<![CDATA[After the Silence]]>There is a moment after everything changes
After the loss. After the ending. After the silence.

After the Silence is a podcast devoted to what comes next.

Through intimate storytelling and grounded reflection, this show explores the many layers of grief, from death and divorce to identity and emotional rebirth. It is not about fixing or rushing healing, it is about learning how to sit with what is and finding your way forward from there.

This is a space for truth, for tenderness, and for becoming.

]]>www.sacredunion.coRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:32:25 GMTTue, 07 Apr 2026 20:14:37 GMT60Olivia Wehmeyer<p>There is a moment after everything changes<br />After the loss. After the ending. After the silence.</p><p>After the Silence is a podcast devoted to what comes next.</p><p>Through intimate storytelling and grounded reflection, this show explores the many layers of grief, from death and divorce to identity and emotional rebirth. It is not about fixing or rushing healing, it is about learning how to sit with what is and finding your way forward from there.</p><p>This is a space for truth, for tenderness, and for becoming.</p>episodicOlivia Wehmeyerhelloafterthesilence@gmail.comyes<![CDATA[ATS:E10|The Hidden Power of Loving Someone With Addiction and Mental Illness with Brandi Vandenberg]]>In this episode, Brandi shares her raw and honest journey through profound grief after losing her husband Rio, exploring complex emotions like love, trauma, addiction, and survival. Her story underscores the importance of community, vulnerability, and embracing grief as a path to healing.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Grief, love, trauma, and survival with Brandi Vandenberg

00:23 - Brandi discusses her husband Rio’s creative, musical personality

01:54 - How Rio’s love for music and humor defined him

03:24 - The beautiful parts of Rio and Brandi’s life together

04:32 - Rio’s loyalty, humor, and deep love for his family

05:13 - Misunderstandings about addiction and mental illness

06:15 - Rio’s silent struggles with self-love and self-worth

07:10 - The impact of self-medication and quick fixes in Rio’s life

08:37 - Carrying roles of partner and caregiver: exhaustion and identity

09:23 - Emotional toll of supporting Rio over the years

10:25 - Hidden struggles behind closed doors and the complexity of staying

11:13 - The organic nature of mental health challenges and their organic origin

12:45 - The uniqueness of each relationship facing mental health issues

13:44 - The life-shaping years of partnership and constant planning

14:36 - Shielding children from the full scope of struggles

16:29 - Grief’s early days and the detachment from reality

17:19 - Fears, suicide attempts, and the day Rio passed away

18:13 - The practice scares and the pre-grief rehearsals

20:26 - The body’s response to grief and the healing power of exercise

22:11 - The profound physical experience of loss and its ongoing impact

23:01 - How support networks helped Brandi cope

25:13 - Rediscovering herself through writing and creativity

26:35 - The loss of music and her identity as a musician

27:24 - Grief and re-engagement with her passions

28:23 - The misunderstood aspects of grief

29:28 - Creative expression as a therapeutic outlet

31:22 - Love and life after loss, and honoring Rio’s memory

33:39 - Finding love again and embracing her true self

35:26 - How her new relationship respects Rio’s memory and their past

38:55 - Advice to those in fresh grief: lean into it, talk openly, and allow space for healing

40:09 - Loving someone with addiction and mental health struggles: have the hard conversations

41:15 - What “After the Silence” means personally to Brandi

42:11 - Connecting with Brandi’s work, books, and future projects

Resources & Links:

Connect with Brandi:

Remember, your grief is valid, and you are not alone in this journey. Thank you for walking with us today.

]]>f57a57bf-5419-4b6b-bfb9-3e3035222f33Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode, Brandi shares her raw and honest journey through profound grief after losing her husband Rio, exploring complex emotions like love, trauma, addiction, and survival. Her story underscores the importance of community, vulnerability, and embracing grief as a path to healing.</p><p><b>Timestamps:</b></p><p>00:00 - Introduction: Grief, love, trauma, and survival with Brandi Vandenberg</p><p>00:23 - Brandi discusses her husband Rio’s creative, musical personality</p><p>01:54 - How Rio’s love for music and humor defined him</p><p>03:24 - The beautiful parts of Rio and Brandi’s life together</p><p>04:32 - Rio’s loyalty, humor, and deep love for his family</p><p>05:13 - Misunderstandings about addiction and mental illness</p><p>06:15 - Rio’s silent struggles with self-love and self-worth</p><p>07:10 - The impact of self-medication and quick fixes in Rio’s life</p><p>08:37 - Carrying roles of partner and caregiver: exhaustion and identity</p><p>09:23 - Emotional toll of supporting Rio over the years</p><p>10:25 - Hidden struggles behind closed doors and the complexity of staying</p><p>11:13 - The organic nature of mental health challenges and their organic origin</p><p>12:45 - The uniqueness of each relationship facing mental health issues</p><p>13:44 - The life-shaping years of partnership and constant planning</p><p>14:36 - Shielding children from the full scope of struggles</p><p>16:29 - Grief’s early days and the detachment from reality</p><p>17:19 - Fears, suicide attempts, and the day Rio passed away</p><p>18:13 - The practice scares and the pre-grief rehearsals</p><p>20:26 - The body’s response to grief and the healing power of exercise</p><p>22:11 - The profound physical experience of loss and its ongoing impact</p><p>23:01 - How support networks helped Brandi cope</p><p>25:13 - Rediscovering herself through writing and creativity</p><p>26:35 - The loss of music and her identity as a musician</p><p>27:24 - Grief and re-engagement with her passions</p><p>28:23 - The misunderstood aspects of grief</p><p>29:28 - Creative expression as a therapeutic outlet</p><p>31:22 - Love and life after loss, and honoring Rio’s memory</p><p>33:39 - Finding love again and embracing her true self</p><p>35:26 - How her new relationship respects Rio’s memory and their past</p><p>38:55 - Advice to those in fresh grief: lean into it, talk openly, and allow space for healing</p><p>40:09 - Loving someone with addiction and mental health struggles: have the hard conversations</p><p>41:15 - What “After the Silence” means personally to Brandi</p><p>42:11 - Connecting with Brandi’s work, books, and future projects</p><p><b>Resources &amp; Links:</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=BG+Vandenberg" target="_blank">Brandi Vandenberg’s Books</a> (available on Amazon &amp; Barnes &amp; Noble)</li></ul><p><b>Connect with Brandi:</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/b.g.vandenbergauthor" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.thebookishberg.com/?utm_source=ig&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=link_in_bio&amp;fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGn7CfykSI--tC2O2YwyPL6urAdvWbrdOam7InMRNcoukwVdmlCYaebPzt_19k_aem_TKPIVYIs28T_MDZGo8Mg6Q" target="_blank">Website</a></li></ul><p>Remember, your grief is valid, and you are not alone in this journey. Thank you for walking with us today.</p>no00:44:01ATS:E10|The Hidden Power of Loving Someone With Addiction and Mental Illness with Brandi Vandenbergfull<![CDATA[ATS:E9 | Overcoming Trauma & Grief: Stories of Resilience & Hope with Adi Mairal ]]>In this emotionally powerful episode, our guests share raw and inspiring stories about surviving life-altering trauma, navigating complicated grief, and finding ways to rebuild strength, community, and love. Their journeys highlight the importance of resilience, responsibility, and the support networks that help us heal.

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction to the episode and its focus on trauma and resilience

00:32 - Meet Adi Mairal and his current life and thriving mindset

00:50 - Adi recounts his five-year journey starting with a devastating car accident

03:36 - The long recovery and the emotional toll during rehabilitation

04:32 - Experiences of fear, loss of identity, and depression post-accident

05:02 - The moment Adi begins to find hope and determination to heal

07:43 - The role of prayer, gratitude, and community support in recovery

10:26 - Navigating a toxic relationship and violent attack

13:04 - Legal challenges, false accusations, and the physical/emotional aftermath

15:12 - Building a community around herbalism and shared healing practices

17:17 - The power of gratitude and trusting divine timing

18:42 - Internal struggles that aren’t visible externally and managing PTSD

22:39 - Breathing, meditation, and mental health strategies for trauma management

