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 …

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,…

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…

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 …

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, Carolin…

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 mye…

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, fue…

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 you…

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 …

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 …

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 h…

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 …

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 …

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 Obam…

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…

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 d…

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 fart…

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…

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 Metr…

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 – wh…