Navigating Childhood Loss and Grief Through Storytelling

This episode is dedicated to Katie's dear friend Joe, who recently passed away, leaving behind his wife and two young sons. Joe's story reminds us to live in alignment with our purpose and to cherish the people we love.

In this heartfelt episode of the Child Life On Call podcast, Katie Taylor speaks with B.R. Duray, an author, filmmaker, and storyteller whose debut children's book, The Mood Swing, is rooted in his experience of losing his father at the age of 10. With it being Father's Day this past weekend, this conversation takes on even deeper meaning.

B.R. shares how grief has shaped his creative life, the ways it resurfaces during important life moments, and how his book can help both children and adults find healing together. Whether you're a parent, a grieving adult, or a healthcare provider, this episode provides validation, comfort, and hope.

 5 Key Takeaways from this Episode:

✅ Grief grants both pain and power
B.R. explains how losing his dad gave him heightened emotional sensitivity and a creative voice to express and process those feelings.

✅ Grief resurfaces in different stages of life
He shares how emotions from his childhood resurfaced 20 years later during his engagement, reinforcing that grief evolves with us.

✅ Reading about grief helps parents, too
Though The Mood Swing was written for children, it often evokes emotional responses from adults who find healing in its message.

✅ The Mood Swing originated as a film
The story began as a poem and animated concept, but eventually took form as a children's book—and later inspired a short film.

✅ Parents can model healthy grief
Katie and B.R. discuss how parents showing emotions in front of children teaches them it's safe to feel and process grief together.

 

📍Episode Highlights:

⏱️ [3:00] – Katie dedicates the episode to her late friend Joe and reflects on how his life reminds us to live with purpose.

⏱️ [4:00] – B.R. shares how his father's death shaped his creativity and opened his heart to telling meaningful stories.

⏱️ [10:30] – Discussion around how grief reemerges during milestones like engagements and weddings.

⏱️ [16:30] – The story behind The Mood Swing, how it began as a movie concept, and why B.R. shifted to a book format for a deeper connection.

⏱️ [22:00] – B.R. reflects on the emotional reactions he's received from adults who have read The Mood Swing and how grief connects us all.

⏱️ [24:00] – Katie and B.R. talk about the importance of parents being open with their grief in front of children to foster healthy emotional expression.

 

📘 About The Mood Swing

The Mood Swing follows Peter, a young boy navigating the highs and lows of emotion on a magical swing that helps him find balance through physical sensation and presence. Inspired by B.R.'s childhood grief, the book supports kids through big emotions without directly referencing death—making it a versatile tool for many types of emotional challenges.

🌐 Resources & Links from today's episode:

• Buy The Mood Swing on Amazon
  
  

• Visit moodswing-media.com – View the book trailer, film, or donate a copy
  
  

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The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.