When Holidays Hurt: How to Support Someone Who’s Grieving

Boxing Day Shock: A Family's Sudden Loss and What We Didn't Expect

Hosts Adam Davio and Renee Robinson share a personal, detailed account of a sudden death over the holiday season and how it affected their family. This episode centers on the real-time chaos of finding a loved one deceased, the wait for emergency responders and the coroner, and the immediate emotional shock for those left behind. The conversation explores practical and emotional challenges: confusion over next steps, surprising funeral costs, the strain of making decisions while grieving, and the importance of having pre-plans, documents, and clear wishes in place. The hosts also discuss how doulas and community support can guide families through these moments and offer tips for supporting men in grief. They close by outlining upcoming resources and guests—webinars, events, and interviews with experts on financial planning, male doulas, and memorial options—encouraging listeners to prepare and share wishes with their families.

When Holidays Hurt: How to Support Someone Who’s Grieving

End-of-life doulas Adam and Renee talk with psychologist Amanda Robinson about supporting people who are grieving during the holidays. This episode is aimed at friends and family who expect grieving loved ones at gatherings and want practical guidance. They cover how to ask about someone’s wellbeing, when to share that a guest is grieving, concrete offers of help, reasons to avoid phrases like “I know how you feel,” using the deceased person’s name, supporting children and teens, and how grief is non-linear—especially around holidays and anniversaries.

Holiday Grief: Honoring Loved Ones When the Season Hurts

Hosts Adam Daviau and Renee Robinson speak with psychologist Amanda Robinson about navigating grief during the holiday season. They offer practical tips—creating new traditions, setting boundaries, accepting grief bursts, leaning into support groups, and self-care—to honor lost loved ones while managing intense emotions. This is episode 1 of 2 on holiday grief and provides clear, compassionate strategies for anyone facing loss during the festive season.

We Hold the Line: Reimagining Veteran End‑of‑Life Care

Hosts Adam Daviau and Renee Robinson speak with Dr. Qwynn Galloway‑Salazar, founder and CEO of In Their Honor, about reimagining end‑of‑life care for veterans through storytelling, applied theater, and community‑based support. The episode explores her journey from military service to doula, her work on the Caring for Veterans Through the End of Life course collection, and projects like applied theater performances and the 11th Hour Squadron volunteer initiative. Listeners will hear concrete examples of how narrative and community action can improve veteran care, build trust, and preserve legacy, plus next steps for getting involved and supporting veterans and their families through aging, grief, and dying.

Advanced Planning: A Loving Guide to End-of-Life Decisions

In this episode Adam and Renee explain the difference between death cafés and grief groups, explore the importance of advanced planning versus pre-planning, and emphasize supporting veterans at end of life. They also announce a special guest, Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar, and encourage listeners to start conversations and prepare documents to ease decisions for families.