Grief Seen in the Shadow of Loss

Maureen Fannin, Founder of Ian's Village

Ian's Village presents Grief Seen in the Shadow of Loss. Hosted by Maureen Fannin, a licensed therapist and mother whose son, Ian, died from fentanyl poisoning at just 20 years old, this podcast explores what it means to move through life after a devastating loss. Through honest conversations rooted in her own journey and the stories of others, Maureen creates space for grief to be seen, understood, and honored with compassion, hope, and authenticity.

Episodes

  1. Sep 13

    The Three Lives of Grief

    The Three Lives of Grief Show Notes We all live three lives: a public life, a private life, and a secret life. But what happens to those three lives when we are grieving? In this episode of Grief Seen in the Shadow of Loss, I explore the parts of grief we show to the world, the parts we share with those closest to us, and the parts that may remain entirely our own. A quote attributed to Gabriel García Márquez takes me down a few interesting rabbit holes—from One Hundred Years of Solitude to memory, neuroplasticity, solitude, and the ways we make meaning after loss. I also share some of my own secret grief life: the what-ifs surrounding the death of my son Ian, the way old photographs can hold completely different meanings after loss, and the emotional “hibernation” I notice as difficult dates and anniversaries approach. But grief isn’t the only thing happening in our lives. I’m also thinking about what I want to plant and grow during this next season—creativity, new experiences, connection, and continuing to find meaning while carrying Ian with me. And, of course, we close with another letter to my son in our Dear Owen segment. The Interview Room with Chris McDonoughA true-crime and investigative podcast that inspired the “three lives” quote that started me thinking about this episode. Available on Spotify. Gabriel García MárquezNobel Prize-winning Colombian author whose writing and reflections on memory, solitude, and identity became an unexpected part of my exploration of the secret life of grief. One Hundred Years of Solitude — Gabriel García Márquezhttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/196323/cien-anos-de-soledad-50-aniversario--one-hundred-years-of-solitude-by-gabriel-garcia-marquez/9780525562443/ Love in the Time of Cholera — Gabriel García Márquezhttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/57995/love-in-the-time-of-cholera-by-gabriel-garcia-marquez/ Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief — David KesslerDavid Kessler’s work on finding meaning after loss and continuing to honor the people we love.https://grief.com/book-by-david-kessler-finding-meaning-the-sixth-stage-of-grief/ Grief can sometimes feel overwhelming. If you are struggling or experiencing a mental health crisis, support is available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988, or visit:https://988lifeline.org/ Questions, thoughts, feedback—or just want to say hello? griefseen.community@gmail.com Thank you for listening to Grief Seen in the Shadow of Loss. Be well, and keep shining your light. Mentioned in This EpisodeSupport & ResourcesConnect with Grief Seen

About

Ian's Village presents Grief Seen in the Shadow of Loss. Hosted by Maureen Fannin, a licensed therapist and mother whose son, Ian, died from fentanyl poisoning at just 20 years old, this podcast explores what it means to move through life after a devastating loss. Through honest conversations rooted in her own journey and the stories of others, Maureen creates space for grief to be seen, understood, and honored with compassion, hope, and authenticity.