Skip to content
  • ABOUTExpand

    • 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
      Kate Bowler sitting in front of books

  • PODCASTExpand

    • 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
  • BOOKSExpand

    • 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)

  • RESOURCESExpand

    • 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

christmas history

Goodbye Light. Hello Darkness.
Uncategorized

Goodbye Light. Hello Darkness.

Bykatebowler December 5, 2018August 17, 2023

Zach helped me light the first candle of Advent on Sunday. The Advent Wreath is a tradition created by a German pastor in the 19th century as a way to teach kids about the coming of Christ. Candles are lit on the Sundays of Advent; three are purple for penitence, a fourth is pink for joy,…

Read More Goodbye Light. Hello Darkness.Continue

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

Follow along on socials

@katecbowler

Fear makes us feel small. But democracy needs people who stay big-hearted, clear-eyed, and curious, even when the world feels like it’s closing in. Historian Timothy Snyder shows us that the habits of tyranny are subtle, but so are the habits of courage.

Here are five ways to stay democratic on purpose, especially when you’re scared.

Because the stakes are high, and your voice still matters.

6670 59
Open post by katecbowler with ID 18101221336483370
Fear makes us feel small. But democracy needs people who stay big-hearted, clear-eyed, and curious, even when the world feels like it’s closing in. Historian Timothy Snyder shows us that the habits of tyranny are subtle, but so are the habits of courage.Here are five ways to stay democratic on purpose, especially when you’re scared.Because the stakes are high, and your voice still matters.

The way I wanted mushroom coffee to fix my entire life. 🍄☕️

3 0
Open post by katecbowler with ID 18072407800754643
The way I wanted mushroom coffee to fix my entire life. 🍄☕️

Well, I’m officially a Newfoundlander.

I have been “screeched in”, as they say. It was an official ceremony with a dozen witnesses and the storytelling genius of a man named Skipper Lukey. He took our $50 Canadian dollars but never our dignity, except for the part where:

1) We ate SPAM flambéed on a hot plate.
2) Downed a rum-adjacent shot of “Screech” (named for the sound people make after they drink it).
3) We violated all public health codes by kissing the same frozen cod pulled out of a garbage bag from the freezer.
4) On the cod’s mouth, I just want to revisit that.
5) Recited an oath.
6) Sang a song.

Newfoundland, you’re full of the funniest, story-spinniest, most generous people I’ve ever met. Take my $50, I’m yours.

P.S. Is SPAM called “Newfoundland steak”? It is.
P.P.S. When you get a food rec from @itsrickmercer about his home province, you take it. Leo’s has the best cod and fries (don’t forget the malt vinegar) in St. John’s.

1447 49
Open post by katecbowler with ID 18067303049081231
Well, I’m officially a Newfoundlander.I have been “screeched in”, as they say. It was an official ceremony with a dozen witnesses and the storytelling genius of a man named Skipper Lukey. He took our $50 Canadian dollars but never our dignity, except for the part where:1) We ate SPAM flambéed on a hot plate. 2) Downed a rum-adjacent shot of “Screech” (named for the sound people make after they drink it). 3) We violated all public health codes by kissing the same frozen cod pulled out of a garbage bag from the freezer. 4) On the cod’s mouth, I just want to revisit that. 5) Recited an oath. 6) Sang a song.Newfoundland, you’re full of the funniest, story-spinniest, most generous people I’ve ever met. Take my $50, I’m yours.P.S. Is SPAM called “Newfoundland steak”? It is. P.P.S. When you get a food rec from @itsrickmercer about his home province, you take it. Leo’s has the best cod and fries (don’t forget the malt vinegar) in St. John’s.

NON-SHINY PEOPLE, UNITE!!!!

#everythinghappens #summerthoughts #newseasonsameme

3483 91
Open post by katecbowler with ID 18045179288544392
NON-SHINY PEOPLE, UNITE!!!!#everythinghappens #summerthoughts #newseasonsameme

To my most favorite hope-maker, author, and journaling queen, @suleikajaouad - what a privilege to have you as today`s guest on Everything Happens.

Suleika is no stranger to fear. It`s been a constant companion since she was first diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia when she was 22 years old.

Recently, she decided to stop trying to dodge her fear and start dancing with it, using it as fuel. Fuel to collaborate. Fuel to create. Fuel to drive her imagination to places it`s never taken her.

Comment "FUEL," and I`ll send you a link to listen to the entire conversation.

p.s. Isn`t she so beautiful and brave and wise??? I just love her so much.

