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In this episode of The Day After, co-hosts CJ and Ashley sit down with Melanie for the second part of an enlightening conversation about forgiveness, self-acceptance, and personal growth. Melanie delves into the challenging process of learning to forgive herself and others, highlighting the significance of grace and the need to accept support from those around us without immediately feeling the urge to reciprocate.

The discussion takes a heartfelt turn as Melanie shares her experiences with grief, particularly following the loss of her father and a dear friend's suicide. She opens up about the complex emotions of joy and guilt intertwined after such profound losses and the struggle to find new meaning and gratitude amidst grief. CJ and Ashley ponder how children process grief differently from adults, shedding light on the evolving nature of attachment styles and coping mechanisms through different stages of life.

The trio explores the concept of viewing acts of kindness without a transactional mindset, Melanie’s reflections on the human flaws of parents, and the transformative power of letting go of control. They also touch on the evolution of attachment styles before and after significant losses, emphasizing the balance between avoidance and anxiety in relationships.

CJ, Ashley, and Melanie also discuss the potential drawbacks of over-pathologizing personal experiences and the importance of using therapeutic tools wisely. Melanie’s candid recounting of her mental health struggles, including suicidal thoughts, underscores the critical role of a supportive network in overcoming dark times.

Listeners are offered invaluable insights into the paradox of control, the impact of nature versus nurture, and the long road to self-forgiveness and acceptance. Melanie’s journey is both a testament to resilience and a tribute to her father’s influence, offering hope and inspiration for anyone grappling with similar challenges.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses topics related to suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the human experience and the profound lessons shared in this touching episode of The Day After.

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For more, go to thedayafter.com, or join the conversation online and follow us @thedayafteronline.

You can find our hosts at:
@cjinfantino
@ashleyinfantino

Music by Servidio Music

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In this deeply emotive episode of The Day After, hosts CJ and Ashley engage in a heartfelt conversation with their guest, Melanie, about navigating the complexities of grief and spirituality following the loss of a loved one. 

CJ opens up about embracing personal spirituality and finding persistent connections with those who have passed away through memories and love, which aids in moving forward. The discussion delves into the profound changes in identity and family dynamics that accompany loss, emphasizing the integration of grief into life's journey.

Melanie shares her poignant story of losing her father to Alzheimer's at a young age, detailing how the illness and his eventual passing in 2019 reshaped her family's structure and her own identity. She uses the metaphor of an ever-filling room to describe the evolving presence of her father's memory in her life. The episode explores the tension between traditional beliefs and personal spirituality, with CJ and Melanie recounting their experiences with mediums and spiritual advisors, offering insights into how they maintain connections with their deceased loved ones.

The hosts also reflect on societal expectations surrounding emotions and the often-inadequate support systems for those grieving. They discuss the timing of grief, debunking the misconception that it conforms to designated mourning periods. Melanie candidly recounts the emotional turmoil and internal struggles she faced, compounded by her divorce shortly after her father's death.

Listeners will find resonance in the discussions of grief's impact on relationships and the importance of seeking support while acknowledging the difficulty of asking for help. The episode wraps up with a critique of bereavement leave policies in workplaces, advocating for more compassionate and flexible approaches to support grieving employees.

Join CJ, Ashley, and Melanie for this touching and insightful exploration of love, loss, and the enduring thread of connections that outlast physical presence. This is Part 1 – stay tuned for Part 2, coming in 2 weeks!

Support the show

For more, go to thedayafter.com, or join the conversation online and follow us @thedayafteronline.

You can find our hosts at:
@cjinfantino
@ashleyinfantino

Music by Servidio Music

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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.

Support the show

For more, go to thedayafter.com, or join the conversation online and follow us @thedayafteronline.

You can find our hosts at:
@cjinfantino
@ashleyinfantino

Music by Servidio Music

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In this deeply moving episode of The Day After, hosts Ashley Infantino and CJ Infantino dive into an intimate conversation with Kellie, exploring her profound personal journey through grief, loss, and resilience.

The episode opens with a light-hearted discussion about the stress and convenience of grocery shopping, touching on the advantages of using delivery services like Instacart. However, the conversation soon takes a poignant turn as Kellie opens up about the deep connection she maintains with her late mother through signs and mediums, particularly feathers, which she has integrated into her book as a tribute.

Kellie paints a vivid picture of her mother, a spirited, tattooed woman with an immense love for Tim McGraw, and shares her mother's eight-year battle with cancer, highlighting her incredible strength and humor throughout the illness. CJ shares his own experiences with his late wife's cancer battle, fostering a reflective dialogue on the resilience of cancer patients and the unwavering support they offer their families.

The conversation touches on Kellie's personal struggles with her partner's addiction and the emotional aftermath of his death due to an accidental fentanyl overdose. Kellie openly discusses the societal stigma associated with addiction, the difficulty of leaving abusive relationships, and how she navigates explaining these complex issues to her son.

Listeners will also hear about Kellie's journey of healing and self-discovery, the vital role of therapy, and the significance of writing her children's book about grief. Throughout the episode, Kellie and CJ explore themes of mortality, the varying experiences with hospice care, and their thoughts on assisted medical death.

With a balance of vulnerability and strength, Kellie shares the challenges and triumphs of balancing single parenthood with personal grief, the importance of maintaining personal peace, and being in tune with others' energies. 

This episode is a compelling exploration of enduring love, the power of connection, and finding one's way through the darkest of times. Tune in to hear Kellie’s impactful story and the discussion that aims to normalize conversations about grief, loss, and the paths to recovery.

Support the show

For more, go to thedayafter.com, or join the conversation online and follow us @thedayafteronline.

You can find our hosts at:
@cjinfantino
@ashleyinfantino

Music by Servidio Music

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In this episode, we delve deep into the heart-wrenching story of Casey, a devoted mother who navigated the nearly impossible journey of losing her young daughter, Zoe, to childhood cancer. Zoe, who battled the disease from the tender age of three, tragically passed away at just five years old on July 4, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience that Casey warmly recounts.

Casey chronicles the events leading to Zoe's diagnosis, detailing how a seemingly innocent fall at the park quickly spiraled into a devastating medical discovery. She describes the emotional roller coaster of hospital stays, the endless tests, and the gut-wrenching moment when they were told Zoe had an inoperable brain tumor – initially misidentified, but later confirmed as DIPG, a fatal pediatric brain cancer.

Throughout the episode, listeners are invited into Casey's world of unimaginable grief, tough decisions, and small victories amid a backdrop of profound love and hope. Casey reflects on the life transitions and emotional shutdown she experienced post-divorce and during the COVID-19 pandemic, candidly sharing her journey towards therapy and emotional healing, including exploring specialized treatments like EMDR.

A significant part of the conversation is dedicated to keeping Zoe's memory alive through outdoor activities, charitable initiatives, and vivid recollections of happier times, like Zoe's lively playhouses and her favorite holidays. Casey's charity work stands as a testament to her enduring connection with Zoe, providing joy to families of children with terminal illnesses.

In a deeply moving recount of Zoe's final days, Casey touches on the emotional complexities of watching her daughter slip away, the support from family and friends, and the pivotal decisions made in solace and desperation. With raw authenticity, she talks about the long-term impact of grief, how she coped through organizing and cleaning, and the crucial role her dog Juno played in helping her through the darkest times.

Casey's vulnerable storytelling offers a beacon of hope for anyone facing similar trials, as she shares her continued efforts to find joy and reengage with life after loss. Join us for this emotional and inspiring episode as we honor Zoe’s memory and Casey’s unyielding strength and dedication to her daughter’s legacy.

Support the show

For more, go to thedayafter.com, or join the conversation online and follow us @thedayafteronline.

You can find our hosts at:
@cjinfantino
@ashleyinfantino

Music by Servidio Music

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In this deeply moving episode, Angela shares her harrowing experience of losing her husband unexpectedly after a mere 19 days from a sudden cancer diagnosis. She recounts the shock of taking him to the hospital for what they thought was appendicitis, only to face a rapid decline and his subsequent passing. 

