Fred Luskin, PhD - The Science of Forgiveness
Fred Luskin, PhD, explores the psychology of forgiveness, emphasizing the role of grief, strategies for teaching forgiveness, and practical tools for shifting focus from resentment to gratitude and emotional resilience on The FitMind Podcast episode 96.
You can also listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other major podcast platform. Here it is in video format if you prefer:
Episode Overview
In this episode, Fred Luskin, PhD, director of the Stanford Forgiveness Projects, discusses the importance of forgiveness for a life well lived.
He highlights the necessity of processing grief before true forgiveness can occur, explaining that grief helps individuals acknowledge the pain of loss, whether from personal betrayals or unmet expectations. By addressing this pain, people can release the need for justice or restitution, creating space for forgiveness.
Luskin also discusses teaching forgiveness to children and how adults can forgive larger societal issues, such as political unrest, by focusing on their actions and finding meaning instead of dwelling on outcomes.
We explore Luskin’s research-backed 9 Steps to Forgiveness, a practical framework for letting go of resentment. He explains how shifting attention toward gratitude and positive relationships can improve mental well-being. His approach is rooted in science, offering listeners a practical yet compassionate framework for emotional healing and personal growth.
P.S. — If you’re serious about starting or deepening your meditation practice, check out the FitMind meditation app.
Fred Luskin, PhD Bio
Dr. Fred Luskin is a renowned psychologist and senior lecturer at Stanford University, where he directs the Stanford Forgiveness Projects. He is widely recognized for his work on forgiveness, stress management, and emotional resilience.
Dr. Luskin earned his Ph.D. in Counseling and Health Psychology from Stanford and has authored influential books, including Forgive for Good and Forgive for Love. His research emphasizes the health and psychological benefits of forgiveness, offering practical tools to resolve interpersonal conflicts and improve emotional well-being.
Dr. Luskin's work has been featured globally in academic and public settings, bridging science and actionable strategies for personal growth.
Show Notes
0:00 | Introduction to Dr. Fred Luskin
3:23 | Link to 30 Days of Meditation, Science & Bliss
3:33 | Forgiveness is the Forgotten Step
5:44 | Forgiveness Defined
12:30 | Resolving Grievances
16:22 | Choosing Where to Put Your Attention
18:50 | Grief Precedes Forgiveness
26:40 | Power of Forgiveness Anecdotes
38:40 | 9 Steps to Forgiveness
46:11 | Revenge is a Life Well Lived
51:49 | Repainting Your Life Picture
59:02 | Modeling Forgiveness for Children
1:06:00 | Forgiveness of Global Issues
1:10:40 | Next Steps