Hi Tiffany, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a wife, mother, professional freelancer, a San Diego native and also, a healing griever. In September 2020, I co-launched a podcast & online community about grief and loss called Portraits of Grief. Let me share my story how the idea to create this healing platform and growing community started.
Ten years ago, my world changed when I lost my beloved mother to breast cancer. I was an only child, in my twenties, with a great job, busy social life and a lot going for myself; but behind closed doors I deeply struggled with feeling so isolated in dealing with my grief.
Fast forward to February 2019, life seemed much more sweet. I was married and about to become a mother myself; but little did I know two days after I brought my son home from the hospital, I’d find out my that my (seemingly healthy) father had cancer as well. I was a new mother to a sweet baby boy of almost 5 months old when my father unexpectedly and rapidly passed away to a fast decline of cancer as well. It’s been a difficult road to go through life without the love and support of my mother and now father, and I’m sure anyone who has gone through significant and close loss can agree that grief isn’t linear – it comes and goes when it pleases. It also isn’t something in my opinion that society or maybe even those around us are comfortable talking about and/or acknowledging the emotions and mental health struggles that may come along with it. So I decided to create something to help others.
The loss of my mother and father is what fueled my idea to start a podcast about grief and loss. My vision was to start a positive safe space filled with support, community and connection for others who may be going through their own grief journey. A space where it’s okay to share that you may not be “okay,” while trying to navigate the waters or grief and loss.
In starting Portraits of Grief Podcast and Community, I knew that I had the life experience of dealing with loss and could use my behind-the-mic college radio days to share my story and say a thing or two, but I also knew it would bring value to be able to offer listeners a clinical and professional perspective.
So, I partnered with San Diego based Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist, Thera Storm. Together, we host our newly founded yet quickly growing podcast, “Portraits of Grief.” It is based on the idea that grief is like a portrait – it looks and feels different to all, yet we are all connected through our grief and loss. Our episodes are a mixture of special guests sharing their grief stories and journeys and “mini-episodes” that are shorter in length and include specific discussion topics.
To conclude, I can’t let this intro go by without mentioning what makes the podcast and this grassroots creative project even more special to myself is that my husband Alex, who’s been there right by my side as I continue to heal through my grief – is my biggest supporter. He produces and edits each episode and without him, it wouldn’t have come together so seamlessly.
San Diego – If you’re grieving and want to connect and share – we welcome grievers who feel they have a story to tell to reach out. Currently, Portraits of Grief is available on all major podcasting platforms, including iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Anchor.FM and Stitcher. We also have an Instagram page @portrait_of_grief
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Dealing with the pains of my personal grief has not been a smooth road at all. There was something about becoming a new mom, where everywhere I turned, it felt (and still feels) as though most others have their parents there to take in the joy of being grandparents, and going through life without mine to share in these experiences is very hard and if I’m being honest with myself, feels unfair. But all I can do is try and move on. Now, I am used to it more – and know this will be my reality so if I have a hard day or “grief” moment as I like to call it – I try to pour that energy into working on something for the podcast – building our IG following, or taking the time for self-care and other personal goals.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Right now, I am a full-time mom to my adventurous and fun-loving toddler. My son keeps me on my toes! But, outside of creatively working on Portraits of Grief Podcast and Community as a grassroots project; I am also a professional freelancer and actively working towards my real estate license. I have a degree in Marketing Communications, and I feel most in my element when working on projects or in environments that I feel passionate about and connected to. I’ve been blessed over the course of my professional life to work in the arts/entertainment industry, sports entertainment, food & beverage branding, and real estate development and property management. That’s a lot of industries! It has kept my experience unique and well rounded outside of being a mother and now, Podcast creator and host.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
If you are grieving or have experienced grief, know that you aren’t alone. Grief is something that doesn’t just “go away” and it truly is important to get support and feel connected, so I invite you to take a listen and follow Portraits of Grief along. If you have a brief story you’d like to share or if you’d like to listen or possibly collaborate on a creative level, please feel free to follow Portraits of Grief along at @portraits_of_grief or email portraitsofgriefpodcast@gmail.com. You can also subscribe by searching “Portraits of Grief” on the major podcast platforms I’ve shared.
Contact Info:
- Email: portraitsofgriefpodcast@gmail.com
- Website: linktr.ee/portraitsofgriefpodcast
- Instagram: @portraits_of_grief
Image Credits
Feature Photo: Savoring The Sweet Life