Angela talks about the whirlwind of emotions she endured, the immediate need to provide stability for her two young children, and the challenge of grieving while maintaining her role as a project manager. She delves into the importance of therapy, the invaluable support from her community, and the struggle of making swift end-of-life decisions. 

The conversation explores Angela's journey through grief, the identity crisis that followed, and her introspective path to personal growth. Listen to Angela's story and gain insight into the resilience required to navigate such profound loss and the ongoing efforts to keep her husband's memory alive for her children.

Support the show

For more, go to thedayafter.com, or join the conversation online and follow us @thedayafteronline.

You can find our hosts at:
@cjinfantino
@ashleyinfantino

Music by Servidio Music

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Welcome back to The Day After. Today, we have Warren joining us - the author of the book "Waving Goodbye". Warren share's his deeply personal story of love, loss, and the profound journey of grief.

In this episode, Warren opens up about the devastating loss of his wife Lisa to a rare blood cancer, and the overwhelming emotional toll it took on him and his family. He talks about the disbelief, the struggle to envision a future without her, and the all-consuming nature of grief in those early days, months, and years.

But amidst the pain, Warren also shares glimmers of light - the solace he found in music, the catharsis of writing, and the unexpected humor that helped him heal. He reflects on the process of gradually emerging from the depths of grief, learning to laugh again, and even navigating the world of dating with some sage advice from his daughter.

Warren's story is a testament to the transformative power of love, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of finding gratitude even in our darkest moments. His book and his willingness to vulnerably share his experiences offer a beacon of hope and understanding to anyone navigating the complex landscape of loss.

In this honest, moving, and at times even humorous conversation, Warren reminds us that while grief may be a defining part of our lives, it doesn't have to be the end of our story. Join us as we explore the profound insights, hard-earned wisdom, and inspiring message of moving forward that Warren so generously shares with us.

Support the show

For more, go to thedayafter.com, or join the conversation online and follow us @thedayafteronline.

You can find our hosts at:
@cjinfantino
@ashleyinfantino

Music by Servidio Music

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In this episode of the The Day After, hosts Ashley Infantino, CJ Infantino, and special guest Kennedy delve into the profound impact of losing a parent and the journey of navigating grief. Kennedy shares her heart-wrenching story of receiving the devastating news of her father's sudden death through a series of phone calls, and the chaotic aftermath that followed as she and her family scrambled to make arrangements amidst their shock and sorrow.

As Kennedy recounts her move to Chicago, initially feeling a sense of exhilaration before the weight of her father's absence set in, she emphasizes the importance of seeking therapy to cope with the overwhelming emotions and fear of a potential breakdown. The hosts and guest explore the various ways in which Kennedy's father continues to be present in her life, from vivid dreams where they argue, reflecting her anger and grief, to family members receiving messages through mediums and encountering signs of his presence.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of planning a wedding while mourning the absence of a parent, with both Ashley and Kennedy sharing their experiences and the ways in which they have sought to honor their deceased parents throughout the process. Kennedy's touching account of her grandmother's last words and her fiance's mother's dream encounter with her father highlights the deep spiritual connections that can transcend the physical world.

Throughout the episode, the hosts and guest discuss various coping mechanisms and the importance of allowing oneself to fully experience and process the emotions associated with grief. Kennedy's story of personal growth and resilience in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration to others who may be grappling with similar losses, reminding listeners that healing is a unique and ongoing journey for each individual.

Interspersed with moments of levity, such as the anecdote about offering cake to a stranger in traffic and the surprising presence of a spiral ham at Kennedy's wedding, this episode offers a raw and honest look at the complex nature of grief while ultimately emphasizing the power of love, family, and the unbreakable bonds that continue to connect us to those we have lost.

Support the show

For more, go to thedayafter.com, or join the conversation online and follow us @thedayafteronline.

