Whatever poets may say about love, this much is also true: relationships aren’t always sunshine and roses. The most fulfilling of them require real work—as well as a continual willingness to learn, grow, and see ourselves—and each other—anew. As Shakespeare famously wrote, “the course of true love never did run smooth.”
While therapy can be helpful when times get tough, sometimes all you need is a quick hit of insight from an expert who has seen it all. Luckily, there is a near-endless roster of excellent relationship podcasts that provide just that. Whether you’re newly heartbroken, single and dating, living with your partner, or married long-term, the best relationship podcasts offer helpful tips and practical advice that you can immediately implement in your own life. Even better, many are filled with relatable stories from real people that are sure to make you feel more empowered and less alone.
Here, a look at some favorite dating and relationship podcasts to help you navigate all of love’s ups and downs—no matter what part of the journey you’re currently on. Give them a listen and remember: relationships may not be easy, but love is almost always worth the work.
Whether you’re in the throes of heartache, in the midst of a confusing situationship, or simply hoping to improve your communication skills, author and dating coach Matthew Hussey is exactly the kind of guy you want to hear from: he’s relatable, insightful, grounded, and kind. He’s also not afraid to dole out the harsh truths; much of his advice centers on his belief that “your love life is a reflection of your self-worth.” To that end, his podcast Love Life—which echoes the name of his recent best-selling book—features thoughtful insights designed to help listeners raise their standards, stop attracting emotionally available people, and create the relationships they ultimately want.
What happens in therapy stays in therapy, right? Not if you’re one of the (anonymous) people featured on renowned psychotherapist Esther Perel’s podcast. Each episode allows listeners to eavesdrop on real-life therapy sessions as couples and individuals work through issues ranging from workplace affairs to polyamory to the question of parenthood. It’s poignant, emotional, and relatable—and great intel for anyone wondering if therapy might be the right move for them, too.
While not strictly about relationships, life coach Margarita Nazerenko’s podcast Being Her doesn’t often stray far from the topic—though the focus is always on taking accountability, tapping into your most empowered self, and living your most authentic life. With her no-nonsense approach to love, she’s the person to listen to when you need advice on setting healthy boundaries, making long-distance relationships work, and overcoming anxious attachment. She’s also an expert on the “black cat” versus “golden retriever” relationship theory you see everywhere on TikTok and Instagram.
“Great relationships don’t just happen, we create them,” is the motto of podcast host, author, and human connection specialist Mark Groves. Through heart-centered advice and real-talk insight drawn from his own rock-bottom relationship moments, Groves’s podcast explores “the good, bad, downright ugly, and beautiful sides of connection” with episodes that cover everything from codependency to breakups to healing from trauma. He also regularly interviews psychologists, authors, and other thought leaders on topics such as the fear of commitment and how to healthily navigate conflict in relationships.
“We often hear so much about the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. But on this show, we talk about all of the awesomeness within queer relationships,” co-hosts and relationship therapists Keely Helmick and Melisa De Seguirant say about their 100-episode-deep podcast. To that end, each episode features smart discussion on everything from non-monogamy to how to open up about sexual desires. While the content is geared towards non-cis listeners, many of the issues are so universal, almost anyone could find the advice useful.
Dating and relationship coach Jennifer Hurvitz’s podcast covers territory that doesn’t always get a lot of attention: sex and intimacy for those in midlife. With a focus on marriage and dating after divorce, no topic is off limits—including the recent trend of “living apart together” and how menopause impacts relationships. Luckily, Hurvitz’s playful yet honest approach makes it all seem way less intimidating.
Longtime Boston Globe advice columnist Meredith Goldstein hosts this podcast featuring real-life tales of “romance, marriage, partnership, sex, loss, and the human heart.” Produced by PRX—which is also behind the beloved show This American Life as well as The Moth Radio Hour—each episode uses music, interviews, and narration to paint an immersive picture of one person’s journey to love. Of course, Goldstein shares her signature wisdom and advice occasionally, too.
With over 200 episodes, relationship coach and writer Jillian Turecki’s podcast is a must for anyone who is looking to “completely transform their love life.” Her first order of business? To address “the relationship you have with yourself.” Recent popular episodes include advice on how to love yourself when someone breaks your heart and how to regulate your emotions during conflict, but our favorite episodes are always the ones in which Turecki answers reader’s real-life questions with wisdom gleaned from 20 years’ worth of professional relationship-coaching.
Everyone could use a little more Cheryl Strayed in their lives: The author of the best-selling memoir Wild always seems to have the truest, most compassionate insights on love and life. In Dear Sugars, Strayed and co-host Steve Almond provide practical and empathetic advice on matters of the heart sent in by listeners; everything from male-female friendships to relationships with stepparents to feeling doubt over the one you love is discussed. Though the podcast isn’t currently releasing new episodes, Dear Sugars remains an essential listen—and luckily, there are nearly 400 episodes available in the archive.
Refreshing and funny, this podcast is hosted by married couple Kevin and Melissa Fredericks, who use their own experience in a 20-year relationship—as well as insights they gathered writing their New York Times best-selling book of the same name—to help other couples navigate the trials and tribulations of marriage and keep “laughing, loving, and learning.”
With short episodes on topics ranging from how to tame intense feelings to navigating expectations, host and relationship coach Jenn Noble guides listeners through the “complex maze of relationships” with humor and relatable wisdom. With a focus on healing blocks and setting healthy boundaries, Noble’s podcast is perfect for when you need a quick hit of self-help—and a giggle. Case in point: one recent episode is titled “is it my attachment style or is he just an a-hole?”