A PLACE OF YES podcast

Grief is messy, complicated, and deeply personal — but you don’t have to go through it alone. On A Place of Yes, host Heather Straughter creates a safe, unfiltered space to talk about the realities of loss. Each episode dives into the tears, the laughter, the WTF moments, and the hope — all of it.

Through candid personal stories and expert insights, Heather explores the pain, resilience, and unexpected moments of light that come with grieving. Whether you’re searching for comfort, understanding, or practical tools to navigate life after loss, A Place of Yes offers connection, compassion, and community for anyone finding their way forward.

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.