A Practical Handbook for Facing Death with BJ Miller, MD and Shoshana Berger
Sep 26, 2019
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Palliative care doctor BJ Miller and IDEO's Global Editorial Director, Shoshana Berger, discuss their new book on living life and facing death. They share personal stories, talk about the dying process, and stress the importance of preparing for our final days.
Understanding the delicate balance between life and death through personal dependence and care experiences.
Deepening emotional connections with dying parents through shared vulnerability and caregiving roles.
Deep dives
Dr. B.J. Miller's Near-Death Experience and Reflections
Dr. B.J. Miller recounts a life-altering near-death experience during his sophomore year in college, where he suffered severe injuries from an electric current, leading to the loss of limbs. Despite the traumatic event, he found solace and care in the hospital, particularly from a nurse named Joy. This experience initiated his understanding of dependence, care, and the delicate balance between life and death.
Shoshana Berger's Journey with Her Dying Father
Co-author Shoshana Berger reflects on her father's decline due to dementia, highlighting the challenges and role reversals that come with being a caregiver to a dying parent. She shares intimate moments of her father's struggles and how his loss of autonomy impacted their relationship, leading to a deeper emotional connection through shared vulnerability and care.
Navigating Death and Caretaking Challenges
The podcast discusses the importance of supporting caregivers and patients through the dying process, emphasizing the need for open communication and understanding of individual preferences. Practical guidance is provided on how to approach difficult conversations about end-of-life wishes, acknowledging that each person's journey towards death is unique and requires personal reflection and communication with loved ones.
Emily sits down with palliative care doctor BJ Miller and IDEO's Global Editorial Director, Shoshana Berger, to talk about their new book, A Beginner's Guide to the End: Practical Advice for Living Life and Facing Death. First, BJ and Shoshana read excerpts from the book about their individual stories. The readings are followed by a conversation with Emily about the inspirations behind their new book, the challenging nature of the dying process, and the importance of preparing for our final days.