John O’Leary welcomes Daniel Jones, editor of the popular New York Times column Modern Love to the Live Inspired Podcast.
For 18 years, Daniel Jones’ mission has been to publish honest personal essays about contemporary relationships in his popular New York Times column Modern Love.
It has spawned a podcast and a TV series by the same name, all focused on love. Love lost, love found and love reclaimed. Love that’s romantic, familial, platonic and unexpected. Most of all, stories celebrating love as it exists in real life.
Today, Dan shares the genesis of Modern Love, some of the most memorable essays and what he’s learned from reading hundreds of thousands of complex love stories.
Subscribe & listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, iHeartRadio or listen here:
SHOW NOTES:
- Growing up, Dan admired the patience of this dad and how they bonded over shared passions including coin collecting.
- Modern Love is born: In 2004, Dan + his wife Cathi Hanauer sought to understand the complications + stresses of contemporary relationships.
- While writers share deeply personal anecdotes of their relationships, readers find relief when they realize others have similar struggles.
- One of the first essays was read so broadly, it triggered others to start sharing their essays. Read The Chicken’s in the Oven, My Husband’s Out the Door here.
- Wanting to create a circle of trust, Dan + his colleague Miya Lee read + respond to each of the 10,000 essays submitted each year.
- Living involves loss: Dan is inspired by the bravery of those who vulnerably share their stories, allowing him to have more compassion for others.
- Read my tens of millions across the world, Dan’s article about equalizing vulnerability to fall in love has become one of the most popular New York Times articles. Read 36 Questions that Lead to Love here.
- You May Want to Marry My Husband: Dying of ovarian cancer, children’s book author Amy Krouse Rosenthal wrote an essay in the form of a dating profile for her husband to find love after she died. Read it here.
- “Let’s make sure we step back every so often with humility to marvel at the mystery of what love does best.”
- To read other Modern Love essays, or to submit your own, click here.
Join us live on Thursday, February 10 at 10am CT! Three-time Olympian Devon Harris has achieved true greatness. Starting as a barefoot boy trying to win a track race, Devon eventually became a member of Jamaica’s first Olympic bobsled team.
Tune in as Devon shares:
- His journey from the slums of Jamaica to competing in the Olympics
- How he learned of the power of persistence
- The tools to push beyond any limiting belief
- … and more
***
About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.
DANIEL JONES' LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. Focus. - Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A. My laptop. - Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A. My childhood hero Roberto Clemente. He was an outfielder for Pittsburgh Pirates when his plane went down while going to help earthquake victims in Nicaragua. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. Don't pursue work based on how much you thought you could earn, what is needed or embraced but pursue the work that means a lot to you. - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. Focus on your classes. I got a good education but it could have been so much richer if I put that first. - Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. He helped people tell their stories.
