The Surviving Siblings Podcast Maya Roffler

This season begins with a heartfelt tribute by my guest, Katie, to her late brother Patrick, whose dream of firefighting was both his passion and his legacy. As Katie recounts their childhood memories and Patrick's unwavering determination to join the fire service, listeners will be moved by the depth of their sibling bond and the sense of pride and inspiration that Patrick left behind. Katie shares the emotional weight of having a loved one working in a high-risk profession. The raw emotions and powerful stories shared in this conversation highlight the unique and enduring connections that surviving siblings hold, offering solace and understanding to those who have faced similar losses.
The episode culminates with a focus on the rites of remembrance and the power of channeling grief into action, exploring the ways in which physical activity, like boxing, can serve as an outlet for the emotional storm within. Join us for a deeply moving journey that not only celebrates the lives of those we've lost but also embraces the therapeutic power of connection through our collective narratives, reminding us that even in the darkest times, we are never alone. 
In this Episode:
(0:13:40) - Loss of Loved One in Duty
(0:19:55) - The Tragic Rescue of Patrick
(0:42:38) - Autopsy Results and Fire Incident Discussion 
(0:50:30) - Gloves for Grief 
This Episode is sponsored by Gloves for Grief ✨ Find out more information about Gloves for Grief:
Website | Glovesforgrief.org
Youtube | GlovesforGrief
Instagram | @glovesforgrief
 
Connect With Katie:
Instagram | @its_katiesue85
 
Connect with Maya:
Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast
Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler
TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: @survivingsibpod
Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

CONTENT WARNING: Please note that this episode contains depictions and stories of siblings lost by suicide, homicide and/or domestic violence. We understand that some people may find these triggering, activating and/or disturbing. 

Our guest Stacy shares her personal journey with her sister Katie Jo, painting a vivid picture of the nurturing role she assumed in her sister's life and the distance that time and circumstances can create. Stacy's personal reflections lead us through the transformation and tragic ending of her sister's life, underscoring the importance of paying attention to changes in our loved ones' behaviors. We're taken on a heart-rending path, from noticing Katie Jo's growing paranoia to confronting the reality of her untimely death due to domestic violence. Stacy’s insights into the significance of victim impact statements, coping with unexpected loss, and the strength found in communities serve as a powerful reminder of the collective journey through sibling loss grief.
As we connect over our own stories, we shed light on the importance of advocacy for domestic violence victims and the crucial role of organizations like The Peace Initiative in supporting those in need. Whether it's the cathartic process of writing a eulogy or the collective journey of navigating sibling loss grief together, we reaffirm the value of storytelling and the power of community in the healing process.
In This Episode:
(0:11:36) - Raising a Sister
(0:19:49) - Uncovering Secrets of a Relationship
(0:36:26) - Navigating Grief and Domestic Violence
(0:55:58) - Discussing Justice for Victims
(1:01:54) - Victim's Advocate Statement Importance

This Episode is sponsored by P.E.A.C.E Initiative ✨ Find out more Here. 

 
Connect with Maya:
Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast
Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler
TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: @survivingsibpod
Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

In this episode, we welcome Laing as she recounts the cherished moments with her sister Ginna and confronts the irony that lay in her professional expertise in medical devices, contrasting sharply with Ginna's untimely death with sleep apnea. 
We discuss the transformative power of rituals and creative expression in the face of mourning. Our conversation takes a turn towards finding solace amidst the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic, Laing shares her inspiration into nature poetry with "Morning Leaves: Reflections on Loss, Grief, and Connection," and the emotional relief it provided. The talk serves as a gentle reminder of the varied avenues through which we seek comfort, whether through counseling, the arts, or the company of others who have walked similar paths of sorrow and healing. As we conclude the episode, the discussion sheds light on the contrasting experiences of anticipatory grief and sudden loss, emphasizing the unique paths we walk through the wilderness of sorrow.
 
In This Episode:
(0:09:46) - Impact of Sleep Apnea
(0:25:27) - Navigating Different Types of Loss
(0:35:21) - Creative Outlets for Grief
(0:47:10) - Morning Leaves
(0:57:06) - Coping Strategies for Stressful Situations
 
 This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. Find out more here.
 
Connect with Laing:
Instagram: @morning_leaves_and_poet
 LinkedIn: Laing Rikkers
Facebook: Author Laing Rikkers
 
Connect with Maya:
Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast
Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler
TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: @survivingsibpod
Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

