Hosted by Anna Martin
Produced by Reva GoldbergEmily LangDavis LandChristina Djossa and Amy Pearl
Edited by Jen Poyant and Lynn Levy
Engineered by Daniel Ramirez
Original music by Dan PowellAman SahotaElisheba IttoopCarole SabouraudPat McCusker and Rowan Niemisto
Listen and follow Modern Love
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube |iHeartRadio'It's just super clear to me that I want to keep doing it. I mean, I can't imagine my life without either of them really at this point.'
Townsend Davis had been married for more than a decade when his wife, Brigid, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Their lives changed immediately. Townsend became Brigid's caregiver, sorting her medication day after day, making their home accessible, and finding someone to look after her while he worked and raised their sons. He was committed to Brigid, and wanted to be there for her as her condition progressed.
One day, not long after her diagnosis, Brigid told Townsend she wanted him eventually to find a new partner. But Townsend couldn't imagine it. Searching for another love seemed too complicated, and he was focused on caring for Brigid and raising their family.
Then, years later, Townsend met Deb.
On this episode of Modern Love, Townsend explains what it was like to forge a new partnership as he remained married to Brigid, and what happened when he brought his wife and his girlfriend together for a Thanksgiving dinner.
This episode is adapted from Townsend's Modern Love essay from 2024, "A Family Dinner With My Wife and Girlfriend."
Modern Love is looking for your stories! We're working on an episode about the dating memories you want to forget. We want to know: What was the worst date you went on this year? What happened? And what are you trying to do differently when it comes to love in the new year? Whether you're singled or partnered, tell us about your bad dates. Send us your story by recording a voice memo and emailing it to [email protected]. Please include your name and where you're based. You might hear your voice on a future episode of Modern Love.
How to submit a Modern Love Essay to The New York Times
How to submit a Tiny Love Story
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Links to transcripts of episodes generally appear on these pages within a week.
Modern Love is hosted by Anna Martin and produced by Reva Goldberg, Emily Lang, Davis Land and Amy Pearl. The show is edited by Lynn Levy and Jen Poyant, our executive producer. Production management is by Christina Djossa. The show is mixed by Daniel Ramirez and recorded by Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. It features original music by Pat McCusker, Elisheba Ittoop, Dan Powell, Carole Sabouraud, Aman Sahota and Rowan Niemisto. Our theme music is by Dan Powell.
Special thanks to Larissa Anderson, Dahlia Haddad, Lisa Tobin, Brooke Minters, Daniel Jones, Miya Lee, Mahima Chablani, Nell Gallogly, Jeffrey Miranda, Isabella Anderson, Christine Nguyen, Reyna Desai, Jordan Cohen, Victoria Kim, Nina Lassam and Julia Simon.
Thoughts? Email us at [email protected].
Want more from Modern Love? Read past stories. Watch the TV series and sign up for the newsletter. We also have swag at the NYT Store and two books, "Modern Love: True Stories of Love, Loss and Redemption" and "Tiny Love Stories: True Tales of Love in 100 Words or Less."