Skip to content

ABOUT
- Meet Kate
  Hi, I’m Kate. I’m a Duke professor, podcaster, and author with a single mission: giving you permission to feel human. After years of being told I was incurable, I was declared cancer-free. But there’s no going back. I am forever changed by what I discovered: life is so beautiful and life is so hard. For everyone.
  ABOUT KATE
  Get to Know Me
  HUMAN
  AUTHOR
  PODCAST HOST
  SPEAKER
  How to Connect
  NEWSLETTER
  BOOKING
  EVENTS
  CONTACT
  PRESS
PODCAST
- Everything Happens.
  Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens.
  See All Episodes
  Suleika Jaouad
  Survival Is a Creative Act
  Listen Now Survival Is a Creative Act
  Erin & Ben Napier
  Everyone’s From Somewhere
  Listen Now Everyone’s From Somewhere
  Stacey Heale
  The Aftermath of the Aftermath
  Listen Now The Aftermath of the Aftermath
  Kimberly Williams-Paisley
  Where The Light (Still) Gets In
  Listen Now Where The Light (Still) Gets In
BOOKS
- Books
  Let’s untangle our culture’s obsession with toxic positivity and self-help, shall we? Kate studies the cultural stories we tell ourselves about success, suffering, and whether (or not) we’re capable of change. She is the author of seven books including three instant New York Times bestsellers.
  All Books
  Everything Happens for a Reason
  (And Other Lies I’ve Loved)
  Have a Beautiful Terrible Day!
  Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs & In-Betweens
  No Cure for Being Human
  (And Other Truths I Need to Hear)
RESOURCES
- Resources
  Our goal with Everything Happens is to create rich language and vibrant community that sustains us when life comes apart. Below, you’ll find categories that may be good starting points for you. Inside are a mix of podcasts, blessings, support guides, and bonus resources that we hope will be useful.
  ALL RESOURCES
  Types
  BLESSINGS
  DEVOTIONALS
  SUPPORT GUIDES
  COURSES
  FREE DOWNLOADS
  Discussion Guides
  FOR MINISTRY
  Topics
  ILLNESS
  GRIEF
  WHAT NOT TO SAY
  RESILIENT FAITH
  INSPIRING LIVES
  NUANCED HOPE
  CARING AT HOME
  CARING AT WORK
  COMPLICATED FAMILIES
  MOVING FORWARD

Liminality – the space between where we were beforehand, and where we are headed – commonly full of unknowns.

Every week I usually forget most of the basics:
a) you are loved. b) life is absurd. c) it’s hard to be a human.

If you want some smart, kind, and funny encouragement to get you through your week, sign up for my newsletter. I’d love to be your reminder.

Name

First Last

Email(Required)

Follow along on socials

@katecbowler

Here`s a woman who makes me very proud to be a Canadian right now.

@sophiegregoiretrudeau believes with all her heart that health -- mental, emotional, physical -- is a human right. And that truly regulated people are *better citizens.* I loved her big laugh, big heart, and forceful compassion for all of us who wonder how to stay grounded in this age of light apocalypse. She`s a fierce advocate for mental health, a gifted author, and the only person who could make me do breathing exercises on the main stage at @aspenideas in front of everyone.

Stay tuned for a podcast conversation with her about the relationship between wellness and democracy, and how to double down on our own peace. But also, she will make you *laugh* and then try a calming exercise because WHO DOESN`T NEED THAT RIGHT NOW?!

923 9

Open post by katecbowler with ID 17968786394929914

Here's a woman who makes me very proud to be a Canadian right now.@sophiegregoiretrudeau believes with all her heart that health -- mental, emotional, physical -- is a human right. And that truly regulated people are *better citizens.* I loved her big laugh, big heart, and forceful compassion for all of us who wonder how to stay grounded in this age of light apocalypse. She's a fierce advocate for mental health, a gifted author, and the only person who could make me do breathing exercises on the main stage at @aspenideas in front of everyone.Stay tuned for a podcast conversation with her about the relationship between wellness and democracy, and how to double down on our own peace. But also, she will make you *laugh* and then try a calming exercise because WHO DOESN'T NEED THAT RIGHT NOW?!

Mosquito bites and humidity are “out” for all of summer.

1917 42

Open post by katecbowler with ID 18302336968169198

Mosquito bites and humidity are “out” for all of summer.

On this blessed Canada Day, I wanted to share its beauty, clarify things for cartographers, and just generally show off this gorgeous country.

(This is also a PSA for safety. No one is getting attacked by a moose on my watch.)

Time spent here is always a gift. Zach gets to hang out with his grandparents, and I get to experience mitten temps and then sudden tank top weather in June, so it’s pretty much a win all the way around.

If you’re ever on Fogo Island, the @fogoislandinn is a MUST. I can’t stress enough that I would live there. Forever.

So here’s to rocky coastlines, kind strangers, and the kind of beauty that makes you pause mid-sentence.

Grateful for the land, the people, and the quiet miracle of belonging—no matter how far you’ve wandered. 🍁

Happy Canada Day, friends. Come for the views, stay for very hot water.

