From Sesame Street to Safe Spaces: Darnell Lamont Walker on Grief, Mental Health & Storytelling cover art

From Sesame Street to Safe Spaces: Darnell Lamont Walker on Grief, Mental Health & Storytelling

From Sesame Street to Safe Spaces: Darnell Lamont Walker on Grief, Mental Health & Storytelling

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

Darnell Lamont Walker is an Emmy nominated writer, filmmaker, and death doula whose storytelling spans continents, genres, and generations.

He’s written for children’s shows like Karma’s World, Blues Clues & You, and Rubble & Crew — using imagination and heart to help young people understand life’s biggest lessons. But behind the scenes, Darnell has also answered a deeper calling: guiding others through grief, loss, and healing.

On this episode of the For Good podcast, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons sits down with Darnell for a powerful conversation about what it means to create safe spaces — especially for Black men and children — through storytelling, vulnerability, and community care. From the creative breakthroughs of the Sesame Workshop Writers Room to his deeply personal work as a death doula, Darnell opens up about how loss shaped his mission, and why his upcoming book Never Can Say Goodbye is his most meaningful work yet.

Together, they explore: How kids’ shows can introduce emotional literacy in accessible, joyful ways What it means to be a death doula — and how the role helps people live more fully Why safe spaces and creative courage are essential for Black mental health The importance of community, self-care, and the audacity to keep going This one’s for anyone navigating loss, chasing creative freedom, or building softer worlds for the next generation.

Follow Darnell’s journey at: https://www.darnellwalker.com/ Instagram: [@hello.darnell](https://www.instagram.com/hello.darnell/)

🔔 Don't forget to hit the Subscribe button and turn on notifications to stay updated on all our latest videos!

🎥 🌐 Learn more about 3isFor and our mission to uplift the plant, the people and the planet: https://www.3isfor.com

✨ Follow us on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes moments and exclusive content: https://www.instagram.com/3isfor/

No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.