The conversation in episode 7 explores the concept of disenfranchised grief, which refers to grief that is not acknowledged or recognized by society. Examples include grief over unmet expectations in parenting, miscarriage, the loss of a loved one during the pandemic, loss of a sibling, and the end of a marriage. The discussion highlights the judgment and lack of empathy that often accompany disenfranchised grief, as well as the importance of creating a relational home for grief.

The hosts share personal experiences and discuss the complexity and longevity of grief, emphasizing that there is no defined timeline for healing contrary to popular belief. MC and Tracy reflect on the different stages of grief, comparing them to the growth and development of a child. They discuss the challenges and demands of early grief, the changes and adjustments that come with time, and the ongoing need for support and understanding.

The conversation also explores disenfranchised grief in relation to the loss of older family members and the absence of mentors and role models.

Join ⁠Keep Grief Weird on Substack⁠ for exclusive episode notes, resources, and opportunities to connect!

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Music kindly provided by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tom Rosenthal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The song excerpted at the beginning and end of each episode is "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Have We Met Before? feat. Fenne Lily"⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from the album ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Z-Sides⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, released in 2018.

MC McDonald and Tracy Benjamin host Keep Grief Weird, produced by Jake Youmell. For questions, stories, or comments, please reach out via DM on Instagram (⁠⁠⁠⁠@keepgriefweird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) or email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠keepgriefweird@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.