Anderson this is the most important work you have ever done. For yourself first. But sharing these conversations is helping anyone watching. Thank you.
We are not taught/supported/encouraged to grieve in this society. Deadening yourself to feelings will never make you fully alive. Feeling the depths of the loss will also open you up to feel more joy. Thank you for your honesty Anderson and for introducing me to your powerful guest.
WOW, I did not expect this interview. I lost my 12 year old stepson 8 years ago to cancer and now I am going through a situation that is very difficult. It has triggered my grief again. I can't see a counselor right now so videos and information like this is what I have. The choice you two made to do this video is huge to my life and I can not be alone in this. Thank you so much for putting yourself out there and putting something healing and good into the world!
Thank you, Anderson. Just over three months ago I lost my husband unexpectedly. The questions you asked about feeling hostage to the pain and sorrow were spot on for me. I've just realized that I too am a master strategizer. Hearing that I need to learn how to walk next to the grief, and not try to conquer it is eye opening. This talk has brought me hope and I'm so grateful to have found it so early in my grief journey. It's very important to me to honor my husband while not losing myself in the process. May we all find some peace.
I lost my 23 year old son Chansen at age 23 after he struggled with 3 different types of Cancer since age 6. The pain has been beyond anything I can describe, and yet of someone said they could take it from me, I wouldn’t let them. Because I treasure that pain, it belongs to him, it’s his space inside me. It is precious because he was so precious to me. #chansenschampions
Thank you for sharing how your grief is a part of your love journey with your beloved son. It moves me to hear that it is possible to continue with the connection of love through grief. Thank you again for sharing 💙
Thank you Anderson for doing this! I was 55 when I finally admitted to myself that I had been abused. It’s much the same. I developed coping skills. I was like him, I made sure to do everything perfect, I was always smiling and everyone thought I was the happiest person. I was not, and still am not. But since I recognized the abuse, I have been and continue to work on it.
Thank you for doing this, Anderson Cooper. It takes a great deal of courage to go through this process, and to share it publicly while doing so. I find it very therapeutic for myself, personally. While listening to this podcast, I’m actually working through some of my past experiences, thoughts, and emotions right now.
I could never afford this kind of personal advice. So I thank you Anderson for this valuable insight. I have watched this video twice. My husband of over 30 years passed away January 1st of 2010, but it seems like yesterday. I have kept things bottled up tight so I could manage on my own. But here I found a better understanding of how grief is a companion, I sort of figured that out partially by feeling a softening of memories. But not fully understanding the rest of the grief. This. Interview was so life changing, and gave me joy, even at 1:25am in the morning, because I couldn’t sleep and happened on this CNN UA-cam. Thank you, thank you, from my heart and soul😂Love from 🇨🇦
Thank you for sharing so openly. I had not heard of Francis Weller but really liked what he said. I ordered his book & look forward to reading it. Maybe this will help me embrace my grief instead of using food, TV, etc. Thanks Anderson. You are very brave.❤
As a child I dealt with things by escaping into the forest. I would find arrowheads and tadpoles in the creek. I sat in a field making daisy chains. Exploring the wondrous beauty that brought joy and peace unfound anywhere in the world man created. We live our lives boxed in and trapped inside our lives as adults. Escape the cities and electronics and social expectations and go into nature. It solves a lot of inner turmoil because it is primal.
So brave, appreciated and grateful to have you Anderson sharing your personal experiences, thoughts and feelings while shedding light on grief and the universal challenges we all face as we navigate through the process of the loss of our precious loved ones. I too am a 57 year old who is orphaned and working to find my way through by embracing grief and honoring my loved ones who I know will always be with me as my guiding angels. Grief is a personal journey but in the end we are all finding our way…with the tools, friendships and memories we share. Thank you to both of you for helping all move forward together. Loads of love!
*Cooper has led a fascinating life. It goes to show that just because you have money doesn’t mean you have it easy. For your father to die when you’re so young…for your brother to jump off your family’s building…being in the closet for so long. And then to put your life in harms way, in some of the most powerful storms in history and some of the most war-torn regions of the world. He truly is a fascinating person. There are plenty who have it harder, but sure as hell not in celebrity world or Hollywood*
After losing my husband, whom I loved so very much, two and a half years ago, my grief is more acute than ever. When he died I loved him more than ever, and now I experience my love for him as a deep state of grief, which makes sense because it WAS an indescribable loss.
... Anderson I am so very proud of you! What you are doing in this conversation about grief's callings ... showing your own tenderness, vulnerability, HUMILITY ... demonstrating for all men what being taught about intimacy is only waiting inside you, we, us men. Aside- I also believe from my own experiences ... knowing love with another man, adding being a father ... allows men to learn how to love their own inner little boys. Ain't it grand how Tim Walz is a huge archetype of this dying and being reborn. Yes, I am proud of you. Blessings.
Thank you for this discussion on grief. Every time grief strikes I turn to gratitude for that person who was a gift to have touched my life either giving me good memories or powerful lessons.
