22 Best Love Podcasts That Get You Hooked in The First Episode

We've scoured the podcast platforms to find shows that tackle everything from dating disasters to marriage wins, offering real talk about love life challenges without the sugarcoating. These hosts and experts share stories that'll make you laugh, cry, and feel way less alone in your love journey.

If you love learning from relationship experts but don't have much time, check out the Headway app. It transforms the best relationship and personal growth books into short summaries you can read or listen to on the go. Think of it as getting all the insights from marriage podcasts and relationship guides, but in bite-sized pieces that fit any schedule.

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Quick answer: What are the best five podcasts about love in 2025?

1. 'Where Should We Begin?' with Esther Perel – Step into the therapist’s office and hear real couples navigate raw, unfiltered conversations about love and conflict.

2. 'Committed' with Jo Piazza – Inspiring true stories of couples who have weathered extraordinary challenges and chosen each other every day.

3. 'Dear Sugars' with Cheryl Strayed and Steve Almond – Honest, compassionate advice that tackles the most challenging questions about relationships and heartbreak.

4. 'Modern Love' with Anna Martin – Real-life stories from The New York Times column brought to life, exploring the messy and beautiful sides of love.

5. 'Love Letters' with Meredith Goldstein – A podcast diving into the chaos of romance, marriage, and dating, with themes that shift each season.

22 best podcasts for relationship advice, dating, marriage, and breakups 

Dating, relationships, and self-love are topics that touch everyone, but finding practical, relatable advice can be tough. From dating disasters to deep connections, these podcasts offer a fresh perspective on love in all its beautiful and sometimes messy forms.

Dating and finding love podcasts

1. 'The Self Love Fix' with Beatrice Kamau

Are you tired of living at the mercy of what other people think of you? Beatrice Kamau, an embodiment coach and founder of The Self Love Over Codependency Program, created this podcast to help you shift from shame and people-pleasing into unshakeable self-confidence. 

Through spirituality and inner-child healing, she teaches listeners how to embody their true essence and stop seeking validation from others. It's practical advice for anyone ready to break free from codependency and step into their worthiness.

Average episode length: ≈ 25 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes tackle real dating challenges like "What Dating a Provider ACTUALLY Means" and dealing with hopelessness in the dating world. The show blends spiritual growth with practical dating advice, making it perfect for anyone looking to build self-love as the foundation for healthier romantic relationships.

2. 'Why Won't You Date Me?' with Nicole Byer

Ever wonder why dating feels so messy and complicated? Comedian Nicole Byer tackles exactly that question in this multi-award-winning dating podcast where she explores romantic highs, lows, and all the wild stuff in between. 

She brings on comedians, relationship experts, and sometimes even exes to dig into the chaos of modern dating. 

Average episode length: ≈ 50 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes cover the full spectrum of dating experiences, from ghosting and app frustrations to exploring haunted places as unconventional date spots. Nicole dives into topics like dating after major public scandals, navigating burlesque culture in relationships, and the realities of open relationships. You'll hear about cruise ship romances, bizarre animal relationship stories, and the challenges of dating when you're in the public eye. 

3. 'Dear Sugars' with Cheryl Strayed and Steve Almond

Need compassionate advice that doesn't sugarcoat the truth? Cheryl Strayed and Steve Almond created 'Dear Sugars' to tackle listeners' toughest questions about love, relationships, and life's messy complications. 

This podcast combines raw honesty, personal anecdotes, and expert insights to help people navigate a wide range of experiences, from heartbreak to family drama. 

Average episode length: ≈ 40 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes dive deep into complex topics like privilege in relationships, career versus love dilemmas, and the painful realities of divorce when children are involved. You'll hear discussions about ghosting in modern dating, emotional labor in romantic relationships, and personal reckonings that force you to examine your own patterns. 

4. 'Where Should We Begin?' with Esther Perel

Ever wonder what really happens with couples behind the closed doors of a therapist's office? Psychotherapist Esther Perel opens her office every Monday morning so you can listen in as real people share the raw, intimate details of their relationship struggles. 

This isn't just another relationship advice podcast, so take a closer look at how real couples navigate their messiest moments with one of the world's most respected relationship experts.

