Angel Talk: Recent Episodes
Raise for Rowyn
Designed by Raise for Rowyn for families suffering from the tragic loss of a child by providing weekly motivation and deep discussions on grief and how to deal with it.
Philip sat down with Pastor Jim Ford of the New Day Christian Center in Tenino. They talked about how love and faith intertwine with hope during this Easter season. They also reflect on this Holy Week and what it means to them.
What makes you get out of bed in the morning and put one foot in front of the other? What helps you breathe after a painful loss? What keeps you from falling off a cliff? One word...toughness. Whether you know it or not, you are filled with an awe-inspiring toughness that can't be measured.
In today's QUICK HIT, Philip talks about different people who have personified toughness, and how you are tougher than you think.
Philip introduces a new segment on Angel Talk...the QUICK HIT! Today we talk about finding the legacy of a loved one whose life might have been incomplete. We talk about the different ways you can build a legacy, and things to remember while you're honoring their legacy.
Season 3 of Angel Talk is coming, and it is filled with some new content that is sure to inspire and comfort.
Philip and Lauren came back after a few weeks off to talk about the concept of "moving on" after the passing of a loved one. She talked about her personal experience in trying to continue living her life, and how "moving forward" is probably a better description of your new life.
Philip and Lauren sat down and talked about how to deal with the little things that stress us out everyday...while also coping with the loss of a loved one.
In the shadow of September 11, Philip and Lauren talk about the different milestones and moments that take you back to places that you may not like...and how to get through those moments and still keep breathing.
After you've lost someone, you can feel like a mess...and you can never be quite sure how long that feeling will last. Philip and Lauren talked about how to cope with these feelings, and helpful ways to keep moving forward.
Recently, we released a survey asking whether pineapple belonged on a pizza and the results were overwhelming. Philip and Lauren break down the results, and debate whether or not pinneapple should be allowed anywhere near a pizza.
Philip and Lauren sat down (remotely for the first time) to talk about the importance of keeping your own identity after losing a loved one....especially a sibling.
Many of us have been there. We find ourselves trying to find the best way to speak to those who have lost a loved one. In this episode, Lauren goes through her own experience, what subjects might be good to avoid, and brings up a few things you can do to be there for them.
Lauren and Philip introduce their first special bonus episode of "off topic" and open up about their favorite Olympic sports, personalities, and other fun things from the games.
Philip and Lauren sat down and talked about the different books, movies and people that can help you get through each day living with your grief. They shared another bittersweet Angel Story, and shared some good news at the end.
In this episode, Philip and Lauren share another beautiful Angel Story, and dive into how time affects the grieving process. They also deliver an inspiring version of their "Good News" segment.
Angel Talk is back!!!
Philip and Lauren sat down for a new episode of Raise for Rowyn's podcast. They introduced a few new segments, including our new Angel Stories, the Question of the Day, and even highlighted some good news we might not be paying attention to.
Brynn finishes up her fabulous conversation with the Wild Woman of God Evolving and her "Sister from another Mister" Tiffany Evans. They talk about different parts of Tiffany's new book "Running with Jesus" and reflect of the impacts that God has had on their grief journeys.
She's back!!!
Brynn sat down with her "sister from another Mister" Tiffany Evans. In her second stint as a special guest to the pod, Tiffany talked about her new book "Running with Jesus" and how you can use your adversity (through faith) to transform yourself.
Today is Angel Rowyn's birthday, and to honor her on this special day, Brynn and Philip took time to talk about her favorite things, and also give some tips on ways families can remember their Angels on days like today.
Brynn and Philip hopped into the podcast studio and interviewed Lauren Adderley, the new Administrative Assistant for Raise for Rowyn. Lauren talked about the special connection she has to RFR, and gave her Desert Island Top Three answers.
Brynn sat down and chatted it up with her sister-in-law Emily Johnson. The two looked back at life with Rowyn, and talked about how Emily was there to support Brynn while dealing with her own grief.
Brynn finishes up her interview with Summer Gordon, fellow Angel Mom and author of Hope Remains, a beautiful book about how to navigate through the loss of a loved one using faith and family. She shared her own Sissy Sign, and talked about the impact of her Angel's passing on her own family.
Brynn chatted with Summer Gordon, a fellow Angel mom and author of the book Hope Remains. The two took time to talk about forgiveness in the face of incredibly difficult circumstances, and how her faith pushes her forward everyday.
Brynn and Philip came together to talk about the anger that comes with losing a child, and how to deal with the guilt (or shame) that comes with that anger. They reminded our listeners that we are all beautifully unfinished works in progress.
Brynn finishes up her conversation with Sharna Southan, a pregnancy loss specialist from Down Under, who works with families all over the world to help them work through their grief.
Brynn took the reigns to conduct her first-ever solo interview and decided to go international by interviewing Sharna Southan, who hails from Australia and has started an organization that deals with grieving loss during pregnancy.
In the second and final installment of our interview with the founders of Our Little Sparrows, Brynn and Philip talked to Geoff and Toni Babec about how they started the organization, and what it does for the community.
Philip and Brynn sat down with Geoff and Toni Brabec, who talked about their Angel Olivia and shared the story of their loss. They also talked about how losing their Angel led them to created Our Little Sparrows, an organization that assists families struggling with loss through miscarriage.
Philip and Brynn sat down with Geoff and Toni Brabec, who shared their story of losing their beautiful Angel Olivia, and how they used their tragedy to create an organization that helps families suffering through miscarraige. Check out their website at https://www.ourlittlesparrows.org/.
Brynn and Philip return for a second season of Angel Talk. In this short introductory episode, they talk about what you can expect for the second season, and some of the topics that you might hear.
We are back!!! Starting next week, we will be hosting tons of new content, filled with special guests and uplifting content. Philip and Brynn will bring you hopeful examples of grief, hope and overcoming incredible adversity.
Philip and Brynn spent the last live podcast of the year talking about the different ways she honors her Angel Rowyn during the holidays, and tips for others on how to do the same.
Even though the holiday season can be a hard one for those who have lost an Angel, there are still ways you can honor the loved ones who have gone before you.. Philip and Brynn sat down and talked about the fun ways that Brynn remembers her Angel during the Christmas season.
This week's podcast was short but special. Philip and Brynn sat down and talked about what we can all be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
Our conversation with the Wild Woman of God Evolving Tiffany Evans, who talked about the second part of moving forward through grief...recognizing and accepting your vulnerability. She talked about how this recognition often leads to stronger leadership and incredible growth.
We sat down and talked to someone Brynn knows very well...her "sister from another mister" Tiffany Evans. The Wild Woman of God Evolving talked about the incredible pain that came from losing her father, and how she has developed incredible courage through her journey.
It's Election Day, so Brynn and Philip decided to talk about a President...Teddy Roosevelt. More specifically, a speech he gave that has come to be known as "The Man in the Arena". It is a deep speech about struggling to find courage, and dealing unhealthy people in your life.
Our best guest yet. Philip and Brynn sat down with Rainbow Baby Mynrow (aka Brynn's daughter) to talk about her favorite things, and how her and Rowyn still have a relationship.
She's an Angel Mother, an author, and the founder of a charitable foundation making an incredible difference in the fight against Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Her name is Stephany Resendes, and she sat down with Brynn and Philip to talk about losing her Angel to a rare disorder, and what it's like to parent a Rainbow Baby.
In the second part of our interview with Mom Samantha Reese, she talked how she parents her Rainbow Baby Emmitt while continuing to work through her feelings of grief for her Angel Baby Wes.
To kickoff Rainbow Baby Month on Angel Talk, Philip and Brynn sat down with Double Rainbow Mom Samantha Reese, who talked about losing her precious Angel Wes, meeting her husband during her time of grief, and her Rainbow Baby Emmitt.
Philip and Brynn sat down with Angel Warrior Mama Tracy Carli, who talked about the ups and downs of taking care of a loved one who has a limited time on Earth, and how to deal with feelings of grief that occur before they pass.
Philip and Brynn sat down and talked about how she keeps Rowyn in her life everyday, and how it doesn't matter how crazy it feels, it's important that everyone grieves in their own way.
Philip and Brynn sat down to talk about the feelings of intuition she felt before Rowyn's accident, and why she believes they were important in helping her deal with her grief.
Brynn sat down with Jennifer Eickenhorst, the creator of the Accidental Hope podcast. Together, they shared their stories of tragedy, and how they have used their faith to navigate through their trauma. This episode is a part of a special simulcast.