#canadaday

8096 163

Open post by katecbowler with ID 18390710464189682

On this blessed Canada Day, I wanted to share its beauty, clarify things for cartographers, and just generally show off this gorgeous country.(This is also a PSA for safety. No one is getting attacked by a moose on my watch.)Time spent here is always a gift. Zach gets to hang out with his grandparents, and I get to experience mitten temps and then sudden tank top weather in June, so it’s pretty much a win all the way around.If you’re ever on Fogo Island, the @fogoislandinn is a MUST. I can’t stress enough that I would live there. Forever.So here’s to rocky coastlines, kind strangers, and the kind of beauty that makes you pause mid-sentence.Grateful for the land, the people, and the quiet miracle of belonging—no matter how far you’ve wandered. 🍁Happy Canada Day, friends. Come for the views, stay for very hot water.#canadaday

I`m not entirely sure I did it right, but this little tart was delicious.

Happy Monday.

542 19

Open post by katecbowler with ID 18024793562700692

I'm not entirely sure I did it right, but this little tart was delicious.Happy Monday.

In a world where Everything Happens...

May we all remember that no one, not one, has it all together.

3103 60

Open post by katecbowler with ID 18041832689310743

In a world where Everything Happens...May we all remember that no one, not one, has it all together.

TGI(almost)F AM I RIGHT?!

Which medium sad gnome are you?

3215 71

Open post by katecbowler with ID 18052817366105247

TGI(almost)F AM I RIGHT?!Which medium sad gnome are you?

It’s just June.

I may or may not have responded to a work email with “Love you!”

You’re doing great. ✨

Drop an emoji for how your brain feels right now. Please and thank you.

1067 129

Open post by katecbowler with ID 17976864470852732

It’s just June.I may or may not have responded to a work email with “Love you!”You’re doing great. ✨Drop an emoji for how your brain feels right now. Please and thank you.

The world feels shaky, like it might tip over. But here are some recent saves full of reminders to be brave, create (literally anything), and take small stabs at hope—because even now, fear and creativity can ride tandem, and trying still counts.

1. @prest.works/@jonacuff
2. @iuliastration
3. @lobsterandpearls/@backtomotherpearl
4. @poetryrise
5. @tinypricksproject and @kellycorrigan
6. @mytherapistsays

5196 41

Open post by katecbowler with ID 18069945992001392

The world feels shaky, like it might tip over. But here are some recent saves full of reminders to be brave, create (literally anything), and take small stabs at hope—because even now, fear and creativity can ride tandem, and trying still counts.1. @prest.works/@jonacuff
2. @iuliastration
3. @lobsterandpearls/@backtomotherpearl
4. @poetryrise
5. @tinypricksproject and @kellycorrigan
6. @mytherapistsays

If you are reading this you have great eyesight. But also, thanks for being a person with me. The world is strange and hard for soft-hearted humans, but I think you’re a delight.

© 2025
Development by Penner Web Design

About
Resources
Contact
Podcasts
Books
Mural
Upcoming Events
Newsletter
Blessings

Everything Happens.

Browse by topic

Complicated Families

grief

resilient faith

what not to say

moving forward

Illness

nuanced hope

caring at home

inspiring lives

caring at work

Make your inbox a little more human.

Sign up below to receive a weekly email from Kate Bowler every Wednesday.

Name

First Last

Email(Required)

ABOUT
- Meet Kate
  Hi, I’m Kate. I’m a Duke professor, podcaster, and author with a single mission: giving you permission to feel human. After years of being told I was incurable, I was declared cancer-free. But there’s no going back. I am forever changed by what I discovered: life is so beautiful and life is so hard. For everyone.
  ABOUT KATE
  Get to Know Me
  HUMAN
  AUTHOR
  PODCAST HOST
  SPEAKER
  How to Connect
  NEWSLETTER
  BOOKING
  EVENTS
  CONTACT
  PRESS
PODCAST
- Everything Happens.
  Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens.
  See All Episodes
  Suleika Jaouad
  Survival Is a Creative Act
  Listen Now Survival Is a Creative Act
  Erin & Ben Napier
  Everyone’s From Somewhere
  Listen Now Everyone’s From Somewhere
  Stacey Heale
  The Aftermath of the Aftermath
  Listen Now The Aftermath of the Aftermath
  Kimberly Williams-Paisley
  Where The Light (Still) Gets In
  Listen Now Where The Light (Still) Gets In
BOOKS
- Books
  Let’s untangle our culture’s obsession with toxic positivity and self-help, shall we? Kate studies the cultural stories we tell ourselves about success, suffering, and whether (or not) we’re capable of change. She is the author of seven books including three instant New York Times bestsellers.
  All Books
  Everything Happens for a Reason
  (And Other Lies I’ve Loved)
  Have a Beautiful Terrible Day!
  Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs & In-Betweens
  No Cure for Being Human
  (And Other Truths I Need to Hear)
RESOURCES
- Resources
  Our goal with Everything Happens is to create rich language and vibrant community that sustains us when life comes apart. Below, you’ll find categories that may be good starting points for you. Inside are a mix of podcasts, blessings, support guides, and bonus resources that we hope will be useful.
  ALL RESOURCES
  Types
  BLESSINGS
  DEVOTIONALS
  SUPPORT GUIDES
  COURSES
  FREE DOWNLOADS
  Discussion Guides
  FOR MINISTRY
  Topics
  ILLNESS
  GRIEF
  WHAT NOT TO SAY
  RESILIENT FAITH
  INSPIRING LIVES
  NUANCED HOPE
  CARING AT HOME
  CARING AT WORK
  COMPLICATED FAMILIES
  MOVING FORWARD