Podcast Playlist

What's love got to do with it?

Heartwarming to heartbreaking. This week: stories about love.
Tompkins Sq. Park (James Jowers, Tompkins Square, 1967)

'Tis the season of cinnamon hearts and Valentines. Whether you love it or hate it, if you're single or attached — you will love these podcasts.

FULL CANADIAN BROADCAST VERSION:

1. The Allusionist

​"A young man, about 25 years of age, in a very good trade, and whose father will make him worth 1000 pounds, will willingly embrace his beautiful match." — One of the very first personal ads from The Allusionist 

Historian Francesca Beauman reveals the surprising history behind 'lonelyhearts ads.' 

2. BBC Short Cuts

"Well, there are ways to flirt. First: smile. When you smile at somebody, they automatically smile back." — Anthropologist Dr. Helen Fisher on BBC Short Cuts

Need some flirting tips? Listen to this "documentary song" by the band Summer Camp.

3. Surprisingly Awesome 

"[Couples] would even say specifically that they're very egalitarian in the wedding planning…In every case, it was never equal for any of the couples." — Tamara Sniezak on Surprisingly Awesome

A sociologist examines why couples tend to misrepresent exactly how much work goes into wedding planning and how planning the wedding itself can have a big impact on the future relationship dynamic.

4. Strong Opinions Loosely Held

"Why do all players have the same secret admirer? Doesn't that kind of pit women against each other for the affection of the same man?" — Vanessa Golembewsky on Strong Opinions Loosely Held

A writer revisits her favourite childhood game and makes some disturbing realizations.

5. Dear Prudence

"Someone goes missing at sea? You owe them six months of celibacy." — Mallory Ortberg on Dear Prudence

Mallory Ortberg has the definitive answer for how long one should wait if their lover is lost at sea.

6. Songs in Seven

"She said 'but if you do propose, it's been 12 years, so it better be good.'" — Matt Burt on popping the question

How Matt Burt used an episode of his podcast, Songs in Seven, to propose to his girlfriend Amy Lee.

7. Historically Black

"If someone asks if I'm gay, say yes. I'm not ashamed." — Reverend Candy Holmes on Historically Black

Reverend Candy Holmes and Reverend Darlene Garner became one of the first same sex couples to get married in 2010. Here they discuss the challenges they faced in coming out and finding a church community that supported their identity.


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