In this episode of Before You Go, host Natalie Buster sits down with poet, essayist, and narrative medicine facilitator Vive Griffith to explore the often-overlooked emotional landscape of caregiving. Drawing from her own experience caring for her mother through terminal illness, Vive shares how storytelling, poetry, and reflection can help caregivers reconnect with themselves, find community, and feel seen.

Through the lens of narrative medicine, Vive offers a powerful reframe: that caregiving is not just a task, but a deeply human act worthy of attention, artistry, and healing. Whether you're a caregiver now, have been one, or will be one someday, this conversation is a balm.

Topics Covered:

• The four kinds of people in the world, according to Rosalynn Carter

• What is narrative medicine, and how does it support caregivers?

• Vive’s personal caregiving journey with her mother

• How art, poetry, and storytelling create space for healing

• The emotional toll of caregiving—and how to replenish

• Building community through shared reflection and writing

Resources Mentioned:

• Narrative Medicine Program at Columbia University

• The Lacemaker by Johannes Vermeer (used in a workshop)

• Vive’s workshops for caregivers and clinicians

If you’re a caregiver—or know someone who is—consider exploring narrative medicine circles or expressive arts workshops. You are not alone, and your story matters.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

• 00:00 – Opening Quote Rosalynn Carter’s powerful words on caregiving

• 01:00 – The Invisible Weight of Caregiving Natalie reflects on the emotional and physical toll caregivers carry

• 02:00 – Meet Vive Griffith Poet, essayist, and narrative medicine facilitator

• 04:00 – What Is Narrative Medicine? Vive explains the field and its roots at Columbia University

• 07:00 – The Practice in Action How narrative medicine workshops use art, writing, and reflection

• 10:00 – Vive’s Caregiving Story Walking with her mother through cancer and end-of-life care

• 13:00 – The Power of Being Heard Why sharing stories in community is essential for healing

• 16:00 – The Lacemaker Workshop Using a Vermeer painting to unlock caregiver reflections

19:00 – Universal Threads of Care How narrative medicine connects us to something bigger