
223 - The Sixth Stage of Grief: Finding Meaning with David Kessler
About this episode
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What if our inability to process grief is quietly shaping our culture—and our lives?
In this moving episode, Boysen Hodgson sits down with world-renowned grief expert David Kessler to unpack the hidden costs of unacknowledged loss, the transformative power of meaning, and how we can begin to heal—together.
David shares the origins of his life’s work, including how the death of his mother during a mass shooting—and later, the death of his son—propelled him into a lifelong exploration of grief, healing, and human connection. He offers insights into the five stages of grief, and the powerful sixth stage he added: meaning.
Together, they explore:
- How grief infiltrates our relationships and sense of identity
- The harm caused by toxic positivity and “fix-it” culture
- Why healing can’t happen in isolation
- How the ManKind Project helped David’s son begin his healing journey
Whether you're grieving a loved one, supporting someone in loss, or curious about how to live more fully, this episode is a must-listen.
📘 Learn more at grief.com
and griefeducator.com
Hearing the call? We're here. https://mkpusa.org
BetterHelp: Get 10% Off Your First Month Of Therapy
The ManKind Podcast has partnered with Betterhelp to make it easier for listeners to access licensed mental health therapists who can aid them in their mental health journey. Brandon and Boysen stand by this service as they use BetterHelp for their therapy needs.
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