In this week’s episode of Too Cute to Die, we talk breakups, brain fog, and blanket fires—plus Rebecca might be taking dating applications. We get into what it actually means to have young onset Alzheimer’s (spoiler: it’s not just forgetting stuff), why MAiD is about dignity, and the weird limbo of choosing your own death while still being very much alive. We also unpack anticipatory grief, what it means to lose yourself while still being here, and how friendship can be a literal lifeline. There’s laughter, there’s fire alarms, there’s cake—we contain multitudes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Life's Complexities

03:25 Navigating Health and Diagnosis

06:11 Understanding Young Onset Alzheimer's

12:01 The Dignity of End-of-Life Choices

18:17 Grief and Anticipatory Loss

24:30 The Impact of Relationships on Grief

30:01 Reconnecting and Emotional Safety

38:07 Previewing Future Conversations on Intimacy

Email the show TooCutePod@gmail.com

⚠️ Disclaimer: We are not doctors. We’re not diagnosing you. This is our lived experience and the occasional professional opinion of ChatGPT.

In this episode of 'Too Cute to Die', hosts Vanessa and Rebecca delve into the complexities of living with terminal illness, the emotional challenges of the holiday season, and the importance of friendship and support. They share personal stories about navigating grief, caregiving, and the realities of planning for the future while maintaining a sense of humor and connection. The conversation touches on serious topics such as Lewy body dementia, the need for care, and the desire for intimacy, all while emphasizing the importance of being open and honest about these experiences.

TAKEAWAYS

The holiday season can amplify feelings of isolation and grief. Navigating a terminal illness involves both emotional and practical challenges. Friendship and support are crucial during difficult times. Planning for the future is essential when facing terminal illness. Humor can be a coping mechanism in the face of serious topics. Experiencing apathy can be a symptom of illness. The need for care can be a difficult reality to accept. Personal belongings can hold significant emotional value. Intimacy and connection are important, even in the face of death. It's vital to talk openly about the realities of illness and death.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Personal Updates

03:02 Reflections on Christmas and Business Changes

05:56 Navigating Terminal Illness and Holiday Challenges

09:02 The Emotional Toll of Illness and Isolation

12:00 Facing the Reality of Care Needs

14:53 Planning for the Future and End-of-Life Considerations

18:07 Understanding Lewy Body Dementia and Its Implications

21:01 The Importance of Friendship and Support

23:49 Lighthearted Moments Amid Serious Topics

26:56 Exploring Love, Intimacy, and Death

29:58 Reflections on Life, Death, and Personal Stories

Email the show TooCutePod@gmail.com ⚠️ Disclaimer: We are not doctors. We’re not diagnosing you. This is our lived experience and the occasional professional opinion of ChatGPT.

In this unfiltered intro episode, we (Rebecca + Vanessa) talk about the Too Cute to Die origin story, young onset Alzheimer’s, mental health chaos, MAID, and why we’re recording this whole show in one-take, no-edit raw mode. It’s messy. It’s real. It’s funny. It’s heavy. Welcome to the chaos.

• MAID: What it is and why Rebecca was approved

• The difference between young and late-onset Alzheimer’s

• Mental health diagnosis roulette

• Medical gaslighting and invisible illness

• Childhood memory chaos

• How TikTok built a supportive community (and why it matters) ----more----

Rebecca on TikTok Vanessa on TikTok Vanessa's Website Email the show TooCutePod@gmail.com

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⚠️ Disclaimer: We are not doctors. We’re not diagnosing you. This is our lived experience and the occasional professional opinion of ChatGPT.