I'm big on rituals for every holiday, and Valentine's Day is no exception. Every year in my mid-twenties, I watched Casablanca in the theaters with my sister. After turning thirty, I read bell hook's All About Love, and have committed every February to a similarly-themed read.
My latest tradition: sharing a playlist of lovey-dovey podcasts. I feel like I'm back in middle school, only now I'm passing out pods instead of candy and cards.
Whatever you're looking for this V-Day, I hope you find a pod that warms your heart. And if you like what you hear, subscribe to !
馃拸 If you're looking for a Hallmark-worthy romance鈥�
Tune into for your pick of meet-cutes and grand gestures. Highlights include actor gushing about his wife Megan Mullally and actor reflecting on what age has taught her about love.
Also cue up: episode on dating while Black in the 1930s. And on , residents from a local senior community share the memories behind their favorite love songs.
馃挃 Or if you need a break from sappy love stories鈥�
Broken-hearted? Then you may be entitled to compensation. Tune into explainer on the heart-balm tort, a type of lawsuit reserved for economic entanglements of the heart. Revenge is a dish best served in court.
Also cue up: this spicy episode from , which explores why more single women are giving up on dating and saying 'NO' to the dress.
馃憖 If you have a crush鈥�
Then ask them out, why don't ya!! host Marielle Segarra chats with a confidence coach on how to bring more gumption to your love life. Learn how to approach a cute stranger with ease (and respect!) and how to pump yourself up to make the first move.
Also cue up: this episode of featuring songs that'll help you channel your inner John Cusack from Say Anything.
馃グ If you're celebrating love in all of its forms鈥�
Then break out the tissues for from Maine Public Radio. Learn about Portland's Valentine bandit, an anonymous citizen who covered the city in paper-shaped hearts for over four decades. It's a local tale with twists and turns 鈥� and a universal message of community.
Also cue up: last year's winner, which focuses on a sixty-year old man from New Hampshire who's built his love life around friends instead of romance.
For more of the very best from NPR podcasts, subscribe to !
Copyright 2026 NPR
