#98 – Grief Ignored Becomes Grief Intensified: Emilio Parga M.Ed., on Men, Loss, and Healing What We Avoid
Listen on these or all major podcast platforms
In this episode, Emilio Parga, a pediatric thanatologist, shares his journey of helping individuals cope with grief and loss, particularly in the wake of significant events like 9/11. He discusses the importance of addressing unprocessed grief, especially among men, and emphasizes the need for open conversations about death. Emilio reflects on his personal experiences with loss and how they shaped his work in establishing a nonprofit dedicated to grief support. He also explores cultural perspectives on death and the evolution of grief conversations in society, advocating for grief literacy and community support.
In this conversation, we get into:
- The difference between unprocessed grief and “unresolved grief” (and why language matters)
- Why grief often shows up as anger, shutdown, addiction, overwork, or emotional distance
- The difference between grief (what I feel inside) and mourning (how grief goes public)
- A powerful shift from “triggers” to reminders
- Why kids are often the forgotten mourners—and what happens when we don’t support them early
- What grief literacy looks like in real life, and how I can build it in my home, my community, and my workplace
If you’ve ever lost someone—or you’re supporting someone who has—this episode is a grounded, human conversation about grief: not “getting over it,” but learning how to move through it with honesty, dignity, and connection.
Learn more about Emilio’s work here – www.solacetree.org
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Grief and Loss
04:50 The Catalyst of 9/11 and Personal Journey
09:18 Understanding Unprocessed Grief
13:39 Building a Grief Center: The Journey Begins
18:23 The Role of Death in Life and Healing
22:34 Understanding Grief and Mourning
25:53 Personal Experiences with Death
30:42 Cultural Perspectives on Death
36:34 The Evolution of Death Conversations
42:47 Grief Literacy and Community Support
Seeking professional support is encouraged if you think you have an issue and that you want help.
Please Subscribe to my YouTube – YouTube Subscription Link
Free 1-month of the Meditation App – Waking Up https://dynamic.wakingup.com/guestpass/SC58BD912
Questions – hello@startswithme.ca
Disclaimer:
Professional medical care and psychotherapeutic services are not offered on this Youtube channel. It is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such condition.
Seeking professional support is encouraged if you think you have an issue and that you want help.