In this poignant episode of "Our Dead Mother's Podcast," hosts Joy Solomon and Tracy Fink delve into the profound lessons they've learned from their ongoing journey of grief and reflection. Tracy opens up about her personal experiences dealing with grief, exploring feelings of anger and confusion, and how the podcast has helped her become more introspective and reflective.

Joy introduces a Zen quote, "You never enter the same river twice," to emphasize the significance of change and fostering curiosity in life. They discuss the importance of reevaluating personal narratives, inspired by Tracy's evolving relationship with her mother and how the podcast has influenced her perspective.

The conversation shifts to the positive effects of mindfulness and meditation practices, with Joy sharing insights from her recent self-retreat and Tracy discussing her emotional growth through mindfulness retreats. They highlight the impact of simple practices, such as the "Mona Lisa smile," and the "3 breath practice" aimed at enhancing mindfulness.

Joy and Tracy also explore their family histories, particularly how their mothers influenced them, touching on themes of handwriting, poetry, and expression. Tracy appreciates Joy for introducing her to mindfulness and challenging her preconceived notions, fostering a deeper level of thinking and self-kindness.

Together, they reflect on their evolving friendship and its contribution to their personal growth. With gratitude, they acknowledge the supportive reactions they've received from family and listeners alike. Joy shares personal insights about letting go of worries and the unexpected impact of sharing personal stories.

The episode concludes with Joy presenting the poem "The Question" by Rosemary Wacholotrauma, centered around self-reflection and guided by the mantra, "Is this the path of love?" Both hosts find this mantra deeply meaningful, noting it down as a guiding question for their journeys.

Tune in to this heartfelt episode as Joy and Tracy navigate the complexities of grief, growth, and the enduring influence of their mothers, Paula and Sandy, keeping their memories alive through meaningful discussion. Don't miss out on the valuable lessons and emotional insights shared in this reflective installment of "Our Dead Mother's Podcast."

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In this heartfelt episode of "Our Dead Mother's Podcast," hosts Tracy Fink and Joy Solomon delve into the complex and raw emotions of grief following the recent loss of Tracy's dear friend, Judy Wagner. Although the podcast typically emphasizes growth from grief, this episode serves as a poignant reminder that grief is an integral part of that journey.

Tracy offers a touching meditation on open awareness, guiding listeners to embrace their feelings and thoughts without judgment. This meditation, dedicated to Judy, encourages the practice of acknowledging emotions like trains passing by without getting caught up in them.

The hosts reflect on their experiences running workshops titled "Living Fully with Grief," revealing their dedication to holding space for others navigating through loss. Throughout the episode, they share personal stories and insights, illustrating how meditation and mindfulness can serve as valuable tools in processing grief and finding connection amidst the pain.

Joy shares profound insights from her mother’s approach to life in the face of significant loss and reads an excerpt from Ada Limón’s evocative poem "After the Fire," exploring the persistent presence of grief and the theme of "aliveness."

Join Tracy and Joy as they emphasize the importance of community and support, recount memories of their mothers, and honor the courage of those who share their grief experiences in communal circles. This episode is a touching tribute to the enduring love and vivid memories that persist even after our loved ones pass away.

Tune in to "Our Dead Mother's Podcast" on Apple, Spotify, and Google, and connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook for updates and continued support.

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In this insightful episode of "Our Dead Mothers," hosts Joy Solomon and Tracy Fink delve deep into the profound impact of love, friendship, and the wisdom passed down from their mothers. Tracy begins by sharing a touching narrative about her mother's reliance on her iPad to maintain connections during her immobile years, emphasizing the importance of communication and steadfast support. This segues into Joy's discussion on the global "epidemic of loneliness," highlighting how vital human connections are for our overall well-being.

The conversation also explores the delicate balance of helping others versus asking for help. Joy and Tracy reflect on the dynamics of giving and receiving support in friendships, offering valuable insights on maintaining a healthy relational balance. They emphasize the importance of being present and mindful in relationships, sharing personal stories that underscore these themes.

The episode also features the introduction of a practical meditation technique, "box breathing," which Joy explains can help manage stress and promote calmness. This technique, used by Navy SEALs and in yoga, is a simple yet effective tool for transitioning from stress to relaxation.

Listeners will appreciate the heartfelt reflections from both hosts as they discuss the lifelong friendships their mothers cherished. Joy shares memories of her mother's enduring friendships, while Tracy recounts how her mother was always a sympathetic and attentive friend. Through these stories, they illustrate the importance of modeling strong, compassionate relationships for future generations.

Tune in to hear Joy read her favorite poem, "The Facts of Life" by Padrego Tuama, which beautifully ties together the episode’s themes of relationships and life. The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own friendships and the lessons they've learned from their mothers.

Join us for a heartwarming and thought-provoking episode that celebrates the power of love, friendship, and the enduring legacies left by our mothers.

In Episode 3 of the "Our Dead Mothers" podcast, hosts Tracy Fink and Joy Solomon dive into a deeply personal and enlightening discussion on body image, food, and the powerful influence of their mothers. Titled "Does This Podcast Make My Ass Look Fat?," this episode explores the complex relationship many of us have with our bodies and how our mother's attitudes and behaviors shape our perceptions.

This is a heartfelt conversation where Tracy and Joy reflect on how their late mothers viewed food and body image, recount anecdotes, and discuss the cultural and societal conditioning that influenced their mothers' lives.

Tracy talks about her experiences with exercise as a form of self-differentiation and Joy shares how her mother’s approach to food as an expression of love has impacted her own views. They touch on their efforts to embrace agency and power in their own lives, leaving listeners with valuable insights and tools for their own paths to wellness.

Tune in for a blend of humor, reflection, and actionable takeaways that remind us that while grief is inevitable, growth is a choice.

Show Notes:

• Introduction to the topic of body image and food (0:00)

• Guided 4-7-8 Breathing Meditation with Tracy (1:09)

• Personal stories about their mothers' influence on body image (10:50)

• Discussion on societal conditioning and its impact (22:43)

• A touching poem by Caitlin Haught to conclude (23:44)

• Sneak peek into future topics like worry and sex (24:35)

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In this heartfelt and introspective episode of "Our Dead Mothers," hosts Joy Solomon and Tracy Fink dive deep into the complex emotions surrounding guilt in the context of our deceased mothers. Contrary to popular belief and expectations, Joy and Tracy reveal that guilt wasn't initially a top concern for them. Join them as they navigate through the intricate web of feelings associated with motherhood, loss, and the lifelong quest for self-compassion.

The episode begins with a grounding physiological sigh meditation led by Tracy to help settle the mind and body. As they proceed, Joy and Tracy candidly discuss their personal experiences and the societal expectations tied to guilt. Tracy reflects on her journey of overcorrecting the use of guilt as a parenting tool, while Joy opens up about the liberating advice she received during her mother's lifetime: "You couldn't be better."

Through mindfulness practices and poignant storytelling, the hosts explore how the awareness between reaction and response can serve as an antidote to guilt. They also touch on the notion of toxic positivity and the importance of acknowledging and processing difficult emotions rather than bypassing them. The episode is beautifully rounded off with a reading of the moving poem "Kindness" by Naomi Shihab Nye, reminding us of the profound lessons that emerge from grief and sorrow.

Tune in to Our Dead Mothers as Joy and Tracy share their wisdom and personal anecdotes, offering listeners a compassionate and nuanced perspective on navigating life's challenges after the loss of a mother.

Subscribe and listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode as we continue to reflect, remember, reconcile, relate, and rejoice in the lessons learned from Our Dead Mothers.

In the inaugural episode of the "Our Dead Mothers" podcast, co-hosts Joy Solomon and Tracy Fink delve into the poignant and deeply personal topic of "Wishing Our Mothers Dead." The episode begins with Joy asking Chris to describe his feeling of his mother's presence on a scale of 1 to 10, using vivid imagery like a juicy watermelon or an unripe peach.

Throughout the conversation, Joy and Tracy reflect on their unique relationships with their late mothers, sharing stories about the joys and challenges they experienced, and the complexities involved in dealing with grief. Joy discusses her mother's battle with Alzheimer's disease and the heart-wrenching wish for her suffering to end, while Tracy reminisces about her mother's connections with pets and friendships with gay men in the 1970s.

Listeners are guided through a settling meditation exercise, learning techniques in breath and mindfulness. The hosts also contrast parenting styles and traditions, exploring how they've evolved over time and how their own experiences with their mothers have influenced their approaches to parenting.

Joy candidly reads a poem about the importance of paying attention and seeing what there is to see, emphasizing the value of open and safe conversations. Tracy reflects on how her relationship and perception of her mother changed towards the end of her mother’s life, and how she felt seen at her mother’s funeral. They touch on the possibility of reframing past experiences and changing one's relationship with a deceased parent.

This episode provides a nuanced and authentic discussion on grief and the multi-faceted emotions tied to losing a mother. It concludes with a brief promotional message encouraging listeners to subscribe and follow the podcast on social media.

Join Joy Solomon and Tracy Fink as they navigate through the bittersweet journey of reflecting, remembering, reconciling, relating, and rejoicing in the lessons learned from their deceased mothers.

Welcome to the Our Dead Mothers podcast with your hosts Joy Solomon and Tracy Fink. This episode, titled "The Birth of Our Dead Mothers," introduces you to the unique premise of our show where we reflect on and learn from our relationships with our deceased mothers.

Join Joy and Tracy as they delve into the genesis of the podcast, born out of shared conversations about their mothers who passed away. They discuss the profound wisdom, kindness, and insights that have arisen from their loss, and how it has shaped their current perspectives.

You’ll hear how these long-time friends support each other through their grief and uncover deeper truths about themselves and their mothers. This podcast isn’t just about loss—it’s about growth, compassion, and transforming your relationship with the past.

Expect raw honesty, humor, and meditative reflections as we invite you to see death and relationships in a new light.

Tune in to discover how you too can find moments of joy in the process of reflecting on your own past relationships with loved ones.

Don’t miss an opportunity to engage in thoughtful conversation and personal growth.

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