Average episode length: ≈ 35 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes tackle profound topics like grief and love with bestselling author Julia Samuel, plus classic sessions exploring decades-long friendships that hit unexpected rough patches. You'll hear about falling in love with your best friend and the painful decision to pause that friendship, as well as men struggling with being too empathetic in relationships. 

Marriage and long-term partnership podcasts

5. 'Committed' with Jo Piazza

What if the love of your life had been sitting right in front of you for years without you realizing it? Host Jo Piazza explores the hilarious, heartbreaking, and inspiring love stories of real couples who've weathered unimaginable circumstances and still choose each other every morning. Each episode proves that love can triumph in the most unexpected ways.

Average episode length: ≈ 35 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes feature couples with incredible backstories, like college friends who clicked instantly but took 18 years to finally get together, and co-chairs who spent a decade as creative collaborators before realizing they were soulmates. You'll hear about second chances at first love after 18 years apart, transatlantic romances that survived distance and uncertainty, and identical twins who challenge aging stereotypes while sharing wisdom about love after 55. 

6. 'Death, Sex & Money' with Anna Sale

What happens when you dig into the big questions that most people avoid in polite conversation? Anna Sale created this podcast to explore exactly those uncomfortable topics that shape our lives but rarely get an honest discussion. She tackles the messy intersections of mortality, intimacy, and finances with guests who aren't afraid to get vulnerable about their real experiences. 

Average episode length: ≈ 40 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes cover fascinating stories like a mover in New York City who's witnessed thousands of life transitions through people's belongings, plus deep dives into how ultra-wealthy families think about money and power. You'll hear about unusual careers like an Elvis impersonator who marries couples in Las Vegas, and serious topics like immigration detention affecting newlyweds. 

7. 'Marriage and Martinis' with Danielle and Adam Silverstein

Want to hear what marriage really looks like when the filters come off? Danielle and Adam Silverstein created this podcast to share the unvarnished truth about married life — the love, hate, teamwork, struggles, laughter, and complete chaos that comes with long-term partnership and parenting. 

Average episode length: ≈ 45 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes tackle everything from celebrating Black culture and addressing racism in America to lighter topics like testing feminist knowledge through Jeopardy-style games. You'll hear about their new business ventures, family ancestry discoveries, and environmental activism efforts. The couple doesn't shy away from discussing "adolescence" and modern parenting challenges, plus they dive into pop culture with their signature blend of humor and honesty. 

8. 'Modern Love' with Anna Martin

Ever wonder what makes love stories so compelling that they capture millions of readers' hearts? Based on The New York Times' beloved column that's been running for 20 years, this podcast brings you real love stories in all their messy, beautiful glory. Host Anna Martin shares weekly conversations about love's dumb pitfalls, life-changing moments, and everything in between, often featuring celebrity narrators reading the most moving essays. 

Average episode length: ≈ 25 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes tackle deep relationship questions like "Where Did All My Male Friendships Go?" exploring how marriage and kids can impact friendships, plus stories about extreme sports helping people process pain and find partnership. You'll hear about seven-week marriage compatibility tests, people learning to stop asking "Are you mad at me?" constantly, and the blurry line between best friends and romantic partners. 

9. 'Love Letters' with Meredith Goldstein

What happens when you dive deep into the messiest parts of love and relationships? Boston Globe advice columnist Meredith Goldstein hosts this podcast featuring love stories, dating disasters, and relationship tales about romance, marriage, partnership, sex, loss, and everything that makes the human heart tick. 

Each season explores a specific theme through personal stories, expert interviews, and practical advice that helps listeners navigate their own complicated love lives. 

Average episode length: ≈ 30 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes cover summer camp reconnections decades later, workplace romance scandals inspired by viral Coldplay concert drama, and pandemic relationships that survived lockdown isolation. You'll hear about cross-cultural love stories navigating war and conflict, plus discussions about whether people can really change for love and how face blindness affects marriage dynamics. 

10. 'I Do' from iHeartRadio

Ever thought you found the love of your life only to realize it was actually more like "thank you, next"? This podcast tackles second chances at love for people who've been there, done that, and are ready to get it right this time. Aimed at older, wiser singles who are 50 and fabulous, the show embraces the idea that everyone has baggage, but you're not bringing it on this trip. It's all about finding true love again with the wisdom that comes from experience.

