
Patton Oswalt Learns to Laugh Again
From Before We Go by Podcast Nation
September 25, 2025 · 32 min · Season 2 · Episode 2
About this episode
Patton Oswalt shares his journey of grief and single parenting after the loss of his wife, alongside insights from psychologist Julie Kaplow on childhood grief.
Patton Oswalt—a comedian, storyteller, and devoted dad—shares the story of losing his wife, Michelle, and becoming a single parent overnight. Grief, he learned, was anything but a straight line, and he feared what it would mean for his 7-year-old daughter, Alice. We also hear from Julie Kaplow, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in childhood grief and trauma, who reminds us that most children who experience loss go on to live full and healthy lives. Join us on Instagram @beforewegopodcast for more stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and reflections on living and dying. Thank you to our Sponsor: Quince: Visit www.quince.com/beforewego for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. This podcast is brought to you by Podcast Nation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
People in this episode
Host: Podcast Nation
Guests: Patton Oswalt, Julie Kaplow
Topics covered
- grief
- parenting
- childhood trauma
- comedy
- loss
- mental health
Keywords
- grief
- single parent
- childhood trauma
- comedy
- mental health
- loss
- Patton Oswalt
Sponsors
Quince
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