Finding Joy in Life’s Darkest Moments: A Conversation with Steven Petrow

Hello and welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Asscociates Interview Series on radio and podcast. Today we celebrate the joys and challenges of life after 50 with inspiring stories, insightful conversations, and plenty of good cheer. I’m your host, Paul Vogelzang, and today’s episode is one you won’t want to miss.

We’ve all felt the weight of life’s disappointments—unexpected losses, the heartbreak of saying goodbye to loved ones, or even the relentless stress of a world in turmoil. It’s in those darkest moments that joy can seem impossibly out of reach. But what if joy isn’t something we find only in bright, happy times? What if it’s something we can discover, nurture, and even create in the midst of life’s struggles?

Joining us today is someone who has done just that. Author, columnist, Smithsonian Associate Steven Petrow is a celebrated journalist, essayist, and author whose work has graced the pages of The Washington Post and The New York Times. Steven Petrow will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up.  Please check out our show notes for more details and Smithsonian links, but we have Steven Petrow today.  He is known for his poignant reflections on aging, health, and civility. But Steven’s latest book, The Joy You Make: Find the Silver Linings—Even on Your Darkest Days, is perhaps his most personal and uplifting work yet.

Steven isn’t just talking theory here—he’s lived this truth. After losing both of his parents in the same year, navigating the heartbreak of divorce, and watching his sister battle a terminal illness, Steven embarked on a deeply personal journey to understand joy. What he discovered was life-changing: that joy isn’t the same as happiness, and that it can be found even in the most unlikely places.

In our conversation today, Steven will share moving stories from his own life, wisdom from experts he interviewed, and practical ways we can all cultivate joy—whether it’s through connecting with others, embracing gratitude, or finding humor in the little things.

My thanks to Smithsonian Associate Steven Petrow for his generous time today.  Please check out our show notes for more details and Smithsonian links, about Steven Petrow and his new book, The Joy You Make: Find the Silver Linings—Even on Your Darkest Days.  My thanks to the Smithsonian team for all they do to support the show.  My thanks to Sam Heninger for his work here. My thanks to you, our wonderful audience on radio and pdocast.  Be well, be safe and Let’s Talk About Better®.  The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associatesinterview series.

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