Today’s episode is with Keith Bellizzi, author of “Falling Forward: The New Science of Resilience and Personal Transformation.” Keith is a tenured professor at the University of Connecticut, as well as a four-time cancer survivor. We dive into all aspects of his life and reflect on how all our stories are connected. Keith and I were first introduced 3 years ago by a mutual friend and we were blown away by the connections in our stories. As you’ll hear Keith share in our conversation, his first diagnosis of cancer was on October 21, 1994. For those that know the story that led to Team Powdred Donut, my own wife Maureen passed of metastatic breast cancer on October 21, 2014. For Keith that date is tattooed on his arm. For me it is tattooed on my heart. Keith put it best in the first words of Chapter 1:
“Resilience isn’t about bouncing back with relentless toughness. It’s about learning how to fall forward into the unknown, into the mess, into the life you didn’t plan for but have to live anyway.”
Who Is Keith Bellizzi?
Keith Bellizzi is a professor at the University of Connecticut, with over 100 publications in the areas of resilience, cancer survivorship, and how individuals and families navigate life-altering challenges. His research has been featured in The LA Times, The Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, The Independent, and Psychology Today. A four-time cancer survivor himself, Keith wrote Falling Forward to share the lessons he’s learned about overcoming adversity and building strength in the face of hardship. When he’s not researching or writing, he enjoys thrill-seeking adventures, exploring new places and cultures, and spending time with his family.
Show Notes
Falling Forward: The New Science of Resilience and Personal Transformation (Click to buy your copy from Amazon)