All There Is with Anderson Cooper - podcast cover

All There Is with Anderson Cooper

CNN Podcastswww.cnn.com
Grief can feel so lonely but talking about it and listening to others share their experiences helps. In all new episodes of this award-winning podcast, Anderson Cooper continues his deeply personal exploration of grief in all its complexities. In moving and honest discussions, he learns from others who have faced life-altering losses. Join the community to share your story and watch Anderson's weekly streaming show All There Is Live at cnn.com/allthereis
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Episodes

Mariska Hargitay Knows Loss And Longing

Mariska Hargitay was three when she survived the car crash that killed her mother, actress Jayne Mansfield. She talks with Anderson Cooper about her search to know her mother, and heal the pain of her past. For more of “All There Is with Anderson Cooper” visit cnn.com/allthereis . Host: Anderson Cooper Showrunner: Haley Thomas Producers: Emily Williams and Kyra Dahring Video Editor: Eric Zembrzuski Technical Director: Dan Dzula Bookers: Kerry Rubin and Kari Pricher Learn more about your ad choic...

May 28, 202636 min

Sheinelle Jones on Grief and Joy

Today show co-host Sheinelle Jones' husband, Uche Ojeh, died in May 2025 from glioblastoma. Seven months later, she lost her grandmother. She talks with Anderson Cooper about parenting after loss and trying to hold onto joy while grieving Uche and the person she was before his death. For more of “All There Is with Anderson Cooper” visit cnn.com/allthereis . Host: Anderson Cooper Showrunner: Haley Thomas Producers: Emily Williams, Kyra Dahring, Madeleine Thompson, Grace Walker Video Editor: Eric ...

May 21, 202628 min

Isaiah Thomas: The Loneliness of Grief

Isaiah Thomas's youngest sister, Chyna, was killed in a car crash the night before he played in the 2017 NBA playoffs. In 2024, his oldest sister LaQuisha died as well. Isaiah tells Anderson Cooper he is "still struggling," but he also shares powerful insights he has learned about grief as tries to "go forward, without moving on." For more of “All There Is with Anderson Cooper” visit cnn.com/allthereis . Host: Anderson Cooper Showrunner: Haley Thomas Producers: Grace Walker, Emily Williams, Made...

May 14, 202633 min

Cameron Crowe on Grief, Memory and Music

Writer and director of “Almost Famous” among other films, Cameron Crowe, talks about the death of his sister Cathy when he was 10 years old, and how he has come to be "in conversation" with her now, all these decades later. It's a moving conversation about grief, memory, and music. For more of “All There Is with Anderson Cooper” visit cnn.com/allthereis . Host: Anderson Cooper Showrunner: Haley Thomas Producers: Grace Walker, Emily Williams, Madeleine Thompson Associate Producer: Kyra Dahring Vi...

Apr 30, 202639 min

Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin: ‘ Grief is a Badge of Love’

Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin talk with Anderson Cooper about their evolving understanding of grief since the murder of their son Hersh by Hamas after 328 days in captivity. For more of “All There Is with Anderson Cooper” visit cnn.com/allthereis . Host: Anderson Cooper Showrunner: Haley Thomas Producers: Grace Walker, Emily Williams, Madeleine Thompson, Stephen Samaniego Associate Producer: Kyra Dahring Video Editor: Eric Zembrzuski Technical Director: Dan Dzula Bookers: Kerry Rubin and Kari Pr...

Apr 22, 202645 min

Sarah Wildman: Let Grief Be Messy

New York Times writer and editor Sarah Wildman’s daughter Orli was 10 when she was diagnosed with a rare liver cancer. Anderson reached out to her after reading her remarkable essays about Orli's life and death. Their conversation is thought-provoking and deeply moving. Host: Anderson Cooper Showrunner: Haley Thomas Producers: Chuck Hadad, Grace Walker, Emily Williams, Madeleine Thompson Associate Producer: Kyra Dahring Video Editor: Eric Zembrzuski Technical Director: Dan Dzula Bookers: Kerry R...

