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Unspoken Grief

Ep. 6 – Dr. Thomas Joiner: Inside The Mind, Outside The Narrative: Rethinking What Drives Murder-Suicide

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 Line

Text HOME to 741741 Free, 24/7 Mental Health Support 

 

Dr Thomas Joiner:

Email:                joiner@psy.fsu.edu

Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0199334552?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_WTDG24DTBD8N6ZD1RAEB&bestFormat=true

Website: Thomas Joiner | Department of Psychology

Georgia Commission on Family Violence

 

Michael Vinton

Email:                info@impactedsurvivors.com 

Website:    www.michaelvinton.com 

                 http://www.impactedsurvivors.org

Podcast:    Unspoken Grief 

IG:            @therealmichaelvinton

FB:            Michael Vinton

Linkedin:   m/ichael-vinton-6702a373

IDMB:                Michael Vinton (III)

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Tina Chevalier

Email:                Tina@impactedsurvivors.com 

Website:    www.impactedsurvivors.org 

Podcast:   Unspoken Grief

IG:            @impactedsurvivorsofms

FB:            Facebook

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  • Ep. 7 - Grief in the Gray: The Stories You’re Not Hearing About Murder-Suicide

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    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
  • Ep. 5 Unspoken Roundtable - What if?

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    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
  • Ep. 4 - Sara Cobb

    54:48|
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  • Ep 3. Bevin

    58:02|
    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
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  • Ep 1. Unspoken Grief - Michael , Kristina, and Tina

    44:57|
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  • Trailer - Unspoken Grief

    02:32|