276 Why You Never Get Over Grief -and Why That's Good with Thomas Attig

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  Dr. Lockitch Call to Action  Subscribe to Growing Older Living Younger on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others discover the show. Join the Growing Older Living Younger Community  Connect with Dr. Gillian Lockitch at https://www.askdrgill.com/ or email: [email protected]  Download Guide to Nature's Colorful Antioxidants 2026