24:00 - Societal pressures on men and the importance of redefining strength

28:12 - The struggle of acceptance and forgiveness of oneself

31:30 - How trauma led Adi back to reconnect with his true self and his parents

36:13 - The spiritual lesson in facing Goliath: life as a test of resilience

41:47 - The ongoing tenderness in facing betrayal and heartbreak

44:54 - The potential for love and trust again after deep trauma

47:44 - Key takeaways of hope, resilience, and the importance of self-compassion

Resources & Links:

Connect with Adi Mairal:

]]>e64e12c5-e86e-455c-8ab1-db4580a04148Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT<p>In this emotionally powerful episode, our guests share raw and inspiring stories about surviving life-altering trauma, navigating complicated grief, and finding ways to rebuild strength, community, and love. Their journeys highlight the importance of resilience, responsibility, and the support networks that help us heal.</p><p></p><p><b>Timestamps:</b> </p><p>00:00 - Introduction to the episode and its focus on trauma and resilience</p><p>00:32 - Meet Adi Mairal and his current life and thriving mindset</p><p>00:50 - Adi recounts his five-year journey starting with a devastating car accident</p><p>03:36 - The long recovery and the emotional toll during rehabilitation</p><p>04:32 - Experiences of fear, loss of identity, and depression post-accident</p><p>05:02 - The moment Adi begins to find hope and determination to heal</p><p>07:43 - The role of prayer, gratitude, and community support in recovery</p><p>10:26 - Navigating a toxic relationship and violent attack</p><p>13:04 - Legal challenges, false accusations, and the physical/emotional aftermath</p><p>15:12 - Building a community around herbalism and shared healing practices</p><p>17:17 - The power of gratitude and trusting divine timing</p><p>18:42 - Internal struggles that aren’t visible externally and managing PTSD</p><p>22:39 - Breathing, meditation, and mental health strategies for trauma management</p><p>24:00 - Societal pressures on men and the importance of redefining strength</p><p>28:12 - The struggle of acceptance and forgiveness of oneself</p><p>31:30 - How trauma led Adi back to reconnect with his true self and his parents</p><p>36:13 - The spiritual lesson in facing Goliath: life as a test of resilience</p><p>41:47 - The ongoing tenderness in facing betrayal and heartbreak</p><p>44:54 - The potential for love and trust again after deep trauma</p><p>47:44 - Key takeaways of hope, resilience, and the importance of self-compassion</p><p><b>Resources &amp; Links:</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://instagram.com/herb__my__guy" target="_blank">Herb Your Enthusiasm Community</a> – Follow Adi’s herbalism classes and meetups</li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://example.com/aliwebsite" target="_blank">Adi’s Herbal Alchemy</a> – Explore herbal blends created by Audi</li></ul><p><b>Connect with Adi Mairal:</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://instagram.com/herb__my__guy" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li></ul><p></p>no00:51:47ATS:E9 | Overcoming Trauma & Grief: Stories of Resilience & Hope with Adi Mairal full<![CDATA[ATS:E8 | Okay Not to be Okay with Libby Gimpel]]>The conversation delves into the themes of grief, love, and loss, exploring the impact of loss, the spectrum of grief, and unexpected aspects of the grieving process. It provides a raw and honest portrayal of the emotional journey of navigating life after loss. The conversation delves into the themes of navigating grief, the strength of vulnerability, understanding suicide loss, support and healing, grieving out loud, and lessons in love and loss. It explores the challenges and triumphs of processing loss and the importance of open and honest communication about mental health and emotional well-being.

Takeaways

  • Grief is a spectrum that fluctuates between calm and stormy days, requiring individuals to navigate through the waves of emotions.
  • The grieving process involves unexpected challenges and moments that can be both overwhelming and enlightening. Vulnerability is a strength
  • Suicide is the final symptom of mental illness

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgment
  • 07:27 The Impact of Loss
  • 15:25 Navigating Survival Mode
  • 22:50 The Spectrum of Grief
  • 28:02 The Strength of Vulnerability
  • 33:04 Understanding Suicide Loss
  • 42:38 Grieving Out Loud
  • 48:32 Lessons in Love and Loss

**Brave Ladies Club: private group for women who had lost a spouse or partner to suicide.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/124553808264700

  • U.S. and Canada, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day
  • Text HOME to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line
  • Veterans and service members can contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1
  • If you are outside the U.S., please reach out to your local crisis support services or emergency resources in your area
]]>afd18fb7-22b1-41fc-a0dd-7d9753e57145Tue, 26 May 2026 17:15:00 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the themes of grief, love, and loss, exploring the impact of loss, the spectrum of grief, and unexpected aspects of the grieving process. It provides a raw and honest portrayal of the emotional journey of navigating life after loss. The conversation delves into the themes of navigating grief, the strength of vulnerability, understanding suicide loss, support and healing, grieving out loud, and lessons in love and loss. It explores the challenges and triumphs of processing loss and the importance of open and honest communication about mental health and emotional well-being.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Grief is a spectrum that fluctuates between calm and stormy days, requiring individuals to navigate through the waves of emotions.</li><li>The grieving process involves unexpected challenges and moments that can be both overwhelming and enlightening. Vulnerability is a strength</li><li>Suicide is the final symptom of mental illness</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgment</li><li>07:27 The Impact of Loss</li><li>15:25 Navigating Survival Mode</li><li>22:50 The Spectrum of Grief</li><li>28:02 The Strength of Vulnerability</li><li>33:04 Understanding Suicide Loss</li><li>42:38 Grieving Out Loud</li><li>48:32 Lessons in Love and Loss</li></ul><p></p><p>**Brave Ladies Club: private group for women who had lost a spouse or partner to suicide. </p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/124553808264700" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/124553808264700</a></p><p></p><ul><li>U.S. and Canada, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day</li><li>Text HOME to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line</li><li>Veterans and service members can contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1</li><li>If you are outside the U.S., please reach out to your local crisis support services or emergency resources in your area</li></ul>no00:55:29ATS:E8 | Okay Not to be Okay with Libby Gimpelfull<![CDATA[ATS:E7 | Traumatic Grief]]>The conversation delves into the experience of traumatic grief, exploring the shock of sudden loss, the overwhelming nature of grief, the aftermath, the impact on the nervous system, the confusion it brings, the body's response to trauma, and the process of healing.

Takeaways

  • Traumatic grief affects the entire system, not just emotions.
  • Healing from traumatic grief involves creating safety in the body.
]]>d9fc2f6a-8d99-4df9-8a9f-74197f3e015aTue, 19 May 2026 19:15:00 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the experience of traumatic grief, exploring the shock of sudden loss, the overwhelming nature of grief, the aftermath, the impact on the nervous system, the confusion it brings, the body's response to trauma, and the process of healing.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Traumatic grief affects the entire system, not just emotions.</li><li>Healing from traumatic grief involves creating safety in the body.</li></ul>yes00:07:58ATS:E7 | Traumatic Grieffull<![CDATA[ATS:E6 | Disenfranchised Grief]]>The conversation explores the concept of disenfranchised grief, highlighting the lack of acknowledgment and support for this type of grief. It delves into the experience of unacknowledged grief and the importance of validating one's own grief without external validation.

Takeaways

  • Disenfranchised grief is often not acknowledged or supported by others
  • Grief can come from not being met in the loss

Chapters

  • 00:00 Understanding Disenfranchised Grief
  • 05:14 Validating Your Own Grief
]]>99e78184-a7af-4ac4-a2f4-2ff5a30b9c60Tue, 12 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation explores the concept of disenfranchised grief, highlighting the lack of acknowledgment and support for this type of grief. It delves into the experience of unacknowledged grief and the importance of validating one's own grief without external validation.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Disenfranchised grief is often not acknowledged or supported by others</li><li>Grief can come from not being met in the loss</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Understanding Disenfranchised Grief</li><li>05:14 Validating Your Own Grief</li></ul>no00:07:05ATS:E6 | Disenfranchised Grieffull<![CDATA[ATS:E5 | Anticipatory Grief]]>The episode explores the concept of anticipatory grief, a type of grief that arises before the actual loss occurs. It delves into the complexities of acknowledging change and the emotional experience of holding gratitude and grief simultaneously.

Takeaways

  • Anticipatory grief
  • Acknowledging change

Chapters

  • 00:00 Understanding Anticipatory Grief
]]>9bca2658-e7a3-4c56-b6d1-48e623d11f11Tue, 05 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT<p>The episode explores the concept of anticipatory grief, a type of grief that arises before the actual loss occurs. It delves into the complexities of acknowledging change and the emotional experience of holding gratitude and grief simultaneously.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Anticipatory grief</li><li>Acknowledging change</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Understanding Anticipatory Grief</li></ul>no00:06:04ATS:E5 | Anticipatory Grieffull<![CDATA[ATS:E4 | Grieving Your Identity]]>The episode explores the concept of identity grief and the process of becoming, highlighting the connection between growth and loss. It encourages embracing the in-between and acknowledges the complexity of missing the past while moving forward.

Takeaways

  • Identity grief
  • Growth and loss

Chapters

  • 00:00 Grieving the Version of You
]]>e02c4605-1625-4a89-afcf-2044d5471039Wed, 29 Apr 2026 02:33:17 GMT<p>The episode explores the concept of identity grief and the process of becoming, highlighting the connection between growth and loss. It encourages embracing the in-between and acknowledges the complexity of missing the past while moving forward.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Identity grief</li><li>Growth and loss</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Grieving the Version of You</li></ul>no00:05:47ATS:E4 | Grieving Your Identityfull<![CDATA[ATS:E3 | Ambiguous Grief]]>Not all grief comes with closure. In this episode, I explore the quiet, often misunderstood experience of ambiguous grief—the kind of loss that has no clear ending, no defined shape, and no easy path forward. Whether it’s the loss of a relationship, a version of yourself, or someone who is still physically here but no longer the same, this conversation brings language and validation to what so many feel but struggle to name. If you’ve ever questioned your grief or felt stuck in the in-between, this episode is for you.

Takeaways

  • Not all grief is tied to death
  • Lack of closure doesn't mean lack of impact
  • Healing begins with naming and honoring the in-between
]]>71e0d26f-a78f-4aba-8858-99c26991e0e5Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT<p>Not all grief comes with closure. In this episode, I explore the quiet, often misunderstood experience of ambiguous grief—the kind of loss that has no clear ending, no defined shape, and no easy path forward. Whether it’s the loss of a relationship, a version of yourself, or someone who is still physically here but no longer the same, this conversation brings language and validation to what so many feel but struggle to name. If you’ve ever questioned your grief or felt stuck in the in-between, this episode is for you.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Not all grief is tied to death</li><li>Lack of closure doesn't mean lack of impact</li><li>Healing begins with naming and honoring the in-between</li></ul>no00:05:57ATS:E3 | Ambiguous Grieffull<![CDATA[ATS:E2 | Grief's Complex Journey]]>The conversation delves into the multifaceted nature of grief, exploring its complexity, unpredictability, and the journey of moving forward while honoring love and connection. It emphasizes the validation of individual grief experiences and the reflection of love in the process of carrying grief.

Takeaways

  • Grief is complex and unpredictable.
  • Moving forward with grief does not diminish the love shared.
  • Individual grief experiences are valid and unique.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Understanding Grief
  • 06:09 Navigating Love and Grief
]]>87eb8d8e-8477-4ae8-a00c-970e06e8bef3Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:45:00 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the multifaceted nature of grief, exploring its complexity, unpredictability, and the journey of moving forward while honoring love and connection. It emphasizes the validation of individual grief experiences and the reflection of love in the process of carrying grief.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Grief is complex and unpredictable.</li><li>Moving forward with grief does not diminish the love shared.</li><li>Individual grief experiences are valid and unique.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Understanding Grief</li><li>06:09 Navigating Love and Grief</li></ul>no00:08:5912ATS:E2 | Grief's Complex Journeyfull<![CDATA[ATS:E1 | Introduction]]>After the Silence is a podcast that explores the universal experience of grief and loss, providing a space for conversations that are often difficult to have. The podcast aims to shed light on the various forms of grief and the resilience that can emerge from these experiences.

Takeaways

  • Grief is universal
  • Resilience and healing in grief
]]>d9c9165f-f20a-4e80-be72-2bd9923f14e0Tue, 07 Apr 2026 20:16:56 GMT<p>After the Silence is a podcast that explores the universal experience of grief and loss, providing a space for conversations that are often difficult to have. The podcast aims to shed light on the various forms of grief and the resilience that can emerge from these experiences.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Grief is universal</li><li>Resilience and healing in grief</li></ul>no00:07:5711ATS:E1 | Introductionfull