BJ Miller, a palliative care physician, and Shoshana Berger, editorial director at IDEO, dive into the realities of facing death. They explore the distinctions between palliative and hospice care, and the importance of making an advance directive. The duo emphasizes balancing the pursuit of life with acceptance of mortality. They also touch on the benefits of psychedelic therapy for anxiety at the end of life and the need for open conversations about death, advocating for proactive planning to enrich the living experience.

As we wind down this series, a paradox remains in our pursuit of happiness—joy comes to those who have known pain. In order to overcome struggle—breakups, illness, even death—we must first accept and acknowledge its inevitability. Exploring the darkness of our suffering may seem counterintuitive, but often it’s the only way to see the light. In this week’s episode, Arthur C. Brooks sits down with BJ Miller, a palliative-care physician, to uncover how we can face our deepest fears, why we should accept our natural limitations as human beings, and how to make peace with the ebb and flow of joy and suffering in human life—an experience we all share.This episode was produced by Rebecca Rashid and hosted by Arthur Brooks. Editing by A.C. Valdez. Fact-check by Ena Alvarado. Sound design by Michael Raphael.Be part of How to Build a Happy Life. Write to us at howtopodcast@theatlantic.com or leave us a voicemail at 925.967.2091.Music by Trevor Kowalski (“Lion’s Drift,” “This Valley of Ours,” “Una Noche De Luces”), Stationary Sign (“Loose in the Park”), and Spectacles Wallet and Watch (“Last Pieces”).Click here to listen to every full-length episode in the series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BJ Miller, M.D., a hospice and palliative care specialist, shares insights from his unique journey shaped by personal trauma and loss. He discusses how confronting death can actually enrich our lives, emphasizing the importance of reshaping our relationship with mortality. With moving patient stories, he highlights lessons on overcoming fear, the value of authentic connections, and the need for compassionate care in a death-phobic healthcare system. Miller also explores the potential benefits of psychedelics in end-of-life care and advocates for open dialogue about death.

Dr. BJ Miller, a palliative care doctor, shares transformative insights on life and death rooted in his near-fatal experience. He emphasizes the importance of embracing mortality to enhance our appreciation for life. The conversation touches on normalizing grief through meaningful rituals and the significance of playfulness amidst serious subjects like aging. BJ advocates for a holistic view of health, contrasting compassionate care with conventional metrics, and encourages a shift in perspective around death to alleviate the pressure surrounding our final moments.

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.

BJ Miller, a palliative care physician and author, shares his transformative journey from patient to healer, shaped by a life-altering accident during college. He discusses the importance of embracing mortality, advocating for a 'good death' through self-forgiveness and connection. Miller highlights how cultural attitudes toward death can impact our lives and the value of practical preparations, like advance directives. With humor and wisdom, he encourages a more accepting relationship with loss, ultimately fostering gratitude and deeper connections in life.

BJ Miller, a palliative care physician and co-founder of Mettle Health, shares his profound journey after a tragic incident left him disabled. He discusses viewing recovery as a creative act and how art transformed his understanding of disability. Miller emphasizes the importance of a compassionate approach in palliative care and reflects on the interplay between suffering and identity. His experiences with dying patients have reshaped his appreciation for life, highlighting the value of interdependence and community in navigating mortality.

Listen to an enlightening conversation about spirituality and well-being with Dr. Alexis Abernathy, W. Kamau Bell, and Dr. BJ Miller. They discuss the influence of spirituality on mental health, the interplay of spiritual beliefs and family dynamics, and the complexities of religion, spirituality, and community values. Dive into topics like the decline in religious participation, environmental concerns, and the integration of psychology and spirituality for mental wellness.

Guests in this episode include BJ Miller, Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen, Duncan Trussell, Katherine Maclean, Jeffrey Kripal, Tiffanie Debartolo, Lorraine Weiss, Scott Berman, and Shane M... The podcast covers topics such as embracing the unknown, exploring the splitting of the world and the breakdown of duality, discussing the writing process and plot development, resting in imperfection and embracing sadness, the significance of synchronicity and cultural knowledge, and reflections on letting go and embracing the unknown.

Dr. BJ Miller, a hospice and palliative care specialist, shares his unique perspective on death and life. He discusses his own near-death experience, the importance of living in the present moment, and why we need to rethink our views on death. Dr. Miller also highlights the power of compassion and service in patient care and explores the concepts of love and forgiveness.