In this profoundly moving episode, we sit down with Dr. Chris Kerr, a physician specializing in hospice and palliative care and a PhD in neurobiology. Dr. Kerr brings a unique and necessary perspective on death and dying, a subject often shunned by both the medical community and society at large. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Kerr shares insights from his research into the subjective experiences of dying patients, revealing the rich inner lives and dreams that comfort them as they approach life’s end. He challenges the medical model that prioritizes intervention over comfort, advocating for a more humanized approach that honors the totality of the person. We dive deep into the societal and medical disconnects surrounding death, the transformational power of patient autonomy, and the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelic experiences for the dying. Dr. Kerr’s stories illuminate the light within the darkness of dying, and his mission to reclaim the process of dying as a natural, meaningful part of life is both inspiring and essential. This episode is not just about the end of life—it’s about the profound connections and truths that can be discovered in our final moments.
