When Nina Rodriguez's brother died suddenly on September 11, 2019 — the day after his 32nd birthday — she was catapulted into a grief she had no language for. His death from fentanyl poisoning added a layer of stigma that kept her silent for nearly a year, protecting his memory while quietly unraveling on her own.

In this episode, Nina shares her journey from real estate agent to grief-informed guide and award-winning podcast host, why sibling grief is one of the most overlooked and under-resourced losses there is, and how approaching grief with curiosity rather than correction changed everything for her. She also talks about navigating collective family grief, reclaiming identity after loss, and how continued bonds and signs from beyond have sustained her connection to her brother.

Whether you have lost a sibling, a parent, a partner, or a friend — this conversation about grief literacy, honesty, and hope will meet you where you are.

Guest Bio:

Nina Rodriguez is a grief-informed guide, award-winning podcast host, and creator of Grief and Light, a platform dedicated to honest conversations about loss, resilience, and what it means to live alongside grief.

After the sudden death of her only sibling in 2019, Nina's life and work were irrevocably reshaped. What began as a personal reckoning evolved into a public voice, one rooted in grief literacy, emotional intelligence, and the belief that tending our sorrow deepens our capacity to live. Through writing, speaking, and long-form conversation, she invites people to approach grief with curiosity rather than correction.

Nina has spoken at the University of Miami, collaborated with Reimagine, and is a regular contributor to Get Griefy Magazine. She is also a graduate of Megan Devine's Grief Care Professional Certification program. Across stages, pages, and microphones, her work bridges personal loss with collective healing, expanding the conversation around what it means to carry grief with honesty and hope

Connect with Nina: http://griefandlight.com/

GRIEF Ladies: Your Guide to What Comes Next

If you're ready to move forward without moving on—this show is for you.

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Kelly Daugherty: https://www.kellydaugherty.com/
Karyn Arnold: https://www.griefincommon.com/

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The GRIEF Ladies podcast offers education and support for people living with grief after someone they love has died. Our content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care or crisis services. If you are in crisis or concerned about your safety, call 988 in the U.S. or contact local emergency services.

Guest perspectives shared on this platform are their own and may not reflect the views or positions of The Grief Ladies.