5007 1466
Open post by katecbowler with ID 18055927178588654
To my most favorite hope-maker, author, and journaling queen, @suleikajaouad - what a privilege to have you as today's guest on Everything Happens.Suleika is no stranger to fear. It's been a constant companion since she was first diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia when she was 22 years old.Recently, she decided to stop trying to dodge her fear and start dancing with it, using it as fuel. Fuel to collaborate. Fuel to create. Fuel to drive her imagination to places it's never taken her.Comment "FUEL," and I'll send you a link to listen to the entire conversation.p.s. Isn't she so beautiful and brave and wise??? I just love her so much.

“Be interested. Be interesting.” That’s the advice my parents gave me about how to care. Foster a costly mind and spend it lavishly on others. My mom and dad, Karen and Gerry Bowler, spent a combined 60 YEARS OF THEIR LIVES at the University of Manitoba teaching students to be interested and interesting. To be curious and then to transform that curiosity into empathy, knowledge, and service.

So when the U of M gave me an honorary doctorate over the weekend, it wasn’t just for me. It was for us. (I`ve added their precious old faculty photos!) My parents sat behind me on the stage with the faculty in their fluffy robes and they were HONORED. We just heaped praise right all over them. Because their teaching and research and love for students and quiet service is what makes higher education so ESSENTIAL. Teachers, you are NECESSARY. You are the builders of democratic, empathic, hate-resistant minds.

The @umanitoba is the university that raised me. I grew up on the edge of the campus and their faculty and staff have been my babysitters, librarians, summer camp counselors, and Sick Day blanket-getters. I adore them. And thank you to the President and Chancellor and all the staff who made that event one of the best days of my Canadian life. 🇨🇦 I’m so very proud to be a bison today, and forever.

When I got off stage, my parents gathered around me and we straight up cried like the saps that we are….total fools for higher education. It is more than a place. It’s what we believe in.

Right now, universities are under threat. And so is the open-mindedness that it represents. So in a world in which *everything happens,* let’s take a little advice from my adorable parents. Be interested. Be interesting. Let`s spend our lives fostering our minds and care deeply about this beautiful, terrible world.

4932 81
Open post by katecbowler with ID 18010932662576752
“Be interested. Be interesting.” That’s the advice my parents gave me about how to care. Foster a costly mind and spend it lavishly on others. My mom and dad, Karen and Gerry Bowler, spent a combined 60 YEARS OF THEIR LIVES at the University of Manitoba teaching students to be interested and interesting. To be curious and then to transform that curiosity into empathy, knowledge, and service.So when the U of M gave me an honorary doctorate over the weekend, it wasn’t just for me. It was for us. (I've added their precious old faculty photos!) My parents sat behind me on the stage with the faculty in their fluffy robes and they were HONORED. We just heaped praise right all over them. Because their teaching and research and love for students and quiet service is what makes higher education so ESSENTIAL. Teachers, you are NECESSARY. You are the builders of democratic, empathic, hate-resistant minds.The @umanitoba is the university that raised me. I grew up on the edge of the campus and their faculty and staff have been my babysitters, librarians, summer camp counselors, and Sick Day blanket-getters. I adore them. And thank you to the President and Chancellor and all the staff who made that event one of the best days of my Canadian life. 🇨🇦 I’m so very proud to be a bison today, and forever.When I got off stage, my parents gathered around me and we straight up cried like the saps that we are….total fools for higher education. It is more than a place. It’s what we believe in.Right now, universities are under threat. And so is the open-mindedness that it represents. So in a world in which *everything happens,* let’s take a little advice from my adorable parents. Be interested. Be interesting. Let's spend our lives fostering our minds and care deeply about this beautiful, terrible world.

For a world where Everything Happens...

May this home be:

a resting place for the weary,
a soft landing for the returning,
a launching pad for the brave.

Today`s blessing is inspired by @erinapier and @scotsman.co, who remind us daily that home is where you are.

3833 51
Open post by katecbowler with ID 18317507134224117
For a world where Everything Happens...May this home be:a resting place for the weary, a soft landing for the returning, a launching pad for the brave.Today's blessing is inspired by @erinapier and @scotsman.co, who remind us daily that home is where you are.

You’ve asked, and I have answered. This is the video you can send to the next person who tells you that your loved one is in a “better place.”

24 0
Open post by katecbowler with ID 17960378735941586
You’ve asked, and I have answered. This is the video you can send to the next person who tells you that your loved one is in a “better place.”

 

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

Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Goodreads iconTikTok Pinterest
  • 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
  • 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
      Kate Bowler sitting in front of books

  • 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