Unspoken Grief

In this episode of Unspoken Grief, hosts Michael Vinton and Tina Chevalier talk about their survivor-led nonprofit community, ISMS (Impacted Survivors of Murder Suicide), which offers peer support spaces, awareness, and advocacy, especially for families of the person who caused harm. Michael and Tina share their experiences losing their loved ones five years ago, describing shock, sleeplessness, confusion, stigma, and the difficulty of grieving someone who also caused harm, while emphasizing that loved ones are “more than their final act.” They discuss ripple effects on friends, neighbors, witnesses, and first responders, the long journey after headlines fade, practical aftermath issues, and concerns about sensationalized media language and oversimplified explanations. They highlight hope found through community, expand support calls, and invite listeners to access resources at impactedsurvivors.org988 Lifeline number: https://988lifeline.org/ At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be complex. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone. Didi Hirsch Mental Services: didihirsch.org Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741 Free, 24/7 Mental Health Support  Michael VintonEmail:                info@impactedsurvivors.com Website:    www.michaelvinton.com                  http://www.impactedsurvivors.orgPodcast:    Unspoken Grief IG:            @therealmichaelvintonFB:            Michael VintonLinkedin:   m/ichael-vinton-6702a373IDMB:                Michael Vinton (III)Headshot: Headshot 1                 Headshot 2 Tina ChevalierEmail:                Tina@impactedsurvivors.com Website:    www.impactedsurvivors.org Podcast:   Unspoken GriefIG:            @impactedsurvivorsofmsFB:            FacebookHeadshot; Headshot

In this episode of Unspoken Grief, hosts Michael Vinton and Tina Chevalier welcome psychologist and researcher Dr. Thomas Joiner, whose work is widely cited in survivor communities and who authored The Perversion of Virtue, a book the hosts frequently reference in presentations about murder-suicide. Joiner explains how his research led him to conclude most murder-suicides are planned and rooted in a distorted, “virtuous” rationale tied to four perverted virtues—justice, mercy, duty, and glory—illustrating examples including Columbine and the influence of Timothy McVeigh. The group discusses stigma faced by survivors, language challenges around “perpetrator,” why families may not see their loved one as suicidal, the value of psychological autopsies, and how suicide prevention strategies like means safety and effective CBT may also prevent murder-suicide.988 Lifeline number: https://988lifeline.org/ At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be complex. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone. Didi Hirsch Mental Services: didihirsch.org Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741 Free, 24/7 Mental Health Support  Dr Thomas Joiner:Email:                joiner@psy.fsu.eduBook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0199334552?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_WTDG24DTBD8N6ZD1RAEB&bestFormat=trueWebsite: Thomas Joiner | Department of PsychologyGeorgia Commission on Family Violence Michael VintonEmail:                info@impactedsurvivors.com Website:    www.michaelvinton.com                  http://www.impactedsurvivors.orgPodcast:    Unspoken Grief IG:            @therealmichaelvintonFB:            Michael VintonLinkedin:   m/ichael-vinton-6702a373IDMB:                Michael Vinton (III)Headshot: Headshot 1                 Headshot 2 Tina ChevalierEmail:                Tina@impactedsurvivors.com Website:    www.impactedsurvivors.org Podcast:   Unspoken GriefIG:            @impactedsurvivorsofmsFB:            FacebookHeadshot; Headshot

In this heartfelt episode of the Unspoken Grief podcast, hosts Tina Chevalier, Kristina Faulkner, and Michael Venton dive deep into their personal stories as survivors of murder-suicides and wonder what life might be like if they had never had to face such tragedies. They go on to explore some of the positive and strange outcomes that have occurred since their loses as well. They also share updates from recent conferences, exciting developments in their nonprofit work, and the new grief course designed for children. Join them for a poignant discussion on turning tragedy into purposeful living, and discover how love, community, and being present in the moment have been crucial in their healing journeys. This episode is an invaluable resource for anyone affected by trauma and looking for support and understanding.988 Lifeline number: https://988lifeline.org/ At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be complex. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.  Didi Hirsch Mental Services: didihirsch.org  Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 Free, 24/7 Mental Health Support   Michael VintonEmail: info@impactedsurvivors.com Website: www.michaelvinton.com                 http://www.impactedsurvivors.org IG: @therealmichaelvintonFB: Michael VintonLinkedin: m/ichael-vinton-6702a373IDMB: Michael Vinton (III)  Tina ChevalierEmail: Tina@impactedsurvivors.com Website: www.impactedsurvivors.org IG: @impactedsurvivorsofmsKristina FaulknerEmail: kbellatino@gmail.comWebsite: www.getinspiredtherapy.com                www.impactedsurvivors.org  CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Welcome02:03 Honoring Lost Loved Ones04:32 Conference Highlights and Updates10:50 Children's Grief Course Announcement13:02 Reflecting on Personal Loss and Growth27:40 Struggles of Stepping into New Roles30:05 The Importance of Community for Survivors39:48 Fears of Future Losses47:13 Coping Mechanisms and Personal Growth55:43 Closing Thoughts and Resources

Join hosts Tina Chevalier, Kristina Faulkner, and Michael Vinton on Unspoken Grief as they dive deep into the complexities of murder-suicide loss with special guest Sara Cobb, a licensed professional counselor and founder of My Grief Connection. Sarah bravely shares her personal journey of losing her brother in a murder-suicide and how this tragedy has fueled her passion for grief and mental health advocacy. Together, they explore the importance of finding support, coping with trauma, and providing resources for survivors. This emotional and insightful episode aims to break the silence surrounding grief and help others navigate their own paths to healing.  988 Lifeline number: https://988lifeline.org/ At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be complex. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.  Didi Hirsch Mental Services: didihirsch.org  Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 Free, 24/7 Mental Health Support   Sara Cobb Email_mygriefconnection@outlook.comWebsite www.mygriefconnection.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarajcobb/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mygriefconnectionInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/my_grief_connection/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mygriefconnection/boards/YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@mygriefconnection  Michael VintonEmail: info@impactedsurvivors.com Website: www.michaelvinton.com                 http://www.impactedsurvivors.org IG: @therealmichaelvintonFB: Michael VintonLinkedin: m/ichael-vinton-6702a373IDMB: Michael Vinton (III)  Tina ChevalierEmail: Tina@impactedsurvivors.com Website: www.impactedsurvivors.org IG: @impactedsurvivorsofmsKristina FaulknerEmail: kbellatino@gmail.comWebsite: www.getinspiredtherapy.com                www.impactedsurvivors.org  CHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome and Introductions01:12 Sharing Personal Losses03:11 Introducing Special Guest Sarah Cobb05:29 Sarah Cobb's Grief Journey13:51 Impact of Childhood Trauma23:47 Family Conversations on Grief30:35 Navigating Conversations About Loss33:52 Sharing Grief in Public Spaces40:11 Understanding Murder-Suicide45:04 Advice for New Grievers49:59 The Ongoing Process of Healing50:22 Closing Remarks and Resources

In this episode of 'Unspoken Grief,' hosts Michael Vinton, Tina Chevalier, and Kristina Faulkner engage in a powerful conversation with Bevin Vinton about her experience of losing both her husband and mother in a murder suicide. Bevin discusses the complexities of grieving for both the perpetrator and the victim, recounting the harrowing details of that tragic day and her journey toward healing. The episode emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and forgiveness, while offering support and understanding to those navigating similar paths of loss. Listeners are advised about the sensitive content and are encouraged to seek help if needed. The conversation serves as a vital reminder that no one is alone in their grief, and that healing, though challenging, is possible.  00:00 Introduction to Unspoken Grief Podcast01:16 Meet the Hosts03:01 Introducing Special Guest: Bevin Vinton03:37 Sharing Personal Loss Stories06:30 Bevin's Background and Life Before the Tragedy20:26 The Day of the Tragedy30:25 Receiving the Suicide Note32:13 Understanding Over Controllers35:12 Jimmy's Apology and Family Dynamics37:38 Support Systems and Relationships42:05 Grieving Both the Perpetrator and the Victim47:42 Witnessing the Tragedy53:05 Coping with Trauma and Triggers54:47 Unique Relationships in Murder-Suicide Cases01:01:46 Final Thoughts and Advice01:04:21 Conclusion and Resources988 Lifeline number: https://988lifeline.org/ At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be complex. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.  Didi Hirsch Mental Services: didihirsch.org  Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 Free, 24/7 Mental Health Support   Michael VintonEmail: info@impactedsurvivors.com Website: www.michaelvinton.com                 http://www.impactedsurvivors.orgPodcast: Unspoken Grief  IG: @therealmichaelvintonFB: Michael Vinton Linkedin: m/ichael-vinton-6702a373 IDMB: Michael Vinton (III)  Tina ChevalierEmail: Tina@impactedsurvivors.com Website: www.impactedsurvivors.org Podcast: Unspoken GriefIG: @impactedsurvivorsofmsFB: Facebook  Kristina FaulknerEmail: kbellatino@gmail.comWebsite: www.getinspiredtherapy.com                www.impactedsurvivors.org Podcast: Unspoken Grief

In this episode of the Unspoken Grief podcast, hosts Michael Vinton, Tina Chevalier, and Christina Faulkner engage in a profound conversation with Cori Newhouse, a survivor of murder-suicide. Dedicated to those who have lost loved ones under tragic circumstances, the podcast delves into the intricate facets of grief, healing, and resilience. Cori shares her personal journey of losing her father and stepmother to a murder-suicide 15 years ago, exploring themes of support, societal perceptions, and the struggles of family dynamics in the aftermath. The hosts and Cori discuss the importance of community, the challenges of processing such a deep loss, and the valuable insights gained from professional therapy and personal introspection. Listener discretion is advised due to the sensitive nature of the content, and resources for support are provided in the show notes.  00:00 Introduction to Unspoken Grief Podcast01:17 Meet the Hosts02:56 Sharing Personal Loss Stories04:16 Introducing the Special Guest04:55 Guest's Background and Personal Story08:21 The Day of the Tragedy12:23 Processing the Aftermath22:29 Therapist's Perspective on Grief30:55 Family Dynamics and Complicated Relationships32:31 Struggles with Grief and Guilt35:11 The Impact of Trauma on Daily Life45:46 Cultural and Religious Differences in Mourning48:28 Navigating Media and Public Perception49:28 The Healing Power of Writing52:44 Helpful and Unhelpful Support57:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts988 Lifeline number: https://988lifeline.org/ At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be complex. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.  Didi Hirsch Mental Services: didihirsch.org  Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 Free, 24/7 Mental Health Support   Michael VintonEmail: info@impactedsurvivors.com Website: www.michaelvinton.com                 http://www.impactedsurvivors.orgPodcast: Unspoken Grief  IG: @therealmichaelvintonFB: Michael Vinton Linkedin: m/ichael-vinton-6702a373 IDMB: Michael Vinton (III)  Tina ChevalierEmail: Tina@impactedsurvivors.com Website: www.impactedsurvivors.org Podcast: Unspoken GriefIG: @impactedsurvivorsofmsFB: Facebook  Kristina FaulknerEmail: kbellatino@gmail.comWebsite: www.getinspiredtherapy.com                www.impactedsurvivors.orgPodcast: Unspoken Grief