Grief is my New Hobby

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In this heartfelt conversation, Rhyannon shares her journey of grief after losing her father at a young age. 

She discusses the impact of social media in connecting with others who have experienced similar losses, the suddenness of her father's passing, and the importance of organ donation. 

Rhyannon reflects on the complexities of grief, the support systems that helped her navigate her emotions, and the lessons learned from her experiences. She emphasises the significance of cherishing memories and the ongoing evolution of grief over time, offering valuable insights for those currently facing similar challenges.

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Welcome back to Season 2 of Grief is my New Hobby!! 

In this week's solo episode, I catch you up on my recent break and wedding. I discuss the emotions around not having my parents at my big day but why it made me feel guilty being so happy. 

I also let you know what to expect of Season 2 and some of the incredible guests we have coming up. 

This is the podcast that nobody wants to need but somehow, here we are. Grab a glass or mug and get comfy. 

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In this week's episode of Grief is My New Hobby (and the final episode of season one), I sit down with my wife-to-be Han. 

Han shares with us some of her tips for supporting a partner through grief and why listening and validation are so important. We talk about how to process your own grief when your partner has lost someone so close and how people could help.

Han has been a solid rock for our whole family and I think grief would be a lot easier for everyone if they had a Han in their life. Remember to check in and thank your partner too. 

After this episode, the pod will be taking a break until 7th October whilst Han and I take a break to go and get married!!! 

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Grief is My New Hobby comes with a trigger warning around suicidal thoughts, if you are currently struggling and don't think you can listen this week, take care of yourself and come back when you're ready. 

In this week's episode for World Suicide Prevention Day, I open up about my own experiences with suicidal thoughts and the impact they’ve had on my life. I also pay tribute to my dad, and share some of my favourite qualities (and obviously I cry). 

 Alongside my story, I share practical tips and resources that may help if you or someone you love is struggling. My hope is that this conversation reminds you that you are not alone, and that support is always within reach.

If you are based in the UK and need support, here are some organisations you can reach out to:

• Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, available 24/7) or visit samaritans.org
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• Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463, or visit mind.org.uk
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• Shout – Text 85258 to start a free, confidential text conversation with a trained volunteer, available 24/7.
• Papyrus (for under 35s) – Call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967, or visit papyrus-uk.org
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If you are outside the UK, please check for local crisis lines in your area.

You are never alone. 

Dad, I wish you were here and I am so sorry you aren't -episode 13 is for you, your lucky number💛

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This week on Grief is My New Hobby, my brother Gary is back with me. We get into how grief has hit us differently the second time around, and what that’s looked like for both of us.

We open up about sleep struggles, health anxiety, and the guilt that comes with grief. Gary shares his experience being diagnosed with anxiety, plus some of the helpful tips he’s picked up from therapy. Together we talk about why it’s so important to make time for the people you love and why you can't get hung up on the disappointment from others.

Gary also talks about his health anxiety, and the nerves he’s feeling as he takes on a huge challenge—a 100k charity walk in just 24 hours with some friends. He’s digging deep for this one, and you can support him with donations and messages of encouragement here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jake-grinsill-3?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

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In this week’s episode of Grief is My New Hobby, I surprise myself by getting very emotional as I open up about the ways grief reshapes our identity.

I explore the deep, often unspoken loss of identity that comes with losing someone we love, the way titles like daughter, parent, partner, or caregiver can suddenly shift or disappear, leaving us unsure of who we are now. These aren’t just words; they’re roles that shape how we move through the world and how others see us.

I talk about the uncomfortable feeling of living as the “before me” and the “after me,” and what it means to try to integrate grief into who we are today. 

This chat is a vulnerable self-reflection, one that honours the pain of identity loss while also holding space for the possibility of growth and transformation, even in the midst of grief.

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In this week’s episode, I sit down with the wonderful Emily (@theleopardprintcelebrant).

At just 29, Emily faced one of life’s most difficult challenges and her biggest anxiety—the loss of her mum, Mandy—while caring for her six-month-old baby. Mandy had always encouraged Emily to pursue a path as a celebrant, and her journey began with the deeply personal experience of leading her own mother’s funeral.

Em shares her insights on why we need to reimagine the culture surrounding funerals, creating space for ceremonies that feel less traditional and more authentic to the individual being honoured. Together, we reflect on how grief has shaped us, the boundaries we’ve learned to set, and the importance of making these conversations more open.

Emily leaves us with a powerful reminder: “It’s not the years of your life that count, it’s the life in your years.”

This episode is dedicated to Mandy—thank you for inspiring us to “just be you.”

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In this week’s short but personal episode, I take you on a nostalgic trip back to my childhood home, sharing some of my most treasured memories from growing up there. I reached out to family and friends, and asked them to share their funniest stories, which brought both laughter and a few surprising reminders—including one mildly traumatic, yet undeniably funny, incident.

Along the way, I open up about how I’ve entered what feels like a new chapter in my grief journey. I talk about the unique way this fresh wave of loss is showing up in my life, and how revisiting these memories is both comforting and bittersweet. 

It’s an episode full of warmth, humour, and honesty about love, memory, and the ways our past stays with us.

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This week on Grief is My New Hobby, I’m joined by the incredible Toni, who opens up about the devastating loss of her younger brother to suicide. In a deeply moving conversation, Toni speaks with honesty and vulnerability about the weight of being a big sister, the pain of feeling responsible, and her ongoing efforts to keep his memory alive.

We explore the often overlooked physical impact of grief and trauma, and why it’s so important that we talk about it more openly.

Toni has channelled her grief into action, taking on fundraising challenges in memory of her brother. She is currently raising money for Baton of Hope UK, a national movement for suicide prevention and awareness.
👉 You can support her efforts here: Toni Stone is fundraising for The Baton of Hope UK

Toni also shares a heartfelt message for anyone who is struggling — whether you're facing suicidal thoughts or supporting someone who is. You're not alone. Support is out there.

UK-based mental health helplines can be found below. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

• Samaritans – 📞 116 123 (Free, 24/7) – samaritans.org
• Shout (Crisis Text Line) – 📱 Text 'SHOUT' to 85258 (Free, 24/7) – giveusashout.org
• NHS Mental Health Helpline – 📞 Call 111 (select mental health option)
• Childline (under 19) – 📞 0800 1111 (Free, 24/7) – childline.org.uk
• The Mix (under 25) – 📞 0808 808 4994 (4pm–11pm daily) – themix.org.uk
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – 📞 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight daily) – thecalmzone.net
• Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline – 📞 0800 0119 100 (10am–10pm daily) – switchboard.lgbt
• Parentline (via Family Lives) – 📞 0808 800 2222 – familylives.org.uk
• Mind – 📞 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm) – mind.org.uk
• SANEline – 📞 0300 304 7000 (4pm–10pm daily) – sane.org.uk

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This week on Grief is My New Hobby
A shorter episode than usual—I've been under the weather (and let’s be honest, no one wants to hear a congested, snotty host!).

This week has been heavy with emotion, farewells, and gentle nudges to slow down. Most significantly, it’s the week we said goodbye to our childhood home, and I’ll be sharing why that’s been such a difficult part of my grief journey.

If you’d like to be part of a future episode—whether to share your story, talk about someone you’ve lost, or offer your best advice on navigating grief—I’d love to hear from you. Email me at [email protected] or message me on social media @griefismynewhobby.

And as always, a gentle reminder: pause, breathe, and be present.