Ep. 180: Darnell Lamont Walker, Emmy-Nominated Death Doula, on the "Art of a Peaceful End"

Ep. 182: The Power of Breaking Plates with Artist Rob Strati

Join me this week as I FINALLY get to sit down with one of my favorite artists, (and fellow griever) Rob Strati. Together, we explore how art can serve as a powerful healing tool for grief and loss. We also discuss the emotional depth behind his extraordinary plate series and how brokenness can reveal new stories of hope and resilience. In this episode: * Rob discusses the story behind his plate series inspired by loss and repair. * The contrasting philosophies of Kintsugi versus Rob's approach to brokenness. * How art can transcend traditional therapy and tap into restorative energy. * The impact of social media on sharing grief and art's universal language. * Rob’s process of selecting and transforming plates into art pieces. * The surprising emotional feedback from viewers and collectors. * The significance of cultural motifs and historical patterns in Rob’s work. * Navigating grief after recent loss—the process of acceptance and transformation. * Practical ways art supports emotional resilience in times of trauma. Resources & Links: * Rob Strati Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/robstrati/] * https://porcelainprojects.com/ [https://porcelainprojects.com/]  Note: To see Rob’s art in person, visit his upcoming exhibitions in Greenwich and Columbus, or browse his online portfolio for exclusive pieces and commissions. I cannot thank you enough for listening to this latest season of Grief is My Side Hustle. Please consider a five-star rating and review where possible; it truly helps the show reach more grievers!

Ep. 181: Marty Ross-Dolen Illuminates a Legacy of Grief in "Always There, Always Gone."

Marty Ross-Dolen is truly magnificent, and I am so grateful to have had an hour of her time this week. Not only does she hold degrees from Wellesley College and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, she is a gorgeous, incredibly insightful author. Marty's writing delves into grief, memory, and the ripple effects of generational trauma. We discuss her maternal grandparents' legacy as the founders of the groundbreaking magazine, "Highlights for Children," and her memoir Always There, Always Gone, in which she weaves a lyrical, hybrid narrative reflecting on the devastating 1960 plane crash that claimed their lives. Her story explores how that loss deeply influenced her mother’s life—and, subsequently, her own. There is something for everyone, at every stage of grief, in this conversation. For more information on Marty, and to get your copy of "Always There, Always Gone," check out: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Marty-Ross-Dolen/234962242 [https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Marty-Ross-Dolen/234962242] and find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martyrossdolen/ [https://www.instagram.com/martyrossdolen/] Thank you so much for listening! We would be so grateful if you would leave us a five-star rate and review wherever possible. Your support means the world.

Ep. 180: Darnell Lamont Walker, Emmy-Nominated Death Doula, on the "Art of a Peaceful End"

In the latest episode of "Grief Is My Side Hustle," I'm joined by author and death doula Darnell Lamont Walker to explore the intricacies of grief, loss, and the importance of open conversations about death. Our heartfelt discussion delves into personal experiences and cultural perspectives, shedding light on how we can better navigate the often-taboo subject of mortality. Darnell's journey into the world of grief began in his childhood, surrounded by the loving presence of his grandmother. This foundation of compassion laid the groundwork for his own understanding of grief, where discussions about death were not shunned but embraced. You are GOING to want to listen to every word Darnell speaks- he's incredibly eloquent, charming, knowledgeable and soothing. I'm so grateful to have gotten this hour of his time!    More about Darnell: https://www.instagram.com/hello.darnell/ [https://www.instagram.com/hello.darnell/] https://darnellwalker.com/never-can-say-goodbye/ [https://darnellwalker.com/never-can-say-goodbye/]

179: Dave Manheim on How Grief Shaped His Career--and Formed a "Dopey Nation"

Dave Manheim (host of the Dopey Podcast) is the kind of interview where you totally forget to stick to any sort of parameters and just jump right in...because once he starts a story, you just strap in and go along for the (often hilarious) ride.     Beyond Dave's warm demeanor and mischevious half-smile is a man who has faced an incredible amount of grief, heartbreak and turmoil. Just over 10 years ago, Dave and his late co-host, Chris, launched Dopey together- a space where they could tell stories about their experiences in active addiction. Sadly, Chris relapsed and died shortly after the podcast started gaining a substantial following. To honor his friend, Dave just kept going. And a decade later, he has never missed a week of his now beloved (and highly regarded) show.    Dave has now interviewed everyone from Real Housewives cast members to Marc Maron and Jamie Lee Curtis. Despite the accolades, however, he remains humble, kind, and speaks about his grief and addiction with an openness that is wonderfully disarming.    You won't want to miss this unique, vibrant, and incredibly touching episode.   Thanks for listening! Please don't forget to rate and review us wherever possible!    More about Dave: https://dopeypodcast.com/ [https://dopeypodcast.com/] https://www.instagram.com/dopeypodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/dopeypodcast/]

Ep. 178: Barry Hoffner Travels the World with His Grief

My guest this week is recent Grieftastic Book Club author Barry Hoffner.    In 2017, Barry faced unimaginable loss when his wife, Jackie, tragically passed away in an accident in Botswana.    After a deep period of soul-searching,Barry turned to travel—not just for exploration, but for healing. His recently released memoir, "Belonging to the World," chronicles his journey to every country on Earth and the profound ways in which the people he met helped him rediscover purpose and a sense of belonging. I loved continuing our conversation here on the show so that EVERYONE can have a chance to learn about Barry's quite remarkable take on turning his grief from a noun to a verb by literally traversing the globe with it.    Thank you for listening! Please feel free to rate and review; we LOVE hearing from you!    More about Barry Hoffner: https://belongingtotheworld.com/about [https://belongingtotheworld.com/about] https://www.instagram.com/barryh99/ [https://www.instagram.com/barryh99/]