Grief on Purpose

In this brand new episode of the Wake the F*ck Up podcast, our host Alix sits down with Laura Walton, a licensed marriage and family therapist, grief coach, yoga instructor, and author, to explore the deep and often taboo subject of grief. Laura shares her personal journey of profound loss, including the suicide of her father when she was just 21, and the overdose death of her boyfriend at 26. These experiences have shaped Laura’s mission to offer better support for those navigating grief, particularly those grieving “difficult” losses that carry stigma, such as suicide and drug overdose.

Throughout the conversation, Laura emphasizes the importance of allowing grief to be witnessed and giving space to the uncomfortable emotions that arise when we lose someone we love. Alix and Laura discuss how yoga and somatic practices—such as mindfulness, breathwork, and movement—can be powerful tools for healing, offering a safe space to process grief in both the body and mind. The discussion also delves into the challenges of grieving in a society that often doesn’t know how to handle such heavy emotions, particularly when it comes to “taboo” deaths that may be met with silence or judgment.

Later in the episode, Alix and Laura share their personal experiences with grief and relationships, both old and new. They touch on the difficulties of integrating past losses into present-day connections, especially when dating after loss, and the unique dynamics of blending families after multiple tragedies. Alix and Laura have a shared vision for redefining grief—not as something to get over, but as an ongoing journey that can coexist with joy and new growth.

As the episode wraps up, Laura introduces her upcoming book on yoga and grief, offering listeners an exciting glimpse into her work and inviting everyone to embrace their emotional experiences in whatever form they take. If you’re seeking new tools for emotional healing, you’re welcome to explore Laura’s website for widow resources. And we’ll be sure to post on our social channels when Laura’s book comes out, which promises to offer even more practical tools for those navigating the complexities of grief and loss.