Best PJ Ellis Podcasts (2025)

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Husband of the Year Author MA Wardell talks about why we all need more HEAs! 50:27

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16h ago50:27

50:27

Send us a text M.A. Wardell, the amazing author of the bestselling Teacher of the Year, talks about the brand new sequel, Husband of the Year (because your favorite couple - Marvin and Olan - are getting married!). Matt, the Lambda Literary Award nominee, writes spicy queer rom-coms. His goal is to tell adult gay love stories with a diverse repres…

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Dig One Hole, Dig It Deep: The Man Commercial Protection Story 34:21

4h ago34:21

34:21

Summary In this episode, Iain McCallister, CEO of Man Commercial Protection, shares his journey of building a successful security business. He emphasises the importance of focusing on one thing and doing it well, as encapsulated in his mantra, 'Dig one hole, dig it deep.' Iain discusses the challenges and triumphs of leading a company through acqui…

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Catch Up Session: Lessons from Episodes 7 - 11 46:09

7d ago46:09

46:09

**Summary** In this episode, PJ and Andy reflect on episodes 7 through 11, discussing themes of resilience, opportunity, and self-belief. They highlight conversations with guests Paul Faulkner, Latoyah Thompson, Sam Dell, Richard Parker, Sharon Bell and Katey Martin, exploring topics such as the importance of storytelling, networking, and embracing…

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24-time (!) USA Today bestselling Sarina Bowen talks about hockey romance and much more! 32:11

2h ago32:11

32:11

Send us a text Award-winning and Wallstreet Journal and 24-time (that's NOT a typo) USA Today bestseller Sarina Bowen is a former derivatives trader AND a magna cum laude graduate from Yale University. She's the author of more than 65 books. Her latest, Thrown for a Loop - where a hockey player and former figure skater get a second chance at love -…

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Ellie Hayes and the Himbos Author Vanessa King Talks Rom AND Coms 37:46

16d ago37:46

37:46

Send us a text Vanessa King, author of the Pride and Prejudice retelling, A CERTAIN APPEAL, lives in Austin with her Ron Swanson-esque husband, paper craft-obsessed daughter, and cats Mei Mei: the feline gargoyle, and Sweetums, an endlessly sweet creature who never met a forbidden surface she couldn't explore. King's new release, Ellie Hayes and th…

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Beyond the Battlefield: Ben Williams on Life and Leadership 56:26

3d ago56:26

56:26

In this episode, Ben Williams shares his journey from a Royal Marines commando to a resilience coach, discussing the importance of resilience, leadership, and personal growth. He reflects on his experiences in the military, his transition to civilian life, and his work with the England football team. Ben emphasises the value of humour and grit in o…

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Heather Colley's debut novel The Gilded Butterfly Effect is the dark academia book of fall 29:59

9d ago29:59

29:59

Send us a text Heather Colley’s debut novel THE GILDED BUTTERFLY EFFECT out now tells a dark academia tale about the truth behind the glittering surface of sorority life. Colley's short fiction has won awards including the Oxford Review of Books short fiction prize, the Hopwood Award, the BNU-Oxford short fiction prize (runner-up), and the Desperat…

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The Best of Our First Five Guests: Key Takeaways with Andy and PJ 29:54

10d ago29:54

29:54

In this episode, we reflect on the insights and key themes from our first five guests. We discuss the importance of creating opportunities, resilience, and the evolving role of AI in our lives. The conversation highlights the value of life skills, the impact of mentorship, and the significance of time over advice. Join us as we jump into these topi…

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Skip To The Good Part (recorded) LIVE at RARE25 in Melbourne, Australia! 59:24

18d ago59:24

59:24

Send us a text Couldn't head down under to the RARE25 romance conference in Melbourne, Australia? Well, we've got it covered from author interviews to quick chats with attendees. We'll help you feel like you were there! Discover new authors and old favorites, like #1 New York Times bestseller author of Twisted Love, Ana Huang! We also talk to: Aidy…

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The Power of Making People Feel Seen. A Conversation with Jas Rohel 40:57

17d ago40:57

40:57

We are joined by Jas Rohel, the CEO and founder of Education Awards, who shares her journey from working in education to establishing an awards program that recognises outstanding contributions in the field. The discussion covers the importance of celebrating educators, the need for curriculum reform, the impact of technology on learning, and perso…

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We talk gothic romance and dark fantasy with bestselling author S.T. Gibson! 38:31

1M ago38:31

38:31

Send us a text S.T. Gibson is the #1 Sunday Times and USA Today bestselling author of A DOWRY OF BLOOD and other novels. Her gothic romances and dark fantasy novels have been nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award and a British Fantasy Award, and longlisted for a British Science Fiction Association Award. A graduate of the creative writing program …

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Navigating the Job Market: Insights from Emma Neale and Parth Patel. 49:51

1M ago49:51

49:51

Dive into a conversation with Parth, a third-year student at Aston University, and Emma Neale, a Senior Teaching Fellow at the same Uni. Discover Parth's journey in seeking a placement in accounting and finance, and hear Emma's insights on bridging the gap between education and industry. The discussion touches on the importance of resilience, netwo…

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Negotiating Life: Insights from a Counterterrorism Expert, Katey Martin 51:06

1M ago51:06

51:06

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We talk twists and delicious mysterious bestseller Nicole Trope! 32:46

1M ago32:46

32:46

Send us a text Nicole Trope a USA Today and Amazon bestseller in the USA, UK, AUS and CAN. She’s written such amazing thrillers as The Family Across the Street and The Therapist. She’s got a master’s degree in Children’s Literature. And Her amazingly poignant and twisty, novel, My Daughter’s Secret, will be re-released in the U.S. this week. Warnin…

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The Power of Music: Sharon Bell on Education and Inclusivity 44:42

2M ago44:42

44:42

In this episode of Wit and Grit, Sharon Bell, Chief Executive of Services for Education, shares her journey from an accountant to leading a charity focused on music education in Birmingham. She discusses the challenges and innovations during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of music in education, and the impact of providing accessible music op…

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Unlocking Opportunities: Richard Parker's Vision for the West Midlands 34:12

2M ago34:12

34:12

Join us as we sit down with Richard Parker, the Mayor of the West Midlands, to explore his inspiring journey from a working-class upbringing to a leadership role in regional politics. In this episode, Richard shares his vision for growth and opportunity in the West Midlands, emphasising the importance of creating jobs and nurturing young talent. Di…

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Belief Meets Action: Inspiring Legal Journeys with Latoyah Thompson and Sam Dell 39:58

2M ago39:58

39:58

Join us as we delve into the inspiring journeys of Latoyah Thompson and Sam Dell. From humble beginnings in Birmingham to thriving careers in law, Latoyah and Sam share their unique paths, the challenges they overcame, and the pivotal moments that shaped their professional lives. Discover how belief, resilience, and mentorship played crucial roles …

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We're talking about storytelling with the amazing actress and author, Kristin Wollett! 35:40

2M ago35:40

35:40

Send us a text Kristin Wollett is an actor with over a decade under her belt. Her delightful, opposites-attract rom-com, As a Last Resort is out TODAY! She lives in Florida with her husband and five children. Follow Kristin: On Instagram On her website On her link tree Support the showBy Cara Tanamachi and PJ Benoit

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If You’re Good Enough, You’re Old Enough - Resilience, Confidence and Opportunity with Paul Faulkner. 39:08

3M ago39:08

39:08

In this episode, we dive into the world of business and education with Paul Faulkner, co-founder of Element 45. We explore the evolving landscape of business in 2025, the innovative approach of Alpha Schools in the U.S., and the importance of resilience and adaptability in today's workforce. Paul shares insights from his eclectic career, emphasisin…

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Catch-up: Andy and PJ on Bookshops, Balance, and Being Real. 42:53

3M ago42:53

42:53

Join us as we dive into a conversation about the realities of success, the importance of authenticity, and the power of storytelling. From personal anecdotes about career choices to reflections on parenting in a digital age, this episode offers insights into finding balance in life and work. Key Topics: Andy's love for bookshops and his guilty plea…

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Lessons from a Tour Guide author Kristen Jennings talks tropes, travel, and much more! 28:26

