Mental Illness Happy Hour #775 Nate Berkus - Surviving The 2004 Tsunami
Nov 21, 2025
Nate Berkus, a renowned interior designer and New York Times bestselling author, shares his gripping story of surviving the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka, where he lost his partner, Fernando. He discusses how the trauma reshaped his perspective on life and relationships, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and emotional honesty. Nate also introduces his new book, Foundations, which focuses on personal, timeless design. He shares insights on blending high-quality pieces with affordable finds, offering a fresh take on creating meaningful spaces.
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A Fight That Cemented Commitment
- A pivotal fight in the Yucatán led Nate to declare his commitment, which disarmed his partner and solidified their relationship.
- That moment became the turning point for their long-term marriage.
Choose Vulnerability To Build Trust
- Let your guard down and speak your truth to allow authentic intimacy and connection to form.
- Bet on vulnerability as the foundation for deep relationships.
Using One Call To Mobilize Rescue
- Nate used a single phone call to reach Oprah, who connected to Colin Powell and the Sri Lankan military to locate survivors and get help.
- He stayed behind as rescuers prioritized the injured and later coordinated relief flights and supplies.
