We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Theo Boyd a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Theo, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My parents were the reason I am able to share my grief journey with others today in such an impactful way. I call this “More F Words” in Chapter 11 of my book, My Grief is Not Like Yours. F words like Faith, Family, Friends, Food, Foundation.
I realize that had I not had the strong foundation of a childhood growing up on the farm, I would not be able to go out and help others – the way they did their entire time on this earth.
My father – the preacher, teacher, farmer, rancher, son, husband, father. He not only held us together on the farm, he held a community together. My mother – the beautiful, elegant, poised, and most generous soul I will ever know. Having lost her hearing at a young age, she didn’t let anything get her down. She was miraculous.
I tell everyone my parents lived extraordinary lives and died in extraordinary ways. With this book that tells their beautiful love story – they are still helping others, even in their death.
Theo, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I was born and raised on a farm in the small town of Whitney, Texas. My unique name is derived from my grandmothers—Thelma and Elizabeth. In middle school, my classmates nicknamed me Theo. It stuck!
I grew up writing poems with my daddy, learned faith through hardship from my momma, and finished college late in life to become a high school English and Creative Writing teacher. I was awarded Rookie Teacher of the Year my first year in the classroom, while continuing to write as a guest columnist for several local newspapers.
In 2019, a sudden and traumatic loss set the scene for my debut memoir, My Grief Is Not Like Yours. It was also the catalyst for my podcast, Think Theo, where I discussed complicated grief and the many layers of loss.
When I’m not writing, I can be found with my dog Manly by my side, walking the fields on the farm, planning my next podcast with a glass of wine, or enjoying an evening out with close friends. Manly and I currently live on the lake in my hometown of Whitney, Texas.
I help lost and confused women navigating their grief for the first time.
I am currently working on my second book, which will release August, 2025.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I had always been close to my parents. My father was a Texas peanut farmer, rancher, and preacher; my mother, deaf from a young age, was the glue that held us all together. Then one summer day in 2019, everything changed when my mother died in a tragic accident on our family farm. As I began to process this loss, my marriage started to unravel, adding another painful layer to my grief.
Meanwhile, I continued to care for my father who was shaken to his core by the tragedy. Nothing could erase the agony he felt from losing his love and soulmate of over fifty years, and one night he chose to escape his pain by ending his life. I suddenly had to learn to live without the two people who were my constant love and support—my parents.
In My Grief Is Not Like Yours, I give an unforgettable account of how quickly life can turn to grief. Beautifully woven, this book is threaded with memories and raw emotions that are seldom discussed. I show readers how I endured the unimaginable. I walk beside anyone navigating through their grief, helping them feel less alone and guiding them to hope and healing.
“We are all unique, in life and in death. We are born, we live, we die, and we grieve, but my grief is not like yours.”
—Theo Boyd
Any advice for managing a team?
Consistency.
Each week, I meet with my two lifesavers – Kristi & Shan. One helps me with book proofing and editing, the other helps with my book tour and speaking event schedules. Without these two women, I would not be able to function. We have a very routine work schedule, and we know our strengths and weaknesses. Where one of us is lacking, the other is able to accommodate. No matter where or what we are doing, we meet consistently to discuss the agenda for the week.
Stay in front of your team! Be a leader! I can’t praise these ladies enough. I know that I couldn’t do what I do without them.
They are part of my journey – a HUGE part. I share everything with them – that includes successes and failures. Together, we are changing lives for the better.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thinktheo.com
- Instagram: think_theo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheoBoyd4?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: Theo (THINK THEO) Boyd
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmYSQfGI26BQxd18A1-Ddyg
Image Credits
Author Photo ONLY: Bryan Chatlien Photography