Grief cracked Ethan Blauner wide open, and instead of running from the pain, he built a life around feeling every part of it.

When his father died just days before they were set to open a gym together, Ethan found himself grieving while launching a business, managing chaos, and facing decades of generational trauma. As he joins Justin Weidenfeld on this episode, Ethan reflects on the intensity of that time and what it taught him about vulnerability, identity, and the cost of silence.

What happens when you grow up with a parent who never learned to process their own pain? And how do you begin to break a cycle that’s been running for generations? Ethan shares the reality of losing his dad in the middle of a mental health crisis, the impact of being raised by the child of Holocaust survivors, and why he believes emotional expression is a form of strength. He talks about the gym they built, the grief it holds, and the unexpected clarity that came from choosing to feel instead of numb.

From building community through fitness to founding the Dead Dad Run Club, Ethan’s story is a powerful look at how grief can reshape your life and what’s possible when you decide to meet it head-on.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Grief and Purpose Collide

06:15 Ethan’s Father’s Mental Health Crisis and Trip to Israel

13:01 Searching for His Father and Facing the Unknown

17:10 Identifying the Body and Finding Closure

24:54 Growing Up with Chaos: The Emotional Legacy of His Father

27:02 Generational Trauma and the Decision to Break the Cycle

30:00 Numbness, Vulnerability, and Choosing to Feel

34:40 Launching a Gym While Grieving

39:27 Redefining Strength: Emotional Awareness as Power

48:08 Comedy, Crying, and Creative Release as Therapy

52:58 Facing the Financial and Legal Aftermath

01:01:20 Dead Dad Run Club and Building Community Through Fitness

01:06:50 Gratitude, Grief, and Growth

Links

Connect with Ethan Blauner:

Instagram: @deaddadrunclub

Connect with Justin Weidenfeld:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-weidenfeld/

Website: https://www.ironbridgewc.com/team/justin-weidenfeld

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Most people have no idea how overwhelming things get after a loved one dies. Bill Solominsky didn’t either until he lost his dad and found himself managing grief, paperwork, and unanswered questions all at once.

When his father was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, Bill flew home with a blank spreadsheet and a gut instinct that he needed to start asking questions. What accounts existed? Which bills were on autopay? Would his mom be financially okay? That one conversation gave him a head start but not a full picture.

In this episode, Bill joins Justin Weidenfeld to talk through the mix of grief and financial responsibility. They cover how active listening helped Bill navigate hard conversations, the tax implications that caught them off guard, and the financial mistakes that happen when families are left to figure things out under stress. What details fall through the cracks when you’re emotionally maxed out? How can you prepare without feeling morbid or intrusive? And what does it actually take to help someone through the money side of loss?

This episode offers perspective for anyone who wants to have these conversations while they still can and avoid being blindsided later.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction to Bill Solominsky

08:02 Navigating Grief After a Parent’s Diagnosis

10:03 Key Financial Conversations Before Loss

24:20 Coping Through Helping Others

29:41 What Happens Immediately After a Death

41:17 Financial and Legal Mistakes During Grief

52:07 Tax Implications and Lessons Learned

Links

Connect with Bill Solominsky:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/billsolominsky/

Website: https://www.reluctantexecutor.com/

Connect with Justin Weidenfeld:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-weidenfeld/

Website: https://www.ironbridgewc.com/team/justin-weidenfeld

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

What happens when life doesn’t go according to plan? How do you keep hope alive when faced with unimaginable challenges?

In this episode, Justin Weidenfeld welcomes Kevin and Jeff Romer, a father and son who openly share their family’s journey after receiving Mathew’s devastating Tay-Sachs disease diagnosis. Kevin recalls the overwhelming early days—the emotional and financial pressures, the uncertainty about the future—and sheds light on the crucial role genetic testing plays in family planning.

Jeff reflects on what it meant growing up as Mathew’s brother, revealing the complex mix of isolation, guilt, and determination that shaped his childhood. Together, Kevin and Jeff explain how founding the Mathew Forbes Romer Foundation became a meaningful response to their grief and a way to help other families facing similar situations.

Their story highlights the power of preparation and awareness: Why is genetic testing essential for every family, regardless of background? How can community support transform your experience of grief?

Join this meaningful discussion to find out how the Romers turned tragedy into lasting impact, inspiring compassion, understanding, and hope along the way.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction

06:08 Discovering Tay-Sachs Disease

10:12 Balancing Care and Family Life

13:00 Jeff’s Perspective: Growing Up with Mathew

17:04 Life After Mathew’s Passing

19:06 Kevin Reflects on Mathew’s Life

25:08 Support Systems and Community

30:01 The Role of Employers in Supporting Grieving Employees

34:04 The Importance of Bereavement Services

35:00 Kevin’s Grief Process After Mathew's Death

38:20 Jeff’s Grief Journey and Coping Mechanisms

41:03 Financial Challenges and Medical Expenses

51:32 Honoring Mathew’s Legacy: The Foundation

Links

Connect with Kevin Romer & Jeff Romer:

https://mfrfoundation.org/

https://www.instagram.com/brainwave.chess/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-romer/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-romer/

Connect with Justin Weidenfeld:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-weidenfeld/

Website: https://www.ironbridgewc.com/team/justin-weidenfeld

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecurrencyofgrief_podcast

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm