Grief Works

In this episode, Julia meets journalist Decca Aitkenhead whose life changed forever on a beautiful beach in Jamaica when her four year old boy was pulled out to sea by a wave. Her partner, Tony, swam out and saved their son's life - then drowned before her eyes.

Death affects us all. Yet it is still the last taboo in our society and grief is still profoundly misunderstood. Julia Samuel is joined by Cathy Rentzenbrink, author of The Last Act of Love and now A Manual for Heartache, to discuss how her happy family was torn apart by an unthinkable tragedy when she was a teenager.

In this episode, Julia speaks to British schoolmaster and contemporary historian Sir Anthony Seldon about the recent loss of his wife, Joanna, who died at the age of 62 following a long illness.

In this episode, Julia Samuel meets British comedian, actor and writer Cariad Lloyd to discuss the sudden death of her father while she was in her teens, and the repercussions of this loss through her adult life.

Julia talks to Victoria, whose whole life changed in 2013 when her beloved husband, Nicko, and beautiful daughter, Emily, were killed in a speed boat accident. They discuss the aftermath, how to approach family and friends, and how to find respite from the agony of sudden loss.