A Place of Yes | A Grief Podcast

Join Heather and Brian in a personal Q&A session as they navigate the grief of losing their son, Jake, at just four years old. Follow us on Instagram for future participation opportunities! In this emotional dialogue, they share the raw emotions, challenges, and reflections of their journey through grief. Despite the pain, their resilience and love shine as they support each other through the...

In this episode, join Heather as she chats with Cait, the beloved nanny of the Straughter family. Cait quickly became integral to their lives and bonded with Jake. At just 21, Cait embarked on a journey of caring for Jake, sharing his joys and challenges. Tune in as we explore Jake's birthday festivities, Cait's deep commitment to his well-being, and her reflections on motherhood. FIND HEATHER &am...

Join host Heather Straughter on A Place of Yes Podcast as she interviews Mark Mulholland about his journey through loss. Mark shares the emotional story of losing his wife, Kelly, to cancer and raising their two children alone. He also opens up about his podcast, "The Upbeat," where he shares his loss experience and his fundraiser, "Kelly's Angels," in honor of his late wife. Tune in for a powerfu...

In this emotional episode, Tara, Sofia's mother, shares their journey. From Sofia's healthy birth to the virus that altered her life forever, Tara discusses the challenges of raising a child with special needs. Tragically, Sofia passed away at seven years old in 2019, leaving Tara to navigate life without her beloved daughter. Join us as Tara opens up about grief, resilience, and finding hope in t...

Charlie Wait, Jr. was born with a rare heart condition and had emergency surgery as a baby. He is now the president of Adirondack Trust Company, a bank that has been part of Saratoga Springs, NY’s history since 1901. In this episode of A Place of Yes, Wait opens up about his personal struggles with grief and how the bank works with their customers as they also experience grief – specifically by pr...

In this poignant episode, host Heather sits down with Tabitha to delve into the realities of raising a child with severe cerebral palsy. Through heartfelt conversation, they explore the profound challenges and triumphs of caring for a disabled child, shedding light on the importance of awareness and advocacy. Together, they candidly share the highs and lows of motherhood, navigating the unexpected...

In today's episode, Heather engages in a heartfelt conversation with Kristin, a mother who has been part of the Jake’s Help From Heaven community for years. Kristin shares her journey as the mother of Milana, a child facing challenges similar to those faced by Heather’s son, Jake. Together, they delve into the profound struggles of parenting a disabled child in a society often lacking in understan...

In today's episode, author Jillian Benfield, mother, and disability advocate, discusses her book The Gift of the Unexpected with host Heather. Jillian speaks about her son’s Down Syndrome diagnosis and how it shifted her life and allowed her to remove the masks she was wearing. She talks about how the unexpected made her a better, more open-minded person. Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:...

Today, Heather sits down with Crystal, the mother of Austin. Austin's story hits close to home, as their work with Jake's Help From Heaven was something that deeply touched the team. Reminiscing with Crystal on their unpredictble, yet fun journey of building Austin his very own wheelchair platform swing, brought laughter, tears, and joy. Tune in to learn more about Austin's life and passing, as He...

Today, Brian, Jake Straughter's dad and host Heather's husband, joins us. Brian and Heather walk down memory lane in part 2, recounting the life and death of their 4-year-old son, Jake. Jake has been the driving force behind both Brian's and Heather's life's work through Jake's Help From Heaven. This nonprofit was created in Jake's name to help families local to the capital region access support f...

Today, we are joined by Brian, Jake Straughter's dad, and host Heather's husband. Brian and Heather walk down memory lane in part 1, recounting the life and death of their 4-year-old son, Jake. Jake has been the driving force of both Brian and Heather's life's work through Jake's Help From Heaven, a nonprofit that was created in Jakes's name, to help families local to the capital region access sup...

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,...

Grief is a universal feeling that comes with the loss of a loved one, but it can also come from the loss of the life you thought you were going to live. In this episode of A Place of YES, Heather Straughter chats with Lizzy. Lizzy's daughter has special needs like Heather's son Jake did before he passed. Lizzy opens up about her daughter's rare diagnosis, her responses to therapists and other prof...

This is Heather’s first letter to Jake in 7 years. She first started writing to him shortly after he died. He was 4-years-old at the time, and his death was unexpected. Heather’s grief consumed her until she was able to channel it. And, in the manic weeks after his death she began a non-profit to help children and families like her’s. Heather’s A Place of Yes interviews and stories will begin rele...