This week, I'm joined by one of my oldest and dearest friends, Laura.
Together, we talk about the heartbreaking loss of her mum — who truly was a legend — and the complex ways Laura has navigated anticipatory grief throughout her life. She opens up about some of her most treasured memories, the moments of love, laughter and singing, and the weight of stepping into a mothering role whilst her mum Ang lived with multiple sclerosis — a condition Laura herself now lives with.

This episode dives deep. We touch on some raw, brutal thoughts around grief, but also share some of the most grounding and powerful advice I’ve ever heard — whether you're grieving yourself or supporting someone who is.

In this personal episode, I open up about my journey of healing after the profound losses of both my parents — losing my dad at just 15 and my mum at 29. I talk about what it means to reconnect with my inner child, the emotional aftermath of early grief, and the long, often messy road to healing.

Through reflection, a bit of fear, and honesty, I explore how grief shaped my identity, how I learned to hold space for my younger self, and what tools have helped me find peace in the aftermath of loss. Whether you’ve experienced grief or are supporting someone who has, this episode is a reminder that healing isn’t linear — but it is possible. Sometimes you just need to show some love to that younger version of yourself who is lost and afraid.

In this special episode of Grief is my New Hobby, I sit down with my first guest—my big brother Gary. Together, we open up about the shared experience of losing both of our parents at a young age. This conversation is raw, honest, and reflective of our journeys and what we have learnt along the way.

We talk about how grief has shaped us differently, what we’ve learned from each other, and how we’re still figuring it all out.

Gary shares why it is so important that we encourage men to talk about their feelings and tips on helping your friends to open up.

Whether you’ve lost someone, know someone who has, or are just trying to understand grief a little better, this episode offers a deeply personal look at the ways we carry loss—and each other.

This first episode welcomes to you to Grief is My New Hobby. The a podcast that does not follow the rules around grief, it refuses to conform to the way society expects us to act. This podcast comes with a trigger warning of swearing, discussion of suicide and death.

I will talk about why I started this podcast and you'll learn a bit about my incredible parents who both lost their lives way too early. I will talk about loneliness that comes along with grief and share a couple of tips from the most intense year of my life.

If you are struggling and feel alone, please see the numbers below for U.K. based organisations that may be able to help.

Cruse Bereavement Support

• Website: www.cruse.org.uk
• Helpline: 0808 808 1677 (Free, confidential)
• Info: Offers grief counselling, support groups, and helplines for all ages.

Samaritans

• Website: www.samaritans.org
• Helpline: 116 123 (24/7, free)
• Info: Not grief-specific, but offers emotional support for anyone struggling, including with bereavement.

Child Bereavement UK

• Website: www.childbereavementuk.org
• Helpline: 0800 02 888 40
• Info: Supports families and professionals when a child dies or when a child is bereaved.

Winston’s Wish

• Website: www.winstonswish.org
• Helpline: 08088 020 021
• Info: Focuses on childhood bereavement. Practical support for grieving children and their families.

The Good Grief Trust

• Website: www.thegoodgrieftrust.org
• Info: Offers a searchable database of support services by type of bereavement. Also provides peer support.

Marie Curie Bereavement Support

• Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk
• Support Line: 0800 090 2309
• Info: For people dealing with terminal illness or bereavement. Also offers 1-on-1 bereavement support.

AtaLoss.org

• Website: www.ataloss.org
• Info: UK’s signposting website for anyone bereaved, with counselling options and local support.

Grief Encounter

• Website: www.griefencounter.org.uk
• Helpline: 0808 802 0111
• Info: Provides tailored support to bereaved children and young people.

In this short teaser episode, find out why Grief is my New Hobby was started and why I hate the fact we don't talk about grief. You'll find out a little bit about my story before the podcast launch on 17th June 2025.

TW: Grief (obvs), suicide and swearing