The Slow Return: On Industry Shifts,Grief, and Honoring Our Mothers
The Slow Dive Team
Show Notes:
After a hiatus, The Slow Dive Podcast returns with a heartfelt conversation between hosts Farida Rafique and Drew Franzblau. They dive into the layered challenges affecting mental health in the film and television industry, from the pandemic to the writers’ and Kaiser mental health workers' strikes. This episode unfolds as a personal and reflective journey, exploring how grief and career uncertainty intersect. Farida and Drew share deeply personal stories of their mothers and grandmothers, honoring the legacies, lessons, and emotional bonds that continue to shape them. Together, they unpack the evolving conversation around mental health awareness, especially in creative spaces, and reflect on what it means to navigate change, memory, and resilience.
Takeaways:
May is mental health awareness month.
The pandemic and recent events have impacted many people's mental health.
There is a growing conversation about mental health in the industry.
The Kaiser mental health workers' strike highlighted essential issues in mental health care.
Grief can manifest differently for everyone, and acceptance is a part of the process.
Career changes are a natural part of life, especially in evolving industries.
Life experiences contribute to storytelling and creativity.
It's essential to recognize that one's job does not define one's identity.
Growth opportunities can arise from challenges and changes.
Mother's Day can be a difficult time for those experiencing loss.
Grief can hit in waves, often unexpectedly.
Cherishing memories helps in processing loss.
Honoring loved ones can take many forms, including memories and actions.
It's important to celebrate maternal connections in our lives.
Reflecting on the lessons learned from loved ones can be healing.
Maintaining connections with family is essential during tough times.
Sharing personal stories can help others navigate their grief.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
2025 Mental Health Awareness Kit
CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome Back and Mental Health Awareness Month
03:10 Impact of Recent Events on Mental Health
06:02 The Shift in Mental Health Conversations
09:03 Kaiser Mental Health Workers Strike
11:56 Grief and Acceptance in the Industry
14:58 Navigating Career Changes and Industry Evolution
17:54 The Importance of Life Experiences
20:57 Finding New Paths and Opportunities
24:01 Mother's Day and Personal Grief
30:19 Navigating Grief and Loss
34:04 Cherishing Memories of Loved Ones
39:45 The Impact of Maternal Figures
43:34 Reflections on Life and Loss
52:48 Celebrating Maternal Connections
