Belgian radio personality Nona Van Braeckel is opening up about the loss of her father to cancer when she was just 16 years old, a deeply personal story she’s now sharing through a Studio Brussel podcast.
Van Braeckel, a prominent voice on Studio Brussel, first shared her experience on YouTube and is now exploring it further in the podcast titled “Na de rouwstoet” (After the Funeral Procession), which has resonated with listeners across Flanders and beyond. Her willingness to discuss grief and queer identity is establishing her as a relatable and influential figure for Gen Z.
Born in Bonheiden in 2000, Van Braeckel has quickly become a multi-faceted media personality, blending radio presenting, television appearances, online content creation, podcasting, and social media engagement. She is known for her vibrant festival and music reporting for Studio Brussel, but it’s her vulnerability in addressing personal loss that is currently capturing public attention.
The podcast, launched in October 2023, provides a platform for Van Braeckel to connect with others who have experienced similar grief, fostering a community of shared understanding and support. This openness comes as she takes on a primetime radio demonstrate, further solidifying her position as a rising star in Belgian media.
Van Braeckel’s journey into the media world began early, with a passion for content creation blossoming during her teenage years. She began making videos on YouTube at age 14, experimenting with vlogs, sketches, and talk videos that helped develop her media skills. She studied Media & Entertainment Business and Applied Audiovisual Communication at Thomas More Hogeschool in Mechelen.
In 2022, Van Braeckel began an internship at Studio Brussel, joining the team for the morning show hosted by Fien Germijns and Thibault Christiaensen. She later secured a permanent contract and became active behind the scenes as a digital creative and a representative of Gen Z in the station’s online and social media presence, including TikTok and YouTube content. She became a primetime radio presenter in September 2025 and has since appeared on television.
Van Braeckel’s openness about her personal experiences reflects a broader trend of younger media personalities using their platforms to address sensitive topics and connect with audiences on a deeper level. Her work highlights the growing importance of authentic storytelling in the entertainment industry.
You can find more about Nona Van Braeckel and her work on her YouTube channel and through Wikipedia.
