Burke DeGroff was the first person to reach my family's car after the crash, he saw everything. I wanted to talk with him for a long time, but I was really scared. I tell people to lean into their grief, not run from it, and this conversation was my chance to practice what I preach.

It was just as hard as I expected, but I didn't realize how much of a hero Burke and first responders were that day. In the middle of so much horror, there was still beauty, bravery, and humanity.

If it weren't for Burke, my whole family would have died. Blue would have been burned alive. It felt good to tell Burke thank you, give him a hug and have him shake Blues hand again. THANK YOU

In this episode of The 10 Ninety Podcast, Mason talks with Amber Lorenzen about losing her parents, Richard G. and Maricela Lorenzon, in the same July 25, 2021 crash as his family. They open up about regret, denial, anger, and what it means to still feel broken years later. Amber shares how she's learned to carry grief as a mother and daughter, while Mason reflects on the connection they now share and what it's like to finally know more of the names behind the eight crosses on the highway. It's a quiet, honest exchange between two people sharing similar pain.

In this episode of The 10 Ninety Podcast, Mason talks with Molly Jimenez about living with stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Molly talks about how dark humor, honesty, and presence help her carry it. Molly shares the constant work of shifting treatments, parenting through uncertainty, and a 5-MeO-DMT ceremony that shaped her perspective on life and death. They explore not borrowing grief from the future, letting friends in, and preparing loved ones without giving up on life.

In this episode of The 10 Ninety Podcast, Mason talks with Kimberly about a life marked by hardship and resilience. She reflects on childhood trauma, including abuse and instability, and how moving to Boston became both an escape and another painful chapter. Kimberly shares the moment she chose forgiveness after her mom's brain injury erased the past, allowing their relationship to begin again in a new way. She also opens up about grieving the loss of her husband, Cory, to ALS—navigating anger, acceptance, and the challenge of moving forward while holding onto his memory. It's an unflinching look at survival, healing, and love after loss.

In this episode of The 10 Ninety Podcast, Mason talks with Janessa Whatcott and Maggie Christensen about losing their sons, Nixon and Jax, to osteosarcoma. They share what it's like in the first year compared to seven years later, the hard choices around treatment, how siblings are affected, the costs families face, and what it means to live through hospice at home. They also discuss coping—both the good and the destructive—and what they wish newly diagnosed parents knew.

In this episode of The 10 Ninety Podcast, Mason talks with Millie Ortiz about the life and death of her son Calvin (1995–2024) and a mother's fight for truth and dignity. Millie recounts Calvin's grooming by an older man, addiction, trafficking, prison, and the devastating reality of him being found dead on April 5, 2024—and how bias and indifference failed her gay, Latino son. Through tears, evidence, and the poem "Afterglow," Millie urges action to protect other kids. It's a raw conversation about grief, justice, and a love that won't quit.

In this episode of The 10 Ninety Podcast, Mason talks with Carlos about living after unimaginable loss—and why he rejects "everything happens for a reason." Starting from a Khalil Gibran quote on suffering, Mason unpacks free will, the mixed feelings around calling grievers "strong," and the very real pull of suicidal thoughts. He shares how being a dad to Blue keeps him here, why asking for help isn't weakness, and how therapy and safe spaces made telling the truth possible. They dig into modeling resilience, honoring Kortni, Riggins, and Franki, and making meaning when life isn't fair—clear eyes, full heart, get back up. A candid guide for anyone walking through pain and trying to choose what comes next.

In part two of this conversation, Mason talks with Brandy about navigating her first year of grief after losing her son Riley. She shares the daily struggle of simply surviving, the exhaustion of carrying grief, and the lessons she's learned from others walking the same road. Brandy reflects on the importance of finding "your people," creating rituals like Monday night poker to keep community close, and giving herself permission to not be ready yet. She also opens up about her son Hunter's accident and brain tumor diagnosis, and the resilience it takes to keep moving forward while carrying so much pain.

In this episode of The 10 Ninety Podcast, Mason talks with Brandy Smith and her younger sister Amanda about the life and loss of Brandy's son, Riley. Riley was diagnosed with cancer at just five years old, and his family's unwavering love helped him beat it. Years later, at 17, Riley tragically passed away in a dirt bike accident. Brandy and Amanda reflect on Riley's spirit, his love for the outdoors, and the deep bonds he shared with his family. Through tears, laughter, and sisterly support, they honor Riley's life while showing the strength it takes to talk about grief, trauma, and the daily fight to keep moving forward.