The Surviving Siblings Podcast

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On Episode 10 of Season 9 of The Surviving Siblings Podcast®, host Maya Roffler is joined by Emily O'Brien, a surviving sibling, who shares the story of losing her brother Pete to a rare and devastating case of encephalitis that developed from what initially seemed like a simple ear infection.

Emily takes us back to her childhood growing up in Michigan with her only sibling, Pete. Just 28 months apart, the two shared a bond that went far beyond a typical brother-sister relationship. They were inseparable throughout childhood, growing up side by side, sharing friends, adventures, milestones, and a connection they both described as being soulmates.

As children, Emily was known as Pete's little sister—but she was also adopted by his entire friend group as their little sister too. Whether they were together constantly or navigating the occasional sibling disagreements that come with growing up, there was never any question about the depth of their connection. As they entered adulthood, that bond only grew stronger.

Pete was the kind of person people gravitated toward.

A bartender and server by trade, he had a rare ability to make anyone feel important. Whether you knew him for twenty years or twenty minutes, Pete had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and valued. His charisma, kindness, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impact on nearly everyone he met. Then, in March 2020, everything changed.

As the world was beginning to shut down due to COVID-19, Pete developed what seemed like a routine ear infection. Because he lacked health insurance and was already carrying significant medical debt from a previous surgery, he delayed seeking treatment.

What no one could have known was that the infection was quietly becoming something far more serious. Within hours, the infection spread from his ear into the bones of his inner ear, eventually reaching his brain stem and causing encephalitis—a severe inflammation of the brain. By the time Pete arrived at the hospital, his body was already in sepsis.

The next morning, she was receiving calls that would change her life forever.

Emily shares the shock of learning that Pete had no measurable brain activity, the surreal experience of spending four days in the hospital during the earliest days of COVID, and the emotional complexity of navigating organ donation while trying to comprehend what had happened.

As family, friends, coworkers, and complete strangers poured into the hospital to share stories about Pete, Emily began to understand just how many lives her brother had touched. Yet despite the outpouring of love, Emily found herself stepping into a role many surviving siblings know all too well: becoming the one who holds everyone else together. She opens up about spending years carrying the weight of everyone else's grief while neglecting her own, throwing herself into creating a nonprofit in Pete's honor, raising a young child, working through the pandemic, and doing everything possible to avoid fully feeling the depth of her loss.

What followed was a period she describes as becoming "the walking dead"—going through the motions of life while feeling emotionally disconnected from everything around her.

This episode explores sibling soulmates, anticipatory grief, organ donation, complicated family dynamics, spiritual connection after loss, and the reality that healing doesn't mean leaving your sibling behind—it means learning how to carry them forward.

Most of all, it's a reminder that even after unimaginable loss, it is still possible to choose life.

In This Episode:

(0:00:00) – Meet Emily + Remembering Pete Emily introduces her relationship with her older brother and the soulmate-like bond they shared throughout their lives.

(0:02:00) – Growing Up Inseparable Childhood memories, shared friendships, and being known as "Pete's little sister."

(0:04:00) – A Bond That Strengthened With Age How distance during college ultimately deepened their connection.

(0:05:00) – Moving to Florida Together Emily helps Pete leave behind a difficult chapter and start fresh near family.

(0:13:00) – Who Pete Was Remembering Pete's charisma, kindness, and ability to connect with anyone he met.

(0:15:00) – Substance Use + Struggles Behind the Scenes The challenges Pete faced while still showing the world his bright personality.

(0:20:00) – The Beginning of COVID The final conversation Emily had with Pete during the first days of the pandemic.

(0:23:00) – The Phone Calls Learning Pete had been rushed to the hospital and trying to understand what was happening.

(0:29:00) – A Rare Medical Emergency How a simple ear infection turned into encephalitis and severe brain swelling.

(0:31:00) – From Ear Infection to Brain Death The shocking reality of how quickly Pete's condition deteriorated.

(0:36:00) – Organ Donation During COVID Navigating hospital restrictions, waiting periods, and Pete's life-saving gift to others.

(0:39:00) – The Stories People Shared Hearing from friends, coworkers, and strangers whose lives Pete impacted.

(0:44:00) – Living As "The Walking Dead" Years of emotional numbness, survival mode, and delayed grief.

(0:47:00) – Dreams, Signs, and Spiritual Connection How Emily's ongoing relationship with Pete helped guide her healing.

(0:50:00) – Choosing Life Again Therapy, transformation, and rebuilding a life that felt authentic after loss.

(0:56:00) – Advice for Newly Bereaved Siblings Why it's okay not to be okay—and why finding people who truly understand matters.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings®.

Connect with Emily:

Email: obrien.emily.b@gmail.com

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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On Episode 9 of Season 9 of The Surviving Siblings Podcast®, host Maya Roffler is joined by Sarah, a surviving sibling, who shares the story of losing her older brother Joel in a tragic motorcycle accident after years of struggling with mental health, addiction, and life on the edge.

Sarah takes us back to her childhood growing up in Kingston, Washington, a small town surrounded by nature, ferries, dirt bikes, and the kind of freedom that defined a typical '90s childhood. Joel was two years older than her, and from the very beginning, she was chasing after him—rollerblading behind the bikes, following him into adventures, and looking up to the older brother who always seemed fearless. Their childhood was full of camping trips, exploring the Pacific Northwest, and spending long days outside together. Joel loved BMX riding, dirt bikes, and adrenaline-fueled hobbies that would continue shaping much of his life into adulthood. But as they entered their teenage years, everything shifted.

After their parents' divorce, the family dynamic completely fractured. Sarah moved to Virginia with their mother while Joel returned to Washington with their father. What followed was nearly a decade of separation during some of the most formative years of their lives. During that time, Joel began struggling deeply.

What started as partying and rebellion in middle school quickly escalated into legal trouble, drug use, instability, and involvement with the juvenile justice system. By 16, Joel had become a father himself—growing up far too quickly while still trying to survive his own pain. Sarah shares what it was like watching her brother's life unfold from across the country—feeling disconnected, worried, and unable to fully understand the depth of what he was carrying at such a young age.

When Sarah eventually moved back to Washington as a teenager, their relationship transformed. Without years of typical sibling rivalry, they found themselves reconnecting more as friends than anything else. Joel welcomed her into his world, introducing her to the friends who would later become lifelong connections for her too.

Years later, after Sarah returned to Washington again to start a family of her own, she and Joel finally got back the time they had missed. Holidays, barbecues, late-night conversations, and everyday moments slowly rebuilt the sibling bond they had always wanted.

And then, in March 2022, everything changed.

Sarah opens up about the loneliness that came after Joel's death—the lack of parental support, the confusion of grieving differently than the people around her, and the overwhelming responsibility of organizing Joel's cremation and memorial almost entirely on her own. From writing the obituary and creating the memorial slideshow to officiating his service herself, Sarah carried the emotional and logistical weight of honoring Joel while barely holding herself together.

She also shares the darker realities of grief that many surviving siblings quietly experience: depression, isolation, suicidal ideation, anger, and the deep ache of feeling abandoned not only by loss… but by the people who are supposed to help carry it with you. As the conversation unfolds, Sarah reflects on what ultimately helped her begin healing—finding the right therapist, joining the Surviving Siblings community, and realizing she no longer had to carry her grief entirely alone.

One of the most powerful moments of the episode comes as Sarah shares how, four years after Joel's death, she finally honored him in the way she had always wanted to. Through a memorial ferry release in Washington State, surrounded by family and flowers, she released Joel's ashes into the water during a quiet sunrise ceremony that brought both grief and peace together in the same moment.

In This Episode:

(0:00:00) – Meet Sarah + Remembering Joel Sarah shares her childhood growing up with her older brother in Washington State and their adventurous '90s upbringing.

(0:03:00) – Divorce + Family Separation How their parents' divorce split the family apart and separated the siblings for nearly a decade.

(0:05:00) – Early Trouble + Addiction Joel's struggles with rebellion, legal trouble, and substance use beginning in middle school.

(0:06:00) – Becoming a Father at 16 How Joel's life changed dramatically after becoming a teenage parent.

(0:10:00) – Reconnecting as Adults Sarah moves back to Washington and finally begins rebuilding a close relationship with Joel.

(0:15:00) – Becoming Family Again How holidays, barbecues, and everyday moments helped them reconnect after years apart.

(0:20:00) – The Day Everything Changed Sarah receives the phone call that Joel had died in a motorcycle accident.

(0:21:00) – The Motorcycle Crash What happened during the police pursuit on Interstate 5 and the tragic collision that ended Joel's life.

(0:26:00) – Not Seeing Him + Delayed Goodbye The emotional reality of not viewing Joel's body and waiting weeks for his cremation process.

(0:31:00) – Planning the Funeral Alone How Sarah organized Joel's cremation and memorial service while grieving deeply herself.

(0:43:00) – Finding Support Through Community How therapy and the Surviving Siblings community became part of Sarah's healing journey.

(0:48:00) – Releasing Joel's Ashes The emotional ferry memorial ceremony that helped Sarah finally honor her brother in the way she always envisioned.

(0:52:00) – Final Reflections on Grief + Survival Why grief is cyclical, why their story continues through us, and the importance of asking for help.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings®

Connect with Sarah:

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/Mompadthai1
Email: sarahraynor31@gmail.com

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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On Episode 8 of Season 9 of The Surviving Siblings Podcast®, host Maya Roffler is joined by Val Lentini, a surviving sibling, who shares the story of losing her brother Andreas—"Andy"—to a tragic skateboarding accident just weeks after one of the most meaningful milestones they shared together.

Val takes us back to her childhood growing up with her only sibling, her younger brother Andy. Just two years apart, they spent nearly every stage of life side by side—attending the same schools, sharing activities, and building a bond rooted in both friendship and family. From basement hangouts and childhood games to navigating life milestones together, Andy wasn't just her brother—he was part of nearly every memory she holds from growing up.

Their relationship was filled with the kind of closeness that comes from shared experiences, and even as life shifted into adulthood, that connection remained.

Just as life was opening up into a new chapter, everything changed.

Andy was out longboarding—something he loved and did often. A seemingly normal moment turned tragic when he fell and suffered a severe brain injury. What followed was a rapid and devastating series of events—hospitalization, life support, and ultimately, the unthinkable decision to say goodbye.

Val shares the shock of receiving the call, the urgency of rushing to the hospital, and the surreal experience of hearing medical terminology that didn't match what felt like a "simple fall." She opens up about the confusion, the unanswered questions, and the emotional weight of being in a position where decisions had to be made quickly, without time to process what was happening. She also reflects on the moments that followed—walking out of the hospital without her brother, navigating the immediate aftermath, and the strange, disorienting reality of life continuing while everything felt completely changed.

From eating at a fast-food restaurant just hours after losing him, to returning to clinical rotations and stepping back into "normal life" far too quickly, Val shares the layers of shock, survival, and delayed grief that followed Andy's passing. As the conversation unfolds, Val speaks to the deeper layers of grief—the loss of identity, the process of becoming someone new, and the reality that grief doesn't just take a person—it reshapes your entire life.

This episode is a reminder that while we may never fully "heal" from losing a sibling.

In This Episode:

(0:00:00) – Meet Val + Remembering Andreas ("Andy") Val introduces her relationship with her younger brother and their deeply connected upbringing.

(0:02:00) – Growing Up Side by Side Sharing schools, activities, and nearly every stage of life together.

(0:06:00) – College + Staying Connected Navigating time apart and the meaningful experience of attending the same university.

(0:17:00) – The Day Everything Changed The longboarding accident and the sudden shift into crisis.

(0:20:00) – Hospital + Medical Reality Processing complex injuries, brain trauma, and the reality of the situation.

(0:22:00) – Saying Goodbye Navigating life support, brain death, and the unimaginable decision.

(0:33:00) – Walking Out of the Hospital The surreal experience of leaving without him and facing the outside world.

(0:37:00) – Life Continues Too Fast Returning to clinical rotations, career transitions, and suppressed grief.

(0:40:00) – Losing Yourself + Becoming Someone New How grief reshapes identity and forces personal transformation.

(0:43:00) – Carrying Andy Forward Adopting his mindset and keeping his presence alive in everyday life.

(0:47:00) – Sitting With Others in Grief Why presence matters more than words—and how to support someone grieving.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings®

Connect with Val:

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valerielentine22

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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On Episode 7 of Season 9 of The Surviving Siblings Podcast®, host Maya Roffler is joined by Kara Leigh, a surviving sibling, who shares the story of losing her brother Brandon after a long battle with addiction—and the unexpected reality of learning his official cause of death was emphysema.

Kara takes us back to her childhood growing up in a family of three siblings, where Brandon was her older brother and she fell right in the middle. Their early years were filled with opportunity, family vacations, and a life that, on the outside, looked stable and full.

But underneath it all…there were early signs of something deeper. Brandon began using substances at a very young age—long before the family fully understood what they were facing. What started as experimentation quickly escalated into addiction, creating tension, instability, and emotional strain within the household.

Kara shares what it was like growing up alongside addiction—navigating fear, unpredictability, and the weight of trying to protect both herself and her family. From cleaning up messes to stepping into a role of responsibility far too young, her childhood and teenage years were shaped by survival as much as they were by love.

As they moved into adulthood, their relationship became a cycle many siblings of addiction understand deeply: connection… distance… hope… heartbreak.

In January 2022, Kara's life changed forever.

She didn't receive a phone call from family. She didn't hear it from authorities. She found out her brother had died… through Facebook. What followed was chaos, confusion, and a desperate search for answers—trying to piece together what had happened, where Brandon was, and why no one had contacted the family directly.

The initial assumption was what many feared: overdose. But nearly a year later, after waiting for the autopsy results, Kara learned something unexpected. Brandon's official cause of death was emphysema—not overdose—despite substances being present in his system.

This revelation brought a different kind of grief. A different kind of processing.

And a deeper reflection on how addiction had impacted his life… without being the final cause.

Kara opens up about the complexity of losing a sibling to addiction—the guilt, the boundaries, the "what if" questions—and what it means to love someone deeply while also protecting yourself.

She shares her journey through therapy, writing, and healing… including beginning a book to honor Brandon not just for his struggles, but for who he truly was as a person.

This episode also explores the emotional weight of reading an autopsy report, the reality of delayed answers, and the layers of grief that come with unexpected twists in loss.

In This Episode:

(0:00:00) – Meet Kara + Remembering Brandon Kara introduces her family dynamic, growing up with her older brother and younger sister.

(0:02:00) – Early Addiction + Family Impact How Brandon's substance use began young and quickly affected the entire household.

(0:05:00) – Growing Up Around Instability Navigating fear, tension, and survival in a home impacted by addiction.

(0:07:00) – Taking on Responsibility Too Young Kara reflects on stepping into a caretaker role and protecting herself.

(0:10:00) – Adulthood + Cycles of Addiction The ongoing pattern of hope, relapse, and trying to maintain boundaries.

(0:15:00) – The Complexity of Loving an Addicted Sibling Balancing tough love, boundaries, and deep care.

(0:24:00) – The Night Everything Changed Kara shares the moment she learned of Brandon's death—through Facebook.

(0:30:00) – Waiting for the Autopsy The emotional toll of waiting nearly a year for official answers.

(0:33:00) – The Truth About Brandon's Death Learning his cause of death was emphysema—not overdose—and what that meant.

(0:42:00) – Remembering the Whole Person Why it's important to honor both the struggles and the goodness of someone's life.

(0:48:00) – Grief Isn't Linear Breaking down myths around grief and what it really looks like over time.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings®

Connect with Kara:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karafitzluss?igsh=OHI2dXB5dXhqZmlj
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14NS2Hpn4no/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karaleighlussier?_r=1&_t=ZS-91tnLBADBDe

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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On Episode 6 of Season 9 of The Surviving Siblings Podcast®, host Maya Roffler is joined by Teri Gosselin, a surviving sibling, speaker, and grief advocate, who shares the story of losing her brother Joey to complications related to Marfan Syndrome—and how that loss forever intertwined grief, love, family, and purpose in her life.

Teri takes us back to her childhood growing up just outside of Washington, DC, where she was the oldest of three. From the moment Joey was born, she stepped into the role of protector, advocate, and "sissy"—completely devoted to her little brother. Their family life was full of connection, neighborhood friendships, and what felt like a normal, loving upbringing.

But early on, their story took a different path.

When Joey was just a toddler, subtle signs led to a life-changing diagnosis: Marfan Syndrome, a rare genetic connective tissue disorder that would go on to impact not only Joey, but their father and sister as well.

Teri shares what it was like growing up in a family navigating a condition few people understood at the time—doctor visits, unknowns, and the quiet weight of knowing that life could look different for the people she loved most.

Still, Joey was more than his diagnosis.

He was tall, eventually reaching seven feet, funny, annoying in all the "little brother" ways, and someone Teri grew closer to as they entered adulthood. Just as their relationship was deepening into something new, everything changed.

In May 2008, Joey died suddenly in his sleep at just 22 years old.

The loss was completely unexpected.

And even more complicated… it happened just three weeks before Teri's wedding.

Teri shares the unimaginable reality of those weeks—receiving the phone call at work, the shock of not being able to reach her family, and the moment her father told her Joey was gone. She walks us through the early days of grief layered with urgency, milestones, and pressure to move forward, including planning a wedding while mourning her brother.

She opens up about walking down the same aisle where she had just walked behind Joey's casket… now as a bride.

About honoring him in quiet, meaningful ways. About holding grief and joy in the same space.

And about how that experience reshaped everything she thought she knew about life.

This episode also brings powerful awareness to Marfan Syndrome—what it is, how it impacts the body, and why education and early diagnosis matter.

As the conversation unfolds, Teri shares how her relationship with Joey didn't end—it transformed. Through healing, spirituality, and time, she's come to understand grief and joy as deeply connected experiences, not separate ones.

This episode is a reminder that loss doesn't just break us—it can deepen us.

That grief and joy can exist together. And that love doesn't end… even when life does.

In This Episode:

(0:00:00) – Meet Teri + Remembering Joey Teri introduces her family, her role as the oldest sibling, and her deep bond with her brother Joey.

(0:02:00) – Growing Up + Early Signs of Marfan Syndrome How Joey's diagnosis came to light and how it impacted the entire family.

(0:05:00) – A Family Diagnosis Learning that her father and sister also had Marfan Syndrome—and navigating the unknowns together.

(0:08:00) – The "Strong One" Role How Teri stepped into being the protector and advocate within her family.

(0:09:30) – Adulthood + Deepening the Sibling Bond Moving beyond childhood dynamics and beginning to build a closer adult relationship.

(0:15:00) – The Day Everything Changed The phone call, the unanswered calls, and the moment Teri learned Joey had died.

(0:18:00) – Sudden Loss + Searching for Answers Understanding Joey's passing and the connection to Marfan Syndrome.

(0:20:00) – Grief + Wedding Intertwined Navigating loss just three weeks before her wedding—and the pressure to move forward.

(0:23:00) – Honoring Joey Meaningful ways Teri included her brother in her wedding day.

(0:25:00) – Walking the Same Aisle The emotional weight of walking down the same aisle as both a grieving sister and a bride.

(0:28:00) – Grief + Joy Coexisting How loss reshaped her perspective and deepened her understanding of life.

(0:30:00) – Spiritual Connection + Signs How Teri experiences connection with Joey today, including meaningful signs and moments.

(0:40:00) – Family Dynamics After Loss How grief impacted her relationship with her sister and family—and what helped them stay close.

(0:50:00) – Being "The Strong One" What it really means—and how to release the pressure while still showing up with strength.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings®

Connect with Teri:

Website: https://www.soulglowandalchemy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulglowandalchemy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teri.m.gosselin

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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On Episode 5 of Season 9 of The Surviving Siblings Podcast®, host Maya Roffler is joined by Dr. Heather Taylor, a surviving sibling, therapist, and grief advocate, who shares the story of losing her brother, Garrett, to an accidental overdose, and how that loss completely reshaped her life, her career, and her mission in the grief space.

Heather takes us back to her childhood growing up in a small town in Washington State, where she and her younger brother Garrett were raised surrounded by nature, imagination, and a deep sibling bond. They were each other's constant—playing outside, competing in sports, and later maintaining a close relationship into adulthood through what she lovingly calls their "sibling dates." Garrett was her biggest champion, the voice that reminded her who she was when she doubted herself.

That bond makes what happened next even more devastating.

In November 2009, just one month after a meaningful late-night conversation where Heather reminded Garrett she would love him no matter what, her world shattered. Garrett died suddenly from an accidental overdose after unknowingly taking methadone in combination with other substances. The loss was shocking, confusing, and layered with complicated emotions, especially as the family tried to make sense of what had happened in real time.

Heather shares the raw early days of grief—the shock, the numbness, the need to "do something" (even if that meant cutting out holiday apron patterns just to keep moving), and the surreal experience of planning a memorial while still trying to process the reality that her brother was gone.

What followed was years of unprocessed grief, anger, and searching for support that didn't exist in the way she needed. After multiple frustrating experiences trying to find a therapist who truly understood grief, Heather made a life-changing decision: she would become the therapist she couldn't find.

This episode is a powerful reminder that grief is not something to "get over," but something to live with, integrate, and carry forward—and that healing happens not by rushing the process, but by allowing grief to take up space in our lives.

In This Episode:

(0:00:00) – Meet Heather + Remembering Garrett Heather shares her childhood, growing up close with her younger brother, and the deep bond they carried into adulthood.

(0:02:30) – Growing Up in Nature + A Strong Sibling Bond From building forts in the woods to sibling dates in college, Heather reflects on their connection and Garrett's role as her biggest supporter.

(0:08:30) – The Conversation A late-night moment one month before Garrett's death becomes a memory Heather carries with her forever.

(0:10:00) – The Day Everything Changed Heather describes the moment her parents showed up at her office and how she learned Garrett had died unexpectedly.

(0:13:00) – Understanding What Happened The family learns Garrett died from an accidental overdose, adding layers of confusion, anger, and heartbreak.

(0:16:00) – Shock, Numbness, and "Doing Something" Heather shares how early grief felt—and why simple tasks like making aprons became a way to cope.

(0:20:00) – The Memorial + Early Grief Reactions Planning Garrett's service, wanting more photos, and navigating overwhelming emotions.

(0:22:00) – Finding a "Grief Buddy" Heather reflects on how connecting with someone else grieving helped her feel less alone.

(0:31:00) – The Importance of Finding the Right Therapist Why connection matters more than credentials—and how to know when it's not the right fit.

(0:36:00) – Grief as the "New Normal" Heather shares how she built her practice and podcast around redefining grief as something we integrate, not overcome.

(0:43:00) – Grief vs. Trauma Why not everything needs to be labeled as trauma—and how grief deserves its own space.

(0:47:00) – The "Grief Cyclone" Explained Heather introduces her powerful metaphor for how grief moves over time—not in stages, but in cycles.

(0:51:00) – Final Advice for the Newly Bereaved Why grief gets to take up space, why there's no timeline, and how to move at your own pace.

This episode is sponsored by Grief Is The New Normal

Connect with Heather:

Website: https://clinicians.griefisthenewnormal.com/homepage
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Grief-is-the-New-Normal-Psychological-Services/61555887374241/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grief_is_the_new_normal/
Youtube: http://youtube.com/@Grief_Is_The_New_Normal
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grief.is.the.new.normal

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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On Episode 4 of Season 9 of The Surviving Siblings Podcast®, host Maya Roffler is joined by Erica Bohn, a surviving sibling who shares the story of losing her brother, TJ, in a car accident over 30 years ago, and how that loss shaped her life, her healing, and ultimately her path into helping others.

Erica takes us back to her childhood growing up in a close-knit Midwestern family. Both she and her brother TJ were adopted as babies, raised in what she describes as a loving, "perfect" family, until one summer night in 1995 changed everything. TJ, just weeks away from starting his senior year of high school, left for a party and never came home.

In a heartbreaking twist, Erica's father—who never missed work—left early that night with a bad feeling, took a different route home, and was the one who found TJ after the accident. What followed for Erica at just 14 years old was shock, trauma, and a blur of grief, surrounded by a community that showed up in full force, but without the tools to help her process what had happened.

Erica shares how her grief went largely unprocessed for years, leading to difficult choices in her teens and twenties, and how it wasn't until later in life, after becoming a mother that she sought therapy and began to truly heal. Today, as a social worker, Erica channels her experience into supporting others, carrying her brother's legacy forward through compassion and connection.

This episode is a powerful reminder that grief doesn't have a timeline, healing isn't linear, and the people who simply sit with us in our darkest moments can change everything.

In This Episode:

(0:00:00) – Meet Erica + Remembering TJ Erica introduces her story, her bond with TJ, and their unique family dynamic as adopted siblings.

(0:02:00) – A Big Brother, A Big Personality Erica shares what TJ was like growing up—funny, outgoing, athletic, and loved by everyone.

(0:04:00) – The Night Everything Changed A summer day with family turns into tragedy after TJ leaves for a party and never returns.

(0:05:30) – A Father's Instinct Erica recounts how her dad left work early with a bad feeling and found TJ at the accident scene.

(0:10:00) – Finding Out: "He's Dead" Erica describes waking up to her mother's screams and the traumatic moment she learned her brother was gone.

(0:11:30) – A High School Funeral + Community Support The overwhelming turnout at TJ's funeral and the role her friends played in simply sitting with her through the pain.

(0:15:00) – Understanding the Accident What Erica later learned about the crash, and the unanswered questions that remained.

(0:19:00) – Life After Loss at 14 How grief showed up in Erica's teenage years—through risk-taking, avoidance, and unprocessed trauma.

(0:22:00) – Healing Later in Life Erica shares how becoming a mother led her to therapy and a deeper commitment to healing.

(0:24:00) – Finding the Right Therapist Why connection matters in therapy—and how to know when you've found the right fit.

(0:27:00) – A Career Rooted in Compassion How Erica's life experiences led her into social work and supporting others through difficult circumstances.

(0:33:00) – Family Bonds After Loss How grief brought Erica and her parents closer—and what it looked like to grow together instead of apart.

(0:38:00) – Parenting After Loss Erica shares the fears and realities of raising teenage drivers after losing her brother in a car accident.

(0:41:00) – Advice for the Newly Bereaved Why there's no "right" way to grieve—and the importance of support, presence, and compassion.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings®

Connect with Erica:

Website: https://www.mykeeper.com/TrevisTJHeiman
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@imjustericadawn?_r=1&_t=ZT-93IVy2FLBoz

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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On Episode 3 of Season 9 of The Surviving Siblings Podcast®, host Maya Roffler is joined by Gyani, a surviving sibling and grief professional, who shares the story of losing his brother, Pete, to cancer, and how earlier loss in his life shaped the path he walks today.

Gyani takes us back to his first encounter with grief at 13, when his father died of cancer. Raised in what he describes as a "Leave It to Beaver" style family. Mom, dad, and five boys—he reflects on how grief rippled through their family system like a bomb, in a time when there were few tools or conversations available to help a young boy process loss.

A few years later, Gyani found his way into meditation, yoga, and wisdom traditions, an unexpected but life-changing shift that became a foundation for everything that followed. Decades later, after building a career in counseling and the corporate world, Gyani felt an internal nudge that it was time for a new chapter. Then came a loss that re-opened the "great beast of grief" in a fresh way: the death of his baby brother, Pete.

Gyani shares how Pete's cancer moved fast—from a melanoma diagnosis to death within roughly a year—and how helplessness, family dynamics, and the inability to "make people come to the grief table" became part of his grieving process. This conversation is a powerful reminder that grief is not a problem to solve, but an experience that asks to be witnessed—by others, and by ourselves—with compassion, patience, and attention.

In This Episode:

(0:00:00) – Meet Gyani + The Loss That Started It All Gyani introduces himself, shares that he works in the grief space, and reflects on losing his father to cancer at age 13.

(0:01:30) – Growing Up in a Family of Five Boys Gyani describes his family system, his place as the fourth of five brothers, and how grief impacted their "sports team" dynamic.

(0:03:30) – A Teenager Finds Meditation + Meaning Gyani shares how he found meditation, yoga, and wisdom traditions in high school—seeking something "deathless" after losing his dad.

(0:06:00) – Grief Doesn't Come With a Manual Maya and Gyani discuss how grief shapes you early, how people cope differently, and why many families lack the tools to process loss.

(0:10:00) – How Gyani Entered the Grief Space Professionally Gyani explains how his meditation practice and counseling training eventually converged—after years in the corporate world—into grief-focused work.

(0:12:30) – Asking "What's Next?" + Listening for the Answer Gyani shares his transition season, spending time in nature and intentionally seeking clarity for his next chapter.

(0:24:30) – Pete: "It's Powerful to Say His Name" Gyani introduces his brother Pete, their bond, growing up together, and why Pete was his "rock."

(0:26:00) – From Melanoma to Loss: A Fast Cancer Journey Gyani walks through Pete's diagnosis, how quickly it spread, and the shock of losing a healthy, vibrant brother.

(0:28:30) – Helplessness, Anger, and the Storm of Grief Gyani reflects on the layers of grief—including the raw helplessness that remains when you realize you can't change the outcome.

(0:30:00) – Family Dynamics: You Can't Drag People to the Grief Table Gyani and Maya discuss how differently siblings and families grieve—and the pain of wanting connection when others shut down.

(0:35:30) – Community as Medicine: Why Grief Must Be Witnessed Gyani shares why grief + isolation is a "double whammy," and how community helps thaw shame and soften the nervous system.

(0:43:30) – What Gyani's Grief Work Looks Like Today He shares how mindfulness-informed grief counseling helps people gently lean into grief, including working with the body ("issues are in the tissues").

(0:47:30) – A Closing Reminder: Grief Isn't a Problem to Solve Gyani offers a powerful reframe: grief is a sacred opportunity to be embraced—and it changes you into new versions of yourself.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings®

Connect with Gyani:

Website: https://ourgriefpath.com/

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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On Season 9, Episode 2 of The Surviving Siblings Podcast®, host Maya Roffler is joined by Earla Dawn, who shares the story of losing her sister, Leigh-Ann, to pancreatic cancer.

Earla takes us back to their childhood on the prairies, four siblings, endless fun, and the kind of relationship that started with "fighting like cats and dogs"… and grew into a deep, lifelong bond. Leigh-Ann was the polished one, the "always put together" sister, a devoted mom, a dog lover, and a woman who reinvented her life, starting over after divorce, and eventually moving across the world to Spain in 2006.

Even with an ocean between them, their connection never faded. They learned Skype, relied on phone calls and letters, and stayed emotionally close until a fall visit home revealed something no one was prepared for: a growth on Leigh-Ann's pancreas. What followed was a short, devastating season filled with advocacy, tenderness, quiet courage, and moments of unexpected beauty.

This episode is a powerful reminder that grief isn't just about the diagnosis or the timeline it's about the small moments you carry forever: the way you follow your sibling's lead, the calm you create for them, the love in the room, and the way connection can exist even without words.

In This Episode: (0:00:00) – Meet Earla and Remembering Leigh-Ann Earla shares their family dynamic, childhood memories, and how their relationship evolved over time.

(0:01:30) – From the Prairies to Spain: A Sisterhood That Stayed Close Leigh-Ann's big life moves, her reinvention, and how distance didn't break their bond.

(0:04:00) – Subtle Symptoms and the Turning Point Leigh-Ann's ongoing stomach issues, declining stamina, and the moment she learned about the pancreatic growth.

(0:06:30) – "I Looked It Up Once… and Never Again" Earla reflects on the shock of Dr. Google, the fear that followed, and what she learned about living day-by-day.

(0:08:00) – The Worst Day: "It's All Over" An oncologist appointment confirms the terminal diagnosis and Earla shares why not having an exact end date changed everything.

(0:09:30) – Following Leigh-Ann's Lead Earla explains how she honored Leigh-Ann's choices, advocated for information, and created a calm, sacred space at home.

(0:11:30) – Palliative Support and the Permission of Time The practical support that helped their family breathe and why planning ahead reduced panic later.

(0:14:00) – The List for Life (Not a Bucket List) Leigh-Ann's wishes: connection, warmth, marriage, travel and the decision to take a "honeymoon" to Hawaii.

(0:17:30) – Love, Humor, and the Moments That Stay Earla shares an unforgettable experience of wordless connection laughing together in the quiet.

(0:20:00) – Her Final Days and a Peaceful Death What it looked like, what helped, and why Earla believes we need to talk more honestly about end-of-life moments.

(0:22:30) – A Room Full of Love: Ritual, Meditation, and Goodbye Earla guides a meditation after Leigh-Ann's passing and describes the gentle, meaningful way they honored her.

(0:26:00) – Grace in Grief: Caring for Yourself While Losing Your Person Earla shares what "giving yourself grace" looked like in real life including rest, boundaries, and self-trust.

(0:31:00) – Zines, Creativity, and Finding a Way Forward How small, simple storytelling (zines) became an accessible form of grief processing and a bridge back to hope.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings®

Connect with Earla:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sibling.grief.buds/
Earla's Book: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0973216239?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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On episode 1 of Season 9 of The Surviving Siblings Podcast® host, Maya Roffler is joined by Stephen Stott who opens up about the tragic loss of his sister, Stacy, to a car accident 24 years ago.

Stephen was just 16 when his life changed forever. After being "voluntold" to accompany his sister to a cheerleading camp six hours away, he shared a moment of deep personal truth with her the first person he ever came out to as queer. Just days later, on the drive home, they both fell asleep behind the wheel. Stacy didn't survive. Stephen did.

What follows is a deeply moving story of grief, identity, movement, and healing. Stephen shares how he turned toward dance, breathwork, and somatic healing not only to honor Stacy's memory but to help others process grief in their own bodies. He also reflects on his decision to found Embrace the Darkness, a platform and resource space that embraces the hard and sacred work of grief, especially for queer siblings and those needing support outside of traditional therapy.

This episode is about so much more than loss. It's about grief in the body, safe spaces for queer siblings, and what it means to move with your grief instead of away from it.

In This Episode:

(0:00:00) – Meet Stephen and Remembering Stacy Stephen shares who Stacy was, their sibling bond through movement, and the moment that changed everything.

(0:04:00) – Movement as Medicine: Honoring Stacy Through Dance Stephen describes how continuing cheer, gymnastics, and dance helped him stay close to his sister and move through grief.

(0:05:00) – Coming Out and Catastrophe: The Last Conversation Stephen tells the powerful story of coming out to his sister just days before the fatal car accident. It was the first time he told anyone he liked boys.

(0:06:30) – The Car Accident and Immediate Aftermath He recalls the surreal moment of waking up in the hospital, already knowing deep in his bones that Stacy was gone.

(0:08:00) – Back to School, No Time to Grieve Just a week after the accident, Stephen was thrown back into high school, sports, and work using distraction to survive.

(0:11:00) – Survivor Guilt, Queer Identity, and Grieving Alone Stephen reflects on how his queer identity shaped his grief and how he struggled to find representation and resources.

(0:14:00) – Why Queer Grief Spaces Are Essential Maya and Stephen dive into why queer-specific grief groups matter, and how judgment—even within sibling spaces can create harm.

(0:21:00) – The Turning Point at 21: A Grief Conference Shifts Everything Stephen's mother encouraged him to attend a grief conference, where a simple dance skit helped him feel seen and opened a path toward healing.

(0:25:00) – Becoming a Social Worker and Healing Through Service Stephen shares how his desire to help others evolved into a career in social work and ultimately into his grief-centered platform.

(0:27:00) – Founding Embrace the Darkness He explains why toxic positivity doesn't work, and how this powerful name emerged from his belief that we must sit with the dark to truly heal.

(0:43:00) – Parasympathetic Nervous System & Breathwork as Reset Maya and Stephen discuss how breathwork activates the vagus nerve and helps shift the body from chaos to calm.

(0:47:00) – The Mission Moving Forward Stephen talks about his workshops, his work with siblings globally, and his dream to bring more somatic healing into the grief world.

About Embrace the Darkness

Stephen is the founder of Embrace The Darkness, a platform that provides breathwork, sibling grief support, and LGBTQ+-affirming spaces for healing.

Stephen is starting a 6-month program and is offering $1,000 off for any surviving sibling.

The unspoken path community discount: https://embracethedarkness.org/surviving-siblings-podcast-special

This episode is sponsored by Embrace The Darkness

Connect with Stephen:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BreathingIntoGrief
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breathingintogrief/
Email: Stephen@EmbraceTheDarkness.org
Website: https://embracethedarkness.org/

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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On episode 10 of season 8 of The Surviving Siblings® Podcast, guest host Chelsey McHale takes over the mic to interview podcast founder and host Maya Roffler in a deeply personal and reflective conversation.

With 2026 marking 10 years since the loss of her brother Andreas, Maya opens up about what this milestone means to her, how her grief has evolved, and the legacy her brother continues to leave behind through this powerful community. From the early days of navigating violent loss to founding the podcast, the summit, and a thriving support network, Maya shares what she's learned from interviewing over 70 siblings, including her own personal growth, struggles, healing, and mission.

This candid and vulnerable episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck in grief, facing complex sibling loss, or wondering how to honor their loved one with grace, authenticity, and community.

In This Episode:

[00:00–03:00] Anniversary Reflections & Feeling the Weight of Year 10 Maya shares her emotions around approaching the 10-year anniversary of Andreas's death, the pressure that comes with milestones, and the peace she feels from honoring him every day.

[03:00–07:00] How Maya Stays Spiritually Connected to Andreas From sunflowers and champagne to nature walks and old episodes of The Office, Maya shares the personal rituals that bring her comfort and connection.

[07:00–12:00] Signs From Andreas & Spiritual Moments She talks about powerful signs—from sunflowers in strange places to her dog Bonnie—and the deep belief that our loved ones are always with us.

[12:00–17:00] Fear of Forgetting Their Voice Maya addresses a common fear among grieving siblings: "What if I forget what they sounded like?" She discusses how memory, dreams, and digital archives play a role.

[32:00–37:00] Holding Onto the Bond Without Feeling Stuck What does it really mean to "move forward" without "moving on"? Maya explains how honoring your sibling is healthy and how to combat the pressure of getting "unstuck."

[37:00–43:00] Parent Grief vs. Sibling Grief Maya addresses one of the most asked questions: "How do I grieve when I have to be strong for my parents?" She challenges grief hierarchy and gives permission to prioritize your healing.

[43:00–47:00] Does It Get Easier? Maya's Most Frequent Question Her honest answer: yes and no. Maya breaks down why grief evolves, how the pain shifts, and what healing can look like years later.

[53:00–58:00] Balancing Your Grief with Your Parents' Pain She dives into the invisible pressure placed on siblings to suppress their grief in favor of their parents—and why that has to change.

[58:00–1:03:00] The Surviving Siblings Summit: Goals & Vision Maya gives a behind-the-scenes look at the summit's evolution, why virtual events matter, and the future of this movement—including a possible retreat.

[1:03:00–1:12:00] The Power of Community & Friendship in Grief Chelsey and Maya close with reflections on their friendship, the healing power of this community, and why this show exists: to keep sibling stories alive.

Listen to the full episode of "Chelsey McHale Interviews Maya Roffler On Sibling Loss" now on all major platforms.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings®

Connect with Chelsey:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseym07?igsh=enBrZjR5Z29lOGh0
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chelseymchale?_r=1&_t=ZT-923QkdiG4bd

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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On episode 9 of Season 8 of The Surviving Siblings Podcast®, host, Maya Roffler sits down with Katherine Mandzak, a writer and advocate, as she opens up about losing her beloved younger brother Colin to a rare and aggressive form of bile duct cancer.

From growing up as inseparable homeschool siblings to navigating a shocking cancer diagnosis, Katherine shares the raw reality of becoming the only surviving sibling and how her identity, grief, and life path were forever changed.

She walks us through the six-month rollercoaster from diagnosis to hospice, the sacred final moments, and the silence that followed. With powerful vulnerability, Katherine discusses anticipatory grief, the weight of being "the strong one," the unexpected beauty of sibling love, and how writing became her lifeline through it all.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing sibling loss, complicated grief, or struggling to find themselves in the aftermath.

In This Episode:

[00:00–03:00] Childhood Bond & Homeschooling Katherine reflects on growing up closely with Colin—just the two of them, homeschooled and always side by side.

[03:00–05:00] Staying Connected Through the College Years Despite being nearly five years apart, the two remained close with frequent check-ins, music events, and road trips.

[05:00–07:00] The First Health Scare Colin complains of gallstone-like pain within hours, he's in the ER and yellow with jaundice.

[07:00–10:00] The Diagnosis That Changed Everything On Katherine's 28th birthday, they learn it's bile duct cancer. The rare and aggressive nature becomes clear and hope turns to urgency.

[10:00–13:00] Shock, Dissociation, and the Urge to "Hold It Together" Katherine opens up about the emotional shutdown she experienced during Colin's treatment, trying to be strong for everyone else.

[14:00–16:00] Hopes for a Liver Transplant The family explores living donor options, but everyone, including Katherine and their mother, is ruled out.

[16:00–18:00] A Devastating Update Colin shares he has "a year left," but Katherine later learns he only had six months. She speaks candidly about the anger and betrayal of that timeline.

[18:00–21:00] The Final Days: Hospice & Sacred Space As the new year begins, Colin enters hospice. Katherine describes visiting him every weekend and witnessing moments where "he had one foot in each world."

[21:00–24:00] 2AM Goodbye She recalls the night Colin passed surrounded by silence and stillness and the powerful hug from her father that became a memory etched in time.

[24:00–26:00] A Brother's Hidden Love At the memorial, Colin's friends tell Katherine how much he talked about her redefining how she saw their bond.

[33:00–39:00] Healing, Boundaries, and Becoming Herself Katherine found her voice again through therapy and creativity. She now embraces who she is forever changed, but healing.

[39:00–44:00] Conversations About the Future As the only surviving sibling, she's now navigating conversations around caregiving, children, and long-term planning with her parents.

[44:00–47:00] How Her Husband Showed Up Katherine highlights her husband's quiet strength, especially during the memorial where he read for Colin.

Listen to the full episode of "Katherine Loses Colin To Cancer" now on all major platforms.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings®

Connect with Katherine:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katherine.mandzak.14
Twitter/X: https://x.com/ka_mandzak
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/kamandzak

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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On episode 8 of Season 8 of The Surviving Siblings Podcast®, host, Maya Roffler speaks with Dan Dunsmore, a devoted brother, father, and educator who shares the heartbreaking story of losing his sister Patti at just 13 years old to a sudden and misdiagnosed case of appendicitis. Dan takes us back to 1968 in South Knoxville, Tennessee, and walks us through the idyllic beginnings of his childhood, followed by a series of devastating family losses, each one reshaping the course of his life.

Dan opens up about the traumatic last words he spoke to Patti, the moment he found himself alone in a suddenly silent house, and how grief compounded as he later lost both parents and eventually his beloved older sister, Libby.

Now decades into his healing journey, Dan shares the long-term impact of losing a sibling young, the power of therapy, and the divine full-circle love story of reconnecting with Patti's childhood best friend—who is now his wife. This episode is a powerful testament to resilience, love, and finding meaning in pain.

In This Episode:

[00:00–02:00] Childhood Memories in South Knoxville Dan describes growing up in South Knoxville in the late 1960s — an idyllic childhood filled with freedom, neighborhood adventures, and sibling connection. He and Patti were two years apart and inseparable, forming a tight bond that shaped his early life.

[03:00–06:00] Patti Falls Ill What started as a cold became something far more serious. Dan recalls watching his sister's illness worsen as doctors struggled to diagnose her. When she was hospitalized, he thought she was seeking attention — and the last words he said to her haunt him to this day.

[06:00–08:00] The Day Everything Changed Patti's appendix ruptured, leading to her death on the operating table. Dan was only 13 years old. He recalls the phone call, his mother's sobs, and being left alone in the quiet house, unaware that his sister was gone.

[08:00–11:00] The Empty House & Lasting Trauma Dan shares how that eerie silence imprinted on him — even now, decades later, he can't sit in silence without sound in the background. That empty house moment became a lifelong trauma trigger, symbolizing loss and isolation.

[13:00–16:00] The Dream Visit from Patti Patti came to Dan in a dream. Dressed in the same outfit she was buried in, she simply said, "I'm okay. I'm okay." That dream became a lifelong source of peace, convincing Dan that love transcends death.

[18:00–21:00] Losing Faith & Clinging to Hope Dan recalls sleeping with a Bible in bed for weeks after Patti's passing. Though not deeply religious, he needed something to hold onto — faith, comfort, and the feeling that Patti was still close.

[21:00–24:00] Two Years Later: Losing His Father Just two years after Patti's death, Dan's father suffered a fatal heart attack — a loss he attributes partly to heartbreak. His mother spiraled into depression, leaving Dan to navigate grief, instability, and survival at just 15.

[25:00–29:00] Family Collapse & Survival Mode Dan refused to leave his mother's side even as his older siblings took in his baby sister, Cindy. His loyalty kept him in a house full of pain, where he often became the caretaker for his grieving mother.

[30:00–33:00] His Mother's Suicide Attempt Dan bravely opens up about the night his mother attempted suicide while he was out on a date. Though she survived, it reinforced his fear of abandonment — and his determination to never leave her again.

[37:00–41:00] Therapy Breakthrough: Decades Later It wasn't until 30 years later — during his divorce — that Dan began therapy and discovered a life-changing insight: his daughter was the same age Patti was when she died. He realized he was reliving that trauma.

[42:00–44:00] Rebuilding & Finding Love Again Years later, Dan reconnected with Murph — Patti's childhood best friend. What began as holiday cards turned into a love story. Today, she's his wife, and they honor Patti's memory together.

[48:00–52:00] Losing Libby: Another Sibling Gone Dan shares the loss of his older sister Libby in 2010 and her miraculous life story. Born with a severe spinal issue, doctors never expected her to walk — yet she lived fully, loved deeply, and became a mother figure to everyone around her.

[53:00–55:00] Lessons from Libby & Final Reflections Libby never ended a call without saying, "I love you." Dan urges listeners: never wait to say it. Tell your siblings, your parents, your friends — you love them. You never know when it'll be the last time.

Listen to the full episode of "Dan Loses Patti To Appendicitis" now on all major platforms.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings®

Connect with Dan:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dandunsmore
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dan.dunsmore/
Email: dfdunsmore@comcast.net

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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On episode 7 of Season 8 of The Surviving Siblings Podcast®, host, Maya Roffler sits down with Dawn, a surviving sibling who opens up about the unexpected loss of her brother Justin, just weeks before his wedding day.

Dawn shares the full arc of their sibling bond, from pranks and family laughter, to the hidden pain Justin carried, to the shock of losing him to suicide in 2013. Through her storytelling, Dawn brings light to the complexities of grief, sibling guilt, the impact of hidden addiction and gambling, and the long road toward healing.

