NPR's Diane Rehm (ep. 250)

Diane Rehm spent almost four decades on-air interviewing iconic cultural + political figures on The Diane Rehm Show, and she represents the very sound of National Public Radio. Often described as the "diva of discussions", Diane has the unique ability to own a strong opinion on matters but also the uncommon ability to remain open to other's opinions. Naturally curious to others' perspective Diane possesses an amazing combination of steeliness + vulnerability. Today, Diane opens up about her latest book When My Time Comes + the opposing arguments for + against the right-to-die. You'll also learn about her longstanding career in radio, working through crippling anxiety early in her career, how she overcame debilitating neurological voice disorder and why she sees herself as the "luckiest person". SHOW NOTES: When Diane was 19, her 49-year-old mother died from liver disease. In her last of countless trips to the hospital, she begged to die in order to be released from the pain + suffering. Eleven months later, Diane's father died of a broken heart. "We are all going to die. It's part of the life circle. Accepting that, planning for it, talking about what it is that you want at the end of life is what I am encouraging people to do." As a Serbian Orthodox, Diane felt pressure to marry an Arab just months before her mother's death. Feeling relief + freedom after her father died, Diane got a divorce. After stumbling into radio, Diane experienced severe anxiety daily for nearly 2 years until her bosses uplifting + encouraging messages gave her the confidence. Diane has interviewed countless political and cultural figures including Fred Rogers, Bill + Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. "When each person comes into the studio, what I see is not a bigger-than-life human being but rather a human being." In 1998, Diane was diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological condition that affects the quality of her voice. Ten years after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Diane's husband of 54 years John Rehm expressed his need to die. For 10 days, he stopped eating, drinking + taking his medication before passing. Right-to-die advocate: Diane encourages individuals to move past the fear of death to have conversations about end-of-life care. "Find your own passion. Be open + ready to the possibilities." "He was one of if not the greatest teachers of humankind that I've seen in my lifetime." Diane shares that her interview with Fred Rogers was her most memorable interview. Listen here. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? I have received the greatest love from so many people in my life that I am the luckiest person in the world. Learn more about Diane Rehm here. Get a copy of Diane Rehm's book When My Time Comes. We are just days away from launching IN AWE! Preorder your copy today to receive access to fun, interactive bonus features emailed to you in the lead-up to the book’s release! Visit ReadInAwe.com.  *** Did you enjoy today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts. Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.