Anderson, the little girl in me wants to run and hug the little boy in you. To be in companionship with grief is the the way to live the love of the once gone, at least it has been the way for me and I didn't knew it had a name until today, so thank you. Your vulnerability is beautiful, don't be ashamed of it, your children need to see it. Thank you for this amazing podcast and episode, I thought Andrew's episode was it, na! This one exceeded my hearts longing for healing.
Wow. This is such an important conversation. Anderson, thank you. Your words and heart came shining through and I felt heard through you. I’m so sorry for the loss you’ve experienced.
A wonderful conversation about grief. I have dealt with grief for years losing so many precious people in my life along with the relationship of my brothers. Some days are so difficult but I take it one day at a time. Thank You Francis Weller and Anderson Cooper.
I think that grief is not only honoring the love of someone who you will always be part of. It makes you more open to loving yourself and others. It is the price that we pay for loving someone. It is also part of being completely Alive. If you can't love and accept loss you will not have been completely open to your, to our human experience.
Wow! Anderson, thank you. What a gift you give us today. I was crying and speechless watching the entire clip. I was doing so well after my mom’s passing. So, knowing my authentic version of myself today I strongly believe that I would still have some residual (from grief) if I did not obey to the voice I heard. So, I went to another room in the house and I felt asleep rapidly- just for 10 minutes when I woke up I saw that my grandfather was busy preparing the body as he was waiting for the funeral home to arrive to pick up the body. That happened when I was 11 years old in Haiti. I’m now 45 yo being in the US I continue to go to therapy. It seems it’s a life long commitment and struggle to try to heal and forget our bond. I realize it’s not easy. Thank you again! You’re not alone and I will continue to pray for you and your kids.
Anderson, big kudos to you for your raw vulnerability. Your courage to come public w your grief is so very healing for humanity. Huge shout out to you. And Francis Weller is stellar...
I absolutely adored this episode. I just lost my mom last Wednesday. She was nearly 65 and she was very close with my sister and I. Grief is a powerful leveler. I hope that I can overcome the sadness and grow exponentially from this experience.
Wow, loved this therapists approach and insight. And such compassion. I’ve had lots of therapy re my childhood emotional trauma, and it’s always an unlayering to the truth. He is offering another avenue I can explore. Grateful 🙏🏼
I hope Anderson realizes what a gift he is giving to his 2 sons by doing this sort of work on himself. If only I could have accomplished this sort of counseling when my sons were young. They are 3 amazing men now, but I know I didn’t supply what I could have had I worked on my own struggles as a human. Bravo, Anderson.
Thank you Anderson and Francis. And thank you for all those who are sharing in comments section. We are not that alone after all. In those moments when my heart is exploding with sorrow, I have slowed down and offered a metaphorical chair to grief. What follows is a beautiful journey each time. It is ironic that grief is taken as such a negative state/emotion when it is by far the best access to healing.
I much appreciate your sharing and the dialogue acknowledging and supporting latent grief. I’m 70 years old and just started grieving my mother’s passing when I was 14. All these years I knew I loved her, but as you shared I got on with things that needed to get done. Life. Family, education, career, goals. I’m feeling the loss now as my 14 year old self. I write a lot about grief, my intimate relationship with grief. It feels lonely. Less so now. I think, hope your sharing shines a bright light on the reality and the process. I loved the comment of softness. Going to watch again and share. Bless you.
Thanks for bringing back Francis Weller! His previous appearance in season 2 is my favorite episode. He's eloquent, knowledgeable, wise, and for my money, should probably appear once per season, like your resident grief expert. The episodes I enjoy the most are the ones where the guest is reflective and insightful (Stephen Colbert, Ashley Judd, Andrew Garfield come to mind, the caller episodes are also great), while the episodes I like the least are the ones where it's just a sad tale without any takeaways or where not enough time is dedicated to examining grief from new perspectives.
I lost my dear husband 12/27/2017. I tear up every single time that I think of him. Hearing Francis say that he thinks that my tears are holy touches me deeply in my heart. Of course, they are hole. Our love is sacred, so my tears, an expression of my love for him, are sacre. Thank you for your words and for your compassion.
Thank you Anderson. I take this sharing as the high point of your career- your work. Such treasure you have found and shared with us. Perhaps my own opportunity now.
Gold. Thank you gentlemen. I am also on a grief journey. Thank you for your vulnerability and sharing. I hear many of the same things from Anderson that I am experiencing. Im only a year older than Anderson. Thank you. My husband of 36 years died last year .
Grief has a way of breaking you open, exposing parts of yourself you never knew existed. It forces you to sit in the raw, unrelenting ache and somehow find a way to hold yourself together. For me, grief has been both my greatest pain and my greatest teacher. It’s shown me how to wrap my own arms around my heart, how to console myself when no one else can, and how to let the pain flow without turning away. In those moments of quiet despair, I’ve learned to truly love myself-to honor the depth of what I feel and to recognize the strength in simply surviving. Grief has taught me that even in the darkest times, there is beauty in being there for myself, and in that, I’ve found a love for who I am that I never imagined possible.
I am 55 years old and remember being interested in hearing what you have to say. I really think you have shifted to special interest. Today’s show 10/24/2025 was the first time in years that you showed a non biased opinion. Everyone has a vote and of course yours is to be respected. Thank you for standing up tonight and calling out the left for going to far. I look forward to you being a part of the effort to represent all Americans!
