
4. Julia Samuel
5. Paul Browde
6. Nedra Tawwab
7. Unnamed Woman
8. Unnamed Listener

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