This Too Shall Suck: A Fresh Perspective on Grief

On the final episode of season 3, I share my story of the grief of losing a parent. I give full details on what happened with each parent, the emotions I felt, and tips I use every day to live with that grief. 

In this episode we discuss:  

+ Emotions surrounding the death of your parents   

+ Tips to help you navigate in a world without your parents    

Links mentioned in this episode:

I’m in the studio ya’ll!

In my first (definitely not the last) in person recording, I have the pleasure of having an open and candid conversation with two of my closest friends Fred & Ebonie aka Ebo about the grief in dating. I’ve had so many people request this episode, but you know I had to go deeper with it.

Ebo discusses the grief of dating after breaking off an engagement & dating within the LGBTQ+ community. Fred discusses the grief of dating after a divorce & being in an interracial relationship. We get to the grief that comes with each stage in life and how to get through the “woes” of dating.

In this episode we discuss:

+ How to navigate dating after a long-term relationship

+ Ways to pull yourself out of the “woes” of a break-up

+ What submission is and why it is such a bad word

Connect with Loryn Denise:

On this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with one of my favorite couples and good friends Christina & Jordan Artis. They share their journey with infertility and the different grief & emotions they had to go through together & separately. 

Christina & Jordan have been together for 12 years and married for 6. They candidly discuss their challenges navigating their way through infertility treatments- a topic not openly discussed. They accept that there’s only so much that can be explained in life, all the more true for their journey. Their goal is simple: “Offer listeners tips that we learned along the way.”

In this episode we discuss:

+ What is unexplained infertility

+ The different types of treatment in infertility

+ How to support each other as partners in the process

+ How to communicate with your village during the process

+ Positive advice for anyone going through the infertility process 

The Artis's Information:

On part 2 of this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Ayanna Abrams. Dr. Abrams  is the CEO/Founder of Ascension Behavioral Health and co-founder of Not So Strong, an initiative to improve the mental health and relationship functioning of Black women through use of vulnerable storytelling. Her specialties include racism based trauma, mood disorder treatment, burnout prevention and helping people create and recreate healthy romantic, career and familial relationships. She has extensive clinical and research experience working with Black people across the Diaspora and has been featured as a speaker or contributing writer in the New York Times, Essence, WeWork, Vice and Allure magazines, Therapy for Black Girls and Silence the Shame. She is also a contributing author to the forthcoming book, Emotionally Focused Therapy for African American Couples: Love Heals, to be published by Routledge in Fall 2021.

In this episode we discuss:

+ The “strong black woman” narrative

+ What grief can manifest in your romantic relationship

+ Why it is important to go to therapy before you are in crisis

+ How therapy can help in your grieving process

Dr. Ayanna Abrams Information:

On this episode I bring back our “resident counselor” Justen DeBowles, LPC to talk about the importance of therapy while grieving. Justen has worked to serve his community both in their homes and in his office offering counseling and therapy to Men, women, children, and families with a strong devotion to African Americans and minorities. Justen aims to help people learn to become the best versions of themselves by helping their minds help their behavior, which can impact their environment and community. 

In this episode we discuss: 

+ Why it is important to go to therapy during your grieving process 

+ Why it is important to go to therapy BEFORE you are in crisis

+ How therapy can impact your life for the better even if you are in a “good” place 

+ How to encourage someone in your life to go to therapy 

+ How to take accountability and create a safe space during disagreements

Justen DeBowles Information

Instagram: @JustendebowlesLPC

Facebook: @JustendebowlesLPC 

Website: www.justendebowleslpc.com 

Phone: 404.740.0400 

Links mentioned in this episode: 

On this episode I had the pleasure of having a conversation with John Burnett, a middle school counselor. John has worked with children from elementary all the way to high school and knows a thing or two about childhood trauma.

John enjoys building bridges and making connections with students, families, and teachers in hopes of making a positive impact in the community. He specializes in coping skills, mindfulness, grounding, and helping students work through trauma, anxiety, and stress.

In this episode we discuss:

+ How unresolved childhood trauma can affect your adult life

+ How to look for signs of trauma in your child

+ How to create a safe space for your child to share trauma

+ How to help your child cope with in trauma they may have been through

John Burnetts Information

On this episode I had the pleasure of having a conversation with Michelle Adams, Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer at family-owned business, Adams Funeral Services. While times have changed from those early years of the horse drawn hearse and funerals in the family home, the Adams family continues a long tradition of loving care and service to families in their time of need. They have pioneered unique funeral service personalization ideas, technical innovations including video memorials, digital memorial portraits, and much more

Amid her grieving the loss of her own mother, Michelle aspired to continue the legacy of the family business and transitioned from being a full-time cosmetologist into her current role. Although a funeral director & embalmer, Michelle uses her skills of cosmetology to also help make your loved ones look their best during the homegoing ceremony.

Her goal with the family business is to provide Savannah and the surrounding communities the highest level of service, compassion, and respect in funeral service ministry that is offered.

In this episode we discuss:

+ The steps to planning a funeral

+ How you can pre-plan your funeral

+ How pre-planning your funeral can help ease some grief for your loved ones

+ How to cope with emotions surrounding bury someone

Michelle Adams Information

Adams Funeral Services

(912) 354-6260

Website: Www.adamsfuneralservicesinc.com

Instagram: @Michelle_A_Adams

Links mentioned in this episode:

On this episode, I have a candid conversation with my older sister Lanae on her grief of having a child who is in prison. My nephew, her son, has been in prison for 2 ½ years and we often discuss the effect it has on children with an incarcerated parent but not the other way around.

In this episode we discuss:

+ The guilt that comes from raising a child who ends up in prison

+ Ways that you can keep yourself mentally stable as a parent

+ Ways to support your child in prison

Connect with Loryn Denise:

On this episode, I discussed the grief of being a caregiver. As someone who has been a caregiver multiple times in her life, it is important to discuss the grief that comes along with it. Even if you aren’t a caregiver, it is important to know what caregiving entails and ways to support a caregiver in your life.

In this episode we discuss:

+ Why it is important to talk about a caregiving plan with your loved ones

+ What is caregiver fatigue

+ Tips to be a great caregiver

+ Tips to take care of yourself as a caregiver

Connect with Loryn Denise:

We're back for Season 3! 

On this episode I had the pleasure of having a conversation with Stephanie Anderson of The Anderson Law Practice, LLC. The Anderson Law Practice, LLC, is a boutique Atlanta law firm in Buckhead focusing exclusively on legacy creation, asset protection and the efficient transfer of generational wealth. 

After experiencing first-hand how the lack of planning can impact a family, Stephanie decided to transition her practice from helping people when there is a problem, to helping them avoid problems altogether. She opened this practice because of the love she has for her family and enjoys working with people who have those same values.

The majority of her practice is helping families plan for the future, but Stephanie's unique background arms her with the confidence and knowledge to move forward with litigation and representing individuals in court, if necessary. This background is helpful for clients when it comes to probate matters. She understands that sometimes probate cases can become difficult and believes an attorney should be capable of helping clients if things take a turn for the worse.

In this episode we discuss:

+ What Estate Planning is and why it is important

+ How having an estate plan can help ease the grieving process for your family once you are gone

+ How simple it is to set up an estate plan

+ Some tips when it comes to setting up your estate plan 

Stephanie Anderson's Information:

The Anderson Law Practice, LLC

(404) 267-1377

On this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with my close friend and the best interior designer in the game Jeannelly Jay. Jeannelly is the founder and visionary of Ivyleaf Interior Decor, and interior design company that believes your home should be a reflection of your true essence. We discuss the connection between your space and grief and the ways that it can either help or hinder your journey. 

In this episode we discuss:

+ How your space can affect your grief

+ How to incorporate your loved ones in your new space

+ Why changing your space in certain losses is important for your grown 

Jeannelly's Information:

Instagram: @Ivyleaf_interior

Email: Hello@ivyleafinterior.com 

Website: https://www.ivyleafinterior.com/ 

Connect with Loryn Denise:

On this season 2 finale, I have a open and candid conversation with my Tim about our "breakup" that we had in our friendship. There is a lot of emphasis put on romantic breakups but no one acknowledges how much breaking up with a friend hurts. We get very transparent on our situation that caused us not to talk for a year and how we were able to overcome.

