“I’m Pissed Off They Died”: Why There’s No Acceptance in Grief | Gary Sturgis (#283)

Gary Sturgis doesn’t believe in acceptance or closure. “How do you accept the fact that you lost someone you love?” In 2013, Gary’s husband Rob was diagnosed with stage four metastatic melanoma. Gary had spent his career in a bank and suddenly became a full-time caregiver. After Rob died, he couldn’t find the support he needed, so he started a Facebook page to share his story. It grew into one of the largest grief communities online. Gary went on to write Surviving: Finding Your Way from Grief to Healing and now leads grief workshops and support groups. In this conversation, we talk about: Why Gary rejects the words “acceptance,” “closure,” and “moving on” Why the second year of grief can be harder than the first Loving again after losing a spouse, and why it’s hard to compete with a ghost Telling grief apart from depression His “Grief 101” workshops and what he wishes someone had told him Mediums, faith, and what brings comfort Why Gary says grief never “gets better,” but does get softer Find Gary: Website: https://sgrief.com/ Facebook: Surviving Grief Book: SURVIVING GRIEF - 365 Days A Year: https://sgrief.com/sg365/ 📖 You're Not Dead Yet: How Grief and Loss Can Teach You to Live: Learn more and order David’s book at ⁠DeadTalks.net/Book⁠ Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here: https://www.deadtalks.net/signup Support the Show Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $2 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free: https://www.patreon.com/cw/deadtalks Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: https://cottonbureau.com/people/dead-talks Exclusive Discounts 10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy: https://neurogum.com/deadtalks About DEAD Talks DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio approaches death differently. Each guest shares raw stories of grief, loss, or unique perspectives that challenge the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn’t end—it evolves. After losing his father on September 11th at just 12 years old, David discovered the power of conversation. Through laughter, tears, and honest dialogue, DEAD Talks helps make it a little easier to talk about death, mourning, trauma, and the life that continues beyond it. Connect with DEAD Talks (@deadtalkspodcast)YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices