Finding Gratitude Through Grief

Michael returns after time away with an episode that's raw, honest, and deeply personal. After a stretch of life feeling "wonky" — and a devastating day that followed — Michael sits down to process the sudden loss of his 24-year-old cat, Cornelius, a beloved companion who spent every evening curled in his lap.In this episode, Michael reflects on what it means to grieve well: honoring memories instead of erasing sadness, and finding meaning in the love that came before goodbye. He shares stories of Cornelius's final days, the support of family — including his son Zack and his girlfriend, and his "favorite ex-wife" — and a quiet, healing moment over chocolate shakes from Steak and Shake. He also touches on other losses in his life, from his brother, sister, and mother to his son's boxer, weaving together a meditation on pet loss, family, and resilience.It's a tender, unfiltered conversation about grief, gratitude, and showing up anyway — plus a few thoughts on where this podcast goes next.