106 episodes

Every Monday morning step into the office of iconic psychotherapist Esther Perel 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 begin? Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel Esther’s Office Hours

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.8 • 13.4K Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

Every Monday morning step into the office of iconic psychotherapist Esther Perel 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 begin? Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    Esther Calling - My Husband, His Other Wife, and Me

    Esther Calling - My Husband, His Other Wife, and Me

    They were aid workers who met abroad, fell in love, and came to the States to get married. After two years, her partner returned to his home country to fulfill his familial duty and marry his brother's widow. Esther talks her through what comes next.

    Esther Callings are a one time, 45-60 minute interventional phone call with Esther. They are edited for time, clarity, and anonymity. If you have a question you would like to talk through with Esther, send a voice memo to producer@estherperel.com.

    For the first time on the U.S. stage, Esther invites you to an evening unlike any other. Join her as she shines a light on the cultural shifts transforming relationships and helps us rethink how we connect, how we desire – and even how we love. To find a city near you, go to https://www.estherperel.com/tour2024

    Want to learn more? Receive monthly insights, musings, and recommendations to improve your relational intelligence via email from Esther: https://www.estherperel.com/newsletter
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 40 min
    Trevor Noah Aftershow - Bonus Q & A

    Trevor Noah Aftershow - Bonus Q & A

    Listen in to what didn't make the podcast this week in a very special post recording with Esther and Trevor Noah. Esther and Trevor had a candid chat about the state of comedy in the world we live in on the Vox Media Podcast Stage at SXSW in Austin. And afterwards, Esther and Trevor agreed to stick around for a few extra questions from the crowd. Esther takes qustions in a very original way- listen and see if she answers a question you might have.

    For the first time on the U.S. stage, Esther invites you to an evening unlike any other. Join her as she shines a light on the cultural shifts transforming relationships and helps us rethink how we connect, how we desire – and even how we love. To find a city near you, go to https://www.estherperel.com/tour2024

    For Trevor Noah's Off the Record tour visit https://www.trevornoah.com/shows
    To hear more from Trevor Noah head over to his podcast, What Now? With Trevor Noah: spotify.link/trevornoah

    Want to learn more? Receive monthly insights, musings, and recommendations to improve your relational intelligence via email from Esther: https://www.estherperel.com/newsletter

    Sex, Comedy and Context: A Live Conversation with Trevor Noah

    Sex, Comedy and Context: A Live Conversation with Trevor Noah

    Not all conversations with Esther have to happen behind closed doors. Last week, Esther sat down with Trevor Noah, live from the Vox Media Podcast Stage at SXSW in Austin, for a candid look at the state of comedy in the world we live in. The two of them uncovered some surprising similarities between being a comic and being a therapist. Esther showed Trevor a few ways to become a better listener and Trevor in return helped Esther prep for her new live tour.

    If you want to be part of that show too- Esther invites you to an evening unlike any other. Join her as she shines a light on the cultural shifts transforming relationships and helps us rethink how we connect, how we desire – and even how we love. To find a city near you, go to https://www.estherperel.com/tour2024

    For Trevor Noah's Off the Record tour visit https://www.trevornoah.com/shows
    To hear more from Trevor Noah head over to his podcast, What Now? With Trevor Noah: spotify.link/trevornoah

    Want to learn more? Receive monthly insights, musings, and recommendations to improve your relational intelligence via email from Esther: https://www.estherperel.com/newsletter
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 49 min
    I Can't Give You a Child

    I Can't Give You a Child

    This is a classic session, from the first season of Where Should We Begin? A woman realizes she doesn’t want to have children and comes to Esther for help expressing this to her husband, who passionately wishes to be a father. Not wanting to deny her husband this opportunity, she comes up with a solution, but Esther encourages them to talk more honestly about what led to this crossroad.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 43 min
    If He's A "High Value Man", What Am I?

    If He's A "High Value Man", What Am I?

    Esther talks to a woman who, despite her best efforts, finds herself implicated in the same toxic cycle of abuse from her partner that she grew up watching between her parents. Rationally, she knows she deserves better, but just can't seem to get out from under this painful repetition of events. Esther talks her through why she thinks she finds herself back here time and time again.

    Esther Callings are a one-time, 45-60 minute interventional phone call with Esther. They are edited for time, clarity, and anonymity. If you have a question you would like to talk through with Esther, send a voice memo to producer@estherperel.com.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 33 min
    Internal Family Systems with Dick Schwartz

    Internal Family Systems with Dick Schwartz

    We all have multiple parts inside ourselves and that's actually a good thing because we need these parts and all their resources and qualities. But these parts carry burdens. Internal Family Systems creates inner and outer connectedness by helping people access their Self and come to understand and heal their parts. This episode is part of a longer conversation that Esther and founder of Internal Family Systems, Dr. Dick Schwartz had on her membership platform Sessions with Esther Perel, where Esther hosts conversations  with colleagues in and around the mental health space.

    For more on Sessions with Esther Perel visit https://sessions.estherperel.com/

    Want to learn more? Receive monthly insights, musings, and recommendations to improve your relational intelligence via email from Esther: https://www.estherperel.com/newsletter

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
13.4K Ratings

13.4K Ratings

LittleYeti4789 ,

Truly so inspiring and beautiful

This podcast ever softens my edges towards others and reminds me of humanity and the absolutely precious intricacies of the human story. Thank you for teaching us all through this format of storytelling and support!

*shineri* ,

Favorite Podcast

“Where Should We Begin” has become my favorite podcast since it was released, and I eagerly anticipate each new episode week after week. Esther Perel’s insight and intelligence shine through in evey session, and I’m captivated listening to her. Her ability to delve deep into the core of each issue and articulate complex concepts in a relatable manner is so fascinating to me. I learn something valuable from each episode, and feel I have grown mentally so much through her. Than you and keep doing what you’re doing!

baby Therapist ,

Ever insightful and compassionate

Esther has been one of my personal thought leaders for years, these sessions have made me a better therapist, lover, daughter, coworker, and human. I also appreciate so much how Esther has listened to feedback from fans about recycled episodes, short episodes, and excessive commercials. I feel like the community’s concerns were heard and addressed.

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