Grief is my New Hobby

S4E5: "Grief has shaped me"- yaps with Ruby

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443900/fan_mail/new] ----- 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_

S4EP4: Silly Sev - Pet Loss

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443900/fan_mail/new] ---- 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

S4EP3: The Unexpected Grief Symptoms

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443900/fan_mail/new] ---- 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.

S4E2: Evie's Legacy & Sands Awareness

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443900/fan_mail/new] ---- 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 loss * How 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 gentle * Why sharing stories, even dark humour, is a powerful tool to cope and connect with others in grief * Suz’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 | Waterstones [https://www.waterstones.com/book/born-to-be-a-star/suzanne-brooks/9781035809745] Born To Be A Star: Amazon.co.uk: Suzanne Brooks, Nicholas Child: 9781035809745: Books [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Born-Be-Star-Suzanne-Brooks/dp/1035809745/ref=asc_df_1035809745?tag=bingshoppinga-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80401999358371&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=69229&hvtargid=pla-4584001483401932&psc=1&msclkid=f513c3df971918ff6ba6a9c228637f14] You also can find Suz on social media: @mrsbrookslovebooks

S4EP1: Welcome Back!

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443900/fan_mail/new] ------------- 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.