Average episode length: ≈ 30 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes explore the "sixth love language" that most women prioritize, plus practical advice on letting someone else solve your dating problems through professional matchmaking. You'll hear powerful stories about women who left marriages to live authentically and find love with their true selves, plus discussions about meeting your soulmate while stuck in a sexless marriage. 

Relationship therapy and healing podcasts

11. 'Relationship Alive!' with Neil Sattin

What if the parts of yourself you're most ashamed to show are actually your greatest relationship assets? Neil Sattin, author and relationship coach, interviews renowned relationship experts like John Gottman, Sue Johnson, and Emily Nagoski to dig deep into what keeps relationships thriving. 

Average episode length: ≈ 50 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes explore turning vulnerability into your relationship superpower with therapist Ken Page, plus strategies for transforming negative thoughts into fuel for your goals. You'll hear about maintaining sexual desire in long-term relationships with Dr. Emily Nagoski, two foundational principles that form healthy relationships, and practical steps for being courageous when making scary relationship decisions. 

12. 'Co-Parenting with Confidence' with Mikki Gardner

Are you tired of the conflict and frustration that comes with divorce and ready to become a confident co-parent? Mikki Gardner, a Certified Life and Conscious Parenting Coach (and mom herself), created this podcast for courageous moms who want to move past the drama and become amazing examples to their children. 

She shares actionable steps and proven strategies to build healthier relationships and develop resilience. If you're ready to get inspired and learn how to love your family exactly the way it is, this show is for you.

Average episode length: ≈ 20 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes tackle stress management and coming home to yourself when you feel overwhelmed and disconnected, plus "wake-up calls" about stopping the endless wait for life to slow down. You'll hear about reclaiming your identity after divorce, co-parenting after infidelity, and trusting your inner wisdom during difficult parenting moments. 

13. 'The Divorce Podcast' with Kate Daly

Looking at divorce from a completely different angle than you've heard before? Kate Daly created this show to examine divorce from new perspectives and drive meaningful reform in how we approach separation. 

Shortlisted for the British Podcast Awards 2025, this show tackles the complexities of ending a marriage with fresh insights and practical wisdom.

Average episode length: ≈ 25 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes cover co-parenting neurodiverse children after divorce, communication strategies for successful co-parenting even when you and your ex are "allies," and practical tips for making summer holidays work as a single parent. The show also explores post-divorce dating with relationship therapist Cate Mackenzie and discusses child-centered handovers using insights from penguin behavior.

14.'Postcards From Midlife' with Lorraine and Trish

Are you living in a hormonal hothouse and feeling overwhelmed by midlife chaos? Lorraine and Trish created this podcast to offer positive, uplifting guidance on leading a more magnificent second act. These hosts've been editing glossy magazines for over two decades and have six children, two husbands, two dogs, and one cat between them. They chat with celebrities and experts about everything from menopause to parenting teens. 

Average episode length: ≈ 25 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes feature their most loved moments and useful advice from past guests, plus conversations with TV presenter Claudia Winkleman about empty nest syndrome and imposter feelings. You'll hear about volunteering in midlife, aging well while caring for elderly relatives, and life-changing tips on dating, careers, and work-life balance from various experts. 

15. 'Loving Later Life' with Nancy Lang Gibbs

Are you in your 50s, 60s, or beyond and wondering, "Is the best part of my life behind me?" or "How can I make new friends at this age?" Later Life Coach and writer Nancy Lang Gibbs created this podcast as a place where women 50+ can connect, feel seen, heard, and valued. It's a place to have fun and feel inspired about what's possible in your later years.

Average episode length: ≈ 25 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes tackle the fear of trying new things and what we're really afraid might happen, plus conversations with publisher Vicki DeArmon about celebrating women authors over 50. 

You'll hear spoken word poetry about inspiration and life experiences, plus interviews with storyteller Satori Shakoor about bold artistic transformations and Helen Dennis on aging and retirement planning. 

Teen podcasts on healthy relationships

16. 'This Teenage Life' 

What do healthy relationships look like when you're navigating the complexities of teenage life? This podcast is made by teens, for teens, sharing their ideas, stories, and unique perspectives right in the middle of their own growth as humans. 

The show offers insights that can help teens develop strong communication skills and understand what healthy boundaries look like in friendships and romantic relationships.

Average episode length: ≈ 20 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes tackle best friendships and what those relationships really mean, plus discussions about grappling with life's nonlinearity and figuring out who you are as you transition from high school to college. 

