The Stories Caregivers Carry: Narrative Medicine with Vive Griffith

About this episode

This episode explores the emotional landscape of caregiving through storytelling and narrative medicine with guest Vive Griffith.

In this episode of Before You Go , host Natalie Buster sits down with poet, essayist, and narrative medicine facilitator Vive Griffith to explore the often-overlooked emotional landscape of caregiving. Drawing from her own experience caring for her mother through terminal illness, Vive shares how storytelling, poetry, and reflection can help caregivers reconnect with themselves, find community, and feel seen. Through the lens of narrative medicine, Vive offers a powerful reframe: that caregiving is not just a task, but a deeply human act worthy of attention, artistry, and healing. Whether you're a caregiver now, have been one, or will be one someday, this conversation is a balm. Topics Covered: The four kinds of people in the world, according to Rosalynn Carter What is narrative medicine, and how does it support caregivers? Vive’s personal caregiving journey with her mother How art, poetry, and storytelling create space for healing The emotional toll of caregiving—and how to replenish Building community through shared reflection and writing Resources Mentioned: Narrative Medicine Program at Columbia University The Lacemaker by Johannes Vermeer (used in a workshop) Vive’s…

People in this episode

Host: Natalie Buster

Guest: Vive Griffith

Topics covered

• narrative medicine
• caregiving
• storytelling
• emotional health
• community building
• art and healing

Keywords

• caregivers
• narrative medicine
• storytelling
• poetry
• emotional toll
• community
• healing

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Narrative Medicine Program at Columbia University

Books & works: The Lacemaker

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