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Schizophrenia & Suicide Loss: The Grief No One Talks About
What happens when you lose someone you love to suicide?
How do you begin to process a loss that feels impossible to carry? In this episode, Heather sits down with Madison Reuter, who opens up about losing her ex-partner, Regis, to suicide after his battle with schizophrenia. Madison shares the raw reality of navigating this grief—losing someone so young, the struggles of suicide loss, and the complex emotions that follow. She also offers insight on supporting young people through grief, sharing what helped (and didn’t) in her experience.
This is a conversation about love, loss, and the grief we don’t talk about enough.
Watching My Mom Fight Lymphoma: Losing My Mom to Cancer
MacKenzie Zarzycki’s mother checked herself into the hospital for what she thought was COVID-19 shortly after she was on life support.
In this episode of A Place of Yes, MacKenzie, host of the tourism podcast Destination Saratoga All Access, shares her personal journey of losing her mother to Lymphoma, the challenges of navigating grief while welcoming a new child, and the importance of honoring memories. The conversation delves into the complexities of family dynamics during times of loss and the significance of open discussions about grief.
Remembering Jake: Honoring our Son and Coming Together for Families With Disabilities
Picture this—a packed restaurant, margaritas flowing, and a room full of people who love Jake. That’s Cantina Day.
It’s more than just a tradition—it’s a celebration of his life, a space to share memories, and a reminder that grief doesn’t have to be lonely. We sat down with a few attendees to talk about the podcast, their own grief journeys, and, of course, some unforgettable Jake stories.
From helping kids take their first steps to empowering families to navigate the impossible, Joe shares the passion, innovation, and personal stories that fuel Rifton’s mission.
This episode will inspire, motivate, and prepare you to rethink how small changes can have a massive impact. Don’t miss it!
Together, they uncover the raw truths of parenting a child with special needs—from the moments of joy to the isolation no one talks about. Effie’s journey is a testament to the power of advocacy, community, and finding light in the darkest days. This episode will leave you inspired and deeply moved by the resilience of families navigating the rare disease world.
The Importance of Adaptive Equipment for Medically Complex Individuals | Rifton Equipment
What if the right piece of equipment could restore someone’s independence? Heather sits down with Joe Keiderling, the heart and mind behind Rifton Equipment, to discuss how their adaptive designs are more than just tools—they’re lifelines.
From helping kids take their first steps to empowering families to navigate the impossible, Joe shares the passion, innovation, and personal stories that fuel Rifton’s mission.
This episode will inspire, motivate, and prepare you to rethink how small changes can have a massive impact. Don’t miss it!
Together, they uncover the raw truths of parenting a child with special needs—from the moments of joy to the isolation no one talks about. Effie’s journey is a testament to the power of advocacy, community, and finding light in the darkest days. This episode will leave you inspired and deeply moved by the resilience of families navigating the rare disease world.
What No One Tells You About Special Needs Parenting
Behind every rare disease diagnosis lies a story of heartbreak, resilience, and unshakable love. Heather sits down with Effie Parks, award-winning host of Once Upon a Gene and mother to Ford, who lives with CTNNB1 syndrome.
Together, they uncover the raw truths of parenting a child with special needs—from the moments of joy to the isolation no one talks about. Effie’s journey is a testament to the power of advocacy, community, and finding light in the darkest days. This episode will leave you inspired and deeply moved by the resilience of families navigating the rare disease world.
My Son Outlived His Life Expectancy: Microlissencephaly & Our Fear of Losing Miles
What happens when a 2-5-year life expectancy stretches into a decade of miracles, fear, and unconditional love? In this profoundly emotional episode of A Place of Yes, Heather talks with David Robinson, father to 10-year-old Miles, who has Microlissencephaly. Against all odds, Miles continues to rewrite the narrative of his condition, bringing joy and gratitude to his family while challenging them to face the ever-present grief and fear of the unknown.
David opens up about what it means to live in the tension of hope and heartbreak, sharing powerful lessons on resilience, love, and celebrating every moment. This is a story you won’t forget.
Glioblastoma: Losing a Parent to One of the Deadliest Cancers
Kate Snedeker was still in college when she faced the unimaginable: losing her father to glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and deadly cancers.
