243 Five years ago, Nadine's father passed away at the age of 57. Nadine looks back on the spring of '21 and the years since, reflecting on all that has evolved. She explores important questions like: How to we go on in the wake of deep loss? How do we overcome the fear of our own mortality?

In this deeply vulnerable episode, Nadine shares a personal essay that is an excerpt from her book, Come Home to Your Heart, and was featured in Good Grit Magazine. She also discusses the life event that prompted her to write the essay, and what she has learned in the years since that difficult period.

Covered in this episode:

The difficult spring of 2021 when she lost her father
Why readers have resoundingly chose this essay as a favorite
The words that changed her outlook on loss
The behind-the scenes- process of writing this essay
The wisdom she's gained since this traumatic time
What it was like revisiting this material 5 yrs later and what gave her hope and healing

Join Nadine, Molly Wizenberg, and Hallie Bateman in Spain from Oct 26-Nov 2 for Tiny True Stories and Sketches: A Micro-Memoir Retreat. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just wanting to preserve impactful memories on the page, remember that every story—no matter how small—is worth capturing.

About Nadine:

Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today’s top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

Check out producer Michelle Redo's podcast, Daring to Tell --True stories read by the writers who lived them.