This conversation is a tribute to Justin, a celebration of Dawn's strength, and a resource for anyone navigating the grief of suicide loss. She also shares how her daughter Justine, born later, became a symbol of healing and joy.

In This Episode:

[0:00] – Meet Dawn & Her Brother Justin Dawn introduces her family, sharing about her close-knit childhood with her two brothers, including the deep bond she had with Justin, her "twin in spirit."

[2:00] – Living with Visual Impairment & Justin's Support She opens up about growing up with congenital nystagmus, and how Justin always treated her with love and equality—never seeing her as disabled.

[5:00] – Prank Wars & Wedding Shenanigans From pranking their brother Jason to orchestrating a hilarious wedding garter joke, Dawn reflects on how laughter defined their sibling connection.

[7:00] – Health Challenges & Justin's Shift Dawn explains how Justin's life took a turn after a medical issue ended his athletic dreams, which may have led to a spiral of hidden struggles.

[10:00] – The Call That Changed Everything In May 2013, Dawn receives a devastating call: Justin was found in the woods by their father. He had died by suicide, just one month before his wedding.

[13:00] – Processing the Shock Dawn recounts the overwhelming grief, the small details that haunted her (like how Justin's smile was missing in his casket), and how she stepped into her "eldest sibling" role to hold the family together.

[17:00] – The Unraveling Begins After the funeral, the family begins discovering secrets Justin had kept hidden—dropping out of college, gambling debts, and signs of silent struggle.

[23:00] – Navigating Family Shame & Speaking the Truth Dawn candidly discusses how her family wanted to hide the cause of death, but how speaking up and honoring the truth helped her begin to heal.

[26:00] – Grief, Guilt & a Mud Run Gone Wrong On what would've been Justin's wedding day, Dawn attempted to mask her grief with a mud run—but broke her ankle, lost her job, and spiraled into depression. The symbolic "fall" marked a breaking point in her grief journey.

[29:00] – Naming Her Daughter After Justin A year later, Dawn gave birth to her third child, Justine Brianna, named after her brother. From her left-handedness to her smile, Justine became a living tribute and source of healing for the family.

[32:00] – Pregnant in Grief: The Duality of Joy & Loss Dawn shares what it was like to grieve while pregnant—balancing immense sorrow with the hope of new life, and the bittersweet beauty of motherhood after loss.

[34:00] – Six Years Later: The Weight of Untold Grief In 2019, six years after Justin's death, Dawn broke her silence—not in therapy, but in a surprising place: a Weight Watchers meeting. Talking about her grief helped her shed both emotional and physical weight.

[43:00] – The Power of Community in Grief Whether it's a podcast, support group, or a wellness meeting, Dawn emphasizes the importance of community when grieving a sibling. Talking changed everything.

Listen to the full episode of "Dawn Loses Justin To Suicide" now on all major platforms.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings®

Connect with Dawn:

Email: mfwbookkeeper@aol.com

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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On episode 6 of Season 8 of The Surviving Siblings Podcast®, host, Maya Roffler sits down with Tommy, a surviving sibling who lost two brothers—John to addiction and Tim to cancer. Tommy shares a powerful testimony of family, trauma, guilt, grief, and recovery offering a rare and vulnerable glimpse into what it means to survive sibling loss from two very different but equally devastating causes. Raised in Queens, New York, Tommy opens up about growing up in a family marked by love, loyalty, and generational addiction. He candidly recounts the progression of his brother John's substance use following a workplace injury and the day he tragically discovered his brother unresponsive. Just two days later, Tommy's beloved Aunt Angela, like a second mother to him, died by suicide.

Years later, after achieving long-term sobriety, Tommy would face unimaginable grief again, this time, losing his twin brother Tim to 9/11-related cancer after witnessing his hard-fought battle to get sober. With 30+ years of recovery, Tommy now dedicates his life to helping families through his organization, Sober Companion Los Angeles, supporting others impacted by addiction and loss. This episode holds space for anyone navigating complex grief, guilt, and healing after losing a sibling to addiction, overdose, or cancer—and reminds us that asking for help is an act of strength.

In This Episode:

(0:00:00) – Meet Tommy and His Family in Queens Tommy introduces his close-knit, working-class New York family, their upbringing in Queens, and the presence of generational addiction beginning with his parents.

(0:02:00) – Early Drinking, Generational Patterns, and Family Dynamics He shares how his father's alcoholism shaped his childhood and how both he and his brothers began drinking in adolescence.

(0:05:00) – John's Injury, Prescription Pills, and Spiraling Addiction Tommy recalls the moment his brother was prescribed opioids after a construction injury, which rapidly escalated into addiction.

(0:09:00) – The Day Everything Changed Tommy recounts in vivid detail the day he and his father found John unconscious, brought him home, and later discovered he had died of an overdose.

(0:11:00) – Guilt, Grief, and a Second Tragedy Two days after John's death, their Aunt Angela, who helped raise them died by suicide, compounding the trauma and sorrow for the entire family.

(0:14:00) – The Emotional Fallout and Drinking Resumes Tommy shares how he relapsed after John's death and reflects on the toll it took on both his parents and his own mental health.

(0:18:00) – Twin Bond and Tim's Role in His Healing He describes the twin bond he shared with Tim, how they held each other up in the wake of loss, and how the absence of John left a deep void.

(0:20:00) – Tommy's Turning Point and Path to Sobriety After years of drinking and legal trouble, Tommy made the decision to get sober in 1994—walking into a 12-step meeting and never looking back.

(0:27:00) – Tim's Parallel Journey and Struggles While Tommy stayed sober, Tim continued to struggle with alcohol for years, finally making progress in late 2019 after joining a recovery program.

(0:28:00) – 9/11, First Response, and a Cancer Diagnosis Tommy shares how Tim responded to the September 11 attacks, working at Ground Zero—and how years later, he was diagnosed with 9/11-related cancer.

(0:33:00) – Hospitalization, Final Days, and the Last Promise Tommy recounts Tim's rapid decline, the powerful final conversations they shared, and the promise he made at his brother's bedside before removing life support.

(0:36:00) – Coping with Losing a Twin He opens up about the heartbreak of losing Tim, what it meant to lose his "person," and the impact on his life, sobriety, and ongoing grief.

(0:38:00) – Sober Companion Los Angeles: From Grief to Purpose Tommy shares how he turned his pain into purpose by founding Sober Companion LA to help families in crisis, offering interventions, support, and 24/7 recovery coaching nationwide.

(0:43:00) – Advice for Siblings Struggling with Guilt and "Could I Have Saved Them?" Tommy speaks directly to listeners who've lost a sibling to addiction—offering compassionate, practical advice on releasing guilt, seeking professional help, and finding peace in grief.

(0:51:00) – The Night He Almost Relapsed — and Chose Life He reflects on the night of Tim's death, when he stood outside a bar ready to drink—but made a different choice, asked for help, and recommitted to his sobriety.

(0:55:00) – Continuing the Mission and Staying Sober Together Tommy concludes by encouraging siblings to reach out, stay connected, and know they are not alone in grief or in healing.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of "Tommy Loses John To Addiction & Tim To Cancer" — streaming now on all major platforms.

This episode is sponsored by Sober Companion Los Angeles.

Connect with Tommy:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobercompanionlosangeles
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sober-companion-los-angeles-los-angeles
Sober Companion Website: https://www.sobercompanionlosangeles.com/
Sober Companion NYC: http://www.sobercompanionnyc.com/

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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In this gripping and heartfelt episode of The Surviving Siblings® Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Brennan to share the devastating and unexpected loss of her younger brother, Jackson, during a freak storm in 2019. What begins as a reflection on their sibling relationship through childhood, divorce, and young adulthood turns into a powerful story of trauma, survival, family dynamics, and what it means to rebuild, both physically and emotionally.

Brennan takes us back to life growing up in the Mississippi Delta, the evolution of her bond with Jackson, and the unique pain of being the only surviving sibling. When a storm tore through her hometown, uprooting trees and altering the course of her family’s life in an instant, Brennan was thrust into a nightmarish journey of grief, resilience, and reconstruction, literally and emotionally.

The episode dives deep into themes of sudden loss, natural disaster trauma, complicated family dynamics, anticipatory grief, and healing through change. Brennan shares how she supported both of her divorced parents in uniquely different ways, helped rebuild the family home, and eventually made a life-changing move across the country that helped her begin healing.

In This Episode:

(0:00:00) – Meet Brennan and Her Brother Jackson Maya welcomes Brennan, who shares stories of growing up six years apart from her brother Jackson and how their sibling dynamic changed over time.

(0:03:00) – Childhood, Divorce, and Reconnection

Brennan reflects on how her parents’ divorce affected her relationship with Jackson and how their bond began to strengthen as they got older.

(0:05:00) – The Day Everything Changed Brennan recounts the tragic storm that took Jackson’s life, the chilling phone call from her father, and the frantic drive through fallen trees and flooded roads to reach her family home.

(0:07:00) – A Father’s Desperation and a Devastating Scene She shares the harrowing details of her arrival: her father soaked and shivering, first responders delayed, and the realization that her brother was already gone.

(0:09:00) – A Freak Storm with No Warning Brennan explains the storm conditions and how a misreported tornado warning led to five massive oak trees being uprooted one of which landed directly on the home’s front door.

(0:11:00) – Shock, Rescue, and Reality Setting In She describes the painful wait, her father's rescue attempts, and the surrealism of those first few hours of grief.

(0:13:00) – Storm Preparedness, Tornado Drills, and Coping with Chaos Maya and Brennan reflect on growing up with tornado drills and how this tragedy added a new, personal layer to those experiences.

(0:23:00) – Planning a Funeral Through Grief Brennan takes the lead on planning Jackson’s service, navigating her parents' conflicting wishes, and honoring her brother with a celebration at his childhood church.

(0:26:00) – A Standing Room Only Memorial The funeral draws a massive crowd every seat filled, and hundreds standing. Brennan reflects on how that overwhelming support was both shocking and comforting.

(0:29:00) – Back to Work and Back to the Build Just days later, Brennan returns to work and begins helping her father rebuild the house, an emotional and physical labor of love that spans over two years.

(0:33:00) – Grieving Through a Pandemic She shares how grief collided with COVID-19, slowing down the rebuild and affecting her mental health, her parents’ well-being, and their support systems.

(0:35:00) – A Fresh Start in Las Vegas Brennan talks about the pivotal phone call from her mom asking her to move across the country. Without hesitation, she says yes.

(0:44:00) – Helping Her Mom Through Grief She reflects on moving in with her mom, their evolving relationship, and witnessing how differently each parent handled Jackson’s death.

(0:47:00) – Two Parents, Two Grief Journeys

Brennan discusses how her dad grieved through action, while her mom grieved through emotion, and how she found herself trying to show up for both—while still navigating her own loss.

(0:50:00) – The Only Surviving Sibling As the only surviving sibling, Brennan opens up about feeling lonely in her grief, questioning her place in her parents’ world, and learning to own her voice and her story.

(0:56:00) – Advice to the Newly Bereaved Brennan’s parting words are powerful: “Give yourself grace. Don’t bottle it up. If you don’t let it out, it becomes a monster.” She encourages all siblings to reach out, speak up, and find safe people to lean on.

Listen to the full episode of “Brennan Loses Jackson To A Storm Accident” now on all major platforms.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings®

Connect with Brennan:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19cVFTC25o/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brennansaulter?_t=ZT-8y3tkBQ2egx&_r=1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brennansaulter?igsh=ZWJ1ejZzamxzNWNx&utm_source=qr

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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In this deeply moving and powerful episode of The Surviving Siblings® Podcast, host Maya Roffler is joined by Michael Tobin, who shares the raw and unfiltered story of losing his older brother, Jimmy, to homicide in 1992. Over 30 years later, Michael reflects on how this traumatic event shaped his life, his family, and his ongoing mission to keep Jimmy’s memory alive.

Michael recounts the joys of growing up in a big Irish-Catholic family in the Bronx, the tight-knit neighborhood where breakdancing, graffiti, and hip-hop shaped their youth, and the bond he shared with Jimmy—a wisecracking, creative, loyal soul who was beloved by all who knew him. But in April of 1992, that world was shattered when Jimmy was chased down and killed just 100 yards from their front door.

This episode explores not only the devastating loss of a sibling to violence, but also the long-term impact of unresolved cases, complicated grief, faith, family dynamics, and the lifelong journey of honoring someone gone too soon. Michael’s story is one of heartbreak, healing, and finding strength through memory, community, and creative expression.

In This Episode:

(0:00:00) – Meet Michael and Remembering Jimmy Michael shares about growing up in a big family in the Bronx in the 80s, surrounded by hip-hop, graffiti, and a strong sibling bond with Jimmy.

(0:03:00) – Jimmy: The Artist, Protector, and Big Brother Jimmy’s love for graffiti, music, and community come to life, along with heartfelt memories of his protectiveness and humor.

(0:06:00) – A Brush with Death: Jimmy’s 1990 Car Accident Michael recounts how Jimmy survived a devastating crash at 16, learning to walk again—a trauma that predated his murder.

(0:08:00) – April 3, 1992: The Night Everything Changed Jimmy was ambushed just a block from home. Michael describes the events leading to the homicide and its immediate aftermath.

(0:14:00) – A Phone Call, A Car Ride, and A Life Shattered Michael shares the harrowing moment he found out about his brother’s death while staying in Long Island.

(0:17:00) – Delivering the News to Jimmy’s Girlfriend In one of the most emotional moments of the episode, Michael describes having to tell Jimmy’s girlfriend about his death.

(0:18:00) – Wakes, Funeral, and Unimaginable Loss Three days of public grieving culminate in Jimmy’s funeral—a moment that changed Michael’s life forever.

(0:22:00) – Reading the Eulogy: A 15-Year-Old’s Defining Moment Michael reflects on writing and reading a letter with his siblings to Jimmy—an act that would shape his voice and purpose for decades.

(0:26:00) – The Long Grief Journey: 30 Years of Remembering Michael discusses the evolution of grief, the anger, the love, and the unshakable commitment to never letting Jimmy be forgotten.

(0:29:00) – Graffiti Memorials, Tagging, and Street Reminders He shares stories of tribute murals, Taz tags, and how graffiti became a way of keeping Jimmy’s spirit alive in the neighborhood.

(0:33:00) – The Case Still Unsolved Michael speaks on the pain of unresolved homicide cases and the faith his mother held onto despite the lack of justice.

(0:35:00) – Faith, Anger, and Letting Go He recalls his mother’s unwavering faith and how he eventually turned a corner from hatred to honoring how Jimmy lived.

(0:38:00) – Closure Isn’t Real, But Perspective Is Maya and Michael discuss the myth of closure, and why time doesn’t heal—but allows you to carry grief differently.

(0:42:00) – Friends, Support, and Found Family Michael expresses gratitude for the friends and chosen family who carried him through the darkest years.

(0:44:00) – Coping Without Answers They dive into the reality of unsolved cases, lingering pain, and how the pursuit of justice often looks nothing like TV.

(0:49:00) – Advice for Siblings Grieving Homicide Loss Michael offers heartfelt advice for those stuck in anger, seeking justice, or waiting for closure that may never come.

(0:51:00) – Family Dynamics, Different Grief Journeys He reflects on how each sibling grieved differently and how his mother’s legacy of “stay together” held the family through decades.

Listen to the full episode of “Michael Loses Jimmy To Homicide” now on all major platforms.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings®

Connect with Michael:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BVqGoMYNm/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeltobinbx?igsh=MTJzdWxud2dzYWhlNg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michaeltobinbx?_t=ZT-8ykCk48tOak&_r=1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FFfiGmNiD/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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In this deeply emotional episode of The Surviving Siblings® Podcast, host Maya Roffler sits down with three surviving siblings Elizabeth, Roger (Avery), and Ryan to share the heartbreaking and inspiring story of losing their sister, Kathryn “Kayleigh” Thurgaland, in a tragic car accident in October 2020.

What makes this episode truly unique is hearing the story from three perspectives, each sibling offering a different memory, emotion, and lens through which Kayleigh is remembered. From early childhood memories filled with family bonfires and music, to the unimaginable moment of receiving the call that she had passed, this episode is a portrait of a family that has chosen love, unity, and legacy in the face of profound loss.

Kayleigh was a gifted artist, dancer, and musician whose spirit lives on through the Kathryn Lee Thurgaland Foundation, a family-run nonprofit offering grief support to families, scholarships to young artists, and a celebration of life through their annual Love of Life Festival.

In This Episode:

(0:00:00) – Introducing the Thurgaland Siblings Maya welcomes Elizabeth, Roger (Avery), and Ryan to the show. The three surviving siblings share their family dynamic, what it was like growing up with Kayleigh, and their close-knit, creative household full of love, art, and adventure.

(0:05:00) – Each Sibling Shares Their Bond with Kayleigh Elizabeth, the eldest, recalls being a “second mom” figure. Roger reflects on their musical childhood and fatherhood overlapping with grief. Ryan speaks about being the baby of the family and Kayleigh’s influence on his love for dance and music.

(0:15:00) – The Last Day They Saw Kayleigh Each sibling recounts the day Kayleigh returned home from college. Her final night, the last hug, and the moments leading up to the car accident that took her life. Their vivid, heartbreaking memories capture both the beauty of their bond and the devastation of sudden loss.

(0:26:00) – The Accident Elizabeth walks listeners through the frantic hours spent trying to locate Kayleigh after she didn’t return home, how she uncovered clues from snapchat, and the devastating moment the family received the news.

(0:44:00) – What Happened to Kayleigh Kayleigh and a friend died in a car crash caused by distracted driving and speeding. She was asleep in the passenger seat. The car crossed a median and was struck by an oncoming vehicle. Both passengers were pronounced dead at the scene.

[00:46:00] How the Foundation Began The family shares how community support inspired them to start the KLT Foundation, honoring Kayleigh’s life through grief support, scholarships, and the Love of Life Festival.

[00:51:00] Kayleigh’s Art & Words Her artwork and powerful quotes live on—"If any flame could burn forever, it would be our own..."—now used for fundraising and remembrance.

[00:53:00] Grieving as a Family Ryan discusses how working together as a family through the foundation is healing, even when it's hard.

[00:55:00] Love of Life Festival 2026 Event details for the next Love of Life Festival in Weirsdale, FL—March 7, 2026. Music, art, and remembrance.

This episode is sponsored by The Kathryn Leigh Thurgaland Foundation

Out of their immense grief, the Thurgalands created the Kathryn Lee Thurgaland Foundation, which serves three powerful missions:

Grief Week Support: Helping families during the fragile first days after losing a child.
Creative Arts Scholarships: Supporting students pursuing careers in the arts.
Love of Life Festival: A free, joy-filled event celebrating life, community, and remembrance.

Their motto? “Keep laughing. Keep dancing. Keep singing.” — a phrase pulled from Kayleigh’s own journals.

Learn More About The Foundation:

Press Kit: https://www.kltfoundation.com/presskit
The KLT Foundation: https://www.kltfoundation.com/
KLT Foundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kltfoundation/
KLT Foundation Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kathryn-leigh-thurgaland-foundation/
Love Of Life Festival: https://www.facebook.com/loveoflifefest

Connect with Elizabeth:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.thurgaland
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethuggg

Connect With Roger Avery:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/avery.thurgaland
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rogerthat_1997
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rogerthatthug

Connect With Ryan:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan_t_music
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanthurgaland

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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In this emotional and eye-opening episode of The Surviving Siblings Podcast®, host Maya Roffler welcomes Lori to share the heartfelt journey of losing her sister, Gina, to breast cancer. What begins as a candid reflection on sibling dynamics soon unfolds into an honest, powerful testimony of anticipatory grief, advocacy, and resilience.

Lori opens up about growing up as the “quintessential middle child” in a close-knit family, the evolution of her relationship with Gina from sibling rivalry to deep sisterhood, and how their bond strengthened through the challenges of Gina’s cancer diagnosis at age 37. As a nurse, Lori offers a unique lens, balancing her clinical instincts with emotional turmoil as she watched her sister fight a devastating disease.

The episode dives deep into themes like anticipatory grief, family caregiving, shifting family roles, the emotional toll of being both a sibling and a medical professional, and the moment Lori truly stepped into the role of Gina’s advocate, making the most difficult decisions no sibling ever wants to face.

Ultimately, Lori reflects on how Gina’s legacy shaped the mother, nurse, and person she is today and offers compassionate advice for anyone walking the painful road of sibling loss to cancer.

In This Episode:

(0:00:00) – Meet Lori and Her Sister Gina Maya welcomes Lori, who reflects on her childhood with her older sister Gina, their sibling rivalry, and how they grew closer as adults.

(0:03:00) – The Diagnosis That Changed Everything Lori, a nurse, recounts the moment Gina called her about a lump — and how the diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer at age 37 turned their world upside down.

(0:06:00) – Treatment, Hope, and Medical Realities Lori explains Gina’s treatment journey, the challenges of triple-negative breast cancer, and the emotional toll of watching her sister become a patient.

(0:13:00) – From Sister to Advocate Lori describes how she transitioned from “just” a nurse and sister to becoming Gina’s full-fledged medical advocate, particularly as treatment options ran out.

(0:18:00) – Anticipatory Grief and Bargaining with the Universe She shares her internal struggles — including moments of bargaining and wishing she could trade places — and the power of naming those feelings.

(0:25:00) – A Pivotal Night, a Fish Tank, and a Shift Lori recounts the night she lost hope — and how it became the turning point that moved her from fear to fierce protection of Gina’s dignity.

(0:29:00) – Final Days, Hard Decisions, and Saying Goodbye An intense and brave retelling of the days leading to Gina’s passing, including making a DNR decision, choosing comfort care, and honoring Gina’s wishes.

(0:33:00) – Cremation, Closure, and a Closed Casket Lori shares the emotional moments surrounding Gina’s service and the deeply personal decision to protect her sister’s dignity, even in death.

(0:37:00) – Grieving While Working in Healthcare She opens up about returning to work days after the funeral, navigating poor grief support at her job, and the need for better bereavement understanding.

(0:41:00) – Time Doesn’t Heal — It Helps You Adjust Lori reflects on how grief evolves — why time doesn’t heal but does allow you to adapt — and how her family honors Gina in small, beautiful ways.

(0:44:00) – Keeping Gina’s Memory Alive for Her Children She talks about raising Gina’s daughters with love and intention, helping them understand who their mother was, and showing up as a steady presence.

(0:48:00) – Legacy, Compassion, and Becoming a Better Human Lori shares how Gina’s life and death transformed her — making her a better nurse, mom, and human being with deeper empathy and compassion for others.

(0:53:00) – Advice for Surviving Siblings and Caregivers She offers powerful advice for those experiencing anticipatory grief or recent loss: “Show yourself grace. Do what’s best for you in the moment.”

Listen to the full episode of “Lori Loses Gina To Breast Cancer” now on all major platforms.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings®

Connect with Lori:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1E4oRefW19/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Tik Tok: http://www.tiktok.com/@mad.face.girl
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mad.face.girl
Email: forevergina@myyahoo.com

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the Surviving Siblings Podcast®, Maya Roffler sits down with Amanda, who shares the heartbreaking story of losing her older brother, Bill, to hyperthermia in the Arizona desert. Amanda walks us through the unique sibling dynamic they shared, the evolution of their relationship as adults, and the tragic events that unfolded in the summer of 2013.

