Navigating Grief After Unexpected Death (with Jonica Booth)

[@sydneyw7279]

I could listen to Jonica talk all day she has a pure soul. She speaks with love and brought me peace for my own losses. But she is also so hilarious and genuine! I can’t wait to see her blossom even more!

[@downtomarz7835]

Omg I hate that this episode is over!!! Inspirational in so many ways!!! Please please please bring her back!!! 😭😭😭🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@iratherese]

This is my favorite so far. As someone who lost her dad recently, this hit home. You will never be the same person again and you will learn to live a life without him.

[@KayBassie]

This podcast is a great rep for showing layers of the queer community. Having conversations about topics we don't usually have in-depth talks about... I appreciate it. 🥲 This ep making me think back to losing my cousin (who was like a brother to me) He died of asthma as well. He suffered so much. His coughs were so heavy and even though he had his machine and his inhaler, he still passed and that was such a shock for me. So true about waves of grief hitting you at random moments. After my grandmother died my biggest fear was anticipating my parents passing (I'm an only child). I don't think I'll be ready for that. Anyways, I love this podcast so much. Another insightful episode.♥💙💜

[@sw1189]

I didn’t even read the title of this episode and this one hit hard. I Just lost my best friend of 20 years unexpectedly to a stroke. The longest we ever went without talking through the 20 years was 4 days. He was only 38 and I’m struggling with life at the moment. Hearing Jonicas thoughts on the grief process is so relative. What a super human she is. Thank you 🤙🏻👍🏻

[@radicalselfie]

"I can afford to grieve" was such a gift to hear. Thanks for this conversation!!

[@bobhendricks4024]

This was a special episode! Thank you for doing this. I am still trying to help my dear niece, who didn't find love until she was 45, when she met the most wonderful woman. They had a wonderful 3 years, became engaged just after Thanksgiving '22 and planned to get married the following year at Burning Man. Just before Christmas a month later she suddenly died at 50. I've lost a lot of people, but my wife and I have been together 40+ years and I can't imagine her loss of the love of her life, her future and them being together for many years. The different types and facets of loss discussed was very helpful to hear and hopefully will help me be a more supportive Uncle.

[@rosun00]

My fav episode so far. love her energy ❤❤ keep going Mal!

[@michelleengelberts]

I totally agree about a dog being just as important as a person. I have lost both my dog of 16 years and my dad and I have a harder time with my dog passing away. I loved my dad but my dog was my best friend for 16 years and was there with and for me during my teenage years and my adult years. It's a very special bond. Unfortunately I also know the fear of losing someone suddenly. This is actually a trauma of mine that I am still working on. My dad had an epileptic seizure and I had to call 911. Turned out he had a brain tumor. 2 years later he suddenly had a heart attack and I had to give him cpr. He was in a coma for a week until we said it's enough. For me he already passed away the moment he had a heart attack and we found him. Just looking at him you could see he was dead. So now after all of that I have some traumas and one of the biggest one is scared that people close to me pass away suddenly. It's a scary thought and hard to control because we know it definitely can be a reality.

[@saras1458]

I've been watching your podcast for a short time, and though I can connect with coming out in my 30s, this episode I connected with on a different level. I lost my daughter in 2022. I am just now coming out of my depression. It's the hardest thing I have ever lived through. Thank you for sharing.

[@dawnjohnson8714]

Recently lost my partner of 31 years and this episode has helped me understand and validate my own feelings. Grief does come in waves I am learning to embrace the fact that I will never be the same again. Thank you for sharing your loss through honesty and humor. As an aside, we met, she was moving across the country in three months. U-haul and it lasted for 31 years.

[@pikamemeng1865]

Kudos to everyone involved in this podcast. It is evident in every episode all the efforts and how everyone works hard and very serious in the advocacy in spreading awareness. Your cause is noble. Thank you for giving us something so meaningful.

[@hiportugal]

thank you so much! (i produce the show hehe) any chance we could ask you to write us a real quick review on Apple Podcasts? Helps us so much so we can keep making episodes!

[@jrbyers08]

I’m in the level of grief where I’m learning to change the scenery around me to embrace and encourage living. I did the same thing with keeping the obituary in sight, sit in darkness, etc… this was the episode I was looking for and I’m glad I’ve found it. This was the first episode of the podcast I’ve heard and I really appreciate you both. This was beautiful ❤

[@jackieo-]

I felt this episode to my core. I lost my aunt over a year ago and I haven’t been the same since. Not only do I have the same anxiety/fear of more loss, waiting for the other shoe to drop - I also always tell myself I want to get back to who I was before and Jonica is right, realistically that’s just never going to happen. Thank you for this great episode ❤

[@atiliab.3047]

This was absolutely beautiful!! Only my second episode and I am hooked...Also, my first introduction to Jonica and she seems like a dope person! Gotta go watch rap shit now.

