I still mail cards with photos in them. I could email or text the photos in seconds. I feel that the card and photo is a way to make a deeper connection. Postcards are a cool retro version of texting. I think it's good for a kid's self esteem to receive a letter from his grandfather in Australia. It's not about the photo, or immediacy.
Jim might be in Neal’s top 15, but I put him in my top 5. And I’m talking of all time. Jim’s old Specials are what got me into Stand Up Comedy. Love these episodes.
Totally - i think Jim underplaying himself here (and not being american) means that he will sadly be forever underrated in his own eyes as well as others.. but he’s top 5 easy for me too.. top 3 alive today..
His bit on guns is a masterpiece. Whether ur pro or anti gun, put that aside and listen to it, fkn hilarious. That's just one that sticks out to me. He's good on every podcast I've seen, too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. I found Jim refreshingly honest and yes humble, even better just plain funny. I've loved his work before, but this was the best.
These episodes are so good. It's amazing how open these guest's have been and it just makes them more relatable. And gives hope to those of us who are going thru similar shit
Wow, that was one of the best podcast episodes I ever heard. Love Neil and Jim, they had great chemistry and the mix serious shit and light hearted, silly fun was just amazing. I really can't overstate how impressed I am by both of these legends.
I really appreciate & admire Jim for talking about his mom truthfully. My parents were so fun & loving & unique & actually in love with eachother - I can’t imagine being afraid every day. So glad Jim took the humorous route instead of the bitter route so he could share his genius comic talent with the world. He’s adorably sexy!
Jim is great! Jovial guy and tells fantastic stories. Love this podcast and the Blocks special so much. I think it's a wonderful format and is indeed healing to talk about our "stuff" and give it a name. Gives less power to it and let's us look at our issues differently.
I watched the Kenan episode last night and went to bed and thought, I hope he does a Jim Jeffries episode. His comedy is rife with blocks, and he doesn’t shy away from them. Stoked on this.
This is the best interview of Jim I've ever seen. Good to have a little context around the CC show getting cancelled, that show was great, even my 91 year old mom misses it. I'm the sole caregiver for her, she's in a hospice bed in the living room. Our relationship has always been a little rocky, nobody would have thought it would be me caring for her at the last, but here I am, this is absolution for me, but I related to this because I turned out the way I did, in large part, because of _her._ That's something we've been ironing out as well, there's a certain amount of freedom in that. Don't get me wrong, I don't blame her for my bad decisions, but at the same time, she was pretty abusive (off the charts by _today's_ standards, but it was kinda the norm in the 60s/70s), and it _definitely_ left a mark. I'm not sure what happens to me at the end, this is her place, and there's a HECM on it, so pretty sure I'm homeless, I'll be buying lottery tickets in the mean time lol, but the absolution for past transgressions, and her apology for her part, is worth a lot...
Hello, I've been a fan of JJ for over a decade, and I've been burning through these Blocks talks, Neal. I'm sure you'll both understand my appreciation since you've both done a lot of work with yourselves after bringing raised by an abusive parent. I was raised by a single mom with steep mental illness problems, she hoarded, she didn't clean, she was usually unemployed. A lot of psychological blame and control, a lot of expectations for me to somehow be the adult in the house, while hiding my transness because that wasn't allowed, while hiding my autism because that wasn't allowed... and I was still single digits years old. It was so good for me, deep in my heart, to hear JJ talk about shit his mother did, and how old he was. I've spent a lot of time just calmly getting all my historical info in order and aired out and it's no longer triggering, etc. Hardest work I've done. It feels so good to see people talk about it. Because it's stuff I can't typically share with anybody. Cheers and stay regulated 🩵✌️
I love your podcast Neal! Lets fucken heal the earth man! I am a woman who was raised in a mostly male catholic household (3 older brothers)so I relate to so many aspects of your story. I super value your voice Neal because listening to a man who has evolved is incredibly cathartic for me! And Jim! I am a big fan! I relate to your story so much because I too struggle with howvfun drugs are, but been clean from my old drug of choice for 20 years now. But I was in and out just keep up the good fight💜 You have an authenticity that I recognize on a deep level man. Thanks to both of you excellent men who are also excellent satirists and reporters of the human condition 👏
Jim, you’re amazing. I drove four hours to see you live last fall. And I appreciate that you took the time to take photos with your fans. You are totally on par with Bill Burr, hands down! And I haven’t driven to see him!….. yet lol. Love you too Neil, certainly a stand out and also on par with Bill.