Apr 17, 202641 min

Dax Shepard: Grief, Fatherhood, and Friendship

Actor, writer and podcast host Dax Shepard recalls his father's final days, and how they changed Dax's understanding of him. In this emotional conversation recorded live at the New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University, Dax also tells Anderson about the unusual start of his friendship with the late actor Eric Dane. For more of “All There Is with Anderson Cooper” visit cnn.com/allthereis. Host: Anderson Cooper Showrunner: Haley Thomas Producers: Chuck Hadad, Grace Walker, Emily Williams, Mad...

Apr 03, 202636 min

Sara Bareilles: 'Life's Holiest Lesson'

In a new song "Home" that Sara wrote after listening to Anderson’s talk with Stephen Colbert, she sings, "What is broken cannot heal 'till it's known and loved by name." In this moving conversation she shares "Home" for the first time, and talks with Anderson about the "medicinal" nature of sharing one's grief with others. For more of “All There Is with Anderson Cooper” visit cnn.com/allthereis . Host: Anderson Cooper Showrunner: Haley Thomas Producers: Chuck Hadad, Grace Walker, Emily Williams,...

Mar 20, 202641 min

Robert Irwin: Finding Strength in the Vulnerability of Grief

Robert Irwin was just two when his dad, “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, died. Now 22, Robert talks with Anderson about growing up with grief and how he's able to still "feel" his dad. For more of “All There Is with Anderson Cooper” visit cnn.com/allthereis . Host: Anderson Cooper Showrunner: Haley Thomas Producers: Chuck Hadad, Grace Walker, Emily Williams, Madeleine Thompson Associate Producer: Kyra Dahring Video Editor: Eric Zembrzuski Technical Director: Dan Dzula Bookers: Kerry Rubin and Kar...

Mar 11, 202649 min

Gavin Newsom

California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks with Anderson about growing up the child of divorced parents whose pasts were rarely talked about. Newsom witnessed his mom's death by doctor-assisted suicide and says it's only now that he has come to terms with what happened and the impact it had on him. This and other episodes of All There Is are available at cnn.com/allthereis or wherever you get podcasts. Host: Anderson Cooper Showrunner: Haley Thomas Producers: Chuck Hadad, Grace Walker, Emily Willia...

Mar 09, 202628 min

Eric Church on Grief, Grace, and Faith

The year country music superstar Eric Church turned 40, he survived a life-threatening blood clot and headlined a Las Vegas music festival that two days later became the scene of the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history. Months later, his brother Brandon died. In this revealing conversation, Eric tells Anderson how these events changed him, as a man and a father, and how he copes with the trauma left behind. For more of “All There Is with Anderson Cooper” visit cnn.com/allthereis. Host: ...

Feb 20, 202643 min

‘Dying is the Opposite of Leaving’: Remembering Andrea Gibson

Is dying really "the opposite of leaving?" Are we "reincarnated in those we love?" Poet Andrea Gibson thought so, and in this moving conversation, Anderson speaks with Andrea's wife Megan Falley, about Andrea's battle with cancer and why she uses the word "alleged" when talking about Andrea's death. For more of “All There Is with Anderson Cooper” visit cnn.com/allthereis. Host: Anderson Cooper Showrunner: Haley Thomas Producers: Chuck Hadad, Grace Walker, Emily Williams, Madeleine Thompson Assoc...

Feb 06, 202635 min

Yiyun Li: ‘The Wound That Won’t Heal’

Author Yiyun Li lost both of her children to suicide. Vincent at 16. James at 19. She talks with Anderson about why she doesn't use the words "grief" or "process," instead describing her pain as "an abyss," and a "wound that won't heal." Host: Anderson Cooper Showrunner: Haley Thomas Producers: Chuck Hadad, Grace Walker, Emily Williams Associate Producer: Kyra Dahring Video Editor: Eric Zembrzuski Technical Director: Dan Dzula Bookers: Kerry Rubin and Kari Pricher Learn more about your ad choice...

