Episode 52: Love, Choice, and the Stories That Shape Us with Domenic Tamborriello

What if love isn’t something you find once, but something you choose, nurture, and rediscover every single day? In Episode 52 of Stories from Everywhere, Jill L. Ferguson sits down with therapist, social worker, men’s group leader, and lifelong bridge-builder Domenic Tamborriello for a deeply insightful conversation about relationships, masculinity, healing, and the stories we tell ourselves that shape our lives. From his unforgettable “first marriage counseling session” at just six years old to decades of work helping couples, men, and families navigate love and fear, Domenic shares hard-won wisdom with warmth, humor, and remarkable clarity. Together, Jill and Domenic explore why men are often taught to internalize emotion, how language like “should” can quietly imprison us, why commitment is less about obligation and more about choosing “the struggle,” and how making your partner feel loved every day can transform a relationship. Domenic’s perspective—shaped by civil rights activism, feminism, social work, and decades of counseling—offers refreshing insights into communication, gender, emotional freedom, and what it really means to stay awake in love. This episode is packed with memorable ideas, including: Why “there’s so much less to be afraid of than you think” The difference between “have to” and “get to” How words shape thought—and thought shapes reality Why marriage should never feel like prison The power of seeing your partner with fresh eyes, again and again Wise, compassionate, and thought-provoking, this conversation is an invitation to rethink not only how we love others, but how we live with ourselves.