Podcast Summary
Family Diversity: Family structures come in various forms beyond the traditional definition, and the '82% Modern Stories of Love and Family' series highlights these unique family stories
The traditional definition of a family as a straight married couple with children no longer represents the majority of American households. In fact, only about 18% of Americans fit into this category. The rest, approximately 82%, have diverse family structures that challenge societal norms. The new limited series "82% Modern Stories of Love and Family" on Wondrey Plus highlights these unique family stories. From an asexual educator raising a child with co-parents, to a gay man in the clergy who created a family unit with his straight best friend, each episode offers an intimate first-person account. This series not only celebrates these non-traditional families but also provides early access to podcasts, exclusive content, and ad-free listening on Wondery Plus. Around middle school, many people begin to understand their sexuality and the importance of it in their lives. Sex education classes further emphasized this idea. However, it's important to remember that family structures come in all shapes and sizes, and the "82% Modern Stories of Love and Family" series showcases this diversity.
Adolescent sexuality: Navigating adolescent sexuality can be confusing and pressure-filled, leaving some individuals feeling left behind and unsure of how to fit in.
Adolescence and sexuality were seen as significant milestones in growing up, bringing both joy and pain. The speaker recalled feeling left behind in sixth grade when everyone else seemed to be experiencing crushes and discussing their attractions. Despite waiting and trying to learn the nuances of sexuality to fit in, the speaker struggled to understand and convincingly participate in these conversations. By seventh and eighth grade, the speaker continued to wait, feeling that the experience of crushes was something they needed to catch up on. This experience highlights the pressure and confusion many individuals face during adolescence as they navigate the complexities of sexuality and relationships.
Sexuality acceptance: Accepting and exploring sexuality involves questioning societal norms, challenging assumptions, and seeking out safe spaces for growth. Self-acceptance and community support are crucial in this journey.
Understanding and accepting one's sexuality can be a complex and challenging journey. The speaker shares their experience of questioning their own sexuality and feeling isolated due to a lack of relatable role models. They sought connections with queer women and had deep conversations with friends to better understand the concept of sexuality and their place within it. Initially, they assumed they had a psychological disorder and felt a pressure to "fix" themselves. However, through these experiences and conversations, they began to accept and explore their sexuality on their own terms. This process involved questioning societal norms, challenging assumptions, and seeking out safe spaces for exploration and growth. Ultimately, the speaker's story highlights the importance of open-mindedness, self-acceptance, and the power of community in navigating the complexities of human sexuality.
Wondery Plus membership for ad-free listening: Joining Wondery Plus allows for ad-free listening to 'Modern Love and Family' and other perks like early access to episodes and bonus content, supporting the creators and ensuring the production of high-quality content.
If you want to listen to the "Modern Love and Family" podcast series by Wondery without ads, consider becoming a member of Wondery Plus. This subscription grants you access to ad-free listening, as well as other perks like early access to episodes and bonus content. You can sign up for Wondery Plus through the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. This is a great option for dedicated listeners who want a more seamless and uninterrupted listening experience. Additionally, supporting the creators of the podcast through a subscription helps ensure the continued production of high-quality content. So, if you're a fan of "Modern Love and Family" and want to show your appreciation, joining Wondery Plus is a great way to do so.