It makes me happy that Neal puts Jim top 15. Two of my fave standups that have mutual respect for each other. I feel like a lot of American comedians don’t love Jim. He’s probably in my top 6 of all time
I think your radar's off. Jim's respected by his peers, make no mistake. Neal speaks highly of him here for good reason, and Neil knows lots of comics, and generally has his finger on the pulse.
God I love Jim Jefferies so much. Neal's line-up has to be the most impressive in podcast history. Don't think I didn't catch you droppin' the fact that SEINFELD agreed to it, too. I think he's getting literally all the greats so that eventually Dave will feel like the worst best friend in the world if he doesn't do it lol.
Great episode!!!💖 Jim- Not sure if you’ll see this, but… The BEST advice we got during a family members illness and nieces death, then quickly followed by our grandmother passing-everyone deals with it differently, and making room for the various reactions is easier than attempting to direct it. Most important tip (from a hospice angel) was to simply ask the person who lost the loved one; will you want to talk about them, share memories, show pics, play tunes they enjoyed… or would it be more supportive to get their minds off what had happened, distract them, watch a movie or go for a drive, or a walk? It can change day to day, so ask each time-be specific. Often people will behave how they think will be easier on others, or whatever path has the least resistance. A nudge to share memories might be welcome and exactly what they need. It can be frustrating to stuff the persons whole memory when what a person might need is to honor them and create clear memories to share or new traditions to show the one who is gone lives on.🤗 Sometimes ya just show up and sit-no requirement to speak or cook or entertain; just be there. Kind of like being on line playing a game. Be there.💖
Yep, very sound advice! Also, grief can make us do weird things sometimes. I mean truly out of our personality weird things lol. Grief isn’t linear and it can come in waves.
Jim is one of the most honest and vulnerable people. This is his real appeal, plus the comedy of course, but he's so genuine. What world do we live in when a hack conspiracy-spreading "comedian" like Joe Rogan gets all the attention?
Never in my life ( now70) have I ever pushed my ass out the door faster than when I got two tickets to your TV show, Jim Jefferies. The lengths I went through to go see you were herculean. I brought a friend ( local comedian) whom I just barely knew, and we both had the best experience ever driving from San Diego County to LA. The meet and greet after was a total surprise, and will forever gove my heart cheer. I wish you had a show, sitcom , or game show. If I can get over your use of the word cunt than most others can😂.too. This was a great podcast, as are they all are Neal. Thanks
Huge fan of Kathy for DECADES!! Personally, I loved her DRUMPF severed head pic. Sad to hear how much pain it caused her. And super excited to see her back in the game!! Great cast!
The Ryan Reynolds bit followed by the Mint Mobile ad read was... chef's kiss 😂
Год назад+15
Neal, You're a true human being. I love watching your show- and I have genuinely grown to like every single one of your guests, even the ones that I might not have been huge fans of beforehand. Everyone should make it a point to go on your podcast, because you have a gift for bringing out their humor and humanity in such a good light. Fuck Ryan Reynolds for big timing you.
Jokes about your mom have made me laugh like a lunatic for decades. Now the stories about understanding her have me crying like a brother I never met. The only thing more gorgeous than forgiveness is when it’s served with a large side of laughter. They were all just trying their best “Gunter”. Thank you.
Man as a patriotic Aussie I've followed Jim for a while and his sense of humour is very familiar to me. But through life experience and this podcast Neil has become 1 of my heroes. To see the 2 of you together has made a rough week redeemable.
I think stand up is one of the most unique, challenging and open ended art forms - I love it. I'd never do it - not even to save my life, but i love it. And I love you guys, Jim and Neal. Thanks for all you do.
What a great guest! I LOVE THIS POD! Every guest feels like the best guest ever. I’m obsessed with Neals dry humor. Love the cuts to his expressions, and the interjections to on topic snippets! A must watch pod. 💜💜
Jim is a quintessential Aussie bloke. He found his chops from shitty places - but then don’t do all the best of us? Doesn’t make it easier…but the honesty is refreshing!
It became obvious that Jim was a good kid and a good person when he talked about visiting his girlfriends dad in the hospital when he was a 20 year old dude. Such a generous act.
