Waking Up, Alive: An Interview with Dr. Richard Heckler
March 1, 2014
Hosted by Marianna Cacciatore
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Guest Information
Episode Description
Dr. Richard Heckler traveled the United States during a three year period, interviewing people who attempted suicide and who, through their own hard work and the assiduous care of others, recovered to where their lives were happy and fulfilled, their work and relationships nourishing and rewarding. He did this because he felt that an essential piece of the human narrative – how people overcome tremendous emotional challenges – was missing in our conversations. Some years ago, he wrote the book, Waking Up, Alive: The Descent, the Suicide Attempt and the Return to Life, and, in the process, discovered the steps and stages of how people begin to recover happiness and balance from a turbulent life. The book is being re-released as an e-book and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Over the last ten years we have witnessed the suicide rate in the military double. More firearms are used in suicides than homicides. The third leading cause of death among young people between the ages of 15 and 24 is suicide. It’s time for a vibrant national conversation about how we overcome adversity and go on to lead happy, healthy lives. Join us.
Bread for the Journey Radio
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Today’s news is filled with stories that break our hearts. On Bread for the Journey Radio, you’ll hear stories that help mend it back together. Join Marianna Cacciatore as she interviews ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things, often small and always meaningful, to make our world a better place. Some, like Marianna, have suffered a tragedy, and, as a result, have created something beautiful to bring others healing. Others are helping women in crisis, making life better for children living in poverty, greening their neighborhood, or any number of creative things that make their community more beautiful, healthy, and connected. These women, men and young people inspire us to think about our own lives, and what we can do to make a difference in the world. Their stories become Bread for our Journey, inspiration and nourishment for a life well lived.
Marianna Cacciatore
Most would agree Marianna Cacciatore’s life has been one well-lived. Through her work over 25 years with people who are working to bring about a better world, she has a unique vantage point from which to tell the stories we don’t generally hear in the media today. Marianna possesses the rare gift of presence, a deep listening which evokes in people the desire to tell their story.
Having suffered a childhood tragedy that spiraled downward into her teens and young adult years, she eventually turned things around and created a grief center that has brought healing to thousands of people. She recounts the full story in her book, Being There for Someone in Grief. Today, she serves as a Lifetime Emeritus Board Member of Tu Nidito in Tucson, Arizona, the parent agency for the organization she founded in 1988 called Children to Children, a Center for Children and Families in Grief.
Everyday Marianna meets ordinary people doing extraordinary things through her work as Executive Director of Bread for the Journey, a philanthropic organization with 20 locations nationally. Each volunteer-run chapter practices neighborhood philanthropy in their respective communities, helping everyday people bring their community-minded ideas to life. The Bread for the Journey vision is to nurture the seed of generosity in every human heart and Marianna’s life is a living expression of just that. Join her as she ignites the heart of generosity in you.
