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/

This week, I am honored to have journalist, documentarian and seasoned NPR contributor Jill Yesko joining the show.

Jill shares her personal journey of losing her mother to COVID and the complexities of navigating grief during a time of social isolation. We discuss the impact of family dynamics on grief, as well as the process of creating a documentary film ("Erased") about Jill's mother's past, and the importance of memory and legacy in the healing process.

In 1967, Jill's sleek and fashionable mother, Sally, suddenly disappeared from their New Jersey home. She eventually returned, only a shell of her former self; and Jill was never given an explanation as to what had taken her away from the family all that time.

After Sally died from Covid at an assisted living facility in 2020, Jill did some research. She discovered her mother hadn't just disappeared; she'd been admitted to High Point Hospital, a private psychiatric facility in Port Chester, New York.

You'll have to tune in to this compelling conversation to learn more about this incredible journey that Jill has taken- I KNOW you're going to be glad you did.

Thank you, as always, for listening. Please rate and review where and when you can- lots of love!

More about Jill: https://www.erasedfilmdocumentary.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sayyesjill/

Dorothy Roberts and I really earned this conversation today, folks. After navigating some technical difficulty in the beginning, we were able to dive into a really powerful and beautiful conversation surrounding her book, "The Mixed Marriage Project."

Her beautiful memoir explores the themes of grief, loss, and the complexities of identity through the lens of her parents' interracial marriage. We'll touch on the cultural context surrounding interracial relationships, which given our current climate, feels more poignant than ever. Dorothy highlights the importance of family history, the lessons learned from parents, and how she's implemented continuing bonds through her work.

Ultimately, our time today is a shining example of the significance of storytelling in understanding (and processing) loss.

Thank you SO much for listening; if you like what we're doing on the show, please rate and review wherever possible, and tell your friends!

More about Dorothy: https://www.instagram.com/dorothyeroberts/

https://www.npr.org/2026/02/10/nx-s1-5704334/dorothy-roberts-the-mixed-marriage-project

Buy her book HERE!

I am so, so grateful to welcome the extraordinary Dr. Alexandra Sowa to our space this week. You may be wondering, "Meghan, what the heck does a doctor who works closely with GLP1s have to do with grief?" Turns out, quite a lot. Anyone who has experienced a significant weight loss or gain and has found themselves grieving the change in their form will probably want to share this conversation far and wide.

In this episode, Dr. Sowa discusses the biological factors influencing weight gain- debunking the myth that effort alone determines weight management. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of environment and mental health in sustainable weight loss strategies. We talk all things GLP-1, of course, and Dr. Sowa brings valuable advice to folks who have been considering that step, or have taken that step- and now find their feelings are all over the place.

I really enjoyed how this conversation braided a lot of topics together that folks might not always find related...but really, when you think about, grief is pretty far-reaching. I hope you all found this episode as valuable and special as I did. If so, PLEASE don't hesitate to leave us a rating and a review wherever possible.

More about Dr. Sowa: https://alexandrasowamd.com/ The Ozempic Revolution https://www.instagram.com/alexandrasowamd/