Tara Viswanathan (founder who recently sold her startup) and Alex Modon (startup founder) share their journey from a 15-minute Bumble date to marriage. They discuss Tara's systematic approach to dating (including analyzing 60 first dates), building a relationship while running startups, and their thoughts on balancing ambitious careers with starting a family. A rare glimpse into two founders making partnership work.

Modern Relationships is a podcast from Turpentine. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

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SPONSOR: Relationship Hero 

It’s an open secret in Silicon Valley that people are using relationship coaches. Sign up for 1-on-1 relationship coaching (from anywhere) at RelationshipHero.com/modern. Get $50 off your first session.

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FOLLOW ON X:

Tara - @TaraViswanathan

Alex - @alexmodon

Erik - @eriktorenberg

Turpentine - @turpentinemedia

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RECOMMENDED IN THIS EPISODE:

Books

The Defining Decade by Meg Jay: https://www.amazon.com/Defining-Decade-Your-Twenties-Matter/dp/0446561754

Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-Depended/dp/0062407805

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00 ) Intro and Preview

(01:41 ) Tara's Unconventional Quest for "The One"

(05:19 ) Alex's Journey to Finding Love Unintentionally

(07:53 ) Tara's "Crazy" Playbook: Love Hacks and Radical Self-Improvement

(12:59 ) Lessons Learned from Countless "I Dos" (and "I Don'ts")

(14:14 ) Sponsor: Relationship Hero

(15:49 ) A Dynamic Approach to Partnership

(18:24 ) Considering Age Rate and Stage of Life

(19:35 ) Reclaiming Authentic Power in Love and Life

(23:36 ) Decoding Each Other's Communication Styles

(28:41 ) Integrating Family and Work Adventures

(32:50 ) A Shared Vision for Family and Career

(36:26 ) Future Family Plans: Adoption

(50:39 ) Hot Takes on Dating

(51:26 ) The Core of the Decision: Ask "What Feels Right"

(55:05 ) Protecting Your Relationship

(59:19 ) The Dream: An Integrated Life

(1:03:14 ) Wrap