Too Young to Grieve

Grief is always difficult…But when it happens young, it can feel incredibly isolating.In this episode, I sit down with Ria Kalsi to talk about the reality of young grief: what it’s like being in the minority of people your age going through loss, and why it can feel so hard to relate to others around you.We also explore the types of grief we don’t always talk about, what school never teaches us about loss, and what meaningful support for young people actually looks like.A really honest and important conversation.Connect with us:@tooyoungtogrieve@riakalsi

Grief doesn’t just change how you feel…It changes your relationships too.In this episode, I sit down with Sally Douglas to talk about why people don’t always show up when you’re grieving, how friendships and family dynamics shift after loss, and how your perspective on people can completely change.We also get into the reality of grief itself: what it actually feels like day to day, why it’s so hard to explain, and the parts no one really prepares you for.A really honest conversation about both the internal experience of grief and the external impact it has on the people around you.Connect with us:@tooyoungtogrieve@goodmourningpodcast @sallydouglasgrief

There are conversations we avoid having…Until it’s too late.In this episode, I sit down with Sam to talk about something most people don’t think about until they’re already in it — preparing for loss, the conversations we don’t have, and what it’s like to lose someone without saying everything you wish you had.This isn’t just about grief…It’s about what happens before it.We speak about the things left unsaid, why we avoid talking about death, and how thinking about this now can change the way you show up in your relationships.A powerful and important conversation.

In this episode of Too Young To Grieve, I’m joined by Bucket List Boy Shane, who shares how losing his mum completely changed the way he lives.After losing his mum, Shane made a decision to create a bucket list filled with activities from childhood to navigate his grief journey in a playful and hopeful way. In this episode we discuss:​Losing a parent and the impact it has​Why he created a bucket list​The shift from surviving to living​Why grief and joy can coexist​What grief teaches you about life​How humour can help you during griefThis episode is a powerful reminder that while grief changes you, it can also change how you choose to live.🎧 New episodes every SundayFollow Too Young To Grieve to stay connected.Connect with us:@tooyoungtogrieve@bucketlistboyshane@lukealfano11

In this episode of Too Young To Grieve, I sit down with Jack Ciapciak to talk about losing your fiancé and what partner loss actually looks like beyond the surface.This isn’t just a conversation about grief.It’s about the life you were building together.The silence after the funeral.The physical exhaustion no one prepares you for.And learning how to carry love when the person isn’t here anymore.We spoke about:– What makes losing a partner different from other types of grief– The shock and physical toll grief takes on your body– The quiet, lonely moments after everyone goes back to normal– The pillow his fiancé bought him and why physical objects can hold so much meaning– How what brings comfort in grief changes over time– Writing publicly about loss and helping others feel less alone– What grief has taught him about loveThis episode is gentle, honest and deeply human.If you’ve ever lost “your person,” or you’re trying to understand someone who has - I hope this conversation makes you feel seen.Connect with us:@tooyoungtogrieve@jackciapciak@lukealfano11

In this episode of Too Young To Grieve, I’m joined by Dr Chloe Paidoussis-Mitchell - a clincal psychologists and author of the fantastic grief book The Loss Prescription - for a powerful conversation about how grief changes who you are.After loss, many people feel like they should go back to who they were before. The reality is, grief often reshapes your identity in ways you don’t expect.In this episode we discuss:• Why you don’t go back to who you were before loss• How grief changes your identity• The emotional patterns that come with grief• What “healing” really means• Learning to live with change after lossIf you’ve ever felt different after grief, this episode will help you understand why.🎧 New episodes every SundayFollow Too Young To Grieve to stay connected.

In this episode of Too Young To Grieve, I’m joined by Josh Connolly for a powerful conversation about a different kind of grief - the grief of not having the parents you needed.Not all grief comes from losing someone.Sometimes it comes from growing up in environments where your emotional needs weren’t met.We explore how childhood experiences shape who we become, the emotional patterns we carry into adulthood, and what it takes to begin healing.In this episode we discuss:• The grief of toxic or emotionally absent parents• How childhood impacts identity and relationships• The concept of the inner child• Breaking generational cycles• Breathwork and emotional release• Rebuilding yourself after difficult early experiencesIf you’ve ever felt like your past still affects your present, this episode will resonate.🎧 New episodes every Sunday @ 5pmFollow us to stay connected:@tooyoungtogrieve @josh_ffw@lukealfano11

