In a TED Talks Daily episode, author Susan Cain discusses why people often find comfort in sad music and meaning in rainy days. Speaking in a reflective, poetic style, Cain frames longing as a productive emotional space where joy and sorrow overlap. She argues that experiences associated with heartache can also lead people toward creativity, stronger connection with others, and love. The talk includes live violin accompaniment by Min Kym, which underscores the episode’s theme of finding beauty and depth in melancholy. Cain presents longing not only as a difficult feeling, but also as a gateway to seeing life more fully, including moments that feel bittersweet. The episode also includes a preview of Cain’s broader conversation on Amanda Palmer’s podcast “The Art of Asking Everything,” where they discuss Cain’s book “Bittersweet.” The broadcast is part of TED Talks Daily’s summer book club series, which pairs TED talks with related interviews intended to promote discussion of readers’ upcoming or next books.