Season 2 Podcast Episodes

I’ve been putting this off for sometime, but the most recent podcast episodes of Defending Your Life are up, including Brad’s last episodes and life after his death. Listening to these episodes was not easy for me, but this podcast was one of the most important projects in the last several months of Brad’s life, and it’s important to honor his passion and contribution.

The reality is, the last 10 days of Brad’s life was tough. After we learned of his pulmonary embolism and the progression of his disease, Brad declined rapidly. His body was already failing him, but it was watching his mind slip away that was the most difficult. In the end stage of life (that’s what everyone calls it), it is not uncommon for confusion, fogginess, and hallucinations. As Brad’s organs began to fail, so to did his mental capabilities. He was still mostly his witty, hilarious, intelligent self, but this side effect was something I was unprepared for and was the most difficult to accept. Brad’s mind - his words, his thoughts - are a gift to the world and acknowledging that I would never get another conversation with Brad being fully Brad was one of the most devastating losses before his death.

After Brad’s passing, the people in his life struggled on how to connect and move forward without him. Brad was our bridge and everyday we continue to make the effort to communicate and support each other. Jeremy and I are lucky enough to be in the same city and can podcast a bit of our process, but through texts, calls, emails, and visits, we regularly stay connected with Brad’s family and friends. I am incredible thankful for that.

Many have asked if we plan to continue Defending Your Life. The answer is yes, but as of now, we don’t know exactly what that means. We are still trying to figure out the best way to use this platform to honor Brad, his desire to connect, and passion for contribution. Until then, here are the newest episodes of 2017:

Season 2, Episode 1: PE & Progression
Summary: It's a new year and a new season of Defending Your Life. In this first episode of the year, Brad and Dana are given some bad news after the discovery of a pulmonary embolism.

Season 2, Episode 2: Love Story (Sort of) - Part 1
Summary: In this episode, Brad and Dana attempt to discuss their love story with Jeremy, Dave, Lindsey, and Margo. But with Brad on a cocktail of pain meds and others just on cocktails, what was supposed to be a love story, ends up being a hilarious, juvenile, laugh fest about sex, love, and relationships. Moms, Dads, and Grandparents, you may want to skip this one.

Season 2, Episode 3: Love Story (Sort of) - Part 2
Summary: Part 2 of the “love story” continues with Brad, Dana, Jeremy, Dave, Lindsey, and Margo.

Season 2, Episode 4: Post Brad
Summary: On the day of Brad’s passing, Dana, Jeremy, Dave, Lindsey, and Margo sit down and talk about their thoughts and feelings.

Season 2, Episode 5: No, But Yes
Summary: Jeremy and Dana - a little hesitantly - sit down for their first podcast together after Brad’s memorial service and reflect on life after Brad.

Season 2, Episode 6: Valentine's Day Solo
Summary: Dana talks about being alone on Valentine’s Day.

Season 2, Episode 7: Guilt and Shame
Summary: Suneil, a great friend of Dana and Brad, joins Jeremy and Dana to talk about the struggle to move forward without Brad and ways to cope throughout that process.