Modern Love

The challenge of finding the perfect partner is matched only by the challenge of finding the perfect parking space in New York City. Jason Alexander ("Seinfeld") reads Andy Raskin's essay, about the search for love and parking in Chinatown.

Mandy Moore ("This Is Us") reads Anna March's essay about disability, ability, and the misconceptions surrounding both.

When she was growing up, Susan Sajadi thought that her mother was fearless. It wasn't until years later that she realized the truth was much more complicated. Her piece is read by Sarah Shahi, who stars in NBC's "Reverie."

For the 13th anniversary of the Modern Love column, readers sent in their love stories, told in just 13 words. More than 9,000 were submitted. We put together an episode featuring some of our favorites.

Constance Wu of the ABC comedy "Fresh Off The Boat" reads a story about a wife, a mother-in-law and the unlikely story that brought them together.

Saoirse Ronan ("On Chesil Beach") reads an essay about how a language barrier impacts the relationship between a young woman and an Iraqi doctor.

Sometimes it's the things that go unspoken in a relationship that are the most important. Andrea Jarrell found that out not long after moving to Maine with her husband -- and she writes about it in her piece, read by Kim Dickens ("Fear the Walking Dead").

Kristen Scharold was an evangelical Christian who was starting to look for a husband. Then, a new relationship caused a crisis of faith. Rachel Weisz ("Disobedience") reads Kristen's essay.

After Stephanie Saldaña moved to an ancient monastery in Syria, she thought she'd found her calling. But when she met a novice monk there, she had to rethink everything. Linda Cardellini ("Bloodline") reads Stephanie's essay.

Abbi Jacobson ("6 Balloons," "Broad City") reads an essay about a carboholic who falls for a baker -- and his bread.

When you're at a bar and someone starts paying more attention to you than you expect -- how do you react? Mel Rodriguez ("Overboard," "The Last Man on Earth") reads Andy Christie's essay, about trying to navigate an unexpected flirtation.

Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman ("UnREAL") tells the story of the deep friendship between an older and younger brother.

What happens to relationships when they play out entirely over text? Krysten Ritter ("Jessica Jones") reads Sandra Barron's essay, about the miscommunications that can come with text message flirtation.

In this encore, Mykelti Williamson ("Chicago P.D.") reads an essay about a father's complicated love for his son.

When does it work to date younger? Rosie Perez, of NBC's "Rise," reads Robin Grearson's essay, about negotiating a relationship with a big age gap.

Kate Winslet reads Nina Riggs's essay, about an overwhelming diagnosis -- and a search for the perfect living room couch.

Bobby Cannavale ("Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle," "Mr. Robot") reads Dominick Zarrillo's essay about a father's unconditional love for his son.

Jennifer Beals ("Taken") reads Laurie Frankel's essay, about facing a challenging parenting dilemma.

Uma Thurman ("The Parisian Woman") reads Jessica Ciencin Henriquez's essay, about the silence that grew in the aftermath of a terrible accident.

Kumail Nanjiani and Emily Gordon ("The Big Sick") tell the story of how a mother's cooking comes between a husband and wife.

Willem Dafoe ("The Florida Project") reads Bruce Eric Kaplan's essay, about waiting for a hilarious secret to be revealed.

We celebrate the 100th episode of Modern Love: The Podcast by listening to your stories, and the moments from our first 99 episodes that meant the most to you.

Andrea Martin ("Great News") reads Randi Davenport's essay, about a relationship that she says saved her life.

Richard Jenkins ("The Shape of Water") reads John Gfroerer's essay about going to the gym to cope with loss.

Lois Smith ("Marjorie Prime," "Lady Bird") reads an essay about passion in the golden years.