My Dad’s Passing Fueled My Grief Journey to SXSW

AUSTIN — At the 2026 SXSW conference, a panel discussion on grief took center stage, featuring a mix of humor and serious reflection on a topic that is often considered taboo. This discussion emerged from personal experiences shared by individuals profoundly affected by loss.

Personal Journey Through Grief

Four years ago, the moderator’s life changed dramatically with the passing of her father, Dr. Mark Oliver. He succumbed to Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), a rare and fatal illness, within seven weeks. This experience deepened her understanding of grief and prompted her to view it as a critical aspect of wellness.

• Panelists:
  • Rebecca Feinglos – Founder & CEO of Grieve Leave
  • Jamie Thrower – Death doula and grief educator
  • Darnell Lamont Walker – Death doula and TV writer
• Key Takeaway: Grief is often nonlinear and highly subjective.
• The Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic shifted the conversation around grief as social media became a vital outlet for expressing loss.

Insights from Grief Professionals

The panel discussed the role of death doulas as guides for those nearing the end of life or facing significant life changes. Feinglos highlighted how the pandemic forced many to confront their feelings of grief. She mentioned, “All of us were at home. Everything was different, and death was at the forefront of the news every single day.”

Walker emphasized the disparity between societal expectations of grief and personal experiences, stating that grief often manifests unexpectedly. Thrower expressed the challenges of using euphemisms surrounding death, advocating for more direct language to foster understanding and support.

Finding Support and Strength

During the discussion, the moderator’s family attended, providing a palpable sense of support. She reflected on how her father’s death transformed her perspective on grief, allowing her to connect with others who share similar experiences. “It’s made me write about grief at work in ways I never would have expected,” she said, expressing gratitude for the dialogue.

This event highlighted the importance of community and conversation in navigating grief. As individuals continue to cope with loss, platforms like SXSW encourage open discussions that promote healing and understanding.

The journey through grief is ongoing and personal. Each individual’s path is unique, shaped by their experiences and the conversations they engage in. At the heart of this journey lies a shared need for dialogue, compassion, and connection.