In this raw and profoundly moving episode of The Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler sits down with Jen, a bereaved sibling who lost her brother Teddy to suicide in 2017. Jen and Teddy shared an incredibly close bond, growing up as part of a large Sicilian family just outside of Boston. But their story begins even earlier—Teddy was a micro-preemie twin who survived against all odds, unknowingly carrying deep grief for his twin, Joseph, who died shortly after birth.

Jen opens up about the fierce sibling connection they shared, their upbringing in a culture that didn’t talk about emotions, and the invisible scars Teddy carried after a childhood marked by severe bullying, trauma, and being misunderstood. Despite his vibrant, goofy, and deeply caring personality, Teddy struggled silently with mental health throughout his life.

This episode explores the reality of surviving sibling suicide, the hidden pain many carry, and the complex journey of grief, guilt, and healing. Jen shares how she only began to process her loss years later during the pandemic and how therapy has helped her reframe her survivor’s guilt and begin to find peace. She also reflects on the final moments, the call that changed everything, and the weight of not getting to say goodbye.

If you’ve ever felt the heartbreak of suicide loss, struggled with survivor’s guilt, or longed for healing in a family that doesn’t talk about grief—Jen’s story will show you that you are not alone, and your voice matters.

In This Episode:

(00:01:09) – Growing Up Sicilian Jen describes her “free-range childhood” and the powerful, chaotic closeness of growing up in a big Sicilian family, where cousins felt like siblings.

(00:02:31) – Teddy’s Early Arrival & Twin Loss Teddy was born four months premature in 1975. His twin, Joseph, passed away shortly after birth—a fact Jen discovered years later on her own.

(00:06:00) – Protector & Big Sister From defending Teddy against bullies to enduring the silence of their home life, Jen shares what it meant to be the older sister in a family that didn’t talk about pain.

(00:12:00) – School, Stereotypes & Sibling Comparisons Jen reflects on how academic pressure, comparison, and cultural expectations shaped both her and Teddy in very different ways.

(00:15:22) – Therapy & Rewriting the Narrative A family photo once filled with shame becomes a moment of healing thanks to therapy—Jen discusses the power of reframing grief and guilt.

(00:19:00) – Discovering Teddy’s Twinhood Jen recalls the moment she discovered Teddy was a surviving twin and the emotional weight of finding a note he once wrote to God, asking if his brother was safe in heaven.

(00:22:00) – 2017: The Year Everything Changed After losing his beloved grandmother and a close friend, Teddy's grief deepened. Jen shares how she never saw the signs of his declining mental health.

(00:26:00) – A Life of Trauma and Suppression From childhood bullying to a near-institutionalization as a teen, Jen uncovers the deep traumas Teddy endured—and how their family culture of silence kept him from healing.

(00:30:00) – Teddy’s First Suicide Attempt In 2003, Teddy survived a suicide attempt on Boston’s Tobin Bridge. Jen recounts the hospital call that changed everything—and how the stigma around mental health silenced the conversation for years.

(00:32:00) – Saying Goodbye Was Not Easy Jen discusses the complicated decisions her family made after Teddy’s death, the tension surrounding his service, and the 400 people who came to say goodbye.

(00:35:00) – The Call That Changed Everything Jen shares the moment she learned of Teddy’s death—and how her family’s avoidance of grief left her in prolonged shock for nearly three years.

(00:42:00) – Grief Bubble & Delayed Healing Without the space to grieve immediately, Jen’s own grief journey was stunted. She talks about what it means to be “strong for the family” and the emotional cost of silence.

(00:44:00) – The Pandemic Awakening It wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that Jen was forced to sit with her thoughts—and finally begin to unpack her trauma and start to heal.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings. 

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, help is available. Please reach out to a mental health professional or call your local crisis line. You are never alone.

Connect with Jen: 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jen.hoye

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen.and.pen/

• Website: https://www.jenniferhoye.com/miles

Connect with Maya:

• Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/

• Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

• Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod

• Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com

• Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

In this heartfelt episode of the Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Cryssy, a bereaved sibling who lost her younger sister, Danielle, to acute myeloid leukemia in 2012. As the oldest sibling, Cryssy took on the role of protector, caregiver, and advocate—navigating the heartbreak of watching her sister battle a devastating illness.

Cryssy shares her deeply personal journey of anticipatory grief, the pain of losing Danielle at just 21 years old, and the complex emotions of grieving while trying to stay strong for her family. She opens up about the regret of not getting to say goodbye the way she wanted, the physical toll grief took on her body, and the creative, meaningful ways she keeps Danielle’s memory alive every day.

This episode is a powerful conversation about sibling loss, anticipatory grief, and finding purpose after tragedy. Cryssy also shares how honoring her sister through traditions, a beloved stuffed animal, and small daily acts has helped her heal—and how grief can manifest physically in ways we might never expect.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of grieving a sibling while being the “strong one” for others, Cryssy’s story will remind you that love endures, even through the pain.

(00:01:00) – Danielle: A Birthday Gift Sister Cryssy shares how Danielle was born just two days before her own birthday, how they celebrated together, and how their sibling bond was filled with love, chaos, and laughter.

(00:04:00) – Big Sister, Protector, Mama Bear Growing up as the oldest, Cryssy stepped into a protective role, helping raise Danielle and their brother, shielding them, and taking on family responsibilities from a young age.

(00:05:00) – The Call That Changed Everything Cryssy recounts the moment she learned Danielle was being rushed to the hospital after a bloody nose turned into a leukemia diagnosis—and how she instantly began grieving.

(00:08:00) – Facing Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cryssy explains Danielle’s diagnosis, the aggressive treatment process, and how she tried to stay hopeful on the outside while preparing herself internally for the worst.

(00:11:00) – Holidays in the Hospital Danielle asked Cryssy to decorate her hospital room for Halloween and Christmas—keeping their family traditions alive despite spending their favorite holidays in a hospital room.

(00:14:00) – The Final Christmas Together Cryssy reflects on their last Christmas, staying up all night talking, exchanging meaningful gifts, and creating treasured memories in what would be Danielle’s final holiday.

(00:19:00) – Saying Goodbye Without Words Cryssy shares the experience of Danielle’s “surge” before passing, the bittersweet final days, and the deep regret of not being able to say goodbye the way she had hoped.

(00:24:00) – Preparing Danielle’s Goodbye Honoring her sister’s love of style, Cryssy lovingly prepared Danielle for her viewing—painting her nails, doing her hair, dressing her in jewelry, and ensuring she looked radiant.

(00:31:00) – A Dream Visit From Danielle Months after Danielle’s passing, Cryssy had a vivid dream of Danielle smiling and telling her, “It’s okay to be okay”—a powerful, healing moment that brought her comfort.

(00:37:00) – Grief’s Physical Impact Cryssy opens up about how her grief manifested in physical illness, leading to hospitalization, sepsis, and a near-death experience that she believes Danielle helped her survive.

(00:48:00) – Finding Purpose in Grief Cryssy reflects on how grief has shaped her purpose, giving her strength to help others and reminding her that grief is love in a different form.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings 

Connect with Cryssy: 

• Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cryssycryssycryssy

• Email: [email protected]

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Nimbeedonut

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CryssyPerry/

Connect with Maya:

• Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/

• Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

• Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod

• Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com

• Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

Maya is joined by Stephanie Murphy, who bravely shares the heartbreaking story of losing her younger brother, Quinton, to a tragic car accident in 2001 when he was just 18 years old.

Stephanie opens up about their sibling bond, the fight that led to their last conversation, and the devastating night she learned her brother was gone. She shares how grief collided with unexpected motherhood, her battle with anxiety and alcohol, and how she found strength to heal—leading to nine years of sobriety and honoring Quinton's memory every step of the way.

In This Episode:

(00:01:00) – Sibling Dynamics: From Rivalry to Best Friends Stephanie reflects on growing up as the oldest sibling, her playful (and sometimes bossy) relationship with Quinton, and how their bond deepened during their high school years.

