In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts interviews Heather Pillar, a photographer and teacher who has lived, taught, and photographed in seven countries over four continents. The episode delves into Heather's career journey, her collaborative project with Morrie Schwartz—a professor battling ALS—during the last six months of his life, and her recent monograph Memento Morrie: Images of Love and Loss'. Heather shares compelling stories about her time with Morrie, her approach to photography, and how Morrie's philosophies influenced her. The discussion also touches on themes of community, caregiving, spirituality, and the importance of love. Heather emphasizes the significance of building meaningful connections and offers insights into navigating life with integrity and compassion.

Heather’s Bio and Contact Information:

Heather Pillar, photographer and teacher, has lived, taught and photographed in seven countries over four continents during the past 25 years. Her personal and collaborative photographic projects reveal her ongoing interest in women, girls' education, and aging.

In 1995, Heather collaborated with Morrie Schwartz during the last six months as he battled ALS. Her first monograph, Memento Morrie: Images of Love and Loss (Daylight Books, 2024) illustrates Morrie's philosophies through photographs of him interacting with family, friends, and caregivers and building community. Over a quarter-century later, Morrie's wisdom resonates with people around the world due to the best-selling memoir: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. Morrie taught people, including Heather - how to live fulfilling lives with love. “It is by facing fears of death that we learn how to live.”

Heather's photographs have been exhibited internationally as well as published in numerous newspapers and magazines such as People Magazine and The Boston Globe; books include The Wisdom of Morrie, Tuesdays with Morrie and Morrie: In His Own Words. Her work has also appeared on television (CBS Sunday Morning, Today Show) and online – NPR, Next Avenue (AARP) and on PBS’s Inside E Street.

My website: heatherpillar.com

Social media links:

Instagram @heatherpillarimages

Facebook: Heather Pillar images

YouTube: @heatherpillarimages

Linkedin: Heather Pillar

If you liked this podcast you might like this one:

Exploring The Wisdom of Morrie With Rob Schwartz

To find out more about Dave, please go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his authoprpagr, psychologyprofessorandminister.com