Episode Details

Grief is not a problem to be solved or something we simply "get over." In this profound conversation, Dr. Gillian Lockitch speaks with philosopher and grief expert Thomas Attig about mourning as a lifelong process of relearning how to live in a world forever changed by loss. Drawing on decades of scholarship and personal insight, Thomas explains how grief can deepen our love, strengthen resilience, and help us find wisdom and meaning in life's most difficult transitions. This episode offers compassionate guidance for anyone grieving a loved one or supporting someone through loss.
Thomas Attig is an internationally recognized philosopher, educator, and authority on grief, death, and bereavement. He earned his BA and PhD in philosophy from Northwestern University and Washington University in St. Louis. During his career at Bowling Green State University, he helped establish the world's first PhD program in applied philosophy. He is a Fellow of the International Work Group on Death, Dying, and Bereavement. Dr. Attig is the author of several influential books, including How We Grieve and Seeking Wisdom in Death's Shadows.

Episode Timeline 

00:00 – Welcome and introduction 

00:30 – Why grief is central to healthy aging and emotional well-being 

04:06 – Tom Attig's early experiences with death and family loss 

08:45 – Teaching the first university course on death and dying 

11:30 – Grief as relearning how to live in the world 

13:11 – Dr. Gillian shares the loss of her husband 

15:44 – Grief reaction versus grief response 

18:00 – Learning to love in separation 

22:00 – Moving from sorrow to gratitude 

24:52 – The purpose and structure of Seeking Wisdom in Death's Shadows 

27:00 – Problems versus mysteries in life and grief 

31:42 – One essential truth for anyone who is grieving 

 Connect with Thomas Attig PhD

Book: Seeking Wisdom in Death's Shadows: Collected Writings on How We Grieve 

Publisher: Oxford University Press 

Website: Thomas Attig Author Page 

30% Discount Code: AUFLY30 

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