Episode 23: Toni Plante – A Mother’s Story, Part 1

Some stories can’t—and shouldn’t—be squeezed into one episode.

In this rare two-part conversation, Toni Plante joins Rod & Chris to share the story of her 15-year-old daughter, her struggle with depression, and her death by suicide.

Toni talks openly about what their family experienced, the things she understands differently now, and the unimaginable process of figuring out how to keep living after losing a child. She shares how she found a way through the darkest days—not by leaving her daughter behind, but by carrying her story forward.

Today, Toni speaks openly about suicide and mental health, working to raise awareness, encourage conversation, and support research that may help other young people and their families.

This is a difficult conversation, but an important one. It’s also a conversation about love, survival, purpose, and what can happen when someone chooses to turn devastating loss into a reason to speak up.

In Part 1, you’ll hear:

• Toni’s story as a mother
• Her daughter’s struggle with depression
• The devastating reality of losing a child to suicide
• How Toni began navigating life after her daughter’s death
• Why she now shares their story publicly
• Her commitment to awareness, conversation, and research

Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of depression, suicide, and the death of a child.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Part 2 continues Toni’s story in Episode 24.