Olivia Wilde on awkward relationships, marriage, and Esther Perel

She directed and co-stars in “The Invite,” a film about two couples who have a fairly monumental, impromptu dinner. It’s a comedy that turns into a drama … and then back to a comedy. It also stars Seth Rogen, Penelope Cruz, and Edward Norton. Meredith saw “The Invite” and thought, "Oh, this should be part of a Love Letters Film Festival, if we ever had one." Today Meredith is joined by Olivia for a discussion about many things, including: why we like to see couples be awkward, Gen Z and technology, polyamory in Massachusetts, the meaning of marriage in 2026, how to stay optimistic about love, and, most importantly, their experiences with psychotherapist and podcast Esther Perel. Meredith and Olivia both have personal connections to Perel, who served as an adviser on the film. Enjoy a lively conversation about love and the stories we tell about it.Also, an event reminder! You can also sign up to attend Meredith’s free June 30th phone booth event – a 6 p.m. celebration of the Tell-A-Booth (featured on the pod) – by visiting bpl.org. Remember, Love Letters is also an advice column. Feel free to tell us your anonymous questions about your relationship life my emailing loveletters@globe.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices