A Place of Yes | A Grief Podcast
Episode: The Conversations That Changed Us | Season 2 Finale
Release Date: August 7, 2025
Host: Heather Stratter (Bright Sighted)

Season Two Reflection

In the poignant finale of Season Two, Heather Stratter, the host of "A Place of Yes," takes a heartfelt moment to reflect on the journey the podcast has embarked upon over the past year. Heather expresses immense gratitude to her listeners—both long-time supporters and new followers—acknowledging the community that has formed around shared stories of grief and resilience. She highlights the season's growth, noting the diverse range of guests and the deeper connections forged with the audience. With a sense of closure yet anticipation, Heather introduces the finale as a reflective piece, choosing to revisit some of the most impactful conversations from the season.

David Robinson: Embracing Raw Emotion

Timestamp: [00:02 - 06:00]

Heather revisits her early Season Two episode featuring David Robinson, a long-time friend involved with Jake’s Help from Heaven and the father of Miles. Their conversation stands out for its raw emotional honesty. David openly shares the turmoil surrounding Miles's health challenges, discussing the impending surgery and the emotional toll it has taken on his family.

David Robinson [03:09]: "I work from home, so I'm always there, the nurses are in and out, the therapists are in and out. We are so cautious about everything..."

David’s vulnerability resonated deeply with listeners, showcasing the complexities of managing a child's severe illness while striving to maintain familial joy and stability. His discussion about the tough decisions regarding Miles’s upcoming scoliosis surgery underscores the delicate balance between hope and realism in the face of life-threatening conditions.

The Heartbreaking Story of Olivia Allen

Timestamp: [06:00 - 09:46]

Heather delves into the tragic yet inspirational story of Olivia Allen, who passed away at 18 after battling leukemia. Season Two featured a comprehensive exploration of Olivia’s impact through multiple perspectives. Initially, Heather spoke with Olivia's mother shortly after her passing, capturing the immediate grief and loss. Later, the Allen family—Olivia's sister Sophia, her best friend Aubrey Hyde, and her mother—joined Heather in a powerful roundtable discussion.

Sophia Allen [07:15]: "It's hard watching your parents go through that. Did they die? No. But it feels like I'm grieving them too..."

Sophia elaborates on the unique struggles of being a surviving sibling, highlighting the profound changes and persistent grief within the family dynamic. Aubrey Hyde shares her personal anguish, describing the agony of witnessing her best friend’s suffering and eventual loss.

Aubrey Hyde [08:34]: "I couldn't comprehend that. Like, that's not like I have. We've lived 18 years. Like, what do you mean she's going to pass away?"

These conversations not only honor Olivia’s memory but also shed light on the diverse ways individuals process and cope with profound loss. Heather emphasizes the relatability and inspirational aspects of Olivia’s story, encouraging listeners to engage with these episodes for a deeper understanding of grief.

Debbie Waffle: Sharing a Memoir of Loss

Timestamp: [09:46 - 12:50]

Heather highlights her interview with Debbie Waffle, whose memoir "My Grief Jar Still Growing after the Loss of My Daughter" profoundly impacted her. Debbie’s narrative is marked by relentless honesty and warmth, creating an intimate connection with listeners.

Debbie Waffle [10:25]: "A woman said to me, there's this grief jar metaphor. You should look it up. It basically said that the ball is your grief... the jar grows with your experiences."

Debbie introduces the grief jar metaphor, illustrating how grief doesn't diminish over time but our capacity to handle it expands. This powerful analogy helps encapsulate the ongoing nature of grief and the personal growth that accompanies it. Heather appreciates Debbie’s approach to referencing her daughter’s death as “she left,” finding solace in this gentle language, which mirrors her own way of speaking about Jake’s passing.

Debbie's memoir is highly recommended by Heather as a raw and beautiful exploration of motherhood and loss, providing readers with a genuine sense of her healing journey.

Maria Cuban Weitzel: Navigating Glioblastoma and Forgiveness

Timestamp: [12:50 - 14:30]

A recurring theme in Season Two is glioblastoma, a devastating and aggressive cancer. Maria Cuban Weitzel shares her heartbreaking experience of losing her husband to this disease. Her episode is noted for its candid discussion on the complexities of grief and the power of forgiveness.

Maria Cuban Weitzel [13:35]: "I've come to a place of acceptance... they don't mean harm... they think they're trying to help..."

Maria speaks about forgiving those who may have inadvertently hurt her during her grieving process, emphasizing the importance of seeing the good in people and not allowing negativity to overshadow healing. Heather reflects on Maria’s insight, acknowledging how it has influenced her own approach to forgiveness and grief.

Maria’s book, "You Can't Do It: A Widow's Journey through Loss, Grief, and Life After," is highlighted as an invaluable resource, blending personal memoir with therapeutic insights, making it accessible and beneficial for a wide audience grappling with loss.

Common Themes and Insights

Throughout the season, several themes emerge prominently:

• Raw Emotional Expression: Guests like David Robinson openly convey their fears, hopes, and joys, demonstrating the importance of vulnerability in the healing process.

• Community and Support: The collective experiences shared by the Allen family and others underscore the significance of support networks in navigating grief.

• Forgiveness and Letting Go: Maria’s emphasis on forgiveness highlights a crucial step in personal healing, allowing individuals to move forward without carrying the burden of resentment.

• Growth Through Grief: The grief jar metaphor and Debbie’s “since you’ve left” box illustrate how grief transforms over time, accommodating new experiences while honoring past losses.

Looking Ahead: Season Three

As Season Two concludes, Heather announces a brief hiatus before returning in October with Season Three. She invites listeners to provide feedback, suggest guests, and continue engaging with the podcast's supportive community. Heather encourages everyone to revisit past episodes and share the podcast to reach more individuals seeking solace and understanding through shared stories of grief.

Heather Stratter [14:07]: "It's written in such a unique way... talks about the process. So again, the book's called You Can't Do It..."

Heather’s sincere gratitude to her listeners shines through, reinforcing the podcast’s mission to transform grief into a source of strength and connection.

Additional Resources:

• Debbie Waffle’s Book: My Grief Jar Still Growing after the Loss of My Daughter (Available on Amazon)
• Maria Cuban Weitzel’s Book: You Can't Do It: A Widow's Journey through Loss, Grief, and Life After

Connect with Heather Stratter:

• Email: us@aplaceofyespodcastmail.com
• Instagram: @aplaceofyespodcast

"A Place of Yes" continues to offer a compassionate space for those navigating grief, providing diverse narratives that illuminate the multifaceted journey of healing and hope.