The Breakdown with Josie Balka

In this episode we break down what it means to grieve the living. The slow loss of people who are still here, the relationships that change without warning, and the version of someone you have to learn to let go of while they’re still alive. We talk about why this kind of grief feels different, why it’s so hard to explain, and what it looks like to move forward. 

TW: BODY IMAGE. In this episode we breakdown a poem called “smaller”. Touching on spending your whole life trying to be smaller and how hard it is to be someone who thinks that way.The poem is from my newest book ‘loves of our lives’  which is available everywhere 

A poet reads and reflects on a poem that personifies anxiety as a constant roommate. The conversation explores daily routines shaped by anxiety, social masking, and body-image doubts. There are candid takes on medication, health-related catastrophizing, and the protective yet intrusive voice of anxious thoughts. The segment closes with reassurance and encouragement to seek support.

In this episode we breakdown a poem called “when your job is who you are”. Touching on my recent lay off from my career and all of the feelings that come along with that. The perks of not feeling like your identity is attached to your job, and the reasons we should slow down and take in even the hard parts of what we do. 

A reflective dive into the tension between wanting time to stop and resisting the idea of staying the same. A poem reading explores grief, fear, and conflicting feelings about aging. Conversations touch on nostalgia, future anxieties, cultural age shame, and the gratitude that comes from witnessing loved ones grow older. A call to be present and appreciate the gift of days.

In this episode we deep dive into platonic soulmates and how important they are

In this episode we breakdown a poem called “I’m Gonna Miss You Forever”. We’ll touch on the missing people and different kinds of grief you experience throughout life

In this episode we’ll breakdown a poem called “the way that you are” - revolving around why the person you are is way more important than the way that you look. I hope you like it.