You can find our hosts at:
@cjinfantino
@ashleyinfantino

Music by Servidio Music

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In this episode of The Day After, hosts Ashley and CJ welcome Jody to share her personal journey through grief, the challenges of solo parenting, and the healing process following the tragic loss of her husband. This episode dives into the raw and emotional experiences Jody faced after her husband was killed in a workplace violence incident, contrasting with CJ's own journey after losing his wife to breast cancer.

Jody and CJ discuss the heartbreaking decisions involved in end-of-life care and the emotional turmoil that follows. They highlight the practical difficulties encountered immediately after such a loss, from invasive questions regarding organ donation to needing strong support from family and friends. Jody opens up about the surreal and overwhelming transition to solo parenting and striving to find a balance between grieving and caring for her children. The distinction between solo and single parenting is explored, emphasizing the unique challenges and emotional toll faced by those who have lost a spouse.

The episode offers insight into the importance of setting boundaries, asking for help, and prioritizing self-care while dealing with profound loss. Both Jody and CJ reflect on their experiences with guilt and the struggle to reconcile moments of happiness amidst their grief, sharing how personal retreats and unconventional spaces helped them express and release their emotions.

Listeners will hear about the significance of maintaining connections with lost loved ones through rituals, memories, and shared stories. Jody shares heartwarming encounters and CJ speaks to the solace found in the enduring love of his late wife.

The profound impact of selling Jody's business, the psychological and physical toll of grief, and the ultimate importance of focusing on health and meaningful connections are themes richly woven throughout the conversation. This episode also delves into experiences with mediums, the support from their community, and the realization that listening is more vital than trying to “fix” grief.

Join us in this heartfelt episode as Jody's story conveys resilience, the importance of support systems, and the journey towards healing. 

*Content Warning: This episode discusses themes of grief, loss, and trauma which may be triggering for some listeners.*

Support the show

For more, go to thedayafter.com, or join the conversation online and follow us @thedayafteronline.

You can find our hosts at:
@cjinfantino
@ashleyinfantino

Music by Servidio Music

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Join hosts CJ and Ashley in this heartfelt episode of The Day After  as they sit down with special guest, Paula. Paula opens up about her deeply personal journey through grief after the loss of her beloved husband, sharing the touching stories featured in her popular blog segment, "Martin Mondays," which evolved into a cherished book released on what would have been his 61st birthday.

Candidly, Paula discusses the challenge of accurately sharing her late husband's legacy and the therapeutic nature of writing for her and future generations. She provides insights into how her family navigated their grief, following the mantra of "grace and space," creating private time to process their emotions before accepting visitors. Paula's nurturing response to her children's grief reveals the profound impact her husband's injury and passing had on their family dynamic.

Throughout the episode, Paula unveils the gift of gratitude and growth she discovered through her grief, emphasizing the importance of allowing sorrow to transform and shape her relationships and legacy. She reflects on the tragic and ongoing losses, including her youngest brother before his graduation and the subsequent deaths of her nephew, sister, and husband, revealing how each loss compounded her grief yet allowed her to find purpose and intentionality in her life.

Paula’s resilience is showcased as she recounts the criticism she faced for not appearing as a "broken down widow" and how her faith helped her persevere, even as she participated in church activities shortly after her husband's passing. Open-hearted, Paula shares advice for others experiencing grief, highlighting the importance of honoring each person's unique process and language of grief.

The discussion shifts to Paula’s personal project management approach, the significance of her "five pillars of life," and how setting pillar goals kept her family integrated and focused through their grief journey. Paula wraps up with gratitude for the support systems outside her immediate family, emphasizing the difference between being a single parent and a solo parent, and the fortitude she gained from her mother's example of strength and resilience.

Tune in for an episode filled with love, loss, transformation, and the continuous journey of healing and honoring a loved one's legacy.

Support the show

For more, go to thedayafter.com, or join the conversation online and follow us @thedayafteronline.

You can find our hosts at:
@cjinfantino
@ashleyinfantino

Music by Servidio Music