This is Love

The Asteroid Hunter

An asteroid hunter tasked with protecting the planet from cosmic threats reflects on the duty of keeping watch.

The Golden Record

Crafting a message of human joy and romance for the Golden Record sparked a lifelong love between Carl Sagan and Ann.

The Photograph

An adopted history professor unravels a decades-long obsession with a fictionalized past to finally find his roots.

SOS

In this episode of This is Love titled SOS, the narrative follows the harrowing true story of Brandon and Gina, a couple who found themselves in a life-threatening situation shortly after they began seeing one another. While trekking 8,500 feet high on a mountain, they became hopelessly lost and faced the terrifying reality of being stranded in the wilderness with no immediate help in sight. The episode details their desperate struggle for survival and the chilling realization that their cries for assistance were met only with silence. Drawing from Bill Donahue’s article Lost and Found, the storytelling explores the endurance of the human spirit and the strength of a bond tested by extreme circumstances. Listeners can expect an intense, emotional account of perseverance and the profound impact that shared trauma can have on a budding relationship.

The French Fries

In this intriguing episode of This is Love, listeners are invited to solve a peculiar suburban mystery that began when Cathy discovered a mysterious takeout bag on her porch. Inside was a half-eaten order of french fries labeled with the name Rodolphe. What started as a confusing one-time event quickly escalated into a daily occurrence, prompting Cathy and her neighbor Harley to investigate the strange delivery. As the deliveries continued, the pair decided it was time to get to the bottom of the fry phenomenon. Journalist Harley Rustad shares his experience covering this puzzling story for Toronto Life, detailing how an ordinary neighborhood interaction transformed into an unfolding mystery. This episode offers an engaging look at curiosity, community connection, and the surprising ways small, inexplicable events can bring people together in pursuit of a common answer.

Feeling Good

In this episode of This is Love, host Phoebe Judge explores a whimsical and unexpected tale of identity and performance centered on comedian Dan Perlman. The story begins with a chance encounter when a stranger approaches Perlman and insists he bears a striking resemblance to crooner Michael Bublé. This casual observation quickly evolves into a high-stakes challenge as the woman asks him to impersonate the famous singer for a special event. With only six days to prepare for the performance, Perlman embarks on a frantic and humorous journey to master the persona of a world-famous icon. Listeners are invited to dive into this lighthearted narrative that highlights the bizarre coincidences life can present. It is a charming look at how a simple request can turn into a memorable, creative adventure for someone caught completely off guard.

You've Got Mail

In this episode, the podcast explores the intriguing intersections between fiction and real life, focusing on the iconic romantic comedies written by Delia Ephron and her sister, Nora Ephron. Listeners are taken behind the scenes of beloved classics like Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail, films that defined a generation of cinematic romance. The narrative takes a surprising turn when Delia Ephron shares her own deeply personal story, revealing how she unexpectedly found herself living out a digital love story remarkably similar to the one she helped write for the screen. By bridging the gap between screenplay craft and authentic human connection, this episode examines the ways love can manifest in the most modern and digital of spaces. It is a thoughtful look at how life sometimes mirrors art, proving that even a seasoned romantic comedy writer can be swept away by their own real-life fairytale.

A Needle in a Haystack

In this episode of This is Love titled A Needle in a Haystack, listeners are invited into a heartwarming story centered on a community effort in Brooklyn. When a beloved dog suddenly goes missing in a local park, the stakes feel impossibly high. Rather than leaving the owners to search alone, a dedicated group of neighbors from a local Facebook community springs into action, determined to bring the pet home. The narrative explores the power of collective compassion and the unexpected ways that technology can connect strangers during moments of crisis. Through this suspenseful yet touching account, the episode highlights the profound bonds that form between people when they unite for a common, altruistic cause. It is an uplifting testament to human kindness and the lengths to which people will go to help a neighbor in distress.

Chloe and the Hare

In this episode of This is Love, listeners are invited into a whimsical and deeply personal narrative as Chloe Dalton shares the story behind her memoir, Raising Hare. The conversation centers on a unique and unexpected bond formed between a human and a wild animal. Dalton reflects on the enchanting nature of this relationship, describing it as a living fairy tale that felt almost magical. She recounts the experience of welcoming a hare into her life, observing its habits, and finding companionship with a creature that remained fundamentally independent. This episode explores themes of connection, the wonder of the natural world, and the silent understanding that can develop across species. It is a gentle, immersive look at an extraordinary friendship that challenged her perspective on human-animal bonds and the quiet beauty found in simple, shared moments.

The Treasure Hunt

In this episode of This is Love, the narrative explores the captivating and mysterious journey surrounding a hidden fortune. In 2010, Forrest Fenn famously concealed a bronze box filled with treasure somewhere deep within the Rocky Mountains, sparking a modern-day scavenger hunt that captivated thousands. With nothing more than a series of cryptic clues to guide them, hopeful adventurers set out into the wilderness to claim the prize. This episode delves into the motivations of those who dedicated their lives to the search, examining what drives people to chase legends and the thin line between obsession and discovery. Listeners can expect a thoughtful exploration of human nature, the allure of the unknown, and the profound impact that such a singular, daring challenge can have on those who decide to follow the trail wherever it may lead.

Into the Ice

In this episode of This is Love, host Phoebe Judge explores the harrowing and awe-inspiring journey of renowned explorer and diver Jill Heinerth. The narrative follows Heinerth’s ambitious mission to document the interior of the B-15 iceberg, the largest iceberg in recorded history. Accompanied by an elite team of divers, she endures a treacherous twelve-day expedition across the unforgiving Southern Ocean to reach the massive structure. As the team attempts to navigate deep, shifting cracks within the ice, Heinerth faces multiple life-threatening situations. The story reaches a profound climax when an unexpected encounter with a tiny, transparent sea creature offers a moment of salvation. Listeners can expect a gripping, atmospheric tale that highlights the immense dangers of polar exploration and the surprising, delicate connections found in the most extreme corners of our planet.

The Obituary Section

In this poignant episode of This is Love, host Phoebe Judge sits down with Heather Lende, a writer who has spent years chronicling the lives of residents in her close-knit Alaskan community. Having penned nearly 500 obituaries, Lende has become the unofficial biographer of her neighbors, turning the act of writing about death into a profound celebration of life. Listeners will hear how Lende navigates the challenge of memorializing people she knew personally and how these experiences have shaped her perspective on human connection. By reflecting on the legacies left behind in a small town, the episode offers a touching exploration of grief, community, and the enduring power of storytelling. This intimate conversation invites listeners to consider the deep impact of our relationships and what it truly means to be remembered by those we hold dear.

The Long Walk

In this episode of This is Love, listeners are introduced to the remarkable story of Emma Gatewood, a woman who redefined retirement in an extraordinary way. At the age of 67, Gatewood surprised her children by announcing she was heading out for a walk, only for them to discover via postcard that she was actually attempting a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. The narrative explores the determination and spirit required to tackle such a daunting challenge at an age when many others might choose to slow down. Joining the program is author Ben Montgomery, whose book Grandma Gatewood’s Walk chronicles her historic journey. This episode offers an engaging look at a true pioneer, celebrating her resilience, independence, and the profound personal motivation that drove her to conquer the wilderness when the world expected her to stay at home.

How's Your Life?

In this poignant episode of This is Love, the narrative centers on the personal journey of Minh Nguyen. As a student, Nguyen struggled with deep social discomfort, choosing to leave his yearbooks unsigned rather than engage with his peers. Decades later, he embarks on an unexpected quest to reconnect with his past by reaching out to his former classmates. Through these long-overdue conversations, Nguyen poses a series of consistent questions to everyone he contacts, seeking to bridge the gap of twenty years. Listeners are invited to explore the power of human connection, the impact of time on our perceptions, and the courage it takes to revisit the chapters of our youth. It is a contemplative look at how simple, deliberate questions can transform our understanding of the people we once knew and the lives they have led since.

