Episodes
-
In this special episode of The Lost Child Podcast, released on the anniversary of Sunni's passing, Camille and I (Blake) sit down to reflect on the past year. We share an honest and heartfelt overview of how we’ve been coping, discussing both the profound lows and the unexpected blessings that have emerged in the wake of our daughter's death. Join us as we navigate through the ups and downs, recounting the hard times and the moments of light that have given us strength. This episode is a tribute to Sunni's memory and a testament to the resilience and love that continue to guide us.
The pictures referenced in this podcast can be found in the video podcast right here.
-
In this profound episode of the Lost Child Podcast, we sit down with Pam and Dana, the resilient parents of Ryan, who tragically took his own life and they share how this loss has impacted their marriage.
Help support the podcast by buying a Shine Bright T-Shirt
Support The Pod on Patreon
Pam and Dana courageously share their personal journey of coping with the immense grief and the impact it had on their marriage. They discuss the challenges they faced as a couple, the importance of not being ashamed of their son's death, and the resources they found helpful for parents, teachers, and teens struggling with mental health issues. Their story is a testament to the strength of love, support, and the commitment to bringing awareness to teen suicide and mental health. Join us for an intimate conversation that sheds light on the complexities of grief and the power of resilience.
-
Episodes manquant?
-
In Episode 22 of The Lost Child Podcast, we hear the heart-wrenching story of Keisher, who lost her son EJ to the common cold during a family trip to California in 2003.
Help support the podcast by buying a Shine Bright T-Shirt
Support The Pod on Patreon
As Keisher's family planned their Thanksgiving vacation, they never imagined the tragedy that would unfold. EJ, always full of life and love, began showing symptoms of a cold passed on by his sister. Despite their concerns, the family decided to proceed with their trip, hoping for joyful memories.
Upon arriving in California, EJ continued to be his playful self, even enjoying one of his favorite activities: vacuuming. But that night, everything changed. EJ woke up multiple times, expressing his love for his mother and asking to see a doctor. In the early morning hours, EJ's condition worsened, and despite rushing him to the hospital, he tragically passed away.
Now, over 20 years later, Keisher reflects on the profound impact of EJ's loss, sharing the highs and lows she's experienced since that fateful day. Join us as Keisher bravely recounts her journey of grief, resilience, and the enduring love for her son.
-
We sit down with Pam, who shares the devastating story of losing her son Ryan to suicide.
Suicide Hotline Click Here
Other helpful links discussed in the video:
Teen Lifeline or Call and Text Crisis Line: 602-248-8336 (TEEN)
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health Superheros
Support The Pod on Patreon
Pam talks openly about her experiences as a mother on the day Ryan died and the profound impact it had on her life. She emphasizes the importance of not being ashamed of Ryan or the fact of his suicide. Pam discusses the emotional journey of navigating such a tragic loss and highlights the resources available for parents, teachers, and teens struggling with mental health issues. She also shares how her strong support system has helped carry her through these difficult times. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about loss, resilience, and hope, as we explore the truth about teen suicide from a mother's perspective.
-
In Episode 20 of the Lost Child Podcast, we sit down with Kara, who shares her heartbreaking journey of loss and resilience.
Like A River - Book Amazon Affiliate Link
Support The Pod on Patreon
At 17, Kara faced the tragic death of her mother in a car accident. Seven years later, her sister succumbed to breast cancer after a fierce battle, only to have it return and spread to her brain and lungs. Nine years after that, Kara's brother died of a heart attack. Just last year, Kara's father passed away, adding to the weight of her grief.
Over the last 23 years, Kara has lost four close family members, each loss uniquely devastating. She opens up about how these profound losses have shaped her life, how she now grieves not only her own pain but also the grief of others, and the ongoing journey of healing.
Join us for this powerful episode as Kara bravely shares her story of enduring love, loss, and the strength to continue forward.
-
In Episode 19 of Season 2, we sit down with Dana as he bravely shares the heart-wrenching story of his son Ryan. Ryan battled depression and anxiety throughout his teenage years, struggles that ultimately led to him taking his own life.
Suicide Hotline Click Here
Like A River - Book Amazon Affiliate Link
Support The Pod on Patreon
Mental Health Super Heros discussed in the Podcast
Dana opens up about the devastating impact of Ryan's death on their family and how they have chosen to turn their grief into a mission for change. This episode delves into the importance of mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially among teenagers. Dana discusses the signs and struggles that Ryan faced, and how their family is working to bring awareness to these critical issues in hopes of preventing other families from experiencing the same pain.
Join us for a poignant conversation about the journey from tragedy to advocacy, and the enduring legacy of Ryan's story. This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health support and suicide awareness.
-
In Episode 18 of The Lost Child Podcast, we hear Dave's harrowing story about the loss of his daughter Addy.
Like A River - Book Amazon Affiliate Link
Support The Pod on Patreon
Addy was tragically killed in a single-car accident caused by a blown tire and excessive speed. The driver, a cousin of Addy's mom, also died in the crash. Addy's sister, who was in the car, suffered life-threatening injuries but miraculously made a full recovery.
Dave, a policeman, was driving just five minutes behind the car his daughter was in. When he came upon the crash, he stopped to help, only to realize it was his family's car wreck. He immediately went into cop mode, trying to organize help for everyone involved, despite the shock of seeing his beloved Addy and his wife's cousin dead.
Fifteen years later, Dave continues to work through the grief and pain of losing Addy. In this episode, he shares his journey of coping with the tragic loss, the impact it has had on his life, and how he has managed to find moments of healing amidst the ongoing sorrow.
Join us as Dave bravely recounts that fateful day and his enduring struggle with grief, offering a poignant reflection on the resilience of the human spirit.
🎙️ Subscribe to The Lost Child Podcast for more heartfelt conversations and stories of resilience.
-
In this Suicide Lost Child Podcast episode, we sit down with Mallory as she shares the story of her brother Chase, who took his own life as a teenager.
Suicide Hotline Click Here
Like A River - Book Amazon Affiliate Link
Support The Pod on Patreon
We sit down with Mallory, Chase's younger sister, to hear her deeply personal and moving story. Mallory and Chase were incredibly close; she always looked up to him. The day Chase took his own life, Mallory was searching for him when her dad called her back to the house to deliver the heartbreaking news.
Mallory opens up about her year-long journey of coming to terms with Chase's death and the profound impact it has had on her life. She shares how her family dynamics have shifted, the emotional toll of grief, and the physical pain caused by the loss. This episode offers a raw and honest perspective on the ripple effects of suicide within a family.
🎙️ Subscribe to The Lost Child Podcast for more heartfelt conversations and stories of resilience.
-
We sit down with Andy as she shares the emotional journey of losing her son, Xavier.
Andy's Writing (The Gift to be Healed)
Like A River - Book Amazon Affiliate Link
Support The Pod on Patreon
In October 2023, Xavier suffered a cardiac arrest caused by Long QT syndrome, an electrical issue with the heart. Despite efforts to revive him, Xavier's condition was dire. Andy recounts the heartbreaking experience of seeing her son in a coma and the difficult decision to remove him from life support after he failed to progress through the phases of consciousness. Xavier's story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the strength of a mother's love. Join us as we explore Andy's story, from the initial shock to the profound grief, and the steps she’s taking towards healing.
🎙️ Subscribe to The Lost Child Podcast for more heartfelt conversations and stories of resilience.
-
In this Suicide Lost Child Podcast episode, we sit down with Craig as he bravely shares the story of his son Chase, who took his own life as a teenager.
Suicide Hotline Click Here
Like A River - Book Amazon Affiliate Link
Support The Pod on Patreon
Craig opens up about the challenges of navigating life after Chase's death, shedding light on some of the struggles Chase faced. He candidly discusses the profound feeling of failure as a father, a burden that he believes will remain with him indefinitely. Join us as Craig shares his journey of learning to live with this grief, highlighting that it's not something you simply "get over," but rather something you must learn to carry with you for the rest of your life.
🎙️ Subscribe to The Lost Child Podcast for more heartfelt conversations and stories of resilience.
-
In the Season 2 premiere of the Lost Child Podcast, Shannon bravely opens up about the tragic loss of her daughter, Maddie.
Suicide Hotline Click Here
Like A River - Book Amazon Affiliate Link
Support The Pod on Patreon
At just 14 years old, Maddie took her own life after struggling with mental health issues. Shannon shares the signs and struggles Maddie faced, including seeking help and being on medication. Shannon also reflects on her own journey of healing and hope, admitting that while she may never be fully happy, she does experience moments of happiness. Join us as Shannon honors Maddie's memory and finds strength in sharing her story.
🎙️ Subscribe to The Lost Child Podcast for more heartfelt conversations and stories of resilience.
-
In Episode 013 of The Lost Child Podcast, we sit down with Camille, the mother of Sunni, as she bravely shares her story.
Like A River - Book Amazon Affiliate Link
Support The Pod on Patreon
Camille recounts the tragic accident involving Sunni and the profound impact it has had on her life. Camille lovingly describes Sunni's bright personality and the amazing person she was, highlighting the depth of her loss.
She opens up about the challenges of forgiving herself as a parent when faced with the unimaginable tragedy of losing a child.
Join us as Camille offers a poignant reflection on grief, loss, and the complex emotions that accompany such a profound loss. Her story is a testament to the enduring love between a mother and her child, and the resilience of the human spirit.
-
In Episode 012 of The Lost Child Podcast, we sit down with Blake (me, the co-creator of this podcast)
Like A River - Book Amazon Affiliate Link
Support The Pod on Patreon
I open up about the tragic loss of my daughter, Sunni. At just 6 years old, Sunni's life was cut short in a terrible boating accident in July. I share the heart-wrenching moments leading up to Sunni's death and the profound impact her passing has had on me. I delve into the range of feelings and emotions I have experienced since that fateful day, including the ongoing struggles I face.
Join me as I candidly discuss my relationship with God and my journey of healing. I share my most intimate thoughts, including moments of darkness and the profound love I continue to hold for Sunni. This episode serves as a 6-month update since Sunni's passing, offering a raw and honest reflection on grief, loss, and the enduring power of love.
