On Being with Krista Tippett

Atul Gawande, a renowned surgeon and writer, discusses the profound implications of mortality in healthcare. He explores the societal shift towards hospice care and the tensions created by medical technology in confronting death. Gawande emphasizes redefining medicine to prioritize well-being over mere survival. Personal stories illustrate the importance of meaningful conversations between patients and doctors. He also shares the transformative question that shaped his practice: 'What does a good day look like?' highlighting the value of living fully in the face of mortality.

Poet and author Elizabeth Alexander shares a poignant poem asking if we are of interest to each other, prompting reflection on human connection. The discussion explores the essence of poetry, authenticity, and the complexity of human relationships.

Luis Alberto Urrea discusses the deep meaning of borders, challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity. He shares personal experiences, humor, and messiness in navigating contemporary challenges. The conversation explores diverse literary works, cultural identity, humanizing tools, and the vivid symbolism of the Mexican-American border.

Ross Gay, a poet and essayist, discusses the paradox of joy in a world of suffering, emphasizing the importance of advocating for what we love. He explores the practice of delight as a spiritual discipline and the power of finding joy in small moments. The conversation delves into fostering community through kindness, the significance of gardening, and resisting societal norms. Ross shares insights on redefining justice as uplifting what we cherish, focusing on love, joy, and tenderness as essential components of a more compassionate world.

Biomimicry pioneer Janine Benyus and creative practitioner Azita Ardakani Walton discuss nature's guidance, healing from trauma, functioning like an ecosystem, and making a real kinship offering to the world. They explore mimicking nature in projects, historical ecological shifts, balancing command-control and adaptability in organizations, the moral paradox of capitalism, connectivity design, and communication in nature, and the intersection of biomimicry and humanitarian ventures.

Clinical psychologist and mindfulness teacher Christine Runyan shares wisdom on befriending the body, delving into healing distressed nervous systems. The podcast offers practical guided practices to blanket the body with tenderness, exploring self-compassion and promoting gratitude towards the body. Runyan emphasizes finding inner refuge and strength amidst challenges, guiding listeners through body scan exercises with kindness and awe.

Christine Runyan, a clinical psychologist and UMass Chan Medical School professor, discusses the ongoing emotional impact of the pandemic. She emphasizes the need for self-compassion and offers strategies for finding peace amidst collective trauma. The conversation explores how past experiences of stress affect our responses to current events, the healing power of connection, and the mind-body relationship. Runyan also highlights the role of imagination in shaping our physical sensations and the importance of mindfulness for mental well-being, especially in healthcare.

Ornithologist/poet J. Drew Lanham shares heart-stirring poetry on joy as self-imposed justice. Delve into themes of resilience, nature's embrace, and transformative power of joy. Explore the depths of joy as inner strength and justice in the face of adversity.

Lyndsey Stonebridge, a political thinker, and writer, discuss the intersections of love, politics, and violence, channeling Hannah Arendt. They explore loneliness's impact on democracy, differentiate facts from truth, and power from violence. The conversation offers insightful wisdom for navigating today's political climate and emphasizes the importance of generative shared deliberations.

A special mini-season of Poetry Unbound explores conflict and the human condition through the lens of poetry. Pádraig delves into Wisława Szymborska's thought-provoking poem 'A Word on Statistics,' asking listeners to reflect on their beliefs and behaviors. The series showcases poetry as a powerful tool for introspection and understanding human dynamics.