Esther Perel Invites Us to Imagine Our Preferred Future: Where Should We Begin? Live from SXSW 2025

Join Esther Perel for a live conversation on the Vox Media Podcast Stage at South By Southwest (SXSW) with futurist Amy Webb and innovation expert Frederik Pferdt as they discuss how the big changes of today will shape our relationships of tomorrow.

On this week's episode of Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel:  We all know the difference between being alive and feeling alive. The state of the world has many of us struggling with threat and uncertainty, both of which immediately constrict our imagination and our ability to face the unknown with curiosity and discovery.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Session Setup
00:42 The Importance of Emotional Health in Longevity
02:14 Introducing Amy Webb and Frederik Pferdt
02:49 Defining a Futurist
03:06 Herman Kahn's Influence on Futurism
04:40 The Role of Emotions in Decision Making
05:18 Frederick Pferdt's Perspective on the Future
08:54 Debating Selfishness and Collective Good
15:39 The Impact of AI and Robotics on the Future
22:58 Preferred Future and Collective Resilience
27:03 The Impact of Algorithmic Perfection on Human Relationships
28:08 Negotiating Freedom and Tolerating Uncertainty
28:36 Existential Angst and Human Existence
30:01 The Role of Couples Therapy in Understanding Polarization
30:42 The Power of 'What If' Questions
32:26 Living with OCD and Embracing Uncertainty
34:52 Seeking Certainty in Uncertain Times
41:05 The Future of Relationships in a Technological World
43:04 The Importance of Empathy in Human Relationships
43:37 Balancing Accountability and Empathy in Relationships
49:21 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

About Where Should We Begin?:
Every Monday morning, step into the office of iconic psychotherapist Esther Perel and listen in as real people in search of insight bare the raw, intimate, and profound details of their stories. From breakups and open relationships to workplace conflicts and fractures in the family, it’s a place to hear our own stories reflected in the lives of others.

About Esther Perel:
Psychotherapist, relationship expert, and New York Times bestselling author Esther Perel is recognized as one of today’s most insightful and original voices on modern relationships. Fluent in nine languages, she helms a therapy practice in New York City and serves as an organizational consultant for Fortune 500 companies around the world. Her celebrated TED Talks have garnered more than 40 million views and her bestselling books, Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs, are global phenomena translated into more than 30 languages. Esther is also the host of the hit podcast Where Should We Begin? which is available on Apple Podcasts. Learn more at EstherPerel.com or by following @EstherPerelOfficial on Instagram.