36 episodes

When Brian Dowling lost his mum Rosie two years ago, it changed his outlook on life.

Grief is a complicated journey, and one that Brian now endeavours to explore with the help of his friends and family. Join Brian and his nearest and dearest as they grow to understand death through open conversation, humour and honesty.

Death Becomes Him Broadcast by Tall Tales

    • Society & Culture

When Brian Dowling lost his mum Rosie two years ago, it changed his outlook on life.

Grief is a complicated journey, and one that Brian now endeavours to explore with the help of his friends and family. Join Brian and his nearest and dearest as they grow to understand death through open conversation, humour and honesty.

    Brian in conversation with Maria Moynihan

    Brian in conversation with Maria Moynihan

    Maria’s loss is so personal. Throughout this entire series we’ve heard from people who have had very unique experiences but Maria’s might be the one that is hardest for most to understand.

    In 2019, Maria Moynihan and her husband Danny discovered that they were expecting their first child. But as the weeks went on, the couple discovered their son Danann was suffering from a rare disorder. Here Maria talks about preparing for her son’s birth and death together. It’s a remarkably touching story, one that highlights the reality of parenthood and the unbreakable bonds of family.

    • 1 hr 19 min
    Brian in conversation with Cian Sullivan

    Brian in conversation with Cian Sullivan

    When we grieve, there is an overwhelming urge to relieve the pain. Our bodies cry out for comfort, for support, for numbing, for crying, for whatever coping may seem right. And when a death is unexpected,  that need for relief is even stronger.

    But when Cian Sullivan lost his sister Arwen in 2020 so much of his grieving process was halted by the early days of lockdown. And despite the usual coping mechanisms being denied, Cian has one of the most profound insights on loss, acceptance and compassion I have ever heard.

    • 55 min
    Brian in conversation with Sinead Barry

    Brian in conversation with Sinead Barry

    When we talk about loss we talk about the overwhelming sadness, the grief, the shock. But what we often forget is the disruption of death – it’s something that Sinead Barry was forced to face in 2019. On new years days 2019, Sinead’s husband Michael was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. When he died in March, the couple’s new home was half built. Today she talks about the kindness of strangers and how sometimes it really takes a village to help us move forward.

    • 1 hr 16 min
    Brian in conversation with Geraldine Mullan

    Brian in conversation with Geraldine Mullan

    Words fail to describe the tragedy of Geraldine Mullan’s loss. In August 2020,  Geraldine and her family were driving home to Moville when the car veered into Lough Foyle. The accident claimed the lives of the three people Geraldine loved most, her husband John and children Tomás and Amelia. Today she talks about her own trauma and how trying to face the fear of the water has brought her closer to her family.

    • 1 hr 15 min
    Brian in conversation with Lisa Cannon

    Brian in conversation with Lisa Cannon

    We’re so used to seeing Lisa Cannon composed, together and glammed up to the nines. But behind it all, Lisa has been deeply reflecting on her grief and how it has changed her. Today she opens up about losing her mum Laura 13 years ago to cancer. During that battle, Laura got a beautiful dog Lulu who became such a comfort to her that Laura battled through another year of treatment. This year when Lulu passed, past grief resurfaced and today Lisa opens up about how grief can creep up even years later.

    • 1 hr 2 min
    Brian in conversation with Colleen McNally

    Brian in conversation with Colleen McNally

    Today Colleen McNally opens up about the passing of her son Daragh. In 2019, 11-year-old Daragh passed after a battle with aggressive lymphoma. Colleen has been sharing her grief and experiences on instagram since then on the page @daraghs_balloon_ride.

    Today she talks to me about how for her, time does not heal, but rather she has learned to live with the pain.

    • 1 hr 13 min

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

What Now? with Trevor Noah
Spotify Studios
Freakonomics Radio
Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
Stuff You Should Know
iHeartPodcasts
唐陽雞酒屋
唐綺陽
No Stupid Questions
Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
好味小姐開束縛我還你原形
好味小姐

You Might Also Like

The Good Glow
The Good Glow Productions
Ready To Be Real by Síle Seoige
Síle Seoige
The Laughs Of Your Life with Doireann Garrihy
Doireann Garrihy
The Laura Dowling Experience
Laura Dowling
My Therapist Ghosted Me
Global
Crime World
Sunday World