In this episode we discuss:

+ How a small situation can grow into a larger one 

+ How miscommunication can cause unnecessary confusion and pain

+ How to properly communicate when you are having a disagreement 

+ How to overcome the grief of a situation you created 

Tim's Information: 

Instagram: @TMmusicent 

Website: https://Linktr.ee/Tmmusic

Connect with Loryn Denise:

On this episode I share my personal story on something that I have struggled with my whole life... a perfectionism complex. There is a lot of grief that I have caused in my own life because of my struggle with perfectionism and I want to help you break free from that so you don't create any unnecessary grief in your own life!

In this episode we discuss:

+ What is perfectionism

+ How perfectionism can cause unnecessary grief in your life

+ How perfectionism can interfere in your grieving process

+ Tips to work through your perfectionism 

Connect with Loryn Denise:

On this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with mother & author April Fore. April and I discuss her journey of losing her daughter Emma Grace due to a perinatal loss after finding out she was determined to have Turner Syndrome. 

April is the author of the The EGG series which follows the adventures of Emma Grace Godwins, better known as EGG. EGG is a very special little girl born with a rare health condition that makes her even more special and beautifully unique. EGG doesn’t allow anything stop her from going on new adventures.

In this episode we discuss:

+ The grief of learning your child has a rare disease

+ How important it is to have a strong support system

+ Advice to anyone who has to make a tough decision about their pregnancy 

+ Turner Syndrome 

April Fore's Information:

Instagram: @Theeggstories

Facebook: @TheAdventuresofEGG

Website: https://theeggstories.com/

Connect with Loryn Denise:

On this episode I discuss something called Disenfranchised grief. We know the "big things" that can cause us grief, but what about those moments that people don't associate with grief. 

In this episode we discuss:

+ What is disenfranchised grief 

+ What are some ways that disenfranchised grief can affect your life

+ Tips to understanding your disenfranchised grief 

+ Tips to sharing with your close friends and family your feelings on your grief 

Connect with Loryn Denise:

On this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with my close friend and real estate mogul Davonne Reaves. Davonne is the founder and chief hospitality strategist behind The Vonne Group and the youngest black woman to own a major hotel. Davonne and I had a very honest and transparent conversation about the grief she has experienced in her life and how it has fueled in her in quest for success. If you have ever been in a place where you feel like your grief is holding you back from achieving all you know you can be, this episode is for you. 

In this episode we discuss:

+ How your grief can affect you in business

+ How your grief can be a catalyst for your success

+ How you can honor those you have lost in your career 

Davonne's Information:

Instagram: @Davonnereaves

Linkedin: davonnereaves

Website: www.thevonnegroup.com

Donate to the Scholarship: http://spot.fund/llHzr

Get Free Hotel Course: https://www.thevonnegroup.com/roadmaptohotelownership

Connect with Loryn Denise:

On this episode I discuss the grief surrounding the world of politics. If you have watched the news, it has been very interesting in the political realm in the U.S so I knew it was important to discuss the grief of it all. 

In this episode we discuss:

+ Ways to take care of your mental health during this process

+ How to get involved to create a positive change in your community 

Connect with Loryn Denise:

Join host Loryn Denise for part 2 of her suicide episode where she talks to Author, Minister, & Mental Health Advocate Candace Writes about her surviving suicide, what she has learned from surviving, and how she wants to help others with the same struggle.  

*TRIGGER DISCLAIMER* Suicide is discussed in this episode. Please make sure to take care of yourself and listen to this episode with love & care if you are triggered by suicide.

On this episode I talk to a author, minister, & mental health advocate Candace Writes. Candace & I have an honest conversation about her struggles with suicidal ideations and how she survived suicide after multiple attempts. She discusses her growth after her final suicide attempt and shares advice for those who may struggle with the same thoughts.  If you have ever or are contemplating suicide, please listen to this whole episode.

Suicide Hotline US: 1-800-273-8255; Australia: 131114; Canada: 1-833-456-4566; Germany: 08001810771; India: 8888817666; Ireland: +4408457909090; Mexico: 5255102550; Norway: +4781533300; UK: 08457909090; Philippines: 028969191

*If your country is not listed, please let me know and I will look it up! Email: hello@thistooshallsuckpodcast.com*

Candice Write's Information:

Instagram: @CandaceWrites

Facebook: @Candace Writes

Website: www.candacewrites.com

Connect with Loryn Denise:

On this episode I discuss my experience with having Covid-19. Yep, the super paranoid, super cautious person I am got Coronavirus and it was NOT fun! There is not only a lot physically you have to work through but mentally. So, I am going to share all the grief I went through in my Covid journey!

In this episode we discuss:

+ The grief associated with testing positive for Covid-19

+ How to mentally keep yourself strong when testing positive for Covid-19

+ How to support someone in your life who tests positive for Covid-19 

+ Tips on how I overcame Covid-19 (different vitamins, meditations, etc)

Connect with Loryn Denise:

*TRIGGER DISCLAIMER* Suicide is discussed in this episode. Please make sure to take care of yourself and listen to this episode with love & care if you are triggered by suicide.

On this episode I talk to a close friend Brian Patrick, founder of Beyond Broken Project. Beyond Broken Project's mission is to increase global awareness and end the stigma associated with mental illness through education & research. We have an open & honest conversation on the aftermath of suicide after losing his wife, Brandy to suicide in 2020. If you have lost someone to suicide or are contemplating suicide, please listen to this whole episode. 

Brian Patrick is the founder and President of the Atlanta based non profit, Beyond Broken Inc. Beyond Broken strives to normalize mental illness and eradicate the stigma around mental health. With depression, anxiety, and suicide rates increasing in America, Beyond Broken aims to provide support groups, doctor ratings, and low to no cost therapy to those who need it most in the Atlanta community.

Suicide Hotline US: 1-800-273-8255; Australia: 131114; Canada: 1-833-456-4566; Germany: 08001810771; India: 8888817666; Ireland: +4408457909090; Mexico: 5255102550; Norway: +4781533300; UK: 08457909090; Philippines: 028969191

*If your country is not listed, please let me know and I will look it up! Email: hello@thistooshallsuckpodcast.com*

Brian Patrick's Information

Non-Profit Instagram: @Beyondbrokenproject

Personal Instagram: @BrianPatrick2186

Facebook: @Beyondbrokenproject

Heeeey Season 2!

On this season 2 opener I discuss the dreaded seasonal grief. It's holiday season so grief is bound to show it's ugly head whether we are ready for it or not. 

In this episode we discuss:

+ What is seasonal grief

+ Different types of grief that can happen during the holidays

+ Tips to navigate the holiday season while grieving

+ Understanding your grief triggers during the holiday season 

Connect with Loryn Denise:

On the season finale of season 1, I wrap up the season discussing all things grief. I appreciate you rocking with me for 10 episodes discussing all things grief and I look forward to seeing you in season 2!

In this episode we discuss:

+ The five stages of grief

+ The myths that are often associated with grief

+ How to create a positive relationship with grief 

Connect with Loryn Denise:

On this episode I discuss what it means to let go of the loss associated with your grief. You can still honor your loss while letting it go in order to move forward into the next season of your life. 

In this episode we discuss:

+ What it means to let go of your loss associated with your grief

+ How to honor your loss while letting it go

+ How to look at the next season of your life in a positive light

Connect with Loryn Denise:

On this episode I had the pleasure of having a conversation with Denayja Reese an Event Strategist, Producer, & Writer. You may feel grief when it comes to your professional life so it is important to discuss ways to combat those feelings and reimagine a new beginning for yourself. 

Denayja Reese is an Event Strategist, Producer & Writer whose love of culture has fueled her diverse career journey. From her time at the helm of a San Francisco marketing agency where she increased sales by 50% each year and worked with companies like Uber, SF Giants and Live Nation to working on experiential campaigns for Airbnb, content at Coachella and more as a consultant. Her full-service Event Production company Girl With That Laugh Productions has worked on events including A3C Festival & Conference and BlackTech Week. GWTLP has managed $600K+ in sponsorship revenue and generated $50K+ in ticket sales.

She remains guided by the principles of inspiration, connection, productivity, community and self-expression, applying the concepts as the ethos of GWTLP’s work. Denayja's Big Messages: You deserve to be yourself & live your best life, Culture & storytelling are how we keep the lights on when the world gets dark, Each of us living a wholehearted, community & purpose driven life will change the world.

