Losing Both Parents Before You’re 30 - Real Talk About Grief with Tara Accardo

2025-12-18

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There's a loneliness that comes with loss that's hard to describe until you've felt it. That moment when you realize the person you'd normally call isn't there to answer anymore. Tara Accardo knows this pain intimately. In December 2019, she lost her mom to cancer. Six months later, her dad. Then, her beloved dog of 19 years. Each loss compounding the one before, leaving her asking: "What am I going to do?" But this conversation isn't about finding silver linings or moving on. It's about the messy, visceral reality of grief—and the unexpected strength that emerges when you're forced to find your own way forward.

There's a loneliness that comes with loss that's hard to describe until you've felt it. That moment when you realize the person you'd normally call isn't there to answer anymore.

Tara Accardo knows this pain intimately. In December 2019, she lost her mom to cancer. Six months later, her dad. Then, her beloved dog of 19 years. Each loss compounding the one before, leaving her asking: "What am I going to do?"

But this conversation isn't about finding silver linings or moving on. It's about the messy, visceral reality of grief—and the unexpected strength that emerges when you're forced to find your own way forward.

Kate and Tara share openly about:

The physical, gut-wrenching response to loss that catches you off guard
Why grief is a tunnel, not a black hole (and why holding onto that truth matters)
How to navigate people who mean well but can't hold space for your pain
The strange, sacred empowerment of learning to trust yourself through the darkness
Finding your people in a club no one wants to join

If you've lost someone, if you're watching someone you love decline, or if you're simply terrified of the loss you know is coming—this episode will remind you that you're not alone in the dark.

Connect with Tara:

Instagram: @lossesbecamegains + @lifewithgriefpodcast
Podcast: Life with Grief (available everywhere)
Website: https://lossesbecomegains.com/

Ready to Stop Feeling Like You're Doing Grief Wrong?

You can listen to every episode and relate to every story, but if you're still wondering why you're not "better" yet or feeling guilty that you can't just move on, you need more than information.

That's where coaching comes in.

I help women stop judging themselves for how they're grieving, learn to trust their own timeline (not everyone else's expectations), and find a way forward that honors both the person they lost and the life they're still living.

Book your free Coaching Clarity Call: https://www.kategladdin.com/coaching

It's one-on-one with me, completely private, and you'll walk away with clarity and support whether or not coaching is right for you.

A huge shoutout to Kevin Lowe at K-Lowe Music, the talent behind my intro song. Listen to the full version here. Or explore custom music options here.

Connect with Kate: