In this episode Bryan Jung talks about the experience of being only nine years old when his father, a prominent lawyer in the Korean community, was tragically shot by another lawyer. Fifteen months later and just nine days before Bryan’s 11th birthday, his father died. Bryan reflects on the impact of his father’s death, the strength of his family, and how he continues to honor his dad’s legacy. He shares how his grief evolved over time, the role of community support, and the lessons he’s carried into his own life. Bryan also discusses founding This Is Why, an online platform that provides space for individuals who lost a parent as a child or teen to share their stories and find connection.
We Discuss:
Bryan’s memories of his father and the impact of his death on their family
Navigating life after his father’s shooting and the challenges of childhood grief
The role of community support and the strength of his mother in keeping the family together
How volunteering at Camp Erin deepened his understanding of grief and inspired him to create This Is Why
The power of storytelling in grief and his commitment to continuing his father’s legacy
Forgiveness and personal growth in the aftermath of tragedy
How grief anniversaries and milestones continue to shape his journey
Resources & Links:
Learn more about This Is Why: thisiswhy.life
Connect with This Is Why on social media
Information on Camp Erin: elunanetwork.org
Dougy Center: dougy.org
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear from you! If you have thoughts on this episode or want to share your own grief journey, email us at griefoutloud@dougy.org.
In this episode, we talk with Judy Lipson, author of A Celebration of Sisters. Judy shares her journey of sibling loss, reflecting on the deaths of her sisters—Margie, who died of anorexia, and Jane, who died in a car crash—and how their absence shaped her identity. She opens up about the complexities of sibling grief, the impact of Margie's long battle with an eating disorder, and the moment when the grief she had pushed aside for so long finally caught up with her.
Through writing, ice skating, and organizing a fundraiser in their honor, Judy found ways to reconnect with her sisters and keep their memory alive. She also discusses the evolving landscape of sibling grief support and how sharing her story has helped others navigate their own losses.
We Discuss:
Resources & Links:
When Jessica Waite's husband, Sean, died suddenly, she knew him as a dedicated father to their young son and a loving, engaged spouse. In her book, The Widow’s Guide to Dead Bastards, Jessica reveals the shock and heartbreak of discovering Sean's double life. What began as a devastating loss quickly became even more complex as she uncovered the many secrets he had kept—hidden debt, drug use, and infidelity.
Jessica talks about the rage, confusion, and emotional turmoil of grieving someone you love while simultaneously reckoning with the truth of who they really were. She reflects on anger as a catalyst for change, what she learned about parenting her son through his grief, and how ultimately she found a way back to herself.
We disuss:
Resources & Links:
Support Grief Out Loud:
Grief Out Loud is produced by the Dougy Center, the National Grief Center for Children and Families. This podcast is sponsored in part by the Chester Stephan Endowment Fund. For more grief resources, visit dougy.org.
Join the Conversation:
Have thoughts on this episode? Email us at griefoutloud@dougy.org. Thank you for being part of our community!