Jan 23, 202638 min

Patti Smith: The ‘Sacred Wounds’ of Grief

Singer, poet, author Patti Smith has experienced the deaths of her husband, guitarist Fred “Sonic” Smith, her brother Todd, and her lifelong friend and artistic soulmate, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Time doesn’t heal those "sacred wounds," she tells Anderson, but in time, you can learn to navigate it more. Host: Anderson Cooper Showrunner: Haley Thomas Producers: Chuck Hadad, Grace Walker, Emily Williams Associate Producer: Kyra Dahring Video Editor: Eric Zembrzuski Technical Director: Dan...

Jan 23, 202642 min

Kelsey Grammer: A Brother’s Love and Loss

In 1975 Kelsey Grammer’s 18-year-old sister, Karen, was murdered. For fifty years his loving memories of her were colored by questions about her death. In this moving conversation, Kelsey tells Anderson how he finally found answers and, in doing so, the beloved sister he lost so long ago. This conversation contains some graphic descriptions of violence. Join the community to share your story and watch Anderson's weekly streaming show All There Is Live at cnn.com/allthereis. Host: Anderson Cooper...

Dec 17, 202533 min

Ben Stiller: Facing His Past

Ben Stiller spent the last few years going through boxes of photos, letters, and recordings that his parents, the famous comedy duo known as "Stiller and Meara," left behind. He shares with Anderson the parallels he discovered between his parents and himself and how it has made him re-think his past and his own parenting. Join the community to share your story and watch Anderson's weekly streaming show All There Is Live at cnn.com/allthereis. Host: Anderson Cooper Showrunner: Haley Thomas Produc...

Dec 10, 202534 min

Nick Cave: Grief’s Jagged Edges

Musician Nick Cave has experienced the death of two of his sons. He tells Anderson how, over time, these losses have changed his relationship with the world; expanding his heart and widening his “capacity for love.” Join the community to share your story and watch Anderson's weekly streaming show All There Is Live at cnn.com/allthereis . Host: Anderson Cooper Showrunner: Haley Thomas Producers: Chuck Hadad, Grace Walker, Emily Williams Associate Producer: Kyra Dahring Video Editor: Eric Zembrzus...

Dec 03, 202544 min

Tig Notaro: Finding What Matters

Comedian Tig Notaro recently witnessed the death of her friend, poet Andrea Gibson, after a years-long battle with cancer. Being by Andrea's bedside was a profound experience for Tig and she talks about its impact on her in this moving and at times funny conversation. Join the community to share your story and watch Anderson's weekly streaming show All There Is Live at cnn.com/allthereis . Host: Anderson Cooper Showrunner: Haley Thomas Producers: Chuck Hadad, Grace Walker, Emily Williams Associa...

Nov 19, 202532 minSeason 4Ep. 4

Kenny Chesney

Country superstar Kenny Chesney reflects on the loss of friends and a beloved dog. He and Anderson also share their connection to a family who experienced a profound loss. Plus, Anderson talks about the death of David Gergen and speaks to a podcast listener facing a life-threatening illness. Join the community to share your story and watch Anderson's weekly streaming show All There Is Live at cnn.com/allthereis. Host: Anderson Cooper Showrunner: Haley Thomas Producers: Chuck Hadad, Grace Walker,...

Nov 12, 202531 minSeason 4Ep. 3

Ken Burns' History With Grief

Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns has been called “America’s biographer,” but in this moving conversation, he reveals how his own history has been shaped by early loss - the death of his mother Lyla when Ken was eleven years old. Join the community to share your story and watch Anderson's weekly streaming show All There Is Live at cnn.com/allthereis Host: Anderson Cooper, Showrunner: Haley Thomas, Producers: Chuck Hadad, Grace Walker, Emily Williams, Video Editor: Eric Zembrzuski, Technical Direct...

