98. Cancer taught Joel, YOU and I how to live. The epic Journey of Joel Staite returns.

A JOURNEY WITH BERNIE is approaching 100 episodes, and I can honestly share with you that I thought the purpose of this podcast would be fulfilled in 10!! Afterall, how many strategies and actions are there that lead to becoming a more loving and joyful human being?

This Journey has been one of the more profound experiences of my life, with every guest contributing something of value to the ever-expanding pathway towards love becoming a way of life. Of course, some episodes were potent and need to be heard again and again to capture the full learning they offered. Among these were Episodes 8 and 25, which combined to tell the remarkable story of Joel Staite. Joel was diagnosed with an incurable cancer and given 3 months. He lived another 6 years and when I say 'lived', I actually mean he lived every day as if it was his last. Joel's story opened our souls and taught us of what living every moment actually looks like. Only the wisdom of Joel Staite could say something like this ...
 

“This might sound crazy, but I actually think cancer has changed my life for the better – I feel like I have become a better person for having been through this … I so appreciate every moment, every single day so much more”.

 

His incredible story went to air on Jun 15, 2022. On October 8, four months later, Joel passed away. 

Last month, I received a message from Keith Staite, Joel's dad, whose Episode 28 gave us even more insight into Joel's journey and the depth of our capacity to love. The image Keith gave us of Joel's 'raw courage' leaving the wheelchair and shuffling down the aisle to marry his treasured love, Kieran, will forever be a feature segment on this podcast. Joel did this just days before his death. At the time his body had withered to not much more than skeletal.

The Mater Hospital once described Joel as ... 'An ordinary guy doing extraordinary things in the face of gut-wrenching adversity.' I think they are wrong …

 

Joel Staite became an extraordinary human being responding in way that few would to the 'grim reaper' tapping him on the shoulder every day for 6 years. Joel brushed death's hand away for all of that time and in the process discovered a meaning in life that few could comprehend. For this reason, giving you the lessons of Joel Staite in this 98th episode seems to be the only appropriate thing to do. Afterall, you are being taught by a man who crossed the bridge and became 'love'.
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Bernie K ... + 61 412 982 444 ... bernie@journeywithbernie.co