Health & FitnessMental HealthEducationSelf-Improvement

Where's The Grief?

Jordon Ferber

Where's the Grief is a weekly podcast about loss and grief in everyday life that somehow manages to be consistently funny, surprisingly insightful and easily absorbed. It's a show that isn't afraid to face some of the most difficult questions of what it ultimately means to be human, while finding the ever-present comedy in our day-to-day truths, and some of the things we all fear.

In each episode, host Jordon Ferber interviews comedians, actors, writers, and others who have experienced tragic loss—not just of loved ones, but of jobs, homes, security and familiarity—and are making their way through to the other side. Ferber himself is no stranger to grief, having lost his younger brother to a car accident at the age of 21. Drawing on his own experience, as well as his 20+ years of work as a standup comedian in NYC—which can be tragic, in and of itself—Ferber brings insight, pathos and humor to his role as host. All the while, exhibiting camaraderie with his guests, putting them at ease and making the show surprisingly enjoyable for listeners.

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21 episodes
every few months
Avg 1 hr 14 min
English

Episodes 21

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#204
Wednesday · 1 hr 7 min
Erica Hill - Owner of Sparrow Funeral Home
In this episode, I talk with Erica Hill, owner of the Sparrow Funeral Home in Brooklyn. As the creator of a safe space for people to grieve and mourn in, Erica was struck by how open and forthcoming Knicks players like Karl Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby were about thier own familial losses. Seeing all the conversations and and talk about grief surrounding the Knicks Playoff run this past season, Erica wanted to spread some of the same magic that gripped the city en route to thier first championship in over 50 years, organizing a watch party AT the Funeral Home for Game 4 of the NBA Finals. (This was the game with the Knicks historic 29 point comeback) What she thought might only be a handful of friends and supporters ended up being over 100 people who came out to watch the game, as well as media outlets who ensured this event went viral! This was a fun conversation about the power of connection and what can be accomplished when we embrace the moments where joy and greif intersect. I got to talk a lot about Russell in this one too, as he was THE Knicks fan. I have often talked about how much my brother Russell was a fixture in MSG during the 90's, and during this championship run I felt him with me so much more than I have in previous years. Truly, the number of people who reached out to me in the wake of this win reminded me that the biggest comeback of the season was Russell for me. Incidentally, we recorded this episode on the 5 year anniversary of the death of Erica's father, who was almost the funeral home's first client! Make sure you follow Erica @SparrowFunerals Go to the Sparrow Website to find out more! https://sparrowny.com
#203
August 12 · 1 hr 28 min
Comedian Bryan McKenna
In this episode I talk with comedian Bryan McKenna! A fellow native NYer, Bryan started doing stand up comedy not long after the death of his father. After getting some laughs while giving the eulogy, Bryan decided to jump in and has never looked back, performing across the country as well as opening for touring acts such as Jim Bruer. In addition to having lost his father, Bryan has endured a number of deaths along the way, including most recently his childhood best friend. We talk about the changing of family dynamics after a loss, as well as the ways that we start to question our own mortality when one of our own contempereries dies. Follow Bryan on IG at @bryanmckennacomedy
#202
June 2 · 1 hr 14 min
Death Doula Julie Wright Halbert
In this episode I got to talk with author and death doula Jule Wright Halbert. Formerly a lawyer and national education attorney, after the death of her husband Jim she found that she needed to shift her focus and began a new chapter with a different meaning and purpose. We talk about her book, "Divine Ashes Descending," a memoir about her own experiences as a newly bereaved widow and her journey of discovering an alternative career. As an advocate for end-of-life care and hospice models, she speaks openly about the different ways we all deal with the pressure of how to say goodbye. Find out more about Julie and her work at https://risingphoenix.life/ Follow her on IG @Transformational_soul_coaching
#201
April 16 · 1 hr 11 min
Grief Speaker Kyle Kittleson
In this episode I talk with fellow grief expert Kyle Kittleson. After the death of his mother, Kyle found that talking about his loss to be among the few things that was truly helpful, and began a new career path that put him directly in touch with other people dealing with trauma. His work with MedCircle has proven that hope and help are always available, and that finding ways to work on our own mental health is more accessable than ever. We talk about how helpful it can be just to be in service of someone elses journey, and how much it matters that we keep telling our stories. Check out Medcircle and all that Kyle does at https://medcircle.com/ and on IG @MedCircleOfficial Check out Kyle's youtube BahBahBlast! https://www.youtube.com/@babablast
