Jessica Loses Jen To Addiction
The Surviving Siblings Podcast
In this heartfelt episode of The Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Jessica Meyer, a bereaved sibling who lost her younger sister, Jen, to fentanyl addiction in 2021. Jessica opens up about the deep bond they shared growing up in a tight-knit Mexican-Jewish family and how addiction slowly dismantled their lives. Jen was so much more than her addiction—an empathetic, talented athlete and the life of every room she entered. Jessica walks us through Jen’s undiagnosed Tourette’s and ADHD, how she began self-medicating with Ambien as a teenager, and how this evolved into...
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LeeAnn Loses Michael To Addiction
The Surviving Siblings Podcast
In this deeply honest and heartfelt episode of The Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler sits down with LeAnn Sullivan, a bereaved sister who lost her brother Michael to addiction in 2016. LeAnn shares her powerful story of love, loss, resilience, and healing after years of navigating a complicated family dynamic, her brother’s addiction, and her own journey through grief. Growing up with divorced parents and facing early separation from Michael, LeAnn always saw herself as his protector. Despite their time apart, they reconnected as young adults, building a bond that helped them...
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Jen Loses Teddy To Suicide
The Surviving Siblings Podcast
In this raw and profoundly moving episode of The Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler sits down with Jen, a bereaved sibling who lost her brother Teddy to suicide in 2017. Jen and Teddy shared an incredibly close bond, growing up as part of a large Sicilian family just outside of Boston. But their story begins even earlier—Teddy was a micro-preemie twin who survived against all odds, unknowingly carrying deep grief for his twin, Joseph, who died shortly after birth. Jen opens up about the fierce sibling connection they shared, their upbringing in a culture that didn’t talk about...
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Cryssy Loses Danielle To Leukemia
The Surviving Siblings Podcast
In this heartfelt episode of the Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Cryssy, a bereaved sibling who lost her younger sister, Danielle, to acute myeloid leukemia in 2012. As the oldest sibling, Cryssy took on the role of protector, caregiver, and advocate—navigating the heartbreak of watching her sister battle a devastating illness. Cryssy shares her deeply personal journey of anticipatory grief, the pain of losing Danielle at just 21 years old, and the complex emotions of grieving while trying to stay strong for her family. She opens up about the regret of not getting to...
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Stephanie Loses Quinton To A Car Accident
The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Maya is joined by Stephanie Murphy, who bravely shares the heartbreaking story of losing her younger brother, Quinton, to a tragic car accident in 2001 when he was just 18 years old. Stephanie opens up about their sibling bond, the fight that led to their last conversation, and the devastating night she learned her brother was gone. She shares how grief collided with unexpected motherhood, her battle with anxiety and alcohol, and how she found strength to heal—leading to nine years of sobriety and honoring Quinton's memory every step of the way. In This Episode: (00:01:00) – Sibling...
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Parul Loses Manu To Oral Cancer
The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Maya is joined by Dr. Parul Dua Makkar—dentist, grief coach, speaker, and author—who shares the heartbreaking journey of losing her only sibling, Manu, to oral cancer at just 34 years old. Parul opens up about the moment she knew something wasn’t right, the delays in diagnosis, what it was like navigating end-of-life care during the height of COVID-19, and how her grief transformed into a powerful mission. She also shares the legacy Manu left behind—his book Life Interrupted, a powerful collection of essays he wrote during his final months, which Parul helped complete and publish...
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Kayla Loses Ashley To Choking
The Surviving Siblings Podcast
In this deeply emotional episode of The Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Kayla, a bereaved sibling who lost her baby sister, Ashley, in a tragic and unexpected medical event in 2006. At just eleven years old, Kayla’s world changed forever when her one-and-a-half-year-old sister suddenly stopped breathing—an event that would later be revealed as a preventable tragedy. Kayla opens up about the deep bond she shared with Ashley, the impact of her sister’s passing on their entire family, and how grief shaped her childhood, teenage years, and adulthood. She shares the...