In this episode of Too Young To Grieve, I’m joined by Travis Holp, an evidential medium whose work explores the connection between grief and the possibility of life after death.Many grieving people find themselves searching for signs or moments that feel like a connection to the person they’ve lost.In this conversation we explore why grief often brings those questions to the surface.We discuss:• Why people search for signs after loss• The emotional reality of grief• What people experience during medium readings• The tension between skepticism and hope• How grief changes belief systemsThis episode is a thoughtful exploration of grief, connection, and the questions that follow loss.Connect with us:@tooyoungtogrieve@traviswarriorunicorn@lukealfano11

⚠️ Content Note:This episode contains discussion of suicide and suicide loss. If this is a sensitive topic for you, please take care while listening.If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. In the UK you can contact Samaritans on 116 123, or visit samaritans.org for support.In this episode of Too Young To Grieve, I’m joined by Ross Kent for a deeply honest conversation about losing a partner and navigating life after suicide loss.Ross shares what it’s like to lose “your person,” not just the relationship, but the future you imagined together.We talk about the emotional reality of suicide grief, the silence many men feel around loss, and the complicated journey of dating again after grief.In this episode we discuss:• Partner loss and why it feels different from other grief• Suicide bereavement and unanswered questions• Men’s mental health and emotional openness• Dating again after losing someone you love• Expanding love rather than replacing itIf you’ve ever felt like grief changed the direction of your life, this conversation will resonate deeply.Connect with us:@tooyoungtogrieve@lukealfano11@rosskentt

In this episode of Too Young To Grieve, I’m joined by Dr Erin Hope MBE — Clinical Psychologist and founder of The Loss Foundation, a national cancer bereavement charity.We dive into the reality of grief after losing someone to cancer, how it can impact you at any age, and what support actually helps when life feels completely shaken.Dr Erin shares both professional insight and personal perspective following the death of her father to cancer, and explains why bereavement support in the UK still has significant gaps.In this episode, we talk about:• How grief after cancer can show up differently• What people misunderstand about bereavement especially after feeling anticipatory grief• Why young people can feel especially isolated in grief• The biggest gaps in bereavement support right now• What genuinely helps when you’re in the fog of loss• The work The Loss Foundation is doing to support familiesIf you’ve been affected by cancer loss, or you’re trying to support someone who has, this conversation will help you feel less alone and better understood 🤍New episode every Sunday at 5pm🕊️ If you’re struggling with loss or feeling stuck, I write once a week for people rebuilding quietly after grief:https://mailchi.mp/3a89e0b5e293/shk7zzbuls👉 Connect with us:@tooyoungtogrieve@lukealfano11@dr_erin_hope

In this episode of Too Young To Grieve, I’m joined by Ben West - a mental health campaigner and creator of reasons to stay. This is a powerful and honest conversation about grief, pressure, and why so many people are quietly struggling right now.We talk about Ben’s early experience of loss, how grief can shape you at a young age, what he’s learned through building the Reasons To Stay movement, and what truly needs to change in how we approach mental health today.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to support someone who’s struggling, this conversation will resonate.🎧 Listen now and follow Too Young To Grieve for weekly conversations around grief, mental health, and rebuilding life after loss.Connect with us:@iambenwest@tooyoungtogrieve@lukealfano11

In this episode of Too Young To Grieve, I’m joined by Daniela Martinez, also known as @amakeupfairy, for a deeply honest conversation about mum grief and the mother–daughter bond.We talk about what it feels like to lose your mum young, how it changes your sense of safety, and what it’s like growing into womanhood without the person who was meant to guide you through it.This is a gentle, real conversation about love, identity, faith, and the early days of grief.In this episode, we discuss:– The mother–daughter bond and why it’s so unique– What mum grief feels like in the early stages– Growing into adulthood without your mum– Identity, faith, and finding strength after loss– The emotional safety mums provide– How grief changes your perspective on lifeIf you’ve lost your mum, or love someone who has, this episode will make you feel seen.If you've ever felt misunderstood on your grief journey, you're safe here. Feel free to follow the podcast and share it with someone who might need it.Connect with us:@tooyoungtogrieve@amakeupfairy@lukealfano11

Dating after grief can feel confusing, scary, and lonely.In this episode of Too Young To Grieve, we talk honestly about what it’s like to open your heart again after loss — the fear of getting attached, the guilt of enjoying love again, and how grief changes the way you see relationships forever.This conversation explores:– Why love feels unsafe after grief– The fear of losing someone again– How grief changes what you look for in a partner– The pressure to feel “ready”– Practical ways to date gently and honestly after lossThis episode isn’t about having all the answers.It’s about helping you feel understood if you’re navigating connection after grief.If you’ve ever thought:“I want love again… but I’m scared,”this episode is for you.👉 Connect with us:@tooyoungtogrieve@lukealfano11