From the moment Amanda lost her housing at 19 and moved across the country into Bill’s home, to the tight-knit bond they formed in the years that followed, Amanda paints a vivid picture of how integral her brother was to her journey. The story then takes a devastating turn as she recounts the day she learned Bill went missing — and the unimaginable moments that followed.

Amanda also opens up about the difficult grief path she’s navigated since, including the mental, emotional, and spiritual toll of losing someone in such a preventable way. She shares how her healing journey eventually led to founding the nonprofit Bottles for Bill, which provides bottled water and education to prevent heat-related deaths — a legacy of purpose built from heartbreak.

This episode is a raw, real, and unforgettable conversation about loss, sibling connection, resilience, and turning grief into action.

In This Episode: (0:00:00) – Introducing Amanda and Her Brother Bill Maya welcomes Amanda, who begins to share her journey as a surviving sibling and her bond with her older brother Bill, a world-traveling Army veteran.

(0:01:00) – Growing Up With a Nine-Year Age Gap Amanda reflects on her childhood in a small Michigan town, the long-distance sibling relationship she had with Bill, and how they reconnected when she became a teenager.

(0:03:00) – Rebuilding Their Bond in Young Adulthood Amanda explains how a family divorce and new technology helped bring her and Bill closer as she navigated college and adult life.

(0:05:00) – The Cross-Country Move That Changed Everything Amanda shares how Bill invited her and her now-husband to Arizona after she became suddenly homeless — and how this gesture solidified their relationship and support for each other.

(0:10:00) – Tragedy, Joy, and Complicated Grief Amanda recounts the loss of a beloved figure in her life, her brother’s newborn son, and how multiple layers of grief interwove during this season of transition and growth.

(0:16:00) – A Family Trip and a Final Hug Amanda shares precious memories from a family trip to Michigan taken just one week before Bill’s death — and the last time she ever saw her brother alive.

(0:18:00) – The Day Bill Went Missing Amanda describes the moment she received the call that something was wrong, the shock that followed, and the surreal experience of traveling to the desert in search of answers.

(0:25:00) – The Moment Everything Changed Amanda shares the exact moment her family was told Bill was gone — and the primal scream that will forever live in her memory.

(0:30:00) – What Happened to Bill? Amanda walks through the investigation, autopsy, and heartbreaking discovery that her brother had died from hyperthermia — extreme heat exposure — after becoming disoriented in the desert.

(0:35:00) – The Unimaginable Grief of a Preventable Loss Amanda opens up about the psychological torment of losing someone to something so preventable — and how it sent her spiraling into questions and “what ifs.”

(0:44:00) – The Role of Therapy and Asking for Help Amanda shares how grief therapy helped her pause her obsessive search for answers and gave her permission to simply feel her pain and begin healing.

(0:51:00) – Grieving While in Partnership Amanda discusses what it was like grieving alongside her husband, who also knew and loved Bill, and how deep communication became the foundation for getting through the hardest season of their marriage.

(0:56:00) – Honoring Bill’s Legacy with Purpose Amanda introduces her nonprofit Bottles for Bill and how a small act of asking for $5 water donations turned into a six-year mission that’s now donated over 300,000 bottles of water and saved lives.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings®

Connect with Amanda:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandavferguson12
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thatamandafergs
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bottlesforbillaz
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/bottlesforbillaz
Tik Tok: http://www.tiktok.com/bottlesforbillaz

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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In this heartfelt episode of The Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Jessica Meyer, a bereaved sibling who lost her younger sister, Jen, to fentanyl addiction in 2021. Jessica opens up about the deep bond they shared growing up in a tight-knit Mexican-Jewish family and how addiction slowly dismantled their lives.

Jen was so much more than her addiction—an empathetic, talented athlete and the life of every room she entered. Jessica walks us through Jen’s undiagnosed Tourette’s and ADHD, how she began self-medicating with Ambien as a teenager, and how this evolved into decades of addiction, multiple rehabs, and painful relapses. Jen later found purpose helping others through recovery—but her battle with addiction continued in secret.

Jessica shares the heartbreaking story of Jen’s final days, her passing just 48 hours after her daughter left for college, and the raw aftermath of losing her lifelong best friend. She also reveals the shocking discovery of a drug trafficking ring tied to Jen’s death, her fight for justice, and the family’s grief journey that followed.

This powerful episode is an unflinching look at sibling loss through addiction and the devastating reality of fentanyl-related deaths. Jessica’s vulnerability, courage, and passion to honor Jen’s legacy through her jewelry brand, Bullet Girl, is a tribute to both pain and purpose.

In This Episode:

(00:01:00) – Jessica & Jen's Bond Jessica shares their close-knit childhood, imaginative games, and growing up inseparable in a loving family.

(00:03:00) – Early Signs: Tourette's, ADHD & Ambien Use Jen’s tics and impulsivity went undiagnosed for years. Ambien use in her teens became the beginning of her addiction journey.

(00:08:00) – The Beginnings of Addiction Jessica reflects on Jen’s coping mechanisms, her early experimentation, and how recreational use escalated.

(00:12:00) – College, Trauma, and First Rehab Jen’s assault trauma, college struggles, and introduction to harder drugs like crystal meth and cocaine are revealed.

(00:19:00) – Marriage, Motherhood, and Addiction’s Grip Despite marrying and becoming a mom, Jen’s addiction deepened—leading to lost custody and deteriorating health.

(00:24:00) – Boundaries, Guilt, and Tough Love Jessica painfully discusses the limits she had to set and the guilt of choosing distance the week before Jen passed.

(00:28:00) – Jen’s Role Helping Others in Recovery Jen found strength in working at a rehab center—offering guidance to others, even as she privately relapsed.

(00:33:00) – The Day Jen Passed Jessica walks us through the traumatic discovery of Jen’s body, the heartbreaking final hug, and the unanswered questions.

(00:41:00) – Toxicology, Fentanyl, and Black Tar Heroin Jessica shares her detective work uncovering her sister’s fentanyl use, her dealer’s identity, and how evidence led nowhere.

(00:49:00) – Justice Denied: The Aftermath Despite a paper trail and drug dealer identification, no legal justice has been served for Jen’s death—fueling the family’s heartbreak.

(00:56:00) – Shame, Stigma, and Speaking Out Jessica talks about the stigma of fentanyl deaths, public silence, and the pain of people not seeing Jen beyond her addiction.

(01:01:00) – Bullet Girl Jewelry & The Beautiful Struggle Jessica shares the story behind her jewelry line, the letter Jen wrote her, and the upcoming tribute collection called The Beautiful Struggle.

(01:07:00) – Advice for Grieving Siblings Jessica urges listeners to give themselves grace, avoid shame, and stay grounded in love—not fear—through the grief journey

This episode is sponsored by Bullet Girl Jewelry

Connect with Jessica:

Email: info@bulletgirl.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bulletgirljewelry/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bulletgirl111/

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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In this deeply honest and heartfelt episode of The Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler sits down with LeAnn Sullivan, a bereaved sister who lost her brother Michael to addiction in 2016. LeAnn shares her powerful story of love, loss, resilience, and healing after years of navigating a complicated family dynamic, her brother’s addiction, and her own journey through grief.

Growing up with divorced parents and facing early separation from Michael, LeAnn always saw herself as his protector. Despite their time apart, they reconnected as young adults, building a bond that helped them raise their respective children together and create a deeply rooted sibling relationship. When Michael passed away unexpectedly, LeAnn’s world crumbled. But in the years since, she has turned her pain into purpose—becoming an advocate for families affected by addiction and a board member of the Shevlin Family Foundation.

This episode explores the complexity of sibling grief after addiction, the layers of family trauma, and the power of transforming pain into community and service. LeAnn’s story is one of loss, but also of light—a testament to what it means to survive, heal, and honor a sibling’s legacy.

In This Episode:

(00:01:00) – LeAnn’s Early Life & Separation from Michael (00:03:00) – Reconnecting as Adults & Becoming a Team (00:08:00) – The Call That Changed Everything (00:10:00) – The Physical Pain of Loss & Funeral Experience (00:14:00) – Returning to Work Amidst Grief (00:17:00) – Helping Her Son Through Grief & Recovery (00:21:00) – Family Strain and the Power of Support (00:24:00) – Michael’s Addiction, Relapse & Fentanyl Crisis (00:27:00) – The Stigma of Addiction and Sharing the Truth (00:29:00) – A Turning Point: Losing Her Job & Finding Healing (00:31:00) – Creating Bowl for Hope & Meeting Christine

This episode is sponsored by The Shevlin Family Foundation

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction help is available. Please reach out to a professional or call your local crisis line. You are never alone

More About The Shevlin Family Foundation:

Website: https://shevlinfamilyfoundation.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shevlinfamilyfoundation/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shevfamilyfoundation/#
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shevlin-family-foundation/

Connect with LeeAnn:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delcosrealtor

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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In this raw and profoundly moving episode of The Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler sits down with Jen, a bereaved sibling who lost her brother Teddy to suicide in 2017. Jen and Teddy shared an incredibly close bond, growing up as part of a large Sicilian family just outside of Boston. But their story begins even earlier—Teddy was a micro-preemie twin who survived against all odds, unknowingly carrying deep grief for his twin, Joseph, who died shortly after birth.

Jen opens up about the fierce sibling connection they shared, their upbringing in a culture that didn’t talk about emotions, and the invisible scars Teddy carried after a childhood marked by severe bullying, trauma, and being misunderstood. Despite his vibrant, goofy, and deeply caring personality, Teddy struggled silently with mental health throughout his life.

This episode explores the reality of surviving sibling suicide, the hidden pain many carry, and the complex journey of grief, guilt, and healing. Jen shares how she only began to process her loss years later during the pandemic and how therapy has helped her reframe her survivor’s guilt and begin to find peace. She also reflects on the final moments, the call that changed everything, and the weight of not getting to say goodbye.

If you’ve ever felt the heartbreak of suicide loss, struggled with survivor’s guilt, or longed for healing in a family that doesn’t talk about grief—Jen’s story will show you that you are not alone, and your voice matters.

In This Episode:

(00:01:09) – Growing Up Sicilian Jen describes her “free-range childhood” and the powerful, chaotic closeness of growing up in a big Sicilian family, where cousins felt like siblings.

(00:02:31) – Teddy’s Early Arrival & Twin Loss Teddy was born four months premature in 1975. His twin, Joseph, passed away shortly after birth—a fact Jen discovered years later on her own.

(00:06:00) – Protector & Big Sister From defending Teddy against bullies to enduring the silence of their home life, Jen shares what it meant to be the older sister in a family that didn’t talk about pain.

(00:12:00) – School, Stereotypes & Sibling Comparisons Jen reflects on how academic pressure, comparison, and cultural expectations shaped both her and Teddy in very different ways.

(00:15:22) – Therapy & Rewriting the Narrative A family photo once filled with shame becomes a moment of healing thanks to therapy—Jen discusses the power of reframing grief and guilt.

(00:19:00) – Discovering Teddy’s Twinhood Jen recalls the moment she discovered Teddy was a surviving twin and the emotional weight of finding a note he once wrote to God, asking if his brother was safe in heaven.

(00:22:00) – 2017: The Year Everything Changed After losing his beloved grandmother and a close friend, Teddy's grief deepened. Jen shares how she never saw the signs of his declining mental health.

(00:26:00) – A Life of Trauma and Suppression From childhood bullying to a near-institutionalization as a teen, Jen uncovers the deep traumas Teddy endured—and how their family culture of silence kept him from healing.

(00:30:00) – Teddy’s First Suicide Attempt In 2003, Teddy survived a suicide attempt on Boston’s Tobin Bridge. Jen recounts the hospital call that changed everything—and how the stigma around mental health silenced the conversation for years.

(00:32:00) – Saying Goodbye Was Not Easy Jen discusses the complicated decisions her family made after Teddy’s death, the tension surrounding his service, and the 400 people who came to say goodbye.

(00:35:00) – The Call That Changed Everything Jen shares the moment she learned of Teddy’s death—and how her family’s avoidance of grief left her in prolonged shock for nearly three years.

(00:42:00) – Grief Bubble & Delayed Healing Without the space to grieve immediately, Jen’s own grief journey was stunted. She talks about what it means to be “strong for the family” and the emotional cost of silence.

(00:44:00) – The Pandemic Awakening It wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that Jen was forced to sit with her thoughts—and finally begin to unpack her trauma and start to heal.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings.

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, help is available. Please reach out to a mental health professional or call your local crisis line. You are never alone.

Connect with Jen:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jen.hoye
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen.and.pen/
Website: https://www.jenniferhoye.com/miles

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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In this heartfelt episode of the Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Cryssy, a bereaved sibling who lost her younger sister, Danielle, to acute myeloid leukemia in 2012. As the oldest sibling, Cryssy took on the role of protector, caregiver, and advocate—navigating the heartbreak of watching her sister battle a devastating illness.

Cryssy shares her deeply personal journey of anticipatory grief, the pain of losing Danielle at just 21 years old, and the complex emotions of grieving while trying to stay strong for her family. She opens up about the regret of not getting to say goodbye the way she wanted, the physical toll grief took on her body, and the creative, meaningful ways she keeps Danielle’s memory alive every day.

This episode is a powerful conversation about sibling loss, anticipatory grief, and finding purpose after tragedy. Cryssy also shares how honoring her sister through traditions, a beloved stuffed animal, and small daily acts has helped her heal—and how grief can manifest physically in ways we might never expect.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of grieving a sibling while being the “strong one” for others, Cryssy’s story will remind you that love endures, even through the pain.

In This Episode: (00:01:00) – Danielle: A Birthday Gift Sister Cryssy shares how Danielle was born just two days before her own birthday, how they celebrated together, and how their sibling bond was filled with love, chaos, and laughter.

(00:04:00) – Big Sister, Protector, Mama Bear Growing up as the oldest, Cryssy stepped into a protective role, helping raise Danielle and their brother, shielding them, and taking on family responsibilities from a young age.

(00:05:00) – The Call That Changed Everything Cryssy recounts the moment she learned Danielle was being rushed to the hospital after a bloody nose turned into a leukemia diagnosis—and how she instantly began grieving.

(00:08:00) – Facing Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cryssy explains Danielle’s diagnosis, the aggressive treatment process, and how she tried to stay hopeful on the outside while preparing herself internally for the worst.

(00:11:00) – Holidays in the Hospital Danielle asked Cryssy to decorate her hospital room for Halloween and Christmas—keeping their family traditions alive despite spending their favorite holidays in a hospital room.

(00:14:00) – The Final Christmas Together Cryssy reflects on their last Christmas, staying up all night talking, exchanging meaningful gifts, and creating treasured memories in what would be Danielle’s final holiday.

(00:19:00) – Saying Goodbye Without Words Cryssy shares the experience of Danielle’s “surge” before passing, the bittersweet final days, and the deep regret of not being able to say goodbye the way she had hoped.

(00:24:00) – Preparing Danielle’s Goodbye Honoring her sister’s love of style, Cryssy lovingly prepared Danielle for her viewing—painting her nails, doing her hair, dressing her in jewelry, and ensuring she looked radiant.

(00:31:00) – A Dream Visit From Danielle Months after Danielle’s passing, Cryssy had a vivid dream of Danielle smiling and telling her, “It’s okay to be okay”—a powerful, healing moment that brought her comfort.

(00:37:00) – Grief’s Physical Impact Cryssy opens up about how her grief manifested in physical illness, leading to hospitalization, sepsis, and a near-death experience that she believes Danielle helped her survive.

(00:48:00) – Finding Purpose in Grief Cryssy reflects on how grief has shaped her purpose, giving her strength to help others and reminding her that grief is love in a different form.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings

Connect with Cryssy:

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cryssycryssycryssy
Email: Crystalmperry@yahoo.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Nimbeedonut
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CryssyPerry/

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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Maya is joined by Stephanie Murphy, who bravely shares the heartbreaking story of losing her younger brother, Quinton, to a tragic car accident in 2001 when he was just 18 years old.

Stephanie opens up about their sibling bond, the fight that led to their last conversation, and the devastating night she learned her brother was gone. She shares how grief collided with unexpected motherhood, her battle with anxiety and alcohol, and how she found strength to heal—leading to nine years of sobriety and honoring Quinton's memory every step of the way.

In This Episode:

(00:01:00) – Sibling Dynamics: From Rivalry to Best Friends Stephanie reflects on growing up as the oldest sibling, her playful (and sometimes bossy) relationship with Quinton, and how their bond deepened during their high school years.

(00:04:00) – An Ambitious Young Man with Big Dreams She shares how Quinton's drive and charisma made him stand out—working multiple jobs, managing at Chick-fil-A, buying his dream car, and planning for a future in business.

(00:07:00) – The Fight That Changed Everything Stephanie recounts the emotional last conversation she had with Quinton after a disagreement over her relationship—and how that moment became their final goodbye.

(00:11:00) – Missing His Graduation & Growing Distance Stephanie talks about missing Quinton's graduation due to work, the lingering family tensions, and sending a heartfelt letter in hopes of reconciling.

(00:15:00) – “I Just Want to Cry…” The Night Before She describes the overwhelming emotions and strange premonition she felt the night before Quinton's accident—a deep knowing that something was wrong.

(00:18:00) – The Knock at 4 AM: News No One Ever Wants Stephanie relives the devastating moment her mother arrived at her door to tell her that Quinton had died in a car accident—and how her world shattered in an instant.

(00:23:00) – Finding the Unopened Letter While grieving at her parents’ house, Stephanie finds the card and letter she had sent Quinton—still sealed. She opens it at his funeral, turning it into a final tribute.

(00:26:00) – What Happened That Night: The Truth About the Accident Stephanie shares what Quinton’s friend—who survived the crash—revealed about the events leading up to the accident, including alcohol, missed exits, and heartbreaking what-ifs.

(00:33:00) – Grieving While Pregnant & The Anxiety That Followed Stephanie opens up about navigating grief while expecting her first child, the overwhelming anxiety that took hold, and how she struggled to find normalcy after loss.

(00:38:00) – Turning to Alcohol: Numbing the Pain She discusses how grief and family history led her down a path of alcohol dependence—and how it became a coping mechanism for years.

(00:40:00) – The Day Everything Changed: Choosing Sobriety On the anniversary of Quinton’s death in 2015, Stephanie made a life-altering decision. She shares what led to her nine years (and counting) of sobriety.

(00:49:00) – Learning to Live Without Fear Stephanie reflects on how grief made her fear every phone call, every tragedy, and how she’s worked to regain peace—especially as a mother.

(00:57:00) – Signs, Dreams & Spiritual Connection From vivid dreams to her son being born on Quentin’s birthday, Stephanie shares the powerful ways her brother continues to show up in her life.

(01:03:00) – Acceptance, Growth & Honoring Quentin Stephanie discusses how she’s learned to live with grief, why healing doesn’t mean forgetting, and how she continues to make her brother proud.

(01:08:00) – Advice for Surviving Siblings Stephanie offers heartfelt wisdom for those navigating sibling loss—reminding us that while grief never fully leaves, we can choose growth, joy, and purpose.

This episode was sponsored by The Surviving Siblings.

Connect with Stephanie:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemichellemurphy

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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Maya is joined by Dr. Parul Dua Makkar—dentist, grief coach, speaker, and author—who shares the heartbreaking journey of losing her only sibling, Manu, to oral cancer at just 34 years old.

Parul opens up about the moment she knew something wasn’t right, the delays in diagnosis, what it was like navigating end-of-life care during the height of COVID-19, and how her grief transformed into a powerful mission. She also shares the legacy Manu left behind—his book Life Interrupted, a powerful collection of essays he wrote during his final months, which Parul helped complete and publish after his passing.

In This Episode:

(00:01:00) – Sibling Bond, Eight Years Apart Parul shares what it was like being a big sister to Manu—changing his diapers, watching him grow up, and how their love for dentistry helped them stay connected despite distance.

(00:04:00) – Global Nomads & Deep Connections Raised across continents, Parul and Manu lived in different countries for most of their lives, but their bond stayed strong through regular visits, daily calls, and shared professional passions.

(00:08:00) – “This Might Be Cancer…” Parul recalls the moment she saw the lesion in her brother’s mouth.

(00:10:00) – The First Surgery & Fighting Back Manu underwent an eight-hour surgery to remove half his tongue, and despite it all, came back stronger—treating patients, traveling, buying a dog (named Maya), and embracing life with a new sense of urgency.

(00:14:00) – COVID, Cancer & Compassion Release When the cancer returned in 2020, Parul had to fight to cross the U.S.-Canada border during COVID lockdowns. She shares the emotional story of writing her father a letter, asking for permission to say goodbye.

(00:20:00) – “You Can Let Go…” On a video call, Parul tells her brother it’s okay to stop fighting. He passes away just hours later. She arrives in Canada to plan his funeral—grieving, and still under COVID restrictions.

(00:24:00) – Loss Upon Loss Parul shares how, just three years later, she lost her father unexpectedly to cardiac arrest—just after Thanksgiving. She reflects on how it felt like her dad died of a broken heart.

(00:30:00) – Oral Cancer Awareness & Early Detection As a dentist, Parul explains why oral cancer is often caught too late, how misdiagnosis happens, and what signs everyone should look for. She encourages early biopsies and routine checkups.

(00:34:00) – Turning Grief into Purpose After Manu’s passing, Parul completed and published his book, Life Interrupted, which he had begun writing during treatment. She shares how publishing his words brought her healing and closure.

This episode was sponsored by Duagoodjob.

Connect with Parul:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PDMFamilyDental
Website: http://duagoodjob.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-parul-dua-makkar-bsc-dds-facd-375324145/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duagoodjob
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv46meC0Q0pwqTg8YD43-TA

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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In this deeply emotional episode of The Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Kayla, a bereaved sibling who lost her baby sister, Ashley, in a tragic and unexpected medical event in 2006. At just eleven years old, Kayla’s world changed forever when her one-and-a-half-year-old sister suddenly stopped breathing—an event that would later be revealed as a preventable tragedy.

Kayla opens up about the deep bond she shared with Ashley, the impact of her sister’s passing on their entire family, and how grief shaped her childhood, teenage years, and adulthood. She shares the devastating realization that Ashley’s death was caused by a misdiagnosed medical condition and how the hospital’s oversight led to a prolonged struggle for answers and justice.

This episode explores the complexities of grieving at a young age, how Kayla’s family navigated immense loss, and the lifelong journey of healing. Kayla also discusses the anxiety and trauma that followed, the lasting effects of sibling loss, and how she has found strength in sharing her story for the first time.

If you’ve ever experienced loss at a young age or struggled to process grief over the years, Kayla’s story will remind you that healing is possible, and you are not alone.

In This Episode:

(00:01:09) – The Role of a Big Sister Kayla reflects on growing up as the oldest sibling and the deep love she had for her younger sisters, Mia and Ashley.

(00:02:41) – When Ashley Got Sick Kayla recalls the months leading up to Ashley’s passing, the concerning symptoms, and the repeated hospital visits where doctors misdiagnosed her condition.

(00:06:20) – The Day That Changed Everything Kayla describes the morning she learned about Ashley’s passing and the shock of hearing the news from her father and stepmother.

(00:12:00) – Attending School the Next Day Despite the tragedy, Kayla insisted on going to school, determined to maintain her perfect attendance and a sense of normalcy in the chaos of grief.

(00:15:22) – Ashley’s Funeral Kayla shares the surreal experience of attending her sister’s funeral, seeing Ashley one last time, and the heartbreaking traditions her family developed to honor her memory.

