Making meaning: Love, Weed and Grief

  In this conversation, Sheena and Daniel sit down to reflect on identity. Daniel explains why he now specializes in grief counseling—personal losses and years supporting caregivers. He emphasizes using direct language about death, the emotional weight and rewards of connection, and the use of rituals to honor loss. They discuss grief beyond death, stigma, trauma, and meaning-making. The conversation turns to his love story: meeting his South African partner online, sustaining years of communication before meeting in person, and shifting from scarcity mindset to investing in happiness. Daniel shares his plans to move to SA, and navigating fears about politics and adjustment. He closes with his best advice. 00:00 Meet the Guest 00:39 Identity Beyond Work 03:18 Rethinking Work Ethic 06:21 Why Grief Counseling 12:47 Talking About Death 16:13 Grief Beyond Death 19:55 Stages and Meaning 24:56 Trauma and Stigma 30:01 Regrets and Relationships 35:54 Heavy Days and Burnout 37:32 Human Connection in Care 38:26 Grief and Joy Together 39:06 Rituals to Honor Loss 42:29 Meeting Love During COVID 45:41 Long Distance to First Visit 48:08 Chemistry and Travel Lessons 52:15 Attachment Identity and Partnership 57:42 Moving Plans and Marriage Talk 01:04:58 Fears Excitement and Gratitude 01:10:47 Closing Advice