S2, Ep16: The Meaning of Loss.

Why is grief something we all experience, yet rarely talk about?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men we're joined by Ben Blackman. Ben is a therapist for Adventuring Loss, a leading online grief counselling clinic specialising in loss, trauma, and life transitions.

After losing his father, Ben found himself confronted not only by the weight of loss, but by the silence surrounding it—particularly among men. That experience set him on a path to understand grief and loss more deeply, and to help others do the same.

We explore different aspects of loss such as disenfranchised grief– when your pain is invalidated by society, especially for men who are often expected to stay silent, “man up”, or “just get on with it.”

We also talk about death itself and why, as an inevitable part of life, it's vital to create spaces where people can express their fears, regrets, and questions without judgement.

Whether you're grieving yourself, supporting someone who is, or just curious to better understand this emotional terrain, this conversation is a must-listen.

 

Hear more from Ben:

www.adventuringloss.com

@adventuringloss

 

Timestamps:

00.00: Understanding Grief: A Universal Experience

06:51: Ben's Journey: Personal Loss and Professional Growth

12:27: The Complexity of Grief: Individual Experiences

28:58: Understanding Grief: Anticipatory vs. Sudden Loss

35:49: The Importance of Open Conversations About Death

45:52: Supporting Others in Grief: The Power of Listening