From Experience: The Grief Collection

Bianca Welsh

Grief is the one guarantee in life, we will all experience a great loss at some point in our lives, yet we’re so unprepared for it, we rarely talk about it and often shy away from these uncomfortable conversations. After experiencing her own grief and loss when Bianca and her husband James lost their baby boy, Herbert, at full term from a TFMR (Termination For Medical Reason) in January 2022, the subsequent journey felt overwhelming, lonely and fraught with societal expectations. In Bianca’s podcast she hopes to bring stories of hope and experience from everyday people, but honing in on the things that did or didn’t work during an individual’s experience of the worst time of their lives. Healing from grief, loss and trauma can be a very individual journey, with no linear trajectory and no guide book. Bianca hopes people might be inspired or motivated by ideas or different ways to navigate life after loss.

Season 1

  1. EPISODE 1

    Episode 1: Bianca and James Welsh - The Choiceless Choice Part 1

    In this emotional and heartfelt premiere episode of From Experience: The Grief Collection, host Bianca Welsh shares her deeply personal story of facing grief and loss with her husband James. Bianca recounts their journey through the traumatic experience of losing their son Herbert, at 36+6 days, due to a termination for medical reason (TFMR). She details their emotional struggles, the decisions they had to make, their healing process, and the unique ways they've navigated grief together. The episode includes sensitive discussions about baby loss, mental health struggles, and the couple's emotional and painful journey towards finding some semblance of peace. Bianca also offers words of comfort and solidarity to those experiencing or curious about grief, highlighting the importance of storytelling and open conversations in healing. Music: “Denali” by Bryant Lowry. Written by Bryant Richard Lowry (BMI). Published by Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI). Licensed via Soundstripe Inc. Cover Image: Eden Wilday (edenwilday.com) Follow: @fromexperience_ or @biancaleewelsh Resources Through the Unexpected - information and a list of support options for parents faced with prenatal diagnosis. Pink Elephants Support Network - offers online grief support and information for miscarriage. Red Nose or SANDS offers 24/7 telephone grief support on 1300 308 307 Bears of Hope - offers grief support on 1300 11 HOPE or via email: support@bearsofhope.org.au **All of the above have specific TFMR pages PANDA - Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia - supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood - or 1300 726 306. Lifeline - 13 11 14 Heartfelt - volunteer organisation providing professional photographers to families who have experienced the loss of a baby or child living with serious or life threatening illness. BooksThe 4 books I ordered after leaving hospital: The Grief Companion by Ngaio Parr. The Baby Loss Guide by Zoe Clark-Coates. Life After Baby Loss: A Companion and Guide for Parents by Nicola Gaskin. Miles Apart by Annabel Bower (Note this is Australian!). 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:55 Why a Grief Podcast? 02:14 Acknowledging Sensitive Topics 03:18 Introducing the First Episode 04:02 Meet My Husband, James 05:14 Our...

    1h 49m
  2. EPISODE 2

    Episode 2: Bianca and James Welsh - The Choiceless Choice Part 2

    Continuing on from Part 1, Bianca discusses the importance of understanding, connection, and finding one's purpose in the aftermath of grief. James shares his coping mechanisms, primarily through physical exertion and running, finding solace in pushing his physical limits. The episode underscores the non-linear nature of grief, emphasizing that everyone experiences and copes with loss differently. The couple also talks about supportive therapies, including counseling, massage, yoga, and maintaining strong personal connections, as they navigate through their emotions. Reflecting on the different coping strategies they used, the episode provides insights into how individuals and couples can support each other through the complex journey of grief. The conversation is enriched by the expertise of Dr. Mai Frandsen, who offers psychological perspectives on coping and healing. Music: “Denali” by Bryant Lowry. Written by Bryant Richard Lowry (BMI). Published by Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI). Licensed via Soundstripe Inc. Cover Image: Eden Wilday (edenwilday.com) Follow: @fromexperience_ or @biancaleewelsh Resources Through the Unexpected - information and a list of support options for parents faced with prenatal diagnosis. Pink Elephants Support Network - offers online grief support and information for miscarriage. Red Nose or SANDS offers 24/7 telephone grief support on 1300 308 307 Bears of Hope - offers grief support on 1300 11 HOPE or via email: support@bearsofhope.org.au TFMR Mamas - a resource and community for the TFMR community **All of the above have specific TFMR pages PANDA - Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia - supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood - or 1300 726 306. Lifeline - 13 11 14 Heartfelt - volunteer organisation providing professional photographers to families who have experienced the loss of a baby or child living with serious or life threatening illness. For the Dads! Red Nose service specifically for Dad’s. Love From Dad - a website and instagram account for bereaved Dads. Other things mentioned in this episodeThe amazing physiotherapist Michaela Muldoon who treated us with a trauma lens - Restore Physio (Launceston) Mountain Biking Experience - Blue Derby Pods Meal Train our...

