The Light That Shines Through Me: Tiriq Rashad on Grief, Family, and Spoken Word

Some stories are written in ink. Others are written in loss, love, and everything that comes after. 

Today’s guest is Tiriq Rashad, spoken word artist, whose life has been shaped by the grief of losing his daughter, brother, and mother, and by the courage to transform that pain into poetry, music, and meaning. Through his books Shine Through Our Shade and A Diamond in God’s Dirt, and now his new album Kiss My Art, Tiriq invites us into the alchemy of survival where art becomes a way home to ourselves.

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Watch video version here

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Together, Nina and Tiriq explore the unpolished, raw realities of grieving: the trauma that lingers, the relief of finally speaking your truth, the grounding power of therapy, and the courage it takes to show up vulnerable. Tiriq shares how grief propelled him toward expression, how strength can emerge through vulnerability, and how poetry, music, and storytelling became a space where love and pain coexist.

This conversation reminds us that grief doesn’t need to be fixed, it needs to be witnessed. Through Tiriq’s story, we’re invited to lean into connection, share what hurts, and trust that creative expression can guide us back to ourselves, one honest moment at a time.

Key Takeaways

• Art becomes a way to return to ourselves and rediscover meaning after loss.
• Vulnerability is essential in expressing and navigating grief.
• Every loss carries a distinct trauma and teaches us something different.
• Honoring loved ones through creativity can be deeply healing.
• Therapy provides tools, grounding, and perspective during the grieving process.
• Acceptance isn’t passive. It’s an active part of moving forward with grief.
• People “wear” grief differently; there is no right way to grieve.
• Connection and community are crucial in the healing journey.
• Sharing our stories can inspire courage and connection in others.
• Self-tending is necessary to sustain ourselves through grief.

Guest: Tiriq Rashad

• Gramy Considered Spoken Word Artist
• tiriqrashad.com
• Watch Tiriq's TEDx Talk
• @tiriq_rashad

Hosted by: Nina Rodriguez

• Creator of Grief and Light, Grief Guide
• griefandlight.com
• @griefandlight
• Resting Grief Face on Substack

Grief Support Resources for the Road:

• Grief Tending Toolkit
• Access our online community

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Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers