A Place of Yes | A Grief Podcast

How do you continue living after unimaginable loss? In this episode of A Place of Yes, Mike opens up about losing his wife to mesothelioma and the long road to healing that followed. He shares how grief still shapes his life today and what it means to find strength amid sorrow. Join us for an honest conversation about loss, resilience, and moving forward. Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:...

What does it take to grow as a podcaster in the delicate space of grief and rare disease? In this reflective episode, Heather shares her personal journey from season 1 — the unexpected lessons, emotional breakthroughs, and how the powerful stories from guests have shaped her both behind the mic and beyond. Join her as she dives into the transformative impact of these raw conversations and what’s i...

What if the standard support systems for people with disabilities are just not enough? In this episode, we explore how AIM is challenging the status quo by offering innovative, personalized services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and traumatic brain injury. We also discover how AIM empowers those it serves by providing more opportunities, choices, and meaningful c...

What does it take to guide families through their most painful moments? In this episode of A Place of Yes, Brittany DeMarco-Furman, a fourth-generation funeral director, shares the emotional highs and lows of working with grief daily. She reveals how creating meaningful moments for families isn’t just part of the job—it’s a calling. Join us as Brittany uncovers the power of compassion, connection,...

What’s it like to raise a child with a rare disease? In this episode of A Place of Yes, Heather connects with Jeff Ames, whose daughter Tessa lives with Dravet syndrome. As rare disease parents, Heather and Jeff share the unique struggles and unexpected joys of raising a child in a world that feels so different from everyone else’s. They discuss the emotional toll, the constant challenges, and the...

What happens when unimaginable grief and trauma share the same emotional space? In this episode of A Place of Yes, Heather connects with Kara and Kim, hosts of Survivors Guide to True Crime. Though their experiences differ — Heather grieving the loss of her son and Kara and Kim surviving traumatic, life altering experiences — they find common ground in the overlap of their pain. They discuss the h...

What happens when life hits you with loss after loss, leaving you gasping for air? Just five weeks after losing her father to a rapid four-month battle with cancer, Steph Hogan sits down with Heather to share her story. On top of losing her father, Steph has endured the heartbreak of losing her beloved dogs, Ted and Sadie and struggling through the pain of IVF and pregnancy loss. Together, they di...

Imagine facing your mortality before you even graduate high school. Gabe Donovan knows this reality all too well. Born with NF1, a rare and complex genetic disorder that affects every part of his body, Gabe’s journey has been filled with unimaginable challenges , from painful tumors to feeling completely isolated. In this episode of A Place of Yes, host Heather sits down with Gabe and his mother,...

Subrina Dhammi, a TV Journalist with WNYT, News Channel 13 in Albany, NY shares the deeply personal story of her difficult childhood and her estranged relationship with her parents. In this episode of A Place of Yes, host Heather Straughter interviews Subrina Dhammi to explore the complexities of sharing stories of grief, loss, and tragedy on the news. Together, they discuss the weight of ambiguou...

In this heartwarming episode of the “A Place of YES” podcast, we delve into the extraordinary story of Esme, a resilient child with medical needs. Her mother, Hillary, shares Esme’s journey and how she has come to learn more about supporting Ezzy’s needs and ensuring that she has an empowering community behind her daughter. Despite facing numerous medical challenges and lacking a formal diagnosis,...

In this episode of  A Place of Yes , host Heather interviews Annie Sklaver Orenstein, a cultural researcher, writer, and storyteller whose work has touched lives around the globe. Annie shares the deeply personal story of losing her older brother, Ben, and sheds light on how sibling grief is often overlooked in society. As Heather reflects on her own family's journey after the loss of her son, Jak...

If you've ever wondered what it takes to assemble a powerful non-profit, especially after a loved one's death, this episode is for you. President and Founder of Jake's Help From Heaven, Heather Straughter sits down with four dedicated board members. They delve into the "why" behind their commitment to the cause, sharing personal stories of grief and loss that have shaped their journeys. Each story...

Join host Heather Straughter in this inspiring episode of A Place of Yes as she sits down with Allie Bange-Hall to discuss her journey with cancer. Allie opens up about her challenges and triumphs while living with the illness, sharing her story of resilience, strength, and hope. Whether you're personally affected by cancer or looking for inspiration, this heartfelt conversation is a testament to...

