In this episode, Azim Khamisa and Melaina Spitzer talk to Dr. Fred Luskin, a Stanford University psychologist and Director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Projects, about his teaching and research on forgiveness. Dr. Luskin’s personal stories, including his struggles with his mother-in-law, as well as his professional experiences show how unforgiveness keeps people trapped in victim narratives and fear, while forgiveness frees them to make better decisions and live more peaceful lives. His academic research shows that forgiveness offers measurable health benefits, from reduced cardiovascular risk to decreased chronic pain and improved emotional well-being. Dr. Luskin leads listeners through four simple practices that can aid in the process of forgiveness and addresses the challenges of self-forgiveness. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Luskin stresses that forgiveness is a practical skill that can be learned and practiced, with applications ranging from everyday irritations to profound traumas.

Mentioned:

Forgive for Good: A Proven Prescription for Health and Happiness, by Fred Luskin

The Forgive for Good Recovery Workbook, by Fred Luskin and Lyndon Harris

Forgive for Love: The Missing Ingredient for a Healthy and Lasting Relationship, by Fred Luskin

The Stanford University Forgiveness Projects

Production Credits:The Forgiveness Effect is a PeaceThruForgiveness.org production, hosted by Azim Khamisa and Melaina Spitzer. 

Produced and edited by Liz Ramos and Melaina Spitzer; sound engineering by Vikas Srivastava; original music by Austin Ray. Marketing team: Farideh Albornoz, Meesha De Rumi, Alejandro Hierro, Dianne McKay, and Elizabeth Richards. Melaina Spitzer is Executive Editor.