Writer Mano Bouzamour and former professional footballer/coach John van ’t Schip recently shared their experiences with loss in the podcast *Ekiz & Oei*. Both experienced the death of a loved one in 2023 – Bouzamour lost his father, while van ’t Schip lost his wife, Daniëlle. Despite leading very different lives, the two found common ground in their shared grief. The podcast explores the unexpected nature of sorrow, the process of learning to live again, and the search for identity after such a profound loss. Conversations also touched upon saying goodbye, the importance of family, and unspoken regrets. Hosts Fidan Ekiz and Ruth Oei facilitated an open dialogue as the two men connected through their vulnerability and shared experiences. *Ekiz & Oei* is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.