Damn Mom, Really?

On this episode of DMR we meet Corrine who lost her mom in 2013. We had some really fruitful conversation this episode about our moms leaving us only when they know we're ready, forgiveness, mediums, past and future lives and so much more. Corrine's mother developed an addiction to alcohol as a direct response to the stress of trying to raise a family after the direct impact of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. There is a lot to be learned in this episode and as always, it's one you do not want to miss.

In this episode of DMR, me and Nicole get real about intercultural grief and how it tends to make the process even harder. Nicole's mother transitioned when she was just a junior in high school and has just new started feeling "okay". Her perspective as a Kenyan American is interesting and really touches on how grief is viewed and handled differently from culture to culture. She'd often find herself asking her the same question we've all asked ourselves which is, "How Am I supposed to do this without you?", which explains the title. This episode of DMR tackles the intricacies of grief, the healing process and so much more. Check it out!

In this episode of DMR, we meet Kam who lost her mother a year ago. Kam and my conversation was unique in the sense that she'd lost her mom so recently, but what I found most inspiring was the way she charged her depression and grief into positive action with the birth of her new business! In this episode we get real about what the loss of our mothers has done to us in romantic relationships, in terms of future planning, and in relation to our friends. Learn more about her and her story on this extremely prolific episode on DMR.

In this episode of DMR, we meet Clarke who just honored the 5 year anniversary of her mother's passing. Although an emotional episode, it gives life to so many different things that we both have and have not discussed on the show, one being the question of how to make space for your partner who is ALSO grieving your transitioned mother. This is a great episode for anyone who has a partner/friend who has lost a mother that also meant so much to them. In this installment, we also talk about what it's like having a mother who is a universal mother, a mother who is a beacon of light and how to grow out of the hazy space!

**please excuse the audio issues, we are looking for a new programmer*. On this episode of DMR, we meet Juliette, whose mom passed in 2020 from Cancer in the midst of international and collective grief, celebrities singing in their mansions and people making TikTok dances. In the midst of the hardest time in her life, she was also dealing with a pandemic! Furthermore, we discuss how the loss of her mom birthed the creation of her decorating business, Labor of Love, Family, how losing her mom tested her faith and more. In this jam-packed episode, we truly do get to the root of what the phrase "Labor of Love" means, find out how in this new episode of DMR.

On this episode of DMR, I have Madelynn on who talks so lovingly about her mother's transition 8 years ago and also how time makes no sense. She recently lost her father and shares with us the difference in the way she's handling grief now that she's a bit older... In this vulnerable episode, we talk about how she came to believe in the spirit world as a result of losing her mother, how she felt tethered to a toxic relationship because of the shared loss of a mother, what it felt like feeling so alone in the process and also how she learned to put one foot in front of the other. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed taping it. **We had some technical and audio issues so I apologize in advance for any disruption during your listening experience*

On this episode of DMR, fellow podcaster Deirdre Boswell drops enough gems to last a lifetime. When he mother passed away 10 years ago, she wasn't sure what she was going to do, but after an encounter with God, she decided to make a support group called "A Mother's Love Never Dies" on Facebook and then ultimately made a podcast that has been a space of healing for her. In this prolific episode we talked about locating the signs, what happens when God gives you a mission and how much her life has shifted since her mother's transition. Learn more abut her, her podcast and the support group in this newest episode of DMR

Tatie lost her mother when she was 18 years old and it changed her life in more way's than one might think... Tatie, like many other people in the world, lost her mother as a result of alcoholism - As a child, she often had to fend for herself, worry about which version of her mother she would get on a specific day, but what is more, she also lived everyday knowing that her mother wouldn't live long. Their relationship was marred with unfortunate events due to her mothers alcoholism and subsequent health issues including schizophrenia, but she still remembers the beautiful moments they shared. In this really brave episode of DMR, we talk about the *relief* she felt after hr mom passed, how being self-sufficient at such a young age has made her maybe a bit too independent, and why shoe'd always given her mother grace, ever though she hurt her so deeply. This is a brilliant story of complexity and triumph that you do not want to miss.

Cydnei's experience with motherhood loss is so common which is why we're thrilled that she's our first episode of the new year. When she was 11, her mom passed after a months long battle with Cancer that left her both independent and under the care of her grandmother, who can be described as the personification of sunshine. The recollection of the losses of her grandmother and her mother offer interesting perspective into what loss means to an eleven year old who loses her mom and an adult who loses her 90 something year old grandmother. The conclusion is that irregardless of age, loss is never easy. Her story is one of triumph and I'm blessed to be able to share it with you.

Wilton's honesty and storytelling brought his story to live in so many ways. On this episode of DMR, he really delves into what the last 9 years of his life has been like since losing his mom. Like in other episodes, Wilton mentions how he turned to substances as a way to cope. Furthermore, he really delves in to how hypermasculinity is harmful especially in regards to a Black man that's grieving and explains what men need when they are feeling grief and depression. His story is unique and yet the parameters of it reverberate and feel extremely familiar... To learn more about him and his life, check out this new episode of DMR

When Dag was a young boy, he lost his uncle, who could easily be described as the core of so many of his family members' lives. As a result of the grief, as in many other instances, the loss caused their family dynamic to change. Dag's mother, who viewed her younger brother as her "first baby/child", checked out almost completely as an effect of the overwhelming grief she held for her younger brother... In this episode of DMR, Dag talks about how his mother withdrawing from the traditional role of mother has effected his personal/interpersonal relationships and his relationships with women and he also shares an update on the status of his and his mother's relationship at present.

