During a spring break family vacation, Annie Adams' 15-year-old became ill, was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with leukemia. Before the end of the week, Zenzi died in a hospital far from home. Sarah speaks with Annie about the surreal experience of this happening while on vacation, and how she and her husband were tasked with bringing their child's body home. Annie also discusses the significance of Zenzi's gender identity amidst the chaos of loss.
Read MoreFrances Badalamenti's debut novel I Don’t Blame You tells of the instability a young girl experiences when her mother’s mental and physical health decline after divorce. The novel closely reflects Fran’s own experience of a lost childhood. Sarah speaks to Fran about the grief she felt losing her mother, which was coupled with the joy of becoming a mother herself.
Read MoreSarah speaks to scholar Carol Ferris about how we can look to Astrology to understand grief, our relationship to the natural world and coming to terms with our own mortality. While Carol believes that our culture and our country are dying, she offers hope of a return to living in sync with natural cycles of life.
Read MoreHaving experienced the pregnancy, birth and loss of a medically fragile infant, Heather Campbell went on to pursue a career in nursing. Sarah speaks to Heather about juggling parenting a young child alongside all the responsibilities and outcomes of caring for a baby with CHARGE syndrome.
Read MoreAn accomplished singer-songwriter, Logan Lynn overcame childhood sexual abuse and addiction to advocate for himself and others. Sarah speaks with Logan about his music and his passion for LGBTQ rights.
Read MoreJulia Evans left her home state of California to pursue nursing and a fresh start. Sarah speaks to Julia about how the disfunction of her mother's mental health followed her, and the grief she experienced as she lost the mom she came to care for.
Read MoreRebekah Van Pelt — or The Brave One, as her cape reads — is a mother of 4 children who transformed the birthday gift of a cape into a daily uniform. She redefines herself with this comforting cloak, countering her childhood trauma. Sarah speaks with Rebekah about her unusual childhood and how she embraces a path to healing.
Read MoreMet with the losses of her father and a number of peers in the art community, contemporary artist Marne Lucas shifted her focus from sexuality to death. Working as a death doula, she emphasizes art's importance to our humanity. Sarah speaks with Marne about her Bardo ∞ Project, where she works with dying artists to help them complete their legacy projects.
Read MoreOur guest has experienced a great deal of loss, including her husband's unexpected death and the murder of her son. Raising a large family as a single mother, Kimberely Dixon perseveres with her naturally warm and engaging personality. Sarah speaks with Kim about her experiences and her choice to forgive.
Read MoreDavid Walker overcame the early loss of his father and activated his love of comics to become a successful comic book writer, filmmaker and publisher. Sarah speaks with David about his experiences with grief and how it has informed his storytelling.
Read MoreFaced with the death of her husband, Carole set the intention of writing each day, revealing the almost unfathomable beauty the world continues to provide — even in widowhood. Sarah speaks to Carole about her writing, which she published as a book, Singing Beyond Sorrow: A Year Of Grief, Gratitude & Grace.
Read MoreThere are artists who address our grief with their talents; Lori Mason is one of those people. She creates memorial quilts assembled from the ephemera of those who have died. Sarah speaks with Lori about her inspiration and process, and about her own experiences with grief.
Read MoreAs a chef and restaurant owner, Tommy learned his trade working with some of the most recognizable names in the culinary world. His industry is only now coming to terms with its prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse. Sarah speaks with Tommy about grief and learns that much of his healing has come from addressing his own addiction.
Read MoreAs a Korean-born adoptee, Beth grew up in a predominantly white, Christian community. Her middle-American childhood was one where she never really fit in. Sarah speaks with Beth about the complexities of incomplete grief as an adoptee and a woman of color.
Beth Haworth-Kaufka is a writer and researcher. She has published in various journals and magazines and is currently working on a novel.
Read MoreSometimes we unconsciously make choices based on what others feel is best for us, even though it's not what we really want. Sarah speaks to Clarice about how an unwelcome diagnosis allowed her to begin living for herself.
Read MoreWhen you meet Rashida, it's surprising to learn that she's a police officer. Her unique position with the Portland Police Bureau allows her to serve as a community organizer and healer for families struggling through traumatic events. Sarah speaks with Rashida about her assignment and what it looks like when the police serve as social workers.
Read MoreAlden knows how to make a funny and bold first impression, and is forthcoming and full of levity while describing his deeply personal experience with grief. Sarah speaks to Alden about how he is able to connect, heal and experience joy after losing his son.
Read MoreAs a young woman, Marci experienced some bizarre and painful physical sensations, which turned out to be symptoms of two different auto-immune diseases. She didn't allow her diagnosis to change her life, even as it posed great challenges. Sarah speaks to Marci about the stress of living with her condition and finding solace in her creative process.
Read MoreSometimes the stories we learn about our families are revised to spare survivors the mental wounds of the past. Seth is working on a memoir to fill in the missing emotional depth of his stoic family's story. Sarah speaks to Seth about the unexpected triggers of grief and the complexities of generational trauma.
Read MoreAs a writer, and as someone who has experienced loss herself, Jamie recognized an opportunity to create a new business. She writes interesting, compelling obituaries that more fully memorialize deceased individuals. Sarah speaks to Jamie about her essays, her interesting childhood, and the similarities between grief and mental illness.
Read More