(00:18:00) – The Truth Behind Ashley’s Passing Weeks later, the autopsy revealed that Ashley had been choking on a peanut for months—something doctors had missed in her chest x-ray.

(00:22:30) – The Aftermath: Lawsuits & Family Divides Kayla details how the misdiagnosis led to legal action against the hospital, the ripple effects it had on her family, and how relationships were fractured as blame and guilt took over.

(00:35:00) – The Long-Term Impact of Grief Kayla discusses how losing Ashley at such a young age led to severe anxiety, control issues, and the fear of losing loved ones, as well as how therapy and medication have helped her manage these struggles.

(00:47:00) – Healing & Moving Forward Years later, Kayla’s family has slowly started to mend. She shares how her father overcame addiction, her stepmother found ways to honor Ashley, and how she has learned to navigate life after loss.

(00:56:00) – Advice for Young Bereaved Siblings Kayla reflects on what she would tell her younger self and encourages others to allow themselves to grieve, seek support, and embrace the healing process.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings

Connect with Kayla:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kayla.updike?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylaupdike?igsh=MTBuNHdtcjNvMzhlMw==

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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In this heartfelt episode of the Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Elliet, a bereaved sibling who lost their younger brother, Dylan, in a tragic four-wheeling accident in 2003. At just eight years old, Elliet’s world was turned upside down when their best friend and only sibling was suddenly gone.

Elliet shares their deeply personal journey of navigating grief as a child, how their parents' loss impacted the entire family dynamic, and the emotional weight of growing up as a surviving sibling. They open up about the lasting effects of guilt, the struggle of answering the dreaded "Do you have any siblings?" question, and how they’ve finally found peace and healing—20+ years later.

This episode is a powerful conversation about sibling loss, the lifelong journey of grief, and the importance of self-discovery, therapy, and community support. Elliet also shares their experience of coming out as transgender and how it intersected with their grief journey, adding another layer of resilience to their incredible story.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to carry the weight of grief alone, Elliet’s story will remind you that you’re not alone.

In This Episode: (00:01:09) – Dylan: A Best Friend & Sidekick Elliet reflects on their childhood, growing up extremely close with Dylan, and the unique bond they shared as only siblings.

(00:02:31) – The Day That Changed Everything Elliet recounts the last time they saw Dylan before the tragic accident and the gut feeling they couldn’t shake.

(00:12:30) – The Moment of Realization Elliet describes the instant their world shattered and how they found out their brother was gone.

(00:16:10) – Grieving as a Child Navigating grief at eight years old, dealing with unanswered questions, and feeling the weight of loss in an unexplainable way.

(00:32:00) – Becoming the "Perfect" Child Elliet shares how they tried to make life easier for their parents, suppressing their own grief to avoid adding to their pain.

(00:42:39) – Finding Therapy & Self-Discovery After years of struggling, Elliet opens up about how therapy, personal growth, and embracing their identity have led them toward healing.

(00:50:54) – The 20-Year Milestone & Coming Out Elliet shares how the 20-year anniversary of Dylan’s passing coincided with their decision to come out as transgender, and how it deeply affected their relationship with family.

(01:01:06) – The Truth About Grief Why grief never disappears—but instead, we grow around it.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings

Connect with Elliet:

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlemouseling18

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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In this deeply emotional episode of the Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Jessica Kueck, a bereaved sibling who courageously shares the heartbreaking story of losing her younger brother, Aaron, at just three years old in a tragic drowning accident. Jessica was only 11 when her world was turned upside down, and she reflects on how this loss shaped her childhood, mental health, and journey into adulthood.

Jessica opens up about the intense grief her family endured, particularly the profound impact it had on her mother and father. She shares how growing up in a home marked by sorrow and trauma affected her perspective on life, anxiety, and relationships. Now a mother herself, Jessica talks about how she navigates parenting while consciously working to break the cycle of generational trauma and honor Aaron’s memory in a way that fosters healing and growth.

In This Episode: (0:01:18) - Growing Up as the Oldest Sibling Jessica describes her family dynamic, being the oldest of three siblings, and the deep love and admiration her family had for Aaron, their miracle baby.

(0:02:13) - A Tragic Day in Arizona Jessica recalls the road trip with her mother, siblings, and family friends that led to the devastating moment when Aaron drowned at their condo’s community pool.

(0:06:22) - The Immediate Aftermath Jessica shares the harrowing moments of calling her father, witnessing the chaos at the pool, and the tragic realization at the hospital that Aaron was gone.

(0:15:38) - The Funeral and Shiva Jessica reflects on the Jewish traditions of mourning, including Shiva, and how the week of support gave temporary solace to her grieving mother.

(0:21:50) - Anxiety and Hypervigilance After Loss Jessica discusses how losing Aaron as a child shaped her anxiety, causing her to catastrophize everyday situations and always anticipate the worst.

(0:40:12) - Motherhood and Breaking the Cycle Jessica shares how becoming a mother forced her to confront her childhood trauma, and how she actively works to ensure her daughter doesn’t inherit the same fears and anxieties.

(0:46:21) - Finding Healing and Hope Jessica talks about her journey with therapy, medication, and mindfulness practices that have helped her manage her anxiety and live a more present and peaceful life.

(1:02:00) - Advice for Those Who Lost a Sibling Young Jessica offers heartfelt advice for siblings who lost their brother or sister as children, discussing how to navigate grief, honor their sibling, and create a life that fosters healing.

This episode is a poignant reminder that grief is a lifelong journey, but healing and transformation are possible. Jessica’s story is one of strength, awareness, and breaking cycles to build a healthier future for herself and her family.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings.

Connect with Jessica:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.kueck86/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakueck/
Email: jessica.r.kueck@gmail.com

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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In this deeply moving episode of the Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Michelle Tobin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, therapist, and author, who shares her emotional journey of losing her brother Patrick in a devastating plane crash. Michelle reflects on the lasting impact of this loss, how it shaped her career in mental health, and the unexpected ways grief has woven itself into her life’s work. She opens up about trauma, healing, and the importance of finding outlets for grief, including writing, physical movement, and faith.

Michelle’s story is one of resilience, personal transformation, and hope as she discusses how she carried her brother’s memory with her for 50 years, culminating in the release of her novel, Home for the Bewildered. This powerful episode offers insight and comfort for anyone navigating sibling loss and seeking ways to move forward while keeping their loved ones close.

In This Episode: (0:01:18) - Growing Up in a Large Family Michelle paints a picture of her family dynamics, growing up as one of twelve children, and the deep admiration she had for her older brother Patrick.

(0:04:36) - The Night of the Tragedy Michelle recounts the eerie feeling she and her sister had the night before Thanksgiving, followed by the heartbreaking moment they learned of Patrick’s passing.

(0:06:28) - Processing Grief as a Teenager Michelle reflects on the immediate aftermath of Patrick’s passing, the difficulties of not having closure due to a closed casket, and how grief was handled in her family during the 1970s.

(0:14:53) - The Five-Year Mark and a Divine Intervention Michelle shares the moment she experienced a divine intervention, a turning point in her healing journey, and how she found solace through swimming and faith.

(0:21:12) - The Importance of Physical Outlets for Grief Maya and Michelle discuss how physical activity, whether it be swimming, running, or walking, can serve as a powerful release for trauma and emotional pain.

(0:27:17) - Giving Yourself Grace in the Grieving Process Michelle emphasizes the importance of allowing yourself to grieve in your own way, shutting out societal pressures, and leaning into people who offer true support.

(0:46:21) - Writing Home for the Bewildered 50 Years Later Michelle discusses how her novel was inspired by her brother’s death and the themes of grief, trauma, and healing embedded in her writing. She also explains the significance of setting the novel in 1974, the year Patrick passed away.

(0:50:56) - Where to Find Michelle’s Book Michelle shares how listeners can purchase Home for the Bewildered directly from Vine Leaves Press and connect with her through her website and social media.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of loss, resilience, and finding light after tragedy. Michelle’s story is a testament to the power of healing, self-discovery, and embracing hope, no matter how many years have passed.

This episode is sponsored by Home for the Bewildered written by Michelle Tobin.

Connect with Michelle:

Website: https://www.michelle-tobin.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle57writes
Tik Tok: @michelletobin7
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088688944743
Purchase Her Book Here: https://vineleavespress.myshopify.com/products/home-for-the-bewildered

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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Claire Thompson’s journey is one of resilience, loss, and healing after the devastating loss of her brother Rob. From their tight-knit sibling bond growing up in Scotland to the tragedy that would redefine Claire’s life, this episode explores the profound grief and transformation that comes with sibling loss.

Rob, a charismatic and creative soul with a love for video editing, music, and fine whiskey, was tragically taken in 2014 due to an unprovoked assault in Glasgow, Scotland. Claire shares the heart-wrenching details of that day, the waiting period that followed, and the challenging processes that came after. She delves into the immense toll of those three days in the hospital, leading to the painful decision to say goodbye to Rob.

Claire’s story is not only about loss but also about survival and finding purpose. A psychologist in training, Claire discusses how Rob’s death shaped her life and led her to focus her career on sibling loss and bereavement. Through sled dog racing in Alaska, connecting with nature, and deep empathy, Claire found ways to heal and honor her brother’s legacy. Now completing her doctorate, she is conducting a groundbreaking study on young adult sibling loss to advocate for greater awareness and support for surviving siblings.

In this episode:

(00:00:55) – Introduction to Claire’s Background and Family Dynamics
(00:10:09) – The Day of Rob’s Assault and the Aftermath
(00:18:34) – Navigating Hospital Decisions and Legal Processes
(00:27:00) – Finding Strength Through Nature and Connection
(00:36:42) – The Healing Power of Empathy and Advocacy
(00:46:39) – Claire’s Current Work and Doctoral Research on Sibling Loss

Claire’s story is a powerful testament to the enduring bonds of sibling love and the transformative power of channeling grief into purpose.

Connect with Claire:

Email: cthomson@alaskapacific.edu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claire.thomson.7758

This Episode is Sponsored by The Surviving Siblings.

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/ Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod Website: https://www.thesurvivingsiblings.com/ Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings PodcastYouTube: The Surviving Siblings PodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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In this emotional episode of the Surviving Siblings podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Heather, who shares the devastating story of losing her brother Casey to gun violence. Heather takes listeners on a journey through their close sibling bond, the tragic circumstances of Casey's death, and the lifelong impact of his loss. She opens up about navigating grief, seeking answers, and finding healing over the 30 years since Casey’s passing.

Heather’s story is one of heartbreak, resilience, and hope, as she reflects on her journey to honor Casey’s memory and find strength amid unanswered questions.

In This Episode:

(0:00:10) - Introducing Heather and Casey's Story Maya introduces Heather, who shares her journey as a surviving sibling and tells the story of her brother Casey, whom she lost to gun violence at 18 years old.
(0:01:33) - Heather’s Family Dynamics Heather reflects on her family growing up, her father’s military background, and her close sibling bond with Casey, the middle child in their family of three siblings.
(0:02:54) - Casey’s Protective Nature Heather recalls her relationship with Casey, his protective personality, and the deep connection they shared as siblings.
(0:06:18) - Casey’s Teen Years and Struggles Heather shares how family challenges, including her father’s alcoholism, influenced Casey’s teenage years, leading him to the wrong crowd and struggles with substance use.
(0:12:14) - The Night of the Tragedy Heather recounts the heartbreaking night Casey was shot and how he was brought home alive by his friends, leading to a chaotic and tragic turn of events.
(0:18:37) - The Aftermath at the Hospital Heather describes the shocking moments in the hospital, Casey’s brief responsiveness, and the devastating decision to donate his organs.
(1:03:00) - Heather’s Transformational Dream Heather describes a vivid dream of Casey shortly after his death, which brought her comfort and a sense of peace, affirming his continued presence in her life.

This episode is a testament to the strength it takes to survive the loss of a sibling, especially under tragic circumstances. Heather’s story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, offering hope and solidarity to those on a similar journey.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings

Connect with Heather:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heatherleigh1977

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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In this heartfelt episode, host Maya Roffler speaks with Diana Hunter, who opens up about the loss of her brother Tyler. Diana shares her story of growing up with her three younger brothers, the unique sibling bond she shared with Tyler, and the challenges he faced with asthma and addiction.

Diana reflects on her family's complicated dynamics, her role as a "second mom" to her younger siblings, and how Tyler’s passing deeply impacted her and her family. Throughout this conversation, Diana and Maya connect on the experience of being the eldest sibling, processing sudden loss, and finding light amidst grief.

In this episode:

(0:00:45) - Diana’s Background and Family Dynamics
(0:02:00) - Tyler’s Health Challenges and Asthma Diagnosis
(0:07:28) - Navigating Family Tensions
(0:08:57) - Tyler’s Adult Life and Struggles with Addiction
(0:21:00) - The Day of Tyler’s Passing
(0:26:37) - Family Reconciliation
(0:33:18) - Talking to Jack About Tyler’s Passing
(0:46:34) - Processing Complicated Grief

Connect with Diana:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@diana_lynn18?_t=8oiPyQiph4J&_r=1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diana_hunter6559

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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In this heartfelt and deeply moving episode of The Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler sits down with Janine DeTore, the youngest of seven siblings, to share an intimate look into her life, her incredible bond with her sister Angela, and the profound grief she endured after losing Angela to cancer.

In this episode:

[00:00:57] Family Dynamics – Janine discusses her role as the youngest of seven siblings and her relationship with Angela.
[00:02:52] Childhood Memories – Stories of Angela caring for Janine and their shared childhood experiences.
[00:06:20] Role Reversal – How Janine stepped up as a caregiver after their mother’s death.
[00:15:00] The Other Half – Janine talks about Angela being her other half and how their connection was spiritual and deep.
[00:27:00] Coping with Loss – Janine shares how she dealt with grief, including feelings of anger and bargaining with God.
[00:36:49] Angela's Battle – Details on Angela’s diagnosis, treatments, and the emotional toll of caregiving.
[00:47:08] Honoring Angela – How Janine continues to honor Angela’s memory through personal projects like writing a book.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings

Connect with Janine:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057735922448
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JanineDeTore

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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In this deeply personal and emotional episode, Sidney Savoie shares the story of his sister Dottie, who tragically passed away from a drug overdose in August 2020. Sidney opens up about their childhood, growing up as siblings with contrasting personalities, and the powerful bond they shared despite their differences.

Dottie was adopted into Sidney's family before he was born, and Sidney reflects on how much he owes his existence to her. Growing up with a passionate and vibrant sister, Sidney recalls their sibling rivalry and their eventual maturing relationship in adulthood. He paints a vivid picture of Dottie’s larger-than-life personality, her struggles with mental health, and the addiction that ultimately claimed her life.

Sidney discusses the complexities of Dottie's struggles with depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction. He speaks candidly about her battle with drugs, and how despite periods of sobriety, Dottie eventually succumbed to her addiction. The episode delves into the layers of grief Sidney has faced, from mourning his sister to navigating life without her.

Sidney also shares the challenges of losing a sibling, describing how it feels like losing a part of himself. He reflects on the unique pain of sibling loss and the secondary grief of missing out on future milestones, like his sister not meeting his wife or being there for family moments.

In this episode:

[00:01:00] – Introduction to Sidney and Dottie
[00:03:09] – Growing Up with Dottie: Sibling Rivalry and Bonding
[00:06:25] – Dottie’s Struggles with Mental Health and Addiction
[00:19:10] – Navigating Grief and the Complexity of Addiction
[00:29:07] – Dottie's Overdose and the Impact of Her Passing
[00:46:00] – Sidney's Reflections on Marriage and Loss
[00:55:00] – Sidney's Relationship with His Nieces Post-Dottie
[01:00:00] – The Grief Journey: Finding Meaning and Healing

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings

Connect with Sidney:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sidsavoie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sidney1kidney?_t=8qaZrPkwv2E&_r=1
Email: sidneysavoie@gmail.com

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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From being born into a family with Kristi already navigating the challenges of Rett syndrome, Kourtney’s story is one of dedication, loss, and profound love. Kristi was born in 1965 with a rare neurological disorder that affects primarily girls, which led her to lose many of her early developmental skills between 6 and 18 months old. The disorder wasn’t formally diagnosed in the United States until 1986, so for the first 21 years of Kristi’s life, the family had no name for what she was living with. Kourtney, the youngest of five, was seven years behind her siblings and grew up with Kristi already in a group home.

Kourtney’s relationship with Kristi went beyond that of a typical sibling dynamic. She served as her sister, caregiver, and advocate, navigating the complexities of Kristi’s condition and her family’s evolving needs. Despite the challenges, Kourtney’s memories are filled with light moments and profound connections, like when Kristi laughed at a joke no one thought she would understand, signaling that “she’s in there,” a realization that challenged every assumption they’d been told about her mental capabilities.

The family finally received a formal diagnosis of Rett syndrome when Kristi was 21, after a neurologist encountered a presentation by Dr. Andreas Rett, the doctor who discovered the syndrome. This brought a mixture of relief and frustration, as it came too late to change the course of Kristi’s treatment, but finally gave the family a name for what they had been living with for so many years. Kourtney became heavily involved in the Rett community, both as an advocate and later as a professional, dedicating her life to helping other families and teaching children with Rett syndrome how to communicate through eye gaze technology.

In this episode, Kourtney shares her journey through anticipatory grief, the lifelong process of caring for a sibling with Rett syndrome, and the unique pain of losing not just a sister, but the person who shaped her identity. She reflects on how her life and career have been deeply intertwined with Kristi’s presence, leading her to work in the Rett community as an advocate and teacher. Kourtney’s story is a testament to the enduring bonds of sibling love, the complexities of grief, and the resilience it takes to rebuild a life after such a significant loss.

In this episode: * (00:00:55) – Introduction to Kourtney’s Family Dynamic and Kristi’s Early Years * (00:10:09) – Understanding Rett Syndrome and the Impact on the Family * (00:18:34) – The Evolution of Kourtney’s Role from Sister to Caregiver * (00:36:42) – Kristi’s Communication Breakthrough with Eye Gaze Technology * (00:46:39) – The Final Years: Health Declines and the Emotional Toll * (00:51:41) – Grieving Kristi’s Passing and Finding Purpose in Advocacy

This Episode is Sponsored by The Surviving Siblings.

Connect with Kourtney: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kbjourney75

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kourtney0715/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kourtney.barnum

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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From childhood memories of Mike singing and dancing to his career as an award-winning blues musician, Ginger’s story is one of love, loss, and the challenges of navigating life after such a tragedy. She delves into the complexities of coping with Mike’s epilepsy, which played a significant role in his passing, and how their family dynamic shaped her grief process. His unexpected passing in 2019, due to complications from epilepsy, left a profound mark on Ginger’s life, as well as on the countless others who were touched by Mike’s vibrant presence and musical talents. This episode explores the deep bond between siblings, the layers of grief, and the resilience needed to move forward when the music stops.

Ginger paints a vivid picture of her close relationship with Mike, who was nine years younger and someone she not only viewed as a brother but also cared for with maternal instincts.

Ginger opens up about the difficulty of dealing with regret, the loss of her family’s former dynamic, and the struggle to accept that her parents will never be the same after Mike's death. Yet, through it all, she emphasizes the importance of faith in her healing journey, finding solace and strength in her relationship with God as she navigates life without her brother.

Ginger offers an intimate look at how grief evolves over time, how she grappled with the second year of loss, and how the love and memories of Mike continue to inspire her. Her story is a powerful reminder that while we may never truly "move on" from losing a sibling, we can find ways to grow through the pain and cherish the memories that live on.

In this episode: * (00:03:00) - Ginger’s Relationship with Mike * (00:20:29) - Coping with Epilepsy and Seizures * (00:28:55) - Mike’s Music Career and Legacy * (00:36:42) - Dealing with the Unexpected Loss * (00:51:41) - Support, Faith, and Family Dynamics

This Episode is Sponsored by The Surviving Siblings.

Connect with Ginger: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gingerdaviesburro

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butterflyme3

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gjburroughs

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayarofflerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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In this heartfelt episode, Jackson shares the profound journey of losing his younger sister, Lauren, when he was just 10 years old. Jackson reflects on the unique bond they had, with Lauren’s vibrant and fearless personality, and how her sudden death in a tragic bus accident forever changed his family. Jackson opens up about the complex emotions of being the oldest, becoming an only child, and later a big brother again. He also discusses how his family coped with grief and the unique challenges of sibling loss at a young age. Throughout the episode, Jackson shares the evolution of his grief, from the initial stages to his adulthood, and how he continues to navigate it with grace and gentleness. He provides insights into the impact of grief on family dynamics, the complexity of forgiveness, and the importance of creating a community of support. Jackson also touches on his involvement in his family's organization, GrieveWell, which focuses on peer-to-peer support for those navigating loss.

In This Episode: (0:00:24) - A Brother's Reflection on Sibling Loss: Jackson recalls his relationship with his younger sister, Lauren, and the impact her fearless nature had on his life.

(0:08:58) - The Day Everything Changed: Jackson recounts the tragic day Lauren passed away in a bus accident and the shock that followed.

(0:16:12) - Grief and Growth: Jackson reflects on how he and his family dealt with grief in the years following Lauren’s death and the dynamic shift when his younger brother was born.

(0:24:57) - Evolving Through Grief: The conversation dives into the lifelong process of grief and how Jackson has experienced it through different life milestones, including preparing for his upcoming wedding.

(0:40:00) - GrieveWell: A Community of Support: Jackson shares about GrieveWell, the nonprofit organization his family created to provide peer-to-peer grief support and its impact on those navigating loss.

To join GrieveWell’s community of hope and healing, visit them at: Website: https://www.grievewell.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grievewell/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grievewell_a2/

Twitter: https://x.com/grievewell?mx=2

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grievewellannarbor

Connect with Jackson: Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/j_stots/

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/

Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod?lang=en

Website: https://www.thesurvivingsiblings.com/

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thesurvivingsiblingspodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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In this episode of the Surviving Siblings podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes sisters Corrie and Brittany Fentress, who bravely share the heart-wrenching story of losing their two sisters, Ashley and Emily, to addiction and suicide. Corrie and Brittany discuss their close-knit family dynamics, the deep bonds they shared as siblings, and the devastating impact of losing not one, but two sisters. They also explore their individual grief journeys, how they have processed these profound losses, and the paths they've taken to honor their sisters' memories.

In This Episode:

(0:01:00) - Corrie and Brittany’s Family Background

Corrie and Brittany introduce their family, discussing the dynamic between the four sisters and their childhood memories.

(0:02:36) - Ashley’s Struggles and Turning Point

The sisters talk about Ashley’s battle with drugs and mental health following their parents’ divorce, including her struggles with heroin addiction and suicide attempts.

(0:09:57) - The Day of Ashley’s Death

Brittany and Corrie recount the tragic day they learned of Ashley’s passing, sharing their perspectives and the impact it had on their family.

(0:18:25) - Processing Ashley’s Loss

Brittany reflects on her journey as a twin after losing Ashley, discussing the unique grief associated with twin loss and her struggle to find herself again.

(0:36:23) - Emily’s Battle with Addiction

The conversation shifts to Emily’s story, detailing her struggles with addiction, mental health, and the significant losses that influenced her life.

(0:45:35) - Emily’s Final Days

Corrie and Brittany describe Emily’s final months, her move to Virginia for treatment, and the tragic day they learned of her death.

(0:52:18) - Finding Purpose Through Loss

Corrie and Brittany share how their sisters’ deaths influenced their careers in mental health and therapy, and how they find meaning in helping others navigate similar challenges.

