Touch of the Tism 5 - Grief, Guilt & Finding Joy Anyway

This episode of Touch of the Tism begins in classic chaotic fashion, studio mishaps, Seattle dogs, retail exhaustion, but quickly shifts into something deeper.

Holly opens up about losing a longtime friend under complicated and painful circumstances. The conversation moves through grief, survivor’s guilt, boundaries, addiction, and the impossible “what ifs” we replay when someone dies. Siobhan shares her own experiences with loss, including the guilt that pushed her into therapy. Danielle reflects on losing her father and the long tail of grief that never fully disappears, just evolves.

The trio explores what it means to set boundaries with people who are struggling, how loving someone doesn’t mean you can save them, and why laughter and dark humor sometimes become survival tools. They also touch on mental health resources, community support, and the political climate that shapes how safe (or unsafe) people feel seeking help.

Through stories about funerals, cremation mishaps, immigrant Lyft drivers, and volunteer work, the conversation lands on one core truth:

Grief is the price of love.
 And joy is still available, even in the middle of it.

This episode is vulnerable, wide-ranging, and deeply human.