What happens when a tragedy transforms into a mission of peace? Jo Berry, who lost her father, Sir Anthony Berry, in the 1984 Brighton bomb blast, joins us to share her remarkable journey from grief to reconciliation. At 27, Jo faced an emotional crisis, teetering between anger and a desire for revenge. Yet, she chose a non-violent path forward. Grappling with immense trauma, Jo committed herself to understanding and embodying love even amid profound loss. This is not just a story of personal healing but also a testament to the transformative power of empathy.
Imagine forming a genuine friendship with the person responsible for your deepest pain. Jo’s relationship with the man behind her father’s death exemplifies how empathy and open dialogue can break down walls of anger and resentment. Their evolving friendship, built on mutual understanding and respect, challenges the notion of “us versus them” and advocates for a world without enemies. Jo also discusses how different family members navigate their own paths towards healing, emphasizing the uniqueness of every individual journey and the emotional work involved in such profound reconciliation.
As we approach the 40th anniversary of the Brighton bombing, Jo looks ahead with aspirations to create impactful grassroots work, publish a book, and explore film opportunities. Her vision includes establishing listening circles in conflict areas and promoting compassionate dialogue. Jo reflects on her experiences advocating for forgiveness in Belfast, facing significant emotional tolls, and the importance of an “inner coach” to counteract the inner critic. This episode is a powerful exploration of healing, empathy, and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity.
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Malcolm Stern has worked as a group and individual psychotherapist for more than 30 years. He was a co-founder of Alternatives at St James’s Church in London and runs groups internationally.
He is the author of Falling in Love / Staying in Love (Piatkus 2004) and Slay Your Dragons with Compassion ( Watkins 2020). He co-presented Channel 4’s relationship series, ‘Made for Each Other’ in 2003 and 2004 and sailed on the ‘Rainbow Warrior’ with Greenpeace in the 1980s. The book he is currently writing is an exploration of the shadow and its necessity in our evolutionary development.
Malcolm Stern in conversation with guests.