This was so good. And revealing. I had no idea about his mother's actual abuse, and it struck a chord, as I casually mentioned something to my mother (still alive) 3 years ago, that she just brushed off. She either forgets or doesn't wanna. I'm down either way. The difference is that I am an only child, so I don't have brothers who know. Anyway, he's in MY top 2, right behind Louis. This was so great.
I’ve followed Jim for 15 years and met him twice. We are about the same age and have similar life experience. This has been the most open discussion I’ve observed from Jim. I never thought the two of us would evolve to be responsible parents after a long period of sex, drugs and rock and roll.
The Koala story was so great. For Jim’s Dad to see a picture think of his grandson go to the trouble of cutting it out writing a note and posting them half way round the world so much cooler than an email.
People in grief do not mind talking about their loved ones. My nephew also died. I call my brother when I am thinking of his son. Conversation starter. "Hey, I just had a wild dream about Billy!" "I remember the time Billy did/didn't fill-in-the-blank" We lost our brother to mental illness/drink/drugs/suicide 30 years ago, so we had a blueprint for this.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Jim’s dad cutting out a picture of a koala to mail to his grandson is funny but also heartwarming.
It shows he was thinking of his grandson, and that should mean the most to anyone
It makes perfect sense for the technological era he's from. 🙂
Precious
It's really sweet. Especially from a guy who probably isn't great with emotions.
I still mail cards with photos in them. I could email or text the photos in seconds. I feel that the card and photo is a way to make a deeper connection. Postcards are a cool retro version of texting. I think it's good for a kid's self esteem to receive a letter from his grandfather in Australia. It's not about the photo, or immediacy.
Hands down one of the best episodes. Very therapeutic. Hearing Jim's stories about his mother probably knocked 5 years off my therapy. ❤👍😅
Epic
My love of Jim Jefferies went up a lot. He manages to be both a regular guy and super interesting at the same time.
Hehehe, excellent! ❤. I’ve always loved him!
He's so honest. I love it
Jim might be in Neal’s top 15, but I put him in my top 5. And I’m talking of all time. Jim’s old Specials are what got me into Stand Up Comedy. Love these episodes.
@@tapetwo7115 Yeah. I’m not very clever so his humor fits me perfectly. 😅
Totally - i think Jim underplaying himself here (and not being american) means that he will sadly be forever underrated in his own eyes as well as others.. but he’s top 5 easy for me too.. top 3 alive today..
His comedy is quite clever, masked in crude humor...a truly brilliant performer. @@George2647g
Jim's in my top 10 or maybe even 5.
His bit on guns is a masterpiece. Whether ur pro or anti gun, put that aside and listen to it, fkn hilarious. That's just one that sticks out to me. He's good on every podcast I've seen, too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. I found Jim refreshingly honest and yes humble, even better just plain funny. I've loved his work before, but this was the best.
Cliff from Cheers is the real life inspiration for the gun routine‽ That’s amazing!
These episodes are so good. It's amazing how open these guest's have been and it just makes them more relatable. And gives hope to those of us who are going thru similar shit
Chevy Chase's mother also used to slap him awake when he was asleep. What diagnosis for these mothers is appropriate, I wonder
Healing the Earth, as Neil says.
Holy abrupt ending 😂
I like the cut of your jib marina c
Wow, that was one of the best podcast episodes I ever heard. Love Neil and Jim, they had great chemistry and the mix serious shit and light hearted, silly fun was just amazing. I really can't overstate how impressed I am by both of these legends.
Jim Jeffries literally had me crying from the stories of his mom. There is always comic gold from horrible childhoods!
Don't ever retire Jimbo! We love yr stuff... Cool life story my friend..
This is THE best episode I’ve seen so far! 😂. Jim Jeffries has always been my favorite! I love this guy! ❤
THIS EPISODE HAS INSTANTLY CHANGED MY LIFE, sincerely. I NEEDED to hear everything Jim had to say. Thankyou Neal. Thankyou Jim ❤
I really appreciate & admire Jim for talking about his mom truthfully. My parents were so fun & loving & unique & actually in love with eachother - I can’t imagine being afraid every day. So glad Jim took the humorous route instead of the bitter route so he could share his genius comic talent with the world. He’s adorably sexy!
one of the best episodes, I really like Jim he seems so genuine really loved his We Might Be Drunk episode, looking forward to seeing more of him!