As Brynn and Philip prepare for a very special simoulcast with the creators of Accidental Hope, they figured it was a perfect time to re-air the very first episode they ever did...the story of Brynn and Raise for Rowyn.
Philip sat down and talked Joe DiCarlo, the Global Ambassador of Medical Teams International, who spoke about how cultures around the world grieve when they lose a loved one, and how medical volunteers deal with their own feelings of grief. He also hit on topical issues like COVID response around the world and life in refugee camps.
Brynn and Philip sat down with Ayanna Brown, who lost her son Alajawan when he was shot and killed by a gang member in their neighborhood. She came on and talked about how she deals with her grief every day, how she honors her son through her own nonprofit, and how, when it comes to dealing with the grief from losing a loved one...we're not all that different.
Philip and Brynn sat down with Trooper Deion Glover of the Washington State Patrol, who took the time to share his reasons for becoming a police officer, and his own story of loss. Trooper Glover lost his partner Sean O'Connell in 2013 and talked about what he does every day to honor his memory.
You may have been hearing Brynn's voice over the last seven months, but do you REALLY know her nerdy side? This episode takes a look back at some of the most popular "Angel Talk" episodes since the show began, and Philip grills Brynn on her desert island Top 3. Get ready for fun!
Philip and Brynn sat down with Noah Bear, the lead singer of the local band Waking Bear. He shared his own story of emotional and physical loss, spoke deeply about finding his spirituality through deep reflection, and talked about how music has helped him navigate through intense feelings of grief.
He even shares an exclusive song at the end of the podcast.
The third and final installment of our Grief and Addiction podcast, Philip and Brynn talk to Ali about how she got on the road to recovery, and how her new living Angel Molly saved her life. She also reflects on the legacy that her beautiful Angel Lexa left behind and how she tries to live up to it everyday.
Brynn and Philip continue their raw and unfiltered conversation with Ali Burman, who talked about how she started using, how it affected her life, and the damage it did to her life.
In part one of this three part series, Philip and Brynn sat down and had an incredible conversation with Ali Burman, the mother of Angel Lexa, who talked about her struggle with addiction and how it affected her as a mother.
As Raise for Rowyn gets ready to air our podcasts for the second half of the year, Brynn and Philip sat down to record a new intro to one of our most popular podcasts so far...the Sissy Sign Episode.
Philip and Brynn put Administrative Director Nikki Hanks on the hot seat this week, talking to her about growing up in Olympia, how she came to Raise for Rowyn, and her VERY eclectic Dessert Island Top 3.
Brynn took over hosting duties for the first installment in the "Get to know RFR" podcast series, putting Philip on the hot seat. He talked about growing up an Army brat, how he got to Raise for Rowyn, and gave his dessert island top three.
Philip and Brynn culminate that discussion on the Five Stages of Grief by tackling the SIXTH stage of grief...finding meaning in the passing of a loved one. They sat down with special guest Heidi Murray, a Tenino resident and fellow Angel Mom. Heidi talked about her own loss, and how she grew from attempting to find meaning in the face of her grief.
In the final part of the "Five Stages of Grief" podcast, Philip and Brynn sit down to talk about coming to terms with the death of Angel Rowyn, and the complex emotions she felt during the acceptance stage.
Philip and Brynn sat down and talked about one of the longest lasting and all-encompassing stages of grief...depression. She shared her stories of grief, and how she has been able to grow through her depression and continue living her life.
Philip and Brynn sat down to talk about the third stage of grief...bargaining. Brynn talked about what type of bargaining she found herself doing through the grieving process, and how she go through this stage.
Brynn and Philip sat down to talk about one of the more overwhelming stages of grief...the anger stage. She talked about how her anger manifested itself after the accident, how it affected her physically, and methods she used to live with her anger day-to-day.
In the first installment of a special series on the Five Stages of Grief, Brynn and Philip examine the denial that comes with the death of a loved one. They focused on Brynn's experience, and how she was affected by this early stage of grief.
During this unprecedented time, it can be easy to feel isolated...much like those who experience grief. Philip sat down with Brynn to talk about her own feelings of loneliness after Rowyn's passing, and tips she has for those who are suffering from the same issue.
