Grief Out Loud Podcast By The Dougy Center cover art

Grief Out Loud

Grief Out Loud

By: The Dougy Center
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About this listen

 Remember the last time you tried to talk about grief and suddenly everyone left the room? Grief Out Loud is opening up this often avoided conversation because grief is hard enough without having to go through it alone. We bring you a mix of personal stories, tips for supporting children, teens, and yourself, and interviews with bereavement professionals. Platitude and cliché-free, we promise! Grief Out Loud is hosted by Jana DeCristofaro and produced by Dougy Center: The National Grief Center Children & Families in Portland, Oregon. www.dougy.org Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Grieving The Death Of A Child - Susie And Nick Shaw’s Story

    Grieving The Death Of A Child - Susie And Nick Shaw’s Story
    Jul 11 2025
    When Susie and Nick Shaw’s nine-year-old son William died in a skiing accident, their world shifted permanently. In the six years since that day, they've found ways to carry their grief and stay connected to William, while continuing to honor the boy who inspired so much good in their lives and in their community. In this deeply moving conversation, Susie and Nick reflect on William’s life—his empathy, his humor, and the motto he created for himself in the year before he died: “Be Yourself.” A simple but powerful phrase that inspired their nonprofit, William’s Be Yourself Challenge. Together, we discuss: The day William died and what they’ve come to understand about control, safety, and loss Navigating grief as individuals and as a couple Supporting their son Kai in grieving for his brother Raising Bodhi, their child who was born after William’s death Creating family rituals, including monthly taco nights and birthday celebrations Returning to Big Sky, Montana to visit the spot where William died and reclaim their love of skiing Their new project, The Greenhouse, a house for families who are grieving to take a break from daily life Whether you’re a parent or a caregiver who's grieving, a supporter of one, or someone walking alongside a family coping with heartbreaking grief, this conversation highlights the power of honesty, connection, and intentional grief work. Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of child death, trauma, and detailed descriptions of the day William died. More from Susie & Nick: Susie's writing: Dear William Substack Susie on IG: @bereavementmom Nick's book: My Teacher, My Son Learn more: WilliamsBeYourselfChallenge.org Donate or get involved with The Greenhouse Project: WBYCgiving.org
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • “We Just Kept Going” - Two Sisters, Twenty Years After Their Mom Was Killed

    “We Just Kept Going” - Two Sisters, Twenty Years After Their Mom Was Killed
    Jul 3 2025
    Jessie was 21. Molly was 11. Two days after their joint birthdays, their mom, Jill, was murdered by Molly’s father. In the hours, days, and years that followed, there was little room for grief. Jessie and Molly were expected to keep going — and they did. But that forward momentum came at a cost. It’s been nearly 20 years, and only recently have Jessie and Molly begun to revisit what happened and what it’s meant to live with unspoken grief and unacknowledged trauma. As part of that process, they discovered a manila envelope packed away in storage - inside were eight children’s book manuscripts written by their mom in the 1980s. Finding those stories sparked a new chapter of connection with their mom and motivated them to work towards getting them illustrated and published. Note: This conversation includes descriptions of domestic violence, stalking, violent death, and suicide. If you or someone you know needs support, see the list of resources below. In this conversation, Jessie and Molly talk about: What their mom was like and what she meant to each of themTheir vastly different experiences of the day she was killed What stood in the way of them naming what they lived through as abuse and trauma How grief became something they held privately, even from each other The impact of finally receiving permission to feel and grieve Their efforts to get their mom’s children’s stories published Follow along and support their project: Barty Books on Instagram GoFundMe: Everyone Has A Story To Tell. Dougy Center: https://www.dougy.org National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - 988
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    1 hr
  • It Opened Me Up To Love - Danielle LaRock

    It Opened Me Up To Love - Danielle LaRock
    Jun 23 2025
    How do you keep your heart open to love after it's been broken apart by grief? Danielle LaRock was just 19 when her father died of a heart attack. In 2022, her partner Ian died suddenly. Then, in 2024, her beloved dog Blue died, and with Blue went many shared memories of time spent with Ian. The experience of loving and being loved by Ian opened up places in Danielle's heart that had closed down after her father's death. That openness has stayed with her, even as she grieves for both Ian and Blue. That ongoing love and connection have shaped Danielle's grief and the ways she tries to support others who are also grieving. We discuss: How Danielle coped - and didn't - as a college student after her dad's deathThe isolation of being surrounded by peers who hadn't experienced the death of a parentMeeting Ian as children and reconnecting as adultsHow Ian's own experience with the death of his dad helped him understand and support her griefBeing present for Ian's medical crisis and emergency brain surgery The trauma of witnessing his death and being the person who had to tell his friends and familyHow experiencing deep love with Ian changed her approach to all relationships Learning to celebrate the milestones of others while grieving the loss of the ones she would have shared with Ian The spiritual awakening Danielle experienced after Ian's death Discovering traditional therapy didn't work for her The value of online support groups, specifically for young widows & widowersExploring ways to support others in their grief Guest Bio Danielle LaRock is the co-host of the popular podcast National Park After Dark, which explores dark history and tragedy in outdoor spaces. A former veterinary technician from New England, Danielle has become a compassionate voice in the grief community, using her own experiences with loss to help others navigate their journeys. Connect with Danielle on IG.
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    1 hr
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