Jim is great! Jovial guy and tells fantastic stories. Love this podcast and the Blocks special so much. I think it's a wonderful format and is indeed healing to talk about our "stuff" and give it a name. Gives less power to it and let's us look at our issues differently.
Jim isn’t great. He’s a deceptive liar. See Avi Yemini
I watched the Kenan episode last night and went to bed and thought, I hope he does a Jim Jeffries episode. His comedy is rife with blocks, and he doesn’t shy away from them. Stoked on this.
What an engaging, honest and vulnerable conversation. You sound like a good dad to me Jim.
This is the best interview of Jim I've ever seen. Good to have a little context around the CC show getting cancelled, that show was great, even my 91 year old mom misses it.
I'm the sole caregiver for her, she's in a hospice bed in the living room. Our relationship has always been a little rocky, nobody would have thought it would be me caring for her at the last, but here I am, this is absolution for me, but I related to this because I turned out the way I did, in large part, because of _her._
That's something we've been ironing out as well, there's a certain amount of freedom in that. Don't get me wrong, I don't blame her for my bad decisions, but at the same time, she was pretty abusive (off the charts by _today's_ standards, but it was kinda the norm in the 60s/70s), and it _definitely_ left a mark.
I'm not sure what happens to me at the end, this is her place, and there's a HECM on it, so pretty sure I'm homeless, I'll be buying lottery tickets in the mean time lol, but the absolution for past transgressions, and her apology for her part, is worth a lot...
I LOVE Jim Jeffries! ❤
He's our man in Amsterdam, our official rep in the US and comedy. Dinky Di, true blue. This was a wonderfully honest and insightful conversation.
Yet another top notch Brennan production!!!
Hello, I've been a fan of JJ for over a decade, and I've been burning through these Blocks talks, Neal. I'm sure you'll both understand my appreciation since you've both done a lot of work with yourselves after bringing raised by an abusive parent.
I was raised by a single mom with steep mental illness problems, she hoarded, she didn't clean, she was usually unemployed. A lot of psychological blame and control, a lot of expectations for me to somehow be the adult in the house, while hiding my transness because that wasn't allowed, while hiding my autism because that wasn't allowed... and I was still single digits years old.
It was so good for me, deep in my heart, to hear JJ talk about shit his mother did, and how old he was. I've spent a lot of time just calmly getting all my historical info in order and aired out and it's no longer triggering, etc. Hardest work I've done. It feels so good to see people talk about it. Because it's stuff I can't typically share with anybody.
Cheers and stay regulated 🩵✌️
I love your podcast Neal! Lets fucken heal the earth man! I am a woman who was raised in a mostly male catholic household (3 older brothers)so I relate to so many aspects of your story. I super value your voice Neal because listening to a man who has evolved is incredibly cathartic for me!
And Jim! I am a big fan! I relate to your story so much because I too struggle with howvfun drugs are, but been clean from my old drug of choice for 20 years now. But I was in and out just keep up the good fight💜 You have an authenticity that I recognize on a deep level man.
Thanks to both of you excellent men who are also excellent satirists and reporters of the human condition 👏
Jim, you’re amazing. I drove four hours to see you live last fall. And I appreciate that you took the time to take photos with your fans. You are totally on par with Bill Burr, hands down! And I haven’t driven to see him!….. yet lol. Love you too Neil, certainly a stand out and also on par with Bill.
I love Jim Jeffries so much! This was so great, just listening to him talk about his life.
It makes me happy that Neal puts Jim top 15. Two of my fave standups that have mutual respect for each other. I feel like a lot of American comedians don’t love Jim. He’s probably in my top 6 of all time
Really? He’s pretty good. I like 3 Australian comedians: Jim, Hannah Gadsby, and Josh Thomas. (Pretty sure they are all neurodivergent as well😅)
I think your radar's off. Jim's respected by his peers, make no mistake. Neal speaks highly of him here for good reason, and Neil knows lots of comics, and generally has his finger on the pulse.
Lol having "top > 3" is not "top" it's just a large group you like. What are you rolling stone?
Jim is fascinating. I was having a bad day until I saw Jim was today’s guest. It’s a good day now.
You didn't even need your ak
His podcast is incredible. I love this guy's opinions about everything.
@@tecumseh821Drunk as hell but no throwin' up.