    2h 18m
  3. EPISODE 3

    Episode 3: Tom Moir - Behind the Badge: Overcoming Trauma and Grief as a Police Officer

    Grief isn't just through death - it can be through the loss of something, perhaps that something is the loss of ourselves through the experience of trauma, or perhaps the safety of the world we thought we knew... In this episode host Bianca Welsh speaks with Tom Moir, a Detective Senior Constable with Tasmania Police, having joined in 2014 at the age of 19. He investigates some of Northern Tasmania's most serious drug and firearm offenders. In 2020, Tom was diagnosed with complex PTSD, severe depression and anxiety, largely as a result of repeat exposure to a range of traumatic incidences, the toll of which nearly claimed his life. Tom bravely delves into his personal journey through complex PTSD, severe depression, and anxiety, largely resultant from his profession. Tom candidly discusses his experiences with grief, trauma, and the subsequent healing process, highlighting the importance of therapies like EMDR. The discussion emphasizes the stigma around male vulnerability, the necessity of compassionate self-care, and the remarkable strength found in vulnerability. Complementing this conversation, Dr. Mai Frandsen provides a psychological perspective on trauma, grief, and various therapeutic methods. Music: “Denali” by Bryant Lowry. Written by Bryant Richard Lowry (BMI). Published by Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI). Licensed via Soundstripe Inc. Cover Image: Eden Wilday Follow: @fromexperience_ or @biancaleewelsh Website: fromexperience.co Resources Tasmania: A Tasmanian Lifeline Access Mental Health Helpline Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) Tas - PH 1800 811 994 National: Beyond Blue PH: 1300 224 636 StandBy Support After Suicide PH: 1300 727 247 Suicide Call Back Service PH: 1300 659 467 Mensline Australia PH: 1300 789 978 Mental Health Families and Friends A carer network for families and friends support someone with their mental ill health, access phone support and referrals 9-5pm weekdays. EMDR - what is it? Yoga for Trauma - Hobart Yoga for Trauma - Launceston - Burnie Mental Health First Aid David Kessler - Grief.com a href="https://drgabormate.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 52m
  4. EPISODE 4

    Episode 4: Melody West - After Them at 50; When Both Parents Die

    In this beautiful episode host Bianca Welsh speaks with Melody West about her profound experiences and reflections on the deaths of her parents. Having lost both of them to cancer, her Dad in her 20’s and her Mum in her 40’s, her experience of anticipatory grief, and how each loss altered her life and perspective over time will resonate with many who have to watch loved ones lose their battles with various cancers. Melody generously shares the ways in which she connects with both of her parents, even though they aren’t here, the supports that worked for her and also discusses the challenges which can come from caring for a loved one through their cancer battle. They discuss the concept of grief being a 'gift, and the dissonance this can sometimes bring, the perpetual nature of grief, and how one can grow around it rather than moving on from it. Dr. Mai Frandsen provides professional insights into coping mechanisms, the role of anticipatory grief, and the importance of radical acceptance. This episode offers both personal anecdotes and psychological perspectives, aiming to provide solace and understanding for those navigating their own grief journeys. ABOUT MELODY:  Melody is a Launcestonian, born and bred. Who spent a fair portion of life off the island, but was drawn back and studied here. She met her partner, Nick, and has two beautiful boys and two dogs. She recently left an academic career of 20 years and has moved into a role with the Department of Health in Tasmania. Follow on instagram @biancaleewelsh or @fromexperience_ Resources: Beyond Blue or ph: 1300 224 636 Lifeline or ph: 13 11 14 Griefline or ph: 1300 845 745 Relationships Australia Tasmanian branch - Grief Counsellors or ph: 1300 364 277 32 Journal Prompts for Grieving and Loss Melody’s Book Suggestions: On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss - Elizabeth Kubler-Ross M.D. and David Kessler Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe - Laura Lynne Jackson David Kessler - Grief.com Internal Family Systems - what is it? Internal Family Systems - Dr. Richard Schwarz (IFS founder) on the Huberman Lab Music Credit: “Denali” by Bryant Lowry. Written by Bryant Richard Lowry (BMI). Published by Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI). Licensed via Soundstripe Inc. Cover Image: a...

    1h 13m
  5. EPISODE 5

    Episode 5: Emily Judd - When the World Stopped: Emily's Stillbirth Journey and What Helped Her Breathe Again

    In this special episode (the first one Bianca recorded almost 18 months ago!) host Bianca Welsh introduces us to her dear friend Emily Judd. They delve into Emily's poignant journey through grief following the stillbirth of her son, Jack at full term, while she was on maternity leave from work. Emily shares the harrowing experience of losing Jack, the process of healing, and her ongoing quest to navigate life after loss. They also explore the coping mechanisms, both adaptive and maladaptive, that Emily has employed and offers insights into what has and hasn’t worked in her healing journey. Psychologist Dr. Mai Frandsen joins the discussion to provide professional perspectives on the topics of dissociation, avoidance, and the importance of acknowledging grief. This episode is a profound exploration of loss, resilience, and the power of storytelling in the grieving process. ABOUT Emily: Emily is from Launceston where she lives with her three children (two living, Lydia and Adeline) and her husband Nick (pictured). She is a senior criminal lawyer at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and in the small amount of spare time she has she enjoys spending time with her family at the beach and has devoted a huge amount of time to the creation of her baby loss resources - A Little Help From Jack, a booklet with all sorts of resources for a family experiencing a stillbirth from helplines, professional resources, to books for mum, dad and kids, podcasts, memory making ideas and so much more. The guide has expanded to A Little Help From Remy, specifically for TFMR and recently A Little Help From Lily, specifically for child loss and paediatric palliative care. Emily has become a well respected and valued voice in the Stillbirth community contributing to research, advocacy and awareness. Follow: @fromexperience_ or @biancaleewelsh @alittlehelpfromjack @maifrandsen Website: fromexperience.co | alittlehelpfromjack.com.au Resources Bears Of Hope Ph: 1300 11 4673 Red Nose Ph: 1300 308 307 Gidget Foundation Ph: 1300 851 758 Resource Companions: A Little Help From Jack, A Little Help From Remy, A Little Help From Lily Music Credit: “Denali” by Bryant Lowry. Written by Bryant Richard Lowry (BMI). Published by Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI). Licensed via Soundstripe Inc. Cover Image: Eden Wilday

    1h 12m
  6. EPISODE 6

    Episode 6: Pippa Dickson - After the Last Walk: What the death of my dog taught me about life, love and compassion

