Welcome to ”Grief & Grit,” the podcast that turns the tables on traditional grief talks with a fresh, sassy spin. We dive into the messy, the awkward, and the downright hilarious aspects of dealing with loss because sometimes the best way to cope is with a little laughter and a lot of grit.
In each episode, we tackle the untold truths and unexpected turns of grief with humor and heart. Whether it’s the emotional rollercoaster of changing seasons, the absurdities of social media during tough times, or the bizarre cultural quirks around death that no one warns you about, we’re here to share it all with a smile and a wink. Ever wonder how Groundhog Day might relate to your grieving process? We’ve got you covered.
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Welcome to ”Grief & Grit,” the podcast that turns the tables on traditional grief talks with a fresh, sassy spin. We dive into the messy, the awkward, and the downright hilarious aspects of dealing with loss because sometimes the best way to cope is with a little laughter and a lot of grit.
In each episode, we tackle the untold truths and unexpected turns of grief with humor and heart. Whether it’s the emotional rollercoaster of changing seasons, the absurdities of social media during tough times, or the bizarre cultural quirks around death that no one warns you about, we’re here to share it all with a smile and a wink. Ever wonder how Groundhog Day might relate to your grieving process? We’ve got you covered.
Destigmatizing Suicide: A Mother’s Journey with Lynn Handmacher Chanin on Love, Loss, and Advocacy
Grief & Grit
48 minutes
1 month ago
Destigmatizing Suicide: A Mother’s Journey with Lynn Handmacher Chanin on Love, Loss, and Advocacy
In this episode of Grief & Grit, we sit down with Lynn Handmacher Chanin, who lost her 16-year-old son Benjamin to suicide 15 years ago. With candor, strength, and grace, Lynn shares how she navigated the initial shock, the unbearable grief, and the long road toward healing.
Through Ben’s story, Lynn challenges us to change the way we talk about suicide. She discusses the importance of language — why we should say “died by suicide” instead of “committed suicide” — and emphasizes that mental illness is just that: illness. Not weakness. Not shameful. And not a crime.
We talk about how grief and joy can live side by side, how peer support saved her life, and how she found love again with someone who deeply understood her pain. Lynn is now a powerful voice in suicide prevention and mental health advocacy, working with Survivors of Suicide, AFSP, and launching culturally relevant programs like Through a Jewish Lens.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone touched by suicide or walking alongside someone who is.
In this episode, we discuss:
Remembering Benjamin for who he was — not just how he died
The language of suicide: why it matters
The power of peer support and finding your people
Surviving the aftermath of suicide loss
Parenting while grieving
Finding love again with someone who understands grief
Creating culturally relevant resources for survivors
Why silence can be dangerous — and how conversation saves lives
Resources Mentioned:
The Link Counseling Center – National Resource Center for Suicide Aftercare
Survivors of Suicide (SOS)
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
“When Bad Things Happen to Good People” by Harold Kushner
💛 If you or someone you love is in crisis, please dial 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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💛 Reminder: If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.).
Grief & Grit
Welcome to ”Grief & Grit,” the podcast that turns the tables on traditional grief talks with a fresh, sassy spin. We dive into the messy, the awkward, and the downright hilarious aspects of dealing with loss because sometimes the best way to cope is with a little laughter and a lot of grit.
In each episode, we tackle the untold truths and unexpected turns of grief with humor and heart. Whether it’s the emotional rollercoaster of changing seasons, the absurdities of social media during tough times, or the bizarre cultural quirks around death that no one warns you about, we’re here to share it all with a smile and a wink. Ever wonder how Groundhog Day might relate to your grieving process? We’ve got you covered.
