Reckoning the Podcast

Vaughn shares her story of losing her best friend Candace. Once attached at the hip in high school, their families woven together to the point of celebrating mother's day together; she talks about a familiar pattern of friendships changing over time, and yet remaining powerfully important to our own identities. A young woman taken by cancer far too soon, Vaughn talks about how her friendship continues in the form of a tattoo, in song lyrics, in conversation, and in rituals.

This episode with dear friend Brit dives quickly into deep and soulful territory. She talks about losing her brother Evan to suicide at the tender age of fifteen. We talk about youth, and when personal losses are felt collectively, and what it means to do grief and inner work.

Yichu Li is a talented fashion designer and artist who has lived in China, San Francisco, and Portland. He husband's brother Simon came to live with them, and their lives all took an unexpected turn when he died from a sudden aneurysm. Yi talks about how that loss has shaped her worldview, and shares her sweet, honest, and deep wisdoms with us.

This episode I talk with my mom about how it was for her to lose her parents- the feelings of relief more than sadness at their passing; and she talks about losing her friend group as they began to age and face terminal illnesses.

This episode I talk with Ashley, who shares her story of being a mother, of losing her daughter to a rare genetic disease, of her path to helping others dealing with death via photography.

Joe talks about losing his boyfriend Gene to the AIDS crisis in San Francisco in the 80s, about cultural loss and trauma, and about the gay rights movement during that time. He shares his poetry and his wisdom about grief, community, and connection.

Kyle shares his perspective on losing his daughter to a rare genetic disease. He talks about the lack of practical resources available to help folks make decisions about burial and funerals; about how his community and friend group changed, and about the perspective that comes from such deep loss. It's a great episode- he speaks elegantly about his thoughts and feelings.

Anthony sits down to talk with me about losing his Uncle Mark to suicide. Our conversation ranges from philosophical ponderings to memories of their time together. Stay tuned for a bonus little sound clip at the end!

Kacia tells the story of losing her mother to a long battle with cancer. She shares some poetry, some laughs, and some beautiful insights to life in general.

Ingrid gets the podcast started by sharing her own story of loss. Her dad Bill died in 2011, and she shares her experience about losing a parent, and also just some thoughts on grief and dying in general.