Grief is my New Hobby

Send us Fan Mail------Part two of this episode is just as emotionally raw, heartfelt and heartbreaking as part one. Most stories of grief focus on healing, but Laura’s raw, unfiltered journey reveals the brutal reality of losing a loved one unexpectedly and the profound strength it takes to carry on. Less than seven months after marrying her best friend Ed, Laura found herself facing the impossible: saying goodbye to her husband just 186 days after their wedding, amid a whirlwind of hospital ICU visits, surgeries, and heart breaking goodbyes. In part two of this episode, Laura takes us through Ed's final hours, those devastating phone calls and how she honours his memory. You'll discover the intense emotional toll of medical uncertainties, the importance of organ donation, and the often-overlooked resilience of those left behind. She opens up about the unspoken bonds formed through shared trauma, her connection with Ed’s family, the shock of hospital staff miscommunications, and the ways grief reshapes your very sense of self. Laura’s honesty doesn’t shy away from the darker moments, anger, helplessness, and the raw agony of losing a partner while still craving the familiar comfort of their life together. She reflects on the bittersweet memories that keep her going, from a wedding that was everything they dreamed, to the small personal rituals that honour Ed’s memory today. Her story underscores a vital message: talk openly about health and organ donation, cherish every fleeting moment, and never underestimate the strength of your love and voice in the face of unimaginable loss. Perfect for anyone navigating grief, supporting loved ones through trauma, or grappling with life’s sudden curveballs. Laura’s experience illuminates the brutal truth of losing someone too soon yet also the extraordinary courage shown in the aftermath. If you need validation, hope, or simply a reminder that you’re not alone in the most painful moments, this episode is your raw, inspiring companion.

Send us Fan Mail------This is part 1 of a deeply moving episode, Laura shares the unimaginable story of losing her husband Ed just months after their wedding, and the extraordinary strength it took to navigate sudden illness, hospital uncertainty, and devastating grief. Simply 186 days from wife to widow.  What began as a honeymoon-season marriage quickly turned into a fight for Ed’s life after what seemed like pneumonia revealed a far more serious heart condition. Laura takes us through the whirlwind of emergency appointments, transfers between hospitals, critical care, surgery, and the painful reality of waiting for answers that never came soon enough. This conversation is heartbreaking, honest, and unforgettable. Laura speaks with incredible candour about love, loss, trauma, and the reality of grieving in public while trying to keep going in private. She also opens up about organ donation, the importance of having difficult conversations early, and how grief has changed her relationship with herself. If you’ve ever loved someone deeply, lost someone suddenly, or needed to hear an honest reflection on grief and resilience, this episode will stay with you. Thank you so much to Laura for sharing Ed’s story with such bravery and care. You are an incredible woman and I just know you are doing Ed and  yourself so proud. You can find Laura on her own podcast @thepodcastthatshouldntexist 

Send us Fan Mail----Hot weather, grief, and a brain full of melted mess. In this solo episode, Zoe leans into the brain mush energy and gets honest about why a heatwave can make everything feel heavier, messier, and somehow even more emotional. It’s funny, raw, and a little unhinged in the most relatable way basically, a sweaty little survival guide for anyone trying to function while melting. Okay maybe not a survival guide but there is like a whole two tips? Stay hydrated, cry if you want too and wear your SPF x

