Join me this week as I FINALLY get to sit down with one of my favorite artists, (and fellow griever) Rob Strati. Together, we explore how art can serve as a powerful healing tool for grief and loss. We also discuss the emotional depth behind his extraordinary plate series and how brokenness can reveal new stories of hope and resilience.

In this episode:

• Rob discusses the story behind his plate series inspired by loss and repair.
• The contrasting philosophies of Kintsugi versus Rob's approach to brokenness.
• How art can transcend traditional therapy and tap into restorative energy.
• The impact of social media on sharing grief and art's universal language.
• Rob’s process of selecting and transforming plates into art pieces.
• The surprising emotional feedback from viewers and collectors.
• The significance of cultural motifs and historical patterns in Rob’s work.
• Navigating grief after recent loss—the process of acceptance and transformation.
• Practical ways art supports emotional resilience in times of trauma.

• Rob Strati Instagram
• https://porcelainprojects.com/

Note:

To see Rob’s art in person, visit his upcoming exhibitions in Greenwich and Columbus, or browse his online portfolio for exclusive pieces and commissions.

I cannot thank you enough for listening to this latest season of Grief is My Side Hustle. Please consider a five-star rating and review where possible; it truly helps the show reach more grievers!

Marty Ross-Dolen is truly magnificent, and I am so grateful to have had an hour of her time this week.

Not only does she hold degrees from Wellesley College and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, she is a gorgeous, incredibly insightful author. Marty's writing delves into grief, memory, and the ripple effects of generational trauma.

We discuss her maternal grandparents' legacy as the founders of the groundbreaking magazine, "Highlights for Children," and her memoir Always There, Always Gone, in which she weaves a lyrical, hybrid narrative reflecting on the devastating 1960 plane crash that claimed their lives. Her story explores how that loss deeply influenced her mother’s life—and, subsequently, her own.

There is something for everyone, at every stage of grief, in this conversation. For more information on Marty, and to get your copy of "Always There, Always Gone," check out: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Marty-Ross-Dolen/234962242 and find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martyrossdolen/

Thank you so much for listening! We would be so grateful if you would leave us a five-star rate and review wherever possible. Your support means the world.

In the latest episode of "Grief Is My Side Hustle," I'm joined by author and death doula Darnell Lamont Walker to explore the intricacies of grief, loss, and the importance of open conversations about death. Our heartfelt discussion delves into personal experiences and cultural perspectives, shedding light on how we can better navigate the often-taboo subject of mortality.

Darnell's journey into the world of grief began in his childhood, surrounded by the loving presence of his grandmother. This foundation of compassion laid the groundwork for his own understanding of grief, where discussions about death were not shunned but embraced. You are GOING to want to listen to every word Darnell speaks- he's incredibly eloquent, charming, knowledgeable and soothing. I'm so grateful to have gotten this hour of his time!

More about Darnell:

https://www.instagram.com/hello.darnell/ https://darnellwalker.com/never-can-say-goodbye/