Jonathan Gluck is a writer whose powerful storytelling has been in The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, and Vogue. He has served as deputy editor and managing editor of the New York Magazine. Over the course of his distinguished career, Jonathan has earned multiple National Magazine Awards. Now, he turns inward with his latest work, An Exercise in Uncertainty: A Memoir of Illness and Hope, a deeply personal account of his diagnosis with Multiple Myeloma—an incurable blood cancer—and the emotional and physical journey that followed.

In this episode, host Shay Beider speaks with Jonathan about his journey with the blood cancer he’s lived with for over two decades. He shares what life looked like at the moment of his diagnosis, the emotional complexity of telling loved ones, and the guilt that often comes with being the one who is sick. The pair discuss how caregiving carries its own burdens and quiet heroism. Jonathan shares the details on promising innovative treatments like CAR-T cell therapy. Finally, he speaks to the strength of family, the power of optimistic realism, and the life lessons that have emerged from a diagnosis he never expected.

Transcripts for this episode are available at: https://www.integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing

Show Notes:

• Read Jonanthan’s book An Exercise in Uncertainty: A Memoir of Illness and Hope

• Check out Stand By Me here

• Learn more about CAR-T therapy

• Read The Anatomy of Hope

This podcast was created by Integrative Touch (InTouch), which is changing healthcare through human connectivity. A leader in the field of integrative medicine, InTouch exists to alleviate pain and isolation for anyone affected by illness, disability or trauma. This includes kids and adults with cancers, genetic conditions, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic stress, and other serious health issues. The founder, Shay Beider, pioneered a new therapy called Integrative Touch™Therapy that supports healing from trauma and serious illness. The organization provides proven integrative medicine therapies, education and support that fill critical healthcare gaps. Their success is driven by deep compassion, community and integrity.

Each year, InTouch reaches thousands of people at the Integrative Touch Healing Center, both in person and through Telehealth. Thanks to the incredible support of volunteers and contributors, InTouch created a unique scholarship model called Heal it Forward that brings services to people in need at little or no cost to them. To learn more or donate to Heal it Forward, please visit IntegrativeTouch.org