In this episode of What Would They Say, Shannon sits down with Doug and McKenna, the father and sister of Riley, a young man whose life ended in suicide. Together, they share not only the story of Riley's death, but more importantly, the story of his life - the person he was, the love he inspired, and the profound impact his absence continues to have on those who knew him best.
In the year following Riley's death, Doug and McKenna found themselves navigating the complex and often isolating realities of grief. Alongside the heartbreak, unanswered questions, and life-altering loss, they were faced with another challenge: how to continue carrying Riley's story forward in a way that honoured his life while helping others. By creating This Is My Chapter, they have transformed personal tragedy into a mission of connection, conversation, and suicide prevention.
This episode invites listeners to consider how we make meaning from life's most devastating chapters. It asks what becomes possible when we choose connection over silence, and whether sharing our stories might help others feel a little less alone.
