Joe Primo

Joe Primo is the CEO of Grateful Living, an organization based on the work of Brother David Steindl-Rast — 98 year-old author, scholar, and Benedictine monk who is also known as the “grandfather of gratitude.”

 

In his prior work with dying patients and grieving children, Joe encountered the deep sorrow and always-available joy that permeates our search for meaning. Gratefulness for life, he believes, is foundational to discovering meaning and the only response that is big enough and appropriate for the plot twists, delights, surprises, and devastation we encounter along the way. A student of Brother David since his studies at Yale Divinity School, Joe is committed to advancing their global movement and making the transformational practice of grateful living both accessible to all and integral to communities and places of belonging. 

 

As an international speaker, author, and commentator, Joe has served on numerous boards. He is the author of “What Do We Tell the Children? Talking to Kids About Death and Dying.” He was previously the CEO of Good Grief.

 

Joe recounts his early experiences as a hospice chaplain, highlighting the importance of asking well-crafted, intentional questions to connect with and support grieving individuals. He emphasizes the foundational role of gratefulness in discovering meaning in life and shares stories from his work with children and families facing death. Joe discusses how grief, while universal and normal, is often mishandled due to societal discomfort and lack of understanding. He urges listeners to acknowledge, embrace, and integrate grief to move forward healthily. The conversation also delves into the commercialization of gratitude and how to return to its core essence as a spiritual practice. The episode concludes with Joe's reflections on living a grateful life, making improbable friends, and asking courageous questions to foster deeper understanding and connections.

 

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

 

Keep questioning!

 

Episode Notes

[01:09] Meet Joe Primo: CEO of Grateful Living

[02:36] The Power of Questions in Grief and Healing

[03:31] A Chaplain's Journey: Lessons from Hospice

[06:18] The Importance of Presence and Connection

[14:39] Personal Reflections on Grief and Loss

[20:54] Exploring the Concept of Grateful Living

[35:09] The Interconnectedness of Grief and Gratitude

[44:34] Anticipatory Grief and Caretaking Challenges

[46:15] The Power of Questions in Understanding Grief

[46:50] Navigating Grief Bursts and Emotional Roller Coasters

[49:00] Insensitive Comments and Their Impact

[51:59] The Importance of Showing Up Despite Awkwardness

[54:57] Shifting Perspectives on Grief and Support

[01:00:10] Embracing Gratefulness and Present Moment Awareness

[01:04:42] The Role of Questions in Healing and Connection

[01:13:15] Empowerment Through Grateful Living

[01:25:31] Final Thoughts and Encouragements

 

Resources Mentioned

Grateful Living

Brother David Steindl-Rast

What Do We Tell the Children? Talking to Kids About Death and Dying by Joe Primo

Good Grief

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