When I clicked on this, I was not expecting the best Jim Jefferies interview I have ever heard. And now I'm going to deep dive Neal Brennan.
God I love Jim Jefferies so much. Neal's line-up has to be the most impressive in podcast history. Don't think I didn't catch you droppin' the fact that SEINFELD agreed to it, too. I think he's getting literally all the greats so that eventually Dave will feel like the worst best friend in the world if he doesn't do it lol.
i dont know man have you seen daniel tosh's guests?
Great episode!!!💖
Jim- Not sure if you’ll see this, but…
The BEST advice we got during a family members illness and nieces death, then quickly followed by our grandmother passing-everyone deals with it differently, and making room for the various reactions is easier than attempting to direct it.
Most important tip (from a hospice angel) was to simply ask the person who lost the loved one; will you want to talk about them, share memories, show pics, play tunes they enjoyed… or would it be more supportive to get their minds off what had happened, distract them, watch a movie or go for a drive, or a walk? It can change day to day, so ask each time-be specific.
Often people will behave how they think will be easier on others, or whatever path has the least resistance. A nudge to share memories might be welcome and exactly what they need.
It can be frustrating to stuff the persons whole memory when what a person might need is to honor them and create clear memories to share or new traditions to show the one who is gone lives on.🤗
Sometimes ya just show up and sit-no requirement to speak or cook or entertain; just be there. Kind of like being on line playing a game. Be there.💖
Yep, very sound advice!
Also, grief can make us do weird things sometimes. I mean truly out of our personality weird things lol. Grief isn’t linear and it can come in waves.
Shows and conversations like this really make me love these comics and entertainers even more!
Excellent conversation. The podcast has gotten so much smoother as Neal's interviewing skills and the editing has been streamlined a lot. Thanks!
Love me some Jim.
Two guys truly keeping it Real. Thanks for that. I mean it, it's rare.
this is slowly becoming my favorite podcast. thankyoukindly!
Jim is one of the most honest and vulnerable people. This is his real appeal, plus the comedy of course, but he's so genuine. What world do we live in when a hack conspiracy-spreading "comedian" like Joe Rogan gets all the attention?
Here watching for the 4th time. Great episode. They are all great.
Never in my life ( now70) have I ever pushed my ass out the door faster than when I got two tickets to your TV show, Jim Jefferies. The lengths I went through to go see you were herculean. I brought a friend ( local comedian) whom I just barely knew, and we both had the best experience ever driving from San Diego County to LA. The meet and greet after was a total surprise, and will forever gove my heart cheer. I wish you had a show, sitcom , or game show. If I can get over your use of the word cunt than most others can😂.too. This was a great podcast, as are they all are Neal. Thanks
Another great conversation with a fabulous guest! Thank you both.
BEST ONE for sure!
I'm so glad some of my favorite comics are finding life without drugs and alcohol livable!
What an episode... Thank you Neal and Jim. I hope you will do this again.
Among everything else, thanks Jim for being openly autistic. Making it easier out here for us by being such an expressive and insightful guy.
To be fair, that doesn't absolve him for his abuse. ruclips.net/video/PjLSYRkbM_8/видео.htmlfeature=shared
Jim seems honest and down to earth, have always loved his work but he seems like a great person too
Far and away the best Blocks Podcast. Great guest!
By far the best hour spent in front of a screen all week, every week. Thanks so much Neal :)
love Jim and I love the Blocks rundown in the intro
Huge fan of Kathy for DECADES!! Personally, I loved her DRUMPF severed head pic. Sad to hear how much pain it caused her. And super excited to see her back in the game!! Great cast!
Absolutely love how Jim's son say to his mum when frustrated "alright Caroline " 😂
One of the best interviews I’ve heard in like 2 years.
Love Neal❤. Love Jim ❤. Thanks for spendid real ppl.
This show is on a roll and it's one of Jim Jefferies best appearances
god damn Jim, that thing about the garage door opening - have the same thing from my dad to this day.
This was beautiful. JJs mom sounds like a nightmare. I really like the way he explains everything and how it relates to his stand up.
Love Jims specials! Hope he comes out with a new one soon
Bloke's blocks are bollocks.
I love Jeffries.
Neal, do humanity a huge favor and have Jim on at the very least, every quarter. Excellent podcast. I'm off to watch it again...
