EP01: Rob Royall: “There’s no substitute for enjoying life today.”

Grief and money rarely get talked about in the same breath, but when they do, the conversations are often messy, emotional, and long overdue.   In this first episode of The Currency of Grief, host Justin Weidenfeld sits down with Rob Royall, a clinical researcher and philanthropist who lost both parents to cancer before he turned 30. Rob shares what it was like to navigate the hardest chapter of his life—watching his parents battle illness, managing their estate, and figuring out how to move forward while carrying their legacy with him. What happens when the money meant for retirement becomes an inheritance instead? How do you balance financial security with truly living?   Rob opens up about his parents’ mindset around money, their modest approach to saving, and how their passing changed the way he thinks about building a life. He talks through the logistics he had to handle as an only child—clearing out their home, settling finances, and handling legal red tape. His experience proves why proactive planning matters and why waiting to have those hard conversations can leave unanswered questions that linger for a lifetime.   But this isn’t just a story of loss. It’s about taking grief and turning it into something meaningful. Rob founded a nonprofit golf tournament to raise money for cancer research, blending his love for the game with a mission to help others. His journey is proof that honoring a legacy isn’t about grand gestures but about showing up, doing the work, and making sure the people we love are remembered in ways that truly matter.   The Currency of Grief is a reminder to have the conversations that feel uncomfortable, make the plans we don’t want to think about, and find ways to carry love and legacy forward even in the hardest moments.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction  05:10 Personal Story: Rob’s Parents’ Cancer Diagnosis 08:12 Rob’s Family Life and Marriage Proposal 14:04 Impact of Father’s Cancer Diagnosis 21:31 Rob’s Relationship with His Mother 24:12 Coping with Loss and Finding Support 27:02 Founding Birdies and Brews Charity 29:08 Emotional Processing and Finding Joy 32:40 Transition to Financial and Logistical Responsibilities 41:01 Experience with Estate Attorney 46:23 Financial Planning for Rob’s Family 48:02 Impact of Parents’ Financial Philosophy 51:07 Balancing Work, Family, and Financial Planning 55:27 Celebrating Small Victories   Links Connect with Rob Royall: https://www.birdiesandbrewscharity.com/    Connect with Justin Weidenfeld: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-weidenfeld/ Website: https://www.ironbridgewc.com/team/justin-weidenfeld Instagram: @thecurrencyofgrief_podcast Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm