Esther Perel
Born 1958 · Age 67
Belgian–American psychotherapist, author and public intellectual known for work on erotic intelligence, relationships, bestselling books, podcasts, TED talks, training and global speaking.
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Antwerp, Belgium
Born Esther Perel in Antwerp to Sala Ferlegier and Icek Perel, Polish‑Jewish Holocaust survivors.
Grew up in a household of Holocaust survivors
Raised in Antwerp in a community of Holocaust survivors; family history shaped her perspective on trauma and vitality.
Graduated BA, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Earned a B.A. in educational psychology and French literature at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (reported year per biography summaries).
Met future husband Jack Saul at Lesley University
Met Jack Saul while studying at Lesley University; sources say she was 22 or 23 when they met.
Moved to the United States for graduate school
Came to the U.S. for graduate school (planned one year but remained); began building a life and career in the U.S.
Earned MA in expressive art therapy, Lesley University
Completed a master's degree in expressive art therapy at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Became a couple with Jack Saul
After two years of close friendship they became a romantic couple (per biographical accounts).
Married Jack Saul
Married Jack Saul (listed spouse; sources indicate marriage in 1985).
Started cross‑cultural psychotherapy practice
Established a practice working with cross‑cultural couples and families, refugees and internationals — a focus in her early career.
Birth of first son (approx.)
Biographies note she had two sons; specific years not publicly detailed. (Approximate date to reflect family timeline mentioned in interviews.)
Birth of second son (approx.)
Second son born (approximate year to match statements about ages of children during career milestones).
Clinton‑Lewinsky scandal inspires public article idea
The Clinton‑Lewinsky affair catalyzed her thinking/writing about erotic intelligence and desire in modern relationships.
Published 'Erotic Intelligence' article in Psychotherapy Networker
Published 'Erotic Intelligence: Reconciling Sensuality and Domesticity' (Psychotherapy Networker, May/Jun 2003) — helped spark wider interest and later book deal.
Published Mating in Captivity
Released Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence (Harper, 2006). Introduced the concept of 'erotic intelligence.'
Mating in Captivity translated into multiple languages
The book was translated into many languages (Wikipedia cites 24 languages; other sources note 25+).
Became international advisor on sex and relationships
Following the success of her book, she gained prominence as an international consultant and advisor on relationships and sexuality.
Served as clinical instructor at NYU (13‑year tenure noted)
Biographies state she was a clinical instructor at NYU School of Medicine for 13 years (specific start/end years not public).
TEDSalon NY talk: 'The secret to desire in a long‑term relationship'
Delivered TEDSalon NY2013 talk which became one of her widely viewed TED presentations.
Featured profile coverage (e.g., New York Times / The New Yorker profiles)
Major longform profiles elevated her public profile and introduced her work to broader cultural audiences.
TED2015 talk: 'Rethinking infidelity'
Delivered a TED talk at TED2015 exploring infidelity and modern relationships.
Named to Oprah's SuperSoul 100
Added to Oprah Winfrey's SuperSoul 100 list of visionaries and influential leaders (2016).
Launched international live tour: 'An Evening with Esther Perel'
Toured internationally with a live show titled 'An Evening with Esther Perel: The Future of Relationships, Love and Desire.'
Published The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity
Released The State of Affairs (Harper, 2017), a book on infidelity and contemporary relationships.
Appeared as herself in the film 'Newness'
Appeared in the 2017 film Newness playing herself.
Podcast 'Where Should We Begin?' first aired on Audible
First episode of Where Should We Begin? was released on Audible (May 2017); later made broadly available.
Where Should We Begin? publicly released on iTunes
Where Should We Begin? became publicly available on iTunes on October 9, 2017.
Three seasons of Where Should We Begin? released by Dec 2019
The podcast released multiple seasons (three seasons reported by December 2019).
Where Should We Begin? received a Gracie Award
Where Should We Begin? was honored with a Gracie Award (2018).
Launched 'Where Should We Begin?' card game (approx.)
Introduced a card game inspired by the podcast, intended to inspire storytelling and conversations (Forbes coverage noted).
Expanded offerings: training, supervision, Sessions with Esther
Began / expanded live therapy training, supervision events and offerings (Sessions with Esther platform referenced).
Launched 'How's Work?' podcast
Released How's Work?, a Gimlet Media podcast focused on workplace relationships (first aired November 2019; Spotify exclusive).
MasterClass instruction (publicly noted by 2024–2025 reporting)
Listed as hosting a class with MasterClass; widely cited in bios and press (exact launch year not always specified).
Selected for Forbes 50 Over 50 inaugural list
Named to Forbes' inaugural 50 Over 50 (2021) recognizing entrepreneurs, leaders and creators over age 50.
Interview on Lewis Howes' podcast/YouTube
Interviewed by Lewis Howes (YouTube interview cited July 6, 2022) discussing relational topics.
Vox Media acquired 'How's Work?' podcast
Bloomberg reported that Vox Media's Podcast Network acquired How's Work? from Gimlet/Spotify (March 2023).
Guest interview on The Jordan Harbinger Show
Appeared on The Jordan Harbinger Show for an in‑depth interview (YouTube citation dated Nov 9, 2023).
TED talks cumulative views milestone (40+ million reported)
Her two TED talks combined have amassed tens of millions of views (site biographies cite 40+ million views).
Public net worth estimate
Public estimates (aggregated outlets) list Esther Perel's net worth in the range of roughly $10–15 million, based on book royalties, speaking, MasterClass, podcasts and consulting.
Partnerships & product expansions (dating app prompt collaboration)
Reported partnership activity and collaborations with platforms (e.g., press reports of collaborations with apps such as Hinge in 2025 reporting).
Ongoing: runs therapy practice, global consulting and training
Continues to operate a therapy practice in New York, provide organizational consulting to Fortune 500 firms, run training and speaking engagements.
Maintains public media presence (podcasts, newsletter, social)
Continues to host podcasts, publish a monthly newsletter 'Letters From Esther,' and maintain active social profiles and media appearances.
Key Achievement Ages
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