All There Is with Anderson Cooper

Grief never goes away but we can learn to live with it and learn from it. In Season 3 of All There Is, Anderson Cooper continues his deeply personal journey to understand his own feelings of grief in all its complexities, and in moving and honest discussions, learn from others who’ve experienced life-altering losses. All There Is with Anderson Cooper is about the people we lose, the people left behind, and how we can live on – with loss and with love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The podcast explores the topic of grief and shares personal stories of loss. It discusses the challenges of coping with grief in a culture that avoids discussing it. Listeners hear different experiences of grief, including the loss of future dreams and mourning an alcoholic parent. The podcast also explores ways to honor and remember loved ones. Kristen Payne shares her journey of grief and healing, and the impact of a poem on someone's grief journey is highlighted.

A father discusses his son's mental health struggles and their family's grief. They talk about overcoming procrastination and finding the right help, Charlie's journey to recovery and academic success, and dealing with hope and grief after his tragic death.

Mama Shu, who experienced the tragic loss of her sons, turned her grief into a mission to help her community. She cleaned up blighted properties and created Avalon Village, a safe and welcoming space for kids. Despite the pain, she transformed her neighborhood and built a community park. Mama Shu also constructed a homework house and fundraised for the project, aiming high and achieving more. Her story is a beautiful example of turning loss into love.

Author Nicole Chung discusses carrying her adoptive parents' memories alone and her search for her birth parents, which led to surprising discoveries. The podcast also explores processing grief through writing and poetry, transformative shifts following loss, reflections on adoption and searching for birth family, and the purpose of pain and grief.

Ashley Judd, an acclaimed actress and mental health advocate, opens up about her profound journey through grief after losing her mother, Naomi Judd, to suicide. She candidly discusses the trauma of that moment and how her mother’s spirit continues to influence her life. The conversation touches on the power of music in healing, the transformative effects of EMDR therapy, and the importance of nurturing one’s inner child. Ashley also shares how fond memories can foster joy amidst grief, emphasizing the lasting bond with those we've lost.

Stephen Colbert discusses the concept of finding gratitude in grief and loss. They reflect on personal experiences and the importance of validating others' grief. The podcast explores the emotional weight of preserving lost stories and the significance of symbolic belongings. Embracing grief as a path to growth and personal transformation is emphasized, along with the power of sharing grief with loved ones. The hosts share their emotional journey of rediscovering their father's voice after his passing. They also discuss their reaction to a radio interview and offer book recommendations.

Amanda Petrusich, a talented writer for The New Yorker who often covers music, discusses grieving an unexpected loss while navigating life as a single parent. They explore the changing nature of grief, the role of music, and how to talk about loss with their child.

Katie Talman, a woman who experienced the loss of her stillborn daughter, shares her heartbreaking journey of grief and the challenges of parenting. The taboo around miscarriage and the need for support are highlighted. The speaker's experience of carrying a baby with Turner syndrome and her desire to be a mother are discussed. The challenges of grieving and raising a child alone are explored with a preview of next week's episode.

President Biden opens up about the tragic loss of his wife and daughter in a car crash, as well as the death of his son Beau. He discusses finding solace in grief, searching for purpose beyond pain, and reaching out to others. The podcast explores the topics of gratitude for grief, overcoming grief, and confronting and healing from it.