(00:04:00) – An Ambitious Young Man with Big Dreams She shares how Quinton's drive and charisma made him stand out—working multiple jobs, managing at Chick-fil-A, buying his dream car, and planning for a future in business.

(00:07:00) – The Fight That Changed Everything Stephanie recounts the emotional last conversation she had with Quinton after a disagreement over her relationship—and how that moment became their final goodbye.

(00:11:00) – Missing His Graduation & Growing Distance Stephanie talks about missing Quinton's graduation due to work, the lingering family tensions, and sending a heartfelt letter in hopes of reconciling.

(00:15:00) – “I Just Want to Cry…” The Night Before She describes the overwhelming emotions and strange premonition she felt the night before Quinton's accident—a deep knowing that something was wrong.

(00:18:00) – The Knock at 4 AM: News No One Ever Wants Stephanie relives the devastating moment her mother arrived at her door to tell her that Quinton had died in a car accident—and how her world shattered in an instant.

(00:23:00) – Finding the Unopened Letter While grieving at her parents’ house, Stephanie finds the card and letter she had sent Quinton—still sealed. She opens it at his funeral, turning it into a final tribute.

(00:26:00) – What Happened That Night: The Truth About the Accident Stephanie shares what Quinton’s friend—who survived the crash—revealed about the events leading up to the accident, including alcohol, missed exits, and heartbreaking what-ifs.

(00:33:00) – Grieving While Pregnant & The Anxiety That Followed Stephanie opens up about navigating grief while expecting her first child, the overwhelming anxiety that took hold, and how she struggled to find normalcy after loss.

(00:38:00) – Turning to Alcohol: Numbing the Pain She discusses how grief and family history led her down a path of alcohol dependence—and how it became a coping mechanism for years.

(00:40:00) – The Day Everything Changed: Choosing Sobriety On the anniversary of Quinton’s death in 2015, Stephanie made a life-altering decision. She shares what led to her nine years (and counting) of sobriety.

(00:49:00) – Learning to Live Without Fear Stephanie reflects on how grief made her fear every phone call, every tragedy, and how she’s worked to regain peace—especially as a mother.

(00:57:00) – Signs, Dreams & Spiritual Connection From vivid dreams to her son being born on Quentin’s birthday, Stephanie shares the powerful ways her brother continues to show up in her life.

(01:03:00) – Acceptance, Growth & Honoring Quentin Stephanie discusses how she’s learned to live with grief, why healing doesn’t mean forgetting, and how she continues to make her brother proud.

(01:08:00) – Advice for Surviving Siblings Stephanie offers heartfelt wisdom for those navigating sibling loss—reminding us that while grief never fully leaves, we can choose growth, joy, and purpose.

This episode was sponsored by The Surviving Siblings. 

Connect with Stephanie: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemichellemurphy 

Connect with Maya:

• Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/

• Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

• Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod

• Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com

• Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

Maya is joined by Dr. Parul Dua Makkar—dentist, grief coach, speaker, and author—who shares the heartbreaking journey of losing her only sibling, Manu, to oral cancer at just 34 years old. 

Parul opens up about the moment she knew something wasn’t right, the delays in diagnosis, what it was like navigating end-of-life care during the height of COVID-19, and how her grief transformed into a powerful mission. She also shares the legacy Manu left behind—his book Life Interrupted, a powerful collection of essays he wrote during his final months, which Parul helped complete and publish after his passing.

In This Episode:

(00:01:00) – Sibling Bond, Eight Years Apart Parul shares what it was like being a big sister to Manu—changing his diapers, watching him grow up, and how their love for dentistry helped them stay connected despite distance.

(00:04:00) – Global Nomads & Deep Connections Raised across continents, Parul and Manu lived in different countries for most of their lives, but their bond stayed strong through regular visits, daily calls, and shared professional passions.

(00:08:00) – “This Might Be Cancer…” Parul recalls the moment she saw the lesion in her brother’s mouth.

(00:10:00) – The First Surgery & Fighting Back Manu underwent an eight-hour surgery to remove half his tongue, and despite it all, came back stronger—treating patients, traveling, buying a dog (named Maya), and embracing life with a new sense of urgency.

(00:14:00) – COVID, Cancer & Compassion Release When the cancer returned in 2020, Parul had to fight to cross the U.S.-Canada border during COVID lockdowns. She shares the emotional story of writing her father a letter, asking for permission to say goodbye.

(00:20:00) – “You Can Let Go…” On a video call, Parul tells her brother it’s okay to stop fighting. He passes away just hours later. She arrives in Canada to plan his funeral—grieving, and still under COVID restrictions.

(00:24:00) – Loss Upon Loss Parul shares how, just three years later, she lost her father unexpectedly to cardiac arrest—just after Thanksgiving. She reflects on how it felt like her dad died of a broken heart.

(00:30:00) – Oral Cancer Awareness & Early Detection As a dentist, Parul explains why oral cancer is often caught too late, how misdiagnosis happens, and what signs everyone should look for. She encourages early biopsies and routine checkups.

(00:34:00) – Turning Grief into Purpose After Manu’s passing, Parul completed and published his book, Life Interrupted, which he had begun writing during treatment. She shares how publishing his words brought her healing and closure.

This episode was sponsored by Duagoodjob. 

Connect with Parul:  

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PDMFamilyDental

• Website: http://duagoodjob.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-parul-dua-makkar-bsc-dds-facd-375324145/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duagoodjob

• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv46meC0Q0pwqTg8YD43-TA

Connect with Maya:

• Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/

• Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

• Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod

• Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com

• Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

In this deeply emotional episode of The Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Kayla, a bereaved sibling who lost her baby sister, Ashley, in a tragic and unexpected medical event in 2006. At just eleven years old, Kayla’s world changed forever when her one-and-a-half-year-old sister suddenly stopped breathing—an event that would later be revealed as a preventable tragedy.

Kayla opens up about the deep bond she shared with Ashley, the impact of her sister’s passing on their entire family, and how grief shaped her childhood, teenage years, and adulthood. She shares the devastating realization that Ashley’s death was caused by a misdiagnosed medical condition and how the hospital’s oversight led to a prolonged struggle for answers and justice.

This episode explores the complexities of grieving at a young age, how Kayla’s family navigated immense loss, and the lifelong journey of healing. Kayla also discusses the anxiety and trauma that followed, the lasting effects of sibling loss, and how she has found strength in sharing her story for the first time.

If you’ve ever experienced loss at a young age or struggled to process grief over the years, Kayla’s story will remind you that healing is possible, and you are not alone.

In This Episode:

(00:01:09) – The Role of a Big Sister Kayla reflects on growing up as the oldest sibling and the deep love she had for her younger sisters, Mia and Ashley.

(00:02:41) – When Ashley Got Sick Kayla recalls the months leading up to Ashley’s passing, the concerning symptoms, and the repeated hospital visits where doctors misdiagnosed her condition.

(00:06:20) – The Day That Changed Everything Kayla describes the morning she learned about Ashley’s passing and the shock of hearing the news from her father and stepmother.

(00:12:00) – Attending School the Next Day Despite the tragedy, Kayla insisted on going to school, determined to maintain her perfect attendance and a sense of normalcy in the chaos of grief.

(00:15:22) – Ashley’s Funeral Kayla shares the surreal experience of attending her sister’s funeral, seeing Ashley one last time, and the heartbreaking traditions her family developed to honor her memory.

(00:18:00) – The Truth Behind Ashley’s Passing Weeks later, the autopsy revealed that Ashley had been choking on a peanut for months—something doctors had missed in her chest x-ray. 

(00:22:30) – The Aftermath: Lawsuits & Family Divides Kayla details how the misdiagnosis led to legal action against the hospital, the ripple effects it had on her family, and how relationships were fractured as blame and guilt took over.

(00:35:00) – The Long-Term Impact of Grief Kayla discusses how losing Ashley at such a young age led to severe anxiety, control issues, and the fear of losing loved ones, as well as how therapy and medication have helped her manage these struggles.

(00:47:00) – Healing & Moving Forward Years later, Kayla’s family has slowly started to mend. She shares how her father overcame addiction, her stepmother found ways to honor Ashley, and how she has learned to navigate life after loss.

(00:56:00) – Advice for Young Bereaved Siblings Kayla reflects on what she would tell her younger self and encourages others to allow themselves to grieve, seek support, and embrace the healing process.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings 

Connect with Kayla: 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kayla.updike?mibextid=ZbWKwL

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylaupdike?igsh=MTBuNHdtcjNvMzhlMw==

Connect with Maya:

• Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/

• Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

• Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod

• Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com

• Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

In this heartfelt episode of the Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Elliet, a bereaved sibling who lost their younger brother, Dylan, in a tragic four-wheeling accident in 2003. At just eight years old, Elliet’s world was turned upside down when their best friend and only sibling was suddenly gone.

Elliet shares their deeply personal journey of navigating grief as a child, how their parents' loss impacted the entire family dynamic, and the emotional weight of growing up as a surviving sibling. They open up about the lasting effects of guilt, the struggle of answering the dreaded "Do you have any siblings?" question, and how they’ve finally found peace and healing—20+ years later.

This episode is a powerful conversation about sibling loss, the lifelong journey of grief, and the importance of self-discovery, therapy, and community support. Elliet also shares their experience of coming out as transgender and how it intersected with their grief journey, adding another layer of resilience to their incredible story.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to carry the weight of grief alone, Elliet’s story will remind you that you’re not alone. 

(00:01:09) – Dylan: A Best Friend & Sidekick Elliet reflects on their childhood, growing up extremely close with Dylan, and the unique bond they shared as only siblings.

(00:02:31) – The Day That Changed Everything Elliet recounts the last time they saw Dylan before the tragic accident and the gut feeling they couldn’t shake.

(00:12:30) – The Moment of Realization Elliet describes the instant their world shattered and how they found out their brother was gone.

(00:16:10) – Grieving as a Child Navigating grief at eight years old, dealing with unanswered questions, and feeling the weight of loss in an unexplainable way.

(00:32:00) – Becoming the "Perfect" Child Elliet shares how they tried to make life easier for their parents, suppressing their own grief to avoid adding to their pain.

(00:42:39) – Finding Therapy & Self-Discovery After years of struggling, Elliet opens up about how therapy, personal growth, and embracing their identity have led them toward healing.

(00:50:54) – The 20-Year Milestone & Coming Out Elliet shares how the 20-year anniversary of Dylan’s passing coincided with their decision to come out as transgender, and how it deeply affected their relationship with family.

(01:01:06) – The Truth About Grief Why grief never disappears—but instead, we grow around it.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings 

Connect with Elliet: 

• Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlemouseling18

Connect with Maya:

• Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/

• Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

• Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod

• Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com

• Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

In this deeply emotional episode of the Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Jessica Kueck, a bereaved sibling who courageously shares the heartbreaking story of losing her younger brother, Aaron, at just three years old in a tragic drowning accident. Jessica was only 11 when her world was turned upside down, and she reflects on how this loss shaped her childhood, mental health, and journey into adulthood.

Jessica opens up about the intense grief her family endured, particularly the profound impact it had on her mother and father. She shares how growing up in a home marked by sorrow and trauma affected her perspective on life, anxiety, and relationships. Now a mother herself, Jessica talks about how she navigates parenting while consciously working to break the cycle of generational trauma and honor Aaron’s memory in a way that fosters healing and growth.

(0:01:18) - Growing Up as the Oldest Sibling Jessica describes her family dynamic, being the oldest of three siblings, and the deep love and admiration her family had for Aaron, their miracle baby.

(0:02:13) - A Tragic Day in Arizona Jessica recalls the road trip with her mother, siblings, and family friends that led to the devastating moment when Aaron drowned at their condo’s community pool.

(0:06:22) - The Immediate Aftermath Jessica shares the harrowing moments of calling her father, witnessing the chaos at the pool, and the tragic realization at the hospital that Aaron was gone.

(0:15:38) - The Funeral and Shiva Jessica reflects on the Jewish traditions of mourning, including Shiva, and how the week of support gave temporary solace to her grieving mother.

(0:21:50) - Anxiety and Hypervigilance After Loss Jessica discusses how losing Aaron as a child shaped her anxiety, causing her to catastrophize everyday situations and always anticipate the worst.

(0:40:12) - Motherhood and Breaking the Cycle Jessica shares how becoming a mother forced her to confront her childhood trauma, and how she actively works to ensure her daughter doesn’t inherit the same fears and anxieties.

(0:46:21) - Finding Healing and Hope Jessica talks about her journey with therapy, medication, and mindfulness practices that have helped her manage her anxiety and live a more present and peaceful life.

(1:02:00) - Advice for Those Who Lost a Sibling Young Jessica offers heartfelt advice for siblings who lost their brother or sister as children, discussing how to navigate grief, honor their sibling, and create a life that fosters healing.

This episode is a poignant reminder that grief is a lifelong journey, but healing and transformation are possible. Jessica’s story is one of strength, awareness, and breaking cycles to build a healthier future for herself and her family.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings. 

Connect with Jessica: 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.kueck86/

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakueck/

• Email: [email protected]

Connect with Maya:

• Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/

• Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

• Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod

• Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com

• Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

In this deeply moving episode of the Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Michelle Tobin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, therapist, and author, who shares her emotional journey of losing her brother Patrick in a devastating plane crash. Michelle reflects on the lasting impact of this loss, how it shaped her career in mental health, and the unexpected ways grief has woven itself into her life’s work. She opens up about trauma, healing, and the importance of finding outlets for grief, including writing, physical movement, and faith.

Michelle’s story is one of resilience, personal transformation, and hope as she discusses how she carried her brother’s memory with her for 50 years, culminating in the release of her novel, Home for the Bewildered. This powerful episode offers insight and comfort for anyone navigating sibling loss and seeking ways to move forward while keeping their loved ones close.

(0:01:18) - Growing Up in a Large Family Michelle paints a picture of her family dynamics, growing up as one of twelve children, and the deep admiration she had for her older brother Patrick.

(0:04:36) - The Night of the Tragedy Michelle recounts the eerie feeling she and her sister had the night before Thanksgiving, followed by the heartbreaking moment they learned of Patrick’s passing.

(0:06:28) - Processing Grief as a Teenager Michelle reflects on the immediate aftermath of Patrick’s passing, the difficulties of not having closure due to a closed casket, and how grief was handled in her family during the 1970s.

(0:14:53) - The Five-Year Mark and a Divine Intervention Michelle shares the moment she experienced a divine intervention, a turning point in her healing journey, and how she found solace through swimming and faith.

(0:21:12) - The Importance of Physical Outlets for Grief Maya and Michelle discuss how physical activity, whether it be swimming, running, or walking, can serve as a powerful release for trauma and emotional pain.

(0:27:17) - Giving Yourself Grace in the Grieving Process Michelle emphasizes the importance of allowing yourself to grieve in your own way, shutting out societal pressures, and leaning into people who offer true support.

(0:46:21) - Writing Home for the Bewildered 50 Years Later Michelle discusses how her novel was inspired by her brother’s death and the themes of grief, trauma, and healing embedded in her writing. She also explains the significance of setting the novel in 1974, the year Patrick passed away.

(0:50:56) - Where to Find Michelle’s Book Michelle shares how listeners can purchase Home for the Bewildered directly from Vine Leaves Press and connect with her through her website and social media.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of loss, resilience, and finding light after tragedy. Michelle’s story is a testament to the power of healing, self-discovery, and embracing hope, no matter how many years have passed.

This episode is sponsored by Home for the Bewildered written by Michelle Tobin. 

Connect with Michelle: 

• Website: https://www.michelle-tobin.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle57writes

• Tik Tok: @michelletobin7

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088688944743

• Purchase Her Book Here: https://vineleavespress.myshopify.com/products/home-for-the-bewildered

Connect with Maya:

• Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/

• Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

• Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod

• Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com

• Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

Claire Thompson’s journey is one of resilience, loss, and healing after the devastating loss of her brother Rob. From their tight-knit sibling bond growing up in Scotland to the tragedy that would redefine Claire’s life, this episode explores the profound grief and transformation that comes with sibling loss.

Rob, a charismatic and creative soul with a love for video editing, music, and fine whiskey, was tragically taken in 2014 due to an unprovoked assault in Glasgow, Scotland. Claire shares the heart-wrenching details of that day, the waiting period that followed, and the challenging processes that came after. She delves into the immense toll of those three days in the hospital, leading to the painful decision to say goodbye to Rob.

Claire’s story is not only about loss but also about survival and finding purpose. A psychologist in training, Claire discusses how Rob’s death shaped her life and led her to focus her career on sibling loss and bereavement. Through sled dog racing in Alaska, connecting with nature, and deep empathy, Claire found ways to heal and honor her brother’s legacy. Now completing her doctorate, she is conducting a groundbreaking study on young adult sibling loss to advocate for greater awareness and support for surviving siblings.

In this episode:

• (00:00:55) – Introduction to Claire’s Background and Family Dynamics

• (00:10:09) – The Day of Rob’s Assault and the Aftermath

• (00:18:34) – Navigating Hospital Decisions and Legal Processes

• (00:27:00) – Finding Strength Through Nature and Connection

• (00:36:42) – The Healing Power of Empathy and Advocacy

• (00:46:39) – Claire’s Current Work and Doctoral Research on Sibling Loss

Claire’s story is a powerful testament to the enduring bonds of sibling love and the transformative power of channeling grief into purpose.

Connect with Claire:

• Email: [email protected] 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claire.thomson.7758 

This Episode is Sponsored by The Surviving Siblings. 

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/ Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod Website: https://www.thesurvivingsiblings.com/ Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings PodcastYouTube: The Surviving Siblings PodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

In this emotional episode of the Surviving Siblings podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Heather, who shares the devastating story of losing her brother Casey to gun violence. Heather takes listeners on a journey through their close sibling bond, the tragic circumstances of Casey's death, and the lifelong impact of his loss. She opens up about navigating grief, seeking answers, and finding healing over the 30 years since Casey’s passing.

Heather’s story is one of heartbreak, resilience, and hope, as she reflects on her journey to honor Casey’s memory and find strength amid unanswered questions.

In This Episode:

• (0:00:10) - Introducing Heather and Casey's Story Maya introduces Heather, who shares her journey as a surviving sibling and tells the story of her brother Casey, whom she lost to gun violence at 18 years old.

• (0:01:33) - Heather’s Family Dynamics Heather reflects on her family growing up, her father’s military background, and her close sibling bond with Casey, the middle child in their family of three siblings.

• (0:02:54) - Casey’s Protective Nature Heather recalls her relationship with Casey, his protective personality, and the deep connection they shared as siblings.

• (0:06:18) - Casey’s Teen Years and Struggles Heather shares how family challenges, including her father’s alcoholism, influenced Casey’s teenage years, leading him to the wrong crowd and struggles with substance use.

• (0:12:14) - The Night of the Tragedy Heather recounts the heartbreaking night Casey was shot and how he was brought home alive by his friends, leading to a chaotic and tragic turn of events.

• (0:18:37) - The Aftermath at the Hospital Heather describes the shocking moments in the hospital, Casey’s brief responsiveness, and the devastating decision to donate his organs.

• (1:03:00) - Heather’s Transformational Dream Heather describes a vivid dream of Casey shortly after his death, which brought her comfort and a sense of peace, affirming his continued presence in her life.

This episode is a testament to the strength it takes to survive the loss of a sibling, especially under tragic circumstances. Heather’s story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, offering hope and solidarity to those on a similar journey.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings

Connect with Heather: 

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heatherleigh1977

Connect with Maya:

• Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/

• Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

• Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod

• Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com

• Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast