This is Love

Delia Ephron, author and screenwriter behind You've Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle, shares a life shaped by comedy, loss, and unexpected romance. She recounts meeting Peter through email, deepening connection by phone, a hospital wedding, and her fight with leukemia. The conversation traces grief, recovery, and the quiet joys of life rebuilt together.

Michael Carson, a Park Slope resident and dog owner who helped search Prospect Park, tells a harrowing rescue story. Multiple neighbors mobilize after a missing dog sighting. Michael finds the dog hiding in a hollowed tree trunk, sparking a community effort and a tense, emotional reunion.

Chloe Dalton, author of Raising Hare, tells of rescuing and caring for a wild leveret in the English countryside. She shares daily routines, the leveret’s playful habits, and the strange folklore surrounding hares. The story follows fragile beginnings, surprising returns of the mother, and the bittersweet rhythms of life and loss.

Justin Posey, treasure hunter and author of Beyond the Map’s Edge, recounts years chasing Forrest Fenn’s hidden cache. He talks about the rise of the hunt, ambiguous clues and internet communities. He describes search techniques, obsession’s consequences, the find’s aftermath and the legal fallout. He also explains creating his own treasure hunt as a tribute to the chase.

In this engaging discussion, underwater explorer Jill Heinerth shares her harrowing experiences diving into the colossal B-15 iceberg. A National Geographic collaborator, Jill recounts the brutal 12-day journey through treacherous waters and the startling discovery of vibrant life forms within the iceberg. She details life-threatening moments, including surviving strong currents and a pinhole leak in her glove. Reflecting on the ecological impact of her adventure, Jill explores the fascinating biology of ice fish and ponders the risks and rewards of exploration as she ages.

In this engaging discussion, Heather Lende, a dedicated writer from Haines, Alaska, shares her experiences crafting nearly 500 intimate obituaries that capture the essence of individuals and their stories. She reveals how grief influences her style and the importance of specific details. Joining her is Ed Miller, co-founder of the Provincetown Independent, who emphasizes the significance of personal character in obituaries and the challenges of balancing truth with family sentiments. Together, they highlight the communal value and emotional depth that obituaries bring to life.

When Emma Gatewood was 67, she told her children she was going on a walk. “The next they would hear from her would be via postcard… And it said, ‘By ‘walk’ I mean I'm thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail.’” Ben Montgomery’s book is Grandma Gatewood’s Walk. Say hello on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts. Want to listen to This is Love ad-free? Sign up for Criminal Plus – you’ll get to listen to This is Love, Criminal, and Phoebe Reads a Mystery without any ads. Plus, you’ll get behind-the-scenes bonus episodes of Criminal and other exclusive benefits. Learn more and sign up here. We also make Criminal and Phoebe Reads a Mystery. Artwork by Julienne Alexander. Check out our online shop. Episode transcripts are posted on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Min Nguyen, an optometrist with a remarkable photographic memory, shares his transformative journey of reconnecting with over 350 former classmates after a serious health scare. He emphasizes the importance of in-person meetings for genuine interactions, recounting candid conversations that reveal deep stories and shared trauma. Min also discusses the unique questions he asks and the profound responses he receives. His project not only reignites old friendships but inspires others to seek connections, showcasing the power of community and empathy.

Nasha Thomas, a former dancer from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and current Ailey dancer Constance D'Amatiou dive into the intense ballet 'Cry.' Nasha shares vivid rehearsal memories and the emotional weight of performing it, while Constance discusses the physical toll it takes on dancers. They break down the choreography's challenging sections, revealing deep connections to Alvin Ailey's childhood and inspirations. Touching on the legacy of Judith Jamison and the impact of performing 'Cry' at Ailey's funeral, they explore how this piece continues to resonate.

Ava Do, a former pickpocket turned mentalist, and Apollo Robbins, a theatrical pickpocket, share their intriguing love story rooted in deception. They discuss Ava's unique journey from postwar Vietnam to mastering sleight-of-hand under Apollo’s guidance. Their playful relationship is marked by trust tests involving magic and surprise jewelry thefts. Together, they formed a brain trust of deception experts, exploring the ethics of their craft. They also emphasize the importance of critical thinking in raising their daughter, Maya, blending magic with life lessons.