Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club with Shanti Das – Navigating Grief During the Holidays

Episode Title: INTERVIEW: Shanti Das Talks Have Yourself A Merry Little Griefmas! & Navigating Grief During The Holidays
Release Date: December 9, 2024
Host: DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God
Guest: Shanti Das

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God welcome author and grief advocate Shanti Das. Shanti discusses her newly released pocket guide, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Griefmas!", which offers 20 practical tips for navigating grief during the holiday season.

Shanti Das' Personal Grief Journey

Shanti opens up about her profound personal losses, providing listeners with a deep understanding of her motivations:

Shanti Das [05:30]: "I lost my mom almost three years ago, my sister five years ago unexpectedly. And then my dad took his own life when I was just seven months old."

Her candid sharing underscores the universal nature of grief, highlighting how it affects individuals regardless of their backgrounds.

Overview of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Griefmas!"

Shanti explains the inspiration behind her pocket guide:

Shanti Das [08:15]: "It's a pocket guide. You can just really keep it in your pocket during the holiday season."

Initially conceptualized three days before Christmas, Shanti refined and expanded her guide to ensure it serves as a continuous source of support for those grappling with loss during the holidays.

Key Tips from the Pocket Guide

1. Lean into Your Feelings [12:45]

Shanti emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and embracing one's emotions:

Shanti Das [12:50]: "Lean into your feelings. You got to really allow yourself to feel and heal."

By accepting and processing emotions, individuals can navigate their grief more effectively.

2. Reject the Notion of Another Lonely Christmas [18:30]

Addressing the stigma of loneliness during the holidays, Shanti encourages proactive engagement:

Shanti Das [18:35]: "If we tend to isolate ourselves, that just makes it worse. You shouldn't be grieving by yourself during the holidays."

She advocates for reaching out and seeking support, even when the desire to withdraw is strong.

3. It's Okay to Say No [25:10]

One of the most poignant tips, Shanti discusses the power of setting boundaries:

Shanti Das [25:15]: "No is a complete sentence. I can't go to that holiday event. I can't cook the Christmas cookies."

By asserting boundaries, individuals protect their mental and emotional well-being without feeling guilty.

Shanti's Insights on Mental Health in the Music Industry [30:20]

Transitioning the conversation towards a broader societal issue, Shanti critiques the lack of mental health support in the music industry:

Shanti Das [30:25]: "There needs to be some psychological type of boot camps... especially for rookie artists."

She highlights the necessity for structured mental health resources, akin to athletic training, to support artists navigating the pressures of the industry.

The Role of Social Media in Grief [38:50]

Shanti discusses the impact of social media on individuals processing grief:

Shanti Das [38:55]: "I had to stay off social media looking at every family and their traditions because... it just cuts deep."

She advises limiting social media exposure to avoid comparisons and protect personal peace.

Setting Boundaries During the Holidays [42:30]

Delving deeper into practical strategies, Shanti shares how to effectively set boundaries:

Shanti Das [42:35]: "Put it out there early with the details and tell them what the plan is... If you love me, you will honor how I'm feeling right now."

By communicating needs clearly and early, individuals can create a supportive environment that respects their grief journey.

Conclusion and Where to Find Shanti's Pocket Guide [50:10]

As the interview wraps up, Shanti provides information on accessing her guide:

Shanti Das [50:15]: "The Pocket Guide is available on my website, www.shantidasBIZ, or the ebook is available on Amazon."

She encourages listeners from all backgrounds to utilize her guide, emphasizing that grief is a universal experience.

Notable Quotes

• Shanti Das [05:30]: "Grief has been a part of my life. And it is the greatest equalizer for all of us because we've all lost somebody."
• Shanti Das [25:15]: "No is a complete sentence. I can't go to that holiday event. I can't cook the Christmas cookies."
• Shanti Das [38:55]: "Protect your peace. And if protecting your peace means staying off of social media, then give yourself that grace and space."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Breakfast Club offers a profound exploration of grief, particularly in the context of the holiday season. Through Shanti Das' personal experiences and practical guidance, listeners gain valuable insights into managing loss, setting boundaries, and seeking support. Her pocket guide, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Griefmas!", serves as a timely resource for anyone navigating the complexities of grief during what is traditionally a joyous time.

Available Now:
Have Yourself a Merry Little Griefmas! – Get your pocket guide here or on Amazon.