In this deep episode of Tendrils of Grief, I’m joined by Hannah Rumsey—writer, performer, and podcaster based in Chicago—whose journey through grief began with the sudden loss of her best friend, Lauren, in 2015. What began as a deeply personal experience of loss soon blossomed into a powerful mission to give voice to an often overlooked kind of grief: the loss of a close friend.

From her one-woman show 42 Days of Summer to her memoir-in-progress L is for Lauren, Hannah has channeled her sorrow into storytelling that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced profound friendship and heartbreaking loss. She’s also the Founder and Director of Friends Missing Friends, a podcast and community offering peer support groups specifically for those grieving the death of a friend.

Join us for an honest, moving, and empowering conversation about the depth of friend-loss, the healing power of creativity, and the importance of finding community in grief. Whether you’ve lost a friend or are supporting someone who has, this episode is a beautiful reminder that grief of all kinds deserves space, understanding, and love.

Episode Highlights