Secret #67: Living with Death - An Existential Conversation with Dr. Manuela O'Connell & Dr. Robyn Walser
Description
Recommended Episodes
- Secret #56: Spirituality with Dr. Matthieu Villatte
- Secret #51: New Thinking on Grief with Dr. Ray Owen
- Secret #62: The Connection Paradox with James Cordova
What happens when we stop running from mortality and let it guide how we live now? Chris and Emma sit down with Dr. Robyn Walser and Dr. Manuela O’Connell to explore death as a teacher, not a terror. They unpack cultural avoidance of death, the role of ritual and spirituality, existential responsibility, and how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help us meet endings with presence, compassion, and choice. Robyn leads a powerful Lifeline exercise, while Manuela reframes death as a mindfulness bell that returns us to the heart of what matters.
Topics Discussed
- Existentialism and ACT in real life choices
- Cultural and spiritual perspectives on death
- Mindfulness, presence, and compassionate self talk
- Values based living across endings and transitions
- Grief, regret, and returning again to what matters
Struggling with your child’s big feelings? Our new children’s workbooks are here to help kids and parents handle worry, disappointment, and anger using practical, compassionate tools. Follow the journeys of Justin Case, the Glumm Twins, and Max Cross as they learn that tough emotions are normal and manageable. Find all three workbooks at bookstores everywhere and give your family the support they deserve.
- ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
- ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
- ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)






