The Loss Encounters

Can losing one's sight unexpectedly open up new avenues of creativity? Chef Christine Ha's story is a powerful testament to this idea. After facing profound personal tragedies, including the loss of her mother at age 14 and her own sight by 27 due to Neuromyelitis optica, Christine has not only adapted but excelled. Her culinary prowess, honed in the absence of sight, led her to victory...

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life of renowned Brazilian pianist and conductor João Carlos Martins, who lost the use of his fingers due to a neurological disorder. João Carlos’ career, marked by dazzling triumphs and profound challenges, is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of music. From a child prodigy to an international sensation, he shares memories of h...

This special bonus episode for Father's Day is a tribute to my father, Lorenzo Weisman. Shortly before he died in 2012, he published a precious gift— A Family Story , a book he wrote about our family's history. It's filled with stories, photos, poems, and letters that have brought us comfort and connection. Today, I'm reminded of the power of preserving our memories. To explore this further, I'm j...

Is our society’s definition of success harming young people’s ability to feel they matter? In this enlightening episode, we delve into the profound effects of our achievement-driven culture on young people's social connections and sense of self-worth. Dr. Sarah Bennison, an educator and founder of Trinity School's Office of Public Service in New York City, discusses how the pressure to succeed is...

In this poignant episode, writer and podcaster Caroline Crampton shares her intimate battle with hypochondria, detailed in her memoir, "A Body Made of Glass." Twice cured of cancer by age 22, Caroline's journey left her with profound health anxiety and a persistent mistrust of her body's ability to stay well. Caroline discusses the captivating cultural history of hypochondria, tracing its evolutio...

In a world where the loss of physical health can often feel insurmountable, some patients turn adversity into advocacy.  Kathy Giusti is a two-time cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 1996 at age 37 and was given a three-year life expectancy. She founded the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, where she has raised over $500 million for research. She has also worked u...

Karen Washington is a trailblazer in urban agriculture who tirelessly advocates for equal access to nutritious food. Raised in New York City, Karen's journey into activism began in the late 1980s, fueled by her career as a physical therapist and her direct experiences with the disparities in access to healthy produce. Her transformative efforts led to the creation of the Garden of Happiness in the...

Are you anxious about aging well in our achievement-focused society? Sari Botton, author and founder of the popular digital publication Oldster Magazine, explores how our culture's obsession with youthfulness adds pressure to the already challenging process of growing older. In this episode, Sari shares her early fascination with aging and her struggle to fit in and meet societal expectations—a jo...

Hi, It’s Melissa, and I wanted to thank you for tuning into Season 1 of The Loss Encounters podcast. In the last 10 episodes, I've spoken with guests who've transformed loss into remarkable creative achievements. We’ve discussed bereavement, incarceration, disability, displacement, cultural and ecological loss. And there are still so many topics for us to look at. I started this podcast to explore...

In this episode, we delve into the work of French photographer Maxime Riché, who captures the devastating impact of California's recent wildfires and the indomitable spirit of communities rebuilding in their aftermath. Maxime's work straddles art, science, and environmental advocacy, earning him accolades for his compelling storytelling. In 2020, he traveled to Paradise, California, to photograph...

Christian Bagg has a fearless appetite for outdoor sports. He is the founder and CTO of Bowhead Corp and the revolutionary adaptive bikes like the Bowhead Reach.  In 1996, a snowboarding accident in his native Calgary left Christian paralyzed at the age of 20. “I’ve experienced loss for sure,” says Christian, “But maybe not in a conventional way. I’m super pragmatic.” Christian didn’t just ad...

How do refugees plant roots in unfamiliar ground to mark new beginnings? This question drives the work of Meymuna Hussein-Cattan, Founder and CEO of the Tiyya Foundation and a beacon of hope for the displaced.  Born in an Ethiopian refugee camp in Somalia, Meymuna moved to America when she was three years old. Challenges and resilience marked her early years. Yet, she emerged as a force for c...

Bénédicte de Montlaur, President and CEO of the World Monuments Fund, discusses the urgent need to preserve cultural heritage in the face of conflict, climate change, and urbanization. She describes the impact of destruction on identity and belonging, and the importance of storytelling and community involvement in the preservation process.  From the corridors of French diplomacy to her curren...

Joyal Mulheron never set out to become an activist for the bereaved. After experiencing the loss of her infant daughter, she left her career in public policy under the former First Lady Michelle Obama and embarked on a door-to-door mission to understand and reshape bereavement support in America. Through her nonprofit, Evermore, Joyal champions legislative efforts to overcome the hidden challenges...

Dancer Zazel-Chavah O'Garra has leveraged her loss of mobility and radiant optimism to push creative boundaries for dancers of all abilities. A New Yorker with Caribbean roots, her talent as a dancer took her from Broadway to stages across Europe. She graced the cover of Essence magazine twice during her career as a professional model. However, her journey took a challenging turn when severe fatig...

In this episode, Colin Campbell, a writer and director, discusses the importance of articulating our grief and grief needs. In June 2019, Colin and his wife Gail's lives were forever changed when a drunk driver crashed into their car, tragically taking the lives of their two children, Ruby and Hart. In the aftermath, Colin turned to writing to process his tremendous loss and honor the memory...

In this episode, we delve into the loss of animal sounds in our natural environment with Bernie Krause, a pioneer in the field of sound ecology. For over five decades, Bernie has traveled to the farthest reaches of our planet, capturing the symphony of nature's voices. His mission: To raise awareness about the urgent need to preserve these precious sonic environments. Bernie's work explores the be...

How do relationships evolve and strengthen after one partner undergoes a significant change? This question has shaped the life of author Lee Woodruff. In 2006, Lee's life took an abrupt turn when her husband, renowned journalist Bob Woodruff, was gravely injured by a roadside bomb while on assignment in Iraq. Overnight, Lee was thrust into the role of caregiver. "When the bad thing happens, you ca...

Brad Rouse, a Harvard graduate, was a successful New York theater director when he fell into a spiral of addiction. In 2008, he pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges and served a year at The Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn. Today, Brad assists defendants as they face sentencing. “ Jail is a penalty box, it’s not a coffin, ” he says. “ And if you think that jail is the end of your life,...

The Loss Encounters is an interview series that explores what we create from loss. Each week, journalist Melissa Ceria talks with a changemaker – an artist, activist, athlete, or business leader – who has harnessed their creativity in the face of adversity to drive innovation, improve lives, and empower others. In this podcast, we discuss many forms of loss and how it impacts our thinking. Wh...