Rumi's Grief: Unmasking Pain in K-Pop Demon Hunters

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor dives into the multi-layered grief of Rumi, the main character in Netflix's animated special 'K-Pop Demon Hunters.' Through Rumi’s story, Dr. Taylor examines the various aspects of hidden grief—losing a loved one, hiding parts of oneself, the illusion of strength, and the isolation that comes with leadership. She offers practical, science-backed tools to navigate this silent pain and emphasizes the importance of creating space for one's truth. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion on grief, identity, and connection.

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:10 Meet Dr. Heather Taylor

00:39 Grief Secrets and K-Pop Demon Hunters

01:35 Rumi's Layers of Grief

02:16 The Grief of Losing Her Mom

03:13 The Grief of Hiding Her True Self

05:43 The Grief of Disconnection in Community

06:38 The Grief of Performance

07:32 The Grief of Responsibility

09:57 Reflection Questions and Practical Tools

14:18 Conclusion and Resources

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Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss, because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives.

Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed, this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.

No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through.

https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com

hello@griefisthenewnormal.com

www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist

Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language.

Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX

Dive deeper into your grief support skills with the Professional Grief Collective. This exclusive membership offers targeted training and resources for clinicians and coaches who are ready to elevate their practice. Don’t miss out! Join our community today and start transforming the way you support those in grief. Check out the details in our show notes or visit https://clinicians.griefisthenewnormal.com/privategriefcoaching

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Opening & Closing Music by The Dadicorns

Copyright 2025 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

All Rights Reserved.

This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.