*This is a series I created within Hot Takes on Healing: "Fly On a Wall", where you get an all-access pass to the deep, inspiring, & unfiltered conversations I’ve had with some of my closest friends. These are the moments we’ve always wished other people could hear—the real, *no edits*, NO-BS chats where nothing is off-limits. We’re talking about the stuff that hits you right in the gut, the kind of truths that stick with you, and the kind of honesty that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting right there with us.

Dani is back for Part 2 of our conversation, and this time we go deeper into what the second year of grief really feels like. For many, the first year is about survival—going through the motions, trying to build some kind of routine, and leaning on the support that’s more available in those early months. But as Dani shares, year two can hit harder. The world expects you to be “better,” yet the grief often grows heavier.

In this episode, Dani opens up about why her second year felt more challenging than the first, how expectations from others play into grief, and what it looks like to keep navigating when the support systems quiet down. We also talk about her trip to Oklahoma City and found herself stumbling into a new home “on purpose on accident,” a beautiful manifestation in the midst of her healing journey.

And then there’s the ripple effect of Dani and Austin’s story: it quite literally saved someone’s life. While treating a patient, Dani's friend's recognized the potential for the same condition Austin had faced. That awareness set off alarm bells and because of it, the patient got the care he needed in time.

If you’ve ever wondered why grief doesn’t follow a timeline, how love continues to move through the world, or how to support someone beyond the one-year mark, this episode will meet you in that tender, honest space.

Stay Connected with Dani & Austin: to follow more of their journey, reflections, and memories, check out Dani’s TikTok: @sociallybamboozled

Let’s continue talking about the things that matter TOGETHER. And who knows? You might just feel like a fly on the wall in the best way possible.

If this conversation landed for you, please share it, leave a review, and *please* subscribe! To connect further, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, follow me on TikTok/Pinterest, or visit www.jessleone.com for more!