In this episode of Too Young To Grieve, I sit down with Dev to talk about how grief changes you over time, and how it’s still possible to live a full, loving and meaningful life after loss.This isn’t about the moment everything broke.It’s about the years after, through lived experience. We talk about how grief reshapes your identity, how happiness and sadness can exist together, and what it really looks like to rebuild purpose, routine, and relationships after loss — including navigating parenting and responsibility while still carrying your own grief.In this episode, we explore:– How grief shows up differently years later– Why you don’t go back to who you were before– Learning to live fully without forgetting who you lost– Parenting and responsibility after grief– The role of fitness and movement in healing– Why choosing positivity isn’t betrayalIf you’ve ever wondered,“Will I ever feel like myself again?”This conversation is for you.🎧 Out now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.Connect with us:@tooyoungtogrieve@lukealfano11

In this special listener Q&A episode of Too Young To Grieve, Luke answers the most honest, difficult, and heartfelt questions sent in by young people navigating loss.Together, we explore:• Does grief ever actually get easier?• Why loss changes the way we see life and the afterlife• The guilt of feeling happy again• Loneliness even when you’re surrounded by people• Anger in grief and why it’s normal• How grief reshapes your identity• And what we wish people understood about griefThis episode isn’t about fixing grief.It’s about sitting with it honestly.Luke shares reflections from his own journey, psychological insight, and the emotional realities of young grief - offering reassurance for anyone who feels lost, behind, or broken after loss.If you’re grieving quietly, questioning everything, or simply trying to survive day by day… this episode is for you.👉 Follow the podcast to support young grievers.👉 Share this episode with someone who might need it.👉 And remember: you are not doing grief wrong.Connect with us:@tooyoungtogrieve@lukealfano11

Losing a parent is life-changing. Losing both while you’re in your early 20s reshapes everything.In this episode of Too Young To Grieve, I sit down with Freddie — a runner, content creator, and someone who lost both of his parents at a young age — to talk honestly about grief, identity, rebuilding, and learning how to keep living after loss.We talk about:• Navigating your 20s and 30s after losing parents• How grief changes who you become• Running as a way to cope and rebuild• What grief looks like years later• Letters from his mum and carrying connection forward• Sharing grief online and finding community• Learning how to live fully after lossThis isn’t about “moving on”.It’s about learning how to live again.If you’ve lost someone young, or feel like life changed too early for you — this conversation is for you.👉 Connect with us:@tooyoungtogrieve@lukealfano11

The five stages of grief are often presented like a checklist — denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance.But real grief rarely works that neatly.In this episode of Too Young To Grieve, we break down the five stages of grief and gently debunk the myths around them: including the idea that you’ll experience them in order, experience all of them, or eventually “complete” them.This episode explores:• Where the five stages of grief actually came from• What each stage really looks like in real life• Why grief isn’t linear and never was• Why you might skip stages, revisit them, or feel several at once• What acceptance actually means (and what it doesn’t)• Why you’re not doing grief wrongIf the five stages have ever made you feel confused, stuck, or like you’re failing grief — this episode is here to take that pressure away.👉 Connect with us:@tooyoungtogrieve@lukealfano11

The new year is supposed to feel hopeful.A fresh start. A reset.But when you’re grieving, it can feel heavy instead.In this episode of Too Young To Grieve, we talk honestly about what it’s like to enter a new year carrying loss, why it can feel harder than expected, what emotions often show up, and how to approach the year ahead without pressure or guilt.This episode covers:• Why the new year can be difficult when you’re grieving• The pressure to “start fresh” and why it doesn’t work for grief• Common emotions you might feel in January and why they’re normal• What not to force when you’re grieving• What to focus on instead of resolutions and big goals• A gentler way to move forward, one day at a timeIf the new year feels different this time, you’re not behind or broken - you’re grieving.👉 Connect with us:@tooyoungtogrieve@lukealfano11