#199
January 23 · 1 hr 23 min
Author Jody Gelb - "She may be lying down but she may be happy"
In this episode I talk with actor and author Jody Gelb about her book, "She may be lying down but she may be very happy," a memoir about the loss of her daughter Lueza. Born with cerebral palsey, Lueza had many struggles in her too short life, but despite all that they faced, Jody managed to find ways to give her as normal and as happy a life as a child can have. Her story speaks to what is possible when we start to open up and have the tough conversations. Follow Jody online and get the book at JodyGelb.com Follow Jody on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jodygelb Find out more about The Bridge School here! Find out more about Dora Jar, Jody's other daughter and Lueza's sister!
#198
Nov 3, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
Bobbi Schlager Milne - Author of "Not My Andrew"
In this episode, I sat down to talk with Bobbi Schlager Milne! I met Bobbi 20 years ago at my first Compassionatte Friends grief conference, and she has continued to be a constant source of love and support in the grief community, and among the few bereaved parents who made a real point in finding support for her surviving daughter Tracy (who later became the sibling representative on the nation board for The Compassionate Friends.) Bobbi's son Andrew was killed in an accident when he was just 10 years old, and his sister Tracy was 15, in 1985. A year later, Bobbi began writing about her grief but ultimately let the manuscript sit on a shelf. After many years Bobbi revisted her earlier writings about Andrew and published a book, "Not My Andrew" in an effort to show people that it's possible to still find a path forward after the unimaginable has happened. Find out more and get the book at https://notmyandrew.com (you can also always get it on Amazon)
#197
Sep 11, 2025 · 1 hr 21 min
Author Ingrid Hu Dahl - "Sun Shining On Morning Snow"
In this episode I got to talk with Author and certified coach Ingrid Hu Dahl. Her new book, "Sun Shining on Morning Snow" is a testatment to the importance of preserving family history and finding ways to talk about the things that we tend to avoid talking about. After the death of her mother, Ingrid reflected on their relationship and how thier respective journeys of identity and self discovery was similar. Having her own struggle with both her cultural and sexual identity, Ingrid manages to weave her grief into a memoir that is about the ways our relationship to our parents and our past shape our future. We also talk about the importance of continuing to tell the stories that make us, and to keep the memories of our loved ones alive. Get the book at https://www.sunshiningonmorningsnow.com/buy Find out more about Ingrid and her coaching at https://www.ingridhudahl.com/ Follow ingrid on IG @sunshiningonmorningsnow
#196
Aug 25, 2025 · 51 min
Author Louise Ells - "Lies I Told My Sister"
In this episode, I talk with Author Louise Ells about her book, "Lies I Told My Sister." Her novel began as a response to a a question a friend asked: "What scares you the most? And are you going to write about it?" Having already dealt with the loss of one of her sisters at a young age, Louise managed to find ways to express her feelings of grief and loss in a novel that explores the relationship between sisters, and the ways that we avoid our biggest fears. We also talk about how writing itself can be so cathartic and a helpful way to make sense of our own emotional responses by having fictional characters deal with them. Follow Louise at https://www.louiseells.ca/ And her blog: https://louiseells.blogspot.com/ Follow her on IG: https://www.instagram.com/louiseellsauthor/
#195
May 28, 2025 · 1 hr 23 min
Comedian Keith Chase
In this episode I talk with comedian Keith Chase about the tumultuous year that saw him nearly lose his own life alongside dealing with the death of his grandmother as well as his father, all in a short span of time. Now 6 months later (This episode was recorded in Nov. 2024) Keith has started reflecting on all the issues that come out of loss, and how we think about our own mortality while still being responsible for someone elses paperwork. We also talk about how hard it can be to transition back into regular life again when all you want to do is sit on your couch. Follow Kieth on Instagram and TikTok @ChaseTheShortGuy
#194
Mar 4, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
Author Earla Dawn Legault - "Living With Sibling Grief - Imagining A Way Forward."
