In this episode of The Blessed Code™️, host Melvin Rodriguez sits down with Atlanta-based pastor, author, and entrepreneur John Onwuchekwa to unlock The Grief Code. Together, they unpack how Black men navigate loss, vulnerability, and the silent weight of grief.
With raw honesty, Melvin and John reveal how grief doesn’t end-it reshapes us, and when embraced, it becomes the soil for growth, faith, and brotherhood.
👉🏾 In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅How to reframe grief as a language rather than a burden
✅The difference between hopelessness and grief, and why one is far more dangerous
✅Practical ways to support yourself and others through loss
✅Why creating safe spaces for Black men to be vulnerable is crucial
✅How faith transforms pain into purpose and legacy
If you’ve ever wrestled with the weight of grief and wondered how to heal while honoring your losses, this conversation is for you.
💬 Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction: Unlocking The Grief Code™️
1:45 – John’s story: losing his brother & the worst day of his life
6:20 – What grief feels like 10 years later (from boulder to companion)
8:30 – Grief is not a journey, grief is a language
10:43 – Melvin shares the loss of his son, Milan
13:28 – From grief to purpose: founding Mielle Organics
18:36 – Why sharing your story gives others hope
19:43 – How grief compounds in Black communities
29:05 – What most men misunderstand about grief
35:00 – Brotherhood saved me: John’s rock-bottom moment & friends arriving in 4 minutes
37:15 – Creating safe spaces for Black men to heal together
43:00 – The language of grief: what to say and what not to say
46:55 – John’s Blessed Code: tragedy doesn’t ruin us, hopelessness does
QUOTES:
“Tragedy doesn't ruin anybody. Hopelessness does.” – John Onwuchekwa
“The goal of grief is not for it to end. The goal of grief is to find meaning.” – John Onwuchekwa
“Grief will make you feel that when you're at rock bottom, that's the end of your story. But every time that we share our story, we're reminded that not being at rock bottom is not a destination.” – John Onwuchekwa
“The words that bring grievers the most comfort do not come from comforters. They come from those of us that grieve, they're trapped deep inside us, and the questions from people are the keys that unlock that hope.” – John Onwuchekwa
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▶️ The Blessed Code™️ Podcast – @theblessedcode
▶️ Melvin Rodriguez – @themelvinrodriguez▶️ Stay Blessed Studios – @stayblessedstudio🌐 Explore more at Stay Blessed Studio – stayblessedstudio.com
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🔑 The story must be told™️ Stay blessed, stay grounded, and keep unlocking your code.
The Blessed Code™️ is produced by EPYC Media Network