3M ago28:26

28:26

Send us a text Kristen Jennings is a contemporary romance and romantic fantasy author who's a storyteller at heart. She loves writing about happily-ever-afters and the journeys characters take to get there. Lessons from a Tour Guide is a rivals-to-lovers, forced proximity set in the city of lights (and love) Paris! Her newest book, the amazing roma…

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The Creative Equation: Andy Wilkinson on Technology and Imagination 37:01

3M ago37:01

37:01

In this episode we discuss the evolution of communication and marketing over the past 25 years, highlighting the importance of personal connections in business, the skills gap in the workforce, and the impact of AI and technology on the industry. Andy shares insights from his experience as the founder of OWB Creative Comms and emphasises the need f…

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Opening Doors: Ad Davies' Journey from Coaching to Leadership 40:13

4M ago40:13

40:13

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Ad Davies, a cultural architect who transitioned from sports coaching to business leadership. Ad shares his experiences from the football field to the boardroom, highlighting the power of storytelling and the importance of opportunity in shaping company identity. Tune in to hear how Ad's uniqu…

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Mentorship and Innovation: Bridging Generations with Abbie Vlahakis 37:12

4M ago37:12

37:12

Abbie Vlahakis, CEO of Millennium Point and Deputy Lieutenant, discusses her journey from the private sector to the charity sector, emphasising the importance of community engagement and mentorship for young people. She highlights the mission of Millennium Point in inspiring education and careers in STEM fields, addressing the skills gap and youth …

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Ripple Effect Author Maggie North chats about Fake Engagement, Golden Retrievers, Black Cats, and much more! 37:38

4M ago37:38

37:38

Send us a text Maggie North, author of The Ripple Effect and Rules for Second Chances, writes deeply emotional, strangely hilarious novels about introverts at the end of their @#$% ropes, STEM, Canada, and other overlooked, underrated things you'd love to discover. A doctor by day and author by night, she lives in Ottawa, Canada. Follow her: https:…

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Empowering Youth: Tom Clarke-Forrest on Sport, Skills, and Social Change 40:11

4M ago40:11

40:11

In this engaging conversation, Tom Clarke-Forrest, founder and CEO of Sport 4 Life UK, shares insights into the challenges and opportunities facing young people today. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the essential life skills needed for success, and the impact of sports on personal development. The conversation also touches on the role o…

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Tender Offer Author and social justice advocate Tanvier Peart talks about the joy of writing 45:44

4M ago45:44

45:44

Send us a text The amazing Tanvier Peart is the author of Ella gets the D, Miles Apart, The Seventh Month Itch and her recent release, Tender Offer. She's also the executive director of the Advocacy Institute, an organization that helps social justice groups build their advocacy skills. She's making a difference everywhere! Follow her: https://tanv…

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Karelia and Fay Stetz-Waters are back with Taste the Love! 38:45

4M ago38:45

38:45

Send us a text Ambassadors of real-life happily-ever-after, Fay and Karelia Stetz-Waters have been together for twenty-three years. Their latest, Taste the Love is out today! It's a delicious, heartwarming romantic comedy about big dreams, life-changing friendships, and the people who bring out your best. Follow them online: https://www.kareliastet…

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Tech, Ethics, and Misogyny: Tracy Westall OBE on Building Better Futures 40:22

4M ago40:22

40:22

In this engaging conversation, Tracy Westall OBE shares her journey from a successful corporate career to a portfolio career, emphasising the importance of ethics, technology, and the ongoing challenges of misogyny and sexism in the workplace. The discussion highlights generational differences in attitudes towards these issues, the role of AI in sh…

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Live from Meet Cute Festival - with PJ Ellis 26:56

4M ago26:56

26:56

Rosie chats to author PJ Ellis about his book We Could Be Heroes, Birmingham, film stars, drag queens, meet cute scenes, happy endings, rom coms, mistaken identities, bumping into an ex with their new partner, good and bad sex, the truth behind queer stereotypes and more. Recorded at Meet Cute Festival at Home Farm Glamping on 28 June 2025. You can…

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A quick welcome to Wit + Grit. 6:30

