In the debut of Two Mothers, One Ache: A Grief Dialogue, Yvette Dávila and Dionne C. Monsanto invite you to the kitchen table—bring tea, water, cafecito—while they open the door to who they are, how they met, and the ache that birthed this show.
Between laughter about their Hunter College days and “hair did, nails did” glow-ups, they ground the conversation in breathwork, faith, and the Yoruba concept of Aché—life force—explaining why “ache” (the hurt) and Aché (the power to keep going) share the same letters in sacred symmetry.
They honor their children, Dasan and Siwe, and the grandmothers—Margarita and Bianca—who taught them that food heals and shared memories keep the dead alive. Sesame Street’s Mr. Hooper, a well-traveled Elmo, and a beloved Stitch become touchstones for how joy and grief co-exist.
The hosts introduce the idea of a “grief toolkit,” preview episodes on what grief really is (beyond death), and invite listeners to share the names of their loved ones who have passed on.
Each episode closes with a Moment of Aché—a shared breath, a quiet benediction that lingers like incense, and the calling of our beloveds into the space so they live on. There is always a seat at the table—for memory, for presence, and for you.

Two Mothers, One Aché: A Grief Dialogue is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios and hosted by Yvette Dávila and Dionne C. Monsanto. Each episode offers a brave and intimate space where grief is spoken aloud, healing is shared, and love refuses to fade—listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever your journey takes you. Follow us on Instagram and learn more at wearemerrickstudios.com/two-mothers-one-ache-pod.

Original music by Dasan T. Broadnax, known artistically as O.D. Mongrel. Discover more of his work on all streaming platforms.