Notas del episodio
Grief touches every one of us, yet it's something so many people struggle to talk about.
In this episode of The CalmCast, Alison and Ashley sit down with therapist and Executive Director of the Jacob Puddester Memorial Foundation, Kelsey Puddester, for an honest conversation about grief, loss, and what it means to move forward when life changes forever.
Drawing from both her professional expertise and her own experience after losing her brother, Jake, to suicide, Kelsey shares a compassionate perspective on living alongside grief, finding meaning without minimizing loss, and why healing isn't about "moving on."
Together, they explore what grief really looks like, how it shows up in unexpected ways, and the role connection plays in helping us carry what feels impossible.
In this episode, we unpack:
- Why grief isn't something we "get over."
- The difference between grief, traumatic grief, and other forms of loss.
- Why the stages of grief aren't as straightforward as we've been taught.
- The importance of meaning-making after loss.
- How avoidance can delay healing.
- What to say (and what not to worry about saying) when someone you love is grieving.
- The powerful connection between grief, love, and community.
- The role of connection in healing, both inside and outside the therapy room.
Whether you're navigating your own grief, supporting someone you care about, or simply wanting to better understand one of life's most universal experiences, we hope this conversation reminds you that you don't have to carry it alone.
Content Note: This episode includes discussions of suicide, grief, and loss.
If you or someone you know is struggling, crisis support resources are linked below.
Resources
Canadian Mental Health Crisis Line
If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis or has suicide-related concerns:
9-8-8 is for anyone who is thinking about suicide, or who is worried about someone they know. Connect to a responder to get help without judgement. Call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime for support in English or French.
Newfoundland & Labrador Crisis Line
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 811.
Canadian Mental Health Text Line
A 24/7 text line that connects individuals with a trained, volunteer crisis responder. The service is free, confidential, and provided by Kids Help Phone.
Youth can text 'CONNECT' to 686868 to connect. Adults can text 'WELLNESS' to 741741 to connect.