Thank you Anderson!! I lost my mom and your podcast conversations have literally been my biggest source of strength for still hanging in this world.. I too look like I am successful, 40 year old but it comes to my mom, I want her like I am 4..
Thank you so much for sharing this conversation!! The whole time I felt like it was me you were talking to and talking about. Thank you for letting us see your beautiful vulnerability. 🙏 I’m going to share this with my sister who is also grieving for our dad. He’s always been the sun the moon and our guiding light. 🙏
Thank you Francis for all the incredible work you’ve brought to this world.. your work has changed my life and many others..;great you’re being seen on more mainstream media… your work is sooooo needed now ❤
Anderson I can feel you as my Dad passed 1/2019 when I was 56 years old.... my Dad is always alive in my daily living.... I focus on the memories, the good times as well as the sad/bad times ... I have learned to let of of it and like Francis; apprentice to grief ... move forward....
Wow, thank you Anderson Cooper. I can relate, my father died suddenly when I was 20, 44 years ago last week. I am still the hurt young adult, dealing with the coping mechanisms for grief management, the pain of loss is still real. Along with other losses, including my mother in 2017 at the age of almost 94, which also has deepened the state of an orphaned child. Thanks Dr. Weller for your wisdom and gentle words of hope. Most of the grief I allow dissolves into childlike tears, a boy who can't find daddy and mommy....weepy tears, and I feel silly because I'm almost 65 years old.
The deeper you love your children…the more you can empathize with the little boy who lost his father and brother. The loss of your mom opened the lid to your grief.
Thank you, Anderson, for opening your heart and sharing your grief...I think it is the most important thing you may have every done in your career. You are many things, an amazing journalist ( I loved you with the sloths and bonobos) and so much more). Keep being strong and wonderful as you are, you are a gift, an Angel. Thank you for opening your heart and showing your vulnerability. Don't ever change, you are a special and authentic human that has the ability to help others. Take care. Sending hugs.
ty for sharing ❤ I’m sorry for your heartbreak and loss. May you heal and be stronger and closer to your loved ones bc of it. I am feeling this relationship with grief and strife with my overcoming strategies that have helped me to survive. It started not long ago. I needed to hear this.
Thank you for these conversations. I'm getting an education that I've needed for decades and am beginning to experience some relief and self-compassion.
As 60 year being riddled with deep grief of mother murdered, followed by surreal life events happened with more loss, body at risk, tossed about, high demand church group, I found this video very enlightening. Grief does become your friend and ally and points out celebrations & triumphs. I encourage quiet time with both your little person and your soul. Life is hard. It can swallow you, if you let it. Thank you for sharing this.
Think of the loss you’ve dealt with-both parents and your brother. I’m sure you have sweet memories of them. You are such a kind person & I’m sure you reflect your loved ones.
I admit that I feel lonely since recently losing my sister. Grief is complicated. Isolating actually gives me the peace that I need to feel that loss. All There Is has been a blessing for me.
Oh My God, Andersen, I feel exactly the same way you do, every word you uttered echos my feelings, too. I’ve lost everyone I love. I’m with you here. ❤❤❤❤ Dick Schwartz’ IFS, Internal Family Systems therapy, helped me. Don’t mistake it with typical “family systems therapy.” This is INTERNAL family systems, so if you seek this therapy, make sure they are that specifically.
Thank you, Anderson. I was a child of 3 when myself and 4 siblings were traveling with our parents, and a drunk driver drove into the back of our car, I saw the horrors of my parents dying instantly. It has stayed with me as a 3-year-old saw it, and your podcast helped me see so very much to understand that young girls emotions. Thank you so much, Deniece
This is incredibly moving. God bless Anderson for talking about his strategies as I went through the same thing recently and know the feeling of counting on our strategies and questioning why my strategies weren’t working anymore. What a great counsel and such a gift to all of us in this world. A world that no longer even allows funerals to be a place of grief as they would’ve been in the days gone by. A world that keeps shoving emotions down. Let’s take time to really grieve. I’m going on a year now again. My partner died 10 years ago. I’m sorry but I didn’t catch the name my screen doesn’t have his name anywhere and I didn’t hear the name at the end of the podcast. I would like to get this man’s name so I can buy his book
WOW, Thank you very much. By the grace of God, I've experienced lately the possibility of being a good friend of mine. How sweet and kind way of talking. I hope from the bottom of my heart this interview will be a seed for future interviews all around the world. A new humanity sharing experiences and looking for PEACE that comes from our hearts. God bless both of you.
Thank you, Anderson, for taking us along on this profound journey. Recently, while cleaning out my basement, I came across a childhood photo of myself, and my initial thought was, oh wow, I should put this in a better frame and add it my other treasured photos. Then I took a good look at her, and put her back in the box. She looked sad and wary. I’m going back down the basement and welcoming her to the light. We have much work to do.Thank you and your insightful guests for helping me break open.
Thank you so much for normalizing what I feel and have felt so may years since my Dad died in a road accident. I wasn’t as young as you- 18- but very attached to him. The grief that wasn’t acknowledged at the time still lives in me exactly as you described. And of course thank you for bringing Francis Weller to the podcast. As a result I bought his book and was fortunate to attend a grief ritual yesterday. For the first time my grief was welcomed…🙏❤️🙏
As a grieving Mother my life has forever changed, grief is sneaky, powerful consuming, and often all-consuming. It is hard, but fight the impulses and honor their lives. It's been 3 years, and seeing my son's Jeep in his yard set me back. I sit with my grief and work through it, I still wait for his call
How can we separate from our grief? We cannot. When I feel my grief coming on, I find that I must allow myself to cry for my loss. Totally break down , sometimes until exhaustion. What I'm lacking in that moment is someone to hold me, and someone to hold on to So, what I believe we all need, aside from having these discussions, is someone to hold us, and someone to hold onto. Just until the tears subside. Aside from your podcast, group meetings may be helpful, because then you can touch. There's nothing more comforting than the human touch.
I’m so happy you are talking about grief and how to move on. I’ve struggled for so long also. In your case you’re grief is so cumulative because you have lost so many of the people you had your primary attachments with. I hope you find some peace.
Yes, this guy is very good.... he is asking us all to be present now as adult men and women with FEELING grief and sadness honestly and openly... it is ok, very ok to be WITH it..Go for help to FEEL ALL YOUR FEELINGS and love your young self and make friends with all of it.
As a man, THIS is what real men look like; those who can be vulnerable and face their feelings and emotions with the purpose of bettering themselves and those around them.
Anderson, I just bought the book. It is helping, so thank you. Without your pain, my pain would have carried on further into the abyss. My plan of suicide over Thanksgiving is now on hold. My spirit thanks you, and I will continue to try and hold on.
This was a wonderful come -cross. Suppressing grief is not a good choice. It is a human neurological condition that is unavoidable and is a right of life. To grieve is to love. I was lucky to find the widow's support organization of Soaring Spirits after my husband died from cancer. What is learned in this journey is invaluable and brings us full circle. It doesn't get better but you get better at it when you ride those waves. Thank you for your courage and humility Anderson Cooper and thank you Dr. Weller for your wisdom and counsel. Be what you are, not what you're not.
POWERFUL!!! I coined ‘perpetual grief’ a couple years ago as yet another trauma happened in my life. Defining it and understanding that it indeed has been grief as the predominant ‘weight’ on my soul has been beyond liberating. NOT easy but oh so worth to listen to my heart/soul/mind. Best of all, it softens my heart where I can actually hear God better. He wants to speak to my whole being if I am distracted it truly is hard to hear him. A repeat worth repeating. I am a lil over half way through your exchange, just want to say thank you to both. Know that I have been blessed by this exchange of the heart/mind/soul! Gods peace be with you both. 🤍🕊️
Anderson lost his father at 10 and now he has sons. It starts to come closer and closer and when his son turns 10 there will be a lot of feels. Feelings are not wrong, grief is not wrong.
Anderson, your feelings are your feelings. Grief is never the same for each person Grief is a king lonely journey. I list me smhysbabd to suicide, my mother is abuse at 68, ny wonderful dad who was the only one who never let me down last year. I have been numb for 6 years but find myself crying over everything. Thank you for sharing your deepest feelings and pain. Sharing your story helps others know they are not alone.
Anderson this is the most important work you have ever done. For yourself first. But sharing these conversations is helping anyone watching. Thank you.
I agree. Thank you Anderson.
Making this conversation public is powerful and courageous. Thank you so much.
Thank you for sharing, Anderson. We are all pulling for you.
Always!!
We are not taught/supported/encouraged to grieve in this society. Deadening yourself to feelings will never make you fully alive. Feeling the depths of the loss will also open you up to feel more joy. Thank you for your honesty Anderson and for introducing me to your powerful guest.
WOW, I did not expect this interview. I lost my 12 year old stepson 8 years ago to cancer and now I am going through a situation that is very difficult. It has triggered my grief again. I can't see a counselor right now so videos and information like this is what I have. The choice you two made to do this video is huge to my life and I can not be alone in this. Thank you so much for putting yourself out there and putting something healing and good into the world!
Yes. Thank you.
❤
♥
Thank you, Anderson. Just over three months ago I lost my husband unexpectedly. The questions you asked about feeling hostage to the pain and sorrow were spot on for me. I've just realized that I too am a master strategizer. Hearing that I need to learn how to walk next to the grief, and not try to conquer it is eye opening. This talk has brought me hope and I'm so grateful to have found it so early in my grief journey. It's very important to me to honor my husband while not losing myself in the process. May we all find some peace.
"To grieve deeply... Is to have loved fully"
I lost my 23 year old son Chansen at age 23 after he struggled with 3 different types of Cancer since age 6. The pain has been beyond anything I can describe, and yet of someone said they could take it from me, I wouldn’t let them. Because I treasure that pain, it belongs to him, it’s his space inside me. It is precious because he was so precious to me. #chansenschampions
I am sorry you lost your son. Thank you for sharing how you view the pain. I never thought of it like that.