CONTENT WARNING: Please note that this episode contains depictions and stories of siblings lost by suicide, homicide and/or domestic violence. We understand that some people may find these triggering, activating and/or disturbing.
Join us as we welcome Sarah to share the poignant story of her relationship with her late sister, Jenni, whose life was tragically cut short. Sarah opens up about their upbringing as adopted siblings in Southern California, the unique bond they formed despite not being biologically related, and the deep love that defined their connection. As Sarah reflects on their childhood and the complexities of their adoptive experiences, we're given a glimpse into the affectionate nicknames, Jenni's vivacious spirit, and the underlying struggles that eventually led to her battles with addiction and a heartbreaking loss.
In the aftermath of Jenni's passing, Sarah shares the transformative journey of healing, underscored by the challenges and revelations that come with grief. We discuss the power of therapies like EMDR and the unspoken language of companionship offered by pets in times of sorrow. The ripple effects of the opioid crisis are not just statistics here; they are felt in the raw recounting of the investigation into Jenni's final days and the struggle to find closure. Through Sarah's poignant story, we're reminded of our own capacity for resilience in the face of sorrow and the unexpected places where hope can take root.
In This Episode:
(0:12:07) - Exploring Family Dynamics and Adoption
(0:23:52) - Family Intervention and Addiction Recovery 
(0:33:14) - Tragic Events Leading to JennyIs Death
(0:48:35) - Exploring Grief and Empathy Journeys
(0:56:18) - Tragic Fentanyl Overdose Investigation
(1:02:25) - The Devastating Impact of Fentanyl 
 
This Episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. ✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE: https://www.thesurvivingsiblings.com/store/
 
Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: @broadminded
TikTok: @KryBaby
Facebook: Sarah Fornia 
 
Connect with Maya:
Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast
Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler
TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: @survivingsibpod
Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
 
 

CONTENT WARNING: Please note that this episode contains depictions and stories of siblings lost by suicide, homicide and/or domestic violence. We understand that some people may find these triggering, activating and/or disturbing.
When Linda's world was shattered not once, but twice, by the loss of her brothers Micheal and Jeff, she embarked on a quest for healing that not only mended her own spirit but reached out to help others in similar pain. Linda's tale is an echo of the shared human experience, where the sting of overdose and suicide’s stigma and the struggle to reconnect with faith intertwine with the raw emotions of grief. As she opens up about the personal battles that followed the loss of her brothers Jeff and Michael, and the family losses and divides that followed.
Turning profound sorrow into a mission to support others, Linda's activism in the world of suicide prevention illuminates the podcast episode with hope. Her work creating resources like "Mending Piece by Piece After A Suicide Loss" and her contributions to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention exemplify the transformative power of storytelling and shared experience. As we wrap up our heartfelt dialogue, we recognize that healing is not a solitary endeavor but a road traveled together, with the strength of community to guide us through the ebb and flow of mourning and onward into the light of new beginnings.
 
In This Episode: 
(0:05:06) - Growing up with Micheal and Jeff
(0:16:36) - Loss, Intuition, and Grief Recovery
(0:30:14) - Handling Suicide Loss
(0:38:34) - Navigating Grief and Spiritual Faith
(0:51:18) - Family Grief and Loss Discussion
 
This Episode is sponsored by Linda Falasco. Find out more about Linda Here. You can find her book "Mending Piece by Piece After a Suicide Loss: Guided Grief Workbook & Journal to Heal the Survivor's Heart" HERE.
 
Connect with Linda:
Tik Tok: @mendingpiecebypiece
Instagram: @lindafalascolcsw
Mending Piece by Piece Podcast: Podcast Streaming Links
Book "Mending Piece by Piece After A Suicide Loss":  Amazon 
Book "Mending Piece by Piece: A Workbook & Journal for Navigating Grief with Hope": Amazon
 
 
Connect with Maya:
Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast
Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler
TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: @survivingsibpod
Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Join us as we welcome Angie to our heartfelt conversation, where she unveils the complex tapestry of her family's experiences with loss, resilience, and the enduring love between siblings. Tragedy strikes in an instant- Angie opens up about the terrifying moment her brother Seth's laughter was replaced by the grip of a grand mal seizure, unveiling an underlying brain tumor. The path of a medical crisis is fraught with challenges, and through Angie's narrative, we delve into the often-overlooked aspects of navigating such a journey—the immediate response, the critical decisions, and the overwhelming financial implications. This episode not only serves as a guide for those facing similar trials but also as an homage to the communal strength we unearth when rallying around a loved one in need.
 
Angie's story doesn't shy away from the raw, unfiltered sorrow that comes with loss. The passing of her son Garrett, the valiant struggle of her brother against the shadows of cancer, and the final farewell to her husband Jack are recounted with an honesty that resonates with anyone who has faced the abyss of grief. Yet, within the threads of her narrative, a resilience emerges, as Angie chooses hope and perseverance for her daughter Gracie.
 
In This Episode:
(0:11:10) - Seizures and Brain Tumors
(0:22:47) - Surviving Multiple Family Tragedies
(0:29:21) - Surviving Loss and Choosing Hope
(0:34:07) - Family Bonds Through Tragedy
 
This Episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. ✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE. 
 
Connect with Angie:
Instagram | @butterfliesandhalos
Facebook | butterfliesandhalos
Website | www.butterfliesandhalos.com
 
Connect with Maya:
Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast
Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler
TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: @survivingsibpod
Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast