Episode 00: Behind the Mic: Two Moms, Two Stories, One Mission

Written By Rachel Dutro

It’s finally here, our very first episode! We’re Shelby and Rachel, and we’re so excited (and honestly a little nervous) to bring you into this space we’ve been dreaming about for so long. Her Grief, Her Strength isn’t just a podcast; it’s a community, a lifeline, and a place where all forms of grief are seen, held, and honored.

In this special Episode 0, we’re diving deep into our personal stories, who we are, how we know each other, and why we decided to start this project together. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s full of the kinds of conversations we hope to share with you every week.

Shelby opens up about her journey as a medical mom to her two daughters, Lucy and Anna. With Anna’s prenatal diagnosis of spina bifida, Chiari II malformation, and other complications, Shelby’s world was flipped upside down. She shares the heartbreak of navigating a medical system that couldn’t always give her answers, the strength it took to advocate for her daughter, and the bittersweet joy of celebrating milestones in the face of uncertainty.

Rachel’s story starts in a very different place. Her pregnancy with Cassie seemed completely normal until a few months after birth, when the signs of something being "off" became impossible to ignore. After months of doctors brushing her off, relentless screaming from Cassie, and finally pushing for answers, Rachel received the devastating news: Cassie has Krabbe disease, a rare and terminal genetic disorder. Rachel reflects on the gut-wrenching grief that comes with such a diagnosis and the strength she’s found in fighting for Cassie’s care.

We also talk about our friendship, how it’s evolved from high school besties to a sisterhood rooted in shared grief, advocacy, and support. Over the years, we’ve leaned on each other through some of the hardest days of our lives, and we want to offer that same support to you.

So, what can you expect from Her Grief, Her Strength?
We’re here to share honest conversations about all the messy, beautiful, and heartbreaking aspects of grief, parenting, and life as medical moms. This podcast will feature:

  • Our personal stories of navigating grief, loss, and resilience.

  • Insights and tips for advocating for your children and yourself.

  • Guests who will share their own journeys through different forms of grief and healing.

  • Moments of lightness and connection—because even in the darkest times, there’s space for joy.

This episode is just the beginning of what we hope will be a powerful journey for all of us. If you’ve ever felt alone in your grief, overwhelmed by the unknown, or unsure of how to move forward, we’re here to remind you that you’re not walking this path by yourself.

We’d love to invite you to join our growing community. If today’s episode resonated with you, let’s keep the conversation going in our Facebook group Her Grief, Her Strength Community. It’s a safe space where we can connect, share our experiences, and support each other.

Follow us on socials!

Thank you for being here, for listening, and for trusting us to walk alongside you. We’re so grateful for this space and for all of you. Let’s navigate this journey together.

With love,
Shelby & Rachel

Rachel Dutro