Dr Emily Musgrove believes we don’t need to fix grief

When someone we love dies, our world shifts in ways we can’t always name. Too often we’re left to navigate grief without a guide, unsure of what to say, how to feel, or even what’s expected of us. Dr Emily Musgrove is a clinical psychologist who specialises in grief, loss and trauma — and while her expertise is invaluable, what makes her work so powerful is her deep understanding of our need to connect, to make meaning, and to be witnessed in our hardest moments. You may know Emily from The Imperfects podcast or her book Unstuck: A Guide to Finding Your Way Forward to the Life You Want to Live, where she brings warmth, clarity and compassion to a subject so many of us struggle to face. In this conversation, Emily explains why grief isn’t something to be “fixed,” how ritual can help us honour what we’ve lost, and why there is no such thing as a hierarchy of grief. She shares insights on parenting through loss, holding space for others, and the quiet power of simply showing up. Whether you are grieving, supporting someone who is, or trying to understand this part of life a little better, this episode offers comfort and perspective — and above all, a reminder that none of us are truly alone in our grief. FIND OUT MORE If you’re caring for aging parents, navigating your own next chapter, or just trying to keep all the balls in the air—you’re not alone. At Violet, we offer free tools and support to help families navigate the last stage of life with care and confidence. Visit violet.org.au to start the conversation. CREDITS  Host: Melissa Reader Guest: Dr. Emily Musgrave Executive Producer: Lize Ratliff Find out more about Violet at violet.org.au Agehood is the podcast that finally says what we're all thinking but rarely saying out loud. Hosted by Melissa Reader, CEO of Violet, we have the conversations that matter most: watching our parents age, being everyone's go-to person, the mess of love and duty, what it really takes to care for those we love, and yes, death, dying, and loss. You'll hear Australia's most trusted voices, from beloved broadcasters to respected experts, vulnerably sharing their own stories alongside practical guidance that actually helps. This isn't about having all the answers—it's about asking the right questions and knowing you're not alone.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.