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 

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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