Welcome to Awakenings In Real Life!
Awakenings In Real Life

Awakenings In Real Life

The “Awakenings In Real Life” award winning podcast tells inspiring stories of transformation, meaning and hope. While we typically think of an Awakening as a “Getting Up” or “Spiritual” or “Religious” in nature, an “Awakening” is also an awareness, recognition or realization of something. Host Dan Cohen will share stories of people awakening and then triumphing over bullying, addiction, disability, illness, trauma, loss, near death experiences and more.

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Winner, ACCI Literary Excellence Award (Best Non-Fiction/Memoir)

Gold Winner in the 2026 Manhattan Book Awards!

Best Memoir Nominee: 2026 Astra Book Awards

"Heartwarming and Insightful". TEEPA SNOW - One of the leading voices in dementia care.  CLICK HERE for review

"A poignant farewell from a son to his father." KIRKUS REVIEWS.  CLICK HERE for review

"[A] warm-hearted story of a father and son's lifelong shared connections."  MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW.  CLICK HERE for review

What if the person you thought was lost forever suddenly returned—even for a moment? 

When Dan Cohen’s father, deep in dementia unexpectedly “woke up,” he sent a message that he still appreciated and wanted to live life. For two unforgettable days, Herbie spoke with clarity, shared memories, and expressed his love -gifting his family laughter, wisdom, and hope.  That extraordinary awakening opened the door to a deeper understanding of resilience and connection. In this moving memoir, Cohen weaves his father’s remarkable story with family histories, lessons and moments of joy that shaped their lives together. Awakenings in Real Life is a celebration of memory, love and the awakenings that can transform how we see our lives.

Buy the book on Amazon - CLICK HERE

Recent Podcast Episodes

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Awakening after experiencing trauma and a mental breakdown to help others - Guest: Shirley Buck
April 14, 2026

Awakening after experiencing trauma and a mental breakdown to help others - Guest: Shirley Buck

Awakening after experiencing trauma and a mental breakdown to help others - Guest: Shirley Buck
Listen to the Episode
9/11 first responder's awakening, and how he overcame illness (cancer), abuse and addiction
April 7, 2026

9/11 first responder's awakening, and how he overcame illness (cancer), abuse and addiction

9/11 first responder's awakening, and how he overcame illness (cancer), abuse and addiction
Listen to the Episode
Awakening to discover that when you take action on a coincidence it can lead to a miracle
March 31, 2026

Awakening to discover that when you take action on a coincidence it can lead to a miracle

Awakening to discover that when you take action on a coincidence it can lead to a miracle
Listen to the Episode
Awakening to find people’s Superpower - Guest Mary Beth Robinson
March 17, 2026

Awakening to find people’s Superpower - Guest Mary Beth Robinson

Awakening to use her intuition to find people’s Superpower - Guest Mary Beth Robinson
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Awakening after the loss of his son to help others who are grieving - Guest Stephen Panus
March 10, 2026

Awakening after the loss of his son to help others who are grieving - Guest Stephen Panus

Awakening after the loss of his son to help others who are grieving - Guest Stephen Panus
Listen to the Episode
Awakening - transforming adversity and poverty into purpose - Guest Jan Allen Ackley
9
March 3, 2026

Awakening - transforming adversity and poverty into purpose - Guest Jan Allen Ackley

Awakening - transforming adversity and poverty into purpose - Guest Jan Allen Ackley
Listen to the Episode
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Reviews

Awakened Reflections

"Awakenings in Real Life is such a powerful and grounded space for real, meaningful topics. The depth, authenticity, and heart behind each episode truly sets it apart. There’s a beautiful balance betw…"

Unhinge Dvorak | Feb. 26, 2026
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