Philip and Brynn sat down and talked about the different signs that she gets from Rowyn throughout the day. These beautiful messages from beyond are affectionately called "Sissy Signs" and Brynn has been receiving them since her sweet Angel passed.
The Ambitious Angel Mom is back!!! Brynn joined the pod to talk about how important physical activity is to her mental health, and how she used working out to get through the toughest parts of the grieving process.
Restaurant owners and employees have been hard hit by the current crisis. Since millions of us frequent restaurants every day, it falls on us to be rays of light in their time of need.
Our friends at Anonymously Yours have set up a special fund supporting our restaurant workers.
In the final episode of the Grief and Fatherhood series, Philip chatted with Jim Ford, a pastor from Tenino who talked about his lovely Angel, shared his story of loss, and talked about how faith got him through.
Over the next few weeks, Raise for Rowyn will be highlighting some of the unsung heroes and silver linings of this unprecedented crisis. We start our series off with our Executive Board Secretary Kelsie, who also works as a registered nurse. This video highlights some of the amazingly kind things individuals and businesses are doing for our newest heroes.
In the third installment of Grief and Fatherhood, Philip sat down with Chuck Cope to talk about his story of loss, how he dealt with his grief, and his creation of the Morgan Cope Scholarship, which Raise for Rowyn manages.
This week, Philip sat down with Brad Tower, an Angel Father from Olympia who tragically lost his three children in a fire. He opened up about how he copes with his grief everyday, and how he honors his Angels whenever he can.
Brad's book recommendation:
A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis
https://www.amazon.com/Grief-Observed-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652381/ref=sr_1_1?crid=39M68FAZMKW0U&keywords=a+grief+observed+c.s.+lewis+paperback&qid=1585068024&sprefix=a+grief+%2Caps%2C221&sr=8-1
With the Ambitious Angel Mom on vacation, the dads have the run of the place and Philip is taking advantage. This podcast introduces the upcoming series of podcasts centered around our Angel Fathers and what they go through every day.
Philip sat down with Gary Rurup, owner of the Shiplap Coffee House in Yelm, to talk about their upcoming distillery tasting. Proceeds from the event will go to Raise for Rowyn. They talked about what motivates Gary to give back, and why RFR is important to him.
Brynn and Philip sat down with Angel "Warrior" mom Tracy Carli, who talked about her own loss, and the interactions people had with her after her daughter passed away. Both Brynn and Judy spoke about what you can say to someone who has lost a child.
Book recommendations from the podcast:
Tracy: https://abedformyheart.com/motherofallmothers/
Brynn: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Grief-Honor-Loved-Learn/dp/1501139088
Brynn and Philip sat down and talked about the different milestones that happen throughout the years after your Angel passes, which ones are the hardest, and how to prepare yourself for the ones that will hurt.
Brynn and Philip sat down and talked about the people who sometimes get lost in the shuffle when grieving over a lost child...their siblings. Brynn used her own experience with her other two children to talk about troubling signs to look out for, and different ways you can help brothers and sisters cope with the loss of their sibling.
Philip and Brynn take a little time to talk about the fun and unique ways you can remember your Angel.
In the wake of the vary high profile passing of Kobe Bryant, Brynn and Philip sat down to talk about the challenges of grieving in the public eye, and how to prepare for interacting in the public while you're coping with loss.
Brynn and Philip sat down to talk about how to take time for yourself in your grief...even if that means saying no to the people.
Brynn and Philip sat down with their very first special guest, Pastor Jim Ford of New Day Christian Center in Tenino. They talked about how he used his faith to get through his own family tragedy, and how he and Brynn connected through hers.
Will I ever feel happy again? What if I feel guilty about being happy? Does it ever get better? These are just a few questions you will have during the hardest times.
Brynn and Philip sat down and talk about two emotions that often collide with each other during tough times. Brynn shared her own feelings of joy amidst her grief, and how to deal with both.
To give to Raise for Rowyn and support our mission simply visit our website:
https://www.raiseforrowyn.org/
Five years ago, Brynn Johnson lost her daughter Rowyn in an accident at their home. Today, as the founder of Raise for Rowyn, she and her organization work to provide funeral cost assitance and emotional support to those who have suffered the tragic loss of a child.
This is the introductory episode that tells our story.