To The Best Of Our Knowledge cover image

To The Best Of Our Knowledge

We Need to Talk About COVID

Mar 8, 2025
Join grief expert David Kessler, former Harvard president Drew Gilpin Faust, and funeral singer Lauren DePino as they delve deep into the emotional aftermath of COVID-19. They discuss the unspoken grief of lost connections and the societal impact of collective mourning. Faust shares insights from history, revealing lessons from the Civil War, while DePino highlights how funeral music can act as a balm for the grieving. Together, they explore the importance of embracing our losses to foster healing and connection.
51:56

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has not only resulted in significant loss of life but has also deeply impacted personal relationships and societal dynamics, leaving many individuals grappling with unresolved grief.
  • Experts emphasize the necessity of collective mourning rituals and public memorials to address the extensive emotional trauma from the pandemic and foster community healing.

Deep dives

Collective Trauma and Unacknowledged Grief

The episode emphasizes the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on society, highlighting the staggering loss of nearly 7 million lives globally, with over a million in the U.S. This collective trauma has altered work, education, and personal relationships in ways that often go unacknowledged. Experts stress that despite the passage of time, many individuals still grapple with unresolved grief from the pandemic, which manifests in various ways, including anxiety and a reluctance to engage socially. The discussion reveals that failing to openly address this grief leads to emotional stagnation and further complications, as individuals may not fully process their sadness or loss.

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