So beautifully said ❤
Thank you for sharing this. It made me cry and I am sending love.
Thank you for sharing how your grief is a part of your love journey with your beloved son. It moves me to hear that it is possible to continue with the connection of love through grief. Thank you again for sharing 💙
Thank you Anderson for doing this! I was 55 when I finally admitted to myself that I had been abused. It’s much the same. I developed coping skills. I was like him, I made sure to do everything perfect, I was always smiling and everyone thought I was the happiest person. I was not, and still am not. But since I recognized the abuse, I have been and continue to work on it.
Thank you for doing this, Anderson Cooper. It takes a great deal of courage to go through this process, and to share it publicly while doing so. I find it very therapeutic for myself, personally. While listening to this podcast, I’m actually working through some of my past experiences, thoughts, and emotions right now.
Anderson tears are healing.
I could never afford this kind of personal advice. So I thank you Anderson for this valuable insight. I have watched this video twice. My husband of over 30 years passed away January 1st of 2010, but it seems like yesterday. I have kept things bottled up tight so I could manage on my own. But here I found a better understanding of how grief is a companion, I sort of figured that out partially by feeling a softening of memories. But not fully understanding the rest of the grief. This. Interview was so life changing, and gave me joy, even at 1:25am in the morning, because I couldn’t sleep and happened on this CNN UA-cam. Thank you, thank you, from my heart and soul😂Love from 🇨🇦
I am sorry that you lost your husband.
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Thank you Anderson for having the courage to bring this.
As I grieve…I find peace.
Peace within…eventually leads to universal peace
These conversations about grief are beautiful
Beautiful, painful, pure. Thank you for this extreme vulnerability. So many of us need a different way to associate and think of our grief.
Thank you for sharing so openly. I had not heard of Francis Weller but really liked what he said. I ordered his book & look forward to reading it. Maybe this will help me embrace my grief instead of using food, TV, etc. Thanks Anderson. You are very brave.❤
Me too.
As a child I dealt with things by escaping into the forest. I would find arrowheads and tadpoles in the creek. I sat in a field making daisy chains. Exploring the wondrous beauty that brought joy and peace unfound anywhere in the world man created. We live our lives boxed in and trapped inside our lives as adults. Escape the cities and electronics and social expectations and go into nature. It solves a lot of inner turmoil because it is primal.
So brave, appreciated and grateful to have you Anderson sharing your personal experiences, thoughts and feelings while shedding light on grief and the universal challenges we all face as we navigate through the process of the loss of our precious loved ones. I too am a 57 year old who is orphaned and working to find my way through by embracing grief and honoring my loved ones who I know will always be with me as my guiding angels. Grief is a personal journey but in the end we are all finding our way…with the tools, friendships and memories we share. Thank you to both of you for helping all move forward together. Loads of love!
A beautiful conversation. So truly meaningful and soulful, and I relish the vulnerability and honesty.
Tender conversation. Thank you both. You are beautiful people.
*Cooper has led a fascinating life. It goes to show that just because you have money doesn’t mean you have it easy. For your father to die when you’re so young…for your brother to jump off your family’s building…being in the closet for so long. And then to put your life in harms way, in some of the most powerful storms in history and some of the most war-torn regions of the world. He truly is a fascinating person. There are plenty who have it harder, but sure as hell not in celebrity world or Hollywood*
After losing my husband, whom I loved so very much, two and a half years ago, my grief is more acute than ever. When he died I loved him more than ever, and now I experience my love for him as a deep state of grief, which makes sense because it WAS an indescribable loss.
... Anderson I am so very proud of you! What you are doing in this conversation about grief's callings ... showing your own tenderness, vulnerability, HUMILITY ... demonstrating for all men what being taught about intimacy is only waiting inside you, we, us men. Aside- I also believe from my own experiences ... knowing love with another man, adding being a father ... allows men to learn how to love their own inner little boys. Ain't it grand how Tim Walz is a huge archetype of this dying and being reborn. Yes, I am proud of you. Blessings.
Thank you for this discussion on grief. Every time grief strikes I turn to gratitude for that person who was a gift to have touched my life either giving me good memories or powerful lessons.
Anderson, the little girl in me wants to run and hug the little boy in you. To be in companionship with grief is the the way to live the love of the once gone, at least it has been the way for me and I didn't knew it had a name until today, so thank you. Your vulnerability is beautiful, don't be ashamed of it, your children need to see it. Thank you for this amazing podcast and episode, I thought Andrew's episode was it, na! This one exceeded my hearts longing for healing.
Thank you for sharing your inner self so generously. It is so scary to allow ourselves to be with our grief. We need these kinds of conversations.
Wow. This is such an important conversation. Anderson, thank you. Your words and heart came shining through and I felt heard through you. I’m so sorry for the loss you’ve experienced.
A wonderful conversation about grief. I have dealt with grief for years losing so many precious people in my life along with the relationship of my brothers. Some days are so difficult but I take it one day at a time. Thank You Francis Weller and Anderson Cooper.
I think that grief is not only honoring the love of someone who you will always be part of. It makes you more open to loving yourself and others. It is the price that we pay for loving someone. It is also part of being completely Alive. If you can't love and accept loss you will not have been completely open to your, to our human experience.
