The Sacred Union Podcast
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.
Recent episodes
10 episodes
June 9, 2026 · 00:44:01
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: Brandi Vandenberg’s Books (available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble)Connect with Brandi: InstagramWebsiteRemember, your grief is valid, and you are not alone in this journey. Thank you for walking with us today.
June 2, 2026 · 00:51:47
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: Herb Your Enthusiasm Community – Follow Adi’s herbalism classes and meetupsAdi’s Herbal Alchemy – Explore herbal blends created by AudiConnect with Adi Mairal: Instagram
May 26, 2026 · 00:55:29
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 strengthSuicide is the final symptom of mental illness Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgment07:27 The Impact of Loss15:25 Navigating Survival Mode22:50 The Spectrum of Grief28:02 The Strength of Vulnerability33:04 Understanding Suicide Loss42:38 Grieving Out Loud48:32 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 dayText HOME to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text LineVeterans and service members can contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1If you are outside the U.S., please reach out to your local crisis support services or emergency resources in your area
May 19, 2026 · 00:07:58
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.
May 12, 2026 · 00:07:05
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 othersGrief can come from not being met in the loss Chapters 00:00 Understanding Disenfranchised Grief05:14 Validating Your Own Grief
May 5, 2026 · 00:06:04
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 griefAcknowledging change Chapters 00:00 Understanding Anticipatory Grief
April 29, 2026 · 00:05:47
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 griefGrowth and loss Chapters 00:00 Grieving the Version of You
April 21, 2026 · 00:05:57
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 deathLack of closure doesn't mean lack of impactHealing begins with naming and honoring the in-between
April 14, 2026 · 00:08:59
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 Grief06:09 Navigating Love and Grief
April 7, 2026 · 00:07:57
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 universalResilience and healing in grief
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