The Zen of Grief with Dr. Pete Economou
Tue Jan 27 2026
In this episode of Grief On Purpose, host Laura Walton interviews Dr. Pete, a psychologist by training who integrates Zen Buddhism and mental health in his practice. Dr. Pete discusses the profound impact of grief and shares his personal experiences with death, highlighting the unique and often challenging path of accepting and processing grief through Zen practices.He provides insights into his daily routines, meditative practices, and the intersection of spirituality and science. Dr. Pete speaks to the balance between human emotion and mindfulness, and the importance of being present and accepting life’s impermanent nature. The conversation traverses topics of human emotions in grief, the integration of Eastern practices, and the complex nature of death and bereavement.
Dr. Pete Economou is a leading psychologist, author, and podcast host of “On Air With Dr. Pete” and “When East Meets West”. Dr. Pete integrates eastern spiritual practices with western behavioral science, particularly third-wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to promote mental health. He emphasizes goal-setting to improve mental performance and has substantial experience with professional and collegiate athletes. Dr. Pete actively contributes to research in performance psychology, substance use, mindfulness, and multicultural psychology and is frequently featured in the media for his mental health expertise. Beyond academia, Dr. Pete is committed to participating in international relief efforts and national programs addressing the ongoing mental health crisis.
Resources & SupportIf you’re looking for more support after listening to this episode, here are some resources that may help:
* The Light After: Grief Support Group
* The Light Within: Healing After Trauma
* Downloadable Grief Journal
* Grief & Trauma Resource Bundle
* Grief on Purpose Blog
You can also listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and YouTube. You can find the full video of this episode in a separate post when you subscribe to the Grief on Purpose Substack.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit griefonpurpose.substack.com/subscribe
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In this episode of Grief On Purpose, host Laura Walton interviews Dr. Pete, a psychologist by training who integrates Zen Buddhism and mental health in his practice. Dr. Pete discusses the profound impact of grief and shares his personal experiences with death, highlighting the unique and often challenging path of accepting and processing grief through Zen practices.He provides insights into his daily routines, meditative practices, and the intersection of spirituality and science. Dr. Pete speaks to the balance between human emotion and mindfulness, and the importance of being present and accepting life’s impermanent nature. The conversation traverses topics of human emotions in grief, the integration of Eastern practices, and the complex nature of death and bereavement. Dr. Pete Economou is a leading psychologist, author, and podcast host of “On Air With Dr. Pete” and “When East Meets West”. Dr. Pete integrates eastern spiritual practices with western behavioral science, particularly third-wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to promote mental health. He emphasizes goal-setting to improve mental performance and has substantial experience with professional and collegiate athletes. Dr. Pete actively contributes to research in performance psychology, substance use, mindfulness, and multicultural psychology and is frequently featured in the media for his mental health expertise. Beyond academia, Dr. Pete is committed to participating in international relief efforts and national programs addressing the ongoing mental health crisis. Resources & SupportIf you’re looking for more support after listening to this episode, here are some resources that may help: * The Light After: Grief Support Group * The Light Within: Healing After Trauma * Downloadable Grief Journal * Grief & Trauma Resource Bundle * Grief on Purpose Blog You can also listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and YouTube. You can find the full video of this episode in a separate post when you subscribe to the Grief on Purpose Substack. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit griefonpurpose.substack.com/subscribe