In Chapter 11, Story engages in a discussion with our guest, Eileen, as she recounts her intricate journey through grief, following the loss of her husband, Daniel Joseph Levine. Eileen articulates the emotional turmoil and existential challenges she faced during his battle with depression, which ultimately culminated in his tragic passing. Throughout our conversation, we explore the complex interplay between mourning and the pursuit of healing, emphasizing that while grief can be an all-consuming force, it may also serve as a catalyst for personal growth and connection with others. Eileen's reflections poignantly illustrate the paradox of finding solace in shared memories while grappling with the permanence of loss. As we navigate the delicate terrain of grief, we aspire to offer listeners insights that may illuminate their own paths through sorrow and towards resilience.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos

The segment titled 'Grief Deck Pulls' introduces an engaging exploration of grief through the lens of card readings. Within this thought-provoking discourse, Story, the host, alongside co-host Erika and special guest Jo, delves into the intricate layers of grief while employing two unique oracle decks. Each card pulled serves as a catalyst for deeper reflection, encouraging the participants to share personal anecdotes and insights related to the themes presented. The conversation flows organically, revealing the multifaceted nature of grief and the importance of community support during such challenging times. As they navigate the readings, the trio emphasizes the notion that healing is not a linear process but rather a spiral journey that involves revisiting past wounds with compassion and understanding. The segment ultimately underscores the necessity of dialogue surrounding grief, advocating for openness and vulnerability as essential components of the healing journey.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos

The central theme of this bonus chapter revolves around the strategies to honor our departed loved ones with more love than pain. In a heartfelt dialogue, Story, Erika and Storys mother Jo, delve into the significance of keeping the memories of our loved ones alive through the act of remembrance. We discuss the notion that a person experiences two deaths: the physical departure and the final time their name is spoken. This concept serves as a poignant reminder that, by sharing stories and memories, we can transform our grief into a celebration of life. Through our candid conversations, we aim to foster a more compassionate understanding of grief, encouraging listeners to embrace love and remembrance as integral components of the healing journey.

The primary focus of this segment revolves around the practice of "grief deck pulls," wherein we, Story and Erika, engage in a reflective exploration of cards that symbolize various aspects of grief, healing, and grace. Through this practice, we aim to facilitate a profound conversation that delves into the intricate emotions associated with loss and the pathways toward healing. The spontaneity inherent in pulling cards serves as a catalyst for dialogue, allowing us to navigate our individual experiences and insights related to grief. We invite listeners to join us in this journey, fostering an atmosphere of openness and introspection. Ultimately, this segment is not merely about the cards themselves, but rather the deeper meanings they invoke and the conversations they inspire.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos

Chapter 9 delves into the intricate and multifaceted experience of navigating the initial milestones of grief, particularly during significant temporal markers such as holidays and anniversaries. Story and Erika, articulate their personal encounters with these moments, revealing the emotional complexities that accompany the first holiday and other notable dates following the loss of a loved one. They share candid reflections on how the 'firsts' are both reminders of absence and opportunities for introspection, demonstrating how grief can manifest in varying forms as the calendar turns.

As the chapter progresses, the hosts explore the concept of 'firsts' in grief with a nuanced lens, emphasizing that each individual's experience is distinct and laden with personal significance. They reflect on the anticipatory anxiety that precedes these dates and how, for many, the days leading up to an anniversary or holiday can evoke more profound emotions than the days themselves. This exploration serves as a reminder that grief is not linear; rather, it is a complex journey that evolves over time, with each 'first' presenting both challenges and opportunities for remembrance and healing. The chapter concludes with an invitation for listeners to share their own experiences, fostering a sense of community and connection among those navigating similar paths.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos

We are excited to introduce one of the five segments on our podcast, "Grief in the Wild". In grief we often experience unexpected manifestations of grief in public spaces. Luis shares the harrowing experience of mourning his best friend, Paul, who died in December 2021.

Throughout the conversation, Luis recounts a particularly striking incident that exemplifies the unpredictability of grief, wherein he found himself overtaken by emotion in a seemingly mundane circumstance—a parking lot visit to a fast-food restaurant. This moment serves as a powerful illustration of how grief can manifest unexpectedly, disrupting the normalcy of life's routines and plunging individuals into a whirlwind of emotion. The discussion unfolds to explore the societal implications of public grief, addressing the often unspoken expectation to remain composed in the face of sorrow.

Through this lens, Story and Erika facilitate a deeper understanding of the internal struggles faced by those in mourning, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and validating such experiences. As we embark on this new segment, we invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences with grief as we navigate the intricate landscape of loss together.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos

Luis Romero’s grief journey is marked by the interplay between loss, memory, and the struggle for redemption. In this engaging dialogue with hosts Story and Erika, Luis reflects on the transformative effect of his father's death when he was only ten years old. He articulates the duality of his father's legacy—a man who battled personal demons yet emerged as a source of love and guidance. This complex relationship serves as the foundation for Luis's subsequent journey through grief, which spiraled into addiction. After getting clean Luis recounts the painful moments of losing his best friend Phil to an overdose, Luis talks about the cyclical nature of grief and addiction, revealing how these experiences have intertwined to shape his present. The discussion evolves to address the societal stigma surrounding addiction and the importance of creating spaces for open conversations about grief. By sharing his experiences, Luis not only honors the memory of his loved ones but also strives to foster a greater understanding of the impact of loss on mental health and community support.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Fuckfentanyl

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos

In this segment of "Questionable Grief Decisions" we explore the intricate and often tumultuous relationship between grief and decision-making. Jo Story, our guest and host’s mother, divulges her deeply personal experience of choosing to start wedding planning merely two days following the death of her brother. This decision, made amidst the fog of profound grief, epitomizes the complexities of human emotion and the often irrational choices we make in times of sorrow. Through candid reflection, Jo articulates the conflicting feelings that accompanied her choice, ultimately recognizing it as a manifestation of her grief and a misguided attempt to assert control over an uncertain future. This segment invites listeners to contemplate their own experiences with grief and the decisions made in its wake, while fostering an understanding of the shared struggles inherent in the grieving process.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos

The focus of this chapter is the profound exploration of grief as we engage in a heartfelt dialogue with Jo Story, the mother of our host, Story. Jo recounts the harrowing experience of losing her younger brother, Leroy, who succumbed to stage four colon cancer at the age of 42. This poignant conversation delves into the complexities of familial relationships, the burdens of guilt, and the emotional landscape that accompanies such a significant loss. Jo reflects on her evolving relationship with Leroy, from a nurturing sibling dynamic to the challenges posed by distance and life circumstances. Through this intimate exchange, we gain insight into the enduring impact of loss and the intricate pathways of healing that emerge in its wake.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos

The salient point of today's segment revolves around the profound concept of "moments of knowing," which we explore in depth. These moments are characterized by inexplicable experiences that connect us to the energies of those we have lost, often manifesting as sensations that transcend the physical realm. Story recounts a particularly significant experience during a trip to San Francisco, where she felt the presence of her late husband while scattering his ashes at a beach. This event was punctuated by a remarkable and synchronistic occurrence: as she released his ashes, the weather shifted dramatically, illuminating the spiritual essence of the moment. Erika and Story engage in a thoughtful discussion about the nature of these moments, emphasizing their importance in the context of grief and healing, and inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences of knowing.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos