Podcast Summary: Kennedy Saves the World – “Live Like Braun”

Host: Kennedy
Guest: Jen Levy
Date: September 3, 2025

Episode Overview

In this deeply personal and moving episode, Kennedy sits down with Jen Levy, mother of Braun Levy, whose life was tragically cut short by a drunk driver after his family was displaced by the devastating Pacific Palisades fires. The conversation explores themes of resilience, grief, community, and the drive to turn pain into purpose. Together, they discuss Braun’s remarkable legacy, the founding of the “Live Like Braun” Foundation, and the transformative power of support, perspective, and action in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Palisades Fires and Community Resilience

• [00:10–03:12]
  • Kennedy recounts the devastation caused by the Pacific Palisades wildfires, noting the destruction of a tight-knit, special community where her friendship with Jen began.
  • The Levys, like many families, lost their home but initially persevered with gratitude for health and togetherness.

Notable Quote:

“After the fires, we always said, ‘Well, we're all healthy and we're all together, so we're going to be okay.’” – Jen Levy [04:17]

The Loss of Braun and the Grieving Process

• [03:12–08:31]
  • The conversation turns to the tragic loss of Braun, Jen’s only son, described as vivacious, loving, and a nationally ranked junior tennis player.
  • Jen recounts the initial shock, traditional grief counseling, and the transformative experience of working with a “grieve coach.”

Important Segment:

• [06:32] The distinction between grief counseling and a grief coach; the latter provides actionable tools and empowers Jen to find purpose in her pain.

Notable Quote:

“I am not going to fall victim to this. I am going to turn my pain into purpose and try to do something positive.” – Jen Levy [07:09]

Legacy and the “Live Like Braun” Mindset

• [07:26–09:56]
  • Kennedy and Jen discuss the impact of celebrating a young person’s vibrant life, and the bittersweet reality that Braun’s legacy lives on through the memories and actions of others.
  • Jen emphasizes that every parent who loses a child suffers equally, regardless of circumstances.

Notable Quote:

“No parent should ever have to bury their child. It is. It's the unthinkable.” – Jen Levy [09:10]

Choosing to Rebuild: Home, Community & Metaphor

• [09:19–11:33]
  • Many in the Palisades have chosen to leave permanently. Jen and her family, however, will rebuild their home of 23 years, echoing their never-give-up spirit and honoring Braun by maintaining roots in the community.

Notable Quote:

“We're gonna go back home where we raised our family, and we're gonna build a new life there, just as the whole Palisades is rebuilding.” – Jen Levy [10:34]

Shifting Perspective on Loss

• [11:33–12:10]
  • Jen voices the painful reality of losing irreplaceable mementos. After losing Braun, material things took on less importance, with family and health becoming paramount.

“You lose all those momentums, but at the end of the day, it's just a thing. It's a material possession. And if you have your family and you're all alive...you can do anything.” – Jen Levy [11:58]

The Tennis Community, US Open, and Support

• [12:28–14:18]
  • The tennis world, including the USTA and figures like Pam Shriver, rallied around the Levys, providing global visibility and emotional support.
  • Jen describes tennis as individualistic but shares how Braun’s spirit brought people together.

“The tennis community has given us so much love and support and strength and encouragement. I will forever be indebted to them.” – Jen Levy [14:13]

Founding the Live Like Braun Foundation

• [14:47–18:47]
  • Jen explains how the foundation arose organically in the days after Braun’s passing, as friends sought meaning beyond condolences.
  • The movement’s core message: embrace action, service, kindness, and courage, inspiring others to “live like Braun.”

“He was friends with everybody...He was always smiling and he was fearless. And...we can't let that [his magnetic force] be gone. We have to...live like Braun.” – Jen Levy [16:08–16:45]

• Details on scholarships:
  • The Braun Levy Scholarship at Loyola for high school students
  • The foundation supports post-high school academic or vocational pursuits for passionate young people, not limited to four-year colleges.

Memorable Interchange:

“As long as that person has passion.” – Jen Levy [18:47]

Grief, Saying “Yes,” and Navigating Loss in Community

• [19:09–21:29]
  • Jen commits to saying “yes” to new experiences in Braun’s spirit.
  • Discussion about discomfort others feel around the grieving, and how Jen addresses it head-on with humor and openness, helped by her grief coach.

“Some people are afraid to talk to me...So sometimes I'll bring it up just to get it out of the way.” – Jen Levy [20:24]

• Importance of keeping Braun’s memory alive, for her family and the community:

“We still have to live a full, loving life, and I know that's what Bron would have wanted.” – Jen Levy [21:44]

Memorable and Heartfelt Moments

• “There is hope, there is love, you know, there is God, even though it feels like an incredible injustice.” – Kennedy [16:56]
• “He’ll always be a part of our family.” – Jen Levy [21:27]

Foundation Information & Call to Action

• Live Like Braun Foundation: livelikebraunfoundation.org [22:26]
• Merch proceeds and donations support youth scholarships and positive action programs.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “After the fires, we always said…‘We’re all healthy and together, so we’re going to be okay.’” – Jen Levy [04:17]
• “I am not going to fall victim to this. I am going to turn my pain into purpose.” – Jen Levy [07:09]
• “No parent should ever have to bury their child. It is the unthinkable.” – Jen Levy [09:10]
• “We can’t let that be gone. We have to—it motivated other people. Hey, I’m going to live like Braun.” – Jen Levy [16:27]
• “You lose all those momentums, but…if you have your family and you’re all alive and you’re safe and you’re healthy, you can do anything.” – Jen Levy [11:58]
• “He’ll always be a part of our family.” – Jen Levy [21:27]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:10] Pacific Palisades fires and community roots
• [03:12] Tragedy of losing Braun; impact and grief
• [06:32] Role of grief coach vs. traditional therapy
• [09:19] Decision to rebuild home and stay in Palisades
• [12:28] The tennis community’s response
• [14:47] Birth and philosophy of the Live Like Braun Foundation
• [18:02] Scholarship details and inclusivity of non-college paths
• [19:09] Embracing “yes”—living life fully after loss
• [20:21] Navigating community and conversations around grief

Tone and Takeaways

The episode is heartfelt and hopeful, blending sorrow, resilience, and humor. Kennedy and Jen’s candid, compassionate exchange ensures the listener feels both the weight of loss and the inspiring momentum to “Live Like Braun”—a call to lead with kindness, courage, and service. The foundation and its spirit provide a beacon for others facing loss and those seeking meaningful ways to honor loved ones.