Wow! Anderson, thank you. What a gift you give us today. I was crying and speechless watching the entire clip. I was doing so well after my mom’s passing. So, knowing my authentic version of myself today I strongly believe that I would still have some residual (from grief) if I did not obey to the voice I heard. So, I went to another room in the house and I felt asleep rapidly- just for 10 minutes when I woke up I saw that my grandfather was busy preparing the body as he was waiting for the funeral home to arrive to pick up the body. That happened when I was 11 years old in Haiti. I’m now 45 yo being in the US I continue to go to therapy. It seems it’s a life long commitment and struggle to try to heal and forget our bond. I realize it’s not easy. Thank you again! You’re not alone and I will continue to pray for you and your kids.
I am sorry you lost your mom when you were young.
This is making me cry. Thank you for helping me deal with my grief.
So many tears
Anderson, big kudos to you for your raw vulnerability. Your courage to come public w your grief is so very healing for humanity. Huge shout out to you. And Francis Weller is stellar...
I absolutely adored this episode. I just lost my mom last Wednesday. She was nearly 65 and she was very close with my sister and I. Grief is a powerful leveler. I hope that I can overcome the sadness and grow exponentially from this experience.
Wow, loved this therapists approach and insight. And such compassion. I’ve had lots of therapy re my childhood emotional trauma, and it’s always an unlayering to the truth. He is offering another avenue I can explore. Grateful 🙏🏼
I hope Anderson realizes what a gift he is giving to his 2 sons by doing this sort of work on himself. If only I could have accomplished this sort of counseling when my sons were young. They are 3 amazing men now, but I know I didn’t supply what I could have had I worked on my own struggles as a human. Bravo, Anderson.
Thank you Anderson and Francis. And thank you for all those who are sharing in comments section. We are not that alone after all. In those moments when my heart is exploding with sorrow, I have slowed down and offered a metaphorical chair to grief. What follows is a beautiful journey each time. It is ironic that grief is taken as such a negative state/emotion when it is by far the best access to healing.
I much appreciate your sharing and the dialogue acknowledging and supporting latent grief. I’m 70 years old and just started grieving my mother’s passing when I was 14. All these years I knew I loved her, but as you shared I got on with things that needed to get done. Life. Family, education, career, goals. I’m feeling the loss now as my 14 year old self. I write a lot about grief, my intimate relationship with grief. It feels lonely. Less so now. I think, hope your sharing shines a bright light on the reality and the process. I loved the comment of softness. Going to watch again and share. Bless you.
Thanks for bringing back Francis Weller! His previous appearance in season 2 is my favorite episode. He's eloquent, knowledgeable, wise, and for my money, should probably appear once per season, like your resident grief expert. The episodes I enjoy the most are the ones where the guest is reflective and insightful (Stephen Colbert, Ashley Judd, Andrew Garfield come to mind, the caller episodes are also great), while the episodes I like the least are the ones where it's just a sad tale without any takeaways or where not enough time is dedicated to examining grief from new perspectives.
I lost my dear husband 12/27/2017. I tear up every single time that I think of him. Hearing Francis say that he thinks that my tears are holy touches me deeply in my heart. Of course, they are hole. Our love is sacred, so my tears, an expression of my love for him, are sacre. Thank you for your words and for your compassion.
Thank you Anderson. I take this sharing as the high point of your career- your work. Such treasure you have found and shared with us. Perhaps my own opportunity now.
Gold. Thank you gentlemen.
I am also on a grief journey.
Thank you for your vulnerability and sharing.
I hear many of the same things from Anderson that I am experiencing. Im only a year older than Anderson.
Thank you. My husband of 36 years died last year .
Grief has a way of breaking you open, exposing parts of yourself you never knew existed. It forces you to sit in the raw, unrelenting ache and somehow find a way to hold yourself together. For me, grief has been both my greatest pain and my greatest teacher. It’s shown me how to wrap my own arms around my heart, how to console myself when no one else can, and how to let the pain flow without turning away. In those moments of quiet despair, I’ve learned to truly love myself-to honor the depth of what I feel and to recognize the strength in simply surviving. Grief has taught me that even in the darkest times, there is beauty in being there for myself, and in that, I’ve found a love for who I am that I never imagined possible.
feeling is living. i am blessed 🙏 to laugh or cry when i remember my loved ones. there's no getting over deaths
I am 55 years old and remember being interested in hearing what you have to say. I really think you have shifted to special interest.
Today’s show 10/24/2025 was the first time in years that you showed a non biased opinion. Everyone has a vote and of course yours is to be respected.
Thank you for standing up tonight and calling out the left for going to far. I look forward to you being a part of the effort to represent all Americans!
Thank you for having the courage to show your inside to the world It is a very good example for me I am 77
Thank you Anderson!! I lost my mom and your podcast conversations have literally been my biggest source of strength for still hanging in this world.. I too look like I am successful, 40 year old but it comes to my mom, I want her like I am 4..
