{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Navigating Childhood Loss and Grief Through Storytelling","description":"This episode is dedicated to Katie\u2019s dear friend Joe, who recently passed away, leaving behind his wife and two young sons. Joe\u2019s story reminds us to live in alignment with our purpose and to cherish the people we love. In this heartfelt episode of the Child Life On Call podcast, Katie Taylor speaks with B.R. Duray, an author, filmmaker, and storyteller whose debut children's book, The Mood Swing, is rooted in his experience of losing his father at the age of 10. With it being Father\u2019s Day this past weekend, this conversation takes on even deeper meaning. B.R. shares how grief has shaped his creative life, the ways it resurfaces during important life moments, and how his book can help both children and adults find healing together. Whether you're a parent, a grieving adult, or a healthcare provider, this episode provides validation, comfort, and hope.  5 Key Takeaways from this Episode: \u2705 Grief grants both pain and power B.R. explains how losing his dad gave him heightened emotional sensitivity and a creative voice to express and process those feelings. \u2705 Grief resurfaces in different stages of life He shares how emotions from his childhood resurfaced 20 years later during his engagement, reinforcing that grief evolves with us. \u2705 Reading about grief helps parents, too Though The Mood Swing was written for children, it often evokes emotional responses from adults who find healing in its message. \u2705 The Mood Swing originated as a film The story began as a poem and animated concept, but eventually took form as a children\u2019s book\u2014and later inspired a short film. \u2705 Parents can model healthy grief Katie and B.R. discuss how parents showing emotions in front of children teaches them it\u2019s safe to feel and process grief together.   \ud83d\udccdEpisode Highlights: \u23f1\ufe0f [3:00] \u2013 Katie dedicates the episode to her late friend Joe and reflects on how his life reminds us to live with purpose. \u23f1\ufe0f [4:00] \u2013 B.R. shares how his father\u2019s death shaped his creativity and opened his heart to telling meaningful stories. \u23f1\ufe0f [10:30] \u2013 Discussion around how grief reemerges during milestones like engagements and weddings. \u23f1\ufe0f [16:30] \u2013 The story behind The Mood Swing, how it began as a movie concept, and why B.R. shifted to a book format for a deeper connection. \u23f1\ufe0f [22:00] \u2013 B.R. reflects on the emotional reactions he\u2019s received from adults who have read The Mood Swing and how grief connects us all. \u23f1\ufe0f [24:00] \u2013 Katie and B.R. talk about the importance of parents being open with their grief in front of children to foster healthy emotional expression.   \ud83d\udcd8 About The Mood Swing The Mood Swing follows Peter, a young boy navigating the highs and lows of emotion on a magical swing that helps him find balance through physical sensation and presence. Inspired by B.R.'s childhood grief, the book supports kids through big emotions without directly referencing death\u2014making it a versatile tool for many types of emotional challenges. \ud83c\udf10 Resources & Links from today\u2019s episode: Buy The Mood Swing on Amazon Visit moodswing-media.com \u2013 View the book trailer, film, or donate a copy \ud83d\udcf2 Stay Connected: Follow @childlifeoncall on Instagram Subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform Share this episode with a friend, parent, or provider who needs it today The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided. ","author_name":"Inside the Children's Hospital","author_url":"http:\/\/insidethechildrenshospital.com","html":"