-
In Episode 011 of The Lost Child Podcast, we are joined by John and Colleen Harrington, who share the poignant story of their son, Rex.
Like A River - Book Amazon Affiliate Link
Support The Pod on Patreon
Tragically, at just 18 months old, Rex drowned in a pool, leaving a profound impact on John and his family. Following Rex's passing in the 1980s, John channeled his grief into action, becoming heavily involved in the drowning coalition. He worked tirelessly to prevent other child drownings, advocating for barrier codes and safety measures in cities across the country. Join us as John and Colleen reflect on Rex's life, their ongoing grief, and John's mission to honor Rex's memory by saving lives. Their story is a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of loss and the strength that can be found in advocacy and love.
-
In Episode 010 of The Lost Child Podcast, we hear Julia's heartfelt story of her son, Levi, who tragically drowned in a pool at the age of 5. Levi was on the autism spectrum, adding layers of complexity to Julia's grief.
Like A River - Book Amazon Affiliate Link
Support The Pod on Patreon
Julia opens up about the challenges of continuing as a parent after losing Levi and emphasizes the importance of self-care. She shares that taking care of herself first is essential in order to care for her other children and navigate the ongoing journey of grief.
Join us as Julia's story highlights the strength found in self-care and the resilience of a mother's love. Through her experience, we are reminded of the importance of prioritizing our own well-being, especially in the face of unimaginable loss.
-
In Episode 009 of The Lost Child Podcast, we embark on a journey of healing with Marlon as he shares the story of his son, Ryan. At the age of 27, Ryan's life was tragically cut short in a car accident, leaving Marlon to navigate the challenging terrain of grief and loss.
Like A River - Book Amazon Affiliate Link
Marlon found solace and strength in his faith, turning to God through prayer and scripture study to guide him through the darkest moments of his life. Music also became a source of comfort, with Marlon even playing the guitar when he received the heartbreaking news of Ryan's passing. Join us as Marlon reminisces about the adventurous and cherished moments he shared with Ryan, particularly their reptile-hunting escapades. Through Marlon's journey, we are reminded that even in the depths of grief, there is a path forward towards healing and hope.
-
In Episode 008 of The Lost Child Podcast, we sit down with Maralyn, a mother whose life has been marked by unimaginable loss. Maralyn shares the heartbreaking stories of her daughters, Ashlie and Jenika, whose lives were tragically cut short.
Support The Pod on Patreon
At just 12 years old, Ashlie passed away due to an undiagnosed brain tumor, leaving a void in Maralyn's life that could never be filled. The loss of Ashlie had a profound impact on the family, including Jenika, who struggled with the aftermath. Tragically, Jenika's life took a dark turn, leading to her involvement with drugs and her untimely death under suspicious circumstances three years after Ashlie. The search for answers continued for over five years until Jenika's remains were finally found. Join us as Maralyn opens up about her journey of grief, resilience, and the enduring love she holds for her daughters. Through the pain, Maralyn's story is a testament to the strength of a mother's love and the enduring power of the human spirit.
-
In Episode 006 of The Lost Child Podcast, we have the privilege of sitting down with Vicki, a courageous mother who shares the poignant story of her son, Spencer. At just two years old, Spencer tragically drowned in the family spa, leading to a two-year-long battle for survival in a vegetative state before his passing.
'Like A River' Book Amazon Affiliate Link
Support The Pod on Patreon
Vicki opens up about the profound impact of Spencer's death on her, her husband Kent, and their entire family. Through heartache and grief, Vicki shares how they found strength in each other and in honoring Spencer's memory.
-
In Episode 006 of The Lost Child Podcast, we have the privilege of sitting down with Gordon, a remarkable father who shares the inspiring story of his son, Andrew James. Born with disabilities and defying medical expectations, Andrew lived a vibrant life filled with his love for cars, particularly Lightning McQueen. Gordon's connection to Andrew goes beyond the physical, as he shares his unique gift of seeing numbers intertwined with scriptures, finding solace and meaning in their correlation. With over 10,000 scriptures memorized, Gordon attributes his coping mechanism and faith to the guidance of the Bible, God and the support of his community. Join us as Gordon takes us on a journey filled with resilience, love, and the profound bond between a father and his son. Andrew's story reminds us of the power of hope, faith, and finding light in unexpected places.
Support The Pod on Patreon
-
In this special Couples Edition of The Lost Child Podcast, we sit down with Doug and Lisa, parents of Joel, to explore the profound impact of grief on their relationship. Join us for a candid conversation as they share their journey of love, loss, and the resilience that binds them together.
Dive into the complexities of navigating grief as a couple, as Doug and Lisa open up about how Joel's passing at the age of 21 reshaped the dynamics of their relationship. Together, they reflect on the challenges they faced, the ways grief tested their bond, and the strength they discovered in supporting each other through the darkest moments.
This episode is a testament to the enduring power of love, as Doug and Lisa share their insights, vulnerabilities, and the unique journey they've undertaken as partners grieving the loss of their beloved son, Joel.
Support The Pod on Patreon
- Montre plus
