Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S2E7 They Weren’t Who We Needed: Grieving the Letdown

2025-03-10

Grieving the Person They Never Were In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor addresses a rarely discussed aspect of grief - mourning the version of a person that never existed. From unfulfilled roles and emotionally distant relationships to unresolved anger and relief, she explores the complex emotions that arise when grieving those you wished had been different. Dr. Taylor emphasizes the validity of these feelings and offers strategies to process this unique type of grief, including...

Grieving the Person They Never Were

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor addresses a rarely discussed aspect of grief - mourning the version of a person that never existed. From unfulfilled roles and emotionally distant relationships to unresolved anger and relief, she explores the complex emotions that arise when grieving those you wished had been different. Dr. Taylor emphasizes the validity of these feelings and offers strategies to process this unique type of grief, including acknowledging the loss for what it is, letting go of the need for an apology, and granting oneself permission to feel a range of emotions. Tune in for an insightful, compassionate discussion on validating your grief, even when it doesn't fit the conventional mold.

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:23 Understanding Complicated Grief

01:35 The Complexity of Grieving Unfulfilled Relationships

07:04 Strategies for Processing Complicated Grief 13:20 Challenging Misconceptions About Grief

14:25 Final Thoughts and Resources

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Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss—because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives.

Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed—this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.

No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through.

https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com

hello@griefisthenewnormal.com

Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language.

Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX

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Opening Music by The Dadicorns

This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.

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