Chapter three delves into the intricate interplay between grief and love, positing that they are not adversaries but rather interconnected experiences. We engage in a profound dialogue about the notion that grief may serve as a doorway to deeper love and understanding, challenging the conventional belief that love is the antithesis of grief. Throughout this chapter, we also introduce the idea that grief, while often perceived as a finite emotion, can be cyclical and transformative, continually shaping our realities. Moreover, we reflect upon the impact of unhelpful platitudes surrounding grief and their implications, inviting listeners to reconsider their perceptions and language regarding loss. Join us as we explore these complex themes and share personal anecdotes that illuminate the multifaceted nature of grief and love.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos Madys tattoos is based out of mission beach California where She specializes in Japanese traditional , black and grey , photography, art, and media. Mady believes that tattoos can be more than art, they are milestones, memories, and reminders of how far you’ve come. To learn more or book a session you can find her on instagram at madys_tattoos. Azadi Healing Azadi — which is FARSI for freedom — empowers individuals and communities through trauma-informed care and events such as nervous system regulation, reiki, sound healing, breathwork facilitation and more. Whether you're exploring healing or navigating grief, Azadi Healing offers a sacred space to come home to yourself and find your center. Remember that you’re never alone on this journey. Visit azadihealing.com

We are excited to Introduce one of the many segments on the podcast "Grief Deck Pulls". This segment elucidates the therapeutic utility of engaging with grief through the practice of "Grief Deck Pulls." We, as hosts, delve into the significance of utilizing specialized decks that encompass rituals, meditations, and tools aimed at navigating the tumultuous waters of loss. In our discussion, we share personal anecdotes that highlight how these practices facilitate grounding and provide actionable insights during moments of emotional disarray. The segment further explores the metaphor of water as a transformative element, emphasizing the necessity of confronting grief rather than circumventing it. Ultimately, we invite our listeners to reflect on the importance of self-compassion and nurturing during their own grief journeys.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos Madys tattoos is based out of mission beach California where She specializes in Japanese traditional , black and grey , photography, art, and media. Mady believes that tattoos can be more than art, they are milestones, memories, and reminders of how far you’ve come. To learn more or book a session you can find her on instagram at madys_tattoos. Azadi Healing Azadi — which is FARSI for freedom — empowers individuals and communities through trauma-informed care and events such as nervous system regulation, reiki, sound healing, breathwork facilitation and more. Whether you're exploring healing or navigating grief, Azadi Healing offers a sacred space to come home to yourself and find your center. Remember that you’re never alone on this journey. Visit azadihealing.com

In this chapter our lovely co-host Erika shares her deeply personal and multifaceted nature of her grief journey, centering on the profound loss of her dad. She speaks candidly about her dad's influence on her life and the void left in the wake of his passing, emphasizing that he was her first real experience with loss. This chapter serves as an exploration of the emotional landscape of grief, where feelings of admiration, longing, and sorrow intermingle, forming an intricate tapestry of her relationship with her dad.

As the conversation unfolds, Erika delves into the challenges posed by her dad's illness. The narrative highlights the importance of recognizing that grief can coexist with joy and gratitude, as she reflects on the lessons learned from her dad and the values he instilled within her. Through her personal anecdotes, listeners gain insight into the dual nature of grief—a journey that can encompass both heartache and moments of profound connection. Erika's resilience shines through as she navigates the complexities of her emotions, paving the way for healing in the aftermath of loss.

The chapter emphasizes the significance of rituals in honoring the deceased, as Erika shares her practices of remembrance that help keep her dad's spirit alive in her daily life. Whether it be through cooking his favorite meals or creating a dedicated space of remembrance, these rituals become a source of comfort and connection. As listeners engage with Erika's story, they are invited to reflect on their own experiences with grief, recognizing that it is a shared human experience that, while deeply personal, can also foster connections and understanding among us. This chapter ultimately illuminates the intricate dance of love and loss, encouraging a compassionate and open dialogue about the realities of grief.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos Madys tattoos is based out of mission beach California where She specializes in Japanese traditional , black and grey , photography, art, and media. Mady believes that tattoos can be more than art, they are milestones, memories, and reminders of how far you’ve come. To learn more or book a session you can find her on instagram at madys_tattoos. Azadi Healing Azadi — which is FARSI for freedom — empowers individuals and communities through trauma-informed care and events such as nervous system regulation, reiki, sound healing, breathwork facilitation and more. Whether you're exploring healing or navigating grief, Azadi Healing offers a sacred space to come home to yourself and find your center. Remember that you’re never alone on this journey. Visit azadihealing.com

We are very excited to share our first Questionable Grief Decision Segment! We like to refer to them as QGD'S. In this segment of QGD'S we discuss Story's questionable grief decision, reflecting on the lessons learned and the personal growth that emerged from that tumultuous period. Story candidly expresses gratitude for the support she received, despite the questionable nature of her choices at the time, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining connections with those who stood by her side. The conversation culminates in a broader discussion about the normalization of sharing one's QGD's, advocating for a culture where individuals feel safe to express their vulnerabilities and the complexities of their grief without the burden of shame. This narrative not only provides a space for reflection but also encourages listeners to engage in open dialogues about their own experiences with grief and the questionable decisions they may have faced, fostering a sense of community and understanding amidst the often isolating experience of mourning. Through this episode, Story and Erika illuminate the path toward healing, underscoring that while grief can lead to questionable decisions, it is also a shared human experience that warrants compassion and open conversation.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos Madys tattoos is based out of mission beach California where She specializes in Japanese traditional , black and grey , photography, art, and media. Mady believes that tattoos can be more than art, they are milestones, memories, and reminders of how far you’ve come. To learn more or book a session you can find her on instagram at madys_tattoos. Azadi Healing Azadi — which is FARSI for freedom — empowers individuals and communities through trauma-informed care and events such as nervous system regulation, reiki, sound healing, breathwork facilitation and more. Whether you're exploring healing or navigating grief, Azadi Healing offers a sacred space to come home to yourself and find your center. Remember that you’re never alone on this journey. Visit azadihealing.com

The inaugural chapter of 'The Upside of Grief' presents an intimate exploration of Story's profound journey through the labyrinth of grief following the untimely demise of her husband, Ken. This chapter serves as a testament to the enduring nature of the unforgiving cycles of life and death. In this candid conversation with co-host Erika, Story recounts the evolution of her relationship with Ken, detailing their shared moments, challenges, and the indelible impact he had on her life. The discussion encompasses not only the immediate aftermath of Ken's passing but also the ongoing struggle to navigate life in his absence. Story delves deep into her emotional landscape, articulating the raw realities of navigating life after Kens death. The discussion touches on the nuances of grief, the societal perceptions surrounding it, and the importance of honoring one's journey through this painful yet transformative experience. As the chapter unfurls, listeners are invited to reflect on their own experiences of loss and the ways in which they can find meaning amidst the sorrow. The chapter concludes with a message of hope and resilience, emphasizing the necessity of community support in the grieving process, thereby fostering a sense of connection and understanding among listeners who may share similar experiences.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos Madys tattoos is based out of mission beach California where She specializes in Japanese traditional , black and grey , photography, art, and media. Mady believes that tattoos can be more than art, they are milestones, memories, and reminders of how far you’ve come. To learn more or book a session you can find her on instagram at madys_tattoos. Azadi Healing Azadi — which is FARSI for freedom — empowers individuals and communities through trauma-informed care and events such as nervous system regulation, reiki, sound healing, breathwork facilitation and more. Whether you're exploring healing or navigating grief, Azadi Healing offers a sacred space to come home to yourself and find your center. Remember that you’re never alone on this journey. Visit azadihealing.com

The central theme of this podcast is the exploration of grief as a potentially transformative force in our lives. We, the hosts, Story and Erika, have established this podcast to delve into the complexities surrounding grief and to investigate whether there exists an upside to this profound experience. Throughout our discussions, we share our personal narratives and engage candidly with our guests, aiming to redefine societal perspectives on grief and challenge prevailing cultural norms. Furthermore, we introduce unique segments that highlight various dimensions of the grieving process, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of this often-avoided topic. We invite listeners to accompany us on this deeply personal journey, as we collectively seek to normalize the discourse surrounding grief while acknowledging its inherent difficulties.

Grief, a universal experience, is often perceived through a singular lens of pain and sorrow. However, the Upside to Grief Podcast offers a compelling alternative perspective, one that recognizes grief as a multifaceted phenomenon with the potential to elicit profound personal growth. I, alongside my co-host Erika, invite our listeners to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery, where we share our own encounters with grief while also welcoming guests who enrich our discussions with their diverse experiences. Our overarching aim is to illuminate the transformative power of grief, emphasizing that amidst the heartache, there exists the possibility for renewal and change.

In our dialogues, we delve into the often-unspoken narratives surrounding grief, tackling the societal expectations and cultural taboos that can inhibit meaningful conversations. We strive to redefine how grief is discussed, advocating for a more open approach that embraces vulnerability and authenticity. Each chapter will not only features personal stories but also introduces various thematic segments, including reflections on the quirks of grief and the sometimes inexplicable decisions we make in our grief journeys, which we refer to as 'questionable grief decisions.' These segments serve to humanize the grieving process, allowing listeners to find connection and solace in shared experiences.

The essence of our podcast lies in our commitment to fostering a supportive community where listeners can feel empowered to confront their grief without fear of judgment. We do not shy away from the discomfort inherent in loss; instead, we embrace it as a vital aspect of our collective humanity. By facilitating these important conversations, we hope to challenge the prevailing narratives that often marginalize grief, ultimately allowing for a more compassionate understanding of the complexities of loss and the potential for growth that can emerge from it.

The exploration of the "what ifs" in our lives serves as the focal point of our discussion today. In this segment, we delve deeply into the myriad questions that arise from grief—those lingering thoughts of regrets, missed opportunities, and unexpressed sentiments. As we navigate this complex landscape, we aim not to resolve these uncertainties but rather to create a space for the intricate emotions associated with loss. This segment illuminates the dual nature of "what ifs," revealing that while they can lead us down somber paths, they also possess the potential to offer moments of introspection and even solace. Together, Story and Erika encourage listeners to engage with their own "what ifs," acknowledging the power they hold in helping us regain a sense of autonomy in our grief journey.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos Madys tattoos is based out of mission beach California where She specializes in Japanese traditional , black and grey , photography, art, and media. Mady believes that tattoos can be more than art, they are milestones, memories, and reminders of how far you’ve come. To learn more or book a session you can find her on instagram at madys_tattoos. Azadi Healing Azadi — which is FARSI for freedom — empowers individuals and communities through trauma-informed care and events such as nervous system regulation, reiki, sound healing, breathwork facilitation and more. Whether you're exploring healing or navigating grief, Azadi Healing offers a sacred space to come home to yourself and find your center. Remember that you’re never alone on this journey. Visit azadihealing.com