Beyond the Screen: Darnell Walker on Grief, Diversity, and Children's Media

“We've all known someone who was sick or at the end of their life or, you know, a family who's grieving, and we've been there for them. That's the work...You just didn't have the title.”

In this thought-provoking episode of Grief'd Up, host Rebecca Feinglos welcomes Darnell Walker, an Emmy-nominated children's television writer, filmmaker, and death doula. Darnell, known for his work on shows like PBS Kids' "Work it Out Wombats" and Nickelodeon's "Blue's Clues & You," shares his unique journey from the bustling streets of New York City to the serene woods of the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Rebecca and Darnell delve into the intersections of grief, children's media, and how we’re all actually  death doulas…plus, if you stick around for the very end of the episode, you’ll hear how pho and grief are inextricably linked.

Darnell opens up about his early experiences with grief and his grandmother, volunteering at a hospice at the age of 12, and how these experiences shaped his current path. They discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for authentic connection and joy, and how Darnell's work in children's television is intertwined with his mission to support communities through storytelling.

The conversation explores the challenges of introducing complex topics like grief and death to children's media, and the need for diverse voices in these narratives. Darnell shares his passion for creating content that fosters empathy and understanding, emphasizing the importance of having difficult conversations with children about loss.

Join Rebecca and Darnell as they discuss the transformative power of storytelling, the significance of representation in media, and how we can all live better by acknowledging our mortality. Darnell's insights offer a refreshing perspective on how to navigate grief and inspire hope for a more inclusive future.

Connect with Darnell Walker:

● Website: darnellwalker.com

● Instagram & Twitter: @hellodarnell

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Follow for more resources:

● Instagram: @grieveleave

● Website: grieveleave.com

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Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with someone who needs to hear this!