In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, I sit down with writer, filmmaker, and podcast host of The Back Room, Andy Ostroy for a deeply honest conversation about grief, resilience, and the surprising ways we find strength after tragedy. Andy shares his belief that everyone carries tools within them to face life’s hardest moments, and how those tools often reveal themselves when we least expect it.
We talk about the ways people surprise you in times of loss — sometimes showing up with incredible compassion, and other times falling short — and how important it is to navigate grief in a way that feels authentic to you. Andy recalls the brutally honest advice from his therapist that shifted his perspective, and we explore the power of offering heartfelt words when people need them most.
From creating the HBO documentary Adrienne, to honoring his late wife’s legacy through the Adrienne Shelly Foundation, to now co-owning a candy store (sorry, all other grandfathers, Andy is officially the most heroic grandpa in all the land!), Andy’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and love.
Finally, Andy shares where listeners can find his work, and, in our signature closing question, reflects on what keeps him moving forward when life gets hard.
Keep Moving Forward, Rachel 💚
