Everything Happens with Kate Bowler

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.

Nikki Grimes, a celebrated poet and author of children's literature, shares her journey from a tumultuous childhood to finding beauty in survival. She delves into the profound lessons her experiences taught her about faith and forgiveness. Grimes discusses how her empathy blossomed from hardship and how she learned the importance of recovering joyful memories. She also reads poignant selections from her poetry, exploring themes of grace versus luck, the distinctions between joy and happiness, and the eye-opening perspectives children have on spirituality.

Join Priya Parker, an expert in meaningful gatherings, and Francis Lam, a celebrated chef and food writer, alongside Kate Bowler, a professor focused on coping with change. They discuss transforming holiday fatigue into joy by defining gathering purposes and embracing rituals. Highlights include unique ideas for tree-trimming and meals that evoke nostalgia, as well as practical advice on inviting guests to participate actively. Bowler emphasizes the importance of allowing space for grief during celebrations, making holidays more intentional and fulfilling.

Tim Shriver, an educator and longtime chairman of Special Olympics, shares powerful insights on the importance of dignity in our lives. He reflects on how his family's legacy, from Rosemary Kennedy to Eunice Kennedy Shriver, has shaped his advocacy. Tim emphasizes that real learning happens through relationships and service should stem from joy, not obligation. His Dignity Index provides tools for healthier disagreements, urging us to build communities based on compassion and authenticity, where love fosters true connection.

In this captivating conversation, writer and New York Times editor Sarah Wildman shares her poignant experiences as a caregiver after her daughter Orli's illness and untimely death. They discuss how joy can exist alongside grief and the importance of candid medical conversations. Wildman highlights the significance of rituals in processing loss and finding meaning. Through heartfelt anecdotes, they explore the fierce tenderness of caregiving and the painful beauty of cherishing fleeting moments, reminding us that love persists even in the absence of resolution.

Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, a passionate mental health advocate and humanitarian, joins for a heartwarming discussion on healing and connection. They explore the importance of staying playful and soft in a serious world, encouraging authenticity over societal masks. Sophie shares insights on childhood experiences, the impact of community, and the necessity of reconnecting with our bodies. Their conversation dives into facing pain with curiosity, the beauty of fragility, and tender self-inquiry as pathways to healing. A truly enlightening exchange!

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.