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This week we have another technical issue which curtailed the length of the show. Very sorry for the poor performance. That aside, for the hour you do have, we welcome guest Hope and discuss: • Bereavement anniversaries • The Voice of Hind Rajab movie • The horror of Palestinian life • War going on in the world • Child soldiers • Living trough war • PTSD • Biafra • War in Iran • Having to join the army • Percentage of hospital staff not born in UK • Doctor pay • Men and women financial responsibilities unequal • #StavrosSays : The Voice of Hind Rajab [https://uk.thevoiceofhindrajabfilm.com/] Connect with us at & send your questions & comments to: #ESNpod so we can find your comments www.esnpodcast.com www.facebook.com/ESNpodcasts www.twitter.com/ESNpodcast www.instagram.com/ESNpodcast @esnpodcast on all other social media esnpodcast@gmail.com It's important to subscribe, rate and review us on your apple products. You can do that here... www.bit.ly/esnitunes
If you lose a spouse, you're a widow. If you lose your parents, an orphan. But we don't have the language for someone who lost a sibling – your first friend, your first ally, your first enemy (probably, at least temporarily). Grief always feels like a gut punch, but losing a sibling is a unique kind of pain that we don't talk about enough. So today, I'm joined by Steph Wittels Wachs, former TTFA guest and sister of comedy legend Harris Wittels, who died in 2015 of an accidental overdose. We're talking about what losing a sibling means and sharing the notes, advice and insights from people who know what it's like to live in the world without their siblings. Cited in this episode: Rogne, S., Grotta, A., Liu, C., Berg, L., Saarela, J., Kawachi, I., Hiyoshi, A., & Rostila, M. (2025). All-cause mortality around the anniversary of a sibling's death: findings from Swedish National Register Data. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwaf213 Tatjana Gazibara, Katherine A Ornstein, Christina Gillezeau, Melissa Aldridge, Mogens Groenvold, Merete Nordentoft, Lau Caspar Thygesen, Bereavement Among Adult Siblings: An Examination of Health Services Utilization and Mental Health Outcomes, American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 190, Issue 12, December 2021, Pages 2571–2581, https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwab212 Davidson, D. (2018). Sibling loss - disenfranchised grief and forgotten mourners. Bereavement Care, 37(3), 124–130. https://doi.org/10.1080/02682621.2018.1535882 Herberman Mash, H. B., Fullerton, C. S., & Ursano, R. J. (2013). Complicated Grief and Bereavement in Young Adults Following Close Friend and Sibling Loss. Depression & Anxiety (1091-4269), 30(12), 1202–1210. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22068 Watch us on YouTube here! Get this episode ad-free here! Listen to Geoffrey's album on Spotify and Apple! LINKS TO RELATED EPISODES! https://feelingsand.co/podcasts/terrible-thanks-for-asking/86-sundays/ https://feelingsand.co/podcasts/terrible-thanks-for-asking/what-does-all-this-loss-mean/ Don't you want someone to take care of you? _ Right now, go to Quince.com/TFA for free shipping and 365-day returns. That's a full year to wear it and love it. And you will. Now available in Canada, too. Don't keep settling for clothes that don't last. Go to Quince.com/TFA for free shipping and 365-day returns. Quince.com/TFA Shop my favorite bras and underwear at SKIMS.com. After you place your order, be sure to let them know we sent you! Select podcast in the survey and be sure to select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. Right now, our listeners get an additional 15% off any annual membership at MASTERCLASS.com/TFA. That's 15% off at MASTERCLASS.com/TFA. With evening and weekend course options, Fordham's online MSW lets you keep working while earning your degree, completing the program in as few as 16 months. Learn more and apply at fordham.edu/TTFA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
According to Matt Preston, he only has 14 more summers. And he’s determined to make the most of them.
What does it mean to truly support clients—and your team—when a beloved pet passes away? Collin talks with Shannon Rigby, owner of Puppy Love Pet Sitting in Wimberley, Texas, about the emotional side of pet care and her work as a certified Pet Loss Grief Support Specialist. Shannon shares how her psychology background led her to this calling, how grief shows up for both clients and sitters, and the healthy ways to honor those feelings. They also discuss community engagement, team well-being, and creating resources that strengthen connection. This heartfelt conversation reminds us that love and loss are both part of the work we do. Main topics: Supporting grieving pet parents Emotional wellness for pet sitters Building community partnerships Turning compassion into business growth Healthy grief and healing practices Main takeaway: "The greater the love, the greater the loss—and it's not meant to be healed in a snap." In pet care, we see love in its purest form every day. But we also witness the heartbreak when that love is lost. Shannon Rigby reminds us that grief isn't something to rush through—it's something to honor. By allowing clients (and ourselves) to feel, reflect, and remember, we can transform sorrow into gratitude for the bond we were privileged to share.
Empathy is pioneering bereavement care as an enterprise benefit, transforming how employers and financial institutions support employees during life's most challenging transitions. Working with 9 of the top 10 life insurance carriers in the US and Canada—covering over 40 million people—Empathy created a new category by combining grief support with practical logistics like probate navigation, account deactivation, and estate settlement. In a recent episode of BUILDERS, we sat down with Ron Gura, Co-Founder & CEO of Empathy, to learn how the company went from testing five verticals simultaneously to dominating life insurance, then leveraged the group life/employer overlap to expand into employee benefits. Topics Discussed: Testing five enterprise verticals simultaneously to find product-market fit Landing New York Life through their venture arm and innovation team Why life insurance carriers need to be risk-averse (and how to work with that reality) The strategic overlap between group life insurance and employee benefits Investing in brand at seed stage when your barrier to entry is psychological aversion Navigating dual audiences: decision-makers in their workday versus end users in crisis Expanding from loss to adjacent life transitions like disability leave and estate planning GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Run parallel vertical tests with focus constraints, not sequential exploration: Ron identified 10+ potential verticals but intentionally tested exactly five simultaneously—hospices, funeral homes, employers, and two others before life insurance emerged as the winner at position five. This parallel testing with artificial constraints forces prioritization while dramatically compressing time-to-insight. Sequential testing would have meant potentially cycling through five failed pilots before discovering their strongest market. B2B founders with horizontal platforms should pick their top 3-5 verticals and run focused pilots in parallel, accepting that this burns more resources upfront but eliminates the risk of quitting before finding your wedge. Map the ecosystem overlap between buyer personas before choosing your wedge: Empathy's expansion from life insurance to employers wasn't growth strategy—it was recognizing an architectural reality. Half their carriers sell group life, meaning MetLife doesn't sell to consumers at metlife.com but exclusively to employer groups. When Amanda at Paramount loses her sister (not covered by insurance), she calls Paramount HR. When her husband dies (covered by MetLife group policy), the beneficiary calls MetLife. Same end user, two different enterprise entry points into the same moment. B2B founders should map these triangular relationships before choosing their wedge vertical. The question isn't just "who has budget?" but "who else touches this user in adjacent contexts?" Brand investment at seed stage is product strategy when fighting cognitive aversion: Ron's insight: "The barrier to entry isn't regulatory and isn't technology. It's us humans trying really hard not to think about our own mortality." This isn't a marketing problem—it's a fundamental go-to-market blocker. The company made what most would consider Series A investments (premium domain, design system, tone/voice framework) at seed stage specifically because brand reduces psychological friction to adoption. Contrast this with Monday.com starting as "daPulse" and rebranding years into success. B2B founders addressing taboo topics (death, mental health, financial distress, relationship issues) should model brand as a core distribution lever, not post-PMF polish. In deeply human categories, buyer's lived experience is your demo: Enterprise buyers at Citibank, MetLife, or Google aren't experiencing crisis during the sales cycle—they're evaluating ROI in their normal workday. But as Ron noted, "Everyone we're talking to...they're humans. They have parents, they had loss, they went through probate." The most common response after seeing the product: "Damn, I wish you called me a few months ago. I needed this a year ago with my mom." This turns product demo into personal recognition. B2B founders in universal human experience categories (caregiving, bereavement, parental leave, financial stress) should structure discovery and demo to activate buyer's memory of their own experience, not just their budget authority. Category creation is a resource-attraction strategy that trades speed for competitive exposure: Ron explicitly acknowledged: "There's pros and cons to defining a category. It's helpful when you attract resources, talent, capital. It also creates very fertile ground for a number two sympathy.com to come along and learn from this podcast...what to go after." Category leadership accelerates recruiting and fundraising by providing narrative clarity, but it simultaneously publishes your playbook. Every hiring blog post, podcast appearance, and positioning document teaches future competitors which verticals to target and which to avoid. B2B founders should treat category creation as a conscious bet: trade competitive opacity for talent/capital velocity. If you're not ready to defend your position, stay in stealth longer. Bridge new categories to existing budget lines through analogous benefits: When entering new verticals beyond life insurance, Ron doesn't educate from zero. With employers, he positions bereavement care alongside caregiving solutions, fertility programs, and parental leave: "This is a life transition happening in my own intimate house. Just like a new baby. I have new duties now." This isn't metaphor—it's budget mapping. Bereavement care gets evaluated against existing family benefits spending, not created from scratch. B2B founders in new categories should identify which existing line item their solution logically extends, then structure ROI narratives around reallocation, not net-new budget creation. // Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe. www.GlobalTalent.co // Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM
Our callers are split on if there should be one. Plus – What to expect in Trump’s State of the Union tonight GUESTS: Natalia Kusendova-Bashta - Ontario Long Term Care Minister Ravi Baichwal - anchor at ABC Chicago
Workplace Grief: Bereavement, Loss, and How Organizations Get It Wrong Grief shows up at work in ways leaders often misunderstand. In this episode, Dr. Grajdek covers multiple forms of loss and explains why “just stay busy” or “take the time you need” without support can backfire. Additionally, she explores the need for grief-aware manager scripts, guidance on flexible expectation resets, and team practices for coverage and reintegration that respect privacy while still offering real support. Tune in to learn more. Check out Stress-Free With Dr G on YouTubehttps://youtube.com/channel/UCxHq0osRest0BqQQRXfdjiQ The Stress Solution: Your Blueprint For Stress Management Masteryhttps://a.co/d/07xAdo7l
Margo Lenmark is an author and grief support advocate known for Light in the Mourning, a compassionate work exploring how individuals navigate loss, remembrance, and the search for hope after bereavement. Lenmark focuses on emotional healing, spiritual reflection, and the power of community and storytelling in moving through grief. Her writing encourages readers to honor their loved ones, find meaning in memory, and rediscover resilience, presenting mourning not only as a time of sorrow but also as a journey toward renewal and enduring connection.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media
CAMP GOOD MOURNING INFORMATION:WEBSITE: https://www.campgoodmourning.orgE-MAIL: info@campgoodmourning.orgFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/CampGoodMourningINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/campgoodmourningDONATIONS / SUPPORT: https://www.campgoodmourning.org/donateWHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone supporting grieving children navigating loss, death, and bereavement.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: A deeper understanding of how children experience grief, how to talk honestly about death, and how community-based support helps kids heal.DESCRIPTION:In this episode of Grief Is Not A Dirty Word, host Nick Gaylord welcomes back Paul Rubin, founder and director of Camp Good Mourning, a Long Island–based children's bereavement camp supporting kids ages 7–17 after the death of a parent, sibling, or loved one. Paul shares how children experience grief differently than adults and why movement, play, and honest language are essential to healing. Nick and Paul explore why avoiding conversations about death often causes more harm than good, especially for grieving children. They discuss the importance of memory, storytelling, and keeping loved ones' names alive long after they die. The conversation also highlights how parents and caregivers can better support grieving children while caring for their own grief. This episode offers powerful insight into childhood grief, bereavement education, and why community changes everything.THIS EPISODE ANSWERS:How do children experience grief differently than adults?What is the right way to talk to children about death and loss?Why does avoiding grief conversations harm grieving kids?How does Camp Good Mourning help children heal through community?What can parents and educators do to better support grieving children?KEY TAKEAWAYS:Children grieve in waves and need outlets for emotional energyHonest language about death helps children feel safer and less confusedTalking about loved ones keeps connection alive and supports healingGrief support works best when children are not isolatedCaregivers must care for themselves to fully support grieving childrenGIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS! FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM! BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/
Dr Lucy Hone is a New Zealand based resilience expert whose TED talk has been viewed more than nine million times. In it she recounts her own journey as a grieving mother following the death of her 12-year-old daughter Abi in a car crash. Her latest book, How Will I ever Get Through This?, is touted as a practical guide for getting through tough times, based on the premise that grief is not confined to bereavement. It offers advice for anyone following divorce, illness, estrangement, redundancy, infertility or other upheaval.
Joshua Black is a grief researcher and psychologist known for his work on Grief Dreaming and what he terms the Dream Placebo Effect. Black studies how dreams of deceased loved ones can profoundly influence the grieving process—providing comfort, meaning, and emotional regulation regardless of one's beliefs about the afterlife. Drawing on psychology, bereavement studies, and qualitative research, he examines how expectation, memory, and the dreaming mind can generate healing experiences that feel deeply real and transformative, offering insight into why such dreams can reduce distress and foster resilience during loss.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media
We're often told that "closure" is the final goal of grief—the moment we finally close the door on the past. But what if that door doesn't close? What if it shouldn't?In S6E45, we're challenging the cultural rush to find an ending. We discuss "Ambiguous Loss" and why reframing your perspective is more healing than waiting for an answer that may never arrive.Healing isn't about closing the door; it's about learning how to live with it open. https://bit.ly/3ZQBqWGWhat You'll Learn:What psychologists mean by “closure”Why some people need certainty more than othersWhen closure helps—and when it hurtsWhy do some losses never provide answersHow meaning can exist without resolutionKey Takeaways:Closure is not a requirement for healingSome grief is ongoing, not solvableWaiting for answers can keep us stuckMeaning can evolve even without resolutionIn this Episode:00:00 - Intro03:54 - How Goals Change as Circumstances Change - An Excerpt from We Are Not Ourselves06:48 - Is Closure Always Necessary? Is It Always Possible?07:42 - What Is Closure?09:04 - Is Closure a Good Thing?10:45 - Can You Ever Really Get Closure?12:41 - Discussion - How Perception Changes Over Time, Tragic Loss22:16 - Ambiguous Loss - Can it Extend to Society?24:35 - Outro#GriefAndLoss #Closure #AmbiguousLoss #UnresolvedGrief #MentalHealthEducation #PsychologyOfGrief #EveryoneDiesPodcast #LifeAfterLoss #BereavementSupport #AmbiguousGriefSupport the showGet show notes and resources at our website: every1dies.org. Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | mail@every1dies.org
The world feels heavy right now. We can't fix everything, but we can show up for our loved ones and our communities (and strangers for that matter) with more empathy, humility, and care.Welcome to this week's ICYMI, where we kick off the week with a quick game-changing tip from one of our guests that you might have missed. The world feels like a dumpsterfire right now, and in our current political climate, with constant uncertainty, collective stress, and real human suffering, the need to show up better for one another has never been more important. So we're throwing it back to three key tips for how to actually help and support people in crisis without minimizing their pain, rushing their healing, or placing more burden on them.Listen to our full episode here! Tune in every Monday for an expert dose of life advice in under 10 minutes. Sign up for our monthly adulting newsletter:teachmehowtoadult.ca/newsletter Follow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube
What's the episode about? In this episode, hear Nina Vaswani on young men and grief during in imprisonment, childhood bereavement, masculinities and grief, trauma informed practice, comics for education and research, disenfranchised grief, grieving a death you have caused, and public health responses to grief Who is Nina? Nina is Senior Research Fellow at the Children and Young People's Centre for Justice, University of Strathclyde. Her key research interests are the experience and impact of loss, bereavement and trauma in young people and how these experiences interface and shape contact with the justicesystem. Of particular interest is the overrepresentation of young men in justice-settings, and how their exposure to loss, bereavement and trauma might shape their developing masculinities identities, behaviours and outcomes. As a result, she is also interested in institutional and organisational responses to trauma, and the realities of trauma-informed approaches in practice. Nina was also the PI on Men Minds, a coproduced research project exploring masculinities and mental health with marginalised young men.Resources When People Die Men Minds comic, whichopens with a story of bereavement in prison The prevalence study isopen access and is available here. How do I cite the episode in my research and reading lists?To cite this episode, you can use the following citation: Vaswani, N. (2026) Interview on The Death Studies Podcast hosted by Michael-Fox, B. and Visser, R. Published 2 January 2026. Available at: www.thedeathstudiespodcast.com, DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.31224109
