Michelle Thaller

For this human moment, join astronomer Michelle Thaller as she contemplates the night sky. We’re such a small part of the universe – and yet so significant within it.If this episode resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a moment to share your reflections by rating and reviewing Meditative Story in your podcast player. It helps other listeners find their way to the show, and we’d be so grateful.Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.comSign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: https://meditativestory.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a heartfelt discussion, Michelle Thaller, an astronomer and NASA's Assistant Director of Science Communication, shares her journey through grief after losing her husband to cancer. She describes the shock of sudden loss and the feeling of being disconnected from the world. Using physics and the arts as coping mechanisms, she explains how they helped her find meaning amid the pain. Thaller emphasizes that while grief may linger, engaging with the universe through science and creativity can illuminate a path forward in healing.

In a thought-provoking discussion, astrophysicist Michelle Thaller shares her journey through grief while finding solace in the cosmos. Filmmaker Jon Halperin opens up about the creation of his documentary on infinity, exploring its paradoxes and emotional impact. Meanwhile, neuroscientist Kieran Fox intertwines Einstein’s spiritual beliefs with the melancholy beauty of time and existence. Together, they tackle heavy themes like the vastness of the universe, our place within it, and how grief intertwines with cosmic wonder.