Dear Sugars

by WBUR
5,480

Radically empathic advice. Produced by WBUR.

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Recent Reviews
  • Vvvvvvvvfhubivbdfuhig jefni
    I hate this podcast
    I hate this is horrible
  • Wbluetake2
    Starting letters again?
    I listened to you both years ago…when did you return to this podcast?
  • Beekeeper from New England
    Head or Heart
    In my experience, when it’s magic, it’s not hard. You want to do the work because you want to make each other happy.
  • Horny Toad5
    My favorite podcast
    Really good
  • Nixgolightly
    A Spy in the house…
    I loved this episode and it resonated with me when I was married to a person living with an addiction. I was a little disappointed that all the hosts weren’t using person-first language when speaking about addiction. Addict is terribly stigmatizing and can further shame those living with addiction.
  • AnonymousAndrewPodcast
    Phenomenal Show
    As a fellow podcaster. This show is what I strive to become. The sugars ate straight up the real deal love everything about this show. From the honesty of the hosts to the guest and everything in between.
  • Shalene Woods
    Love!
    Love listening to these two. They have great chemistry. Both of their voices are calming. Nice to listen to when you feel anxious or stressed. Everyone has struggles. They don’t ever seem like they are judging people but just giving their best advice from their own experiences.
  • yod6722
    Can’t get enough
    I absolutely love the insight in these episodes. So much care and compassionate thought.
  • communitynewspodcast
    You 2
    have a great on air chemistry together. You remind me of Paul and Sasha from my favorite comedy, serial podcast Community News by Paul and Sasha" I would love to hear you on their show and they on your show.
  • Alexiskat99
    thank you
    favorite podcast of all time
  • Birgittenyc
    Thoughtful, real empathy
    I love most of the episodes, but sometimes I pick and choose
  • Cindy Tansin
    Always interesting
    This podcast is full of great relationship advice. It is never dull, and they are not afraid to tackle squeamish subjects. I love it.
  • JJBB4444
    Cheryl is Great!
    After listening to Cheryl, both her deep listening skill and also how she offers wisdom. She is articulate, smart, and gentle with people’s feelings. Do the entire show yourself!
  • Edda21
    Love, love, love
    Cheryl & Steve are wonderful together. Their insights, compassion & humanity elevate me. Honestly, I could listen to Cheryl all day. Not only is her voice soothing, but she reveals herself with respect & humility. You couldn’t ask for more from a fellow traveler.
  • pashmbabyyyy
    Love your podcast
    Got to know you on “ we can do hard things” by Glennon Doyle and started listening to your podcast two days ago- I’m hooked!!!!! Wonderful podcast. Thanks 🙏
  • hollybrad1
    Soul Soothing!
    Cheryl and Steve share such wonderful, inclusive wisdom in the kindest way! I’ve learned so much listening and benefitted greatly from their loving advice! Thank you Sugars!!! XOXO
  • Cmor86
    Life Changing
    I listened to this podcast years ago but came back to listen to the recent episodes, or repeats and it reminded me of what an impact Dear Sugars had on my life during my first go around.
  • Lawyerladymama
    Love the hosts!
    I’ve been obsessed with Cheryl Strayed so I knew she’d be fabulous but now I’m also a new Steve Almond fan and will start reading his work. Love the care, generosity and thoughtful feedback you provide your audience even when you disagree. Thank you for lending the world your tender and wild artist-hearted advice!
  • Jayne-Norah
    Repeats only?
    Honestly, this podcast shouldn’t be posting new episodes. Literally only repeats over and over again. I used to love this, but I am tired of the repeats.
  • micfie
    Grateful
    Love this podcast. Thank you for the gift of it!!
  • L Shore
    Life changing podcast
    Most recent episode with Esther Perel was life changing for me. I left my marriage 30 years ago after 16 years of being in a sexless relationship but have always felt a sense of shame about the main reason I couldn’t stay. Esther Perel who joined the Sugars for that episode gave me a sense of validation regarding my needs. She also gave me more insight into how & why my ex partner became who he was with me. Thank you Sugars for all the amazing podcasts. They are truly life changing for many.
  • MidwestAnna
    In 2021, we need this show!
    Please come back! I’ve listened to every episode more than once! We need wisdom now more than ever.
