The Grief Podcast

Jenny Zilmer, writer for Kenzie’s Gift and a bereaved mum, speaks with child and adolescent psychotherapist Jo Doyle about grief in young tamariki, how children understand death as they grow, and how caregivers can support them through big feelings. They discuss talking honestly about death, answering difficult questions, managing regression, and the importance of routine, support and ongoing conversations about grief. 

💻 To learn more about Kenzie’s Gift and the support we provide to children and whānau experiencing serious illness or bereavement, visit https://www.kenziesgift.com/  

📒 To explore our range of support kits, designed to help children and their families navigate these difficult experiences, visit https://www.kenziesgift.com/support-kits  

This episode is part of The Grief Podcast, brought to you by Kenzie’s Gift.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nic, founder of Kenzie’s Gift, joins Bijoux to share the story behind Kenzie’s Gift, the charity and the experiences that shaped it. She reflects on her daughter Kenzie’s illness and death, supporting Kenzie’s brother Connor through saying goodbye, and the lessons that led to helping grieving children across New Zealand. Nic also speaks about living with Parkinson’s and a heart transplant, how grief evolves over time, and finding moments of joy while carrying death.

This episode is part of The Grief Podcast, brought to you by Kenzie’s Gift.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugh was just three years old when his dad died from a brain tumour. In this episode, Bijoux sits down with him to explore what Christmas has looked like since — from navigating the holidays while grieving, to growing up without traditional celebrations, to how his relationship with Christmas has changed over time.

This episode is part of The Grief Podcast, brought to you by Kenzie’s Gift.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luka was 12 when her younger brother Kosta died of brain cancer. In this episode, she shares what it was like growing up with grief, how creativity became her outlet, and how she continues to honour Kosta in her everyday life. 

This episode is part of The Grief Podcast, brought to you by Kenzie’s Gift and funded by SkyCity Auckland Community Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nina’s mum died suddenly when she was 21. In this episode, she opens up about navigating milestones without her, creating rituals to keep her close, and how gratitude has been a powerful tool in her grief. 

This episode is part of The Grief Podcast, brought to you by Kenzie’s Gift and funded by SkyCity Auckland Community Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy was 11 when her dad died, and for years, certain places and memories felt too painful to face. Now 20, she reflects on how those same memories have become a source of comfort, and how she’s learned to move forward while keeping him close.

This episode is part of The Grief Podcast, brought to you by Kenzie’s Gift and funded by SkyCity Auckland Community Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guy was just seven when his mum died, and at 26, his girlfriend Wednesday died in a tragic accident. In this episode, he shares how introspection, therapy, and time in nature have helped him navigate grief.

This episode is part of The Grief Podcast, brought to you by Kenzie’s Gift and funded by SkyCity Auckland Community Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bijoux was 19 when her dad died suddenly. As a musician, she’s found powerful ways to honour his memory and reflect on the love he left behind. In this episode, she shares how grief has shaped her, the role of music in healing, and the unexpected ways love continues.

This episode is part of The Grief Podcast, brought to you by Kenzie’s Gift and funded by SkyCity Auckland Community Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Conor was just five when his little sister Kenzie died. Now 24, he reflects on how his understanding of grief has evolved, the ways Kenzie shaped him, and how he's learned to live with grief, one step at a time.

This episode is part of The Grief Podcast, brought to you by Kenzie’s Gift and funded by SkyCity Auckland Community Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.