17. 'She Persisted' with Sadie

Are you a Gen Z person struggling with mental health and looking for authentic, relatable conversations that actually get it? Sadie created She Persisted as THE Gen Z mental health podcast, offering evidence-based resources, coping skills (lots of DBT), insights, and education in every episode. 

Average episode length: ≈ 25 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes feature expert advice on developing grit and setting yourself up for success with Dr. Angela Duckworth, plus a comprehensive guide on healing from depression featuring insights from 9 different mental health experts. 

18. 'Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans' with Lorraine Connell

Want to know how today's most successful leaders navigated their teenage years and developed their leadership skills? Host Lorraine Connell dives into the experiences of current Titan leaders to uncover how their adolescence shaped their paths to success. 

Average episode length: ≈ 30 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes feature conversations about embracing change and discovering your true calling with Reverend Dawn Adams, plus discussions on navigating trauma, gender, and sexuality with queer clinician Rebecca Minor. 

LGBTQ+ love podcasts

19. 'We're Having Gay Sex' with Ashley Gavin

Ever wondered what happens when a comedian ditches monogamy and documents every wild detail? Ashley Gavin trades her "U-Haul" lifestyle for sleeping around and shares all the messy, hilarious truths about queer dating. 

Joined by her "queerest friends" Kate Sisk (the "Cancel Coach") and Gara Lonning (the "Youth in the Soundbooth"), this podcast brings you unfiltered conversations about sex, dating, and everything in between. They interview people across the entire gender and sexuality spectrum, so yes, even straight people will learn what lesbian sex is really like.

Average episode length: ≈ 60 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes dive into yearly weddings with your life partner, late-life coming out stories with queer sex educator Eva Bloom, and discovering kissing kinks with comedian Robin Tran. Don't skip 'We're Having Gay Sex' if you want to find out more about transitioning while dating, squirting as a medical issue, and dating someone with disabilities. 

20. 'Lesbian Supper Club' with Scarlett & Freya

What happens when two lesbians with major oversharing issues get together to talk about queer culture and dating? You get the 'Lesbian Supper Club', where hosts Scarlett and Freya dive into sex, feminism, and "sometimes the deep things" with zero filter. 

This podcast creates a safe space for discussing dating horror stories and general queer life topics that you might not feel comfortable bringing up elsewhere. 

Average episode length: ≈ 40 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes tackle staying in the closet and how it affects your happiness, compulsive heterosexuality struggles, and the messy reality of lesbian dating apps with comedy guest Ella Wills. You'll hear about "tops, bottoms & the switches," plus Q&A sessions where they answer listener questions about their love lives. 

21. 'Two Dykes And A Mic' with Rachel Scanlon and McKenzie Goodwin

Looking for a weekly queer podcast that's all about sex positivity and building community through laughter? Rachel Scanlon and McKenzie Goodwin, two lesbian best friends, have created exactly that with their show dedicated to "gayness" in the best possible way. 

They keep listeners entertained with regular segments like "Gay News," relationship advice through "Ask A Dyke," and weekly dating horror stories in "Bumble Fumbles." 

Average episode length: ≈ 60 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes cover everything from snorting Zoloft with comedian Ali Kolbert to discussing breast milk and nude friendship dynamics. You'll hear about "friendship PDA," threesome numbers, and pop culture deep dives, including reality TV shows like 'The Ultimatum: Queer Love.' 

22. 'The Transgender Show' with Emily

Want to hear real transgender stories that go beyond the headlines? Emily hosts this weekly podcast where she interviews members of the trans community, along with their friends, family, and allies who share authentic transition experiences. Listeners find comfort, encouragement, and growth as guests share their successes and challenges in navigating life as transgender individuals. The show is recorded live on Twitch and then edited for rebroadcast, creating an interactive community experience that extends beyond just listening.

Average episode length: ≈ 40 minutes.

What to expect? Recent episodes feature diverse guests like comedian Ava Val, bestselling author Jennifer Marie (founder of Jennspire business), and nonbinary small business owner Ali, who runs Q Space in Kansas. You'll hear from Angela (Mama Pistachio), a self-proclaimed nerd and role player who creates safe spaces for LGBTQ+ folks, plus tribute episodes honoring beloved community members like Kari-Aidyn. 

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