In this episode, she opens up about navigating profound grief, the life-changing moments that shaped her, and how she turned her pain into purpose by founding Gray for Glioblastoma. This isn’t just a story of loss—it’s a story of finding hope, even in the darkest times.
Her Mother’s Death Was a Family Secret — Until She Broke the Silence
Susan Lieu’s story is anything but ordinary. She’s the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, a truth-seeker, and the author of The Manicurist’s Daughter, a memoir about family, loss, and the impossible beauty standards.
In this episode, Susan opens up about losing her mother to a botched surgery at age 11, uncovering the secrets no one wanted to talk about, and how she found strength in the messiness of grief and resilience. It’s raw, authentic, and a conversation you don’t want to miss.
Dating as a Special Needs Mom: Divorce and Self-Discovery in My 40s
Hillary opens up about dating for the first time in her 40s, navigating relationships as the mother of a child with complex medical needs, and finding empowerment through sexual liberation.
The Untold Truth About Life as a Special Needs Mom | SCN8A Mom
Motherhood can feel all-encompassing, especially when raising a child with special needs. In this heartfelt episode, Hillary opens up about reclaiming her identity beyond “Mom,” balancing love and hardship, and rediscovering joy as an individual.
What Losing My Mom, Dad, and Sister Taught Me About Grief | The Grief Girlie
When a grief therapist faces unimaginable personal loss, the journey transforms into a profound exploration of everything she thought she knew about grief. In this episode, the Grief Girlie shares her story of losing her mom, dad, and sister in rapid succession, offering raw insights and hard-earned wisdom on coping, healing, and finding resilience in the face of devastation.
A Place of YES: Hard Conversations That Make You Laugh
Season 2 of A Place of Yes dives deeper into the resilience of those facing grief, rare diseases, and life’s challenges, sharing untold stories of hope, love, and perseverance. Join Heather Straughter on December 11th for heartfelt moments and powerful connections as she continues to create a space for growth, healing, and saying yes to life.
How A Place of Yes Is Changing Lives: Reading YOUR Feedback
Ready to hear how A Place of Yes is changing lives? In this special episode, Heather dives into unfiltered listener feedback that reveals the true impact of the show—from sparking courage to helping others find hope in their hardest moments.Tune in to hear Heather’s reactions and reflections on the powerful ways this community is making a difference.
Dreaming of Our Deceased Loved Ones
In this episode of A Place of Yes, Heather opens up about a powerful, comforting dream in which she reconnects with her son Jake, hearing his voice for the first time and finding peace. She reflects on the signs Jake has sent over the years, offering hope to those who have lost a loved one.
Answering Your BIGGEST Questions | Ask Heather Anything
In this episode of A Place of Yes, we’ve compiled the most thought-provoking, heartfelt, and iconic questions from our Ask Heather Anything segment. From navigating life’s toughest challenges to sharing personal wisdom, Heather answers it ALL. Tune in for a collection of juicy questions you won’t want to miss!
Finding Light after Loss: Losing a Spouse to Cancer
Mike shares his journey through the loss of his wife to mesothelioma and the enduring impact of grief on his life. Tune in for a candid discussion on resilience, healing, and finding strength amid unimaginable loss.
Thank you, I’m good
Dear Jakey, I never heard those words from you—not in real life, anyway. But at around 6:30 this...
Grief, Growth, & New Beginnings | Reflecting on Season 1
In this reflective episode, Heather shares how season 1’s powerful stories and emotional breakthroughs shaped her journey as a podcaster in the delicate space of grief and rare disease, and offers a glimpse of what’s in store for season 2.
Redefining Disability Support with Chris Lyons
AIM is transforming disability support by offering customized, compassionate services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and traumatic brain injuries. This episode highlights their innovative approach, focusing on providing more choices, opportunities, and meaningful connections for those they serve.
Finding Light in the Darkness of Loss | Grief as a Funeral Director
Fourth-generation funeral director Brittany DeMarco-Furman shares the emotional highs and lows of guiding grieving families, showing how compassion, connection, and love are central to her calling. She reveals how creating meaningful moments helps families honor their loved ones and navigate their darkest times.