Barry Michels—co-author of the New York Times bestseller “The Tools”—joins us to share “Ahead of All Parting: On Learning to Live with an Open Heart,” his inspirational memoir about unleashing life in the face of death.

At the peak of his career, Barry was a psychotherapist who treated Hollywood’s creative and power elite. He was driven, a type A personality who found his work tremendously rewarding. And then he was blindsided by a diagnosis of Lewy body dementia, a degenerative disease that would, in a matter of years, erode his physical and intellectual abilities. The same illness that had taken his father’s life would take his own.

At first, he was plunged into an abyss of despair, finding respite only in his practice and on long, defiant hikes. And then Stutz gave him life-changing advice: He told Barry to walk the karmic path before him, to write in order to find meaning, and to fight like hell. He challenged him to transform pain into purpose and claim inner freedom.

In the weeks and months that followed, Barry reached out to friends and patients about his diagnosis. And in this process of making himself vulnerable, he activated community. In his persistence, he found inspiration, even joy. His heart opened, his relationships grew deeper, his creativity was unleashed. He connected with his Life Force. He began writing poetry—an unstoppable outpouring from his soul. His capacity to love was unfettered. Beauty—in nature, in a piece of music or art—could move him to tears. And most surprising of all, this lifelong atheist embraced the divine.

“Ahead of All Parting” is the inspiring story of Barry’s spiritual, emotional, and creative transformation. It offers lessons on living a more meaningful life, written with the exquisite clarity conferred as the end comes into focus."

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Please note: Out of respect for our authors and other guests—and to ensure everyone's safety—the front door will be locked 15 minutes after the event starts.

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This is a ticketed event.

TICKET OPTIONS INCLUDE:

// TICKET + BOOK includes one entry + one copy of the book, which will be handed out at check-in the night of the event.

// TICKET ONLY includes one entry.

// OPENING ACT tickets are lower-priced spots for early birds. They’re limited in number, and when they’re gone, they’re gone, so get them while they last.

Additional copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.

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