Episodes

1
Sept. 13, 2023

Elizabeth DeVita Rayburn - The Empty Room: Surviving the Loss of a Brother or Sister At Any Age

Elizabeth opens up about her family's profound struggle when her brother, Ted, was diagnosed with rare blood disorder aplastic anemia. Their innocent childhood turned into a harsh reality as Ted spent eight years in a laminar air flow room at the National Institutes of Health. Elizabeth recounts their childhood inside the hospital, his illness, and the impact his sudden death had on each family member. In this episode, Elizabeth highlights Ted’s positive attitude despite being unable to leave a ...
2
Sept. 26, 2023

Lori Luna - Addressing Anger in Grief

CONTENT WARNING: Please note that this episode contains depictions and stories of siblings lost by suicide, homicide and/or domestic violence. We understand that some people may find these triggering, activating and/or disturbing. Lori always saw herself as her brother, Brian’s protector and still fills that role after his death, preserving his story and legacy. Lori took on the responsibility of taking a first look a Brian’s stolen car, of what she thought at the time was his murder weapon. Ne...
3
Oct. 3, 2023

Christine Bartlett - Losing the Mental Health Battle

CONTENT WARNING: Please note that this episode contains depictions and stories of siblings lost by suicide, homicide and/or domestic violence. We understand that some people may find these triggering, activating and/or disturbing. For years Christine answered multiple ‘goodbye calls’ from her brother Pete. Finding him in the midst of attempted suicides. Their family supported him through life changes, diagnosis and therapies but in the end, he was unable to fight the illness. In this episode, ...
4
Oct. 11, 2023

Jordon Ferber - Healing and Humor

CONTENT WARNING: Please note that this episode contains depictions and stories of siblings lost by suicide, homicide and/or domestic violence. We understand that some people may find these triggering, activating and/or disturbing. Meet Jordon Ferber, a surviving sibling who's traversed the labyrinth of loss through a mix of tender reflection, candid conversations, and a dash of humor. Jordon recounts the larger-than-life story of his younger brother Russell - an inspiring young man who managed ...
5
Oct. 18, 2023

Emily Heim - Young Loss to Addiction

CONTENT WARNING: Please note that this episode contains depictions and stories of siblings lost by suicide, homicide and/or domestic violence. We understand that some people may find these triggering, activating and/or disturbing. How can you grapple with the devastating pain of losing a sibling to addiction and transform it into a beacon of strength? Emily's older brother Peter was a quintessential jokester with a magnetic personality that knew no bounds. But behind the mask, he waged a war ag...
6
Oct. 25, 2023

Leigh Smith - From Traumatic Brain Injury to Addiction

CONTENT WARNING: Please note that this episode contains depictions and stories of siblings lost by suicide, homicide and/or domestic violence. We understand that some people may find these triggering, activating and/or disturbing. Leigh first took on the role of her sister’s caretaker when Beth experienced a tragic car accident at 16. Beth’s accident caused a traumatic brain injury and she never recovered to be the same. The accident affected Beth’s reasoning and she was eventually thrust back ...
7
Nov. 1, 2023

Laura Weiss - The Journey to Healthy Grieving

Every family has its story, and our guest, Laura Weiss, is here to share hers with us. Laura's journey begins with the loss of her brother, Ben, a vibrant individual who was much more to her than just a sibling. Laura opens up about Ben’s struggle with Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, his addictions, and his life as part of the LGBTQ+ community in a small town. We explore Laura’s undulating journey of grief and trauma, her handling of challenging family dynamics, and her experience of setting hea...
8
Nov. 8, 2023

Susan Casey - Finding a Purpose in Grief

Today's episode is a touching tribute to the adventurous spirit of Rocky, Susan Casey's brother who tragically passed away on Valentine's Day 2014. Susan's vivid retelling of Rocky's life and love for exploration, unexpectedly ended at a young age. In the wake of Rocky's death, Susan's life was transformed. She not only found a purpose in her loss but also the courage to live life fully — to honor her beloved brother. The episode is a profound exploration of the power of grief, the importance o...
9
Nov. 15, 2023

Dr. Dawn DiRaimondo - Coping with Grief during the Holidays

Dr. Dawn DiRaimondo, a renowned author, Psychologist and surviving sibling, joins us once again to explore the profound journey of healing and connection during the holiday season. Dawn shares the story of her brother Michael's death in combat, their last Christmas conversation, and the subsequent transformation of her family's holiday celebrations. This episode delves into the delicate balance of honoring a lost sibling and managing personal grief. Dawn recounts the unique ways her family comm...
10
Nov. 21, 2023

Recap of Season Four and Update on Maya's Grief Journey

Our fourth season has been a profound exploration of grief, particularly focusing on the often overlooked impact it has on siblings and the rebuilding we do throughout our grief journey. Listen in as I, your host, Maya Roffler, share a recap of our heartfelt season four, as well as an update of my personal journey through grief and loss. I share my thoughts on the season and reflect on the profound stories shared by each guest. As we wrap up, I express heartfelt gratitude to you, our supportive ...