What happens when grief shows up uninvited—and everything changes in an instant?
In this raw and unfiltered episode of Grief 2 Growth, host Brian Smith sits down with fellow African-American author and storyteller Diandra Ford-Wing, whose life was forever changed after the sudden passing of her mother, Sandra. As someone who also lost a loved one without warning—his 15-year-old daughter Shayna—Brian shares an intimate, emotional dialogue that few people are willing to have publicly.
Together, they speak candidly about:
🕊️ The pain of losing someone unexpectedly—and how it shakes your identity
📕 How Diandra turned sacred grief into her novel Red Bird
🌍 The mystery surrounding her aunt’s death in The Gambia
🧬 Generational grief, ancestral patterns, and soul contracts
💡 Why Black families often hold unspoken grief—and why storytelling matters
From the gut-wrenching 911 calls to the red cardinal that sang at just the right moment, this isn’t just a conversation—it’s a healing space. If you’ve ever asked yourself how to keep going when the world stops, this episode is for you.
🎧 Whether you’re new to the podcast or a longtime listener, don’t miss this honest, soulful talk about loss, love, legacy, and how we find meaning when nothing makes sense.
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📚 Get Diandra’s book Red Bird: https://www.booksbydiandra.com (please confirm this link)
📷 Follow Diandra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diandrafordwing
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00:00 ⏳ Welcome & Opening Reflection
Brian opens with a powerful meditation on grief and growth—what if we're not buried, but planted?
01:46 🙏 What Grief 2 Growth Is All About
A message for new and returning listeners about the podcast’s mission: navigating life after loss together.
02:45 🕊️ Meet Diandra Ford-Wing
Brian introduces Diandra, a storyteller who turned tragedy into a soul-shifting debut novel.
04:22 💼 Leaving Corporate to Sit with Grief
Diandra shares how her mother’s death pushed her to step away from her tech career and write Red Bird.
07:20 💖 Who Was Sandra?
Diandra remembers her mother as a light-filled educator, constant confidant, and her greatest cheerleader.
10:03 📞 The Call That Changed Everything
Diandra recounts the moment her sister found their mother unresponsive—an emotional and unforgettable story.
14:10 😢 “I Need to Scream”
The next morning, Diandra’s grief erupted in a scream—and a moment of raw release and recognition.
17:05 ❓ Why Haven’t I Cried Since?
Diandra opens up about emotional numbness and the feeling of being stuck in denial.
19:50 💬 Talking to the Dead & Getting Mad
Diandra shares how she confronted her mom out loud for not showing up in dreams—and the cardinal that answered.
22:40 🐦 Red Bird as a Spiritual Messenger
A brilliant red cardinal appears—just hours after Diandra’s plea to her mom. A sign? Brian thinks so.
27:00 💔 Shayna’s Sudden Passing
Brian shares his own heartbreaking story of losing his 15-year-old daughter, Shayna, in her sleep.
30:28 🧬 Generational Loss & The Gambia Mystery
Diandra tells the chilling story of her aunt’s mysterious death overseas—and the family legacy of sudden loss.
37:31 📦 Bringing Audrey Home—Or Not
Why the family chose to bury Diandra’s aunt in The Gambia, honoring her spiritual calling and wishes.
42:04 📝 From Journals to a Novel
How Red Bird grew from scribbled grief entries into a published book meant to inspire and heal.
44:19 🕯️ Creating Legacy Without Children
A heartfelt discussion about how we leave impact and legacy, even if we don’t have children of our own.
47:13 📖 Storyworth & Preparing for Goodbye
Diandra’s quiet preparation: collecting her mother’s stories just before her passing—almost as if she knew.
52:46 💬 Honoring Her Memory, Sharing Her Light
Diandra reflects on what it means to carry her mother’s essence forward through her writing and her voice.
54:40 🔗 Where to Find Diandra & Red Bird
Get Red Bird, follow Diandra, and join the Grief 2 Growth community for deeper connection and healing.
