Shows
The Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossNew Year, New Loss, New Schedule#142. Well, it's finally here. Another new year. How are you feeling as we head into 2026?This is The Silent Why, a podcast on a mission to open up conversations around grief, to see if hope can be found in 101 different types of loss, and we're Chris & Claire Sandys, your childless hosts.New Year's aren't easy for many people, so wherever you find yourself emotionally, this short episode is here to offer you a bit of hope and encouragement for the days ahead, and remind you that you're not alone if your year hasn’t st...
2026-01-0614 minThe Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossChris & Claire's Chatty Christmas Catch-Up 2025#141. Struggling with the festive season? You're not alone. It's not an easy time of year, and it’s been a season of both highs and lows for us too over the years. This is The Silent Why, a podcast on a mission to open up conversations around grief, to see if hope can be found in 101 different types of loss, and we're Chris & Claire Sandys, your childless hosts.Each year, we share a Christmas episode where we check in with how we’re really feeling about the festive season, childlessness, and everything that comes with it. S...
2025-12-2357 minThe Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossAustralia Update 2: Time flies. And more flies.#140. How's our big trip 'Down Under' going? This is where you find out. Again.Welcome to The Silent Why - usually a podcast with a mission to open-up honest conversations around grief and explore whether hope can be found in 101 different types of permanent loss. But right now, things are a little different!Take a listen to the previous episode to get a better idea what this one is going to be all about. We (Chris & Claire, your hosts) are on an adventure halfway around the world, spending some time in Singapore and A...
2025-12-021h 24The Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossAustralia Update 1: Distracted by kookaburras#139. How's our big trip going so far? This is where you find out.Welcome to The Silent Why - usually a podcast on a mission to open up honest conversations around grief and explore whether hope can be found in 101 different types of permanent loss - but right now, things are a little different!If you've heard the previous episode, you'll have a good idea what this one is going to be all about. We (Chris & Claire, your hosts) are on an adventure halfway around the world, spending some time down under. In t...
2025-11-1049 min
Parenting AutismE142: Our Experience with Luecovorin + Bryce Celebrates "12" at Epic's Super Mario WorldIn this episode, we talk about our most recent visit with Bryce's functional medicine doctor and our experience with Leucovorin. We mentioned some gluten free chicken tenders that we found at Walmart and Sam's Club. One of them is by Realgood Food Company (Walmart). I need to get another bag at Sam's, so I can share the name with you! We celebrated Bryce's 12th birthday in Orlando at Universal Epic Super Mario World. He is a Super Mario fan and absolutely loved it! Sandy's health regressed this past month which prompted more testing. We are th...
2025-10-1140 minThe Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossChris & Claire chat Oz, mini mics, Bin Chickens and a special form#138. We're off on an Ozzie adventure!But, first things first, as promised, the all-important anonymous form: 👉 https://forms.gle/LmFrrd4xvvnEhG5R9 👈 (it'll make sense when you've listened to the episode!)Welcome to The Silent Why, a podcast on a mission to open up conversations around grief, exploring if hope can be found in 101 different types of permanent loss.This episode is a little different, because we recorded in an unusual location about a very unusual topic!We (Chris & Claire) are embarking on an adventure. For the rest of this year, we won’t...
2025-09-3038 minThe Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossLoss 65/101: Loss of a friend: Hannah Rumsey#137. Can losing a friend be overlooked in our culture? What happens when the friend who knew you best is gone? And why are there so few resources to help with this kind of grief?This is The Silent Why, a podcast on a mission to explore grief, asking if hope can be found in 101 different types of permanent loss.Loss #65 of 101: Loss of a friendIn this episode, we meet Hannah Rumsey from Chicago. She's the founder of Friends Missing Friends, a community she created for people navigating the loss of...
2025-09-1656 minThe Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossBehind the Scenes: How I make a podcast#136. (We'll... we've actually done 226 episodes in total. You'll hear me talk about the annoying decision around episode numbering in this 226th episode!)This is The Silent Why, a podcast on a mission to open up conversations around grief, asking if hope can be found in 101 different types of permanent loss.This episode is a little different. No blog, no interview, no Chris, and no focus on loss. It’s just you and me, pulling back the curtain for a behind-the-scenes peek at how I create this podcast.I often get asked:- Wh...
2025-09-0259 minParenting AutismE141: Top Four Recommended "AI" Autism Homeschool Curriculums Plus Supplemental CoursesIn this episode, we chat about Bryce's August indoor and outdoor adventures during our vacation in Ohio, a refreshing change from our daily routine. We share the top four homeschool curriculum options recommended by Chat GPT (AI) for autistic children along with supplement courses. We also share the supplement curriculums we use for Bryce to help build his vocabulary and communication skills. educlub.comvocabloco.comAdditionally, we share a new tool from Bryce's CBT therapist to help calm him during anxious moments. His anxiety has greatly decreased as his confidence co...
2025-09-0142 minParenting AutismE140: Slow and Steady Wins the Race!In this episode, we chat about Bryce's recent adventures including Special Olympics Bowling Area Competition and visiting arcades with friends. We also update the listeners about Bryce's sessions for Cognitive Behavior Therapy. He continues to thrive as we all work together to incorporate small steps that keeps him calmer while moving forward. He's learned about "slow and steady wins the race" while doing written work while dividing fractions, and it also applies to overcoming his worries. Sandy's cancer has prompted her start a new YouTube Channel with her sharing words of encouragement and hope to othe...
2025-07-2947 minThe Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossLet's Chat... Where does the love go when someone dies (with David Kelly)#131. Let's chat... about where the love goes when someone dies. Can you still be 'in love' if it's not reciprocated? Does it eventually fade? Or die?Welcome to another Let’s Chat episode, where instead of continuing our 101 Types of Loss list, I (Claire Sandys) sit down with guests who have expertise and personal insight into different aspects of loss.In this episode, I have the pleasure of talking with David Kelly from Hertfordshire, who works as a Community Engagement Coordinator at Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care.David reached out after a previous co...
2025-06-241h 19The Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossChris & Claire's top takeaways from 20 years of marriage#129. What are the most valuable things we've learnt - or think really matter - after 20 years of marriage?This is The Silent Why, a podcast on a mission to open up conversations around grief, exploring asking if hope can be found in 101 different types of permanent loss.On 26 May 2025, we celebrated 20 years of marriage! It's a big deal for us as we love being married and find we don't have that much to celebrate in life! So we decided to sit down and discuss what we've learnt over the past two decades, and share what...
2025-05-271h 15The Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossLoss 62/101: Loss through menopause: Diane Danzebrink#127. Think menopause is just a physical change?What if we told you it can also bring grief, loss of identity, and a hit to your mental health?This is The Silent Why, a podcast on a mission to open up conversations around grief, exploring asking if hope can be found in 101 different types of permanent loss.Loss #62 of 101: Loss through menopauseIn this episode, we welcome Diane Danzebrink, advocate, educator, and author of Making Menopause Matter. Diane experienced surgical menopause following surgery related to a potential ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2012. W...
2025-04-291h 16The Silent Why: finding hope in grief and loss101 LOSS COUNTDOWN: 60 down, 41 to go#123. Can hope be found in 101 different types of loss? We're well on our way to finding out, as we reach another milestone! We've hit loss number 60 on our mission to explore 101 different types of permanent loss, meaning we only have 41 (!) to go. Now over halfway to our goal.In this episode, we (Chris & Claire Sandys) pause briefly to discuss life in general (something new we thought we'd try!), the last batch of losses (51-60), and what nuggets of wisdom we've taken from each guest.We're loving every second of talking to ot...
2025-03-041h 07The Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossChris & Claire's Reflections on Christmas & New Year#120. Well, after our 'looking ahead to Christmas' episode, how did it go? Were our festive hearts filled with joy? Or were there tears?!This is The Silent Why, a podcast on a mission to open up conversations around grief, to see if hope can be found in 101 different types of loss, and we're Chris & Claire Sandys, your childless hosts.Every year, we dedicate an episode to sharing our thoughts and feelings about the Christmas season - before, and after, it happens. Now that the holiday buzz has settled and a new year has begun, we’re...
2025-01-2148 minThe Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossChris & Claire's Chatty Christmas Catch-Up 2024#118. Struggling with the festive season? You're not alone. As a childless couple, we've been there too, especially when family is at the heart of so many celebrations. This is The Silent Why, a podcast on a mission to open up conversations around grief, to see if hope can be found in 101 different types of loss, and we're Chris & Claire Sandys, your childless hosts.Every year we release an episode where we chat about how we're feeling about Christmas. We started with an episode in 2021, talking about how hard it felt and Chris' loss of Christmas...
2024-12-2354 min
FrontierThe Round Up: Key insights from Foresight’s Frontier ForumIn this episode of the Frontier podcast, hosts Dan Wells and Chris Holmes are joined by Laura Sandys and Juliet Rose to unpack insights from Foresight’s recent Frontier Forum at the Eden Project. This thought-provoking conversation addresses some of the biggest challenges of our time: 🌱 Mobilising capital into sustainable infrastructure ⚡ Decarbonising energy-intensive industries 🌳 Unlocking natural capital to drive resilience and growth 💡 Exploring innovative financing models, policy certainty, and the power of systems thinking to accelerate the energy transition Visit for more information. The podcast is for information purposes only and without limitation, does not constitute an offer, an invitation to offer or a recom...
2024-12-1241 minThe Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossGraveyard Musings: Moorslede, Belgium#108. I've always loved graveyards. I'm not sure what it is about them that draws me in, but a little while ago I decided to record my musings as I wander round them.So that's what these Graveyard Musing episodes are, just me and my phone, in a graveyard. And sometimes I go international (like this one) and sometimes Chris joins me (like this one).Anyway, welcome to another Graveyard Musing from me, Claire Sandys (host of The Silent Why podcast).In this musing, Chris (husband) and I are wandering around Moorslede Communal Cemetery...
2024-07-0933 minThe Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossLoss 52/101: Loss of life for a cardiac surgeon: Mark Field#104. What's it like to handle a human heart? Or to operate in that small space between life and death? And is there grief for a surgeon when a patient dies during, or after, surgery? This is The Silent Why, a podcast on a mission to open up conversations around grief, to see if hope can be found in 101 different types of loss.Loss #52 of 101: Loss of a life for a heart surgeon Meet Mark Field, a cardiac surgeon from Liverpool (in the north of England) who joined me (Claire), in-between commitments at work...
2024-05-141h 05The Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossLoss 51/101: Loss of a dad ('that I don't know if I loved'): Thea Rickard#103. When a close family member dies, like a parent, it's easy to assume there was love there, but what if you're not sure if you loved that person, or even if they loved you, what does grief look like then?This is The Silent Why, a podcast on a mission to open up conversations around grief, to see if hope can be found in 101 different types of loss.Loss #51 of 101: Loss of a dad ('that I don't know if I loved') And yes, this means that as we've reached Loss 51 - we're officially...
2024-04-3046 minThe Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossGraveyard Musings: Llanfair Talhaiarn, Wales#102. I've always loved graveyards. I'm not sure what it is about them that draws me in, but a little while ago I decided to record my musings as I wander round them. So that's what these Graveyard Musing episodes are, just me and my phone, in a graveyard (and sometimes Chris!).Welcome to another Graveyard Musing from me, Claire Sandys (host of The Silent Why podcast). In this musing, Chris (husband) and I are wandering around Llanfair Talhaiarn Cemetery in North Wales.Come with us to hear the sounds of the Welsh countryside (a...
2024-04-1615 minThe Silent Why: finding hope in grief and loss101 LOSS COUNTDOWN: 50 down, 51 to go#101. Another milestone reached! We've hit loss number 50 on our mission to explore 101 different types, meaning we only have 51 (!) to go. So we're just half an episode away from being halfway through all 101! In this episode we (Chris & Claire Sandys) pause briefly to discuss the last batch of losses, 41-50, and what nuggets of wisdom we've taken from each guest. We're loving every second of talking to others on this podcast, but we're also learning a lot about healthy ways to process our own grief, whether childlessness, pets, relatives, friends, health, or even just the day-to-day l...
2024-04-0245 minThe Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossNavigating Mother's Day when you're childless... again.#099. Here it is again - Mother's Day.As many mum's across the UK will be glowing with pride at the presents their children offer, other women will be wincing a little (or a lot) every time they see these words. Well, as a childless-not-by-choice (cnbc) woman I know how they feel, and I'm here to share how I'm learning to mark it without letting it mark me.This is The Silent Why, a podcast on a mission to open up conversations around loss and grief and to see if hope can be found in 101 different...
2024-03-0942 minThe Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossNew Year, New... Herman!#096. It's not just Christmas that can be a tough, heading into a New Year can be tricky too. And this year, even though we were very intentional about navigating a childless Christmas (and it went well), we hit New Year and for some reason the wheels fell off the apple cart!We're Claire and Chris Sandys, hosts of The Silent Why podcast, lovers of deep conversation, building community and marzipan (that's mostly Claire).We're also childless (not by choice) which adds a layer of discomfort to some of the popular family times of the year...
2024-01-0945 minThe Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossComfort on Christmas Day#090. Christmas can be a tough time, right?If your response is 'absolutely not' then this festive episode might not be for you. But if you sense a sad little 'yeah it is' voice deep within, then we're hoping this opportunity to hear from a mix of our previous (and future) podcast guests might bring you some comfort.We're Claire and Chris Sandys, hosts of The Silent Why podcast, lovers of deep conversation, building community and marzipan (that's mostly Claire).We're also childless (not by choice) which adds a layer of discomfort to this...
2023-12-2514 minThe Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossChris & Claire chat Christmas and Childlessness#089. Christmas can be hard, and we've experienced that ourselves as a childless couple, especially at a time of year when family seems to be at the heart of most festivities. This is The Silent Why, a podcast on a mission to open up conversations around grief, to see if hope can be found in 101 different types of loss, and we're Chris & Claire Sandys, your childless hosts.Every year we put out an episode where we chat about how we're feeling about Christmas. We started with an episode in 2021, talking about how hard it felt and...
2023-12-191h 00The Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossWhat's on the podcast this Christmas and New Year?Find Christmas tough? We're here for you.This is The Silent Why, a podcast on a mission to open up conversations around grief, to see if hope can be found in 101 different types of loss.Some hosts put out less podcast episodes over Christmas, but not me, I'm going for more!In this episode I (Claire Sandys, host) am going to give you an idea of previous Christmas and New Year content you might want to listen and give you a run down of what to expect from us this year over Christmas...
2023-12-1207 minThe Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossLet's Chat... Funeral Directing (with Adrianne Hickey)#087. Let's Chat... setting up your own funeral business, personalising funerals, and everything funeral directing. In these Let’s Chat episodes, I (Claire Sandys) chat one-to-one with a guest who has experience/expertise in a particular area of loss.In this episode I’m chatting to Adrianne Hickey, a Funeral Director in North Wales. I met Adi on our trip to North Wales to get some work experience at a funeral directors. She took the brave step of starting her own Funeral Business with no prior experience. I was very curious to hear about what...
2023-11-2140 minThe Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossBLOG: My Why: Seeing my first dead bodyHave you ever seen a dead body? I hadn't, until just a few weeks ago. Welcome to another My Why blog from me, Claire Sandys, co-host of The Silent Why podcast.My Why episodes are audio versions of my latest blog post. If you'd prefer to read it, you can find it here: https://www.thesilentwhy.com/post/seeingmyfirstdeadbodyA few weeks ago I did some work experience at a Funeral Directors. One of my many reasons was to get up close and personal with death. Why? Well hosting a podcast...
2023-07-2522 minThe Silent Why: finding hope in grief and lossWales, work experience, bitey flies, chips and Dave#077. In this episode, we (Chris & Claire) talk about our one-week break from the podcast recently and what we were up to - and it involved everything from fish to funerals, bodies to bitey flies!Welcome back to The Silent Why, a podcast on a mission to open up conversations around loss and grief and see if hope can be found in 101 different types of loss.For Loss 41/101 (Loss of life for a Funeral Director) we interviewed two Funeral Directors and this got me (Claire) thinking. Having never seen a dead body or been around death...
2023-06-2727 min
No Tackle: A Women's Rugby PodcastBears, cows and 'cheese, cheese, cheese'The play-offs are upon us and this special episode looks ahead to a special time for Gloucester-Hartpury WRFC.
Plus we have a special guest host! Irish Rugby's Neve Jones fills in for holidaymakers Millie and Enya.
Joining Neve are fellow internationals Jayne Isherwood, from Canada, and US player Maya Learned.
They look back on the home defeat to Exeter, preview Saturday's semi against Bristol Bears and chat about the city surprises they've found since moving to Gloucester.
There's also appearances from Sophie Bridger, Ellie Rugman, Laura 'Bimba' Delgado, Bethan Lewis, Kathryn Buggy, Kelsey Jones and Rachel Lund.
Host: Neve Jones
...
2023-06-0829 minNo Tackle: A Women's Rugby PodcastSean Lynn: Crowd 'buzz' felt in changing roomIn this episode, hosts Millie and Enya reflect on a stunning performance as Gloucester-Hartpury decimated Harlequins Women in front of a record crowd at Kingsholm.
Plus hear reaction from head coach Sean Lynn, player of the match Emma Sing, hooker Kelsey Jones and coach Andrew Ford.
We'll also look ahead to Saturday's game against Sale Sharks in the Premier 15s.
Hosts: Millie Wood and Enya Lackie
Producer: Chris Sandys
Email: notackle@bbc.co.uk
2023-05-2524 minNo Tackle: A Women's Rugby PodcastGwen Crabb: Six Nations 'crashed' by ACL injuryIn this episode, Millie and Enya reflect on BBC Radio Gloucestershire becoming the first BBC radio station to offer full-match commentary of a women's club rugby match.
Gloucester-Hartpury beat Loughborough Lightning to return to the top of the Premier 15s table - hear reaction to that game from head coach Sean Lynn and player of the match Emma Sing.
And Welsh international Gwen Crabb joined Millie and Enya to talk about the injury that brought her Six Nations campaign "crashing down" just six minutes into her first game.
Hosts: Millie Wood and Enya Lackie.
Producer: Chris Sandys
Email: notackle@bbc...
2023-05-1829 minNo Tackle: A Women's Rugby PodcastThe Prem is back & 'the smile goes ear to ear'Premiership women's rugby returns this weekend and the excitement shines through this episode.
Guests include Gloucester-Hartpury pair Maud Muir and Kelsey Jones who look ahead to Loughborough away on Sunday and the remaining fixtures before the playoffs.
England legend Nolli Waterman talks to Millie and Enya about setting up the Women's Rugby Association and potentially looking after up to 400 players across the Premier 15s.
And we have some very exciting news about following Gloucester-Hartpury in their remaining games this season.
Hosts: Millie Wood and Enya Lackie
Reporter: Jo Durrant
Producer: Chris Sandys
Email: notackle@bbc.co.uk
2023-05-1129 minNo Tackle: A Women's Rugby PodcastEngland benefitting from Beckett's beliefIt's a huge game for England at Twickenham on Saturday and in this episode we're building up to that and the other fixtures in final round of the Women's Six Nations.
Plus Millie speaks to England and Gloucester-Hartpury back rower Sarah Beckett on her self-belief and bouncing back from her Rugby World Cup heartbreak.
Skills and attack coach Andrew 'Fordy' Ford tells Millie and Enya how a battle with cancer rediverted his rugby passions.
And we hear the Six Nations thoughts of Mo Hunt (England) and Wales' pair Hannah Jones and Kelsey Jones.
Hosts: Millie Wood and Enya Lackie
Producer...
2023-04-2728 minNo Tackle: A Women's Rugby PodcastZoe Aldcroft: Red Roses, rugby and ‘rubbish TV’In this episode, Millie and Enya offer plenty of build-up to Round 4 of the Women's Six Nations.
England lock and Gloucester-Hartpury co-captain Zoe Aldcroft reveals which TV comedy she binges to help chill-out in camp.
Plus, Neve Jones and Kathryn Buggy share how they're getting on with Ireland's challenging campaign.
And there's a preview of Gloucester-Hartpury's cup semi-final this weekend.
Hosts: Millie Wood and Enya Lackie
Producer: Chris Sandys
Email: notackle@bbc.co.uk
2023-04-2025 minNo Tackle: A Women's Rugby PodcastThe sweatshirt supporter and the 'shmushed' faceIn this episode, England's Maud Muir and Ireland's Kathryn Buggy look ahead to a big weekend of Women's Six Nations action.
Plus find out which teammate Tatyana Heard is least looking forward to facing when England kick-off against Wales in Cardiff.
And Millie and Enya hear from Gloucester-Hartpury's first employed social media guru - Megan Seward - who's helping change the game for good.
Hosts: Millie Wood and Enya Lackie
Producer: Chris Sandys
Email: notackle@bbc.co.uk
2023-04-1329 min
As Long As I'm LivingHear from the Pros! (We're On a Break)We're on our break, but here's some episodes to listen to this week instead!
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As Long As I'm Living: Hear From the Pros!
Empty Arms, an Interview with Carol McMurrich
SIDS, an Interview with Dr. Goldstein of the Roberts Program
Parental Grief, an Interview with Dr. Goldstein of the Roberts Program
All About EMDR, an Interview with Trauma Therapist Rebecca Munini
Grief Needs a Witness, an Interview with Dr. Denise Mandel
There Are No Silver Linings, an Interview with Dr. Denise Mandel
2023-04-1008 minNo Tackle: A Women's Rugby PodcastNolli Waterman on ‘awesome’ Six NationsIn this episode, Danielle 'Nolli' Waterman chats to Millie and Enya about the "absolute amazing" support for the Women's Six Nations, and she embarrasses Millie with some lovely words about helping her transition from a shot-putter to a Twickenham try scorer.
Plus referee Fiona Brunt returns to the No Tackle studio to reflect on her role officiating at the "brilliant" England versus Italy game last Sunday.
Hosts: Millie Wood and Enya Lackie.
Producer: Chris Sandys
Email: notackle@bbc.co.uk
2023-04-0629 minNo Tackle: A Women's Rugby Podcast'Why am I fangirling so hard? Those are my friends!'In this episode, Canadian player Jayne Isherwood reveals how some embarrassing self-promotion opened the door for her to play and study in Gloucester.
Referee Fiona Brunt, who's 5th Official for England v Italy at Franklin's Gardens on Sunday, shares why she asks players to call her "sir".
We reflect on the action from the opening weekend of the Women's Six Nations, and also build excitement for this weekend's fixtures (being streamed on the BBC iPlayer with the Scotland and England games also on BBC2).
Hosts: Millie Wood and Enya Lackie
Producer: Chris Sandys
Email: notackle@bbc.co.uk
2023-03-3029 min