Fear can hold you prisoner, hope can set you free. - The Shawshank Redemption

This week's guest, Brent Scarpo, was a casting director for one of the most acclaimed and beloved films of all time, "The Shawshank Redemption." Through his personal love of the film, he shares a few of his favorite lessons from the movie.

These lessons served him well as he grieved the loss of his best friend and mother to cancer. But a chance conversation with his mother years earlier would be the catalyst for comfort after she passed. They had agreed on a red balloon being the sign they would bring to the other so the one left behind would know there is life after death. They also created very specific rules around this sign and sealed the deal with handwritten letters preserving this conversation and plan in a sealed envelope that wouldn't be opened until after one of them passed away.

Through his grief, Brent found comfort and healing through group and one-on-one therapy as well. But, the Red Balloon has become a huge part of his existence, landing him on the Today Show, and soon a book releasing, very fittingly, on Mother's Day.

Brent offers many tips throughout this episode but there's one question you may be surprised to learn the answer to. What's the question? How do we learn to laugh again without the person we used to laugh with? The answer? You'll have to listen to find out!

RESOURCES:

• Brent Scarpo on The Today Show
• FindaGrave.com
• Tombstone Cleaning Tutorial
• James Van Praagh
• Ep 68 Ken Ross

CONNECT: 

• Website

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• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

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This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

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