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Elliet Loses Dylan To A 4-Wheeling Accident
The Surviving Siblings Podcast
In this heartfelt episode of the Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Elliet, a bereaved sibling who lost their younger brother, Dylan, in a tragic four-wheeling accident in 2003. At just eight years old, Elliet’s world was turned upside down when their best friend and only sibling was suddenly gone. Elliet shares their deeply personal journey of navigating grief as a child, how their parents' loss impacted the entire family dynamic, and the emotional weight of growing up as a surviving sibling. They open up about the lasting effects of guilt, the struggle of answering the...
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Jessica Loses Aaron To Drowning
The Surviving Siblings Podcast
In this deeply emotional episode of the Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Jessica Kueck, a bereaved sibling who courageously shares the heartbreaking story of losing her younger brother, Aaron, at just three years old in a tragic drowning accident. Jessica was only 11 when her world was turned upside down, and she reflects on how this loss shaped her childhood, mental health, and journey into adulthood. Jessica opens up about the intense grief her family endured, particularly the profound impact it had on her mother and father. She shares how growing up in a home marked by...
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Michelle Loses Pat To A Plane Crash
The Surviving Siblings Podcast
In this deeply moving episode of the Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Michelle Tobin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, therapist, and author, who shares her emotional journey of losing her brother Patrick in a devastating plane crash. Michelle reflects on the lasting impact of this loss, how it shaped her career in mental health, and the unexpected ways grief has woven itself into her life’s work. She opens up about trauma, healing, and the importance of finding outlets for grief, including writing, physical movement, and faith. Michelle’s story is one of...
info_outlineIn this deeply moving episode of the Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Michelle Tobin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, therapist, and author, who shares her emotional journey of losing her brother Patrick in a devastating plane crash. Michelle reflects on the lasting impact of this loss, how it shaped her career in mental health, and the unexpected ways grief has woven itself into her life’s work. She opens up about trauma, healing, and the importance of finding outlets for grief, including writing, physical movement, and faith.
Michelle’s story is one of resilience, personal transformation, and hope as she discusses how she carried her brother’s memory with her for 50 years, culminating in the release of her novel, Home for the Bewildered. This powerful episode offers insight and comfort for anyone navigating sibling loss and seeking ways to move forward while keeping their loved ones close.
In This Episode:
(0:01:18) - Growing Up in a Large Family
Michelle paints a picture of her family dynamics, growing up as one of twelve children, and the deep admiration she had for her older brother Patrick.
(0:04:36) - The Night of the Tragedy
Michelle recounts the eerie feeling she and her sister had the night before Thanksgiving, followed by the heartbreaking moment they learned of Patrick’s passing.
(0:06:28) - Processing Grief as a Teenager
Michelle reflects on the immediate aftermath of Patrick’s passing, the difficulties of not having closure due to a closed casket, and how grief was handled in her family during the 1970s.
(0:14:53) - The Five-Year Mark and a Divine Intervention
Michelle shares the moment she experienced a divine intervention, a turning point in her healing journey, and how she found solace through swimming and faith.
(0:21:12) - The Importance of Physical Outlets for Grief
Maya and Michelle discuss how physical activity, whether it be swimming, running, or walking, can serve as a powerful release for trauma and emotional pain.
(0:27:17) - Giving Yourself Grace in the Grieving Process
Michelle emphasizes the importance of allowing yourself to grieve in your own way, shutting out societal pressures, and leaning into people who offer true support.
(0:46:21) - Writing Home for the Bewildered 50 Years Later
Michelle discusses how her novel was inspired by her brother’s death and the themes of grief, trauma, and healing embedded in her writing. She also explains the significance of setting the novel in 1974, the year Patrick passed away.
(0:50:56) - Where to Find Michelle’s Book
Michelle shares how listeners can purchase Home for the Bewildered directly from Vine Leaves Press and connect with her through her website and social media.
This episode is a heartfelt exploration of loss, resilience, and finding light after tragedy. Michelle’s story is a testament to the power of healing, self-discovery, and embracing hope, no matter how many years have passed.
This episode is sponsored by Home for the Bewildered written by Michelle Tobin.
Connect with Michelle:
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Website: https://www.michelle-tobin.com/
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle57writes
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Tik Tok: @michelletobin7
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088688944743
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Purchase Her Book Here: https://vineleavespress.myshopify.com/products/home-for-the-bewildered
Connect with Maya:
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Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
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Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
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Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
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Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
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YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
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Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast