Noshing With Warren Kozak – March 7, 2024

Author, Waving Goodbye: Life After Loss

Finding Peace After Loss: An Interview with Warren Kozak on “Ira’s Everything Bagel” Podcast

This week on the Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast, host Ira Sternberg spoke with Warren Kozak, author of the acclaimed book, Waving Goodbye: Life After Loss. In this poignant and deeply personal episode, Warren discusses his journey through grief after the unexpected passing of his wife, Lisa.

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Coping with Loss: A Book Unexpected

The episode dives into the inspiration behind Waving Goodbye: Life After Loss. Warren candidly shares that the book originated from a place of immense personal pain. He never envisioned writing a book about grief, but after Lisa’s death, he found himself keeping a diary to navigate the overwhelming emotions. “[My brain] just went out to lunch,” Warren recalls of that initial period. Writing, however, became a lifeline, a way to process his experience and eventually, transform it into a resource for others facing similar loss.

Why Waving Goodbye is Different

Warren critiques the traditional grief books he encountered after Lisa’s death. He found them impersonal and unhelpful in his specific situation. This realization fueled his desire to create a resource that was both personal and practical. Waving Goodbye offers honest reflections alongside practical advice, creating a space for readers to connect with Warren’s journey while gleaning valuable tools for their own path through grief.

Short Chapters, Big Impact

The structure of Waving Goodbye is a deliberate choice. Warren opted for short chapters and concise sentences. This approach acknowledges the emotional toll that grief can take, making the book easier to digest in manageable bites. Readers can return to the book in small doses, revisiting sections that resonate most with their experiences.

Finding Solace in Faith and Family

Warren also explores the role of faith in coping with loss. As a practicing Jew, he draws strength from his religious beliefs. The episode delves into how his faith provided comfort and guidance during this challenging time. Additionally, Warren discusses his cherished relationship with his daughter and the importance of maintaining strong connections with loved ones during the grieving process.

The Power of Music

Music emerges as another source of solace for Warren. He reflects on how music offered a unique emotional outlet, a way to express the depth of his grief and find moments of beauty amidst the pain.

A Beacon of Hope

Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast with Warren Kozak is a powerful testament to the human spirit’s ability to heal. While grief is a complex and deeply personal experience, Warren’s story offers a message of hope. Through vulnerability and honesty, he reminds listeners that “it gets better as time goes by.”

Connect with Warren Kozak

To learn more about Warren Kozak and his work, visit his website: Warren Kozak Website. You can also find Waving Goodbye: Life After Loss on各大网店 (ge da wang dian – major online stores) or your favorite bookseller.

Podcast Conclusion

This episode of Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced loss or knows someone who is grieving. Warren Kozak’s journey offers valuable insights and a message of hope for navigating the difficult path of grief.

Links:

• Warren Kozak Website

Watch the full Podcast Video

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Read The Full Transcript

Warren Kozack Podcast Epsiode Full Transcript

Ira Sternberg: Welcome to Ira’s Everything Bagel, where I talk with intriguing people about everything—their passions, pursuits, and points of view. Death is not only a hard topic to talk about, but also to accept. We all cope with the death of loved ones in our own ways, and one of those ways is to write about grief and how to live after the sorrow. My guest today is Warren Kozak. He’s the author of Waving Goodbye: Life After Loss, available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all the usual places. For everything about Warren, go to WarrenKozak.com—that’s W-A-R-R-E-N-K-O-Z-A-K. Warren, welcome to the show.

Warren Kozak: Thank you, Ira, it’s a pleasure to be here with you, and, of course, the bagels.

Ira Sternberg: Always the bagels...