Replay: On the Brink of Everything with Parker Palmer Pt. 1

September 13, 2023

Today, we’re revisiting a truly extraordinary conversation—one that left a profound mark on me. I’m replaying this special two-part episode to delve once more into the wisdom shared by a guest who epitomizes living with meaning and purpose.

Having Parker Palmer guest on my show was a dream come true, an opportunity I never imagined would come to fruition. Words like activist, author, and speaker only begin to scratch the surface of who Parker is. He is, without a doubt, a unique and inspiring individual.

His tenth book, On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity, and Getting Old, is a thought-provoking reflection on the gift of aging and what gives us purpose in life. In part one of our interview, Parker explores the enlightening concept of embracing our life experiences by looking at them from different angles. 

Whether you’re hearing this for the first time or revisiting it with us, there’s always something new to discover in Parker’s words.

We discussed:

  • Finding the valuable lessons hidden within life’s toughest challenges
  • Why our role in society matters more than ever in our later years
  • How Parker has embraced short-form writing in the last 20 years
  • What attending Berkeley in the 60s taught him about social change
  • How a sabbatical year living in a Quaker community reshaped Parker’s life

Connect with Parker

Parker J. Palmer on Facebook
Center for Courage & Renewal