How do you heal after loss? Bereavement Counselor Brent Thomas' life is dedicated to answering that question and helping to guide people to their own healing as they deal with grief. In this episode we discuss life and death, dying with dignity and choice, grief, memorializing lost loved ones, and healing.

This conversation is relevant to anyone who has suffered a loss, be it a person, a relationship, or a sense of purpose.

Brent's website: Holiday at the Sea

Book mentioned by Brent: Anne Roiphe.- "Epilogue: A Memoir"

Albums mentioned by Brent:

Eluvium - "An Accidental Memory in the Case of Death"

Trash Can Sinatras - "Cake"

Mike Doughty - "Skittish/Rockity Roll"

Song mentioned by Shane: Mike Doughty - "No Peace, Los Angeles"

Worden's Four Tasks of Mourning:

1. Accept the reality of the loss:

This involves acknowledging that the loss has occurred and that the person is physically gone. It can be a difficult task, as some denial may initially be present.

2. Process the pain of grief:

This involves experiencing and working through the emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual pain associated with the loss. Avoiding or suppressing grief can be detrimental.

3. Adjust to a world without the deceased:

This task involves adapting to a new reality where the deceased is no longer present, taking on new roles and responsibilities, and potentially redefining one's identity.

4. Find an enduring connection with the deceased while building a new life:

This task acknowledges that while the loss is permanent, the relationship with the deceased can continue in a different way, and one can still find meaning and purpose in life. It involves finding ways to honor the memory of the deceased while also moving forward and creating a new life.

Silverladder website: https://silverladder.com/blog/

My story (Shane/host): https://silverladder.com/blog/?page_id=963

Intro voice-over artist: Kevin Ohlfest

Resources:

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

Crisis Text Line: Text "Home" to 741741

Mental / Behavioral Treatment Locator: https://findtreatment.gov/

Send us a text

I wanted to share a short summary of my personal story of addiction and recovery, as well as the work I do, in order to help listeners better understand who I am and where I'm coming from as a host.

Silverladder website: https://silverladder.com/blog/

My story (Shane/host): https://silverladder.com/blog/?page_id=963

Resources:

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

Crisis Text Line: Text "Home" to 741741

Mental / Behavioral Treatment Locator: https://findtreatment.gov/

Send us a text

A near-fatal accident under the influence left Josh Anderson paralyzed from the waist down and changed his life drastically. But it isn't what got him sober. In this episode, he discusses his challenges, his victories, his recovery, and the work he does now as a licensed therapist.

This powerful comeback story is ideal for those facing addiction, struggles with opioids, physical obstacles, and general life challenges.

Josh's work: https://guidingroad.com/

Josh's art: https://untamedsanctuary.com/

Silverladder website: https://silverladder.com/blog/

My story (Shane/host): https://silverladder.com/blog/?page_id=963

Intro voice-over artist: Lisa Long

Resources:

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

Crisis Text Line: Text "Home" to 741741

Mental / Behavioral Treatment Locator: https://findtreatment.gov/

Send us a text

How do you get sober and stay sober after tragedy and loss? Parker Ellison had to answer that question for himself after losing his brother Chase to a fatal fentanyl overdose. In this episode, he shares his powerful story of faith and recovery, his insight, and hope.

This conversation is especially relevant to those in recovery, individuals with family in recovery or active addiction, individuals dealing with grief or loss, and anyone facing their own battles with substance use or life's challenges in general.

Silverladder website: https://silverladder.com/blog/

My story (Shane/host): https://silverladder.com/blog/?page_id=963

Intro voice-over artist: Lisa Long

Resources:

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

Crisis Text Line: Text "Home" to 741741

Mental / Behavioral Treatment Locator: https://findtreatment.gov/

Send us a text

Matt Miller slid 3,000 feet down Pico de Orizaba, an 18,491-foot volcano in southeastern Mexico, nearly died on the side of the mountain while waiting to be rescued by helicopter, lost all his fingers and most of his toes to frostbite, underwent 20 surgeries, and still his toughest challenge of all still awaited him. Yet through it all he refused to quit and found a way to thrive.

In this episode, Matt discusses his battles and victories, and how "GRITitude" is the key to overcoming life's obstacles. This conversation is ideal for anyone facing addiction, tragedy, physical setbacks, or difficult life experiences in general.

Matt's website: https://klaritylifestylecompany.com/

Matt's story: https://klaritylifestylecompany.com/matts-story/

Silverladder website: https://silverladder.com/blog/

My story (Shane/host): https://silverladder.com/blog/?page_id=963

Book mentioned in this episode: https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/book

Intro voice-over artist: Lisa Long

Resources:

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

Crisis Text Line: Text "Home" to 741741

Mental / Behavioral Treatment Locator: https://findtreatment.gov/

Send us a text

This very brief overview and preview explains what Silverladder LLC is and what the focus of the Silverladder Podcast will be.

More information on Silverladder is available at:
https://silverladder.com/blog/

Shane Watson's story of addiction, recovery, and work in mental health can be found at:
https://silverladder.com/blog/?page_id=963

Send us a text