Content Warning: discussion of suicide.

Andy Weiss’ son died by suicide in 2012. He is a Jewish elder and activist working to prevent suicide and support suicide survivors.; he currently assists as a TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) mentor and care group facilitator. Andy discusses what he has learned from his grief as a suicide survivor as well as how to support suicide survivors. Andy also explores meaning, aging, and marginalization, while reminding us all that love is the answer.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, there are groups that can help, including the Trevor Project, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Association of Suicidology, Suicide Prevention Services America , and/or the 988 mental health line.

To read the letter by Ram Dass, referenced by Andy, see https://www.ramdass.org/a-letter-to-rachel/

For transcripts of this show, please email [email protected] with ‘Transcripts’ in the subject line.

*Please note that the opinions and experiences of those interviewed in this podcast are not necessarily the opinions and experiences of the interviewer. One of the intents of this podcast is to interview a variety of people with a variety of experiences and opinions.*

If you are interested in participating in a future podcast, which involves thoughtful, caring, and connecting conversations to encourage proximity and a sense of interconnection, please email [email protected] with ‘Participate’ in the subject line

To learn more about Ignite Well-being, in the suburbs of Chicago, and/or the host, Allison, please see their website, Patreon, or " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Substack page. Deepest bow to the paid supporters on Patreon, who make this work more financially sustainable.

Thank you to Pixabay and SergePavkinMusic for the song used in the podcast.