The Shame Game
Modern Love20 Jul 2022

The Shame Game

The year was 2006, and Damon Young had just met a woman on MySpace. Their back-and-forth was witty, flirty and easy. They went on a first date at Barnes & Noble, where they browsed books and continued to vibe.

Things were going great, Damon thought. That is, until she called off their second date. Damon was confused, but he had a hunch about what fueled her sudden disinterest: his teeth.

Damon’s teeth had always been a source of shame and anxiety for him. “I know that in America, good, strong, bright, straight teeth signal good, strong, bright, straight money,” he wrote in his Modern Love essay. “My mouth is a memoir. Of canceled orthodontist appointments when my parents couldn’t afford the premium.”

Today, Damon shares his story about his complicated, evolving relationship with his teeth — and his self-worth. Then, we hear a Tiny Love Story about a woman who reflects on her mother’s ritual of doing her hair when she was a child, which she comes to realize was a sign of love.

Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episoder(431)

Seeing The World Through My Wife's Eyes | With David Oyelowo

Seeing The World Through My Wife's Eyes | With David Oyelowo

"Selma" star David Oyelowo reads an essay about a blind man navigating his marriage. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite ...

8 Feb 201724min

On The Precipice, Wings Spread | With Megan Hilty

On The Precipice, Wings Spread | With Megan Hilty

Tony-nominee Megan Hilty of "Smash" and "Noises Off" reads an essay about a couple with a seemingly perfect relationship--until the other shoe drops. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Appl...

1 Feb 201720min

The Boy Who Makes Waves | With Mykelti Williamson

The Boy Who Makes Waves | With Mykelti Williamson

Mykelti Williamson of the Oscar-nominated film "Fences" reads an essay about a father's complicated love for his son. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can ...

25 Jan 201721min

Groomzilla | With John Cho

Groomzilla | With John Cho

John Cho reads an essay about a groom gone bad. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes....

18 Jan 201721min

A Family That Takes 'No' For An Answer | With Darby Stanchfield

A Family That Takes 'No' For An Answer | With Darby Stanchfield

Darby Stanchfield of ABC's "Scandal," on an ordinary family hunting trip that turns into an unexpected lesson about hope. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You ...

11 Jan 201720min

Taking A Break For Friendship | With Sela Ward

Taking A Break For Friendship | With Sela Ward

Sela Ward reads an essay about a beautiful relationship...or a friendship? Or a wanna-be friendship? Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe vi...

4 Jan 201720min

Modern Love Encore: 'A Millennial's Guide To Kissing'

Modern Love Encore: 'A Millennial's Guide To Kissing'

In this encore, Emmy Rossum reads an essay about the complexities of millennial love. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite...

28 Des 201619min

Beware Of Big Boxes | With Pamela Adlon

Beware Of Big Boxes | With Pamela Adlon

Pamela Adlon of the FX series "Better Things" reads an essay about the dangers of romanticizing romantics. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscr...

21 Des 201623min

Populært innen Samfunn

rss-spartsklubben
giver-og-gjengen-vg
aftenpodden
aftenpodden-usa
konspirasjonspodden
rss-nesten-hele-uka-med-lepperod
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
popradet
rss-henlagt-andy-larsgaard
grenselos
wolfgang-wee-uncut
alt-fortalt
synnve-og-vanessa
fladseth
rss-dannet-uten-piano
frokostshowet-pa-p5
min-barneoppdragelse
rss-dette-ma-aldri-skje-igjen
opptur-med-annette-og-ingeborg
relasjonspodden-med-dora-thorhallsdottir-kjersti-idem