Griefcast: The Podcast That’s Opening The Conversation About Death

Death is something that comes hand-in-hand with life, and yet, nobody wants to talk about it. This is precisely why British comedian Cariad Lloyd created her aptly-named podcast, Griefcast; to eradicate the “hush hush” nature of the topic.

There’s no doubt about it – death is weird. Nobody really knows what happens beyond the grave, and the traditions and customs that intercede with the grieving period can be pretty baffling. By inviting fellow comics to ‘talk, share, and laugh about the weirdness of grief, death, pain, and agony’, Llyod has opened up the conversation and is undoubtedly helping listeners come to terms with their own grief.

With a soothing voice, a considered perspective and endless empathy for her guests, Cariad is the ideal host. Her own experience of grief centres mostly around the death of her father, which happened when Cariad was 15. Now in her thirties, she has come to terms with those feelings, but is honest about the journey get to this point; ‘It took me many, many years to be able to express what I had gone through’. The fact that she can still laugh, despite her experience, gives us the permission to do so too.

Lloyd’s guests have experienced loss in its every form, from parents to friends, grandparents and siblings. However, this isn’t a downcast show; if anything it’s hopeful, and champions the endurance of the human spirit. Each story is told in an honest, frank and open-hearted way, and because it’s comedians who are sharing their experiences, even the saddest tales are interjected with moments of hilarity.

It’s been a long time since I’ve suffered the loss of a close person, but I imagine that if I was to find myself in that scenario once again, I’d find this a comforting resource.

One particularly good episode is episode #1, which features former radio host Adam Buxton. The detail with which Buxton goes into his dad’s passing provides heart-breaking, heart-warming, fascinating and unexpectedly funny moments, all in one sitting. It’s well worth a listen, whether you’re grieving or not.

If you know someone who is struggling to come to terms with the death of a loved one, maybe pass the link for Griefcast on to them. Hopefully they’ll find solace in other people’s experiences, and hopefully it’ll take away some of the pain that they might currently be holding inside.

Main image of Cariad Lloyd by Richard Davenport