The Ryan Reynolds bit followed by the Mint Mobile ad read was... chef's kiss 😂
Neal, You're a true human being. I love watching your show- and I have genuinely grown to like every single one of your guests, even the ones that I might not have been huge fans of beforehand. Everyone should make it a point to go on your podcast, because you have a gift for bringing out their humor and humanity in such a good light. Fuck Ryan Reynolds for big timing you.
Solid episode!! Jim jefferies is such a great storyteller! I just became a fan.
Jokes about your mom have made me laugh like a lunatic for decades. Now the stories about understanding her have me crying like a brother I never met. The only thing more gorgeous than forgiveness is when it’s served with a large side of laughter. They were all just trying their best “Gunter”. Thank you.
This was a great episode. Top 15 for sure
Man as a patriotic Aussie I've followed Jim for a while and his sense of humour is very familiar to me. But through life experience and this podcast Neil has become 1 of my heroes.
To see the 2 of you together has made a rough week redeemable.
Such a terrific episode.
I think stand up is one of the most unique, challenging and open ended art forms - I love it. I'd never do it - not even to save my life, but i love it. And I love you guys, Jim and Neal. Thanks for all you do.
all Art is open ended...
Jim is my Richard Pryor and George Carlin all rolled up in one.❤
Love this guy!❤️
YES. Powerfully funny comic. Thank You for sharing your stories, Jim... Thanks, Neal... Always fantastic.
Jim's in my top 10❤
Another great interview, Neal!
ANOTHER GREAT INTERVIEW! 🤣🤣🤣
WOW! This was one of the best for sure. Jim + Neal = gold
Jim might be my favorite guest yet. Perfect choice and great talk!
What a great guest! I LOVE THIS POD! Every guest feels like the best guest ever. I’m obsessed with Neals dry humor. Love the cuts to his expressions, and the interjections to on topic snippets! A must watch pod. 💜💜
By far best episode yet.
This is a favorite episode for sure
Jim is a quintessential Aussie bloke.
He found his chops from shitty places - but then don’t do all the best of us?
Doesn’t make it easier…but the honesty is refreshing!
Love both of these guys:)) This should be a great one!
One of my favorite podcasts. ❤
I LOVED Legit, I can’t believe it wasn’t more popular, it was so good. Super bummed it wasn’t continued after season 2.
Legit is so good
It became obvious that Jim was a good kid and a good person when he talked about visiting his girlfriends dad in the hospital when he was a 20 year old dude. Such a generous act.
Another excellent episode
This was so good. And revealing. I had no idea about his mother's actual abuse, and it struck a chord, as I casually mentioned something to my mother (still alive) 3 years ago, that she just brushed off. She either forgets or doesn't wanna. I'm down either way. The difference is that I am an only child, so I don't have brothers who know.
Anyway, he's in MY top 2, right behind Louis.
This was so great.
I’ve followed Jim for 15 years and met him twice. We are about the same age and have similar life experience. This has been the most open discussion I’ve observed from Jim. I never thought the two of us would evolve to be responsible parents after a long period of sex, drugs and rock and roll.
Top 3 Blocks guest for sure. Good job.
The Koala story was so great. For Jim’s Dad to see a picture think of his grandson go to the trouble of cutting it out writing a note and posting them half way round the world so much cooler than an email.
Profound. Thank you guys
what a great talk. glad i saved it for a relaxing saturday night.
😻😻😻😻😻 5/5
A great interview. Many thanks for doing that.
Oh my goodness; thank you Neal and thank you Jim.🏜🕺🏻🐕🏖
An excellent conversation between two brilliant comedians.
That outro gets me every fucking time.
Great episode, love this pod. Thank you from me in Australia.
Jim Jefferies is an exceptionally pleasant person.
Thank you!
Great interview!
Jim is the BEST!
This is a wonderful expression of humanity, be it somewhere between wholesome or heartbreaking. Great job, Jim.
I laughed out loud so many times during this episode
I am "my mom had polio" years old. Brilliant!
People in grief do not mind talking about their loved ones. My nephew also died. I call my brother when I am thinking of his son. Conversation starter. "Hey, I just had a wild dream about Billy!" "I remember the time Billy did/didn't fill-in-the-blank" We lost our brother to mental illness/drink/drugs/suicide 30 years ago, so we had a blueprint for this.