Big Grief Podcast

0.0 (0)
MENTAL HEALTH
UPDATED WEEKLY

A podcast on how we deal with grief, grieving, and all of life's Big Griefs. Hosted by writer and grief coach Alison P Cook.

2 DAYS AGO

Episode 8 - Time, Grief, and Connection

In this final part of their sincere and deep conversation, Alison and Heather continue discussing their journeys through grief after both the sudden and gradual loss of loved ones. They explore the complexities of anticipatory grief, the emotional impact of unexpected death, and the poignant lessons on time's fleeting nature, reflecting on how time becomes a precious yet elusive concept during mourning. Their exchange highlights the importance of small moments, deepening friendships, and emotional support through simple gestures. Despite the pain, they find comfort in shared memories and the resilience they've developed, striving to help others navigate similar experiences. Their dialogue concludes with mutual support and recognition of the personal growth and resilience that grief has instilled in them. 00:00 Introduction: Sudden Loss and Grieving 00:29 Anticipatory Grief and Its Challenges 01:55 The Unpredictability of Time 04:43 Cherishing Small Moments 05:37 The Importance of Reaching Out 11:13 Dealing with Personal Belongings 14:12 The Journey of Grief and Resilience 18:56 Honoring Loved Ones and Their Legacy 21:07 Conclusion: Support and Connection

23 min
19 MAR

Episode 7 - Navigating Grief and Finding Peace: A Candid Conversation

In Part 3 of this heartfelt conversation, Alison and Heather share their experiences with grief, anxiety, and the emotional aftermath of losing loved ones. They delve into feelings of constant dread, seeking approval from the deceased, and the struggle to enjoy happy moments. Through their candid conversation, they describe how they cope with their grief, such as looking for signs from their loved ones, setting boundaries, and recognizing the importance of little moments. This insightful discussion highlights the complexities of navigating life after loss and the ongoing effort to find personal peace and acceptance. 00:00 Living in Constant Fear After Loss 01:32 Cherishing the Little Moments 02:56 Seeking Approval and Self-Reflection 08:00 Decision Fatigue and Isolation 11:48 Finding Comfort in Signs and Memories 15:16 The Healing Power of Shared Grief 16:40 Carrying Emotional Baggage 17:22 The Importance of Shared Experiences 18:15 The Power of Presence 19:34 Practical Support During Grief 20:54 Navigating Social Interactions 24:50 Setting Boundaries for Mental Health 27:59 Seeking Control in Unpredictable Times

31 min
12 MAR

Episode 6 - A Life Divided: Before and After Loss

Episode 6 - A Life Divided: Before and After Loss In Part 2 of Alison’s conversation with Heather Golczynski, they discuss the profound and multifaceted nature of grief, emphasizing that it's not just the loss of a loved one but also the loss of normalcy. They recount personal experiences of losing loved ones, describing the enduring impact of these losses on day-to-day life and emotional well-being. The conversation explores themes such as the misconceptions surrounding grief, the secondary losses that accompany the death of a loved one, and the physical and emotional responses triggered by anniversaries and memories. Offering insights into the importance of resilience, support networks, and self-care, this episode provides a candid and poignant exploration of what it means to live with and carry grief. 00:00 Understanding the Depth of Loss 01:06 Life Divided by Loss 01:49 Anger and Isolation in Grief 04:07 Physical and Emotional Trauma 05:51 The Strange Concept of Time in Grief 07:43 Strength and Silence 14:59 Isolation During Covid 15:54 Navigating Grief During COVID-19 17:01 Coping with Isolation and Loss 17:46 Reflecting on Choices and Regrets 18:35 Personal Grieving Styles 19:38 Memories and Sentimental Objects 21:47 Cherished Moments with Marc 25:57 Dealing with Inherited Items 27:01 Facing Mortality and Future Planning 29:09 Living with Constant Fear of Loss

30 min
5 MAR

Episode 5 - Grieving in the Public Eye: A Conversation with Heather Golczynski

In this heartfelt and poignant episode, Alison's friend Heather Golczynski shares her emotional journey of grappling with the loss of her former husband, Marc, a United States Marine Staff Sergeant, and later, her brother Jason. Heather recounts the impactful moments of Marc's military service, his redeployment after 9/11, and ultimately his death in Fallujah, Iraq in March 2007. She describes the overwhelming grief that followed, especially the public nature of their mourning due to a famous and viral photograph of their 8-year-old son, Christian, accepting the folded flag at Marc’s funeral. Heather also discusses the subsequent loss of her brother Jason in a car accident five years later and details how she managed her grief while taking on a caretaker role for her family. Throughout the narrative, Heather illustrates the immense impact of communal support, her work with various foundations, and the difficulty of navigating life’s milestones through an ever-present lens of grief. Her story sheds light on the complexities of mourning military deaths and the enduring challenges of personal loss. 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:58 Heather's Story: Meeting Marc and Early Years 01:19 Marc's Military Service and Deployment 02:45 The Tragic News: Marc's Death 06:08 Coping with Grief and Public Attention 07:25 The Funeral and Its Aftermath 10:47 Life After Marc: Challenges and Support 19:03 Another Tragedy: Loss of Heather's Brother 23:53 Finding Purpose and Helping Others 29:35 Reflections on Grief and Moving Forward

33 min
26 FEB

Episode 4 - Coping with Loss: Navigating Grief and Home Repairs

Coping with Loss: Navigating Grief and Home Repairs In this emotional episode, Alison reflects on the loss of her parents and the ongoing challenges of maintaining their house. She discusses the struggle for parental approval and the physical and emotional toll of dealing with a home in disrepair. Through memories of sparse affection and unexpected responsibilities, Alison illustrates the complexities of grief and the bittersweet task of fulfilling her mother's last wish. Dave joins the conversation, adding insights on processing grief and the importance of time and perspective. Tune in for a touching discussion that highlights the intersections of life, death, and the everyday struggles in between. 00:00 Reflecting on Parental Approval and Reactions 01:01 Mom's Last Words and the House List 01:58 Parents' Affection and Approval 03:57 Battling Time and Completing Tasks 04:40 Frustrations with Home Repairs 05:49 Pandemic Door Replacement Saga 08:25 Roof Replacement and Water Damage 10:41 Complicated Grief and Safe Spaces 11:56 Dealing with Dad's Blindness to Problems 14:12 Inheriting and Fixing the House 16:59 Seeking a Breather from Life's Challenges 18:23 Processing Grief and Gaining Perspective 19:04 Closing Thoughts and Farewell 19:08 The Podcast Journey

20 min
19 FEB

Episode 3 - Navigating Grief and Creativity: A Deep Dive into Personal Loss and Growth

In this heartfelt episode, Alison shares her journey through grief after losing her parents, reflecting on the impact of true friendships, the isolation of the pandemic, and the transformative effect of grief on creativity. Alison and Dave discuss the challenges of losing loved ones, the complexities of grief and human connection, and how Alison’s experience has shaped her writing and life purpose. The conversation touches on themes of empathy, the different forms of grief, and how profound loss can lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships and creative expression. 00:00 The True Friends After Loss 00:50 Navigating Grief and Support Systems 02:36 The Role of Empathy in Grief 06:52 Grief's Impact on Creativity 12:07 Personal Journey Through Grief 14:22 The Universality and Uniqueness of Grief 19:35 Coping Mechanisms and Changes 23:45 The Emotional Toll of Funerals 31:25 Living with Grief and ADHD

33 min
12 FEB

Episode 2 - Grief and the Complexity of Loss

Transforming Grief: Turning a Parent's Bedroom into a Sanctuary In this heartfelt episode, Alison shares the emotional journey of transforming her late parents' bedroom into a personal office. The narrative delves into the difficulty of letting go, the persistent feeling that her parents are just away temporarily, and the peculiar emotional ties to the house and its contents. Alison recounts dealing with structural issues, battling a mouse infestation, and discovering mold while also navigating the intense and multifaceted emotions of grief. She reflects on the realization that despite living in the house longer than her parents or grandparents, it still doesn't feel like her own. Alison and Dave explore how grief is not just about losing a loved one but also about secondary losses and the enduring connection to the past through the belongings left behind. They also touch on the challenges of maintaining a house, the weight of inherited possessions, and the complex emotions tied to time and memory. 00:00 Transforming My Parents' Bedroom into an Office 00:43 Dealing with the Emotional Weight of My Parents' Absence 02:50 Renovating and Repurposing the House 06:59 The Mouse Infestation and Other Challenges 13:09 Grief and the Complexity of Loss 17:13 Navigating Family Heirlooms and Memories 21:35 The Emotional Toll of Losing Parents 22:27 Reflecting on Time and Grief 26:20 The Struggle for Control and Understanding 31:43 The Need for Time to Process Grief

34 min
12 FEB

Episode 1 - Grief Unfiltered

Episode 1 - Grief Unfiltered Navigating the Complex Journey of Grief with Alison and Dave In the inaugural episode of the Big Grief Podcast, certified grief coach and writer Alison Cook introduces the show, focusing on the raw and often hidden aspects of grieving. Joined by her long-time friend Dave, Alison shares her personal journey of losing both parents to rare cancers within 14 months, navigating homeownership responsibilities, and dealing with complicated grief. The duo discusses the importance of understanding that grief is not linear, tackling deeply personal experiences and societal avoidance of grief topics. This episode serves as an invitation to listeners to openly discuss their own grief and find solace in shared experiences. 00:00 Introduction to the Big Grief Podcast 00:38 Alison's Personal Grief Journey 01:40 Meet Co-Host Dave 02:49 The Importance of Normalizing Grief 04:30 Understanding Grief's Non-Linear Nature 05:14 Deep Dive into Personal Grief Stories 10:10 Reflecting on Time and Loss 18:52 The Role of a Caretaker 22:03 Lighthearted Moments and Future Plans

26 min

8 Episodes

A podcast on how we deal with grief, grieving, and all of life's Big Griefs. Hosted by writer and grief coach Alison P Cook.

Creator

Big Grief Podcast
Years Active

2K
Episodes

8
Rating

Clean
Show Website

Big Grief Podcast

Big Grief Podcast

Episodes

Episode 8 - Time, Grief, and Connection

Episode 7 - Navigating Grief and Finding Peace: A Candid Conversation

Episode 6 - A Life Divided: Before and After Loss

Episode 5 - Grieving in the Public Eye: A Conversation with Heather Golczynski

Episode 4 - Coping with Loss: Navigating Grief and Home Repairs

Episode 3 - Navigating Grief and Creativity: A Deep Dive into Personal Loss and Growth

Episode 2 - Grief and the Complexity of Loss

Episode 1 - Grief Unfiltered

About

Information

Content Restricted