  • kcona
    My friend Austin is all of a sudden ghosting me
    I met Austin in November because I started playing tennis and got tired of practicing alone so I reached out to him after finding him on the roster of the same college tennis team my friend played on. We eventually started talking daily then sometime between thanksgiving and Christmas he told me he didn’t want to talk daily because the conversation quality was dwindling. I did respect that and stopped reaching out every day and only reached out every two or three days. Two weeks ago he went to Florida and he just returned from his trip on Sunday. He said we could keep in touch while he was gone and we did talk a little but not enough that I was satisfied he did send Snapchat’s every once in a while. He’s aware that I’m scared of being abandoned early on we got over the hurdle of me having feelings for him. He came right out and said he as alright with how I felt and he was okay with it and that I didn’t have to be scared of him running. He’s 22 and I’m 27. I haven’t heard from him since December 30th he said he doesn’t like to hurt people. I’ve tried texting him asking if we are okay or if he’s mad at me and I’m sorry for annoying you on your trip. I even left a message on his phone and didn’t get a response
  • MedChump
    My Guides through the hardest times
    I take something very meaningful from every episode with me that I can apply to my life. This podcast saved me in my darkest moments when every therapist was booked for weeks and friends couldn't give me the honest advice I needed. I think Cheryl and Steve work so well together and appreciate hearing different their opinions. I don't always agree with everything, but Cheryl and Steve love hearing from listeners and I like when they reflect on prior episodes by going through the feedback they receive. How to get the most out of our lives and relationshipships a joint learning process for all of us and I truly feel that with this podcast
  • RosieRB1986
    Such a comfort
    I always turn to this podcast when I need to hear words of comfort and honesty.
  • Masen Everson S.
    Really like it so far!
    I do wish they were more aware of their use of binary language (which excludes non-binary trans people— I’ve heard “men and women” instead of simply “people”, “his or her” instead of “their”. Not everyone uses “he” or “she”. Some of use use they/them singular pronouns) and more aware of how they’re describing trans people (in the episode about the two trans guys). The trans woman spoken about in the beginning wasn’t “a woman who used to be a man”. Trans people have always been the gender we say we are— what you meant to say was, she was a trans woman. A lot of us don’t have the language to explain how we see ourselves, until later on in life (our twenties or later). If you’re talking about us before we came out as trans, you would say “She’s a trans woman” or “She was assigned male at birth”. We commonly use AFAB & AMAB for short, instead of “assigned female/male at birth”. We’re all assigned a binary s*x at birth and the problem lies with the fact that society still conflates s*x with gender. Gender isn’t determined by anatomy, and both s*x and gender are spectrums! Most things in life are, including orientation. Just thought this might be helpful for the future! I mean all the best— I try to educate whenever I possibly can. I’m a non-binary trans & trans masculine person, who uses mainly they/them/their pronouns. For anyone who wants to learn more about trans identities, there’s a huge amount of information available online! It sounds obvious, but Google whatever you want to know and you’ll find answers. Keep in mind that every trans person is unique. Some of us socially transition, but not medically. Some of us can’t medically transition due to financial restrictions or health issues. That’s just a starting point: gender is a spectrum, not determined by the body you were born in to, and for some people, their sense of gender changes. “Non-binary trans” is a term that encompasses a lot of trans identities: gender fluid, genderqueer, trans masculine, trans feminine, agender, and so many more. Binary trans refers to binary trans women and binary trans men. Lastly, gender oppression isn’t only experienced by cisgender women. It’s also experienced by trans people of all genders. We’re discriminated against for being trans, have a huge lack of representation in media and in subjects like s*x ed & history (in schools), have a long way to go in order to have equal rights under the law, and for AFAB trans people, many of us still have to worry about a lack of access to birth control, abortions, period products, etc. Some of us want to get pregnant and give birth to our kids, too. The average cis person doesn’t know about most of this, but I wish it were common knowledge! I hope that information helps in some way, if this podcast addresses issues that affect trans people again
  • Bama Five
    I want this back!
    I wish this podcast were still going on.
  • Gimly88
    LOVE
    I recently discovered this podcast and I’ve been binging it. I wish it would come back!
  • Brianoushka
    Highly highly recommend
    Cannot say enough good things about this podcast. It is tender, deeply empathetic and very insightful. One of my favorites.
  • audiobookie
    DropDrop “the both of us” in the intro, won’t you please?”
    OMG I cannot stand one more minute of that “...send some sugar my way...” The other day I listened and I didn’t realize the speed was 1.5x and I thought oh great, they fixed the song! It sounds great! But no. On “Two Truths and Many Lies”, I have a suggestion. This woman should leave this man immediately and stop all communication. They don’t have kids together and she’s only 30. She should ask herself what things will be like in 5 years, when he still has not “changed”.
  • Dittobrooks
    Advocates for selfishness
    I really enjoyed this podcast until I realized that over and over, Steve and Cheryl advocate for people to reinvent their family life, divorce, and leave the children to figure it out. ‘Whatever makes you happy will be best for your life and spouse’ is incredibly selfish and, frankly, sad.
  • axm94
    any episode
    dear sugars is one of my favs and i highly recommend. soothing and empathetic. relatable and easy to put into action. please come back !!!
  • Breeboo27
    I’m struggling to hear Steve
    Love the podcast but Steve talks way too low/quiet. I’m constantly trying to turn the volume up when it’s his turn to talk. No need to whisper! Lol
  • anna@nomoresleepless
    Loving it
    Great storytelling, great podcast. I highly recommend it.
  • LavenderBlue19
    Brilliant and heart warming
    The podcast that made me fall in love with podcasts. Cheryl and Steve are incredible humans and the letters and advice will rip your heart out and mend it together with wholesome and loving advice. This podcast is like listening to hugs.
  • victactoe
    Love love love
    Out of all the podcasts I listen to, this is one of my top 3 favorites (and I listen to a lotta podcasts).. Thank you Cheryl and Steve for all of your advice for those in every stage of life. You will be dearly missed!
  • Izzy0708
    Don’t Gooooooooooooo
    This podcast will be so missed!!! 😢
  • WOSUfan
    Damaged Parents
    This episode could have been meaningful to your listeners whose lives have been injured by damaged parents. Honesty, it sounded like you were just winging it. That first letter read by Cheryl was way too long. You should have chosen an excerpt of it. The one good thing was the expertise of Steve’s dad, who should have been allowed to speak more and not interrupted. Because of the lack of focus in your podcast, the lifelong consequences of flawed parents was trivialized.
  • Zengigi
    Come Back to Us 🙏🏼 Dear Sugars are sorely missed.
    Missing Dear Sugars!! I can’t begin to express how much I miss the honest, raw, vulnerable advice, interviews and relatable content of this podcast. Please consider bringing it back! Steve and Cheryl strike the perfect balance of moral compass, fire in the belly & sage wisdom. Please, oh please, come back to us! 💗
  • LaurenLWeiss
    Good for any adult who seeks personal growth
    As a female in my 20’s this podcast meant so much to me. Cheryl is so wise and Steve has such a soothing voice and compassionate personality. Treat yourself to some Sugar Therapy and plug into this podcast!
  • working rich
    Absolutely nuts do not waste your time.
    Listened to an episode about advice on how to deal with a drunk, irresponsible boyfriend. The guest host brought in Trump ! Advice about a drunk driver and making in anti Trump is the wacky world we live in.
  • Moody Therapist
    Just Say It Episode
    Such a powerful episode and it resonated with me so much. The feedback provided to those that wrote it was so caring and honest at the same time. I will continue to listen💜.
  • thankfully bonnie
    Loving your abuser
    My heart goes out to that young woman because I was once in her shoes and it's not easy but I have something to share that might help her. I too left my ex three times the third being the final. He offered to get martial therapy the first time which meant to him it was my fault too. The second he went to specific abusive counseling and again I was in therapy but this time we were not together. I was learning why I picked him he was resolving the issues that caused him to become violent physically. emotionally, and verbally. In those sessions the counselor suggested prozac for him. It worked. it wasn't perfect but it was a workable relationship and we had many good days. Then he decided that he didn't want to take the medication. Without him telling me, I saw the change in his behavior. I told him and he got back on it. He did that again and I ended the relationship. I loved him when I walked away. I loved him for many years after, but I was broken. All the love in the world could not remove the pain I was living with as a former abusive partner. After 20 years being gone, I still have nightmares regading the abuse. I do not love him anymore because he is not even alive to me but the nightmares still come. I am still getting therapy, probably for the rest of my life to cope with my PTSD. The thing is, I could forgive but I could never trust him. Becuase in my dreams he's always sorry and I've gone back to him knowing it will happen again. Though it's a dream it is my inner self telling me that you have to be able to trust him and he cannot be trusted. Maybe he found someone else and I hope for his sake he is happy or sought help but regardless if he changed I could never be faithful to myself and trust him. He destroyed trust and trust is vital to a relationship. Those dangerous secrets to protect their crime is a bottomless pit. I hope you move on and learn from your experience and share as I have because you are your only protection. Bonnie J. Smith
  • Sassyfreckle
    Clueless
    These people who are giving advice are clueless. Perhaps they should consult a therapist before dispensing advice.
  • jomopembo
    “If you ‘re heart broken you are doing it right”
    Somehow I subscribed to this podcast, several weeks ago, and finally dove into it. I really appreciate the hosts diving into these meaningful topics frankly and compassionately. Carry on.
  • Kb891
    Love this
    I love this podcast. It’s so real and I Fendick and helpful. I wish you were still on the air.
  • Rachel9260
    Was a joy to listen to, too bad it’s been cancelled
    This podcast gave great insight to a lot of topics. Though I didn’t always agree with the hosts opinions, I enjoyed hearing their perspectives and they always did their best to give genuinely good advice to the best of their capability. I was really disappointed when they announced they would be going their separate ways as I found this podcast as a sort of “safe space”. I wish the hosts the best. PS I know this has been cancelled for quite some time now but I just never wrote a review!
  • lu.inthegarden
    My favorite podcast
    Dear Sugars brings truth, courage, and honesty to my life. Listening to you two and your guests deepens my connection to myself, people in my life, and all those I have never met. Thank you for speaking from and to the stuff that makes us human; you do so with grace, humor, curiosity, and compassion. May your voices carry on!
  • Palm Nickle
    I hope Dear Sugars can continue
    Why all the posts recently are old ones! We need Dear Sugars
  • BakerReader
    Cancelled?
    Cancelled? Nooooooooo!
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