[@hiportugal]

thank you so much! (i produce the show hehe) any chance we could ask you to write us a real quick review on Apple Podcasts? Helps us so much so we can keep making episodes!

[@quietdayinmylife]

thank you for being vulnerable with all of us Jonica as well as still managing to put a smile on our faces while we see more of you. when i found out rap sh!t was canceled (literally last week) i was really sad because i love the heart and energy that Issa Rae puts in the projects she creates and part of the magic of that specific project was Jonica and her role. we were stripped of such a different and hip show and the fact that season 2 was ended with such a cliff hanger hurts because i was really looking forward to see the development of Jonica's character and the rest of the cast. i wish we got more insight into how Jonica felt about the show being canceled but nonetheless, beautiful, beautiful interview. hats off!

[@teresasalerno8183]

Jonica took me to church with this episode. 💛

[@Olivia-sy5yk]

I lost my brother in high school around the same time I started coming to terms with my sexuality. This video was so refreshing and relatable and I just want to say I really needed this today. Thank you🫶

[@barnaliadhikary9421]

Myself a femme lesbian lately came out in my early 30's... Single ...never been in a relationship yet... Trying to find my lady love...♀️♀️🌈🥺🥺... Jonica is strong and honest

[@BerniceBernieAustin]

Love the authenticity. So may layers of grief revealed. One of my best friends is currently in hospice care, transitioning soon. This episode felt like the rollercoaster ride I've been on with this loss. Holding on to the wonderful memories she & I have shared. I know the process of grief takes whatever time it takes. I loved the laughter & the tears, it felt just like the life experiences I've shared with my friend. Thank you

[@user-rq4rt3ti8l]

My favorite so far. What an awesome person.

[@TechAC81]

I really love this podcast. The diverse topics and people are wonderful. This is a true reflection of the community. I love it! Great job!❤

[@naturenut7695]

Okay I may have to change it up a bit. I think this is my favorite episode so far. I can relate with the beginning of this episode. I lost my brother suddenly in 2017. 7 years February 24. Grief has many levels. Everybody handles it different. And it takes as long as it takes. Absolutely love all the laughter in this. She might think about taking up a little bit of comedian work. Funniest hell. Love it. ❤

[@clv8939]

Gosh i needed this today and didn’t know it. Another great interview. Sometimes i wish you had part 2 or even 3. I can’t identify with a lot of the troubles but grief is one

[@HotCakeX]

My favorite channel on KZbin ❤

[@abrilbrantley2010]

Such a great interview. So many gems. I wailed up in tears so many times. Grief definitely comes in waves. 🥺❤

[@immysapplesauce2291]

One of my faveee Made it Out Podcasts. Thank youuuu ♥️

[@EmiliaSkade]

26:15 this made me cry fr like my grandma passed recently and she didn't have as much as an impact on me as the fear of losing my mom like I really don't get along with my mom most of the time but it made me realize that I actually really lose my mom and I wouldn't know what i would do when I lose her because it's inevitable and I really don't know how to deal with it

[@cathywillson1683]

This is my favorite episode so far! I laughed, cried, and I learned some important lessons about grieving. Well done!

[@Curiousangel24]

First and foremost mal, I feel you got my life and turned it into a podcast. I relate to 80% of the episodes released so far. I am a pisces too and everything Booth said I felt she was me. On the 26th December I lost my cat, it was my best friend so the whole Christmas season was shit Then on 22nd last month my mom's sister died, I wasn't close to her but she and mum were very close. And when mum came to my work place to tell me she had died, at first I didn't feel anything because I had been preparing for these news since she was put in a coma. Then I wasn't allowed to go to the funeral by my boss, so i had to go for mass, and during that mass that's when i decided to cry for, I did, and I felt better after. But till now am still grieving my cat, we had a routine and for the whole of January i had to adjust to not buying food for two, to start buying food for one. I miss his meow every morning at six, I miss him running to me everyday when I get from work. It still hurts. I miss my Bubu. Thank you for creating a safe space for all of us to share. I love you so much Mal and the team you work with.

[@j_ryon]

Jonica seems really down to earth. Favorite episode thus far, Jonica is a real one and I appreciate that, I’d def want to be her friend

[@haydeecastillo4621]

Thumbs up this video so I can get the advice all over again when all this wisdom is needed My sister has many illnesses and I just might need to know how to function I shed lots of tears during this episode She was a great guest ❤

[@Liv4SummerWind]

The ‘last words’ question hits deep on the grief ep

[@kencoleman5007]

I was... I think 7 when I experienced the first loss of a close loved one (an uncle who died a few years after the man who could have someday been his husband). The death of my first dog hit me the hardest after that because in a dysfunctional and gaslighting, she was the one person in my household that I felt that could depend on for unconditional love. When a certain 2nd cousin passed away a few years ago, that was a huge motivator for me to come out as trans. I had been praying to that uncle, and it felt like people were coming and going out of my life without knowing my complete "out" self.

[@LemonAndBeanCo]

43:32 sorry ms Rachel 😂😂😂 Thank you so much for todays podcast. It hit different. Grief really is crazy. ❤

[@uscitizen3252]

Another great episode! I look forward to your podcast every week!

[@tessatallah4263]

This was so wonderful. Thank you for opening up to us

[@Otherworldly23]

I love your podcast so much !!! Jonica is Amazing !!!

[@indomitusjane]

Jonica is so beautiful & talented 💖 thank you for being so open and baring your heart. Looking forward to seeing what you do next. Mal you are doing such stellar work - such a talented, warm host. These conversations are so moving, fun & full of love ✨️

[@L._._]

What a beautiful soul ❤ I loved this ! Thank you for sharing Jonica

[@jenniferwolf5022]

I appreciate what she said about the dog so much, she's incredible lover her

[@sette900]

I can relate to this alot when i lost my mother (she died in my arms ) then a year after my elder sister, i have not been able to pick up myself till date and is almost four years now. Always having panic attacks and never opened my heart to anyone .

[@LotusHelpsHealingCollective]

LOL, I was a prison psychologist for years and I dealt with crazy loss while getting so many amazing opportunities. This was a good watch.

[@sahorycielo01]

Yeiii finally my favorite podcast 😊

[@jisseidydiaz]

My soul needed this podcast episode. Grief is so hard to navigate and we often keep our feelings to ourselves to not be labeled as Debby Downers or to not make everyone else sad with us but that void is always there. The sadness is always beneath the surface. And we can be fine for months and one day boom it hits us again like a ton of bricks and it feels fresh all over again. 🥹

[@giuliamoscoso665]

this episode HEALS!!!

[@chillwithash]

As someone from Wisconsin, this episode made me laugh out loud lol

[@Otherworldly23]

You are such an amazing host

[@mommyissuesmusic]

Re: bracing - I had an experience where after having had a lot of bad experiences with dentists I found one that was super gentle and would make sure everything was numb and I was comfortable. But still, I found myself gripping the chair, bracing for the pain. I realized I could let go, that it wasn't going to be painful, and at that moment I also realized I had been living my whole life up to that point "bracing for the pain". Like what is going to happen next? What's going to go wrong? Thankfully I found my way out of that. Don't live your life bracing for the pain.

[@sarahetrues]

the behavioral specialist to sapphic pipeline is so real

[@Tyreesha]

This conversation was so... comfortable. Definitely a new subscriber. #Blu

[@intrepid_astronaut]

You always have some of the most wholesome guests, this was such a lovely and heartfelt episode. Also, I feel personally attacked by both y'all's take on someone enjoying an early morning cola, thankyouverymuch :P

[@sashsat4698]

omg the funniest closing-questions lolololololol

[@ashleymarshall6792]

Okay, so, I LOVE HER.

[@wdwprepschool]

Theme park blogger chiming in. 😂 Loved this episode. Would love even longer ones!

[@downtomarz7835]

Omg I hate that this episode is over!!! Inspirational in so many ways!!! Please please please bring her back!!! 😭😭😭🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@Raddiebaddie]

Shes so charming! I have to check out Rap Sh!t!

[@meschahayes1003]

I have never had a nightmare about losing my mom but snakes and tornadoes ruin me. The BIGGEST THING that would ruin me would be losing my mom and yet, I avoid her sometimes even though I wanna be with her 100% of my time.

[@Raddiebaddie]

17:52 exactllllly ❤❤❤

[@gailmurphy2615]

Best one yet!!!!!! xo

[@JCLime]

“You can never be yourself cause the last version of you had a dad. He’s not here so you have to learn to be this person.” 😭😭😭 I hate that I know this first hand.

[@briajx]

such a beautiful person ❤️

[@wadavisionn]

wow this was really good

[@Meredith_Paige]

I love her! ❤

[@tessatallah4263]

“You know, have that THREESOME”

[@haleyrobinson6358]

Such a good episode🥹❤️

[@hiportugal]

I love Jonica!!!!!!!!

[@TheresaGelso]

What a smart loving caring women you are Jonica❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@NakitaSings]

Blue The Midwest Hottie *fans self*

[@yanimadeit]

I love me some blue!

[@farleyandrews7269]

Don't listen to anyone who doesn't love your laugh ! it's magic ! Have you heard of the Laughing Buddha ? She's Holy ! love to you ! - Farley Andrews

[@Liv4SummerWind]

💜

[@alaadamfree]

❤️‍🩹

[@virgilmcclendon5072]

😎😃😊😜😍😘💖

[@LamAnopro_]

Too 6 comment

[@downtomarz7835]

Wow, this is such an amazing episode. I think what she said about grief and coping is powerful. I like that she made the metaphor for color what a great way to shift your mood and spirit internally… I’m going to try that. Today I feel pink. 💕💕💕🥹

[@jenohuang262]

Love the way you host Mal🥰 BEST PODCAST EVER🥺