THE SHOW
This episode is one of the most important in the history of the show. We’re talking about grief. It’s one of those unsexy topics that doesn’t get discussed enough, but it’s something none of us can escape. Because of that, I invited grief expert David Kessler to the show. David is a six time author – among his books are On Death and Dying and On Grief and Grieving which are seminal works on death and grieving co-authored with Elizabeth Kubler Ross. You may have heard of the five stages of grief – those were originated by Elizabeth and David so he has an intimate understanding of grief. In addition to his formal training, David has experienced loss of his own which informs the sympathy and compassion he brings to helping people find peace and a path forward when looking ahead feels impossible. This conversation is both a balm and a beacon for anyone who’s experienced loss of any kind.
Behind his brilliance: A thousand mistakes people don’t see
Say hi to David on Twitter: @IAmDavidKessler
THE GUEST
DAVID KESSLER | Grief Expert + Author
David Kessler is one of the world’s foremost experts on grief and loss. He is the author of six books, including his latest bestselling book, Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief. He co-authored two books with Elisabeth Kubler Ross, and co-wrote You Can Heal Your Heart with Louise Hay. He also wrote Visions, Trips and Crowded Rooms. His first book, The Needs of The Dying received praise from Saint (Mother) Teresa. For the past years, he has been leading groups online for individuals experiencing grief after the loss of a loved one and teaching and mentoring people to be able to offer grief support either as a professional or in their local community. He is the founder of Grief.com which has over five million visits yearly from 167 countries.
TOPICS COVERED
How David became a death and grief expert
The early experience that changed David’s understanding of death
How to become more grief literate
What to do or say when you or someone you know is grieving
The role of toxic positivity in grief responses
What’s “normal” when grieving
The 5 stages of grief
Reframing “moving on” from a loss
The grief timeline
How David navigated the unexpected loss of his 21 year old son
What anticipatory grief is and how to manage it
How grief can inform being present
How David’s perspective on grief changed after his son’s passing
David’s habits as a successful 6x author
The role of guilt in grief
Why authenticity trumps perfection
And much more!
STUFF MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
On Grief and Grieving by David Kessler and Elizabeth Kubler Ross
On Death and Dying by Elizabeth Kubler Ross and David Kessler
Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown (David’s book pick)
