Everything Happens with Kate Bowler

Catherine Newman, an acclaimed author known for her poignant exploration of parenting and grief, joins for a heartfelt conversation. They delve into the complex relationship between love and fear, discussing how their intertwining shapes our experiences and storytelling. Catherine shares insights on navigating hospice care, the small rituals of love in parenting, and the peculiar blend of grief and humor. With honesty and wit, they illuminate how the vulnerability of love invites both immense joy and profound loss.

Miriam Toews, an acclaimed Canadian novelist known for poignant works like All My Puny Sorrows, delves into the impacts of silence around mental illness in her community. She explores the complexities of Mennonite identity and the burden of guilt and shame that often lingers in tight-knit groups. Amidst personal stories of her family's struggles, Miriam emphasizes the need for honest conversations about pain and the importance of empathy. With a blend of humor and honesty, she demonstrates how joy can coexist with sorrow.

Parker Palmer, a writer, teacher, and activist, shares his profound insights on navigating despair and reclaiming agency. He discusses his battles with clinical depression and the importance of redefining achievement through tiny successes. Palmer emphasizes the need to recalibrate our perceptions in a hyper-connected world and advocates for local civic engagement to combat polarization. He beautifully contrasts the effects of brokenness—how it can either shatter or open our hearts to compassion—and reflects on the liberating power of aging with generosity.

Joy won't cure you, but it will carry you. After surviving a stage-four cancer diagnosis, Kate Bowler knew she was supposed to be grateful. Alive. Blessed. But she still ached—for more connection, more surprise, less resentment on an ordinary day. So she went looking for joy. Not the toxic positivity kind. Not a 5-step plan. But the type that sneaks in unexpectedly, seemingly out of nowhere. A lemur sunbathing. A belly laugh at a funeral. A dive into the Atlantic with a shark wrangler. In Joyful, Anyway, Bowler takes us on a hilarious and tender journey through big questions and small delights. With wry wit and deep honesty, she explores how joy can surprise us even in the middle of pain, boredom, and longing. This is not a book about fixing your life. It is about how we can all find more—feel more—by making room for small extraordinary moments. For anyone who has ever felt stuck, who is achy for meaning, who feels undone by loss, who feels that joy is just out of reach, who wants, simply, to have more fun, Joyful Anyway is a delicious, insightful tour through the questions that sit in the deepest part of our souls. It proves that for every time we ask: Is this it? Joy will answer: there is more. Joyful, Anyway releases on April 7, 2026, but you can pre-order now from all of your favorite retailers. Bookshop Amazon Apple Books Barnes & Noble Indigo Check out that gorgeous cover!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Ellen Vora, a board-certified psychiatrist and author of The Anatomy of Anxiety, dives deep into the world of anxiety, distinguishing between false anxiety caused by lifestyle factors and true anxiety that signals deeper issues. She offers practical tips on calming anxiety through sleep, movement, and nutrition. Ellen emphasizes the importance of acknowledging true anxiety as a response to real-world threats and shares her unique technique of a 90-second shake to release stress. This insightful discussion is both enlightening and empowering.

Ai-jen Poo, an award-winning organizer and executive director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, dives into America's caregiving crisis. She reveals that over 100 million Americans are currently caregivers and discusses the true costs of supporting loved ones within a broken system. Poo highlights the historical inequities faced by domestic workers and advocates for a policy overhaul akin to Social Security, emphasizing dignity and agency for all caregivers. Their conversation also touches on finding joy amidst the struggles of caregiving and the vital role of immigrant labor in this essential workforce.

Jen Hatmaker, a bestselling author and speaker renowned for her candid insights on faith and family, shares her journey through divorce and deconstruction. She discusses the identity struggles stemming from her role as a pastor's wife and the impact of public fallout on her community and career. Jen reflects on the healing process, emphasizing the importance of therapy and accepting vulnerability in parenting. She also celebrates the joy of reinventing oneself and discovering new love after loss, all while navigating the complexities of grief and empowerment.

In this conversation with Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist and author of Good Inside, the duo delves into the joys and struggles of parenting without a manual. They explore how to raise children with compassion and boundaries, emphasizing the need for emotional connection over traditional discipline. Dr. Kennedy discusses the importance of validating feelings while teaching resilience, and the necessity of setting healthy limits in parent-child relationships. This episode offers guidance for anyone navigating the complexities of modern parenting.

In this heartfelt discussion, best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert shares her journey of caregiving detailed in her new memoir, All the Way to the River. She delves into the emotional toll of caring for a loved one grappling with addiction and illness while confronting the fine line between devotion and codependency. Gilbert emphasizes the importance of self-care, the complexities of human relationships, and the necessity of surrender during difficult times. Her insights resonate with anyone who has loved deeply and felt the weight of that love.

Dr. Atul Gawande, a renowned surgeon and author, dives deep into the intersection of medicine and mortality. He shares insights on what it means to be a good doctor when cures are out of reach and highlights how crucial conversations often begin with questions, not answers. The discussion touches on caregiving, navigating end-of-life decisions, and the pursuit of quality of life. Gawande's reflections on joy in imperfection and the search for purpose resonate powerfully, offering clarity and compassion in the face of life’s toughest challenges.