People often talk about “moving on” after loss, but rebuilding feels far more honest.In this episode of Too Young To Grieve, Luke is joined by fitness coach and grief content creator Maximillian Maudsley for a grounded conversation about rebuilding life after losing a parent young.Together, we explore:• Why “moving on” doesn’t sit right for many grievers• What rebuilding actually looks like after loss• Identity shifts and stepping into responsibility• Fitness as an outlet — healing vs avoidance• Mental health and the pressure to be 'strong'• Speaking at a parent’s funeral and how that moment can change you• Living fully to honour someone you’ve lostThis episode is for anyone who feels like life split into “before” and “after”, and is trying to figure out who they are now.👉 Connect with us:@tooyoungtogrieve@lukealfano11@maudsleystrong

Grief doesn’t just affect how you feel, it affects how you love, how you connect, and how you show up in relationships.**Content note: This episode includes discussion around grief, mental health, and suicide. Please take care while listening.In this episode of Too Young To Grieve, Luke is joined by Madeline Eastwood, a grief and fitness-based content creator, for an honest conversation about how loss shows up in romantic relationships, mental health, and everyday life especially when you’re young.Together, we talk about:• Losing a sibling and the unique weight of sibling grief• Being in a relationship while grieving• How grief can change attachment, trust, and emotional safety• Mental health and the silence around men’s mental health• How to live fully to honour someone you’ve lostThis episode is for anyone navigating grief while trying to love, live, and move forward even when it feels complicated.👉 Connect with us:@tooyoungtogrieve@lukealfano11@madshalffull💬 “You don’t have to stop living to honour someone. You carry them forward.”

When you’re grieving, the things people say can really help…or really miss the mark.In this episode, we talk honestly about the best and worst advice people give after you lose someone, especially when you’re young and trying to understand a world that suddenly feels different.We cover things like:💬 “It gets better with time”💬 “You’ll move on eventually”💬 “Stay busy so you don’t think about it”💬 “You’ll be yourself again soon”💬 “At least they’re at peace”…and what actually does help instead:❤️ Why there’s no timeline for grief🌊 Why grief comes in waves🧠 Why nothing is wrong with you🤍 Why letting yourself feel matters➡️ Why you don’t move on, you move forward🌱 How life can still be meaningful after lossIf you’ve ever walked away from a conversation feeling misunderstood, this one’s for you.👉 Connect with us:@tooyoungtogrieve@lukealfano11💬 “You don’t need perfect words. You need people who stay.”

Losing someone changes everything, including you.In this episode, we talk about what it really means to rebuild your life after loss. Not “bouncing back” or pretending you’re okay… but slowly finding your feet again when everything feels different.This isn’t a roadmap, it’s a reminder that there’s no right timeline and no perfect way to heal.In this episode, we cover:🧠 Why grief changes your identity💭 Feeling lost after loss🛠 How to rebuild your life slowly🌱 What purpose really looks like after grief🤝 Why connection matters more than motivation🚶‍♂️ Small steps that actually help💜 How to live again without feeling guiltyIf you feel stuck, directionless or like the old you doesn’t fit anymore, this episode is for you.👉 Connect with us:@tooyoungtogrieve@lukealfano11💬 “Grief doesn’t end your story. It’s where your rebuild begins.”

People show up heavily in the first few weeks of grief… then life goes quiet. In this episode, Luke breaks down why support fades, why it doesn’t mean people don’t care, and what you can actually do when the silence hits. A calm, honest conversation every young griever needs to hear.

The festive season hits different when you’re grieving.Everyone else is celebrating… and you’re just trying to get through the month.In this episode, we talk about why Christmas/Holidays and New Year can feel heavier, lonelier, and more overwhelming when you’ve lost someone, especially when you’re young and everyone around you expects you to be “fine again.”We dive into:🎄 Why the holidays trigger old memories and emotions🧠 The psychology behind grief feeling louder this season💭 The pressure to “act festive” when you’re struggling inside😔 Feeling guilty for not enjoying things like you used to🪫 Why you feel exhausted, overwhelmed or disconnected🤝 Practical ways to cope and protect your peace🕯 Healthy ways to honour the person you’ve lost💬 How to navigate family gatherings, parties & lonelinessIf this time of year feels heavier for you you’re not broken, and you’re not doing grief wrong. You’re human.👉 Connect with us:@tooyoungtogrieve@lukealfano11💬 “Grief doesn’t end your story. It’s where your rebuild begins.”