Nov 05, 202545 minSeason 4Ep. 2

Luke Bryan: Grief, Faith, and Music

Luke Bryan is one of country music’s biggest stars. He's also faced great loss. In this personal and revealing conversation with Anderson, Luke shares how faith, family, and music have helped him "do what you do to get through." Join the community to share your story and watch Anderson's weekly streaming show All There Is Live at cnn.com/allthereis Host: Anderson Cooper, Showrunner: Haley Thomas, Producers: Chuck Hadad, Grace Walker, Emily Williams, Video Editor: Eric Zembrzuski, Technical Direc...

Oct 28, 202549 minSeason 4Ep. 1

Coming Back To Life

In this special episode of the podcast, Anderson reports from Rome following the death of Pope Francis, and speaks to religion professor Elaine Pagels who lost both her 6-year-old son Mark and her husband Heinz. Visit the All There Is online grief community at cnn.com/allthereisonline and watch the video version on YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Apr 25, 202533 minSeason 3Ep. 12

Love Is What Survives

In the season three finale, Anderson plays some of the more than 6000 voicemails he has received from podcast listeners about what they have learned in their grief that might help others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 29, 202554 minSeason 3Ep. 11

Doris Kearns Goodwin

Pulitzer Prize winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin knows what it’s like to face the past. She talks with Anderson about how Abraham Lincoln and other historic figures dealt with grief, and how she has. She went through boxes of papers and mementos with her husband Dick Goodwin before he died and it changed both of their lives in ways she never expected. Visit the All There Is online grief community at cnn.com/allthereisonline and watch the video version on YouTube . Learn more about your ad c...

Jan 15, 202532 minSeason 3Ep. 10

David & Amy Sedaris

David and his sister Amy Sedaris have lived through the deaths of their mother, father and sister, and most recently, Amy’s pet rabbit. They join Anderson for a heartfelt, and at times irreverently funny, conversation about loss and grief. Visit the All There Is online grief community at cnn.com/allthereisonline and watch the video version on YouTube . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jan 08, 202530 minSeason 3Ep. 9

A Message from Anderson

Anderson checks in with an update about the podcast and invites listeners to call the All There Is voicemail. Visit the All There Is online grief community at cnn.com/allthereisonline Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 17, 20243 minSeason 3Ep. 9

Tyler Perry: Letting Go

This week marks 15 years since actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry lost his beloved mother, Willie Maxine Perry, at 64 years old. Tyler shares with Anderson how he’s avoided his grief by pouring himself into work, and how he is now facing the trauma of his past and the pain of his mother’s absence. Visit the All There Is online grief community at cnn.com/allthereisonline and watch the video version on YouTube . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Dec 11, 202436 minSeason 3Ep. 8

Remembering Eddie Van Halen

Before they co-founded one of the most successful rock bands in history, Alex and Eddie Van Halen were two kid brothers with a love of music. In an emotional, and musically rich interview, Alex talks about Eddie’s life and death and the communication he feels he still has with him. Alex also plays some of the unreleased music they were working on before his brother’s death in 2020. Visit the All There Is online grief community at cnn.com/allthereisonline and watch the video version on YouTube . ...

Dec 04, 202427 minSeason 3Ep. 7

Revisiting Ashley Judd: Grief, Love and Naomi

When Naomi Judd died by suicide in 2022, after a long struggle with mental illness, her daughter Ashley found her. In this deeply moving, revealing, and insightful conversation Ashley Judd talks about the trauma she has worked hard to face, the grief she now feels, and how her mother’s spirit is still very much alive in her life. Visit the All There Is online grief community at cnn.com/allthereisonline and watch the video version on YouTube . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoice...

Nov 27, 202441 minSeason 3Ep. 7

Andrew Sullivan: What Suffering Reveals

Author Andrew Sullivan grew up in Britain seeing his mom struggle with mental illness. He came to America as a young gay man and was named editor of The New Republic magazine, just as his friends began dying around him. Anderson talks with Andrew about surviving the AIDS epidemic and the complicated grief he feels following his mother’s death several months ago. Visit the All There Is online grief community at cnn.com/allthereisonline and watch the video version on YouTube . Learn more about you...

Nov 20, 202434 minSeason 3Ep. 6
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