Episode 24: Toni Plante – A Mother’s Story, Part 2

Some conversations need more time.

In Part 1 of our conversation with Toni Plante, she shared the heartbreaking story of losing her 15-year-old daughter to suicide after her struggle with depression.

In Part 2, we continue Toni’s story.

Toni talks about what came next—learning to live with an unimaginable loss, finding a way forward, and eventually turning her grief into a mission to help others.

She shares why she now speaks openly about suicide and mental health, the importance of awareness and research, and what she hopes parents, families, and communities can learn from her daughter’s story.

This isn’t a conversation about “getting over” grief. It’s about learning how to carry it, finding purpose alongside it, and having conversations that are sometimes incredibly difficult—but desperately important.

Toni trusted us with a story no mother ever wants to tell. We’re incredibly grateful she chose to tell it with us.

In Part 2, you’ll hear:

• What life looked like for Toni after losing her daughter
• How she began finding her way forward
• Why she decided to speak publicly about suicide
• Her work promoting awareness and supporting research
• What she wants other parents and families to know
• Why talking openly about mental health and suicide matters

Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of depression, suicide, and the death of a child.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Help is available 24/7.

Music Attribution
“Sergio’s Magic Dustbin” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/