SOMETIMES PODCASTS ARE the only thing that keeps us sane. Whether it’s true crime, comedy or politics, we just want our earholes filled with any and all information.
Where Should We Begin with Esther Perel is a little bit different though, in a good way. Esther is a Belgian born psychotherapist who is based in New York and her podcast revolves around her practice in New York where she counsels couples going through incredibly tough times.
Each episode an anonymous couple agree to let their session be recorded and talk about the problems that they’re facing which vary massively from couple to couple.
For example, one episode is based around a couple where the husband has been diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease and they’re trying to figure out how to still be a couple.
Another episode is based around a couple where one partner left her husband for the other but she still struggles with her sexuality. Some of the episodes are particularly tough listening, particularly one in season one where the topic of sexual abuse and addiction comes up between a couple.
Sundays are for listening. The complete seasons 1 + 2 of #WhereShouldWeBegin are now available on @ApplePodcasts.
— Esther Perel (@EstherPerel) May 20, 2018
(And we're recording season 3!)
What’s different about this podcast is that you find yourself relating to some of the problems that the clients come to Esther with. It’s also fascinating to listen to a real time counselling session and listen to how Esther works with her clients to improve the communication between the couples.
You find yourself listening intently to her as it seems she’s offering advice to everyone listening to the podcast, not just the couple. I’ve genuinely found it really helpful as I’ve identified with some of the problems that the couples have and Esther’s advice is simple to follow and beneficial to everyone.
"Apologizing is different from acknowledging the other person's experience." --Esther Perel, Where Should We Begin Ep. 4
— Mmina Maclang (@thoughtspresso) December 17, 2017
Communication is the key message that you take away from this podcast and even if you’re not in a relationship, it’s fascinating to listen to a gifted psychotherapist work with her clients, trying to help them. Sometimes you’re rooting for the couple and sometimes you know it’s not going to be resolved. It’s a podcast like no other.
You can find seasons one and two of Where Should We Begin on Apple podcasts, Soundcloud, Podcast Addict or Audible. If you have an Audible subscription then you can get extra podcasts.