In this episode I talk with my good friend and fellow bereaved sibling, Earla Dawn Legault about her book, "Living With Sibliing Grief - Imagining a Way Forward." After the death of her sister Leigh-Ann, Earla struggled to find support for her grief, finding very little in for those who had lost a sibling. Even her local grief support groups in Canada seemed too general to understand what she was going through. Enter Monica Murphy, a fellow bereaved sibliing who was also struggling after the death of her sister Darcy. Together Monica and Earla wrote a book about their experiences and struggles that truly showcases the power of peer support, and all the connection that comes from putting ourselves out there. Follow more of Earla at https://linktr.ee/siblinggrief Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sibling.grief.buds/ GET THE BOOK At Amazon Grief Matters 'guest' cartoon - https://griefmatters.ca/cartoons/where-are-all-books-about-adult-sibling-grief Grief Matters blog - https://griefmatters.ca/blog/drawing-through-the-grief-of-an-adult-sibling
#192
Feb 7, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
Author Jonathan Foster - "indigo: the color of grief"
In this episode I talk with author Jonathan Foster about his book After the death of his daughter Quincy at the age of 20, Jonathan spent close to a decade processing how to grieve and continue to keep hope in his life. Poetry allows for a dynamic and interesting way to weave a narrative, and the ways we experience grief can often be so difficult to express in a linear way. "Indigo" manages to capture a stream of consciousness quality to his story that draws the reader in both mentally as well as visually. We talk about the ways that we adapt the permanence of absence as we process not just our grief, but how to bring love back to the forefront of our lives. Follow Jonathan online at https://www.jonathanfosteronline.com Learn more about Jonathan's charity for Haiti - LoveHaiti.org (and GET THE BOOK - "indigo: the color of grief"
#191
Jan 24, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
Comedian Benny Blue - "Live From My Mother's Funeral"
In this episode I talk with comedian Benny Blue about his recent one-man show, "Live From My Mother's Funeral." After his mother Virginia passed away in 2021, Benny found talking about his experience of grief on stage to be one of the few things that allowed him to be honest while still looking for humor in an otherwise traumatising moment. Comedy allows us to talk about such a wide variety of things that we don't often talk about in our regular lives, and while we all deal with grief, it's one of the few things we don't always acknowledge. Benny's show combines aspects of stand up comedy along with some theatrical pieces that blend together in a reimagined version of his mothers funeral that allows both him and the audience to process things together. We also talk about how the writing and performing of this kind of material is so different from the promotion and sharing of the show. Follow Benny and all that he does at https://www.bennyblueeyes.net/ Check out the Special - LIVE FROM MY MOTHERS FUNERAL
#190
Dec 16, 2024 · 1 hr 9 min
Author Chris Cochran - "What's Good About Today?"
In this episode, I talk with Author Chris Cochran about his book, "What's Good About Today? A Purpose Driven Life." After getting a terminal cancer diagnosis at the age of 21, Chris' son Christian managed to keep his own optimism and uplifting spirit about him, inspiring those around him to be mindful and grateful for the life they have, and to earnestly exclaim all that which is good about today. We talk about just how important perspective is when dealing with such a devastating loss, and how much it helps to keep talking about our loved ones. Follow Chris at https://www.chriscochranspeaks.com Get the book, "What's Good About Today?" HERE
#189
Nov 27, 2024 · 1 hr 22 min
Author Annie Sklaver Orenstein - "Always A Siblling"
In this episode, I talk to author Annie Sklaver Orenstein about her new book, "Always A Sibling: The Forgotten Mourners Guide To Grief." After years of struggling with her own grief after the death of her brother Ben to a suicide bomber in Afghanistan, Annie began writing what ultimately became the book that she wished had existed when her loss was fresh. As a skilled reasearcher, Annie surveyed and interviewed dozens of other bereaved siblings, weaving their stories together with her own, along with detailed references to so many of the resources and support that is out there. We obviously talk (and bond) over the fact that bereaved siblings are often overlooked - hence the Forgotten Mourners moniker, and how impactful it is to finally have found a community and a vocaulary to talk about our siblings with. We also talk about the surreal expereince of having to sell and promote someting so deeply personal. Get the book and find out more about Annie! https://www.amazon.com/Always-Sibling-Forgotten-Mourners-Guide/dp/030683149X https://www.annieorenstein.com Follow Annie on Instagram @AnnieSklaverOrenstein
#188
Nov 8, 2024 · 1 hr 30 min
Comedian Brian Rabadeau
In this episode I talk with comedian Brian Rabadeau life before and after the death of his father, Joe. After several bouts with serious health issues, Brian's father started the pandemic fighting against the isolation and struggling with all the mandates, which ultimately led to him dying of Covid in 2022. Since then Brian has worked on finding ways to move forward and let go of his anger towards his father, and at society at large, reminding himself that optimism and hope are still possible despite what llife throws at us. Follow Brian on IG @Brabs91 If you're in the New Orleans area when this episode drops, Brian will be performing in the Hell Yes Festival, November 12th, 13th and 14th! (GET TICKETS AND MORE INFO HERE!)