Send us Fan Mail-----Most of us avoid talking about grief openly, but Ruby and Zoe break down the real, raw, and sometimes hilarious truths about losing loved ones early in life. From rituals that make everyone uncomfortable to the dark humour that keeps us going, this episode reveals how grief is woven into everyday moments and how laughter can be a lifeline.You'll discover why grief isn't a straight line and how the small, unexpected moments like tasting your dead mom’s ashes or joking about funerals, are some of the most healing. Ruby shares candid stories about her mother’s sassy spirit, the different ways she keeps her memory alive, and how she hosts peer grief groups that offer space for authenticity, not clichés. We break down:- The complicated feelings around death, funerals, and post-mortem rituals like fingerprints and ashes rings- The importance of humour, even at the most inappropriate times- How anniversaries can feel brutal or bittersweet, depending on where you are in your journey- Practical tools for self-care like ice cream, getting outside, and being honest with your friends about your needs- The profound impact of community and shared stories in healing This episode is perfect for anyone navigating the chaos of grief whether you're just starting out, hitting a milestone, or reflecting on years gone by. Ruby's insight and honesty are a reminder: you're not alone, and just maybe, laughter is the most powerful part of healing. Join Ruby, a grief group host with nearly a decade of experience and one of Zoe's favourite humans, as she offers no-nonsense advice on carrying love, loss, and humour forward. If you're tired of the stoic grief narratives and want to hear real stories, raw emotions, and practical self-love, hit play now.@rubywalkerphoto_

Send us Fan Mail----The pain of losing a pet can feel overwhelming and yet, it's often misunderstood. If you've ever loved an animal deeply, you know that their absence leaves a gap no one else can fill. But what if your grief is seen as less valid simply because it’s about a pet? This episode dives into the raw, honest experience of pet loss, revealing why these bonds are so intensely meaningful and how they shape our mental health and daily lives. Join us as Steph shares the bittersweet journey of mourning Sevvy, her beloved spaniel, and how her connection to him became a lifeline through life's chaos. She unpacks the different ways people grieve pets, comparing it to human loss, and why it’s impossible to measure one person's pain against another's. From the significance of cheesy paws, photos, to the role of social media in holding memories, this conversation highlights how we keep our pets alive in our hearts and why that’s perfectly okay.Normalising pet loss reduces stigma and fosters compassion. Perfect for animal lovers, pet owners, or anyone grappling with loss, this honest conversation deepens our empathy and affirms that your feelings are valid. If you're questioning how to honour your pet or simply need validation that your grief is real, this episode is your gentle, compassionate guide. Steph is a photographer and pet lover, known for capturing moments of love, loyalty, and silliness that remind us what makes these bonds so extraordinary.Remember: Your grief is a testament to your love. And in sharing these stories, we help others feel seen and less alone.Steph's Instagram - @spanielandthegays Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support - https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-support

Send us Fan Mail----Most of us think grief has a predictable pattern but in reality, it's a chaotic, unpredictable rollercoaster that hits you when you least expect it. Zoe reveals the raw, unfiltered truth about the unexpected triggers and emotional landmines that catch even the most prepared off guard. If you're navigating loss right now, this episode will remind you that you're not alone in the chaos and that grief is much messier and more personal than any guidebook can prepare you for.In this candid solo episode, Zoe dives into the heartbreak of recognizing that healing isn't linear. She shares her own journey through the years, from the deep ache of missing her father 17 years after his passing, to the surprising moments like smells, memories, and even random Tuesday feelings that shake her to her core. She confronts the unspoken realities of grief: the physical pain, brain fog, and emotional fatigue that many don't talk about but everyone experiences. Zoe emphasizes that grief isn’t about “getting over” someone; it’s about transforming into a new version of yourself one that carries love, loss, and resilience simultaneously.Perfect for anyone who needs reassurance that grief doesn’t follow a neat script, but instead demands patience, compassion, and honesty. Tune in to hear the unfiltered truth about loss, love, and finding your way forward in a world forever changed.

Send us Fan Mail----Most people think grief ends after a certain time but what if we shifted the narrative to see it as a lifelong journey? Suz’s raw story of losing her daughter Evie and her work supporting other bereaved parents reveals the surprising truths about childhood loss and the healing power of honest, compassionate conversations. In this heartfelt episode, Suz shares the profound impact of her 12-year grief journey — from navigating difficult hospital experiences to writing a children's book that helps other families explain abrupt loss to young kids. You’ll discover why language matters more than ever after a child’s death, and how the words of compassionate midwives and loved ones can unintentionally deepen pain or allow genuine healing.We break down:The importance of shifting our language to avoid blame and guilt, especially when discussing pregnancy and lossHow to support bereaved parents without minimizing their pain or offering clichés like “at least...”The delicate process of explaining death to children in a way that is honest but gentleWhy sharing stories, even dark humour, is a powerful tool to cope and connect with others in griefSuz’s advice for anyone in the trenches of grief and how to foster empathy in loved ones, friends, and caregivers This episode is perfect for parents who have lost a child, professionals working with grieving families, and anyone questioning how to handle their own lifelong grief. If you’re tired of superficial solutions and ready for real, human stories that challenge the stigma and shame around childhood loss, this conversation is essential listening. Suz is a bereaved mother, volunteer with Sands, and author of a heartfelt children's book about grief. Her openness, compassion, and honesty shine through as she navigates the complex layers of love, loss, and legacy  forever carrying her daughter’s memory as a guiding star. Whether you're walking through grief yourself or seeking to support someone who is, this episode will shift your perspective on loss, reminding us that grief isn’t a problem to fix, but a part of the human experience to honour and understand.You buy 'Born to be a Star' here:Born To Be A Star by Suzanne Brooks | WaterstonesBorn To Be A Star: Amazon.co.uk: Suzanne Brooks, Nicholas Child: 9781035809745: BooksYou also can find Suz on social media: @mrsbrookslovebooks

Send us Fan Mail-------------We're back for Season 4!! Most people talk about grief as a shadow they want to hide from. Whereas in this candid conversation, Zoe shares her personal journey through the anniversary of her mother’s passing, revealing the raw, unfiltered emotions that come with facing significant milestones. She discusses how anticipatory grief built up around key dates like her birthday and Father’s Day, and why allowing space for conflicting feelings joy and sadness, pride and pain is essential for genuine healing. Zoe also explores the importance of redefining what “support” looks like for grievers, pushing aside the pressure to always have answers, and instead offering genuine presence and understanding.

Send us Fan Mail----In this honest finale of Season 3, I confronts the raw reality of grief, revealing why you might feel like you're just surviving instead of healing. If you're navigating loss, anniversary hurdles, or emotional chaos, this episode is your heartfelt reminder: grief never fully ends, but it transforms.It's almost been two years since losing Mum, and I am exploring how grief continues to shape me, even during the happiest moments like my brother’s wedding and my own. I discusses the heartbreak of remembering loved ones on significant dates, the last days, the missed chances and why these feelings are universal, not signs of weakness. This episode offers solace for those who wonder how long pain should last, emphasizing that "getting over it" isn’t the goal, learning to live with grief is. Thank you for all of the support. 

Send us Fan Mail----Most people shy away from talking about grief, but Kath's raw journey through losing both parents before age 30 is a masterclass in resilience, love, and radical honesty. In a world where grief is often kept silent or hidden, she sheds light on the messy, complicated reality of navigating grief while embracing new chapters of life, like motherhood and marriage.Kath’s story is packed with powerful insights  from the unspoken bond between siblings, the impact of dual losses in quick succession, to her groundbreaking work in holistic grief coaching that transforms how we understand healing. You’ll discover how she balances her trauma with everyday joys, the importance of community and honesty in grief, and why speaking openly about death can be one of the greatest acts of self-care.This episode unpacks the unique emotional rollercoaster of grief at a young age, revealing the stark truth that there’s no 'right' way to grieve. You'll gain practical advice: how to nurture yourself through waves of sadness, break free from guilt, and find beauty amidst pain. If you're feeling the weight of loss or searching for a community that understands, this episode is your reminder you are not alone, and maybe even a catalyst for your healing journey. Whether you’re in the early days of grief or years deep, her story offers hope, validation, and practical hope for moving forward with love.You can follow Kath on @wearebeyondgrief_ and if you're interested in holistic grief coaching, follow the link in her bio to book a free consultation call.