In this episode of The Broken Pack™: Stories of Sibling Loss, Dr. Dean talks with Nina Rodriguez, creator and host of the Grief and Light podcast and online grief support platform. Nina lost her only sibling, Yosef, to fentanyl poisoning in 2019. This episode explores the unique layers of sibling loss, the shame and secrecy that can surround addiction, and what it means to continue being a sister after your brother is gone.
In this episode you will hear Nina’s story of growing up as Yosef’s big sister and how his loss became the catalyst for Grief and Light.
You will also hear about the complexities of sibling grief including identity after loss, the unspoken grief hierarchy, birth order dynamics, and why the five-year milestone isn’t the finish line you think it is.
Be inspired by Nina’s commitment to shining a light on grief, honoring Yosef’s legacy, and embracing Life’s Little Pleasures.
Connect with Nina Rodriguez:
Podcast: Grief and Light (available on all platforms)
YouTube: YouTube
Substack: Resting Grief Face
Free Download: Grief Tending Toolkit
Social Media: @griefandlight
Resources:
In the US:
If you believe you are witnessing an overdose, call 911 or your country’s emergency number immediately even if you are administering Narcan.
Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline is 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or Text your 5-digit ZIP Code to 435748 (HELP4U) or call a warmline.
For more immediate crisis call 911, 988, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Peer support: https://warmline.org/warmdir.html
International
In the UK, related resources: https://tinyurl.com/3fknb36c
Peer support warmlines: https://tinyurl.com/2pv58j4m
If you would like more information or to share your own sibling loss story, please contact Dr. Angela Dean at contact@thebrokenpack.com or go to our website, thebrokenpack.com.
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Thank you!
Angela M. Dean, PsyD, FT, GTMR
🐺Tony's Little Sister
Credits:
The Broken Pack: Stories of Sibling Loss is produced by Not Done Here Media.
IF TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME
Written by Joe Mylward and Brian Dean
Performed by Fuji Sounds featuring Joe Mylward
Courtesy of Not Done Here Records
Licensed for use by The Broken Pack
Full song: https://fujisounds.music
