Episode Details

🌱 Imagine this: What if our greatest pains and deepest grief are actually challenges designed to help us grow into what we were always meant to be? In this episode of "Grief to Growth," host Brian Smith welcomes James Parker, a distinguished staff writer at The Atlantic and author of the powerful new book, "Get Me Through the Next Five Minutes: Odes to Being Alive." 🖋️

James takes us on a journey through his unique odes—celebrations of life's raw and real experiences, from the mundane to the profound. Together, we explore the importance of observing life's smallest moments, embracing both the joy and the struggle, and finding meaning in everything from panic attacks to the simple act of giving money.

Join us as we discuss: ✨ Why James wrote his book and how it serves as a guide to appreciating our existence ✨ The therapeutic power of writing and how odes can serve as mindfulness practices ✨ The role of heroes like Jason Bourne in our understanding of identity and purpose 🎸 Plus, James and I geek out over our favorite music and discover we agree on the best movie of ALL TIME—spoiler alert: it’s a classic you don’t want to miss!

Whether you're navigating grief, seeking deeper meaning in life, or simply curious about the art of odes, this episode offers insights that resonate on multiple levels. After listening, join our community at grief2growth.com/community to continue the conversation. 🌐

Guest Links:

• James Parker's Book: Get Me Through the Next Five Minutes: Odes to Being Alive
• The Atlantic: James Parker's Articles

You've been listening. You're doing the work. But there's still this feeling that you're circling the same place.

Maybe you've thought about working with me one-on-one. Maybe something's held you back. 

I get that. And I want you to know there's still a place for you.

All of it, pay what you want. You decide what it's worth. Nobody gets turned away because of money.

https://grief2g

The International Association for Near-Death Studies or IANDS will host its annual conference at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue.  The event features an all-star lineup of keynotes like Proof of Heaven Author Eben Alexander, MD, and Dying to Be Me Author Anita Moorjani. I Early bird registration rates are available through July 15.

Visit IANDS.org to register

The International Association for Near-Death Studies or IANDS will host its annual conference at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue.  The event features an all-star lineup of keynotes like Proof of Heaven Author Eben Alexander, MD, and Dying to Be Me Author Anita Moorjani. I Early bird registration rates are available through July 15. 

Visit IANDS.org to register

Want to go deeper? My Substack is where I share solo essays on grief, consciousness, and continuing bonds — thoughts that don't always make it into the podcast. It's also home to a community of listeners who get it, because they're living it too. Free to subscribe. Find it at substack.com/grief2growth.

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