In Part 1 of 2 about Grief and Addiction, we open a tender, necessary conversation about the kind of grief that begins long before a goodbye.

Dionne and Yvette name the quiet losses that live inside addiction—the loss of safety, trust, time, potential, and the versions of people we hoped might still emerge. Joined by licensed professional counselor and addiction specialist Jill Mackey, the three explore how grief and addiction are deeply intertwined, not just for the person using substances, but for the families who love them.

This episode holds space for anticipatory grief, disenfranchised grief, codependency, shame, and the emotional toll of “mourning the living.” Together, they slow the pace, breathe on purpose, and invite compassion into a conversation often shaped by silence and stigma.

Part 1 is about naming what hurts—honestly, gently, and without judgment—so that healing has somewhere to land. Part 2 will drop on Thursday, December 18th.

As always, take what you need. Pause if you need to. Breathe with us.

Aché.

Two Mothers, One Aché: A Grief Dialogue is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios and hosted by Yvette Dávila and Dionne C. Monsanto. Each episode offers a brave and intimate space where grief is spoken aloud, healing is shared, and love refuses to fade—listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever your journey takes you.

Join the conversation on Instagram @2mothers1achepod and learn more at wearemerrickstudios.com/two-mothers-one-ache-pod.

Original music by Dasan T. Broadnax, known artistically as O.D. Mongrel. Discover more of his work on all streaming platforms.