Family Flowers Only with Chris O'Connor

This week, I sat down with Chris O’Connor, who shared the heartbreaking loss of his dad, James O’Connor who died while attempting to summit Mount Kilimanjaro on the morning of his 40th birthday.

Chris is just 17, still in school, but speaks with a depth and honesty that left me completely in awe of him. He talks about the pressure to stay strong, the anger that built up in the aftermath, and how healing it’s been to finally open up and speak about his grief.

He also shares the deep love he has for his dad, the man who introduced him to running, supported him through everything, and shaped so much of who he is today.

This is a powerful and moving conversation about love, loss, and the strength it takes to keep going. One you should get your teenagers to listen to and one we can all learn so much from ourselves.

You can follow Chris' journey on Tiktok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisoconn

And Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/christopher.oconn?igsh=MW93cGJkdmlvaGNtdQ==

Feeling stuck in your body?
Grief can weigh heavily on us physically as well as emotionally. If you’re ready to try gentle movement from home Ecofitness by Korina Duffy is offering listeners a 30-day free trial.
Move at your own pace, in your own space, even in your pyjamas.

💚 Sign up here: https://coach.everfit.io/package/QJ743362

🎙️ This episode was recorded at GK Media Studio.
They also offer a beautiful Legacy Package where you can record your own personal or family podcast, capture memories with a loved one, or tell your story in your own words.
They can even travel to you.

📼 Learn more here: https://www.gkmedia.ie/legacy

For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com

During the pandemic I created a community on Instagram called Grief Ireland. It was following the death of my sister Elaine and her husband Pa. I found Grief to be still a taboo subject, unspoken, and a topic that not many wanted to discuss. Unless of course those who were in "the club no-one wants to be in". But to find those people was difficult. So I went on a mission to open the conversation, to comfort those who mourn, to educate those who don't, to hold space for others to talk about their Grief, Love and Loss and to remember our loved ones and ensure that they would never be forgotten.

• No. of episodes: 35
• Latest episode: 2025-07-20
• Society & Culture Personal Journals

Where can you listen?