#187
Oct 23, 2024 · 1 hr 15 min
Author, Musician and Sound Healer Jeralyn Glass
In this episode, I talk with Author and Sound Healer Jeralyn Glass about her book, "Sacred Vibrations - The Transformative Power of Crystalline Sound and Music," as well as her practice of creating unique sets of crystal singing bowls. Already a musician and leader in the sound healing movement when her son Dylan died, Jeralyn focused her efforts on helping others tap into the various frequencies and vibrations of life. We also talk about how helping others heal can be a source of healing for us as well, and how the intersection of science, spiritually and the healing power of music bring us all closer together. Find out more about Jeralyn and what she does at https://crystalcadence.com/ Follow her on IG @crystalcadencela GET THE BOOK - Sacred Vibrations!
#186
Oct 1, 2024 · 1 hr 11 min
Chef Dan Budd
Hooray! In this very special episode, I got to talk with Chef Dan Budd, owner of Taste Budd's Cafe, and former teacher at the Culinary Institute of America. As many listeners of the podcast know, my brother Russell was about to graduate from the CIA when he passed away in 2002. Dan Budd was more than one of Russell's professors, he was a mentor to him, and an early employer to take Russell under his wing. No stranger to grief himself already, Dan's sister Laura died two years prior to Russell, oddly enough on the exact same day, July 6th. Laura's death to a rare brain tumor changed the way that Dan thought about his ability to harness his own energy in support of creating good in the world. We talk about how family dynamics can change after the loss of a sibling, and the profound bonds we create when talking with others who have been through something similar. We also talk about the importance of gratitude, and the danger of bees! Check out Taste Budd's in Red Hook, NY! Taste Budd's 40 West Market Street Red Hook, NY 12571 Follow Taste Budd's on Instagram!
#185
Sep 19, 2024 · 1 hr 10 min
Author and Therapist Dr. Sara Glass
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Sara Glass about her new memoir, "Kissing Girls on Shabbat." Growing up in an extremely sheltered Orthodox Hassidic Jewish community, Sara decided to become a therapist and mental health professional partially because seeing how her sister Shani's mental health issues impacted her family. When Shani ultimately took her own life, Sara came out of the closet after years of struggling with her sexual identity and eventually wrote a memoir about her path towards self acceptance and an open life. We talk about the different ways that we interalize our own trauma, and how hard it can be to find ways to be honest with the people in our lives about what we are going through. We also talk about the stigma that comes with suicide and mental health issues in general, and how important it is to recognise that we never have to do it alone. As September is Suicide Awareness Month, This episode is a reminder that someone is always listening, and if you need help, reach out to a trusted friend or loved one, or you call 988 for the national suicide prevention line. Get the book "Kissing Girls On Shabbat" On Amazon! Follow Dr. Sara online at https://www.drsaraglass.com Or follow her on social media @DrSaraGlass You can always email ME at WheresTheGrief@gmail.com Follow ME on Instagram @WheresTheGrief
#184
Sep 6, 2024 · 1 hr 8 min
Home Funeral Advocate Tawnya Musser
In this episode, I talk with Tawnya Musser about her role and experiences in the world of Home Funerals. Already in school to become a funeral director when her brother Robert died, Tawnya found conventional funeral and death rituals to be lacking when it came to the way that her family wanted to celebrate Robert's life and give family and friends an opportunity to grieve together in a safe and familiar environment. Since then she has worked to help people find the resources and avenues to hold their own home funerals, and connect them to individual more personalized memorials. You can find out more about Tawnya and her work at https://deardepartures.com Also, https://www.homefuneralalliance.org/home-funeral-guidebook.html provides step by step ideas on how to plan a home funeral.
#183
Aug 14, 2024 · 1 hr
Comedian Liz Glazer
In this episode, I talk with comedian Liz Glazer about her album, "A Very Particular Experience," recorded on the one year anniversary of Liz and her wife's first daughter's Leo Pearl stillbirth. We talk about the difficulty of even making jokes about such a heavy topic, let alone putting together an entire album. However, we also highlight how important it is to laugh, and how much hope it can bring along with the perspective that keeps us connected to people. Follow more about liz at https://www.dearlizglazer.com

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