Momcozy Village - Together We Grow
"I wrote Are You Here? to plant a seed that death doesn't have to be the scariest part of the story."— Jenny Robinson Clark
Episode Description:
Losing a parent is always hard. But, how do you talk to your kids about grief while also trying to heal yourself?
In this episode of Momcozy Village: Together We Grow, Natalie Gouché chats with actress and author Jenny Robinson Clark about loss, parenting through grief, and what led her to write her children’s book Are You Here?.
Jenny talks about losing her mother in 2018 and a powerful moment that began her healing. She woke up at 3:00 AM and felt her mom was speaking to her. What began as song lyrics she wrote with her husband, Travis Clark, later became a children’s book about noticing the special ways our loved ones stay with us.
Jenny shares what it was like to grieve while raising young kids, how she moved through the stages of grief, and the habits that helped her find peace again. She mentions meditation, prayer, journaling, and even talking to her mom every day, showing that remembering loved ones can be part of daily life.
Jenny also talks about being open with her kids about emotions, helping them be curious about death rather than scared, and allowing both joy and grief to coexist.
Overall, Jenny thinks that going through grief has made her a more communicative, conscious parent who is able to talk to her children about difficult topics and help them grow.
HIGHLIGHTS:
01:12 – What is Are You Here? about and why did Jenny write it?
03:49 – Trying something new during every pregnancy.
06:49 – The dreams, desires, and purpose outside of pregnancy.
07:44 – How Jenny kept parenting through her grief.
10:25 – Connecting with a loved one when they’re no longer there.
12:20 – Jenny’s children were part of her grief process.
17:44 – What Jenny wishes every parent knew about grief.
21:02 – How grief changed Jenny’s parenting style.
QUOTES:
On Grief:
"Joy and grief can coexist."
"The pain we feel is a reflection of the love we had for them."
"When our loved ones are no longer physically here, there is still a thread of love that connects us."
"Grief is like a wave. If you can ride the wave to the other side, there's so much joy waiting there."
"We don't move past grief—we move forward with it."
On Parenting:
"Our children don't need us to hide our grief. They need to know that every emotion is welcome."
"When I miss my mom, I tell my children. I want them to know it's okay to love someone, miss them, and talk about it."
"We're our children's first example of how to navigate life's hardest moments."
"Having conversations about the hard things is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children."
On Children & Death:
"Children are naturally curious. If we stay in curiosity instead of fear, beautiful conversations can happen."
"I wrote Are You Here? to plant a seed that death doesn't have to be the scariest part of the story."
"I want children to stay open to the beautiful signs, memories, and connection that continue after someone dies."
On Motherhood:
"Motherhood gives incredible purpose—but it doesn't erase the gifts that are still inside you."
"Following your dreams is one of the greatest examples you can give your children."
On Presence:
"Grief taught me to become incredibly present with my children because I know how precious time really is."
"Life is fleeting. Grief reminded me that the greatest gift I can give my children is my presence."
On Healing:
"Every morning I still say, 'Hi Mom. What are we going to do today?' That conversation brings me peace."
"When sadness comes, I don't push it away. I let myself feel it, and then I move forward with love."
About Jenny Robinson Clark
Jenny Robinson Clark is a believer in the enduring power of love and the magical signs all around us. The first draft of Are You Here? was written in the wee hours of the morning in a season of grief after the passing of her mom, Gigi. Her husband, Travis, turned Gigi's message into a hit song and then encouraged her to develop it into a children's book. Prior to her life as a mom/author/entrepreneur, she was a dancer and actor in California.
With a lot of faith and courage, Jenny and Travis relocated the family from Orlando, FL to Nashville, TN to build a creative life with their four children. Through storytelling and song, they hope to offer comfort to anyone who has deeply missed someone and still longs to feel close.
Jenny Robinson was an actor known for Meet the Spartans, Iron Man 2, and Burlesque. She has been married to Travis Clark of the band We The Kings since December 30, 2014.
ABOUT THE HOST
Motherhood Is a Profound Journey of Growth, But Is Never a Solo Adventure
In Momcozy Village - Together We Grow, expect candid conversations with host Lalaina Rabary, a devoted mom to a lively two-year-old daughter from Momcozy Team, alongside maternity experts and remarkable moms. They explore the highs and lows of motherhood and uncover new possibilities for personal growth. Get practical parenting tips you can actually use, inspiring mom stories just like you, and receive reminders of self-care and personal development.
Raise a child, nurture yourself. Embark on this journey of support, connection, joy, and self-discovery with us with littles and beyond!
More from Momcozy: Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok
Liked this Episode? Share this episode on social media and leave us a short review!
Want Jenny Robinson Clark to be the next guest on your podcast? Let’s chat!