(0:55:50) - Supporting Others and Honoring Their Sisters

The sisters discuss the importance of community, support, and taking time to heal, as well as their commitment to honoring Ashley and Emily’s memories through their work.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings.

Connect with Corrie and Brittany Fentress:

Corrie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corriecares/profilecard/?igsh=MXV0dDd5dmlsdWZhYw==
https://www.instagram.com/corriefen?igsh=MW5qc2lweHVoYmk5aA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Brittany’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/QyzcNAXsRmfVcYUw/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast
Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: @survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

Make sure to tune in for this powerful episode and join the conversation about sibling loss, grief, and healing.

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In this episode of the Surviving Siblings podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Anne Pinkerton, who shares the profound story of her brother David, who tragically passed away after a fall while hiking in Colorado. Anne delves into their unique sibling bond, her grief journey, and the process of writing her book to honor David's adventurous spirit. Tune in to hear about the emotional complexities of sudden loss and the path to healing and remembrance.

In This Episode:

(0:01:00) - Anne's Family Dynamics
Anne discusses her unique family structure and the close relationship she had with her brother David.
(0:04:24) - David's Adventurous Spirit
Stories of David's love for nature and adventure, including his passion for triathlons and his travels around the globe.
(0:09:11) - The Call
Anne recounts the harrowing moment she received the call about David being missing and the subsequent days of uncertainty.
(0:16:25) - Discovering What Happened
Details of how David's body was found and the investigation into his fatal fall while hiking the Colorado 14ers.
(0:25:20) - Grieving and Seeking Answers
Anne talks about her journey to understand the circumstances of David's death and how she coped with the obsessive need for answers.
(0:35:14) - Writing the Book
The process and challenges Anne faced in writing her memoir, the significance of sharing David’s story, and her decision to pursue an MFA.
(0:45:50) - Evolution of Grief
Discussion on the different stages of grief and the importance of taking time to heal, including the concept of taking breaks and not rushing the process.
(0:57:08) - Finding Community and Support
The crucial role of finding community and support in the grieving process, and Anne's involvement in bereavement groups and writing workshops.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings.

Connect with Anne Pinkerton:

Website: annepinkertonwriter.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnePinkertonWriter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annepinkertonwriter/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annepinkertonwriter

Make sure to check out Anne’s book HERE: https://a.co/d/7PEK2wn

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast
Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: @survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

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As we draw the curtain on the fifth season of Surviving Siblings, I'm overwhelmed with a mix of emotions, reminiscent of the day I faced my own sibling loss. Sharing this journey with you has magnified the courage it takes to traverse the winding road of grief, and it's clear we've all been walking it together. This finale episode is a heartfelt recap of the season's most impactful stories, from Katie's tribute to her heroic firefighter brother to Stacey's poignant confrontation with domestic violence. I bare my soul, too, as discuss my own personal trials of the past year, including my emotional reunion with my father in Mozambique and my grief experience through a miscarriage.

Our conversations throughout the season haven't shied away from the pain—instead, we've embraced it, giving voice to the often-muted experiences of sibling loss. Special guests brought their truths to the table, shedding light on the unique complexities of their grief. From grappling with multiple losses and suicide to the raw authenticity of our discussions, we've started to chip away at the taboo surrounding these conversations. The shared wisdom and hope have been life rafts in the tumultuous sea of bereavement, and I'm honored to have had these guests join us in bringing the stories of the ‘forgotten mourners’ into the light.

As we close this chapter and look toward the future, the inaugural Surviving Sibling Summit stands as a beacon of our dedication to healing and unity. The overwhelming response and the promise of a sixth season of our podcast are testament to the power and necessity of our shared narratives. I'm more convinced than ever that together, as surviving siblings, we're crafting a legacy of support and remembrance. So, as we part ways for now, remember the resources and open arms awaiting you at thesurvivingsiblings.com, and the unmistakable truth that you are never alone on this path.

This Episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. ✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE: https://www.thesurvivingsiblings.com/store/

In this Episode:

(0:4:40) - Surviving Siblings Season Recap & Highlights

(0:31:42) - Grief Timelines and Loss Experiences

(0:43:11) - Surviving Sibling Summit

(0:51:19) - Personal and Familial Healing Journey

(1:05:00) - Healing Conversations With Dad

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

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How do families navigate the loss and addiction? Join us as Julia, a woman whose life has been intimately shaped by such an ordeal, shares her story with honesty and vulnerability. We traverse through her childhood marred by divorce and alcoholism. The narrative takes a particularly tender turn when reflecting on her younger sister, Rianna, whose vibrant personality and later struggles with substance abuse paint a bittersweet picture of familial love and the often-hidden battles against addiction. Listen in as we unravel the difficult transitions Rianna faced, from her high school days marked by self-esteem battles to her college years, where her choice to study social work is revealed to be potentially influenced by her sisters. This candid discussion sheds light on the darker aspects of the party culture at VCU and how it may have contributed to her challenges.

The conversation doesn't shy away from the raw emotions that surface when discussing the impact of drug use, Rianna's untimely termination from her practicum, and the ultimate tragic loss that left an indelible mark on her family.

In this episode:

(0:07:51) - Rianna's College and Lifestyle Journey

(0:27:43) - Struggle With Addiction and Family Conflict

(0:41:56) - Tragic Death and Family Grief

(0:51:15) - Julia’s Journey and Narcan Awareness

(1:02:25) - Navigating Loss Together

This Episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. ✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE.

Connect with Julia:

Tik Tok | @juliafill

Instagram | @itsjuliafill

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

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Moments of tragedy often bring silent solidarity alongside the pain, and this episode is a testament to that duality. Chelsea recounts the day that altered her reality forever, the instinctive need to protect her family, and the unexpected kindness that can emerge from strangers in our darkest hours. As we traverse through her story, the resounding theme of diverse grief responses within a family unfolds, underscoring the importance of honoring each person's unique path to healing.

Navigating the aftermath of a tragedy, such as the vehicular homicide that took her sister Brittany's life, often means confronting anger, seeking justice, and dealing with the invasive eye of the public. Chelsea bravely opens up about these challenges, from grappling with raw emotions to the cathartic release of victim impact statements. Lastly, Chelsea reflects on the delicate balance of supporting each other in relationships while dealing with loss, emphasizing the power of having someone by your side who understands the importance of both the grand and seemingly trivial aspects of mourning. Chelsea's story is a powerful reminder of the resilience that can emerge from shared heartache and the profound unity that can be found even in the depths of loss.

In this episode:

(0:03:00) - Brittney's Story

(0:20:29) - Diverse Responses to Grief

(0:28:55) - Dealing With Vehicular Homicide Impact

(0:36:42) - Navigating Justice After Tragedy

(0:51:41) - Support and Grief in Relationships

This Episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. ✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE!

Connect with Chelsea:

Facebook | chelsea.mcgrath.564

Instagram | @mcmorg877

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

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This episode features a poignant conversation with Samantha, exploring her emotional journey through anticipatory grief and healing after losing her brother Chris to cancer. Samantha delves into the complexities of her relationship with Chris, revealing he was her half-brother shortly before his passing, and the impact of his death on her family dynamics and personal grief journey. She shares the evolution of her coping mechanisms over the first and second years post-loss, including journaling, grief support groups, and embracing joy. Samantha reflects on her growth since the loss, challenging the notion that time heals all wounds, but rather, it helps individuals grow with their grief.

The conversation highlights how Samantha found a balance between honoring her grief and rediscovering happiness, offering hope and advice to others navigating a similar path. Samantha's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of loss, emphasizing the importance of open communication and support networks, including social media and online groups, for those experiencing anticipatory grief.

In this Episode:

(06:47) - Chris's Battle with Cancer

(08:13) - The Emotional Rollercoaster of Anticipatory Grief

(26:29) Navigating the Final Days

(37:00) Finding Meaning in Pain

(40:35) The Aftermath: Family Dynamics and Secondary Losses

This Episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. ✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE

Connect with Samantha:

Facebook | samantha.pinca.3

Instagram | @sam_antha80

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

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Today's episode features a heartrending discussion with Taylor Taylor, who opens up about the cherished bond with her brother Blake, their shared childhood, and how mental health struggles and external pressures can send life spiraling in unforeseen directions. From her brother Blake's promising start to an abrupt turn into hardship following a run-in with the law, Taylor invites us into the raw emotions of watching a loved one fall into the grips of bipolar disorder.

The conversation reveals the stark reality of how external influences and internal turmoil can derail a seemingly promising future, leading us through the nuances of a sibling bond strained by distance, different life paths, and the shadow of mental illness. Taylor courageously recounts Blake's resistance to seeking help, the role stigma played in his battle, and the devastating consequences that unfolded, culminating in his untimely death. The stark reality of such experiences paints a vivid picture of the urgency with which we need to approach mental health issues with openness, care, and an unwavering commitment to understanding. This discussion isn't just a story of despair; it’s a beacon for those seeking to understand the nuanced realities of loving someone through their darkest hours.

In this episode:

(0:12:43) - Mental Health Struggles

(0:23:10) - Unraveling the Downward Spiral

(0:27:57) - Navigating Substance Abuse and Mental Health

(0:32:22) - Navigating Mental Health Crisis With Family

(1:05:18) - Navigating Grief and Therapy Success

This Episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. ✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE!

Connect with Taylor:

Facebook: Taylor's Facebook

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

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Join us as we welcome Angie to our heartfelt conversation, where she unveils the complex tapestry of her family's experiences with loss, resilience, and the enduring love between siblings. Tragedy strikes in an instant- Angie opens up about the terrifying moment her brother Seth's laughter was replaced by the grip of a grand mal seizure, unveiling an underlying brain tumor. The path of a medical crisis is fraught with challenges, and through Angie's narrative, we delve into the often-overlooked aspects of navigating such a journey—the immediate response, the critical decisions, and the overwhelming financial implications. This episode not only serves as a guide for those facing similar trials but also as an homage to the communal strength we unearth when rallying around a loved one in need.

Angie's story doesn't shy away from the raw, unfiltered sorrow that comes with loss. The passing of her son Garrett, the valiant struggle of her brother against the shadows of cancer, and the final farewell to her husband Jack are recounted with an honesty that resonates with anyone who has faced the abyss of grief. Yet, within the threads of her narrative, a resilience emerges, as Angie chooses hope and perseverance for her daughter Gracie.

In This Episode:

(0:11:10) - Seizures and Brain Tumors

(0:22:47) - Surviving Multiple Family Tragedies

(0:29:21) - Surviving Loss and Choosing Hope

(0:34:07) - Family Bonds Through Tragedy

This Episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. ✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE.

Connect with Angie:

Instagram | @butterfliesandhalos

Facebook | butterfliesandhalos

Website | www.butterfliesandhalos.com

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

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When Linda's world was shattered not once, but twice, by the loss of her brothers Micheal and Jeff, she embarked on a quest for healing that not only mended her own spirit but reached out to help others in similar pain. Linda's tale is an echo of the shared human experience, where the sting of overdose and suicide’s stigma and the struggle to reconnect with faith intertwine with the raw emotions of grief. As she opens up about the personal battles that followed the loss of her brothers Jeff and Michael, and the family losses and divides that followed.

Turning profound sorrow into a mission to support others, Linda's activism in the world of suicide prevention illuminates the podcast episode with hope. Her work creating resources like "Mending Piece by Piece After A Suicide Loss" and her contributions to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention exemplify the transformative power of storytelling and shared experience. As we wrap up our heartfelt dialogue, we recognize that healing is not a solitary endeavor but a road traveled together, with the strength of community to guide us through the ebb and flow of mourning and onward into the light of new beginnings.

In This Episode:

(0:05:06) - Growing up with Micheal and Jeff

(0:16:36) - Loss, Intuition, and Grief Recovery

(0:30:14) - Handling Suicide Loss

(0:38:34) - Navigating Grief and Spiritual Faith

(0:51:18) - Family Grief and Loss Discussion

This Episode is sponsored by Linda Falasco. Find out more about Linda Here. You can find her book "Mending Piece by Piece After a Suicide Loss: Guided Grief Workbook & Journal to Heal the Survivor's Heart" HERE.

Connect with Linda:

Tik Tok: @mendingpiecebypiece

Instagram: @lindafalascolcsw

Mending Piece by Piece Podcast: Podcast Streaming Links

Book "Mending Piece by Piece After A Suicide Loss": Amazon

Book "Mending Piece by Piece: A Workbook & Journal for Navigating Grief with Hope": Amazon

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

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Join us as we welcome Sarah to share the poignant story of her relationship with her late sister, Jenni, whose life was tragically cut short. Sarah opens up about their upbringing as adopted siblings in Southern California, the unique bond they formed despite not being biologically related, and the deep love that defined their connection. As Sarah reflects on their childhood and the complexities of their adoptive experiences, we're given a glimpse into the affectionate nicknames, Jenni's vivacious spirit, and the underlying struggles that eventually led to her battles with addiction and a heartbreaking loss.

In the aftermath of Jenni's passing, Sarah shares the transformative journey of healing, underscored by the challenges and revelations that come with grief. We discuss the power of therapies like EMDR and the unspoken language of companionship offered by pets in times of sorrow. The ripple effects of the opioid crisis are not just statistics here; they are felt in the raw recounting of the investigation into Jenni's final days and the struggle to find closure. Through Sarah's poignant story, we're reminded of our own capacity for resilience in the face of sorrow and the unexpected places where hope can take root.

In This Episode:

(0:12:07) - Exploring Family Dynamics and Adoption

(0:23:52) - Family Intervention and Addiction Recovery

(0:33:14) - Tragic Events Leading to JennyIs Death

(0:48:35) - Exploring Grief and Empathy Journeys

(0:56:18) - Tragic Fentanyl Overdose Investigation

(1:02:25) - The Devastating Impact of Fentanyl

This Episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. ✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE: https://www.thesurvivingsiblings.com/store/

Connect with Sarah:

Instagram: @broadminded

TikTok: @KryBaby

Facebook: Sarah Fornia

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

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In this episode, we welcome Laing as she recounts the cherished moments with her sister Ginna and confronts the irony that lay in her professional expertise in medical devices, contrasting sharply with Ginna's untimely death with sleep apnea.

We discuss the transformative power of rituals and creative expression in the face of mourning. Our conversation takes a turn towards finding solace amidst the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic, Laing shares her inspiration into nature poetry with "Morning Leaves: Reflections on Loss, Grief, and Connection," and the emotional relief it provided. The talk serves as a gentle reminder of the varied avenues through which we seek comfort, whether through counseling, the arts, or the company of others who have walked similar paths of sorrow and healing. As we conclude the episode, the discussion sheds light on the contrasting experiences of anticipatory grief and sudden loss, emphasizing the unique paths we walk through the wilderness of sorrow.

In This Episode:

(0:09:46) - Impact of Sleep Apnea

(0:25:27) - Navigating Different Types of Loss

(0:35:21) - Creative Outlets for Grief

(0:47:10) - Morning Leaves

(0:57:06) - Coping Strategies for Stressful Situations

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. Find out more here.

Connect with Laing:

Instagram: @morning_leaves_and_poet

LinkedIn: Laing Rikkers

Facebook: Author Laing Rikkers

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

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Our guest Stacy shares her personal journey with her sister Katie Jo, painting a vivid picture of the nurturing role she assumed in her sister's life and the distance that time and circumstances can create. Stacy's personal reflections lead us through the transformation and tragic ending of her sister's life, underscoring the importance of paying attention to changes in our loved ones' behaviors. We're taken on a heart-rending path, from noticing Katie Jo's growing paranoia to confronting the reality of her untimely death due to domestic violence. Stacy’s insights into the significance of victim impact statements, coping with unexpected loss, and the strength found in communities serve as a powerful reminder of the collective journey through sibling loss grief.

As we connect over our own stories, we shed light on the importance of advocacy for domestic violence victims and the crucial role of organizations like The Peace Initiative in supporting those in need. Whether it's the cathartic process of writing a eulogy or the collective journey of navigating sibling loss grief together, we reaffirm the value of storytelling and the power of community in the healing process.

In This Episode:

(0:11:36) - Raising a Sister

(0:19:49) - Uncovering Secrets of a Relationship

(0:36:26) - Navigating Grief and Domestic Violence

(0:55:58) - Discussing Justice for Victims

(1:01:54) - Victim's Advocate Statement Importance

This Episode is sponsored by P.E.A.C.E Initiative ✨ Find out more Here.

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

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This season begins with a heartfelt tribute by my guest, Katie, to her late brother Patrick, whose dream of firefighting was both his passion and his legacy. As Katie recounts their childhood memories and Patrick's unwavering determination to join the fire service, listeners will be moved by the depth of their sibling bond and the sense of pride and inspiration that Patrick left behind. Katie shares the emotional weight of having a loved one working in a high-risk profession. The raw emotions and powerful stories shared in this conversation highlight the unique and enduring connections that surviving siblings hold, offering solace and understanding to those who have faced similar losses.

The episode culminates with a focus on the rites of remembrance and the power of channeling grief into action, exploring the ways in which physical activity, like boxing, can serve as an outlet for the emotional storm within. Join us for a deeply moving journey that not only celebrates the lives of those we've lost but also embraces the therapeutic power of connection through our collective narratives, reminding us that even in the darkest times, we are never alone.

In this Episode:

(0:13:40) - Loss of Loved One in Duty

(0:19:55) - The Tragic Rescue of Patrick

(0:42:38) - Autopsy Results and Fire Incident Discussion

(0:50:30) - Gloves for Grief

This Episode is sponsored by Gloves for Grief ✨ Find out more information about Gloves for Grief:

Website | Glovesforgrief.org

Youtube | GlovesforGrief

Instagram | @glovesforgrief

Connect With Katie:

Instagram | @its_katiesue85

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

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Our fourth season has been a profound exploration of grief, particularly focusing on the often overlooked impact it has on siblings and the rebuilding we do throughout our grief journey. Listen in as I, your host, Maya Roffler, share a recap of our heartfelt season four, as well as an update of my personal journey through grief and loss. I share my thoughts on the season and reflect on the profound stories shared by each guest. As we wrap up, I express heartfelt gratitude to you, our supportive listeners, and our guests. Your contributions make the Surviving Siblings podcast more than just a show, but a community.

In this Episode:

(0:01:30) - Andreas Story

(0:25:47) - Divorce and Loss

(0:37:19) - Grief Journey Reflections

(0:49:24) - Reflecting on Season 4

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

This Episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. ✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE.

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

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Dr. Dawn DiRaimondo, a renowned author, Psychologist and surviving sibling, joins us once again to explore the profound journey of healing and connection during the holiday season. Dawn shares the story of her brother Michael's death in combat, their last Christmas conversation, and the subsequent transformation of her family's holiday celebrations.

This episode delves into the delicate balance of honoring a lost sibling and managing personal grief. Dawn recounts the unique ways her family commemorated her brother and found solace even amid the holiday cheer. We probe deeper into the often complex dynamics when parents strike a balance between maintaining a semblance of normalcy for their children and managing their grief. Dawn shares her transformative journey as she dedicates life's milestones to her brother's memory, finding unexpected yet meaningful encounters along the way. The episode concludes with a discussion of her book "Surviving Sibling Loss: The Invisible Thread that Connects Us Through Life and Death", a testament to the enduring bonds we share with our loved ones, even in their absence. As we navigate the emotional rollercoaster of sibling loss, grief, and healing during this holiday season, we emanate hope and compassion, gently reminding us that we're not alone.

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

This Episode is sponsored by "Surviving Sibling Loss: The Invisible Thread that Connects Us Through Life and Death" by Dr. Dawn DiRaimondo ✨Get the book HERE

In this episode:

(0:07:20) - Coping With Grief During the Holidays

(0:17:23) - Grief and Honoring Lost Loved Ones

(0:36:13) - Empowering Connection and Evolving Grief

(0:57:17) - Music and Signs in Grief

(1:07:46) - Connecting and Honoring Siblings

Connect with Dawn:

Dawn's Website: drdawndiraimondo.com

Dawn's Book: "Surviving Sibling Loss: The Invisible Thread that Connects Us Through Life and Death"

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

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Today's episode is a touching tribute to the adventurous spirit of Rocky, Susan Casey's brother who tragically passed away on Valentine's Day 2014. Susan's vivid retelling of Rocky's life and love for exploration, unexpectedly ended at a young age. In the wake of Rocky's death, Susan's life was transformed. She not only found a purpose in her loss but also the courage to live life fully — to honor her beloved brother.

The episode is a profound exploration of the power of grief, the importance of authenticity, and how new relationships can bloom in the aftermath of loss. Following Rocky's death, Susan found a new path, using her personal experiences and her 30-year career in the mental health field to provide precious resources and support for those grappling with the throes of grief. Listen to her valuable insight and get a glimpse of her journey as she unfolded a new chapter in her life. Susan's work is not just a testament to her strength, but a beacon of hope and solace for those navigating the intricate labyrinth of grief and loss. It's about cherishing the lessons and growth that come from pain and finding hope amidst grief.

In this episode we are covering:

(0:00:12) - Rocky's Life and Adventures

(0:12:28) - Sibling Grief Support Resources and Support

(0:33:10) - Navigating Grief and Honoring Loved Ones

(0:46:02) - Finding Support

(0:59:11) - Susan's Career

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

This Episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. ✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE.

Connect with Susan:

Susan's Instagram: @Susan.Casey

Susan's Facebook: Susan E Casey

Susan's Podcast: Rock Your Shine

Susan's Website: RockYourShine.com

Susan's Book: "Rock On: Mining for Joy in the Deep River of Sibling Grief"

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Rock On: Mining for Joy in the Deep River of Sibling Grief

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Every family has its story, and our guest, Laura Weiss, is here to share hers with us. Laura's journey begins with the loss of her brother, Ben, a vibrant individual who was much more to her than just a sibling. Laura opens up about Ben’s struggle with Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, his addictions, and his life as part of the LGBTQ+ community in a small town. We explore Laura’s undulating journey of grief and trauma, her handling of challenging family dynamics, and her experience of setting healthy boundaries while modeling resilience for her children.Discover how she navigated these challenges, never shying away from the reality of her experience, but rather embracing the power of acceptance, forgiveness, and personal growth.

In the final segment, Laura brings to light the importance of educating oneself about rare medical conditions like Alpha One. She speaks fondly of how she continues to honor Ben's memory and the unique ways she connects with his spirit. Laura’s journey, filled with love and loss, serves as an inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Let's learn, connect, and grow as we join Laura in recounting her grief journey.

In this episode we are covering:

(0:00:06) - Sibling Grief and Shared Memories

(0:07:15) - Grief and Trauma in the Journey

(0:15:50) - Surviving Siblings and Medical Challenges Guide

(0:28:48) - Family Intervention and Losing a Loved One

(0:39:51) - Grieving and Educating About Alpha One

(0:47:22) - Importance of Therapy in Grief Journey

(0:56:42) - Family Dynamics and Setting Boundaries

This Episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. ✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE.

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Laura:

Laura's Email | lweissefa@gmail.com

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

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Leigh first took on the role of her sister’s caretaker when Beth experienced a tragic car accident at 16. Beth’s accident caused a traumatic brain injury and she never recovered to be the same. The accident affected Beth’s reasoning and she was eventually thrust back into the teenage world of partying and drugs during her recovery leading to a 25 year battle with addiction.

In this episode, we delve deeper into the process of grieving and healing, discussing how Leigh was able to confront and work through the guilt and anger that arose after her sister's death. We also discuss the impact of Beth's life and death on Leigh's children, and how she helped them confront grief. We conclude with an exploration of how such experiences can reshape the dynamics and bonds within a family, underlining the power and resilience of sibling relationships.

In this episode we are covering:

(0:00:06) - Beth’s Story

(0:11:51) - Effects of Fentanyl

(0:25:42) - Navigating Guilt & Anger

(0:42:03) - Sibling Bonds Before and After Death

This Episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. ✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Leigh:

Leigh's Facebook: Leigh Smith

Leigh's Instagram: @leighwsmith5

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

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How can you grapple with the devastating pain of losing a sibling to addiction and transform it into a beacon of strength? Emily's older brother Peter was a quintessential jokester with a magnetic personality that knew no bounds. But behind the mask, he waged a war against depression that led him down a spiraling path of opioid addiction.

Emily reveals the deeply personal of her family's battle with addiction, the impact of her parents' divorce on Peter, and the crippling belief he held that he was the cause of their separation. The episode further traverses the rocky terrain of coping with loss and grief. Emily shares the confusion she felt at trying to deal with such a loss at only 13 and the need to feel like a normal teenager. This conversation takes an introspective turn as Emily discusses her decision to enlist in the military in honor of Peter’s once shared dreams. The therapy, discovery of her ADHD, and the supportive leadership proved to be a transformative experience for her. Emily carries her brother's values and legacy in her life as a testament to his influence. Laced with an exploration of the opioid crisis, Emily's story is a powerful reminder of the complexities of grief, the importance of communication, and the lasting legacy of a loved one.

In this episode we are covering:

(0:18:27) - Family Struggles With Addiction

(0:29:58) - The Impact of a Tragic Loss at 13

(0:36:15) - Funeral Planning and Seeking Normalcy

(0:44:54) - Impact and Legacy of a Loved One

(0:50:01) - Multiple Losses and Coping With Grief

(1:04:39) - Military and Therapy

This Episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. ✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Emily:

Emily's Facebook: Emily Heim

Emily's Linkedin: Emily Heim

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcas

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Meet Jordon Ferber, a surviving sibling who's traversed the labyrinth of loss through a mix of tender reflection, candid conversations, and a dash of humor. Jordon recounts the larger-than-life story of his younger brother Russell - an inspiring young man who managed to charm the New York Knicks at the tender age of 13. Jordon shares the story of Russell's exciting life throughout the celebrity chef world and is burning passion that kept him succeeding.

In this episode, Jordon and I unpack the surreal moments at the morgue, the unexpected triggers that bring memories flooding back, and our unique paths through the darkest times. From scattering ashes in favorite places, to getting tattoos in remembrance, we find solace and sometimes even humor in the rituals of grief. We also confront societal norms around male grief, challenging the damaging stereotype of men 'rubbing dirt in it and getting back out there'. Jordon also shares his experiences with Compassionate Friends, a peer support network that played a crucial role in his grief journey. Join us for this touching, inspiring, and even occasionally humorous exploration of sibling loss.

In the episode we're covering:

(0:13:45) - Surviving Siblings Bond and Share Memories

(0:25:51) - Coping With Tragic News and Loss

(0:29:45) - Grief, Family, and Unexpected Moments

(0:38:27) - Grieving and Finding Humor in Mourning

(0:55:37) - Compassionate Friends in Grief Journey

(1:11:29) - Breaking Societal Stereotypes of Male Grief

This Episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. ✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Jordon:

Jordon's Instagram: @beatniknudnik

Facebook: Where's The Grief

Instagram: @wheresthegrief

Twitter: @wheresthegrief

Facebook: Russell Ferber Foundation

Instagram: @RussellFerberFoundation

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

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For years Christine answered multiple ‘goodbye calls’ from her brother Pete. Finding him in the midst of attempted suicides. Their family supported him through life changes, diagnosis and therapies but in the end, he was unable to fight the illness.

In this episode, we discuss the emotions that come with being the support person to a loved one with mental health issues during their ups and downs. How Christine faced the “what if” questions that come along with grief after suicide loss. We also have an important discussion on mental health and stigma that surrounds it.

In this episode we are covering:

(00:03:50) - Depression throughout Peter’s life

(00:33:00) - Peter’s last days

(00:43:42) - Understanding his last moments

(00:48:00) - Society’s view Mental Health

This Episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. ✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Christine:

Christine’s Instagram: @christinebee33

Christine’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christine.bartlett3

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

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Lori always saw herself as her brother, Brian’s protector and still fills that role after his death, preserving his story and legacy. Lori took on the responsibility of taking a first look a Brian’s stolen car, of what she thought at the time was his murder weapon. Next to taking the lead in planning his day of celebration and staying an active part of his subsequent murder investigation.

In this episode, Lori shares her understanding of the legal proceedings, the emotional exhaustion that accompanies them, and the importance of preserving Brian's legacy. Lori shares her journey through therapists and how her now grief coach has helped address her anger. We touch on Lori's plans to give back by becoming a certified court-appointed special advocate for foster children. We also discuss the importance of being self-aware and managing emotions, especially within your family.

This Episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. ✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

In this episode we are covering:

(0:00:00) - Sharing Stories of Sibling Loss

(0:14:06) - Uncovering a Murder Investigation

(0:26:19) - Navigating Grief and Protecting Sibling's Story

(0:51:06) - Finding the Right Therapist

(0:56:37) - Legal Process and Victim Impact Statements

Connect with Lori:

Lori's Instagram: @LoriLuna

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

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Elizabeth opens up about her family's profound struggle when her brother, Ted, was diagnosed with rare blood disorder aplastic anemia. Their innocent childhood turned into a harsh reality as Ted spent eight years in a laminar air flow room at the National Institutes of Health. Elizabeth recounts their childhood inside the hospital, his illness, and the impact his sudden death had on each family member.

In this episode, Elizabeth highlights Ted’s positive attitude despite being unable to leave a hospital room or protective suit. Elizabeth also shares her journey to understand the grief she experienced at such a young hand. This discussion brings to light the often-overlooked impact of sibling loss, and the importance of recognizing and processing grief. Through the experiences of 77 siblings Elizabeth interviewed for her book, "The Empty Room: Understanding Sibling Loss”, she uncovers the common themes and understanding within this unique grief experience.

We discuss the gradual shift in understanding from the dated idea of 'getting over' loss to the more complex concept of maintaining continuing bonds with the deceased. The conversation concludes with Elizabeth's reflections on her parents' reactions to her writing a book about her experience.

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

This Episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. ✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE

In the episode I’m covering:

(0:00:01) - Ted’s eight years in a hospital

(0:11:36) - The Journey of a Rare Disease

(0:22:08) - Mediums, Grief, and Writing a Book

(0:28:07) - Sibling Loss and Grief Complexity

(0:44:12) - Family, Loss, and Identity

Connect with Elizabeth:

Website: FindingTedDevita.com

Elizabeth's Email: DevitaRaeburn@gmail.com - Please put ‘sibling loss’ in the subject line.

Elizabeth's Facbook: Elizabeth.devitaraeburn

Elizabeth's Book: The Empty Room: Understanding Sibling Loss

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

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It's hard to believe that we are wrapping up Season Three, and Maya is back for her recap of the season. Maya will be discussing her personal takeaways from each guest as well as give recommendations for particular episodes depending on your own grief journey.

Maya is also sharing where she is in her grief journey six and a half years after losing her brother to a homicide. She is excited to share her epiphanies over the past six months and some key takeaways from her continuing grief journey. Something she feels extremely passionate about is allowing us to feel our emotions, pain, anger, depression and whatever else may come on this journey with you.

Maya also thanks her sponsors for the season - SibsForever.org - We could not have done this season without you. Thank you!

Maya also thanks her episode sponsors - Janice Jernigan - Author of "Opening Up to Grief" and Nickky Wise Neff, Founder of https://www.saitada.org/

And thank YOU, for continuing to listen and support our show!

Season 3 is brought to you by SibsForever.org, a virtual platform to commemorate and honor your sibling relationship. Create your free profile and start building beautiful commemorative web pages that can include photo and video galleries featuring you and your sibling.

Connect with Maya:

Website | https://www.thesurvivingsiblings.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/1112887292632251 YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@thesurvivingsiblingspodcast Patreon | https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast Twitter | https://twitter.com/survivingsibpod ✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide and Merch HERE✨ https://www.thesurvivingsiblings.com/store/

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Preston grew up in the shadow of his older brother, Colin. When Preston was in college, Colin decided to go in the military, in part to escape the lifestyle he was living, but being in the military and going on two tours had taken a toll on Colin, and he ended up passing due to a drug overdose.

Preston got the dreaded call while he was at work. As soon as he made it home, he broke down. All he wanted to do was to be with his wife and kids, but his family also needed him. As part of his grief journey, he wanted to challenge himself in new ways while also honoring Colin, so he decided to paint every day for 365 days and make a documentary about it.

In this week's episode, Preston is sharing his story and Colin’s story, how life was for Colin after he came back from two military tours, how it was for Preston after he received the call, why grieving for men is sometimes different for men, and how creating art out of our grief or using art therapy can help surviving siblings.

In this episode I’m covering:

Intro [00:00:00]
Preston and Colin’s story [00:02:03]
Coming back from tour [00:10:45]
Getting The Call [00:22:59]
The days after Colin’s passing [00:34:49]
The Art of Grieving - Honoring Colin [00:42:48]
Grieving as a male [00:50:14]
Creating out of grief [01:01:38]
How art therapy can help surviving siblings [01:09:45]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Preston

Instagram | @prestonzeller

YouTube | Zellerhaus Art

Documentary | The Art of Grieving

Website | ZellerHaus Art

Connect with Maya

Website | The Surviving Siblings

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Facebook Group | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE✨

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Rachel lost her little brother Aaron in a motorcycle accident in 2002. She was really close to him, as he was the only full brother and her sibling that she shared a childhood with, so receiving the call was a heartbreaking and pivotal moment in her life.

The first few weeks after Aaron passed were a blur for her. Rachel felt a mix of emotions, because everyone expected her to be strong for her parents and to deal with all the funeral arrangements for her brother. Two months after Aaron’s death, she felt desperate as she couldn’t control the fact that Aaron had died. She was trying to fix her grief, which led her to attend her first group meeting at one of The Compassionate Friends chapters in Atlanta.

In this week's episode, Rachel shares about her and Aaron’s story, the before and after of receiving the call that changed her life, and how she has been dealing with her grief. Rachel also talks about how she doesn’t resonate with the words “acceptance” or “closure”, so she prefers to acknowledge her brother's death.

In this episode I’m covering:

Intro [00:00:00]
Rachel and Aaron’s story [00:01:38]
The Call [00:03:54]
Dealing with grief after Aaron’s death [00:07:26]
Family dynamics after Aaron passed [00:22:40]
The Compassionate Friends [00:33:11]
Acknowledging Aaron’s passing [00:40:06]
Being a facilitator in The Compassionate Friends [00:47:13]
Advice for Surviving Siblings [00:54:38]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with The Compassionate Friends

Website | The Compassionate Friends Non-Profit Organization for Grief

Find your local chapter of The Compassionate Friends

Connect with Maya

Website | The Surviving Siblings

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Facebook Group | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE✨

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Aletha was only 9 years old when her brother Brett passed. Even though they were 9 years apart, they were very close. Aletha and Brett spent a lot of time on the tracks since Brett started racing at a very young age. Racing was Brett’s passion. In 2007, Brett was coming back home from an all-night race when he fell asleep behind the wheel crashing his car. Unfortunately, he died as a result of this accident. The days after her brother passed were very overwhelming for Aletha and she became even closer to her father and even more distant from her mother.

In this week's episode, Aletha shares what it was like growing up with her older brother Brett, how it was for her and her family the days after her brother’s accident, how she and her father have navigated Brett’s loss, and how she has embraced and moved through her emotions. She openly shares with us how she has navigated her grief journey.

In this episode I’m covering:

Intro [00:00:00]
Aletha and Brett’s story [00:01:54]
Finding out Brett was gone [00:09:54]
The days after Brett’s accident [00:15:40]
Family dynamics [00:22:48]
Aletha and her father navigate the loss [00:30:59]
Sharing Brett’s story with her fiancee [00:37:50]
Remembering her brother [00:43:07]
Finding support in her grief journey [00:46:08]
Embracing and moving through her emotions [00:52:25]
Advice for younger Aletha [00:54:54]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Aletha

Instagram | @aletha_laughlin

Twitter | @almariee16

Facebook | Aletha Laughlin

Connect with Maya

Website | The Surviving Siblings

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Facebook Group | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE✨

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CONTENT WARNING: Please note that this episode contains depictions and stories of siblings lost by suicide, homicide and/or domestic violence. We understand that some people may find these triggering, activating and/or disturbing. Angela is the oldest sibling of five children and she became a surviving sibling 20 years ago when her brother Nicky passed. Nicky’s story begins after he was in a severe car accident and developed an addiction from being on strong medications for pain. He was in and out of rehab a few times until one day Angela received “the call”, where a police officer informed her that her brother had passed. Years after losing Nicky, she was coming back from a camping trip and received the second call, where they told her she had suddenly lost her second sibling, Steven, to a heart attack.

Angela’s most recent loss is her sister Cindy. Angela lost Cindy due to a fentanyl overdose. Like Nicky, Cindy was in and out of rehab and she was trying to put her life back together again. She was trying to make better choices for herself and her children. Unfortunately, she took fentanyl without knowing and overdosed.

In this week's episode, Angela shares how her family was growing up, how her siblings have struggled with drug use, her story with Nicky, Steven, and Cindy, how becoming a surviving sibling has affected her, and the lessons she has learned from such a long grief journey.

In this episode I’m covering:

Intro [00:00:00]
Angela and Nicky's story [00:02:45]
Giving news to her children [00:13:23]
Angela's and Steven story [00:16:56]
Angela and Cindy's story [00:26:12]
Getting "The Call" [00:40:41]
Family dynamics and more loss [00:51:08]
Cindy's cause of death [00:55:14]
Bringing awareness to the fentanyl epidemic [00:57:34]
Advice for other surviving siblings [01:03:50]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Angela

Facebook | Angela Kusch

Connect with Maya

Website | The Surviving Siblings

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Facebook Group | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE✨

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All surviving siblings have a different story. Chelsey and Clint were inseparable when they were kids, most of the time they were by themselves because their father was in and out of the picture and their mother was a single mom, working two jobs to provide for them. Chelsey was about to graduate and was looking forward to having her brother at her graduation, so when she received “the call”, she couldn’t believe her brother had passed in a mountain climbing accident.

In this week's episode, Chelsey shares about her and Clint’s story growing up, how she found out that he had been in a mountain climbing accident, her relationship with mom and dad after Clint passed, what she did to look for answers in her brother’s death, how she sought and offered support to other surviving siblings and what she has done to honor her brother Clint.

In this episode I’m covering:

Intro [00:00:00]
Chelsey and Clint’s story [00:02:13]
The knock on the door that changed her life [00:07:16]
Family dynamics after Clint’s death [00:14:42]
Looking for answers [00:20:19]
Seeking support for Surviving Siblings [00:28:23]
Supporting other surviving siblings [00:36:06]
Honoring Clint [00:41:44]
Finding a therapist [01:02:54]
Advice for Surviving Siblings [01:06:22]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Chelsey

Instagram | @chelseym07

Facebook | Chelsey McHale

Listen to Haunted by Chelsey McHale

Connect with Maya

Website | The Surviving Siblings

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Facebook Group | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE✨

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There’s a lot to unpack in Nickky’s sibling loss journey. First she lost her big brother Glennn who committed suicide, then she lost her older sister Lisa in a car accident, and most recently her brother Alexander to a homicide. The most challenging thing for Nickky has been letting go of the guilt that has come with every loss. She felt so alone in her grief journey, that she decided to found Saitada, an organization that helps with grief and loss support to those that have lost their siblings, or their parents to either cancer, homicide or suicide.

In this week's episode, Nickky shares about her family dynamics before her brothers and sister passed, how she has moved forward in her grief journey, what made her found Saitada, what a grief doula is and how she decided to start getting educated to become one, and she also shares some advice to younger surviving siblings.

Episode sponsored by Saitada, an organization that provides support to those that have lost their siblings or parents to homicide, suicide and cancer.

In this episode I’m covering:

Intro [00:00:00]
Family dynamics [00:02:08]
Nickky and Glen’s story [00:06:58]
What happened after “The Call” [00:14:50]
Losing Lisa unexpectedly [00:24:58]
Losing Alexander to homicide [00:33:44]
No one wanted to take care of anything [00:53:18]
The story of Saitada [00:58:09]
Death doulas [01:05:57}
Advice for Younger surviving Siblings[01:09:10]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Nickky

Facebook | Nickky Neff

Facebook | Saitada

Instagram | @saitada_grief_loss_support

Instagram | @crzredhead

Connect with Maya

Website | The Surviving Siblings

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Facebook Group | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE✨

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Judy Lipson is the middle of three sisters. She became a surviving sibling when she lost her younger sister Jane in a car accident. Nine years later, she lost her sister Margie, who had been fighting bulimia and anorexia for over two decades. Judy decided to honor her sisters by starting a fundraiser for Mass General Hospital, where she helped raise over $80,000 in a decade. After that, she decided to put it on paper and wrote her book Celebration of Sisters: It Is Never Too Late to Grieve

In this week's episode, Judy and Maya talk about how it was for Judy when she lost Jane and Margie, how she deals with the dreaded question of how many siblings does she have, how she’s moving forward in her grief journey, what inspired to write her book, and how she felt when her grandson was born.

In this episode I’m covering:

Intro [00:00:00]
Judy, Jane, and Margie’s story [00:01:23]
Losing Jane [00:08:46]
Losing Margie [00:16:26]
Handling the question “how many siblings do you have?” [00:21:39]
Judy’s grief journey [00:28:10]
Honoring Margie and Jane [00:34:57]
Celebration of sisters [00:40:31]
New life, triggering grief [00:48:25]
Advice for younger Judy [00:51:36]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Judy

Facebook | Judy Lipson

Instagram | @celebofsisters

Linkedin | Judy Lipson

Book | Celebration of Sisters: It Is Never Too Late to Grieve

Connect with Maya

Website | The Surviving Siblings

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Facebook Group | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE✨

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Janice Jerningan lost her sister Julie when she was 3 years old, and this major loss ignited a cascade of secondary losses. Janice lost the opportunity of sharing milestones with her sister, receiving advice from her growing up and even beauty tricks. Janice tried to hold on to her sister Julie through many ways, and it showed in her relationships and eventually in her body, and this is one of the reasons she decided to write her book Opening Up to Grief: A Surviving Sibling's Journey with Loss and Love.

In this week's episode, Janice and Maya talk about how it was growing as an only child, knowing that she had an older sister, what was life for her while she move through it without opening up to her grief or experiencing her grief journey, how comparison can be the biggest thief of grief, they also talk about stories from Janice’s book.

Episode sponsored by Janice Jerningan, author of Opening Up to Grief: A Surviving Sibling's Journey with Loss and Love.

In this episode I’m covering:

Intro [00:00:00]
Growing up with grief [00:02:37]
Multiple losses when losing a sibling [00:12:12]
Holding onto Julie [00:18:01]
Janice’s grief manifesting [00:26:07]
Life after high school [00:33:00]
Releasing your grief [00:35:18]
Comparing herself to her “perfect” sister [00:41:34]
Grief showing up in her body [00:46:57]
Comparison, the thief of grief [00:59:11]
Advice for parents of surviving siblings [01:04:58]
Connecting over sunflowers [01:14:43]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Janice Jernigan

Instagram | @innertrailblazer | @janicejernigan

Janice’s Book | Opening Up to Grief: A Surviving Sibling's Journey with Loss and Love

Connect with Maya

Website | The Surviving Siblings

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Facebook Group | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE✨

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Maggie Bauer lost her brother Chris by suicide, it has been 10 years and it still hurts that her brother is no longer on this earth. She knows that her grief journey is going to last a lifetime, and recognizes that the most challenging thing of all is advocating for yourself. Maggie decided to become a grief recovery specialist, and this has given her more language and understanding of how to take steps and move through her grief journey, and she has helped people understand the meaning behind grief, feelings and physical experiences.

In this week's episode, Maggie will be sharing her and Chris's story, why you should treat therapy as dating and what questions to ask your therapist to ensure that they are going to help you and give you tools to move through your grief journey, the difficulties that she has, how she has honored Chris and the advice she has for surviving siblings and for her younger self

In this episode I’m covering:

Intro [00:00:00]
Maggie and Chris’ story [00:01:18]
The missing piece of the puzzle [00:08:15]
Maggie receives “The Call” [00:14:31]
Giving yourself grace and finding the right therapist [00:23:03]
Difficulties in Maggie’s grief journey [00:33:42]
Becoming a certified grief recovery specialist [00:37:52]
Honoring Chris [00:44:55]
Changing the language around suicide [00:54:49]
Advice for younger Maggie and for surviving siblings [01:01:34]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Maggie Bauer

Email | MBGriefRecovery@outlook.com

Website | www.MBGriefRecovery.info

Connect with Maya

Website | The Surviving Siblings

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Facebook Group | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE✨

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Welcome to season 3 of the Surviving Siblings podcast. We are starting this season with a returning guest and season sponsor, Audree Kropen from SibsForever. Audree’s story is an interesting one, make sure you go back to Episode 4 and Episode 5 from Season 2.

In this week's episode, Audree returns to talk about her granddaughter, Brenna, who is also a surviving sibling. Audree shares how she has supported Brenna in her grief journey and becoming a surviving sibling, what well sibling syndrome is and how it shows up in her granddaughter, how therapy has helped with Hayden’s death, how Brenna found a way to honor her brother through music, and what’s coming next for SibsForever.org

In this episode I’m covering:

Intro [00:00:00]
Audree’s story recap [00:02:18]
Well sibling syndrome [00:07:26]
Brenna’s story [00:09:18]
How Brenna’s story differs from Audree’s story [00:16:32]
Brenna’s experience with therapy [00:19:54]
Struggling with Survivor’s Guilt [00:24:21]
Honoring her brother through music [00:30:26]
Brenna’s SibsForever.org site [00:33:47]
Next steps for SibsForever.org [00:38:43]
Exploring different artistic mediums for Brenna [00:45:30]
Letter to Robin [00:50:33]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Audree Kropen

Website | Sibs Forever

COMING SOON | onlineresources.org

Facebook | Sibs Forever

Instagram | @sibs.forever

TikTok | @Sibs.forever

Twitter | sibsforever

Connect with Maya

Website | The Surviving Siblings

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Facebook Group | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon | The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE✨

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November 21st 2016 was the day that changed my life forever, it was the day that I lost my brother. As I have shared in previous episodes, my grief journey hasn’t been linear. There are many things that I have done to cope with the loss of my brother. Creating this podcast was a way for me to honor my brother, to tell his story, to tell my story, our story. As surviving siblings we go through different stages of grief, one day our grief might be in the drivers seats, while others in the trunk of the car. Or it can feel like you’re carrying a backpack full of rocks… moving forward in your life after losing a part of your soul, means you’re able to grow while carrying that grief with you.

In this week's episode, I am sharing about what I do on November 21st to honor my brother and remember him, metaphors and takeaways from season 2 of The Surviving Siblings Podcast, how my grief journey has evolved and continues to evolve everyday, the current dynamics with my family and so much more.

In this episode I’m covering:

Intro [00:00:00]
How Maya honors her brother [00:05:12]
Metaphors and takeaways from Season 2 [00:14:12]
My grief journey continues [00:31:31]
Current family dynamic [00:44:04]
Sponsors for Season 2 [00:52:05]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here (PodPage link /season2-finale)

✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE✨

Resources mentioned

Listen to Dr. Dawn DiRaimondo’s episode on Surviving Sibling Loss
Book | Surviving Sibling Loss: The Invisible Thread That Connects Us Through Life and Death
Listen to Jen Schwartz’s episode on Support Groups for Surviving Siblings
Website | COPEfoundation.org
Listen to Audree Kropen’s episodes Part 1 and Part 2
Website | Sibs Forever
Listen to Janice Jernigan’s episode on Opening Up to Grief
Book | Opening Up to Grief: A Surviving Sibling's Journey with Loss and Love

Connect with Maya

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

Website | The Surviving Siblings

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Caleb Harrison and Maya have more in common than being just surviving siblings. Maya was there for Caleb when he lost his brother Josh and Caleb was able to do the same for her when she lost Andreas. This episode is a deep conversation between two friends, two surviving siblings that lost part of their soul and came together to support each other.

In this week's episode, Maya and Caleb share about Caleb and Josh’s life, what Caleb thought was going to be “just a hiccup” and ended up being a life changing event, the family dynamics after Josh passed, how different family members grieved the death of Josh and so much more.

In this episode I’m covering:

Intro [00:00:00]
Caleb and Josh’s story [00:02:35]
“Just a hiccup” [00:13:49]
What happened after Josh passed [00:22:03]
The Grief Journey is not linear [00:34:34]
Different ways of grieving [00:43:10]
How to support a Surviving Sibling [00:50:09]
Honoring and remembering Josh [01:10:16]
Advice for Surviving Siblings [01:24:47]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE✨

Connect with Caleb

Facebook | Caleb Harrison

Connect with Maya

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

Website | The Surviving Siblings

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No one gets a pass on grief, not even a three-year-old. Janice lost her sister Julie at the age of 3, she was too young to understand what was going on around her and her coping mechanism growing up was saying that she had grown up as an only child. She didn't acknowledge that she was a surviving sibling until she started going to therapy for an ailment she thought was completely unrelated, and it ended up being “stuck grief”. Grief that Janice had not given herself the space to process and understand.

In this week's episode, I am sharing Janice and Julie’s story, how Janice started on her grief journey, how her partner supported her through her grief journey, what inspired her to write her book: Opening Up to Grief and so much more.

In this episode, I’m covering:

Intro [00:00:00]
Janice and Julie’s story [00:02:06]
The start of Janice’s grief journey [00:09:23]
Grieving Julie [00:26:27]
Supporting partners for surviving siblings [00:30:02]
Writing Opening Up to Grief [00:38:27]
Advice for Surviving Siblings [00:52:11]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Janice Jernigan

Instagram | @innertrailblazer | @janicejernigan

Janice’s Book | Opening Up to Grief: A Surviving Sibling's Journey with Loss and Love

Connect with Maya

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

Website | The Surviving Siblings

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Randa’s grief journey has been a long one, filled with emotional rollercoasters. It all started when Perry was diagnosed with breast cancer, after the treatment for that was over they had a couple of good years. Until the cancer came back. Some days were good, others not so much. Until Perry asked for her family’s blessing to be able to go. She lost her sister in 2016, after spending 3 weeks at her bedside.Randa compares her grief journey as like having a backpack full of rocks which you learn to live with overtime.

In this week's episode, I am sharing Randa and Perry’s story, how Perry asked for her family’s blessing to be able to move on from the pain she was in, what Randa thinks about moving forward in her grief journey and so much more.

In this episode I’m covering:

Intro [00:00:00]
The breast cancer diagnosis [00:01:55]
Gut feelings and false alarms [00:05:30]
Perry asks for her family blessing [00:14:51]
Randa’s last words to Perry [00:30:41]
Randa gets “The Call” [00:33:19]
Perry’s funeral [00:36:18]
Randa’s grief journey [00:41:25]
Moving on vs. moving forward [01:01:57]
Advice for Surviving Siblings [01:06:55]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE✨

Connect with Randa Salem

Instagram | @adcurlz

Facebook | Randa Salem

Connect with Maya

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

Website | The Surviving Siblings

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For Margaret, everything started when her mother passed. A few months after that, her brother Julian was killed in a motorcycle accident. This event made Margaret develop an understanding of everything surrounding death and grief from a completely different perspective. She now runs the Good Grief AUSTRALIA website - https://good-grief.com.au/ which helps others understand their grief journey.

In this week's episode, I am sharing Margaret and Julian’s story, what she considers the grief bubble and how that affected her grief journey, what was like for Margaret moving forward and coming out of the grief bubble after Julian’s funeral, how she navigated the relationships after losing her brother and so much more.

In this episode I’m covering:

Intro [00:00:00]
Margaret and Julian’s story [00:02:05]
The “Grief Bubble” [00:13:39]
How the grief bubble affected Margaret’s journey [00:16:41]
Coming out of the grief bubble [00:25:16]
Wanting accountability [00:36:07]
Navigating relationships after the loss of Julian [00:48:06]
How Good grief was born [00:57:02]
Advice for Surviving Siblings [01:02:33]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE✨

Connect with Margaret Rice

Website | Good Grief

Facebook | Good Grief Margaret Rice

Instagram | @goodgrief_oz

Margaret’s Book | A Good Death, A Compassionate and Practical Guide to Prepare for the End of Life

Connect with Maya

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

Website | The Surviving Siblings

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Myesha and Maya are probably the ones that have the most in common because both of their younger brothers were murdered, so they were left looking for answers. The call that changed Myesha’s life forever, the one where they told her her little brother, Tony, had passed, was the beginning of a nightmare. It wasn’t until years later that she began her grief journey, and one of the ways she has decided to honor her brother is by creating SAVED.

In this week's episode, I am sharing Myesha and Tony’s story, how she felt after she received “The Call” and what she wanted to do, her relationship with her mother, how she has decided to honor her brother like SAVED, and Love Notes to Heaven and so much more

Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE

In this episode I’m covering:

Intro [00:00:00]
Myesha and Antonio’s story [00:01:57]
Myesha’s feelings after “The Call” [00:13:33]
Family dynamics [00:17:10]
Looking for answers [00:22:17]
Myesha’s grief journey [00:27:16]
Carrying out Tony’s legacy [00:31:15]
Love Notes to Heaven [00:46:55]
Advice for Young Myesha and Surviving Siblings [00:50:39]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here.

Connect with Myesha

Myesha’s Instagram | @pretty.women.watch.sports

SAVED Instagram | @saved_dmv

Facebook | Myesha

TikTok | @mymymygemini

Connect with Maya

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

Website | The Surviving Siblings

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NOTE: THIS IS A TWO-PART EPISODE, TO LISTEN TO PART ONE CLICK HERE

There are so many layers to Audree’s story, as mentioned in part one, she lost her sister Robin when she was 12, and they were only two and a half years apart. To this day, it has been the event that has impacted her life the most and has changed her trajectory of it. Audree moved forward in her grief journey and had two children, and one of the ways that Audree honored her sister, Robin, was to give her daughter Robin’s name, as her middle name.

In this week's episode, we will be sharing the second part of Audree’s story, the loss of her grandson Hayden, who has a twin sister. Hayden’s passing was not sudden, so Audree had the opportunity to share with her granddaughter her experience as a surviving sibling. Shortly before Hayden’s death, Audree decided that she really wanted to honor him, she wanted to build something that would keep some aspect of him alive, and that’s how Sibsforever.org was born.

In this episode I’m covering:

Intro [00:00:00]
Audree and Hayden’s story [00:02:13]
Moving the needle for Hayden’s health [00:15:05]
Sharing her experience as a surviving sibling with her granddaughter [00:22:09]
Honoring Hayden [00:23:40]
Creating Sibsforever.org - a way of honoring Robin and Hayden [00:32:34]
Audree’s experience with a Medium [00:40:35]
How Sibsforever works [00:48:35]
Audree’s advice as a grandparent [00:54:17]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Audree Kropen

Website | Sibs Forever

Facebook | Sibs Forever

Instagram | @sibs.forever

TikTok | @Sibs.forever

Twitter | sibsforever

Connect with Maya

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

Website | The Surviving Siblings

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When Audree Kropen unexpectedly lost her sister Robin at the age of 12, her whole life changed. Her family decided to stop talking about Robin completely and not acknowledge the fact that she had passed. Now 50+ years later, Audree feels ready to share her healing journey and how that single event has immensely impacted her life and who she is today.

In this week's episode, I am sharing Audree and Robin's story, how her family dynamics affected Audree’s life, and how they decided to deal with her death, what Audree has done to heal as a Surviving Sibling.

In this episode I’m covering:

Intro [00:00:00]
Audree and Robin’s family story [00:01:32]
Robin’s story [00:13:08]
How the family was dealing with Robin’s death [00:19:56]
Moving out [00:36:43]
Starting to move forward [00:40:29]
Audree’s perspective on therapy for Surviving Siblings [00:44:22]
Becoming a mother and honoring Robin [00:47:28]
Advice for Surviving Siblings [00:54:12]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Audree Kropen

Website | Sibs Forever

Facebook | Sibs Forever

Instagram | @sibs.forever

TikTok | @Sibs.forever

Twitter | sibsforever

Connect with Maya

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

Website | The Surviving Siblings

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Support groups can be very overwhelming, so even Jen surprised herself when she decided to join a sibling loss support group just a couple of days after losing her brother LB.

It's been six years since that time and now she is co-president of the COPE Foundation.

Connecting Our Paths Eternally (COPE) is a nonprofit grief and healing organization dedicated to helping families living with the loss of a child.

COPE offers professionally facilitated support groups, a grief support phone line, and monthly healing workshops, including yoga, meditation, Reiki.

In this week's episode, I am sharing about how Jen found out about LB’s passing, what led her to join a support group program for surviving siblings, her advice to fellow surviving siblings, Jen’s grief journey and what she has done to move forward with her grief, as well as COPE Foundation and how it can help surviving siblings.

In this episode I’m covering:

Intro [00:00:00]
Jen and LB’s story [00:02:11]
What happened after losing LB [00:14:50]
How Jen found COPE and acknowledging her grief [00:19:01]
Jen’s first time at a COPE’s support group [00:22:13]
Advice for Surviving Siblings [00:26:52]
Jen’s grief journey [00:30:09]
Moving forward in her grief journey [00:36:52]
Everyone experiences grief in a different way [00:46:07]
COPE Foundation [00:58:30]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

WORKSHOP DETAILS

October 11th, 7:00 - 8:30 PM E.T.

✨Mark your calendars!✨

Connect with Jen Schwartz

Instagram | @cope.foundation

Facebook | COPE (Connecting Our Paths Eternally)

Website | COPEfoundation.org

Email Jen | Jen@copefoundation.org

Connect with Maya

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

Website | The Surviving Siblings

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As a surviving sibling or anyone that has experienced loss in their life, birthdays, holidays and milestones are always difficult days.

Mostly because it is a reminder that our siblings' physical form is no longer with us.

What I do is have a glass of champagne by myself every year, that is for my brother and is one of the many ways I decided to honor him on his birthday, a birthday that we share.

In this week's episode, I am sharing about how I have dealt with celebrations and holidays in the past six years, my first ever memory during my third birthday - the day that Andreas was born, and how I decided to honor and commemorate my brother during his birthday and other holidays and so much more.

In this episode I’m covering:

Intro [00:00:00]
How I’ve dealt with Celebrations and Holidays [00:02:00]
My first vivid memory [00:08:30]
What I focus on as I get older[00:15:00]
How I commemorate my brother on our birthday [00:21:30]
How I commemorate him during other holidays: Thanksgiving and Christmas [00:28:50]
The most challenging year in the grief journey [00:35:50]
My advice as a surviving sibling [00:39:10]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Thank you to our incredible sponsor - Sibs Forever

Website | Sibsforever.org

Instagram | @Sibs.Forever

Connect with Maya

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

Website | The Surviving Siblings

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After losing her brother in 2004, Dr. Dawn DiRaimondo became interested in bereavement work. It wasn’t until later that she found out that there are almost no resources when it comes to sibling loss, so she decided to write a book Surviving Sibling Loss: The Invisible Thread That Connects Us Through Life and Death. Dr. Dawn DiRaimondo Psy. D. was the inspiration behind this podcast.

In this week's episode, I am sitting down with Dr. Dawn DiRaimondo and sharing about Dawn’s sibling loss history, how she dealt with losing her brother, the impact that it had on her family, how her book Surviving Sibling Loss: The Invisible Thread That Connects Us Through Life and Death came to existence, how therapy can help you move forward in your grief journey and so much more.

In this episode I’m covering:

Intro [00:00:00]
Dawn’s Sibling Loss Story [00:02:38]
The impact of losing Michael [00:04:14]
Dawn’s Grief Journey [00:08:49]
How grief evolves[00:21:00]
Resources and how therapy helps in the grief journey [00:33:50]
The spiritual side of grief [00:41:10]
Advice for Surviving Siblings [00:51:45]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Dr. Dawn DiRaimondo

Instagram | @drdawndawn

Website | Dr. Dawn DiRaimondo

Book | Surviving Sibling Loss: The Invisible Thread That Connects Us Through Life and Death

Facebook | Dawn DiRaimondo, Psy.D.

Connect with Maya

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

Website | The Surviving Siblings

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Going into year five of losing my brother to a homicide, thanks to Detective G I already had most of the answers I was looking for, but in the middle of a global pandemic, I felt like I was regressing in my grief journey. I went through a mixture of feelings, excited because of my entrepreneurial journey but sad at the same time. In this episode, I’m talking about the evolution of my grief journey, how my brother came to me in dreams several times to deliver messages, my spiritual journey, why I decided to get a sunflower tattoo, and how I found out that we had a name: surviving siblings, why I felt compelled to seek out a medium and how I found him.

In this episode I’m covering:

The evolution of the grief journey [00:01:02]
Signs from my brother / My brother pays me a couple of visits [00:04:30]
The sunflower tattoo [00:08:54]
My spiritual journey [00:13:54]
Seeking resources for Surviving Siblings [00:21:30]
Compelled to seek out a medium [00:31:10]
My grief journey continues [00:45:10]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Book recommendation

Surviving Sibling Loss: The Invisible Thread that Connects Us Through Life and Death by Dawn DiRaimondo

Grief Guide by Maya Roffer

Get The Grief Guide for Surviving Siblings here

Andreas’ Music

YouTube | Andreas Roffler

Connect with Maya

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

Website | The Surviving Siblings

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When you’re going through your grief journey, you’re always looking for “closure”, that something that is going to make it ok, that something that’s going to finally let you breathe and “get over” your loss. But as I have learned, there’s no such thing as closure, really the main goal is to get answers for everything that’s unresolved. In this episode I’m talking about how I felt like I was regressing in my grief journey as the pandemic hit, looking for closure or something to be able to “move on” from my brother’s death, finally finding a detective that actually cared, getting much needed answers and more.

In this episode I’m covering:

Regressing in my grief journey [00:01:04]
Seeking closure [00:12:49]
Taking care of myself [00:18:21]
Finding Detective G [00:21:40]
Updates on my brother's case [00:28:42]
A long conversation with Detective G [00:32:30]
There’s no such thing as closure [00:42:30]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Andreas’ Music

YouTube | Andreas Roffler

Connect with Maya

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

Website | The Surviving Siblings

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During your grief journey your feelings and emotions ebb and flow. I dont believe there’s such thing as “highs” in the grief journey, more like lows and hope. Going into year 2 of losing my brother, I was losing hope because I felt that I had failed him in so many aspects. However, I have to remind myself that I haven’t, that this is part of the journey and that Andreas is always with me. In this episode I’m talking about the updates (or lack thereof) on my brother’s case from the “Dirty Detective”, how I was trying lo live a “normal life” when there’s no such thing as normal anymore, spending a different Thanksgiving, seeing my family again at my sister’s graduation, how I felt abandoned and alone, my now husband, and more.

In this episode I’m covering:

Updates from the “Dirty Detective” [00:01:03]
Trying to live a “normal” life [00:06:04]
My youngest sister contacts me [00:07:20]
A different Thanksgiving [00:16:00]
My sister’s graduation [00:20:20]
Feeling abandoned and alone, again [00:31:00]
Fighting the good fight [00:40:24]
Honoring my brother [00:42:45]
Getting married [00:51:22]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Andreas’ Music

YouTube | Andreas Roffler

Connect with Maya

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

Website | The Surviving Siblings

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We all process grief in different ways, we all do different things to feel “at peace” when losing a loved one. As a surviving sibling, I wanted to do everything in my power to bring justice to my brother’s death. I had been there from the very beginning and it seemed like I was the only one that cared about it. In this episode I’m talking about how miscommunication with my father led to me being frustrated with him, how I started to move on with my life and my career, the start of my entrepreneurship journey, the birth of MaYapinion, feeling frustrated for the lack of progress the detective had made on my brother’s case, hiring a Private Investigator and letting him go and how I found a lead before the PI did.

In this episode I’m covering:

Miscommunication with my father [00:01:03]
Moving on with my life and career [00:11:30]
Start of entrepreneurship and the birth of MaYapinion [00:13:15]
Trying to reach out the detective [00:16:20]
Going back to a dark place and coming back out again [00:18:00]
Hiring a Private Investigator [00:28:40]
Going on a quest to gather all the information that the PI needed [00:32:00]
Firing the PI [00:45:00]
Cryptic messages and a shocking finding [00:45:30]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Andreas’ Music

YouTube | Andreas Roffler

Connect with Maya

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

Website | The Surviving Siblings

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After coping through different mechanisms after the homicide of my brother, I am left thinking “what now?”. What happens now that all the chaos and the spiraling stops? What happens when everything has “calmed down?”

In this episode, I’m talking about what happened with my boyfriend at the time during the holidays, how I was dealing with my anxiety and taking medication, the reunion of the reality show I was in, and feeling something for the first time as I was traveling in Mexico.

In this episode I’m covering:

Coping and wondering what happens next [00:01:03]
Dealing with my anxiety and changes in the medication [00:06:00]
My boyfriend, Holiday celebrations and the laundry list of events going on in my life [00:08:45]
The Reality Show Reunion [00:23:15]
Getting a new job and traveling to Mexico[00:44:30]
Feeling for the first time [00:49:26]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Mentioned in the episode

YouTube | Andreas Roffler

Connect with Maya

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

Website | The Surviving Siblings

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The pain of loss is overwhelming, it’s something that we learn to cope with as we are going through this journey of losing a loved one. Big feelings always come to the surface, which makes coping with the loss even more challenging.

In this episode I’m covering:

What happened after walking away [00:01:02]
Words of Wisdom from my father [00:08:45]
Sharing moments with Caleb and Phillip [00:16:45]
Heading home [00:22:30]
My friend Walter and going back to work [00:26:30]
Handing my notice [00:33:00]
Finding Bonnie Blue [00:38:00]
My different ways of coping [00:50:30]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

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The purpose of a Celebration of Life is to remember a loved one, to tell their story and to come together to celebrate their unique personality. My mother decided to celebrate my brother by scattering his ashes in a creek close to where we grew up.

In this week's episode, I am sharing about the moments I shared with my mother before the Celebration of life, my thoughts and feelings during the event and what happened after, at my brother’s girlfriend's home.

In this episode I’m covering:

Conversations with my mother [00:02:15]
The Celebration of Life [00:15:15]
Eulogy for My Brother [00:27:00]
Words from the rest of the family [00:38:15]
Scattering my brother’s ashes [00:43:00]
My brother’s girlfriend house [00:45:45]
The advice from the girlfriend’s father [00:51:25]
Hearing my brother’s voice [00:56:15]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

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Abandoned and alone, I had to wait for my family to call me back. When you’re grieving, you really need a support system, someone that’s going to be there for you and help you through the trauma. My family was not that for me.

In this week's episode, I am sharing about how I was coping with not only grief but also abandonment, what happened before my brother’s celebration of life, and disappointing moments with my mother.

In this episode I’m covering:

Abandoned and alone [00:01:00]
Memories of my brother [00:09:30]
The parents come back [00:19:15]
My friend Caleb [00:22:45]
Running errands with my mother [00:26:30]
Arriving at the hotel [00:37:25]
Picking the urn for the ashes [00:47:30]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

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Death can be something that can unite or separate families. It’s not natural for parents to lose their children, but what happens to the other siblings that are still on this Earth?

Surviving the death of a sibling is not easy, every step of the journey is painful. On top of that pain, the siblings have to deal with so many other situations. Reality begins to hit and everything starts to feel real. You feel lonely, even if you’re surrounded by a sea of people.

In this week's episode, I am sharing about when reality hit me, being abandoned by my family, and my mother’s relationship with her boyfriend.

In this episode I’m covering:

Returning from the hospital [00:01:04]
Efforts of trying to lift everyone's spirit [00:04:15]
My mother and her boyfriend [00:06:30]
Walking to my father’s hotel [00:09:45]
Sleeping for the first time in days [00:15:00]
The story of how I got my dog, Scarlett [00:15:15]
Waking up to a party in my living room [00:19:15]
The chaotic Thanksgiving dinner [00:29:15]
Feeling abandoned by my family [00:32:00]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Maya

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

Website | The Surviving Siblings

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Everything is so clear but yet blurry at the same time. When it's time to say our last goodbyes, we often find ourselves in disbelief. Disbelief that this is actually happening, disbelief that this is the last time that we will ever see our sibling again.

This week I’m sharing how things were after my father arrived from Africa, more pieces of information we got from the detectives as well as my last goodbye to my brother.

In this episode I’m covering:

Supporting me and remembering my brother [00:02:20]
Getting my brother ready [00:08:00]
The first time reality hit me [00:15:00]
Meeting with another detective and getting more details on what really happened [00:19:07]
Saying our last goodbye [00:27:49]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Maya

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

Website | The Surviving Siblings

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The journey of a surviving sibling is full of ups and downs. Usually, people come to us to ask about how parents are, people forget that we have also suffered a loss, we are usually the forgotten mourners. This week I’m sharing the first pieces of information that the detectives were able to gather and share with us, as well as how it was seeing my sisters, my mother, and my father while they arrived at the hospital.

In this episode I’m covering:

Meeting the first detective [00:01:04]
Organizing everything for the family arrivals [00:07:30]
My sisters arrive [00:08:30]
Another detective delivers more information [00:10:30]
My mother arrives [00:16:00]
Confronting my sister [00:18:07]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Maya

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

Website | The Surviving Siblings

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As a surviving sibling, there are defining moments in your journey. The first defining moment is the call, that call that changes your life forever, the call when we discovered what has happened, the call to provide information that you'd never want to receive.

This week I’m sharing the first part of my journey, how that call changed my life and the first series of events that happened after that first call. In this episode, I’m covering:

The first event [00:01:42]
Getting to the hospital [00:09:00]
Seeing my brother for the first time after the call [00:27:00]
Meeting my brother’s girlfriend [00:35:00]
Maya provides updates to the family [00:45:00]
First encounter with a detective[00:57:00]

For full episode show notes and transcript, click here

Connect with Maya

Instagram | @survivingsiblingspodcast | @mayaroffler

TikTok | @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter | @survivingsibpod

Website | The Surviving Siblings

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This is for all my forgotten mourners, for all my Surviving Siblings. In this podcast, I am going to tell you my story, the story of my brother, what happened and I will tell you how I went on my mourning and healing journey.

The Surviving Siblings Podcast: Recent Episodes

Maya Roffler