Anxiety after grief hits completely differently.It’s not just stress it’s fear, uncertainty, overthinking, and feeling like life can flip again at any moment.In this episode, Luke talks about what anxiety feels like after losing someone young, including his own first panic attacks at uni and how he kept everything bottled up instead of talking about it.We break down:🧠 Why grief triggers anxiety🫁 Luke’s first panic attack and why he never told anyone💭 The link between uncertainty, loss, and overthinking👤 Why young men stay silent🧩 The psychology behind “threat response” after grief🪫 How anxiety shows up in everyday life🏃‍♂️ Practical things that actually help🤝 Why you’re not “broken” and you’re reacting to painIf anxiety has become louder since your loss, or you don’t feel like yourself anymore, this episode will help you understand what’s happening and why you’re not alone.👉 Connect with us:@tooyoungtogrieve@lukealfano11💬 “Grief doesn’t end your story. It’s where your rebuild begins.”

Joined by my good mate Zack, founder of Souls & Soles a community built around faith, purpose and helping others build connection again.We have been through a lot together so it was only right we spoke about grief, purpose, community, social media, and how life changes when you start doing something that means something.Zack shares how loss shaped the way he sees the world, what led him to create Souls & Soles, and the lessons he’s learned from building a community that’s about more than just running or hiking - it’s about belonging.If you’ve ever been through loss young or felt like you’re figuring out who you are again, this episode’s for you.👉 Connect with us:⁠@tooyoungtogrieve⁠@lukealfano11⁠@soulsandsolescio@zackubi💬 “Grief doesn’t end your story. It’s where your rebuild begins.”

After loss, people check in for a few weeks and then life goes quiet.You’re expected to go back to normal, even though nothing feels normal anymore.This episode dives into the silent pressure to “be okay,” how grief lingers long after others move on, and what it really means to heal at your own pace.Raw, honest and comforting this one’s for anyone still trying to hold it together when the world thinks they already have.👉 Connect on Instagram: @tooyoungtogrieve | @lukealfano11

After loss, the world stops feeling safe.The person who made life stable and predictable is gone, and suddenly everything feels uncertain from your confidence to your sense of control.This episode explores how grief shatters emotional safety, why anxiety and fear take over, and what it actually takes to rebuild trust in yourself again.A real, honest conversation about learning to feel grounded after loss, one small step at a time.👉 Connect on Instagram: @tooyoungtogrieve | @lukealfano11

Grief doesn’t just take someone you love, it changes you.In this episode of Too Young to Grieve, I talk about what really happens after loss, especially when it happens young. When I was 21 and lost my dad, everything I thought I knew about life shifted. I always say there’s a life before grief and a life after grief. I went from shy and fearful to realising how short life is and that tomorrow’s never promised.This episode dives into:How grief completely changes your mindset and identity.Why you might feel more anxious or more fearless after loss (the psychology behind it).The pressure of “stepping up” after losing a parent.The good and the bad, the gratitude, the fear, and the drive to live fully.How to turn that pain into purpose and build the next chapter of your life.If you’re grieving and struggling to understand why you feel different, this one’s for you. You’re not broken, you’re just becoming someone new.👉 Connect with me on Instagram: @tooyoungtogrieve & @lukealfano11💬 Follow, rate, and share to help reach more young grievers.

Loneliness is one of the hardest parts of grief and it’s something almost every young griever experiences.When I lost my dad at 21, in my final year of uni, I often felt invisible. I’d sit in lecture halls full of people and feel completely alone. Nights out with friends, Christmas with family, even surrounded by people, I couldn’t shake the emptiness.In this episode of Too Young to Grieve, I talk openly about the loneliness that comes with losing someone young:Why being surrounded by people can still feel isolating.The hidden impact of masking your feelings with “I’m fine.”Why young grief often feels lonelier than later in life.The coping tools that helped me from podcasts and football to journaling and finding the right people.If you’re grieving and struggling with loneliness, I want you to know you’re not broken, and you’re not alone. This episode is here to remind you that what you’re feeling is normal and that connection is still possible, even if it looks different now.👉 Connect with me on Instagram: ⁠@tooyoungtogrievepodcast⁠ & @lukealfano11

In my final year of university, at just 21, I lost my dad. At the time I felt completely alone in my grief. My friends were finishing degrees, starting jobs, living life — and I was trying to figure out how to keep going without the person who was meant to guide me through it all.Back then, I turned to podcasts every single day just to survive, but I quickly realised there wasn’t really a space for young people navigating grief.That’s why I created Too Young to Grieve — a podcast for young people facing loss far earlier than expected. Each week, I’ll be sharing honest reflections, conversations with others who’ve been through it, and expert insights to help us understand what grief really does to us.This first episode is about my story, why I started the show, and what you can expect moving forward.👉 Follow the podcast and connect with me on Instagram: @tooyoungtogrieve @lukealfanofitness