Thank you so much for sharing this conversation!! The whole time I felt like it was me you were talking to and talking about. Thank you for letting us see your beautiful vulnerability. 🙏
I’m going to share this with my sister who is also grieving for our dad. He’s always been the sun the moon and our guiding light. 🙏
This has opened up my realization, understanding if only a crack of light through a heavy dark door that this may actually be possible to heal.
Beautiful Anderson ❤. Thank you!
The democrats chances are going down faster than Kamala in front of an excited Willie Brown.
Thank you Francis for all the incredible work you’ve brought to this world.. your work has changed my life and many others..;great you’re being seen on more mainstream media… your work is sooooo needed now ❤
Anderson I can feel you as my Dad passed 1/2019 when I was 56 years old.... my Dad is always alive in my daily living.... I focus on the memories, the good times as well as the sad/bad times ... I have learned to let of of it and like Francis; apprentice to grief ... move forward....
Anderson, you have given me a blessing of another way to think of my confusion.Thank you!
Anderson grief of a loss of someone close never ends. It continues in our memories and when we remember know that they live.
Wow, thank you Anderson Cooper. I can relate, my father died suddenly when I was 20, 44 years ago last week. I am still the hurt young adult, dealing with the coping mechanisms for grief management, the pain of loss is still real. Along with other losses, including my mother in 2017 at the age of almost 94, which also has deepened the state of an orphaned child. Thanks Dr. Weller for your wisdom and gentle words of hope. Most of the grief I allow dissolves into childlike tears, a boy who can't find daddy and mommy....weepy tears, and I feel silly because I'm almost 65 years old.
So soul soothing.
The deeper you love your children…the more you can empathize with the little boy who lost his father and brother. The loss of your mom opened the lid to your grief.
Mr Weller's so well studied and experienced. What incredible advice and coaching.
I love this. Learning to walk with the tenderness of grief. So much wisdom. Thank you.
Thank you, Anderson, for opening your heart and sharing your grief...I think it is the most important thing you may have every done in your career. You are many things, an amazing journalist ( I loved you with the sloths and bonobos) and so much more). Keep being strong and wonderful as you are, you are a gift, an Angel. Thank you for opening your heart and showing your vulnerability. Don't ever change, you are a special and authentic human that has the ability to help others. Take care. Sending hugs.
Amazing Andersen, you are so profound and honest and sensitive, we all need to learn with grief......truly helpful video
Anderson - this has helped me so much! Thank you for leading us through our deep sorrow
thank you for helping give words to the emotions.
Your story about your grief is so powerful and if you ever write a book about your Dad and brother I’d love to read it.
ty for sharing ❤ I’m sorry for your heartbreak and loss. May you heal and be stronger and closer to your loved ones bc of it. I am feeling this relationship with grief and strife with my overcoming strategies that have helped me to survive. It started not long ago. I needed to hear this.
WOW! Thank you Anderson, love you always. This was so powerful and helpful.
Beautiful interview & beautiful conversation about such an important LIFE topic. We all will experience deep grief in our lifetimes ❤ 😢
Thank you for these conversations. I'm getting an education that I've needed for decades and am beginning to experience some relief and self-compassion.
Beautiful. Just Beautiful
As 60 year being riddled with deep grief of mother murdered, followed by surreal life events happened with more loss, body at risk, tossed about, high demand church group, I found this video very enlightening. Grief does become your friend and ally and points out celebrations & triumphs. I encourage quiet time with both your little person and your soul. Life is hard. It can swallow you, if you let it. Thank you for sharing this.
Think of the loss you’ve dealt with-both parents and your brother. I’m sure you have sweet memories of them. You are such a kind person & I’m sure you reflect your loved ones.
I admit that I feel lonely since recently losing my sister. Grief is complicated. Isolating actually gives me the peace that I need to feel that loss. All There Is has been a blessing for me.
Anderson, thank you, appreciate your vulnerability . I learned so much. Copper is brilliant.
Oh My God, Andersen, I feel exactly the same way you do, every word you uttered echos my feelings, too. I’ve lost everyone I love. I’m with you here. ❤❤❤❤ Dick Schwartz’ IFS, Internal Family Systems therapy, helped me. Don’t mistake it with typical “family systems therapy.” This is INTERNAL family systems, so if you seek this therapy, make sure they are that specifically.
Thank you, Anderson. I was a child of 3 when myself and 4 siblings were traveling with our parents, and a drunk driver drove into the back of our car, I saw the horrors of my parents dying instantly. It has stayed with me as a 3-year-old saw it, and your podcast helped me see so very much to understand that young girls emotions. Thank you so much,
Deniece
You remind me of Mariska Hargitay, she lost her mom and stepfather at the same age in the same way. Hope life has been better for you since then.
Thank you Anderson
Fall to our knees so we can return. Beautiful!
thank you for sharing your pain and your journey. In doing so, you are creating this huge human family without borders.
