The Day After | Where grief stories connect us

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In the poignant episode, hosts Ashley and CJ delve into a heartfelt conversation with Heather about the devastating loss of her 11-year-old daughter, Parker, to a rare pediatric cancer. Heather recounts Parker’s journey, diagnosed at nine, filled with hope and struggles, and the aftermath of navigating life without her.

Heather shares the profound impact of grief on her family, transitioning from five to four members, and how each copes differently. She emphasizes the importance of keeping Parker’s memory alive, integrating her spirit into daily life, and learning to live with a new family dynamic. Heather discusses grief misconceptions, noting that time alone doesn’t heal and underscores the necessity of actively processing grief alongside supportive individuals willing to discuss and remember Parker.

A yoga teacher, Heather finds solace in teaching and channels her energy into the Little P Project, a nonprofit founded in Parker's memory. The organization advocates for better research, treatments, and vital support for children fighting cancer and their families, reflecting Heather’s commitment to creating meaning from loss.

The episode also critiques the language surrounding cancer, highlighting the challenges of living with the disease beyond survival. Personal stories shared by Heather and CJ underscore the hidden struggles and traumas experienced in the shadow of illness.

Ultimately, Heather’s journey is one of resilience and enduring love, offering listeners insights into the complexities of grief and the courage to honor loved ones in moving forward. Her story conveys a powerful message of strength, hope, and the significance of community and remembrance in the healing journey.

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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

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In this episode, Yesenia joins host CJ to discuss the recent passing of her older brother, Uriel, who struggled with alcoholism. Yesenia opens up about the impact of his death on her family and the Hispanic community, where alcohol-related issues are prevalent. The conversation delves into the emotional journey of grief, the struggle with boundaries, and the cultural aspects of family and addiction.

Yesenia shares how her experience with grief has been profound, revealing the complexity of emotions she faces, including guilt, hopelessness, and the challenge of moving forward. CJ, who has experienced similar familial struggles, offers empathetic insights and parallels from his own life.

Throughout the episode, Yesenia and CJ explore the strength found in acknowledging one's grief, the hope for reconciliation, and the idea of finding gifts within tragedies despite the pain involved. They also discuss the influence of cultural background on their grieving processes and the importance of setting healthy boundaries for self-preservation.

The episode is a heartfelt exploration of Yesenia's journey through grief, family dynamics, and the ongoing process of healing and acceptance.

Unfortunately, co-host Ashley was unavailable for this episode due to the time difference. 

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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

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In this episode of The Day After, hosts CJ Infantino and Ashley Infantino sit down with guest Nickey to delve into the profound and often challenging topic of anticipatory grief and loss. Nickey opens up about her intense five-year journey of preemptive grieving before the eventual passing of her mother. This journey was marked by the unpredictability and stress of receiving urgent medical calls and her efforts to manage her mother's care while living far away.

Throughout the conversation, CJ shares parallels from his own life, recounting his experiences with his wife's battle with cancer. The trio explores how grief manifests in unexpected ways, such as through anxiety, obsessiveness, and an altered perception of time. Nickey candidly discusses the complexity of emotions, ranging from anger and guilt to eventual acceptance and coping strategies, like therapy and writing.

As the episode progresses, the discussion touches on the importance of creating rituals and finding meaningful ways to connect with the memory of loved ones. Nickey shares touching anecdotes about her mother’s love for bingo, Journey's music, and cherished family traditions she continues to honor.

This episode provides a raw and relatable exploration of grief, highlighting the importance of community, understanding, and the capacity to live through and with grief. It's a poignant reminder that while grief is deeply personal, sharing stories can provide solace and a sense of connection.

Listeners are left with a heartfelt appreciation for the strength found in vulnerability and the timeless impact of love and memories.

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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

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In this episode of The Day After, host CJ dives deep into a conversation with Ashley G. about her personal journey through grief and healing after losing her father to a rare cancer. Ashley shares the profound impact her father's ten-year battle with illness had on her life, both personally and professionally. She reflects on the importance of using direct language around death to aid the grieving process and speaks candidly about her experiences navigating her father's diagnosis, treatment, and eventual passing.

