Suleika Jaouad, a journalist, author, and cancer survivor, shares her transformative journey after a leukemia diagnosis at a young age. She discusses how she navigated intense uncertainty and the emotional toll of illness while striving for creativity and self-advocacy. Through her writing, she connects deeply with others, highlighting the healing power of words and therapy. Jaouad emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and authenticity in the face of challenges, turning her battle into a source of inspiration.
01:00:17
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Unexpected Relief
Suleika Jaouad felt relief after her leukemia diagnosis, despite its severity.
It was a forced exit from the pressure of constant achievement and a welcome pause.
insights INSIGHT
Journaling as Control
Suleika found solace in journaling during treatment, as it offered a sense of control.
It helped her process difficult emotions and experiences related to her illness.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Interrupted Life
Suleika's diagnosis interrupted her life's trajectory, forcing her to confront her mortality.
The experience shifted her focus from the past and future to the present moment.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In 'Between Two Kingdoms,' Suleika Jaouad recounts her life-altering experience with acute myeloid leukemia. Diagnosed at 22, she undergoes extensive treatment, including chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. The book is divided into two main parts: her time in the 'kingdom of the sick' and her journey back to the 'kingdom of the well.' After recovery, Jaouad embarks on a 100-day, 15,000-mile road trip across the country to meet people who supported her during her illness. The memoir explores themes of survivorship, identity, and the challenges of reentering the world after a life-threatening illness.
The Likeability Trap
None
Alicia Menendez
Here’s a thought experiment: how would you handle it if you got a terrible diagnosis? Of course, many of us have no choice but to find out. This is the situation Suleika Jaouad faced when she got gravely ill at a very young age. She had to figure out how to have a sense of agency when so much was out of her control, and how to stay awake and present when her life was hanging in the balance. Suleika Jaouad is a journalist, author, speaker, cancer survivor, and the author of a book called Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted. She is also the creator of “Life, Interrupted,” the Emmy award-winning New York Times column and video series that she created from her hospital bed. In this conversation, we talk about: Suleika’s journey from being diagnosed with leukemia as a young adult to her recovery today; managing your emotions in excruciating situations; handling an ocean of uncertainty; feeding your need for creativity and productivity when your body is in mutiny mode; and the immense value of strategically going easy on yourself, especially when you’re an ambitious person. Download the Ten Percent Happier app today: https://10percenthappier.app.link/install Full Shownotes: https://www.tenpercent.com/podcast-episode/suleika-jaouad-378
10% Happier with Dan Harris 