In this episode of A Place of Yes, Heather sits down with Francine Apy, an experienced adoption coach and adoptive mother of three. Francine shares her journey of normalizing adoption within her family and the importance of keeping open conversations about adoption, even when it involves addressing taboo topics. Dive into the concept of ambiguous grief and how it affects adoptive families. Join us...

Daniel DeFabio turned his personal tragedy into a mission to support others. After losing his son Lucas to Menkes syndrome at just 11 years old, Daniel dedicated himself to the rare disease community, now serving as the Director of Community Engagement for Global Genes. Learn about Lucas’s journey, from his premature birth to his brave fight with Menkes syndrome. Hear Daniel’s story of grief, resi...

"Dear God, I just want to live..." was the last journal entry made by 18-year-old Olivia Allen. The Saratoga Springs teen was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a rare form of cancer, and passed away within the same year - shocking her community. In this episode, her mother Mellisa Allen takes us into her mindset during that last year and those final days. We learn about her daughter's r...

In this episode, we sit down with Heather to discuss the devastating murder of Philip Rabadi in 2022. Philip's father, Shaw Rabadi, discovered his son's brutally tortured body, marking the beginning of an intense investigation that revealed a chilling tale of stalking and violence. Heather, a longtime family friend, shares her insights and the emotional toll this tragedy has taken on the Rabadi fa...

Jessica Fein is the author of Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes and host of the "I Don't Know How You Do It" podcast. She's a seasoned media contributor, with forums including Newsweek, Psychology Today, The Boston Globe, HuffPost, Scary Mommy and more. Heather and Jessica connect on child loss, friendship and when people say the wrong thing. Get the book: Breath Taking:...

Join us on A Place of Yes as we interview Kayla, mother of Jax, who was diagnosed with autism. Kayla shares their journey as special needs parents, detailing how they support and love Jax through his struggles. She also discusses a pivotal moment when a doctor administered the wrong dose of a vaccine to Jax, highlighting the importance of advocating for your child. Tune in for an inspiring story o...

Father and son, Shaun and Shamus Evans have inspired the nation with their running achievements. From a 3,200 mile run across America when Shamus was nine, to the prestigious Boston Marathon now that Shamus is 18. Shamus was born with Cerebral Palsy – a condition which limits his primary means of mobility to a wheelchair, but does not limit his ability to dream and inspire others.  Right before Th...

In this inspiring episode of "A Place of Yes," we interview Skip Carlson, the renowned Vice President of External Affairs at Saratoga Casino. With a career spanning several decades at the same organization, Skip shares his unique insights on the importance of community involvement and the impact of steadfast dedication to one’s profession. We delve into his experiences giving back to the community...

Join Heather & Perrier as they share their journeys as parents of children with disabilities, including Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome. In this heartfelt episode, they discuss societal struggles, balancing work and caregiving, and coping with grief. They highlight the importance of empathy, self-care, and strong support systems. Heather and Perrier also emphasize recognizing and celebrating the indi...

In this heartfelt episode of  A Place of Yes , Heather interviews Jennifer F. Hendricks-Fogg, who shares the inspiring story of her son Logan. Diagnosed with a brain tumor at just three months old, Logan beat the odds and survived but now faces ongoing medical struggles. Jennifer talks about the grief of letting go of her envisioned life and the resilience required to embrace a new reality. She an...

In this heartfelt episode of A Place of Yes, host Heather sits down with Jen and Mike, parents of Lizzie, a child who has faced numerous disabilities since birth, including a tracheostomy. They share their journey of navigating grief for the life they imagined alongside the unexpected joy and humorous moments that come with traveling with a disabled child. Jen and Mike also discuss the deep bond b...

In this week’s A Place of Yes episode, Heather sits down with Marcy, Andy's Mom, host of the Always Andy’s Mom Podcast. Together, they delve into the journey of grief as bereaved parents, discussing its stigma and cherishing cherished memories with their sons. Tune in to A Place of Yes for an insightful dialogue on honoring lost loved ones and harnessing grief to fuel meaningful discussions. Alway...