Welcome to 'Keep Grief Weird,' the podcast where we embrace the quirky, the unexpected, and the deeply personal sides of dealing with loss.
Tracy Benjamin and MC McDonald, PhD
Welcome back, Keep Grief Weirdos! In this special mid-break episode, Tracy and MC dive into heartfelt listener letters, share big announcements, and explore the often-overlooked layers of grief—from sibling loss and parental relationships to the challenges of coping during the holiday season. One listener writes in about navigating sibling loss and the emotional complexities of carrying a BRCA1 mutation, sparking a candid discussion about health anxiety, generational grief, and the resilience required to move forward. Another wrote reflecting on the loss of a dream as his daughter builds a life across the country — a poignant reminder that grief isn't always about death but often about the changes in relationships and expectations. Another letter gives us a deeply moving story of finding peace and healing through a serendipitous connection with someone who bridges the divide between life and the afterlife—proof that sometimes the universe works in mysterious ways. A final letter wrote about how hard it can be to let go of the stuff left behind when life circumstances don't allow us to keep them.At the end of the episode, Tracy & MC have a couple of announcements! Upcoming LIVE Events: Holiday Survival Workshop: Join us on December 14th for a live, interactive online workshop to create a customized holiday toolkit and learn practical strategies to approach the season with balance and intention. 2025 Intention Setting Workshops: Set your sights on the new year with our in-person workshop on January 4th and a virtual session on January 11th. We'll help you craft a roadmap for manifesting your goals and staying grounded Join the Hope Circuit!We have a vibrant and supportive online community for you! It is the perfect space to connect with others navigating grief, loneliness, or life transitions. From weekly accountability calls to journaling sessions and bi-weekly movie nights, there's something for everyone seeking support, connection, and a little holiday cheer. Sign up here: https://hopecircuit.circle.so/checkout/all-access Have a woo-woo story or a topic you'd love us to cover in Season 2? Send us an email at keepgriefweird@gmail.com, drop us a voicemail on Spotify, or reach out via social media. Let's keep grief weird together! Stay tuned, stay weird, and don't forget to mark your calendars! Check out Keep Grief Weird on Substack for exclusive episode notes, resources, and opportunities to connect! Instagram: - @keepgriefweird - @mc.phd - @shutterbean - @thehandwritingclub TikTok: - @mc.phd Facebook: - @tracyshutterbean - @emseyphd Music kindly provided by Tom Rosenthal. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily" from the album Z-Sides, released in 2018. MC McDonald and Tracy Benjamin host Keep Grief Weird, produced by Tracy Benjamin. For questions, stories, or comments, please reach out via DM on Instagram (@keepgriefweird) or email at keepgriefweird@gmail.com.
Let's complete our first season of Keep Grief Weird with a RECAP! Fear not, we'll be back. In this episode, Tracy and MC explore various themes surrounding nostalgia, childhood memories, and the complexities of grief. They reflect on their favorite TV shows as 80s kids, the impact of memory on grief, and the importance of humor in healing. Their discussion also touches on celebrity scandals, personal growth through grief, and the significance of listener engagement. As they recap their podcast season, they share insights from their episodes and express excitement for future topics, including the weirdness of grief and woo-woo stories. Stay tuned for Season 2! Check out Keep Grief Weird on Substack for exclusive episode notes, resources, and opportunities to connect! Instagram: - @keepgriefweird - @mc.phd - @shutterbean - @thehandwritingclub TikTok: - @mc.phd X: - @shutterbean Facebook: - @tracyshutterbean - @emseyphd Music kindly provided by Tom Rosenthal. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily" from the album Z-Sides, released in 2018. MC McDonald and Tracy Benjamin host Keep Grief Weird, produced by Tracy Benjamin. For questions, stories, or comments, please reach out via DM on Instagram (@keepgriefweird) or email at keepgriefweird@gmail.com.
In this conversation, the MC and Tracy explore the complexities of grief, focusing on the process of finding meaning after loss- the 6th stage of grief (thanks to David Kessler!). They share personal stories, discuss misconceptions about grief, and emphasize the importance of storytelling and legacy. The conversation highlights how grief can lead to personal growth and the significance of humor and nostalgia in navigating loss. Take a trip down memory lane with them as they reminisce about doll houses and American Girl dolls. Check out Keep Grief Weird on Substack for exclusive episode notes, resources, and opportunities to connect! Instagram: - @keepgriefweird - @mc.phd - @shutterbean - @thehandwritingclub TikTok: - @mc.phd X: - @shutterbean Facebook: - @tracyshutterbean - @emseyphd Music kindly provided by Tom Rosenthal. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily" from the album Z-Sides, released in 2018. MC McDonald and Tracy Benjamin host Keep Grief Weird, produced by Tracy Benjamin. For questions, stories, or comments, please reach out via DM on Instagram (@keepgriefweird) or email at keepgriefweird@gmail.com.
MC and Tracy kick things off with a fun chat about the joys of compression socks and readers (because we're all about comfort here), before diving into the real stuff — grief myths! Wasn't grief already hard enough without a bunch of myths? Yes. Yes, it was. First on the chopping block is the idea that “time heals all wounds.” Yeah, not so much. Grief isn't something you just “get over” with time—it's a lifelong thing, and that's totally okay. They also debunk the myth that kids don't grieve. Spoiler: they do, duh. Next, they tackle the whole “the first year is the hardest” myth. Guess what? That's not a one-size-fits-all truth either. Grief's timeline is different for everyone. They also bust the myth that you'll eventually go back to being the “old you” after healing. Truth is, grief changes you — and that's part of the process. Oh, and about therapy? Not all therapists are created equal, so finding the right one is key. In the final part, they keep things real and hilarious as always, mixing in stories about dental work and angels (yes, it all connects!). They chat about how grief isn't just endless tears —it can come with moments of laughter too. And angels. Check out Keep Grief Weird on Substack for exclusive episode notes, resources, and opportunities to connect! Instagram: - @keepgriefweird - @mc.phd - @shutterbean - @thehandwritingclub TikTok: - @mc.phd X: - @shutterbean Facebook: - @tracyshutterbean - @emseyphd Music kindly provided by Tom Rosenthal. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily" from the album Z-Sides, released in 2018. MC McDonald and Tracy Benjamin host Keep Grief Weird, produced by Tracy Benjamin. For questions, stories, or comments, please reach out via DM on Instagram (@keepgriefweird) or email at keepgriefweird@gmail.com.
In this episode, we dive headfirst into the world of celebrity deaths and the intriguing emotional rollercoaster they stir up. Inspired by Billy Joel's hit song "Only the Good Die Young," we ask: why are we so fascinated by celebrity death? Why does it seem like so many of our icons, from Amy Winehouse to Kurt Cobain and Heath Ledger, leave us too soon? And what's up with the infamous 27 Club? We take a deep dive into parasocial relationships—the one-sided (but totally normal!) bonds we form with celebrities we've never met but feel like we know. It's wild how deeply we can grieve someone we've only seen through a screen or heard through speakers, but it's real, and we're here to explore why that happens. Social media has turned these experiences up to eleven, giving us constant access to tributes, memorials, and even AI-generated versions of our lost icons. Could AI and holograms change the way we grieve in the future? Will we still mourn when we can ‘see' a performer on stage after they're gone? Through some personal stories and relatable reflections, we'll look at how mourning celebrities can mirror our own grief for loved ones, and how these public losses shape the way we navigate our private grief. Join us for a thought-provoking and maybe even healing conversation about the lasting influence these stars have on our lives, even after they're gone. Check out Keep Grief Weird on Substack for exclusive episode notes, resources, and opportunities to connect! Instagram: - @keepgriefweird - @mc.phd - @shutterbean - @thehandwritingclub TikTok: - @mc.phd X: - @shutterbean Facebook: - @tracyshutterbean - @emseyphd Music kindly provided by Tom Rosenthal. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily" from the album Z-Sides, released in 2018. MC McDonald and Tracy Benjamin host Keep Grief Weird, produced by Tracy Benjamin. For questions, stories, or comments, please reach out via DM on Instagram (@keepgriefweird) or email at keepgriefweird@gmail.com.
Get ready for an especially lively and heartfelt episode as Tracy and MC dive into your letters! This time, they're tackling an eclectic mix of topics that will have you laughing, reflecting, and reminiscing. They start out as randomly as ever, talking about theater warm-up exercises and those nostalgic AOL chatrooms that shaped our early internet lives. Tracy and MC share some seriously cathartic swearing stories as well as their original AOL handles. But it's not all laughs — things get real as they open up about their experiences with grief. Through listener letters, they explore the bittersweet moments that come when you recognize pieces of your lost loved ones in yourself. From the uncanny resemblance in the mirror to the traits passed down through generations, they delve into the complex emotions that come with aging and the desire to carve out their own identities. This episode also touches on the fascinating intersections of genetics, societal pressures, and the modern obsession with filters and cosmetic tweaks. As always, it's a conversation that's as deep as it is diverse, highlighting how grief weaves its way into every corner of our lives—even the way we see ourselves. Tune in for a mix of fun, nostalgia, and raw, honest reflections! Join Keep Grief Weird on Substack for exclusive episode notes, resources, and opportunities to connect! Instagram: - @keepgriefweird - @mc.phd - @shutterbean - @thehandwritingclub TikTok: - @mc.phd X: - @shutterbean Facebook: - @tracyshutterbean - @emseyphd Music kindly provided by Tom Rosenthal. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily" from the album Z-Sides, released in 2018. MC McDonald and Tracy Benjamin host Keep Grief Weird, produced by Jake Youmell. For questions, stories, or comments, please reach out via DM on Instagram (@keepgriefweird) or email at keepgriefweird@gmail.com.
Grief can have a significant impact on relationships, both positively and negatively. It can be challenging for partners and friends to understand and support someone who is grieving, leading to feelings of isolation. However, grief can also bring people closer together and foster deeper connections. The experience of loss can increase empathy and understanding, leading to more authentic and meaningful interactions. Clear and honest communication about needs and feelings is crucial in navigating relationships during grief. It is important to express what you need and not rely on others to guess, while also being open to understanding the needs of others. Practice and time are necessary to navigate the complexities of grief in relationships. In this part of the conversation, MC and Tracy discuss the challenges of navigating grief in relationships. They explore how different experiences of loss can affect connections and relationships, and how grief can make individuals more sensitive to others' words and actions. They also emphasize the importance of seeking therapy and creating space for grief within the relationship without letting it overwhelm the relationship. The conversation ends with a lighthearted discussion about three things that someone could conjure MC and Tracy with in the event of their absence. Join Keep Grief Weird on Substack for exclusive episode notes, resources, and opportunities to connect! Instagram: - @keepgriefweird - @mc.phd - @shutterbean - @thehandwritingclub TikTok: - @mc.phd X: - @shutterbean Facebook: - @tracyshutterbean - @emseyphd Music kindly provided by Tom Rosenthal. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily" from the album Z-Sides, released in 2018. MC McDonald and Tracy Benjamin host Keep Grief Weird, produced by Jake Youmell. For questions, stories, or comments, please reach out via DM on Instagram (@keepgriefweird) or email at keepgriefweird@gmail.com.
Hosts MC McDonald and Tracy Benjamin discuss their experiences with grief and share insights they wish they had known earlier in the process. They talk about the importance of acknowledging and accepting emotions, the different ways grief can manifest, and the need for self-compassion and understanding. They also touch on the impact of loss on identity and the challenges of navigating grief in a society that often overlooks or misunderstands it. The hosts discuss the challenges of starting over in college, the evolving relationship with grief over time, the difficulty of talking about grief openly, and the societal expectations around expressing emotions. They also touch on the importance of finding healthy outlets for anger and the power of swearing AND exercise. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for more open and honest conversations about grief and the importance of self-expression. Stay tuned to the end to hear their favorite curse words. Join Keep Grief Weird on Substack for exclusive episode notes, resources, and opportunities to connect! Instagram: - @keepgriefweird - @mc.phd - @shutterbean - @thehandwritingclub TikTok: - @mc.phd X: - @shutterbean Facebook: - @tracyshutterbean - @emseyphd Music kindly provided by Tom Rosenthal. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily" from the album Z-Sides, released in 2018. MC McDonald and Tracy Benjamin host Keep Grief Weird, produced by Jake Youmell. For questions, stories, or comments, please reach out via DM on Instagram (@keepgriefweird) or email at keepgriefweird@gmail.com.
In this episode of Keep Grief Weird, MC and Tracy dive into the 'both and' concept in grief, illustrating how grief is a blend of contradictory emotions. They stress the importance of balancing conflicting realities without choosing sides and explore the role of forgiveness in the healing process. Applying the 'both and' philosophy to relationships, parenting, and storytelling, they highlight the unique and complex nature of each person's grieving journey. The conversation also covers viewing divorces as learning opportunities and the significance of emotional nuance. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on navigating the multifaceted landscape of grief and life. Join Keep Grief Weird on Substack for exclusive episode notes, resources, and opportunities to connect! Instagram: - @keepgriefweird - @mc.phd - @shutterbean - @thehandwritingclub TikTok: - @mc.phd X: - @shutterbean Facebook: - @tracyshutterbean - @emseyphd Others: - The Handwriting Club Substack Group - The Handwriting Club Etsy Shop - The Handwriting Club Newsletter Music kindly provided by Tom Rosenthal. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily" from the album Z-Sides, released in 2018. MC McDonald and Tracy Benjamin host Keep Grief Weird, produced by Jake Youmell. For questions, stories, or comments, please reach out via DM on Instagram (@keepgriefweird) or email at keepgriefweird@gmail.com.
Join MC and Tracy as they discuss various therapeutic interventions for grief, including CBT, ACT, and complicated grief therapy. They also explore the benefits of art therapy, group therapy, eco-therapy, dance therapy, and bibliotherapy. Emphasizing the importance of finding a safe and connected therapist, they delve into the healing roles of creativity, nature, and supportive relationships in the grief process. Join Keep Grief Weird on Substack for exclusive episode notes, resources, and opportunities to connect! Instagram: - @keepgriefweird - @mc.phd - @shutterbean - @thehandwritingclub TikTok: - @mc.phd X: - @shutterbean Facebook: - @tracyshutterbean - @emseyphd Others: - The Handwriting Club Substack Group - The Handwriting Club Etsy Shop - The Handwriting Club Newsletter Music kindly provided by Tom Rosenthal. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily" from the album Z-Sides, released in 2018. MC McDonald and Tracy Benjamin host Keep Grief Weird, produced by Jake Youmell. For questions, stories, or comments, please reach out via DM on Instagram (@keepgriefweird) or email at keepgriefweird@gmail.com.
MC and Tracy discuss various grief models and frameworks, including those by Freud, Kübler-Ross, and Kessler. They explore different stages and tasks of grief, stressing that while these models can help, everyone grieves differently. The conversation highlights the importance of finding meaning after loss and the positive role of community and support in navigating grief. Join Keep Grief Weird on Substack for exclusive episode notes, resources, and opportunities to connect! Instagram: - @keepgriefweird - @mc.phd - @shutterbean - @thehandwritingclub TikTok: - @mc.phd X: - @shutterbean Facebook: - @tracyshutterbean - @emseyphd Others: - The Handwriting Club Substack Group - The Handwriting Club Etsy Shop - The Handwriting Club Newsletter Music kindly provided by Tom Rosenthal. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily" from the album Z-Sides, released in 2018. MC McDonald and Tracy Benjamin host Keep Grief Weird, produced by Jake Youmell. For questions, stories, or comments, please reach out via DM on Instagram (@keepgriefweird) or email at keepgriefweird@gmail.com.
In this episode, MC and Tracy explore the many faces of grief and its impact. They discuss delayed, inconclusive, disenfranchised, complicated, and collective grief, sharing personal stories and real-life examples. They highlight the importance of recognizing different types of grief to better support those who are grieving. The conversation also covers collective, traumatic, cumulative grief, secondary losses, and mass grief, along with the timelines of grief—anticipatory, acute, early, and mature. Understanding these helps us navigate our own grieving process and support others through theirs. Join Keep Grief Weird on Substack for exclusive episode notes, resources, and opportunities to connect! Instagram: - @keepgriefweird - @mc.phd - @shutterbean - @thehandwritingclub TikTok: - @mc.phd X: - @shutterbean Facebook: - @tracyshutterbean - @emseyphd Others: - The Handwriting Club Substack Group - The Handwriting Club Etsy Shop - The Handwriting Club Newsletter Music kindly provided by Tom Rosenthal. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily" from the album Z-Sides, released in 2018. MC McDonald and Tracy Benjamin host Keep Grief Weird, produced by Jake Youmell. For questions, stories, or comments, please reach out via DM on Instagram (@keepgriefweird) or email at keepgriefweird@gmail.com.
MC and Tracy dive into the impact of grief on the brain and body, exploring the neuroscience behind it. They chat about how grief is a learning process, highlighting the need for support and understanding from others. The discussion touches on cultural aspects of grieving and the difference between grief and mourning, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and supporting grief instead of suppressing it. A call to sharing songs or playlists! ➡️ Please send any playlists or songs to us via DM at @keepgriefweird or keepgriefweird@gmail.com to share with the broader Keep Grief Weird community! Join Keep Grief Weird on Substack for exclusive episode notes, resources, and opportunities to connect! Instagram: - @keepgriefweird - @mc.phd - @shutterbean - @thehandwritingclub TikTok: - @mc.phd X: - @shutterbean Facebook: - @tracyshutterbean - @emseyphd Others: - The Handwriting Club Substack Group - The Handwriting Club Etsy Shop - The Handwriting Club Newsletter Music kindly provided by Tom Rosenthal. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily" from the album Z-Sides, released in 2018. MC McDonald and Tracy Benjamin host Keep Grief Weird, produced by Jake Youmell. For questions, stories, or comments, please reach out via DM on Instagram (@keepgriefweird) or email at keepgriefweird@gmail.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/keepgriefweird/message
In Episode 8, MC and Tracy delve into the power of music in grief and memory. They share personal stories about creating playlists that remind them of lost loved ones and discuss how music can evoke strong emotions and vivid memories. The hosts explore the science behind music's impact on the brain, its therapeutic benefits, and its role in healing and connecting with the past. They also touch on the evolution of nostalgia and the historical and cultural significance of music in transcending time and uniting people. A call to sharing songs or playlists! ➡️ Please send any playlists or songs to us via DM at @keepgriefweird or keepgriefweird@gmail.com to share with the broader Keep Grief Weird community! Join Keep Grief Weird on Substack for exclusive episode notes, resources, and opportunities to connect! Instagram: - @keepgriefweird - @mc.phd - @shutterbean - @thehandwritingclub TikTok: - @mc.phd X: - @shutterbean Facebook: - @tracyshutterbean - @emseyphd Others: - The Handwriting Club Substack Group - The Handwriting Club Etsy Shop - The Handwriting Club Newsletter Music kindly provided by Tom Rosenthal. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily" from the album Z-Sides, released in 2018. MC McDonald and Tracy Benjamin host Keep Grief Weird, produced by Jake Youmell. For questions, stories, or comments, please reach out via DM on Instagram (@keepgriefweird) or email at keepgriefweird@gmail.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/keepgriefweird/message
The conversation in episode 7 explores the concept of disenfranchised grief, which refers to grief that is not acknowledged or recognized by society. Examples include grief over unmet expectations in parenting, miscarriage, the loss of a loved one during the pandemic, loss of a sibling, and the end of a marriage. The discussion highlights the judgment and lack of empathy that often accompany disenfranchised grief, as well as the importance of creating a relational home for grief. The hosts share personal experiences and discuss the complexity and longevity of grief, emphasizing that there is no defined timeline for healing contrary to popular belief. MC and Tracy reflect on the different stages of grief, comparing them to the growth and development of a child. They discuss the challenges and demands of early grief, the changes and adjustments that come with time, and the ongoing need for support and understanding. The conversation also explores disenfranchised grief in relation to the loss of older family members and the absence of mentors and role models. Join Keep Grief Weird on Substack for exclusive episode notes, resources, and opportunities to connect! Instagram: - @keepgriefweird - @mc.phd - @shutterbean - @thehandwritingclub TikTok: - @mc.phd X: - @shutterbean Facebook: - @tracyshutterbean - @emseyphd Others: - The Handwriting Club Substack Group - The Handwriting Club Etsy Shop - The Handwriting Club Newsletter Music kindly provided by Tom Rosenthal. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily" from the album Z-Sides, released in 2018. MC McDonald and Tracy Benjamin host Keep Grief Weird, produced by Jake Youmell. For questions, stories, or comments, please reach out via DM on Instagram (@keepgriefweird) or email at keepgriefweird@gmail.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/keepgriefweird/message
In Episode 6, MC and Tracy explore the emotional and practical aspects of dealing with the physical items left behind after the loss of a loved one. The hosts discuss the complicated relationship we have with belongings, the challenges of living with possessions left behind, and the dilemma of deciding whether to keep or let go of these items. They also examine the emotional weight of these objects, how they can reveal secrets, and provide insight into the person who owned them. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the significance of replacing lost items and the hope—and joy—this can bring. Join Keep Grief Weird on Substack for exclusive episode notes, resources, and opportunities to connect! Instagram: - @keepgriefweird - @mc.phd - @shutterbean - @thehandwritingclub TikTok: - @mc.phd X: - @shutterbean Facebook: - @tracyshutterbean - @emseyphd Others: - The Handwriting Club Substack Group - The Handwriting Club Etsy Shop - The Handwriting Club Newsletter Music kindly provided by Tom Rosenthal. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily" from the album Z-Sides, released in 2018. MC McDonald and Tracy Benjamin host Keep Grief Weird, produced by Jake Youmell. For questions, stories, or comments, please reach out via DM on Instagram (@keepgriefweird) or email at keepgriefweird@gmail.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/keepgriefweird/message
In Episode 5, MC and Tracy delve into the topic of anniversaries and navigating grief during the holidays. Through personal anecdotes, they discuss their rituals and the emotions tied to anniversaries. The conversation explores the intersection of grief and anniversaries, and how individuals cope with these experiences after losing a loved one. MC and Tracy also shed light on prolonged grief disorder, a frequently misunderstood aspect of long-term healing and growth. Laughter and humor weave throughout the episode, taking you on a journey that references everything from the delightful "Skinnamarink" by Sharon, Lois & Bram, to Tracy's mother's fondness for the music of Gordon Matthew Sumner. Sharon, Lois & Bram Kids Incorporated Instagram: - @keepgriefweird - @mc.phd - @shutterbean - @thehandwritingclub TikTok: - @mc.phd X: - @shutterbean Facebook: - @tracyshutterbean - @emseyphd Others: - The Handwriting Club Substack Group - The Handwriting Club Etsy Shop - The Handwriting Club Newsletter Music kindly provided by Tom Rosenthal. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily" from the album Z-Sides, released in 2018. MC McDonald and Tracy Benjamin host Keep Grief Weird, produced by Jake Youmell. For questions, stories, or comments, please reach out via DM on Instagram (@keepgriefweird) or email at keepgriefweird@gmail.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/keepgriefweird/message
In this episode, MC and Tracy's conversation revolves around the first year of grief and the challenges and experiences that come with it. Specifically: the loss of loved ones, the impact of voicemails and recordings, unexpected support from friends, panic attacks and anxiety, the need for self-care, the absence of a nurturing figure, and the grief-phobic nature of society. MC and Tracy continue with discussion around topics such as the lack of support from friends and society, the changes in identity and relationships after loss, and the importance of self-care and finding new ways to cope. The conversation highlights the need for more open and compassionate conversations about grief and the transformative power it can have. Instagram: - @keepgriefweird - @mc.phd - @shutterbean - @thehandwritingclub TikTok: - @mc.phd X: - @shutterbean Facebook: - @tracyshutterbean - @emseyphd Others: - The Handwriting Club Substack Group - The Handwriting Club Etsy Shop - The Handwriting Club Newsletter Music kindly provided by Tom Rosenthal. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily" from the album Z-Sides, released in 2018. MC McDonald and Tracy Benjamin host Keep Grief Weird, produced by Jake Youmell. For questions, stories, or comments, please reach out via DM on Instagram (@keepgriefweird) or email at keepgriefweird@gmail.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/keepgriefweird/message
In this conversation, MC and Tracy discuss the concept of grief waves, which are sudden and intense waves of grief that can knock a person off balance. They explore the stages of grief and how they can be misunderstood, as well as the transformative effect of loss. They also discuss the self-consciousness that can come with grief and the importance of allowing oneself to grieve in an active and productive way. The conversation highlights the power of art, conversation, and personal rituals in processing grief. Quote from Judith Butler referenced at the start of Episode 3: “Perhaps, rather, one mourns when one accepts that by the loss one undergoes one will be changed, possibly for ever. Perhaps mourning has to do with agreeing to undergo a transformation (perhaps one should say submitting to a transformation) the full result of which one cannot know in advance. There is losing, as we know, but there is also the transformative effect of loss, and this latter cannot be charted or planned. One can try to choose it, but it may be that this experience of transformation deconstitutes choice at some level. I do not think, for instance, that one can invoke the Protestant ethic when it comes to loss. One cannot say, "Oh, I'll go through loss this way, and that will be the result, and I'll apply myself to the task, and I'll endeavor to achieve the resolution of grief that is before me." I think one is hit by waves, and that one starts out the day with an aim, a project, a plan, and finds oneself foiled. One finds oneself fallen. One is exhausted but does not know why. Something is larger than one's own deliberate plan, one's own project, one's own knowing and choosing.”― Judith Butler, Precarious Life: The Powers of Mourning and Violence Instagram: - @keepgriefweird - @mc.phd - @shutterbean - @thehandwritingclub TikTok: - @mc.phd X: - @shutterbean Facebook: - @tracyshutterbean - @emseyphd Others: - The Handwriting Club Substack Group - The Handwriting Club Etsy Shop - The Handwriting Club Newsletter Music kindly provided by Tom Rosenthal. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily" from the album Z-Sides, released in 2018. MC McDonald and Tracy Benjamin host Keep Grief Weird, produced by Jake Youmell. For questions, stories, or comments, please reach out via DM on Instagram (@keepgriefweird) or email at keepgriefweird@gmail.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/keepgriefweird/message
In this episode, MC and Tracy discuss the losses MC has experienced. They explore the different impacts and meanings of each loss, as well as the ways in which grief is processed. In this episode, Tracy and MC discuss the impact of parental loss, the unexpected nature of grief, the shattered future, finding humor in grief, the transition into death, and the beauty and fear of grief. A special note from this episode's discussion: Please consider discussing the possibility of earlier screening for colon cancer with a trusted Physician than you may have previously thought. For more information on this topic, refer to the CDC's website [Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests]. Instagram: - @keepgriefweird - @mc.phd - @shutterbean - @thehandwritingclub TikTok: - @mc.phd X: - @shutterbean Facebook: - @tracyshutterbean - @emseyphd Others: - The Handwriting Club Substack Group - The Handwriting Club Etsy Shop - The Handwriting Club Newsletter Music kindly provided by Tom Rosenthal. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily" from the album Z-Sides, released in 2018. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/keepgriefweird/message
Tracy shares her story of losing her mom unexpectedly during Thanksgiving week and the challenges she faced in her grief journey. They discuss the importance of normalizing discussions around grief and the lack of spaces to talk about it in our culture. Tracy also talks about the unexpected funny moments that happened during her grief and how her perspective on death and loss has changed. Instagram: - @keepgriefweird - @mc.phd - @shutterbean - @thehandwritingclub TikTok: - @mc.phd X: - @shutterbean Facebook: - @tracyshutterbean - @emseyphd Others: - The Handwriting Club Substack Group - The Handwriting Club Etsy Shop - The Handwriting Club Newsletter Music kindly provided by Tom Rosenthal. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily" from the album Z-Sides, released in 2018. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/keepgriefweird/message
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