Grab your tissues! Today I'm sharing books that might make you a little sad.Join BOTM for just $5 https://www.mybotm.com/vu3xpqnm2y9Patreon https://www.patreon.com/talkbookishpodcastInstagram https://www.instagram.com/talkbookishpodcast/Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/talkbookishpodcast/
In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Sana sits down with Dr. Bob Rich for a real conversation about grief, suffering, and the choices we make when life breaks open. This episode is for anyone navigating loss, big change, or emotional pain and wondering how to keep going without forcing a “growth story.” You will hear practical ways to build self-respect, respond to anger with intention, and find meaning at your own pace. About the Guest: Dr. Bob Rich is a retired psychotherapist and author based in Halesville, Victoria. He has written The Hole in Your Life: Grief and Bereavement and shares resources through his blog, “Bobbing Around.” Key Takeaways: Treat setbacks as learning opportunities: ask “What can I learn from this?” Build a pause habit for anger: breathe, count, then respond. Let grief be wider than death: job loss, illness, divorce, and change also count. Turn love into action: create something that helps others when they hurt. Practice self-respect first, especially when self-judgment spirals. How to Connect With the Guest: Blog: https://bobrich18.wordpress.com/ First chapter page Contact form is available on his blog (Contacts page). Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer. Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it's become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty, storyteller, survivor, and wellness advocate. With over 6000+ episodes and 200K+ global listeners, we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.
In this episode of The Better Life, Dr. Pinkston sits down with renowned philosopher and author Thomas Attig to tackle one of life’s most difficult and avoided subjects: death and grieving. Moving beyond the common "five stages" model, Thomas shares his unique existential approach to loss. He explains that grieving isn't just a reaction that washes over us—it is an active response where we must reconstruct our daily lives and redirect our personal histories. Dr. Pinkston and Thomas explore the concept of "dancing with the mysteries," encouraging listeners to embrace their fragile humanity—including vulnerability and impermanence—rather than fighting against it. Key topics discussed include: Why contemporary medicine often fails to address the deep emotional work of grieving. The difference between Everyday Problems (managed by the ego) and Mysteries (responded to by the soul). How to find "wise people" in your own life who can listen without judgment. Practical insights from Thomas's books, Seeking Wisdom in Death’s Shadow and Catching Your Breath in Grief. Understanding the Active Process of Grief Thomas Attig emphasizes that grieving is a dual experience involving both passive suffering and active engagement. FeatureGrief as Reaction (Passive)Grief as Response (Active)ExperienceFeelings of sadness and distress "washing over" you.Re-learning how to live in a world that has changed.ActionCrying, screaming, or waiting for time to heal the wound.Reshaping daily routines and finding new meaning.FocusThe emotional "hit" of the loss.The intentional effort to put a life back together.Export to SheetsThe Four Constants of Fragile Humanity Dr. Pinkston and Thomas discuss four essential truths that humans often try to deny, which can lead to chronic unhappiness. To live with integrity, we must accept that we are: Small and Insignificant in the grand scale of the universe. Susceptible to Suffering and physical pain. Living in Uncertainty without all the answers. Impermanent and susceptible to dying. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CONTACT JACOB:Personal website: https://www.jacobevanskendall.com/Business website: https://4Daging.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobevanskendall/WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: People navigating grief, caregiving, chronic illness, and anticipatory grief after the loss of a parentWHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: An honest, grounded conversation about grief, caregiving burnout, mortality, and finding meaning after lossDESCRIPTION:Nick Gaylord sits down with Jacob Kendall, a grief-informed advocate, health educator, and caregiver whose life has been shaped by chronic illness, anticipatory grief, and the sudden loss of his father. Jacob shares the deeply personal story of caregiving after his father suffered a stroke and heart attack shortly after Jacob's wedding, and what it meant to lose him only months later. Together, Nick and Jacob explore how grief changes shape over time, why caregiving can be emotionally and physically exhausting, and how anticipatory grief complicates both loss and love. Jacob also opens up about living with a mechanical heart valve, confronting his own mortality, and managing anxiety born from repeated medical trauma. This conversation weaves together grief, health advocacy, and the importance of not carrying illness or loss alone. It is an honest reflection on grief, resilience, and how suffering can inform meaningful work without defining a life.THIS EPISODE ANSWERS:What does anticipatory grief feel like when illness changes everything?How does caregiving impact grief after a parent dies?Why doesn't grief ever fully go away after losing a parent?How do chronic illness and mortality anxiety shape daily life?What helps caregivers avoid burnout while navigating grief?KEY TAKEAWAYS:Grief does not shrink, but people learn how to live alongside itCaregiving can deepen grief and exhaustion if done aloneAnticipatory grief creates complex emotions before loss occursChronic illness often brings hidden anxiety tied to mortalityTalking openly about grief and illness builds connection and healingGIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS! FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM! BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/
Meet our friend Kate. She's that cute friend that can fit in Anita's pocket but will pack a hefty throat punch if warranted. Kate's husband, Jeff, died by suicide at his place of work in 2024 after ingesting something called Kratom. In this episode, Kate shares what happened, what she wants people to understand about kratom, and the complex mental health struggles Jeff faced.This is a raw conversation about what it means to be the one left behind after suicide: the shock, the guilt, the anger, the love, and the questions that can linger for years. Kate speaks with honesty about her grief, the grief of her two young children, and how she's learning to live big.If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Outside the U.S., contact local emergency services or a crisis line in your country.*Check our Patreon for AD FREE Episodes, or to submit tributes of your person to be read in an episode! *http://www.patreon.com/wwdnSponsored by:BetterHelp.com. Save 10% off the first month of online therapy done securely, online with our unique link: https://trybetterhelp.com/wwdnMint Mobile: Mobile phone plans with great service and coverage starting at $15/month https://trymintmobile.com/wwdnJoin our Patreon for ad-free episodes and more!http://www.patreon.com/wwdnNeed some Snarky Grief merch?http://shop.widowwedonow.comWanna buy us tacos?http://www.buymeacoffee.com/widowwedonowFollow our YouTube channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@widowwedonow Support the show
A new study suggests that people who are grieving a pet can experience prolonged grief disorder, but the International Classification of Diseases, a widely used diagnostic manual, limits the diagnosis to bereavement after the death of a human. Joining Seán to discuss this is Psychologist and Neuroscientist Sabina Brennan…
Welcome to the first episode of Season 5!Join us as we speak with Keiko Ratcliffe, founder and CEO of Skye's the Limit! Foundation, an orginization that empowers youth and families through creativity and connection.In 2014, Keiko lost her daughter, Skye, to a drug overdose. The devastating loss turned her world upside down, but even then, Keiko knew she would somehow use Skye's story to help others. In 2019, Keiko founded the Skye's the Limit! Foundation with a mission to prevent trauma-related loss by strengthening resilience and mental wellness for youth, families, and communities. As Keiko has continued to learn about neuroscience and the effects of trauma, she's better learned how to equip young people with tools that help them cope, regulate emotion, recover from stress, and ask for help when needed—protective factors proven to reduce substance use, overdose, and suicide.Currently, Keiko is designing curriculum to take into schools. Blending art, music, somatic practices, and experiences in nature, she's curating the very activities Skye held dear. Connect with Keiko: info@skyesthelimitfoundation.orgFor more about Skye's the Limit!: https://skyesthelimit.org/
Why do we struggle to talk about grief? Why that matters and what we can do about it, is the subject of this episode.SummaryGrief is something almost all of us will experience, and yet something we still struggle to talk about openly. Not because it's rare, but because it makes us uncomfortable. We lack a shared language for it, feel uneasy about how long it lasts, and often don't know how to sit with people who don't simply “move on”. On this episode, I'm joined by Amy Kean, founder of Good Shout, for a deeply human conversation about grief, work, identity, and what it really means to give people space to be themselves.Amy has been on the podcast before. Since first encountering her work, I have been consistently inspired by her willingness to be unashamedly herself: thoughtful, curious, and open about experiences many of us keep hidden. When she recently shared reflections on grief on LinkedIn, it sparked a desire to invite her back; not for a tightly structured discussion, but for a conversation that could explore the wider dynamics around loss. What follows is an unusual episode. It begins with grief, but moves into related territory: compassionate leave versus compassionate return, what actually helps when someone is struggling, why workplaces are often so bad at dealing with loss, and why talking about difficult things might be one of the most important human skills we have.Rather than offering neat frameworks or tidy conclusions, this conversation creates space; for reflection, for discomfort, and for honesty. If you've experienced loss, this episode may offer comfort or recognition. If you haven't, it may give you insight into how to show up better for others when the time comes. And above all, it helps normalise the idea that grief is not something to be hidden or hurried past, but something we should be able to talk about.The episode is dedicated to Amy's dad, Lord Terence Kean.Relevant LinksGood Shout, Amy's company — https://goodshoutcommunity.com/Amy on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/amycharlottekean/Amy's previous appearance on the show talking aboiut Communicating Effectively —https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/amy-kean-on-communicating-effectively/Death of an Ordinary Man by Sarah Perry —https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60324067-death-of-an-ordinary-manAI-Generated Timestamp Summary01:05 – Why Amy, why now03:40 – Remembering Amy's dad08:30 – Double grief and anticipatory loss10:40 – Stroke, hope, and uncertainty14:40 – Grief, work, and performance17:35 – Naming emotions out loud22:05 – Talking about grief on LinkedIn27:40 – Compassionate return 30:05 – The cognitive cost of grief33:05 – Why we don't talk about death35:05 – How to help someone who's grieving 41:05 – Creativity, curiosity, and grief49:05 – AI, voice, and being human53:05 – Shameless and deathbed economics01:02:00 – Final reflections and dedication
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, & gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
In this episode of The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations, I'm joined by Sean Dadashi to explore how journaling can support healing after suicide loss. We talk about why journaling often becomes a lifeline for grievers, how reflective practices help after traumatic loss, and why having accessible tools for processing grief matters — especially in the aftermath of a death by suicide.(P.S... I use and love this app!) Sean shares his own lived experience with depression and suicidal thoughts as a teenager, and how journaling helped him survive during a time when he felt untethered and overwhelmed. That experience eventually led him to co-found Rosebud, a therapist-backed journaling app designed to support emotional awareness, reflection, and personal growth.In this conversation, we discuss the cognitive science behind journaling, why it can be especially supportive after suicide loss, and how reflective practices help grievers begin to make sense of their inner world — without replacing therapy or crisis care. We're clear about boundaries: journaling is not treatment, and it is not emergency support — but it is a powerful companion tool for many people navigating grief and trauma.We also talk about:Why journaling after suicide loss can feel safer for some grievers than talking out loudHow micro-habits and gentle prompts support consistency without pressureThe difference between journaling, therapy, and crisis resourcesEthical technology use in mental-health spacesPrivacy, encryption, and responsible data handlingThe CARE Initiative, focused on safeguarding and accountability in mental-health technologyI also share why I personally value journaling as part of a broader support system after loss — including the option to speak rather than type, receive thoughtful prompts, and engage in reflection without having to “know what to say.”This episode is grounded, educational, and honest — offering grievers, supporters, and clinicians alike a clearer understanding of how journaling can support healing after suicide loss, while honoring the reality that no single tool is enough on its own Rosebud — Journaling App & Resources:
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss grief in the workplace with Dr. Jennifer Levin, an expert in traumatic grief and sudden loss. Topics include: Why Jennifer pursued a fellowship in Thanatology, the study of death, dying, and bereavement How that expertise informs Jennifer's work with organizations facing loss in the workplace What makes sudden or unexpected loss different from other types of loss The emotional and financial costs of sudden loss in the workplace What leaders can do to rebuild psychological safety for employees feeling unsafe and disoriented after traumatic loss How organizations, teams, and leaders can best support employees in the immediate aftermath of sudden loss Common missteps organizations make in these situations How organizations can emerge from loss stronger and more connected In this episode's listener question, we're asked about best practices for executive compensation programs that are balanced and drive the right priority and focus. In the news, we discuss a survey about American's lunchtime work habits. Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-237-beyond-bereavement-leave/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-237-beyond-bereavement-leave/ To get 0.5 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on December 29, 2026) Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video versions, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered Connect with us: @JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
In this episode of The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations, I'm joined by Jacquelyn Dickey, a mother navigating early suicide loss after the death of her son, Austin, who died on April 4, 2025, at the age of 30. Austin left behind a loving family — his mom, dad, younger sister Victoria, girlfriend Rachel, and his beloved dog Luna — as well as an extraordinary body of photographic work that continues to speak to his creativity and spirit.Follow The Empty Chair Movement HEREJacquelyn's journey through grief has been uniquely courageous. Within weeks of Austin's death, she leaned into movement, connection, and purpose — returning to horse training and immersion in things that grounded her — not to bypass her grief, but to survive alongside it. In the process, she brought Austin's work into the world through a beautiful and powerful book, The Dash, honoring his legacy while also inviting others into honest conversation around suicide loss.You will want to add this book to your Amazon Cart -- It is incredible! We explore early grief and survival, creativity as connection, the varied ways people find a way forward, and how advocacy — through art, horses, and community — can be both deeply personal and broadly meaningful.This episode also highlights Jacqueline's advocacy work, including the Austin Dickey Creativity in Advocacy Fund, which supports young creatives advancing mental-health awareness, and her moving freestyle performance at the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover with her horse Donner — a moment that was widely shared for its message of resilience and hope.Episode Links & Resources
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
In this episode, Carolyn Foster, MD, FAAP, discusses the financing of pediatric home health care. David Hill, MD, FAAP, and Joanna Parga-Belinkie, MD, FAAP, also speak with Emily Johnston, MD, and Sarah McCarthy, PhD, about partnering with caregivers in bereavement research. For resources go to aap.org/podcast.
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Week 3 Begins: “This past week, we've explored boundaries as acts of care — the small ways we protect our energy, honor our capacity, and stay close to what feels true. This week, we're exploring connection — the kind that comes from truth, tenderness, and compassion. Not forced connection. Not holiday performance. But the real, humankind that meets you exactly where you are.”Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!