Everything Happens with Kate Bowler

What if your life hasn’t turned out like you thought it would? When writer Heather Lanier’s daughter, Fiona, was born with a rare genetic syndrome, she learned that the world will not always see her beloved as good. In this conversation, Kate and Heather discuss how it’s okay that we are not summed up on bell curves. Perhaps the bodies in which we dwell are whole enough. In this conversation, Kate and Heather discuss: When our kids are considered “bad” by the world’s standards The doctor who said two perfect words to Heather How the divine sees everyone as good (and how we should seek to see through those same eyes) The difference between capacity building and deficit building This conversation originally aired in 2020, but it is one we return to again and again for its beauty, its honesty, its courage.    Watch clips from this conversation, read the full transcript, and access discussion questions by clicking here or visiting katebowler.com/podcasts. Follow Kate on Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly known as Twitter)—@katecbowler. Links to social pages and more available at linktr.ee/katecbowler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Sunita Puri, a palliative care physician and author, discusses the vital aspects of navigating life's uncertainties. She explains the nuances of palliative care versus hospice, emphasizing compassionate communication and ethical patient choices. Sunita shares strategies for discussing difficult diagnoses with patients, promoting a balance of hope and vulnerability. Through powerful personal stories, she illustrates the importance of human connection in medicine and how simple gestures of support can profoundly impact those facing illness.

Clinicians Justin Yopp and Don Rosenstein discuss the unique needs of grieving parents, ways to talk to kids about cancer, and the magic of coming together in times of sorrow. They explore the challenges of reconstructing imagined futures after loss and share practical insights on parenting while coping with cancer.

American broadcast journalist Judy Woodruff joins Kate Bowler to discuss navigating through life's ups and downs. They explore the power of apologies, the fragility that unites us, and how to be more empathetic towards those we disagree with.

We become the sum of so many people throughout our lives. Kate speaks with one of the funniest people on the entire planet, comedian Samantha Bee, about the people who made her, her. What virtues did they create? What absurdity ensued? How does she think about how she impacts her own kids?  In this conversation, Kate and Samantha discuss: Samantha's hand of God moment that changed the trajectory of her life How the people who love us shape us into who we become What siblings or friends or partners teach us about intimacy   Watch clips from this conversation, read the full transcript, and access discussion questions by clicking here or visiting katebowler.com/podcasts. Follow Kate on Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly known as Twitter)—@katecbowler. Links to social pages and more available at linktr.ee/katecbowler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here on the Everything Happens Podcast we don’t shy away from difficult subjects, and today’s episode tackles a topic we’ve been wanting to discuss for awhile—suicide among teens and young adults. My guest today, Dr. Pamela Morris-Perez is someone who approaches this subject with the heart of a grieving mom and the mind of a professor and practitioner who wants to make change possible and wants to teach us how we can help. This is such an important conversation on how communities can help prevent adolescent suicide. In this conversation, Kate and Pamela discuss: Poignant reflections on being a suicide loss survivor from a parent who is grieving the loss of her child—a topic so rarely discussed Why we say “died by suicide” How we can prevent teen suicide—including what signs to look for, what to ask, and next steps to take when you’re concerned In a very important way, this episode won’t create nearly as much anxiety as you think. Talking about suicide is one of the most important ways of making it less likely. So let’s find better language together, shall we? If you need to talk to someone, call or text 988. If you are worried about someone, you too can call or text 988 to get resources. Remember: you matter. Please listen with care.   Watch clips from this conversation, read the full transcript, and access discussion questions by clicking here or visiting katebowler.com/podcasts. Follow Kate on Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly known as Twitter)—@katecbowler. Links to social pages and more available at linktr.ee/katecbowler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canadian singer Chantal Kreviazuk discusses setting boundaries in families, the challenges and rewards of marriage, and coping with mental health struggles. She shares wisdom on dealing with hurting family members and finding positivity in difficult situations.

Actor Rainn Wilson, known for Dwight Schrute on The Office, discusses how self-care can lean towards toxic individualism, the mental health crisis, and the need for spiritual tools for vision and purpose. He emphasizes making oneself useful as an antidote to despair, challenging the idea that self-care is just bubble baths and trends.

Nicky Gumbel shares his reluctant journey to Christianity, embracing unexpected paths in life. They discuss staying open to unforeseen opportunities, the church's role as a hospital, and the potential for new ventures in later life. Age isn't a limit, and embracing change leads to growth and blessings.

Kate Bowler and Emma Gannon discuss the balance between ambition and self-care, the impact of burnout, and the dangers of endless bucket lists. They explore redefining success, embracing transformative moments, and celebrating imperfections while navigating societal pressures and personal fulfillment.