Turning Pain Into Purpose

This week on Two Mothers, One Ashé, Dionne and Yvette sit with Shamayim “Mama Shu” Harris, founder of Avalon Village, for a conversation that moves far beyond titles and accolades. After grounding together in breath, Mama Shu opens up about the losses that reshaped her life—her mother, Christine, and her sons, Jakobi Ra and Chinyelu. She shares what it meant to survive the kind of grief that feels unsurvivable… and the moment she realized she was still here. Together, they explore ancestors, purpose, community, and the radical idea that joy is not a betrayal of the ones we’ve lost. This episode is about finding meaning, building containers for love, and allowing grief to transform—not define—you. We close, as always, with a moment of Ashé, speaking names aloud and breathing life into memory. Two Mothers, One Aché: A Grief Dialogue is produced and distributed by ⁠Merrick Studios⁠ and hosted by ⁠Yvette Dávila⁠ and ⁠Dionne C. Monsanto⁠. Each episode offers a brave and intimate space where grief is spoken aloud, healing is shared, and love refuses to fade—listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever your journey takes you. Join the conversation on Instagram ⁠@2mothers1achepod⁠ and learn more at ⁠wearemerrickstudios.com/two-mothers-one-ache-pod.⁠ Original music by Dasan T. Broadnax, known artistically as O.D. Mongrel. Discover more of his work on all streaming platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices