SIBBS Newsletter Autumn 2022

SIBBS Newsletter, Autumn 2022 | www.tcf.org.uk 14 Griefcast Griefcast is a podcast hosted by comedian and writer Cariad Lloyd that, ‘examines the human experience of grief and death.’ Every week Cariad, who lost her dad to cancer at the age of 15, speaks to a comedian about their experience of grief. Granted, it doesn’t sound like a very funny premise for a podcast. Indeed, it is often incredibly moving, and at times, hard to listen to. The experiences of the guests range hugely, from who they have lost, to the kind of relationship they had with that person. Yet, somehow, there are always moments of laughter in every episode, and at times, real, unadulterated joy. Last month, Cariad’s guest was the Irish stand-up comedian Ed Byrne, who has featured on Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo, to name a few of his most famous appearances. The interview took place in early May 2022, just 3 months after his little brother Paul, had died. As someone who lost their (big) brother in 2016, I was interested in listening to this episode. Sibling bereavement is not an area that I often see explored in mainstream media, therefore I was intrigued to see how the subject would be handled, and whether I would relate to any of Ed’s experiences. It is, unsurprisingly, a hard listen. It reminded me of that period that anyone who has lost a loved one can relate to. The immediate aftermath when you are waiting to wake up from the nightmare, to run away from the guilt, the fear, the regrets. Ed talks so openly about the problems he and his brother had, and how he recognises the long- term repercussions of living his life without his brother. I viscerally felt every crack in his voice and every memory he shared. However, amongst the pain, you can also hear the love and respect he has for Paul. There are tears, but also genuine laughter. It reminded me of how far I have come in the 6 years since I lost Aidy; how strong I must have been, how proud he would be of me, and how our relationship lives on through me. I would recommend this podcast to anyone who has lost someone, be it