    In this podcast episode host Bianca Welsh interviews her friend Dr. Pippa Dickson about the loss of her beloved dog, Art. They discuss how pet grief is often minimized, the deep connections pets can have in our lives, and the challenging emotions they experienced. Pippa shares personal stories and insights on coping mechanisms, such as finding symbolism in Greek mythology and seeking community support online. The episode also touches upon broader themes of grief, identity, and cultural treatment of emotions, with reflections from Dr. Mai Frandsen, a psychologist specializing in health behavior change. This episode highlights the importance of validating all forms of grief and finding ways to navigate through the journey of loss. About Pippa: A coveted and collectable furniture designer in her own right, Pippa Dickson has become one of the country’s strongest advocates for Australian design, aiming to advance design and designers in her hometown Tasmania, and Australia. She was the Chair of Design Tasmania, and co-chair of the National Craft Initiative, Pippa is also the founding CEO of the award winning Glenorchy Art & Sculpture Park (GASP!) – a community focused space that combines innovative architecture and art. Follow: Bianca Welsh - @fromexperience_ or @biancaleewelsh Dr. Mai Frandsen - @trigpsychology or @maifrandsen Dr. Pippa Dickson - @pippadickson Website: fromexperience.co Resources: Beyond Blue or ph: 1300 224 636 Lifeline or ph: 13 11 14 Griefline or ph: 1300 845 745 Relationships Australia Tasmanian branch - Grief Counsellors or ph: 1300 364 277 The Emerald Podcast with Joshua Michael Schrei - Reissue: On Trauma and Vegetation Gods. Heart of a Dog Documentary by Laurie Anderson Dog Songs by Mary Oliver, a book of poems Music Credit: "Denali" by Bryant Lowry. Written by Bryant Richard Lowry (BMI). Published by Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI). Licensed via Soundstribe inc. Cover Image: Eden Wilday

    1h 15m
  7. EPISODE 7

    Episode 7: Indira Naidoo - The Healing Power of Nature; Navigating Grief After Losing a Sister

    In this poignant episode, host Bianca Welsh converses with Indira Naidoo, celebrated Australian broadcaster and author, about her journey through grief following the suicide of her sister. Bianca and Indira explore the intersection of grief, healing, and nature, discussing the therapeutic impact of gardening, the significance of journaling, and the importance of finding stillness. Indira's personal narrative provides profound insights into coping with loss and the enduring strength of familial connections. The episode also features Dr. Mai Frandsen, who delves into the psychological aspects of grief, the role of journaling, and the critical need for balance between processing emotions and daily obligations. About Indira: Indira Naidoo is one of Australia’s most respected broadcasters and authors, with a 30-year award-winning career across ABC and SBS, including Late Edition, World News, Weekend Nightlife, and currently Compass on ABC TV. She is a passionate advocate for environmental and food sustainability and is the bestselling author of The Edible Balcony and The Edible City, also designing award-winning gardens and supporting communities to grow their own food. Indira is a sought-after speaker and facilitator and an ambassador for Sydney’s Wayside Chapel. Her latest book, The Space Between the Stars: On Love, Loss and the Healing Power of Nature, shortlisted for the 2023 ABIA Nonfiction Book of the Year, had a profound impact on my own healing journey. Follow: Bianca Welsh - @fromexperience_ or @biancaleewelsh Indira Naidoo - @dearindira Dr. Mai Frandsen - @trigpsychology or @maifrandsen Website: fromexperience.co Resources: Indira's Book - The Space Between the Stars (Murdoch Books) A Tasmanian Lifeline Access Mental Health Helpline Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) Tas - PH 1800 811 994 National: Beyond Blue PH: 1300 224 636 StandBy Support After Suicide PH: 1300 727 247 Suicide Call Back Service PH: 1300 659 467 Music Credit: “Denali” by Bryant Lowry. Written by Bryant Richard Lowry (BMI). Published by Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI). Licensed via Soundstripe Inc. Cover Image: Eden Wilday

    1h 43m

About

Grief is the one guarantee in life, we will all experience a great loss at some point in our lives, yet we’re so unprepared for it, we rarely talk about it and often shy away from these uncomfortable conversations. After experiencing her own grief and loss when Bianca and her husband James lost their baby boy, Herbert, at full term from a TFMR (Termination For Medical Reason) in January 2022, the subsequent journey felt overwhelming, lonely and fraught with societal expectations. In Bianca’s podcast she hopes to bring stories of hope and experience from everyday people, but honing in on the things that did or didn’t work during an individual’s experience of the worst time of their lives. Healing from grief, loss and trauma can be a very individual journey, with no linear trajectory and no guide book. Bianca hopes people might be inspired or motivated by ideas or different ways to navigate life after loss.