This is incredibly moving. God bless Anderson for talking about his strategies as I went through the same thing recently and know the feeling of counting on our strategies and questioning why my strategies weren’t working anymore. What a great counsel and such a gift to all of us in this world. A world that no longer even allows funerals to be a place of grief as they would’ve been in the days gone by. A world that keeps shoving emotions down. Let’s take time to really grieve. I’m going on a year now again. My partner died 10 years ago. I’m sorry but I didn’t catch the name my screen doesn’t have his name anywhere and I didn’t hear the name at the end of the podcast. I would like to get this man’s name so I can buy his book
WOW, Thank you very much. By the grace of God, I've experienced lately the possibility of being a good friend of mine. How sweet and kind way of talking. I hope from the bottom of my heart this interview will be a seed for future interviews all around the world. A new humanity sharing experiences and looking for PEACE that comes from our hearts. God bless both of you.
Thank you for this incredibly kind and gentle discussion on one of the hardest issues -- grief 🙏❤️🙏
Thank you, Anderson, for taking us along on this profound journey. Recently, while cleaning out my basement, I came across a childhood photo of myself, and my initial thought was, oh wow, I should put this in a better frame and add it my other treasured photos. Then I took a good look at her, and put her back in the box. She looked sad and wary. I’m going back down the basement and welcoming her to the light. We have much work to do.Thank you and your insightful guests for helping me break open.
Thank you so much for normalizing what I feel and have felt so may years since my Dad died in a road accident. I wasn’t as young as you- 18- but very attached to him. The grief that wasn’t acknowledged at the time still lives in me exactly as you described. And of course thank you for bringing Francis Weller to the podcast. As a result I bought his book and was fortunate to attend a grief ritual yesterday. For the first time my grief was welcomed…🙏❤️🙏
Very touching and edifying. Thank you
As a grieving Mother my life has forever changed, grief is sneaky, powerful consuming, and often all-consuming. It is hard, but fight the impulses and honor their lives. It's been 3 years, and seeing my son's Jeep in his yard set me back. I sit with my grief and work through it, I still wait for his call
I am sorry you lost your son.
How can we separate from our grief? We cannot. When I feel my grief coming on, I find that I must allow myself to cry for my loss. Totally break down , sometimes until exhaustion. What I'm lacking in that moment is someone to hold me, and someone to hold on to So, what I believe we all need, aside from having these discussions, is someone to hold us, and someone to hold onto. Just until the tears subside. Aside from your podcast, group meetings may be helpful, because then you can touch. There's nothing more comforting than the human touch.
Thank you….you’ve put a lot of good out there. 👫❤️
I’m so happy you are talking about grief and how to move on. I’ve struggled for so long also. In your case you’re grief is so cumulative because you have lost so many of the people you had your primary attachments with. I hope you find some peace.
Yes, this guy is very good.... he is asking us all to be present now as adult men and women with FEELING grief and sadness honestly and openly... it is ok, very ok to be WITH it..Go for help to FEEL ALL YOUR FEELINGS and love your young self and make friends with all of it.
As a man, THIS is what real men look like; those who can be vulnerable and face their feelings and emotions with the purpose of bettering themselves and those around them.
Thank you for sharing this, thank you for being open. So many of us are going through the same grief. So sorry for your loss....
“Ripened” is a good word for what grief does to the soul.
Anderson, I just bought the book. It is helping, so thank you. Without your pain, my pain would have carried on further into the abyss. My plan of suicide over Thanksgiving is now on hold. My spirit thanks you, and I will continue to try and hold on.
This was a wonderful come -cross. Suppressing grief is not a good choice. It is a human neurological condition that is unavoidable and is a right of life. To grieve is to love. I was lucky to find the widow's support organization of Soaring Spirits after my husband died from cancer. What is learned in this journey is invaluable and brings us full circle. It doesn't get better but you get better at it when you ride those waves.
Thank you for your courage and humility Anderson Cooper and thank you Dr. Weller for your wisdom and counsel.
Be what you are, not what you're not.
We are the same. These are my issues as well. Thank you for this gift!!🙏🙏💙
POWERFUL!!!
I coined ‘perpetual grief’ a couple years ago as yet another trauma happened in my life.
Defining it and understanding that it indeed has been grief as the predominant ‘weight’ on my soul has been beyond liberating.
NOT easy but oh so worth to listen to my heart/soul/mind.
Best of all, it softens my heart where I can actually hear God better.
He wants to speak to my whole being if I am distracted it truly is hard to hear him. A repeat worth repeating.
I am a lil over half way through your exchange, just want to say thank you to both. Know that I have been blessed by this exchange of the heart/mind/soul!
Gods peace be with you both. 🤍🕊️
Yes!. "AT SOME POINT THE STRAYEGIES FAIL" You are expressing my feelings exactly. "Banging on the door"
"Holy tears" Just love that.
Paul McCartney explained this was such a great thing and showed how much John Lennon was a major part of his life and still is and always will be!
Anderson lost his father at 10 and now he has sons. It starts to come closer and closer and when his son turns 10 there will be a lot of feels. Feelings are not wrong, grief is not wrong.
Anderson, your feelings are your feelings. Grief is never the same for each person Grief is a king lonely journey. I list me smhysbabd to suicide, my mother is abuse at 68, ny wonderful dad who was the only one who never let me down last year. I have been numb for 6 years but find myself crying over everything. Thank you for sharing your deepest feelings and pain. Sharing your story helps others know they are not alone.