The Upside to Grief

In this segment of Grief in the Wild, we engage in a conversation with our guest, Melissa, as she recounts her deeply personal experiences of grief following the loss of her son, Kulten. She talks about the unexpected and overwhelming moments of sorrow that can arise in everyday settings, such as a grocery store or during family gatherings. Melissa articulates the complexities of navigating public...

In this chapter, we engage in a profound dialogue with Melissa, who shares her deeply personal journey surrounding the loss of her son, Kulten. The salient point of our conversation revolves around the transformative power of grief and how it can be channeled into acts of kindness and community support. Melissa recounts her journey through acute sorrow while also highlighting the initiatives she h...

The segment titled "Questionable Grief Decisions" invites listeners to explore the complexities and often convoluted choices individuals make while navigating the tumultuous waters of grief. In a candid dialogue, the host Story and returning guest Nick from SD Sober Living delve into the realm of grief-driven choices that, upon reflection, may be deemed questionable. Nick shares his poignant journ...

In this chapter of *The Upside to Grief*, we are privileged to engage in a profound dialogue with Nick, the owner of SD Sober Living, as he candidly shares his intimate journey of grief following the passing of his beloved partner, Janae. Nick eloquently articulates the harrowing realities of losing someone so integral to one’s existence, revealing the intricate tapestry of emotions that encompass...

In the 'Grief Deck Pulls' segment, hosts Story and Erika engage in a profound exploration of grief through a method that combines card pulls with reflective dialogue. The episode highlights the therapeutic aspects of physical movement in the grieving process, as exemplified by the card drawn which encourages individuals to 'move energy through the body.' This theme resonates throughout their conve...

Chapter 19 delves deeply into the nuanced process of grieving as Story and Erika engage in a candid exchange about their personal experiences surrounding significant dates in their lives. The principal theme of this chapter revolves around the resonance of memory and the emotional complexities that arise during anniversaries, particularly those linked to loss. Both hosts reflect on the profound im...

Within this segment, we embark on a reflective journey that intricately weaves together grief deck pulls and moments of knowing, providing a rich tapestry of insights into the grieving process. Hosted by Story, alongside co-host Erika and guest Sage, the discussion is framed around the therapeutic use of oracle card decks designed to facilitate healing and understanding in the wake of loss. The Gr...

In chapter eighteen, we talk with Sage Robinson, co-founder of Nobody Plans on Dying. Sage shares her profound journey of love and loss, recounting the vibrant life of her late husband, Danny, whose spirit continues to resonate within her. The chapter elucidates the complexities of grief, exploring not only the overwhelming pain of loss but also the transformative power of surrendering to that pai...

In this segment of 'Questionable Grief Decisions,' hosted by Story with guest Sandra, the conversation unfolds around the often tumultuous and bewildering choices individuals make during periods of grief. Sandra shares poignant anecdotes, particularly focusing on her experiences with impulsive decisions such as getting tattoos and changing her hairstyle as a means of coping with emotional pain. Th...

In an engaging and deeply personal dialogue, Story and Sandra embark on a profound exploration of disenfranchised grief, specifically focusing on the emotional landscape that follows the disintegration of a marital union. Sandra provides a candid recounting of her journey through grief, illuminating the often-ignored reality that such emotional turmoil can manifest in ways that society may not rea...

In this poignant segment of "Grief in the Wild," we engage in a profound dialogue with our esteemed guest, Leandra, who shares her deeply personal experiences with grief in everyday settings. Central to our conversation is the notion that grief can unexpectedly manifest while engaging in routine activities, such as shopping or attending school events, thereby catching one off guard. Leandra recoun...

Leandra's poignant narrative revolves around the profound and heart-wrenching experience of losing her daughter, Annaliese, in a tragic accident. As the fourth anniversary of this tragic event approaches, Leandra reflects on the indelible impact her daughter's life continues to have, underscoring the importance of awareness in child safety, particularly concerning school buses. Throughout our conv...

The focal point of this segment, Grief in the Wild, is the profound realization that grief often manifests unexpectedly in public settings, intruding upon the mundane aspects of daily life. In this installment, Story shares a deeply personal narrative centered around a recent airport experience, where the absence of her late husband's ashes became an overwhelming source of emotional turmoil amidst...

The transition from the physical presence of a loved one to their spiritual existence constitutes the central theme of this chapter. We delve into the complex nature of acceptance, exploring the emotional intricacies that accompany the acknowledgment of a loved one’s death. The discourse further investigates the intertwining concepts of time and shifting realities, illustrating how these elements...

In this enlightening segment of Grief Deck Pulls, we are privileged to welcome back Naniece, who engages in a profound exploration of grief through the medium of card readings. Hosted by Story, the dialogue is both insightful and evocative, touching upon essential themes of grace, boundary-setting, and the intricate web of relationships that often become strained during periods of loss. The initia...

In Chapter 14 our guest, Naniece shares about the tragic and complex narrative surrounding her uncle, Maurilio, and his two children, Tony and Angelica, who were murdered in June 2012. As Naniece recounts her experiences, she reveals the profound impact of their deaths on her life and the subsequent emotional turmoil that ensued within her family. Through her introspective reflections, we delve in...

Moments of Knowing features a deeply personal and contemplative conversation between Story and her sister-in-law, Terri, as they navigate the intricate landscape of grief and the profound connections that persist after a loved one has passed away. The segment introduces the concept of 'moments of knowing,' defined as those inexplicable experiences wherein one feels the unmistakable energy of a dep...

Chapter 13 is a poignant exploration of grief, featuring a heartfelt discussion between Story and her sister-in-law, Terri. This chapter confronts the concept of 'Grief of the Self,' with Terri sharing her deeply personal journey following her diagnosis of Goodpasture Syndrome and the subsequent loss of her brother Ken, who was also Story's late husband. The dialogue illuminates the multifaceted n...

The segment titled "Moments of Knowing" features an enlightening dialogue between Story, Erika, and their esteemed guest, Dr. Karen, who shares profound personal experiences that elucidate the concept of unexplainable connections beyond the physical realm. The narrative unfolds as Dr. Karen recounts her unique upbringing, influenced by her engineer father and clairvoyant mother, which cultivated h...

Chapter 12 presents an enriching conversation featuring Dr. Karen, who shares her profound insights and personal experiences regarding the intricate nature of grief. As the dialogue unfolds, Dr. Karen delves into her tumultuous journey through multiple layers of loss, including the death of her father and her beloved pet, as well as the emotional upheaval accompanying her divorce. This chapter emp...

This segment of "Grief in the Wild" features an exploration of the unexpected moments when grief manifests in everyday life, as shared by our guest, Eileen. She articulates the poignant experience of encountering grief in public spaces, particularly through the medium of music, which often triggers overwhelming emotions amidst routine activities. Eileen recounts how certain songs evoke memories of...

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 inter...

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 sha...

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...

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 in...