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Welcome back to The Day After, a podcast dedicated to sharing stories and navigating grief together. In today's episode, we are joined by stand-up comic Jake.

Jake shares an incredible journey through love, loss, and finding light in the darkest of times. He opens up about his relationship with Jen, a fellow comedian who struggled with bipolar disorder and addiction. Her tragic passing in November 2022 left a significant impact on Jake, both personally and professionally.

Together with CJ and Ashley, Jake shares his journey of navigating the complex emotions surrounding mental health, grief, and the often stigmatized conversations about suicide. With raw vulnerability, he recounts his experiences—from intense moments of crisis intervention to profound spiritual connections, highlighting the importance of a supportive community and the struggle to find joy amid sorrow.

CJ, Ashley, and Jake also discuss the limitations and failures within mental health services, the role of humor as a coping mechanism, and the bittersweet memories that keep loved ones close. This episode is a powerful testament to the human capacity for healing, the enigmas of spiritual signs, and the unwavering hope that transcends even the gravest of losses.

Grab your headphones and join us on this heartfelt journey of resilience, empathy, and the indomitable spirit of laughter, even in the face of overwhelming grief.

Trigger Warning: This episode talks about suicide and mental health issues, which may be upsetting for some listeners.

A personal note from the hosts: After much reflection, we've decided that this season of "The Day After" will be our final one. It has been a profound honor to share this journey through grief with all of you. As CJ steps back to focus on other ventures, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your support, your stories, and your willingness to navigate these difficult conversations alongside us. Though the podcast is ending, we hope the conversations about grief and loss continue, and that our episodes remain a resource for those who need them. If you've found comfort in our discussions, Ashley and Liz will continue Sit, Lay, Rest - our pet grief podcast - you can follow them on Instagram at @sitlayrest. Thank you for being part of our community.

Music by Servidio Music