Episode Summary: "I Lost My Dad to Brain Cancer—And I’m Learning to Live With My Grief"

Podcast: A Place of Yes | A Grief Podcast
Host: Bright Sighted
Guest: Leah Stern, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Release Date: July 17, 2025

In this deeply moving episode of "A Place of Yes," host Bright Sighted welcomes Leah Stern, a marriage and family therapist from San Diego, who shares her poignant journey of losing her father and best friend to glioblastoma—a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. Leah's candid conversation offers listeners an intimate look into her struggles with grief, the rapid progression of the disease, and her path toward healing by channeling her sorrow into meaningful actions.

Introducing Leah Stern and Her Story

The episode begins with Bright Sighted expressing gratitude for Leah's decision to reach out to the podcast, highlighting the importance of connections beyond the host's personal circle. Leah opens up about her initial hesitance to discuss her grief, even as a therapist, and how discovering "A Place of Yes" provided her with a sense of community and validation.

Leah Stern [00:46]: "Before the other podcast, I didn't know how to talk about these things... it was really cool because I've been trying to find a part podcast that actually means something to me."

The Special Bond: Father-Daughter Relationship

Leah delves into the profound bond she shared with her father, describing him as her best friend and the most generous, empathetic person she knew. Their relationship was characterized by open communication, mutual respect, and deep affection.

Leah Stern [03:15]: "I talked to him about literally everything. Quite literally everything. Which was so cool to have that bond."

She fondly recalls moments during her father's chemotherapy treatments, where despite his suffering, he maintained his role as a father first, modestly shying away from being called a friend.

Leah Stern [04:07]: "He'd always say, 'I'm your dad first, like, friend whatever.'"

Facing Glioblastoma: A Rapid and Devastating Diagnosis

Leah provides an overview of glioblastoma, emphasizing its aggressive nature and the limited time frame typically associated with the diagnosis. Her father's struggle began in August 2022 when he experienced persistent headaches, leading to an urgent MRI and an emergency surgery that removed 70% of the tumor. Despite initial hope, the disease's quick progression left Leah's family with little time to prepare for his loss.

Leah Stern [14:11]: "It's just like, boom. So I didn't know about it either. There is so much lack of research."

She recounts the harrowing months that followed, marked by her father's deteriorating health, frequent hospital visits, and the heartbreaking moment when he could no longer communicate.

Leah Stern [17:06]: "The last word I had with him was 'banana,' and that was it."

Navigating Grief: Emotional Turmoil and Personal Growth

As Leah approaches the two-year anniversary of her father's passing, she reflects on the complex emotions that have accompanied her grief. She discusses the pervasive sense of loss that intensifies with each passing milestone and the internal conflict between honoring her father's memory and forging her own path forward.

Leah Stern [06:34]: "Maybe the pain will soften a little bit more. But I feel like as I keep getting older... it's hard to see me with kids right now."

Leah openly talks about feelings of jealousy and anger, particularly when witnessing others enjoy relationships with their fathers or when observing new families forming in her life.

Leah Stern [20:20]: "I get really angry when people... diss their parents or treat their parents badly."

Honoring Her Father: Keeping His Memory Alive

Leah shares the various ways she honors her father’s legacy, from preserving his memory through stories to finding signs of his presence in everyday life. One touching anecdote involves a motion sensor light at her grandparents' house, which they affectionately named "Roger," his middle name. This small sign serves as a comforting reminder of his enduring presence.

Leah Stern [12:17]: "We have officially coined it as Roger."

Additionally, Leah discusses the life lessons her father imparted, particularly the importance of seizing every opportunity and living life fully—principles she strives to embody daily.

Leah Stern [10:23]: "He taught me like taking every opportunity... he'd want me to do it."

The Role of Self-Love and Personal Empowerment

Leah emphasizes the significance of self-love and personal growth in her healing process. She acknowledges the challenges of redefining her identity after such a profound loss and the importance of being patient with herself as she navigates this transformation.

Leah Stern [22:53]: "Figuring out who I am and my priorities. It's really scary to kind of not know who I am anymore."

She also touches on the necessity of balancing solitude and seeking support, advocating for open communication about one's needs during grief.

Leah Stern [24:50]: "It's okay to not be okay right now... do what feels right for you."

Insights on Love and the Grieving Process

In the concluding segments, Leah and Bright Sighted explore the depth of love experienced through the father-daughter relationship and how it shapes the grieving process. Leah reflects on how immense love can lead to profound hurt but also underscores the enduring nature of that love.

Leah Stern [26:59]: "The presence has been really hard for me... Just really being present with... where you are in your life."

Bright Sighted reinforces the importance of sharing memories and stories as a therapeutic practice, encouraging listeners to keep the memories of their loved ones alive through storytelling.

Bright Sighted [28:35]: "You're doing a really great job of being really present for yourself and really trying to honor your father."

Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Leah offers heartfelt advice to listeners who have recently lost a parent, emphasizing patience, self-acceptance, and finding personal ways to honor their loved ones.

Leah Stern [24:50]: "Do what feels right for you, whatever that looks like... finding like one thing a day to do something for you."

Bright Sighted concludes the episode by praising Leah's courage and dedication to honoring her father's memory, underscoring the episode's central theme: transforming grief into a catalyst for personal growth and meaningful action.

This episode serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative potential of grief. Leah Stern's story not only sheds light on the devastating impact of glioblastoma but also offers hope and practical insights for anyone navigating the complex journey of loss.