#10 Rising From the Ashes: Cameron Mathison on Loss, Resilience, and Gratitude

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with actor Cameron Mathison for a raw and emotional conversation about loss, resilience, and the challenge of starting over. Just a few months ago, Cameron lost his home of 13 years to the devastating California wildfires—an experience that forced him to confront memories and meaning tied to every possession. This disaster came on the heels of an already turbulent few years, including a long cancer battle, the death of his mother, the loss of his beloved dog, and a painful divorce. Cameron opens up about the difficulties of navigating grief while trying to support his children, and how “patient acceptance,” gratitude, and mindfulness practices have helped him sustain hope through a series of tough curveballs. Tune in for a heartfelt episode about facing the unimaginable, the power of community, and finding meaning even in life's darkest hours. 

Our Guest:

Cameron Mathison 

Listeners Will Learn: 

• Cameron speaks about the concept of "patient acceptance." 
• The loss of Cameron’s home to wildfires was the “straw that broke the camel’s back.” 
• Cameron shared that items lost in the fire were not just possessions, but also carried deep sentimental value. 
• The episode touches on the idea that curveballs in life often come in series, not just one-off events. 
• Cameron and Scott both talk about the impact their struggles have had on their children and families. 
• Cameron mentions Buddhist philosophy and meditation as tools for coping with adversity. 
• The discussion highlights how “societal curveballs,” like wildfires, can affect entire communities. 
• Gratitude was a recurring theme, even during hardship. 
• Cameron reflected with deep emotion on what he would do differently if he could go back five years. 
• The episode ends with the thought that sharing vulnerability helps build community. 

Key Moments:

(00:00) Unique and Unexpected Loss

(05:25) Life's Curveballs and Mindset Shift

(08:28) Evacuation During Wildfire Crisis

(11:51) Sudden Community Crisis Impact

(13:12) Parenting Through Grief and Loss

(17:49) Coping with Life's Curveballs

(22:59) Compassion Defeats Negativity

(26:03) Scientific Approach to Mindful Living

(33:15) Supporting Rare Disease Caregivers

(34:04) Meaningful Connection Over Solving Problems

(38:47) Acceptance and Gratitude