5M ago6:30

6:30

In this conversation, Andy Dawson and PJ Ellis explore the themes of wit and grit, focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing future generations in a rapidly changing world. They discuss the impact of technology, particularly AI, on work and interpersonal relationships, emphasising the importance of emotional intelligence and honest conver…

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As Seen on TV and Roommating Author Meredith Schorr talks Rom Coms 34:30

5M ago34:30

34:30

Send us a text A born and bred New Yorker and lifelong daydreamer, Meredith Schorr, author of her new book Roommating, as well as As Seen on TV and Someone Just Like You, fueled her passion for writing everything from restaurant reviews, original birthday cards, and even work-related emails into a career penning romantic comedies. When she’s not wr…

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A touch of magic and mermaids with bestselling author Erin Palmisano 39:09

6M ago39:09

39:09

Send us a text Erin Palmisano is the author of the New Zealand bestselling novel The Secrets of the Little Greek Taverna and the upcoming The Secrets of Maiden’s Cove (out today!). She loves writing stories where her passions of food, wine and travel come together with a hint of magic. Originally from Maryland, Erin is a dual US and New Zealand cit…

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The Girl Most Likely To author Julie Tieu talks Second Chance Romance! 33:25

7M ago33:25

33:25

Send us a text Julie Tieu is a Chinese-Cambodian American author of lighthearted, contemporary romcoms. Her debut, The Donut Trap, was one of Booklist's Top 10 Romance Debuts of 2022. Her follow-up, Circling Back To You, was a 2022 Golden Poppy Award finalist by the California Independent Booksellers Association. Fancy Meeting You Here was named on…

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Live from Rosie's garden - with Lauren Bravo 37:03

6M ago37:03

37:03

Rosie chats to author Lauren Bravo about her book Probably Nothing, people pleasing, the ick, falling in love with someone's family, dating disasters, dating men of different nationalities, couple dates, concealing real life experiences under the cloak of fiction and more. Recorded in Rosie's back garden on 27 April 2025. You can now follow The Bre…

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Up Close and Personal author Ana Houguin Talks about her Sizzling Debut 33:20

7M ago33:20

33:20

Send us a text Ana Houguin is the author of the forthcoming UP CLOSE & PERSONAL (2025, Forever) and MUSIC PEOPLE (2026, Forever). She grew up in the American Southwest and eventually made her way to the other side of the Mississippi, where she landed in Chicago. Find out more: https://www.anaholguinwrites.com/ Substack Instagram Support the show…

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Love, Camera, Action Author Nöel Stark talks about romance, writing and her life in film! 33:20

7M ago33:20

33:20

Send us a text Noël Stark is a multi-talented artist, actress, screenwriter, and TV producer, whose debut novel, Love, Camera, Action, by Penguin Random House, comes out April 22. She's worked both in front of and behind the camera, producing more than 200 hours of TV, and her debut novel promises to take readers behind the scenes of a television s…

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Takes One to Know One Author and TV Producer Lissette Decos Talks About Writing Romance 42:47

8M ago42:47

42:47

Send us a text Lissette Decos, author of Ana Takes Manhattan, is a Cuban-American writer and TV producer with experience in reality formats of the love-wedding-relationship-disaster variety. Shows such as TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress, 90 Day Fiancé, and Bravo’s Summer House have helped mold her skills in telling an engaging and oftentimes unconventio…

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We Talk about First Love and YA Romance with the Amazing Sara Fujimura 39:15

8M ago39:15

39:15

Send us a text Sara Fujimara, who writes sweet and swoony YA romance, is the American half of her bicultural Japanese-American family and spends about a month each summer in Japan with her children. She started as a journalist, so it is no surprise that Sara’s young adult books contain a lot of facts to go along with the fiction. Whether you want t…

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Romantic Suspense and Thrilling Romance with Award-Winning Author Eveline Rose 34:15

8M ago34:15

34:15

Send us a text Eveline Rose Eveline is the award-winning author of the Sheppard and Sons series, including her latest release, Betrayed. Her books offer thrilling plots with realistic action, and lots of family gatherings around tasty food. She creates unique recipes for every story, and includes safety tips you can use in everyday life. Every book…

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Last Chapter Bookstore Live Event 34:57

8M ago34:57

34:57

Send us a text Join us for the LIVE recording of an amazing author panel at The Last Chapter Chicago Book Shop on March 7! Darby Baham, author of Falling for the Competition and many others for Harlequin Special Edition, is a storyteller on a mission to make women like herself feel seen and believe that love is possible for them, yes them. Darby be…

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Live from The Poodle Club - with Julie Cohen and Hatty Ashdown 39:05

8M ago39:05

39:05

In the second half of our live double bill recorded at The Poodle Club on Galentine's Day, Rosie chats to comedian Hatty Ashdown and million-selling author Julie Cohen about bisexuality, divorcing during a pandemic, staying friends with an ex, separating when you have kids, how to flirt with a lesbian, how women should go about letting each other k…

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Live from The Poodle Club - with Kate Martin and Nicola Dinan 37:08

9M ago37:08

37:08

In a live conversation recorded at The Poodle Club on Galentine's Day, Rosie chats to comedian Kate Martin and author Nicola Dinan about queer women staying friends after a breakup, crushes on teachers, writing fiction that draws on real-life experiences, choosing someone nice as opposed to just superficially attractive, recognising people you've r…

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Cozy Romance Author Victoria Hamel Talks about Hallmark Vibes and More! 32:07

9M ago32:07

32:07

Send us a text Victoria Hamel is the author of the Marley Creek Romance series, including No Gouda Without You, Too Kölsch For Comfort and Is This Love Fur Real? She writes small-town romance filled where men always fall first. Her new book, It App-ened One Night is out now! Follow Victoria on: Bluesky Instagram Facebook Her website! Support the sh…

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Celebrity Crush(es), Cinnamon Roll MCs, and much more with the amazing Christy Swift! 35:34

9M ago35:34

35:34

Send us a text Christy Swift is the author of Celebrity Crush, which tells the story of a romance writer who finds herself about to achieve her wildest dreams—the bestseller list, a movie deal, and a date with the real-life inspiration for her Hollywood hero—if only she can hold it all together. Swift (also fantasy writer CP Swift), stops by to tal…

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Romantasy Author Mina Brower talks about Getting Inspiration from her Dreams and Much More 32:09

10M ago32:09

32:09

Send us a text Welcome to the Season Three Premiere of Skip to the Good Part! We talk to the amazing Mina Brower. Her debut, the romantasy A God of Moonlight and Stardust, part of the Daughters of Chaos series, has landed her enthusiastic fans and much praise, including from Kirkus Reviews who calls it an "expertly crafted fantasy featuring compell…

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Falling for the Competition author Darby Baham talks about the importance of friendship and much more! 44:16

12M ago44:16

44:16

Send us a text Darby Baham (she/her) is an author and storyteller on a mission to make women like herself feel seen and believe that love is possible for them, yes them. Darby began writing for The Washington Post in 2016, using all her doubts, hopes, and fears to connect with their 2.5million subscribers. She would eventually use these same experi…

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Carry Me Through Christmas author Rachel Holm talks indie publishing and holiday romance season! 35:24

12M ago35:24

35:24

Send us a text Carry Me Through Christmas author Rachel Holm started a Bookstagram account in 2020, and then turned her love of reading into a dream of becoming a published author in 2022! Buy her latest books! Follow her: https://www.rachelwholm.com/ https://www.instagram.com/rachelwritesromance/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rachelwritesromance https:/…

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Live from Maidstone Lit Fest - with Maria McErlane 1:08:51

1y ago1:08:51

1:08:51

In a live conversation recorded at Maidstone Lit Fest, Rosie chats to comedian, actor, writer and broadcaster Maria McErlane about her memoir Bumps in the Road, bicycles as a metaphor for life's ups and downs, the London comedy circuit in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Maria's TV career, her friendship with Graham Norton, Maria's sexual awakening …

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Non-monogamy Chats in New York - with Laura Boyle and Alex Alberto 42:11

1y ago42:11

42:11

In an episode recorded in a community garden on New York's Lower East Side, Rosie chats to author and relationship coach Laura Boyle about her book Monogamy? In This Economy?, the relative financial and emotional costs of breakups in monogamous and polyamorous setups, relationship anarchy, metamours, slow breakups, de-escalation and conscious commu…