Cry

In this episode of This is Love, the narrative centers on the powerful origins of Alvin Ailey’s iconic 1971 ballet, Cry. Created as a heartfelt birthday gift for his mother, the piece serves as a profound artistic tribute to the resilience of Black women. Ailey draws deeply from his own childhood memories, specifically recalling the sight of his mother laboring on her knees to scrub floors for others. These grueling movements are physically translated into the choreography, where dancers push their bodies to the absolute limit. Listeners can expect an evocative exploration of how trauma, sacrifice, and history are woven into the language of dance. By examining the intense physical toll of the performance, the episode highlights how Ailey transformed personal pain into a legendary work of art that honors his mother's strength and endurance.

Ava and the Pickpocket

In this episode of This is Love, listeners are introduced to the unconventional and captivating romance of Ava Do. The story begins in 2004 during a bachelorette party in Las Vegas, where Ava unexpectedly crosses paths with a professional pickpocket. What starts as a series of petty thefts—with the mysterious man swiping her jewelry and watch—evolves into a deep, surprising connection that defies traditional expectations. The narrative explores how this stranger’s bold actions sparked an intense curiosity in Ava, leading to a relationship defined by intrigue and heart. Listeners can expect a compelling look at how love often arrives in the most unlikely circumstances, challenging the boundaries between mischief and affection. It is a thought-provoking tale about the strange magnetism of attraction and the transformative power of a truly unique human connection.

One More Time

In this episode of This is Love, the narrative explores the deep connection between cultural heritage, artistic restoration, and the enduring power of community. The story centers on Robert Davidson, a renowned Haida artist who was born into a village where the iconic totem poles of the Pacific Northwest had been entirely erased. The episode examines how this absence shaped Davidson’s life and artistic journey as he sought to reclaim a visual language that had been silenced for generations. Listeners can expect a moving account of cultural loss and the profound love involved in revitalizing ancestral traditions. Through Davidson’s personal experience, the episode highlights the resilience of a people determined to bring their history back to life, reminding us that acts of creation are often the most powerful form of love and remembrance.

A Sky of Kites

In this episode of This is Love, the narrative explores the rich history and cultural significance of kite flying in India. For centuries, these colorful creations have served diverse purposes, ranging from practical weather forecasting to romantic gestures where kites carry secret love letters across the skyline. However, the story takes a fascinating turn as it examines the intersection between human tradition and nature. The skies above are not reserved solely for these paper vessels; they are also the domain of hundreds of thousands of black kites, scavenging birds that share both the airspace and a name with their man-made counterparts. Listeners can expect a thoughtful exploration of how humans and wildlife coexist in the same environment, weaving together historical tradition, avian behavior, and the unexpected ways in which our passions can overlap with the natural world.

The Throne

In this episode of This is Love titled The Throne, listeners are transported back to 1964 in Washington, DC, to uncover a truly bizarre discovery. The story begins when a landlord realizes his tenant has stopped paying rent and decides to investigate the apartment. Upon entering, he finds the unit abandoned, but the tenant has left behind a mysterious and massive project he had been secretly crafting for over fourteen years. The narrative delves into the obsession and dedication required to build such an intricate work of art in total isolation. Listeners can expect a captivating and slightly eccentric mystery that highlights the unexpected ways people express their devotion and inner worlds. It is a poignant exploration of hidden passions and the strange remnants people leave behind when they disappear from the lives of those around them.

My Penny

In this compelling episode of This is Love, the narrative unfolds around a mysterious and unsettling event from October 2006. A man arrives at a hospital in Denver, but he is unable to recall his own identity or explain how he arrived there. What follows is a profound exploration of memory, loss, and the fundamental search for self. As the mystery of the unidentified man deepens, listeners are taken on a journey that challenges conventional understandings of identity and connection. This episode highlights the emotional gravity of not knowing who you are or where you belong. By revisiting this unique case, the show invites the audience to consider the resilience of the human spirit when faced with the sudden erasure of one’s personal history. It is a haunting, thought-provoking story about the search for truth in the aftermath of a complete loss of self.