Season 05 Episode 33

When Grief Becomes Your Teacher: Erin Monfre’s Story of Loss and Living Fully —- LISTEN HERE

In this week’s episode of the Dirty Laundry Podcast, I had the honor of interviewing Erin Monfre, business owner, influencer, WBCA Hall of Famer, and Milwaukee icon. Erin opens up about her journey with grief, beginning with life before losing her mom and the memories that shaped their relationship. She reflects on what it was like to be just 21 when her world changed, walking us through that day, the overwhelming feelings that followed, and the ways people around her responded.

Our conversation moves beyond the initial loss and into the years that followed, exploring how the cycle of grief has resurfaced through milestones and everyday moments. Erin shares how her understanding of grief has evolved with time and how it has shaped her relationships, her values, and her ability to say no to what no longer serves her. She also reflects on what she would tell her younger self in those first raw days and offers wisdom on what she wishes people better understood about grief and mental health.

From this deeply personal foundation, Erin shares about her work today and how she has transformed pain into purpose. She introduces us to Black Box, the space she created where “movement meets mental health.” She explains the inspiration behind the name, how fitness has been a lifeline in her own healing, and the role it plays in her advocacy. We also discuss the patterns she sees among those she works with, especially when grief and mental health intersect, and why creating a supportive, empowering space matters.

This episode with Erin Monfre is about more than grief. It is about resilience, honoring memory, and finding new ways to carry love forward. It is about choosing to move, both physically and emotionally, even when the weight feels heavy. And it is about the reminder that healing can happen in many forms when we dare to show up for ourselves and for others.