Grief Stigma, Sibling Loss, and Living Alongside Grief with Nina Rodriguez

 When Nina Rodriguez's brother died suddenly on September 11, 2019 — the day after his 32nd birthday — she was catapulted into a grief she had no language for. His death from fentanyl poisoning added a layer of stigma that kept her silent for nearly a year, protecting his memory while quietly unraveling on her own.

In this episode, Nina shares her journey from real estate agent to grief-informed guide and award-winning podcast host, why sibling grief is one of the most overlooked and under-resourced losses there is, and how approaching grief with curiosity rather than correction changed everything for her. She also talks about navigating collective family grief, reclaiming identity after loss, and how continued bonds and signs from beyond have sustained her connection to her brother.

Whether you have lost a sibling, a parent, a partner, or a friend — this conversation about grief literacy, honesty, and hope will meet you where you are.

🔗 Nina's Website: https://griefandlight.com 📖 Always a Sibling by Annie Sclaver Ornstein: https://www.amazon.com/Always-Sibling-Annie-Sclaver-Ornstein/dp/XXXXXX

Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/jxTfoX5mm5E