Everything Happens with Kate Bowler

Writer Maggie Jackson and host Kate explore the wisdom found in uncertainty. They discuss how uncertainty can lead to creativity, resilience, and understanding. They also touch on avoiding ambiguity, practicing imagination, and how focusing on outcomes can limit our perspective.

Alan Alda, famous actor and podcast host, discusses staying curious as we age, navigating disagreements with empathy, destigmatizing Parkinson's Disease, and practicing empathy and compassion in conversations. Insightful discussion on aging gracefully and the importance of curiosity and empathy in relationships.

Richard E. Grant, Academy Award-nominated actor and author known for his poignant memoir on grief, shares his insights on navigating loss. He discusses the unexpected moments of joy that can surface amidst sorrow, highlighting the importance of connection and support during tough times. Richard's reflective journey explores the gritty realities of caregiving, emphasizing how allowing ourselves to feel happiness can coexist with grief, ultimately making the burden a bit lighter.

How do you have faith that can hold all of reality—the beautiful, the terrible, and everything in-between? The TODAY Show’s Savannah Guthrie thinks carefully about this question, especially given that her job is reporting the news every morning.  In this conversation, Kate and Savannah discuss: Savannah’s trick for handling difficult news every day How to adjust the dial on fear and hope when there is so much to be afraid of Making sense of the wisdom we can learn in the midst of difficult times—without saying ‘everything happens for a reason’ (because we would never do that to you) How we hope to be transformed by God’s love   Watch clips from this conversation, read the full transcript, and access discussion questions by clicking here. Follow Kate on Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly known as Twitter)—@katecbowler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you ever look back at your childhood and go… certainly that didn’t happen like that? Where were the adults? Academy Award-winning director and childhood actress Sarah Polley describes what it was like to not be believed when she was afraid or when she wanted to stop or when she was in pain or when she was in danger. And how, as adults, we can all better protect those around us and learn to look back on our younger selves with compassion. How hard it can be to believe our own memories or pain When kids aren’t protected by the adults in their life and how they make sense of that as adults Managing invisible illnesses How we can better support those going through chronic illness with compassion   Watch clips from this conversation, read the full transcript, and access discussion questions by clicking here. Follow Kate on Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly known as Twitter)—@katecbowler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephanie Wittels Wachs, author of the memoir 'Everything is Horrible and Wonderful', joins Kate Bowler to discuss loving someone with addiction, grieving in public, and finding laughter in the worst moments. They explore the 6th stage of grief and the challenges of navigating life without a loved one.

In a heartfelt discussion, the U.S. Surgeon General shares profound insights on battling loneliness and nurturing relationships. He emphasizes the vital importance of community in enhancing our well-being. Personal reflections remind us that in the end, it's our connections, not achievements, that truly matter. Listeners are encouraged to engage with their communities and take actionable steps towards fostering meaningful relationships. It's a pep talk that inspires collective action for a more connected life.

Duke Men's Basketball Coach Jon Scheyer and US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy discuss the issue of loneliness, practical tips for connecting with others, and the impact of social media on mental health.

Bob Crawford, bass player for The Avett Brothers, joins Kate to discuss finding comfort in worst moments, continuing through tragedies, longing for spiritual language in life. Topics: beauty in daily struggles, ongoingness of tragedies, spiritual language in adversity.

Beth Moore opens up about her childhood, faith, and challenges. She discusses the grief caused by family members, the importance of being fully known, and her long-faithfulness despite rejection. This insightful conversation explores deep emotional topics and the role of faith in overcoming life's difficulties.