About this episode

Yiyun Li discusses her profound pain after losing her children to suicide and her unique perspective on grief.

Author Yiyun Li lost both of her children to suicide. Vincent at 16. James at 19. She talks with Anderson about why she doesn't use the words "grief" or "process," instead describing her pain as "an abyss," and a "wound that won't heal." Host: Anderson Cooper Showrunner: Haley Thomas Producers: Chuck Hadad, Grace Walker, Emily Williams Associate Producer: Kyra Dahring Video Editor: Eric Zembrzuski Technical Director: Dan Dzula Bookers: Kerry Rubin and Kari Pricher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Anderson Cooper

Guest: Yiyun Li

Topics covered

• grief
• loss
• suicide
• mental health
• parenting
• pain

Keywords

• Yiyun Li
• suicide
• grief
• loss
• mental health
• pain
• parenting

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: CNN Podcasts

More episodes of All There Is with Anderson Cooper

• Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin: ‘ Grief is a Badge of Love’ · April 21, 2026 · 45 min
• Sarah Wildman: Let Grief Be Messy · April 16, 2026 · 41 min
• Dax Shepard: Grief, Fatherhood, and Friendship · April 3, 2026 · 36 min
• Sara Bareilles: 'Life's Holiest Lesson' · March 19, 2026 · 41 min
• Robert Irwin: Finding Strength in the Vulnerability of Grief · March 10, 2026 · 49 min
• Gavin Newsom · March 9, 2026 · 28 min

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