Shining a Light on Sibling Loss, Addiction, and Life's Little Pleasures

In this episode of The Broken Pack™: Stories of Sibling Loss, Dr. Dean talks with Nina Rodriguez, creator and host of the Grief and Light podcast and online grief support platform. Nina lost her only sibling, Yosef, to fentanyl poisoning in 2019. This episode explores the unique layers of sibling loss, the shame and secrecy that can surround addiction, and what it means to continue being a sister after your brother is gone. 

In this episode you will hear Nina’s story of growing up as Yosef’s big sister and how his loss became the catalyst for Grief and Light.

You will also hear about the complexities of sibling grief including identity after loss, the unspoken grief hierarchy, birth order dynamics, and why the five-year milestone isn’t the finish line you think it is.

Be inspired by Nina’s commitment to shining a light on grief, honoring Yosef’s legacy, and embracing Life’s Little Pleasures.

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

• Podcast: Grief and Light  (available on all platforms)
• YouTube: YouTube
• Substack: Resting Grief Face
• Free Download: Grief Tending Toolkit
• Social Media: @griefandlight

Resources:

• In the US:
  • If you believe you are witnessing an overdose, call 911 or your country’s emergency number immediately even if you are administering Narcan.
  • Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline is  1-800-662-HELP (4357) or Text your 5-digit ZIP Code to 435748 (HELP4U) or call a warmline.
  • For more immediate crisis call 911, 988, or go to the nearest emergency room.
  • Peer support: https://warmline.org/warmdir.html
• International
  • In the UK, related resources: https://tinyurl.com/3fknb36c
  • Peer supp

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If you would like more information or to share your own sibling loss story, please contact Dr. Angela Dean at contact@thebrokenpack.com or go to our website, thebrokenpack.com.

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Thank you!
Angela M. Dean, PsyD, FT, GTMR

Credits:
The Broken Pack: Stories of Sibling Loss  is produced by Not Done Here Media

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