I’m joined by grief & trauma therapist Rio Richards to explore the complexities of grief, pain and the unhelpful silver lining cultural messaging surrounding them. We discuss our personal experiences of loss, the importance of community and connection in navigating grief, and the barriers that prevent us from sharing our pain.

Emphasising the power of human connection and significance of witnessing others' grief, and not trying to fix anything. Plus the transformative power of being present with our emotions in our own transformation, including in feeling greater depths of joy. We also speak to the experience of anticipatory grief for those caregiving, and the role we all need to play in supporting individuals through their grief journeys.

Takeaways

• Cultural messaging often stigmatizes pain and grief, making it difficult to share.
• Grief and death are integral parts of the human experience, just like birth and joy.
• Creating a supportive community can help individuals navigate their grief.
• Witnessing others' grief can be healing and transformative for both parties.
• We can connect deeply with others through shared experiences of grief.
• Anticipatory grief is a unique experience that deserves recognition and support.
• Caregiving can bring its own set of challenges and grief that often goes unacknowledged.
• It's important to lean on community support during difficult times.
• Taking small steps to explore pain can help individuals reconnect with their emotions.
• Empathy and presence are crucial in supporting those who are grieving.

Follow & Support Death on the Daily:

• LIKE, COMMENT + SUBSCRIBE to this podcast - it really helps me to spend the word.
• SHARE this episode with a friend who might need it.
• Subscribe to my Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/deathonthedaily/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/death_onthedaily
• YouTube: http://youtube.com/@deathonthedaily

You can connect with Rio Richards and find out about her offerings including upcoming group programme here:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andthatsgrief/
• Substack: https://riorichards.substack.com
• 8 week Grief Portal group program starting 7 August 2025: https://riorichards.thrivecart.com/grief-portal-program/
• 1-2-1 waitlist: https://rio-richards.kit.com/5b041a610c

The theme music for Death on the Daily is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Set Free by Katie Gray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which is used with artist's permission.

You can connect with Katie and her music and work here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.katiegray.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

This podcast is edited by David Strutt, who you can contact here for any editing needs: davidstrutt2@gmail.com

Chapters

00:00: Introduction and theme

02:16: Personal Journeys of Grief and Transformation

06:46: The Power of Witnessing and Connection

11:00: Navigating Grief in Therapy

16:31: Barriers to Sharing Grief

22:39: Exploring Pain and Grief in Small Steps

30:39: Anticipatory Grief and Caregiving

37:31: Supporting Caregivers and the Importance of Community

43:18: The Complexity of Grief and Human Connection