In this episode we discuss:

+ How to recognize professional grief 

+ How covid-19 has affected the creative community 

+ The impact Covid-19 has had on your professional life

+ How to reimagine a new life for yourself 

Denayja's Information:

Instagram: @Girlwiththatlaugh

Twitter: @Girlwithlaugh

Links Mentioned in this episode: 

On this episode I discuss the different type of identity losses you can have during the grieving process. While you are grieving, sometimes you lose yourself in more ways then one and it is more common than you think. 

In this episode we discuss:

+ The five types of identity losses that can occur during your grieving process 

+ The difference between primary loss vs secondary loss 

+ Tips on how to redefine yourself after a loss 

Connect with Loryn Denise:

On this episode I had the pleasure of having a conversation with Cidnee Rich, Intuitive Empath on the "differences" between spirituality & religion and how important they are in the grieving process. 

Cidnee is a proud ATLien who has been practicing tarot for 7 years. Each tarot reading session is tailored to the individual's comfort level. As an intuitive empath with a degree in Psychology Cidnee understands that trust and comfort is pivotal in connecting with a client's energy. Her style is relaxed and relatable as she provides intuitive, practical advice. You will leave her session with a feeling of clarity, insight and practical applicable advice.

In this episode we discuss:

+ What is means to be spiritual vs religious 

+ How spirituality & religion align

+ How important spirituality & religion are during your grieving process

+ The myths associated with tarot reading & spirituality 

Cidnee Rich Information:

Business Instagram: @Arcana.ATL

Personal Instagram: @Cidnee_Rich

Website: https://www.experiencearcana.com/

Youtube: Arcana ATL

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

Connect with Loryn Denise:

On this episode I discuss how social media can affect you while grieving. Social media can be a beautiful place for support if it is used properly but if used improperly, it can cause more unnecessary grief. Also, understanding how the media in general (i.e news outlets) can affect your during grief is important for your healing. 

In this episode we discuss:

+ The pros & cons of using social media during your grieving process 

+ How to find support on social media during your grieving process 

+ Tips for using social media during your grieving process

+ Understanding how you can be triggered by the (social) media 

Connect with Loryn Denise:

I can't even call this a regular episode, I call this a short audiobook. In light of everything that has happened with George Floyd & Breonna Taylor, I am hurting. My community is hurting. I didn't know how to properly articulate my grief of being black in America so I put it all into this special episode. 

I am joined by a variety of guests from black mothers, allies, spouses, black men, & a therapist. 

On this episode you hear stories on:

+ The grief of raising a black child 

+ The importance of being an ally to the black community

+ The difference from being not a racist vs anti-racist 

+ The grief of being a white spouse to a black man 

+ The grief of being a black man in America

+ Advice for the black community 

Connect with Loryn Denise:

On this episode I discuss the importance of creating boundaries while grieving. It's important to have boundaries in general but it is ESPECIALLY important while you are grieving!

In this episode we discuss:

+ How to create healthy boundaries for yourself

+ How to discuss your feelings when your boundaries are crossed by someone

+ The importance of boundaries during your grieving process

Connect with Loryn Denise:

On this episode I talk to Justen DeBowles, LPC to talk about the importance of therapy while grieving. Justen has worked to serve his community both in their homes and in his office offering counseling and therapy to Men, women, children, and families with a strong devotion to African Americans and minorities. Justen aims to help people learn to become the best versions of themselves by helping their minds help their behavior, which can impact their environment and community.

In this episode we discuss:

+ What grief you can have surrounding Covid-19

+ Tips to keep your mental health together during quarantine

+ The importance of a support network

+ How to have conversations with the people you are quarantined with to keep the peace

Justen DeBowles Information

Instagram: @JustendebowlesLPC

Facebook: @JustendebowlesLPC

Website: www.justendebowleslpc.com

Phone: 404.740.0400

Connect with Loryn Denise:

On this premiere episode you get to meet me, Loryn Denise, your favorite self-proclaimed, millennial grief expert! I give you a brief preview into my grief journey and what made me start this amazing platform I call a podcast!

After losing both of my parents to cancer, I knew it was important to create a safe space to discuss brief but to bring light to a typically uncomfortable conversation.

Connect with Loryn Denise:

Join host Loryn Denise at she has raw and honest conversations about the real of grief. And she’s not just talking about the grief of losing someone, she’s talking about the grief that you didn’t even know was grief! She will have conversations about grieving a loved one, celebrities, jobs, relationships, past friendships, and more!

Connect with Loryn Denise: