Elizabeth Gilbert On Love, Loss, And Liberation

In this episode of Fresh Air, Tonya Mosley interviews Elizabeth Gilbert, author of "Eat Pray Love," about her new memoir, "All the Way to the River," which explores themes of love, addiction, grief, and recovery. Gilbert discusses her relationship with Rayya Elias, her late partner, and the complexities of their love, including Rayya's battle with cancer and addiction, as well as Gilbert's own struggles with love and sex addiction. She delves into her caregiving experience, the ethical considerations of writing about Rayya's private moments, and her journey through 12-step programs. The conversation also touches on Gilbert's childhood and her approach to self-reflection and revelation in her writing. Finally, critic John Powers reviews "The Lowdown," a new TV series from the creator of "Reservation Dogs".

Outlines

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Fresh Air

Introduction to Elizabeth Gilbert's "All the Way to the River"

Rayya's Diagnosis and the Mandate to Write

Gilbert's Descent into Enabling and Love Addiction

Understanding Love Addiction and its Manifestations

The Complexity of Generosity and Addiction

Finding Order and Understanding Through 12-Step Programs

Detailing a Plot to Kill Rayya

The Insanity of Caregiving and Addiction

The Layer of Caregiving and Avoiding Criticism

Childhood and the Roots of Addiction

Respecting Boundaries and the Addiction to Self-Reflection

Review of "The Lowdown"

Closing Remarks

Elizabeth Gilbert On Love, Loss, And Liberation

Fresh Air

00:00Introduction to Elizabeth Gilbert's "All the Way to the River"

Introduction to Elizabeth Gilbert's "All the Way to the River"

04:21Rayya's Diagnosis and the Mandate to Write

Rayya's Diagnosis and the Mandate to Write

07:52Gilbert's Descent into Enabling and Love Addiction

Gilbert's Descent into Enabling and Love Addiction

11:14Understanding Love Addiction and its Manifestations

Understanding Love Addiction and its Manifestations

14:06The Complexity of Generosity and Addiction

The Complexity of Generosity and Addiction

17:35Finding Order and Understanding Through 12-Step Programs

Finding Order and Understanding Through 12-Step Programs

20:04Detailing a Plot to Kill Rayya

Detailing a Plot to Kill Rayya

23:59The Insanity of Caregiving and Addiction

The Insanity of Caregiving and Addiction

27:39The Layer of Caregiving and Avoiding Criticism

The Layer of Caregiving and Avoiding Criticism

30:58Childhood and the Roots of Addiction

Childhood and the Roots of Addiction

35:21Respecting Boundaries and the Addiction to Self-Reflection

Respecting Boundaries and the Addiction to Self-Reflection

39:03Review of "The Lowdown"

Review of "The Lowdown"

45:29Closing Remarks

Closing Remarks