The discussion also explores how Ashley balanced the demands of a burgeoning career, marriage, and motherhood while coping with her father's declining health. Both CJ and Ashley candidly discuss the complexities of grief, highlighting the unique path it carves for each individual and the necessity of embracing the full spectrum of emotions associated with it.

Ashley also opens up about her transformative podcast series on death and dying, inspired by her own experiences and desire to reduce the fear surrounding the topic. Throughout the episode, listeners are reminded of the value of living life with intentionality and appreciating the moments shared with loved ones. This conversation is a heartfelt reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring connection between life and death.

As a side note, co-host Ashley was unavailable for this episode as she moved overseas.

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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

Send us a message! We love hearing from our listeners.

In this heartfelt episode of The Day After, hosts Ashley and CJ engage in a powerful and emotional conversation with their guest, Maddee. The episode delves into the impact of losing Maddee's sister, Tilke, to suicide in January 2022, exploring the complexities of grief, mental health struggles, and the dynamics within a family navigating such a profound loss.

Maddee shares how her relationship with her sister was intertwined with both sisterly bonds and a mother-daughter dynamic, given their 16-year age difference. Throughout the episode, Maddee opens up about the challenging journey of witnessing her sister's struggle with mental health issues and the difficult times leading up to Tilke's death. She talks about the feelings of anticipatory grief and the struggle of trying to support someone who is battling depression and suicidal ideation.

The episode also explores themes of family dynamics, the process of grieving, and how Maddee has worked to redefine her spiritual journey and maintain her connection with her sister in a new way. Maddee reflects on the importance of honoring her sister's memory and legacy through small and significant gestures.

Listeners will find this episode to be a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the ways in which grief can transform us, leaving an indelible impact on our lives. Join Ashley, CJ, and Maddee as they navigate the delicate path of loss, hope, and healing.

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

Send us a message! We love hearing from our listeners.

The Day After's pet grief series, Sit, Lay, Rest, is back for its second episode! In this episode, hosts Liz Egler and Ashley Infantino welcome guest Shannon, who shares her heartfelt journey of love, loss, and healing through the bond she formed with her pets. Shannon reminisces about her dream of having a dog and how her beloved canine companion, Martin Francis, became a pivotal force in her life, ultimately saving her during a time of crisis. She narrates her experiences with Martin and other pets, including her transition to caring for cats and her continued work fostering animals.

Shannon's story provides an emotional insight into understanding and coping with behavioral euthanasia, particularly as she discusses her decision-making process around her dog Daphne Louise's anxiety issues. The episode delves into the topics of empathy, healing, and the connections we share with our pets, touching on Shannon's thoughts on honoring animals and her vision of a sanctuary called Martin's Place.

Throughout the episode, Shannon's role as a nurse and animal advocate shines through, as she emphasizes the importance of being there for each other—both humans and animals. The conversation highlights the depth of relationships with pets and encourages listeners to embrace empathy and understanding in their own experiences.

Join us in this episode of Sit, Lay Rest, and let's navigate the path of rebuilding after loss, together.

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

Send us a message! We love hearing from our listeners.

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Rachel, whose story of loss and resilience touches on some of life's most challenging moments. After losing her father at 20 and her mother at 34, Rachel faced another devastating blow when her husband died by suicide while she was five months pregnant.

With remarkable candor, Rachel shares how she navigated these profound losses, discussing everything from the complexities of grieving differently from her mother after her father's death, to the unique challenges of pregnancy and early motherhood while processing the loss of her husband. She opens up about dating again, finding unexpected love, and the delicate balance of honoring her late husband's memory while building a new life with her son and second husband.

Throughout our conversation, Rachel offers powerful insights about the nature of grief, healing, and hope. She speaks honestly about the anger, guilt, and confusion that can accompany loss, while also sharing how her son ultimately became her anchor. Her story reminds us that while grief changes us forever, it doesn't have to define our entire story.

Join us in this episode of The Day After, as we discover how love can find its way back into our lives, even after devastating loss.

This episode touches on themes of suicide loss, parental loss, and pregnancy/infant loss. While handled with care and sensitivity, some listeners may find certain topics challenging.

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

Send us a message! We love hearing from our listeners.

In this episode of The Day After, hosts Liz Egler and Ashley Infantino engage in a heartfelt conversation with guest Kristin. As the first installment in their series "Sit, Lay, Rest," which is dedicated to pet grief, the episode revolves around Kristin's experiences with her German Shepherd dogs, particularly focusing on her first dog, Ginger. Kristin shares the emotional journey of choosing Ginger, the ups and downs of pet ownership, and the eventual heart-wrenching decision of saying goodbye to a beloved pet. The conversation touches on themes of loyalty, companionship, and the unique bond between humans and their canine friends.

Listeners are introduced to Ginger's personality, her protective nature, and her role as a "Zen mom" at dog daycare. Kristin also discusses the challenges they faced with Greta, another German shepherd they briefly had, and how Ginger's demeanor changed after Greta left.

The discussion expands to the grief of losing a pet, as Kristin reflects on Ginger's decline due to neurological issues and the decision to opt for home euthanasia through the organization Lapse of Love. The conversation delves into the complexities of pet grief, comparing it to losing family members, and the lasting impact pets have on their humans.

Kristin shares how she honored Ginger's memory, her involvement with a local animal shelter, and eventually adopting another shepherd, Violet. The episode touches on the healing process, individual approaches to grief, and the unconditional love and joy pets bring into our lives. The hosts and Kristin emphasize following one's heart and intuition when coping with grief and the inevitable advice from others.

Overall, the episode offers a poignant tribute to Ginger and highlights the importance of pets in our lives, providing a mix of touching memories and insights into pet ownership and loss. 

Tune in to listen wherever you get your podcasts!

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

Send us a message! We love hearing from our listeners.

A special episode to share some exciting news with you! The Day After Co-Host, CJ Infantino, is joined by a fresh yet familiar voice—Liz Egler. In today's episode, we delve into exciting news about our fan-favorite pet grief series, which is now evolving into a full-time series, Sit, Lay, Rest, dedicated to exploring the complex emotions surrounding the loss of our dear pets.

You'll get to know Liz, our new co-host, as she shares her heartfelt connection to the topic and her passion for helping others navigate their grief. From her experiences with her own pets to her therapeutic horseback riding adventures, Liz opens up about her journey and the importance of community in healing.

CJ and Liz also dive into the therapeutic power of horses, the challenges of memory and grief, and the surprising ways in which documenting our loved ones can offer solace. This episode is a poignant blend of personal stories, insightful reflections, and a sneak peek into the enriching conversations you can expect in future episodes.

Tune in and join us as we embark on this emotional yet uplifting journey to honor the love and memories we share with our beloved pets.

The first episode of Sit, Lay, Rest will be live tomorrow, February 6th! Subscribe today so you don't miss it.

In the meantime, listen back to Liz's episode from our pet grief series last season.

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

Send us a message! We love hearing from our listeners.

Welcome back to another episode of The Day After. In this heartfelt discussion, hosts CJ Infantino and Ashley Infantino are joined by Blair, a woman who has faced significant loss and emerged as a beacon of resilience and strength.

Blair shares her poignant story, beginning with her turbulent childhood marked by her father's addiction and her parents' divorce. She dives into how these early experiences shaped her mental health struggles and her path to forgiveness and understanding. Blair's narrative takes us through her journey of reconciliation with her father, his battle with terminal illness, and how their shared experiences laid the foundation for the Global Resilience Project, a transformative movement aimed at helping others through storytelling.

As Blair recounts, the past few years brought unprecedented challenges, including the loss of multiple close family members, her miscarriage, and her own grappling with mental health. Despite—or perhaps because of—these hardships, Blair has dedicated herself to becoming a grief and resilience expert. She provides valuable insights into the concept of resilience, not as merely bouncing back, but as bouncing forward, continually striving for growth and healing.

Through candid conversations about the role of mental health, sobriety, and even alternative therapies like plant medicine, Blair opens up about her deepest struggles and the profound moments of clarity she's experienced along the way. Her story is a testament to the power of vulnerability and the impact of sharing, helping listeners understand that while the journey through grief is deeply personal, it is also a universal human experience.

Prepare to be moved and inspired by Blair's story, as we explore the complexities of grief, resilience, and the enduring human spirit. Join us in this episode of The Day After, and let's navigate the path of rebuilding after loss, together.

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