What happens when there’s nobody left?In the first episode of Season 4, journalist Deirdre O’Shaughnessy talks about grief, losing both her parents, and what it means to rebuild life as an only child.We explore the strange mix of survival and strength, the isolation of carrying memories alone, and how loss reshapes identity, relationships, and perspective.Deirdre has also just launched her own podcast, The Deirdre O’Shaughnessy Podcast from the Irish Examiner, that will air every Tuesday and Friday.🔗 Follow & Listen: 📸 Deirdre on Instagram 📸 Life’s Too Short on Instagram 📝 Subscribe to my Substack🎧 Catch up on all episodes here💙 If this conversation resonates, please follow, rate, and leave a quick review wherever you listen. It helps more people find conversations about grief, loss, and rebuilding after loss.🎧 Life’s Too Short: Season 4, Episode 1 with Deirdre O’Shaughnessy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Still Here: A Quick Update on Season 4
Hi everyone, it’s Sarah here.Just popping into your feed to say hello and let you know I haven’t disappeared! I’m quietly working away in the background to bring you Season 4 of Life’s Too Short.In this short update, I share a little about what’s happening behind the scenes, why these conversations take time, and how special the first interviews for the new season have already been - including a moving chat with Deirdre, who spoke about the complex journey of losing both of her parents.Thank you for sticking with me while I get these stories ready. I can’t wait to share Season 4 with you very soon.Follow along on Instagram or join me on Substack for my weekly writing on grief while you wait for the new episodes.Chat soon,Sarah x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Aoife Gillespie Part 2: Navigating the Final Days Of Her Husband Jason
In this deeply moving episode of Life’s Too Short, Aoife Gillespie courageously shares her experience of preparing for the death of her husband after receiving a terminal diagnosis. Aoife opens up about the complex emotions of navigating grief, raising children while coping with the looming loss, and finding hope in the face of overwhelming sorrow. Through her powerful words, Aoife offers valuable insights into the realities of caring for a loved one with a terminal illness, how we can talk about grief, and how to navigate life after loss.Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as she continues to find moments of light amidst the darkest of times. Aoife’s vulnerability will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss or is navigating their own journey of grief.For those seeking support in Ireland, there are several resources available for those dealing with a terminal diagnosis and the grief that follows:Irish Cancer Society: Provides support for those affected by cancer, including helplines, counselling, and practical advice. www.cancer.ieHospice Foundation- Ireland: Offers palliative care and support for individuals facing a terminal diagnosis and their families. www.hospicefoundation.iePieta House: Offers support for individuals and families affected by suicide, self-harm, and bereavement. www.pieta.ieAnam Cara: Provides support for bereaved parents and families, including information, guidance, and peer-led support groups. www.anamcara.ieFollow Aoife Gillespie to learn more about her journey and to connect with her on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aoifegaa/Tune in to this powerful episode and hear Aoife’s story of love, loss, and the strength to keep moving forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Aoife Gillespie: Navigating the Final Days Of Her Husband Jason
Anticipatory Grief – Aoife Gillespie’s Story (Part 1)In this powerful first part of a two-part episode, I sit down with Aoife Gillespie as she shares her deeply personal journey of love, loss, and resilience. Aoife’s husband, Jason, is in the final stages of his life, and she reflects on their relationship—the highs and lows, the struggles with mental health and addiction, and the challenges they’ve faced within the healthcare system. At the heart of this conversation is anticipatory grief—the emotional process of mourning a loved one before they are gone. As a mother and caregiver, Aoife speaks candidly about how she is coping, offering insight into the unique pain of preparing for loss while still trying to cherish every moment.This episode is an honest and heartfelt exploration of grief, love, and the strength it takes to keep going. If you or someone you love has been affected by the themes in this conversation, please know that support is available. Here are some Irish organizations that offer help:Irish Hospice Foundation – Providing support for those experiencing grief and lossAnam Cara – Support for parents who have lost a childPieta House – Free, professional support for those struggling with suicidal thoughts or bereavementHSE Mental Health Services – Access to professional mental health support in IrelandIf you are in distress or need immediate help, you can also contact Samaritans Ireland (116 123, free 24/7) or Text 50808 for confidential support via text.If you found this episode meaningful, you can support the podcast through just the cost of a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifestooshortpodcastand follow along on social media to stay connected. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifestooshortpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifestooshortpodcastStay tuned for Part 2, where we continue this important conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Arlene Bailey On The Sudden Death of her Father, and How Just We Need To Keep Living
In the second episode of Life’s Too Short Season 3, I sit down with musician and mental health advocate Arlene Bailey. Arlene opens up about the sudden death of her father and how she has navigated her grief and her life in the years since.Her story is one of heartbreak, resilience, and the ongoing journey of healing. Through her work and advocacy, Arlene sheds light on the importance of mental health and finding purpose after loss.Thank you Arlene xIf you would like to connect with Arlene you can check out her Instagram.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️Lastly, if you would like to support the podcast, you can do so in a couple of different ways;By just the cost of a coffee via buymeacoffee.com/lifestooshortpodcast✨️ By sharing this with family, friends, or colleagues✨️ Liking, sharing, commenting, or saving these posts on Instagram or TikTok (engagement REALLY helps small accounts)✨️ Hitting subscribe/ follow on your podcast platform and leaving a reviewAnd I want to say a huge thank you to all who have been part of this journey so far - guests, supporters, and all you listeners - THANK YOU. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hello, I’m Sarah Mc Ginn, and you’re listening to Life's Too ShortI believe that grief has the power to change your life forever.Your beliefs, your desires, your motivators, and your purpose,I want to speak with people who have also experienced great grief in their lives.What can we learn from people who have lived through the unimaginable?And how do we ensure that we are making the most of our time here?Because, as we all know, life is too short. Each week I'll be speaking with a different guest on their experiences through grief, and how the lives they lived have been changed, forever. The conversations may be hard to listen to at times, but they are important to hear, important to take what you can from their stories and journeys.And, as with the complexities of life, there is lightness and laughter running through each and every story. So grab your cup of tea, or pop on your runners (whatever way you like to listen to your podcasts) and plug your earphones in to listen to these stories of....hope.To support this podcast and allow me to keep bringing you these stories, please consider popping over to https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifestooshortpodcastThank you ✨️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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