In this episode the discussion revolves around the human need to play with narrative structures to provide a sense of order in the face of life’s inherent chaos. Deborah shares personal insights into life, death, and the challenges of navigating the health insurance industry. She emphasizes the importance of honesty and truthfulness about one’s experiences, advocating for a shift away from defining ourselves by external achievements and titles. She reflects on the transformative power of writing as a tool for processing trauma and emphasizes the universality of individual stories. We talk about the shock of waking up in a recovery room after surgery, the rituals of remembrance, the impact of menopause hormone treatment and the asymmetries of our health system, as well as the role of humor in our everyday lives.

Deborah Copaken is the New York Times bestselling author of Shutterbabe, The Red Book, and Between Here and April, among others. She’s also been a war photographer, TV producer, screenwriter, and performer. Her most recent book is Ladyparts, and she publishes a Newsletter by the same name.