To my loyal and wonderful Substack subscribers. Forgive me the sidetracking from Gift of Age. Going into 2026, I do promise you much scientific as well as inspiring material on all things midlife, aging, vitality, longevity life hacks and meaningful living. My Gift of Age podcast too, will be launched in the new year.

But for now our community is grieving deeply and we are trying to make sense and process the way forward.

I bring you an amazing powerful voice in this deeply honest and heart wrenching video conversation. Joanne Fedler, my dear friend (and actually a cousin once removed) is the author of 16 books. She's a writing mentor and a retreat facilitator. She holds an LLM from Yale University and has been a woman’s and human rights activist for decades.

This was not the conversation Joanne and I had planned to have.

We were meant to speak about writing, identity, meaning, and a life well lived, as part of the launch of The Gift of Age podcast. But in the aftermath of the Bondi massacre, we felt compelled to address some painful and challenging questions.

This is not a political conversation.It is a human, historical, and moral one.

It is about what happens when an ancient hatred resurfaces and brutal targeted violence occurs and what this asks of those willing to see clearly.

Mindful of your busy life, I have edited this powerful video to just 34 minutes . Don’t miss this painfully honest and profoundly powerful interview!

Wishing those of you who celebrate Christmas- a peaceful, joyful and meaningful one.

With blessings for light and love to shine through,

Linda

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drlindafriedland.substack.com