Podcast Summary: "What it Means to Grieve for the State of the World" Featuring Sarah Jaffe

Introduction In the episode titled "What it Means to Grieve for the State of the World," hosted by Chris Duffy on the How to Be a Better Human podcast, comedian and host Chris Duffy engages in a profound conversation with writer and journalist Sarah Jaffe. Drawing from her acclaimed books, Work Won't Love You Back and From the Ashes: Grief and Revolution in a World on Fire, Jaffe explores the intricate relationship between work, personal grief, and societal issues.

The Complex Relationship Between Work and Identity Sarah Jaffe begins by sharing her diverse work experiences, ranging from waiting tables to managing a bicycle shop, before becoming a full-time journalist. She emphasizes that despite transitioning to her dream job, the fundamental struggle of balancing work and personal life remains unchanged. Jaffe states, “I didn’t make more money at first when I was a journalist than I had been making in restaurants” (05:52), highlighting the persistent challenges in finding fulfillment and financial stability regardless of career shifts.

Grief as a Central Theme Jaffe delves into her personal experience of grieving her father's death in 2018, intertwining it with broader societal grief stemming from events like job losses, the pandemic, and the climate crisis. She illustrates how grief extends beyond personal loss, affecting communities and societal structures. Reflecting on her book, Jaffe notes, “Grief does not happen on the clock of capitalism” (37:31), underscoring the non-linear and pervasive nature of grief that resists the efficiency-driven timelines of modern society.

Union, Solidarity, and the Public Good A significant portion of the conversation centers on the role of unions and collective action in fostering solidarity and improving working conditions. Jaffe cites the 2012 Chicago Teachers Union strike as a pivotal moment where educators fought not just for better pay but for conditions that benefit the entire community. She explains, “They sort of demonstrated their worth to the community by going on strike” (09:07), emphasizing that such actions are essential for advocating the public good.

Jaffe further explores the evolution of labor movements, comparing the struggles of coal miners to those in care work. She recounts the story of Kevin, a former miner who transitioned to care work, illustrating how skills and solidarity from one labor sector can translate into another. Jaffe remarks, “This man who is, you know, the leader of a coal miners union, his job is care” (11:34), highlighting the inherent compassion and community-building aspects of union leadership.

Personal Reflections on Grief and Community Support Towards the latter part of the episode, Jaffe shares her personal journey through grief and the importance of community support. She reflects, “I would not have gotten through the last six, seven years without the people who love me” (43:24), acknowledging the critical role of relationships in navigating personal loss. Jaffe advocates for a societal shift towards collective care, envisioning a world where basic needs like housing and healthcare are universally accessible. She envisions public institutions that not only provide services but also foster communal bonds and mutual support.

Grief as a Catalyst for Change Jaffe connects her personal grief to broader societal transformations, suggesting that understanding and processing grief can lead to meaningful change. She states, “Grieving is also doing you” (38:15), highlighting the dual role of individuals in experiencing and shaping their grief. This perspective encourages a reimagining of societal structures to better accommodate and address collective suffering.

Conclusion The conversation between Chris Duffy and Sarah Jaffe offers a deep exploration of how personal and societal grief intersect with work and community. Jaffe’s insights advocate for a redefinition of work beyond mere economic necessity, emphasizing the importance of solidarity, unions, and communal support in fostering a more compassionate and resilient society. Her narratives and reflections serve as a roadmap for individuals seeking to navigate their own grief while contributing to broader social change.

Notable Quotes

• Sarah Jaffe on Work and Fulfillment:

  • “I didn’t make more money at first when I was a journalist than I had been making in restaurants.” (05:52)

• On Grief and Capitalism:

  • “Grief does not happen on the clock of capitalism.” (37:31)

• On Union Solidarity:

  • “They sort of demonstrated their worth to the community by going on strike.” (09:07)
  • “This man who is, you know, the leader of a coal miners union, his job is care.” (11:34)

• Personal Reflections on Grief:

  • “I would not have gotten through the last six, seven years without the people who love me.” (43:24)
  • “Grieving is also doing you.” (38:15)

Final Thoughts Sarah Jaffe’s candid discussion on How to Be a Better Human provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of how grief shapes our interactions with work and society. Her emphasis on community, solidarity, and the reimagining of societal structures offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to navigate personal loss while advocating for collective well-being.

For more insights and discussions on becoming a better human, subscribe to the How to Be a Better Human podcast and follow Chris Duffy on Instagram.