In the second installment of this interview, David Kessler, the world's foremost expert on healing after loss, joins Mind Wide Open to discuss grief and what he has coined as the sixth stage of grief: finding meaning. Lily and her mom, Susan Silver, have turned to his work for support for many years, making for a poignant and full circle conversation between Lily and David.

For more information, guest bios, and resources, go to www.mindwideopenproject.com

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Originally aired SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

David Kessler is the world’s foremost expert on healing after loss. His experience with thousands of people on the edge of life and death has taught him the secrets to living a happy and fulfilled life, even after life’s tragedies. He is the author of six books, including the new bestselling book, Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief. He co-authored two books with Elisabeth Kubler Ross, including On Grief and Grieving where he helped her adapt the 5 stages for grief. His first book, The Needs of The Dying received praise from Saint (Mother) Teresa.



David’s personal experience as a child witnessing a mass shooting while his mother was dying in a hospital inspired him to begin his journey. For most of his life, David has taught physicians, nurses, counselors, police, and first responders about the end of life, trauma, and grief. However, despite his vast knowledge on grief, his life was turned upside down by the sudden death of his twenty-one-year-old son. It moved him to write his newest book, Finding Meaning.


He is the founder of www.grief.com where you can find free resources to help after loss. The new paperback edition of Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief was released this September and includes an afterword that addresses the pandemic and other current events.


In 2020, David’s wisdom has gone viral. His interview with Brene Brown is the #1 Podcast in the world. The audio of Finding Meaning has been submitted by Simon and Schuster for consideration as a Best-Spoken Word GRAMMY nomination.