In this episode, Alanna expresses the profound impact her grandmother had on her life. She delves into the Jewish perspective on loss and grieving, which includes the custom of sitting shiva for seven days following a loved one's funeral and the extraordinary assistance provided by the community during such difficult times. Alana shares her experiences dealing with sadness, including her emotions and the challenges she faced after losing her grandmother to cancer. She also discusses how, just before her grandmother passed away, she was able to find closure and share a special moment with her. Alana emphasizes the importance of kindness, genuineness, and uplifting people through compliments as she shares the priceless life lessons passed down by her grandmother. Listen to this heartwarming episode and gain insights into the power of memory, kindness, and preserving the legacy of loved ones. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired – tune in now!

In this episode of DMR, Nataisa talks about what it was like to lose her mother at the ripe age of thee. Natasia bravely talks about the moments before her mom passed and shares that even at three, she understood transition with the help of her grandparents. She cites her grandmothers openness and ability to grieve openly as what pulled her through. Although it hasn't been easy, Natasia is proof that communicating about grief and "negative" feelings is imperative. She also shares that although she thought she'd understood grief because of knowing it for so long, she was hit with a crisis when she lost around 10 family members within one year. Check out this episode of DMR to learn more about her story!

Traci was 49 when she lost her beloved mama unexpectedly - Now, two years later, she's still trying to pick up the pieces, prompting the question what is my new role in the family system"... Her mother's passing coincided with her recent marriage and also happened in the midst of her daughters first pregnancy which has left Traci with a lot of confusion and even more emotions. During our conversation, we talk about unexpected loss, realizing that our mother's were the buffer in most of our familial relationships, how she received several signs of her moms impending transition and how she used her pain to create the book, "The Journey of Baby Angel". Learn more about Traci's story on this episode of "Damn Mom, Really"

On this episode of DMR, Trevon shares with us what life without his grandmother by his side has been like. In this episode we bond over grief being a huge catalyst for our leave from New York, the recognition of the signs that we're given from the powers that be and how we're learning how to be adults in light of loss. This is the first episode where we have a guest talking about their grandmother which makes it all the more special! Check out Trevon's story and be encouraged in his steadfast efforts to keep his head above water following a really dark and deep point in his life.

Khyle's transparecny in this episode of DMR is refreshing to say the least. Our conversation was riddled with a lot but they discuss what it was like falling into a weed addiction in response to losing their mom, how the decision to leave college after loss weighed on them and how they've used their experiences to help others. Addiction in relation to grief is prevalent... In fact, Up to 59% of young people with PTSD subsequently develop substance abuse problems according to the National Institute of Health.

On this first of its' kind episode of DMR, Alexis has come on the show to talk about what its' been like grieving the mother she had before her brother lost his life due to gun violence last year. Ms. Dana is a phenomenal mother who loves her children dearly but has gone through changes in light of losing her youngest child. Alexis cites the way her mom has changed from her hyper-concern over her childrens saftey, the way her relationship with God has changed and the way that her grief can sometimes overtake her. Grief is extremely complex and multifaceted and this episode of tragedy and triumph explores that to the fullest.

**Trigger Warning** Talks of thoughts of self-harm included in this episode. Tahira, the founder of the Elevan eleven foundation, was 22 when her adoptive mother passed away and the loss sent her into a spiral. In this episode of DMR, she shares with us how the world immediately came crashing down on her shoulders with the loss of her mom because she inherited all of her mothers responsibilities. Her mom, often referred to as Megan in the episode, adopted her when she was six years old... So not only does she discuss the loss of her mother, she talks about the pain she's felt in relation to her birth mother giving her away as well. She started the Elevan Eleven Foundation as an answer to her grief and explains how it's benefit her and others since it's inception... Check out this epiosde, "Damn... Mom?" asap to hear more about Tahira's story!

**Please be aware that there is some colorful language in this episode** Grief is so many things and everyones relation to it is different - In this episode, Nahje talks about her mother and what it's been like to live with a mother who does not feel like a parent to her.... Who "does not like her", Growing up, Nahje's vision of her mother was gleaming and infallible, but through experience and processing, she realized that their relationship was never what she thought it was.

Angel tells us just minutes into the interview that she considers herself a "lover and representative of growth, of life, or strength and of love" and the entirety of this episode speaks to that. A few years ago, Angel lost her mother/best friend suddenly and has God to thank for her continuance and believes that her mom and God are partners in love out there, conspiring for her good. In this episode, Angel gets real about how the truths of grief initially conflicted with her religious beliefs, but later found out that in order to heal, she had to be okay with asking God the "why" and getting comfortable in her pain. Furthermore, we also get candid about what it was like for her to grieve her absent father, how powerful words are, some of the positive changes that have happened in her life since her moms' transition and so much more