Episode 15

full
Published on:

7th Dec 2025

Chapter 8: Luis Romero - Maddog Gus & Fuck Fentanyl

Luis Romero’s grief journey is marked by the interplay between loss, memory, and the struggle for redemption. In this engaging dialogue with hosts Story and Erika, Luis reflects on the transformative effect of his father's death when he was only ten years old. He articulates the duality of his father's legacy—a man who battled personal demons yet emerged as a source of love and guidance. This complex relationship serves as the foundation for Luis's subsequent journey through grief, which spiraled into addiction. After getting clean Luis recounts the painful moments of losing his best friend Phil to an overdose, Luis talks about the cyclical nature of grief and addiction, revealing how these experiences have intertwined to shape his present. The discussion evolves to address the societal stigma surrounding addiction and the importance of creating spaces for open conversations about grief. By sharing his experiences, Luis not only honors the memory of his loved ones but also strives to foster a greater understanding of the impact of loss on mental health and community support.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

  • Fuckfentanyl

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos Madys tattoos is based out of mission beach California where She specializes in Japanese traditional , black and grey , photography, art, and media. Mady believes that tattoos can be more than art, they are milestones, memories, and reminders of how far you’ve come. To learn more or book a session you can find her on instagram at madys_tattoos. Azadi Healing Azadi — which is FARSI for freedom — empowers individuals and communities through trauma-informed care and events such as nervous system regulation, reiki, sound healing, breathwork facilitation and more. Whether you're exploring healing or navigating grief, Azadi Healing offers a sacred space to come home to yourself and find your center. Remember that you’re never alone on this journey. Visit azadihealing.com

Show artwork for The Upside to Grief

About the Podcast

The Upside to Grief
Grief Podcast
Is there an upside to grief?

Your host Story created this podcast to explore just that.

On The Upside to Grief podcast, Story and her guests will share their personal stories with grief and how it can be a transformative force. Story will have one-on-one conversations with guests about the language around grief, redefining society’s views, and breaking cultural norms around grief. Quirky segments discussing other aspects intertwined with the grieving process such as; "Grief in the Wild", "Moments of Knowing", and "Questionable Grief Decisions" aka QGD's will follow each guest’s chapter.

Story doesn't tip toe around the subject and shares unapologetically about her views and opinions. In order to create a positive change and still acknowledge that grief just straight up sucks, we need to start normalizing having these uncomfortable conversations.

Story invite's you to join her on this deeply personal and supportive journey as we all explore the transformative power of navigating loss.

You can follow The Upside to Grief on all social media linked below:
https://linktr.ee/theupsidetogrief

The Upside to Grief podcast is sponsored by Azadi Healing and Mady’s Tattoos.
Follow them on their social media below:

Azadi Healing
IG: @azadihealing
Website: https://azadihealing.com/

Mady’s Tattoo’s
IG: @Madys_Tattoos
FB: Madylyn Leclair

About your host