Join us for a deeply moving conversation with Zach Green, an Indigenous Australian chef and mental health advocate, as he opens up about grief, fatherhood, and finding purpose after unimaginable loss. In this Medium Clip, Zach shares heartfelt advice on how to support someone grieving the loss of a child. He explains the power of simply listening, why we need to move away from common clichés like “everything happens for a reason,” and how to respect the individual grieving process.

Zach also reflects on his experience of becoming a stepfather after losing his children, and how that journey led him toward healing, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose. His raw honesty provides valuable insight for anyone navigating grief or supporting a loved one through it.

This clip offers just a glimpse of Zach’s powerful story. Be sure to watch or listen to the full episode to explore more of his journey, including how cooking and storytelling have become tools for healing and connection.

About our guest:

Zach Green, also known as the Storyteller Chef, is an Indigenous Australian chef and mental health advocate. After experiencing profound personal loss, Zach found healing through food and storytelling. Today, he creates dining experiences that celebrate Aboriginal culture and open conversations about grief, identity, and resilience. His mission is to use food as a universal language for healing and connection.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestorytellerchef/?hl=en

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

https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Episode Trailer

00:01 - The power of listening: supporting people through child loss

00:43 - Why you shouldn’t tell someone “everything happens for a reason”

01:17 - Zach’s advice for grieving parents: sit in your grief

02:03 - Grieving on your own terms, without external expectations

03:17 - Supporting friends and family: stop trying to fix things

04:08 - Becoming a stepfather: the emotional transition

05:27 - Learning to accept love and trust from stepchildren

06:12 - Processing emotions and finding peace in a blended family

07:32 - Gratitude for second chances and a new life path

10:26 - Advice for men stepping into fatherhood and blended families

13:07 - Healing through food: how the kitchen became Zach’s safe space

14:36 - How cooking helped Zach process grief and find clarity

15:19 - Food as therapy: connecting with culture and creating joy through cooking