In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Nan Berrian, a multi-talented author and support group leader. Nan shares her experiences with divorce, suicidal thoughts, and estrangement from her son. She discusses the importance of talking about hard topics to reduce stigma and shame.
Having always wanted to write, Nan turned her tumultuous life events into a book titled 'Vows and What the F?', injecting humor with her story. Dr. Christie and Nan also talk about the support group she started for parents estranged from their children. This episode highlights the power of resilience, humor, and supportive communities in overcoming life's challenges.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Promotion
00:28 Meet Nan Barian: Author and Advocate
01:20 Nan's Journey: From Divorce to Bestselling Author
04:15 The Power of Humor and Relatability
04:57 Nan's Book: Vows and What the F
06:23 Defining Productive Joy
07:00 Nan's Love for Music
13:26 Dating Over 50: Hilarious Stories
19:00 Building Bridges: Support Group for Estranged Parents
22:56 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts
A Deeper Dive:
In our latest episode of "Productive Joy," we had the privilege of sitting down with the incredible Nan Berrian, a woman who has transformed her life's challenges into a beacon of hope and support for others. Nan, a Shine Press author, shared her compelling journey through the peaks and valleys of life and how she emerged on the other side, helping others do the same.
Nan's story is one of resilience and courage. From surviving a turbulent divorce to battling suicidal thoughts, she has faced some of life's toughest challenges head-on. Rather than shy away from the hard topics, Nan dives into them with honesty and humor, aiming to break down stigmas and encourage others to speak openly about their own struggles. Her philosophy? The more light you can shine on your struggles, the less they become burdens.
Through her personal experiences, Nan has become an advocate for others dealing with estranged relationships, especially between parents and children. She has co-founded "Building Bridges," a support group dedicated to providing a safe space for parents navigating estrangement. Her efforts go beyond just the emotional; they offer practical advice and community support, proving that no one is truly alone.
Nan's journey also led her to pen a humorous and insightful book, "Vows and What the F," detailing her experiences with divorce, estrangement, and finding new love. In her writing, she weaves humor with reality, making her book a quick yet impactful read. It's both a memoir and a guide, offering readers hope that they too can overcome their hard moments.
Nan's definition of "productive joy" resonates strongly. For her, it involves actively seeking out what brings joy, even amid adversity. Music plays a significant role in her life, serving as a soothing balm that lifts her spirits. Whether it's '80s synth-pop or quirky sea shanties, music is a constant companion that helps her to maintain her authentic self and find joy in the everyday.
Throughout our conversation, Nan emphasized the importance of a strong foundation—whether that's through therapy or community—that can prevent life's highs and lows from feeling too overwhelming. She believes that while joy isn't a constant, maintaining a solid foundation can help us navigate through life's ebbs and flows more smoothly.