Everything Happens with Kate Bowler

In a heartfelt conversation, Kelly Corrigan, a renowned author and public speaker, joins Kate Bowler for their annual 'Happy Crappy' discussion. They explore the surprising nature of joy, reflecting on personal and global highs from 2025. Kelly shares inspiring stories from her live events and a miraculous kidney donation connected through their community. They discuss how recognition can reshape longstanding pain, and delve into the essence of joy versus happiness, emphasizing the importance of human connection and altruism in a high-tech world.

In a heartfelt discussion, two friends reflect on life's challenges as they share their 'Happy Crappy' insights. They tackle the enduring nature of chronic pain and explore how acceptance can weave hope into despair. Personal losses are laid bare, including the shrinking of family ties and threats to educational institutions. As they address societal issues like immigration cruelty and politicized justice systems, they celebrate the quiet heroes in public service. Finally, they emphasize the importance of immersive projects to refuel life's joy amid adversity.

This discussion dives into the contrast between commercial and genuine love during the holiday season. It highlights the humble arrival of love through a vulnerable Nativity scene—a baby, a scared mother, and an uncertain father. Kate reflects on how this slow, human love transforms the world, sitting with the outcasts and offering comfort even in death. Listeners are encouraged to notice small acts of love around them, like thoughtful texts and neighborly gestures, as reminders of God's close presence.

In a heartfelt conversation, Jenna Bush Hager, a beloved Today Show co-host and bestselling author, shares her insights on family and parenting. She reminisces about her grandparents' influence, especially her grandfather's wisdom on embracing life's challenges. Jenna discusses the importance of letting children make mistakes to foster independence, and the joy found in everyday moments. They delve into the power of love and community to instill bravery and resilience, all while navigating the complexities of life with grace.

The podcast explores the pressure of holiday cheer, acknowledging that Christmas can feel demanding and painful. It introduces the Blue Christmas tradition, a service that honors grief during a season often marked by joy. Listeners are encouraged to make space for sorrow to allow joy to emerge authentically. Practical suggestions include quiet walks, mixed playlists, and heartfelt conversations to navigate the holiday's complexities. Ultimately, it’s about embracing truth in our emotions and finding gentle ways to connect with the season.

In a heartfelt conversation, Father Richard Rohr, a Franciscan friar and spiritual author, shares profound insights on navigating life’s complexities. He discusses how great love and suffering can catalyze spiritual growth and the importance of embracing both joy and pain. Rohr emphasizes the spirituality of subtraction, advocating for small acts done with great love, and reflects on Franciscan joy in accepting suffering. He encourages being present to the ordinary, asserting that mystery enriches faith, inviting listeners to trust in the divine journey.

Explore the untidy Christmas story where Mary’s pregnancy is anything but pristine. Her courageous response to the divine announcement disrupts the status quo. Discover Mary's protest song that challenges power and champions the hungry. Dive into the idea of peace that is actively revolutionary, toppling injustice rather than avoiding conflict. Lastly, reflect on how Mary holds both terror and hope, inviting us all to embrace a courageous peace that transforms our world.

Nikki DeLoach, an actress and advocate known for her Hallmark Christmas roles and work around Alzheimer's, shares her life experiences with host Kate Bowler. They dive into the profound challenges she's faced, including her son's congenital heart defects and her father's aggressive dementia diagnosis. Nikki reflects on how to find beauty in uncertainty, the significance of small joys during the holidays, and her journey through postpartum depression. Together, they explore ways to navigate emotional crises while maintaining hope.

As December kicks into high gear, the chaos of holiday preparations looms large. Instead of frantically rushing, the conversation encourages embracing a slower rhythm during Advent. The waiting inherent in this season mirrors life's longer waits, revealing deeper meanings amid illness and hope. Drawing from Isaiah, the idea of finding strength in quiet trust unfolds. Listeners are inspired to choose intention over busyness, incorporating small moments of prayer and reflection into their days.

Anna Sale, a journalist and host of NPR's Death, Sex & Money, joins in for a rich discussion on navigating hard conversations. She shares insights on fostering intimacy in dialogues and the importance of listening skills. Anna reflects on her own divorce, illustrating how honesty can relieve isolation. The conversation explores how to approach sensitive topics with care, balancing directness and emotional protection. They emphasize the power of language and creating shared purpose, making difficult topics manageable and meaningful.