Beautiful Tragedy

Content Warning - there is a discussion of death by suicide in this episode.Mina tells the story of her husband Jason and his struggle with mental health after the death of their baby boy. She shares the details of the events leading up to his death and that her family experienced another death at the exact same time so she had to tell her young kids and was unable to be with her whole family at the time of Jason's death.She shares about how hard it has been to hear some painful questions from her children and how they had to correct others who were uncomfortable with the truth. She once again talks about how important it is to be honest with your children when it comes to death.Support the show

In this episode, Mina talks about the stillbirth of her son, Justin and how that affected her, her husband, Jason, and their 2 young daughters. She talks about how the grief affected her body and the raw details of her grief. She shares her perspective on telling the truth about death to our children and why this is so important. This story is raw and real with lots of tears.Support the show

In this episode, Carrie defines what grief means to her and how grief has affected every aspect of her life. She shares about the various layers of grief and the feelings that it can bring out in a person. Grief is complicated and there is no one way through it.Support the show

Carrie shared her experience with having a panic attack and how this made her realize that she has to take care of her grief. She has cared for others but realizes that she needs to prioritize the hard work that she has been actively avoiding.Support the show

I talked with Maria Capolupo, who is a death doula and a certified grief specialist. She defines what her role is and talks about how she can assist people when they are at the end of their life. She talks about the difference between a death doula and a hospice worker.You can learn more about Maria at: www.mariacapolupo.comSupport the show

In this episode, We go back and look at the moments from the second season that really stuck with us. We want to say thank you so much for all the support and we really appreciate it. The journey so far has been an amazing ride and we look forward to what the future will bring! Keep your loved ones in your hearts and remember that it is ok to grieve in your own way and that no one is perfect.Support the show

In this episode, We go back and look at the moments from the first season that really stuck with us. We want to say thank you so much for all the support and we really appreciate it. The journey so far has been an amazing ride and we look forward to what the future will bring! Keep your loved ones in your hearts and remember that it is ok to grieve in your own way and that no one is perfect.Support the show

In this episode, Carrie talked about how she acknowledges the date that Jackson died. She also asked other bereaved parents what they do to survive that anxiety provoking day.The point is to show that everyone deals with that day in their own unique way.Support the show

They talk about Ivan's experience with EMDR and how it's helping him,Carrie wants people to know that EMDR is a viable option for children as well as adults.Support the show

Carrie shares her perspective on how child loss gravely affects every aspect of life and how she is devastated to know what these families are experiencing. She shares her hope that the children whose siblings died and the children who witnessed the shooting will get the help they need. Carrie has experienced so much wreckage on every level and she wouldn't wish it upon her worst enemy. Support the show

Carrie spoke with Sherrie Barch about her wonderful book called “Heaven's Bell.” It is a story of two teenage best friends. They have a special friendship and are inseparable until one of them becomes ill. Then Ashley has to confront what her life will be like without Cody.Here are some of the Amazon Reviewer's Comments: “It's a Comforting Hug in a Book.” “A comforting story for all ages.” “Gives you the language you need...”This book can help facilitate conversations about:● Helping children and families deal with grief● Encouraging the sharing of memories of loved ones● Facilitating difficult conversations● Sherrie's inspiration and her author journeyFor more information about the book, you can go to:www.heavensbell.comSupport the show

In this episode, Carrie talks with Melissa Cottner about the death of her 24 year old daughter Chelsea. She died of an accidental overdose and Melissa wanted to tell Chelsea's story so that people who have misconceptions about mental illness and overdose can know that not everyone who overdoses is someone who has had a terrible upbringing. Chelsea was very loved but she struggled with chronic pain from health issues. Joni shares her perspective as her sibling and talks about how her teenage children really struggled with the death of their aunt.Support the show

Carrie talks with Julie Johnson, who works for Integrate Trauma-Informed Network. Julie defines what trauma informed care and how it can help anyone, but this discussion is focusing on grievers. Julie shares about how reiki, trauma informed yoga and mindfulness techniques can help to calm the nervous system after experiencing trauma. Julie Johnson shares her own experience with trauma and how reiki and trauma-informed care, which puts the person in charge of their care and gives them choices, can help anyone and especially grievers. Julie has a wealth of knowledge and experience and really shares how important it is for practitioners to use trauma informed care.Julie's Bio:Julie is an Instructional, Trainer and Curriculum Designer and Education Consultant. She alsoholds an M. Ed in Special Education with a specialty in Accessibility and Curriculum Designand Instruction. Additionally, Julie has over 150 hours of continuing education in AdultLearning Theory, Universal Design for Learning, Trauma-Informed Education and Instructional Design. Julie has over 8 years of experience as a freelance instructional designer working with adult learners with companies such as Generation Mindful, Joy of Yoga, Special School District of St. Louis County, Integrate Trauma-Informed Network and Gentle Season. Julie is passionate about co-creating inclusive and approachable learning opportunities for all types of adult learners in the educational, small business, and not-for-profit sectors.Additionally, Julie is also a Reiki III Professional/ Trainer and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT500) and facilitates classes and adult learning opportunities in the practices of Usui Reiki andTrauma-Informed Yin Yoga.Support the show

Carrie shares how the book, “You Are The Mother Of All Mother's” helped her when she was desperately seeking words of comfort. She reads the book and gives this book 5 stars for bereaved parents.Support the show

Carrie talks about hoping that people will become more comfortable with bringing upher child's name, even though they are no longer physically here. She realizes that people arenervous and don't know how to deal in this scenario.Support the show

Carrie shares how writing has helped her in her journey with child loss. She benefitted from a free online writing group with Meghan Riordan Jarvis offered through www.griefismysidehustle.comSupport the show

In this episode, Margaret and Alvin, bravely shared the story of their son, Addison, who took his life in November 2019. They shared how they have coped and books that helped them in their journey. They talk about how suicide needs to be more openly discussed.They shared books that were helpful and how they have used their pain to help teens express their creativity.It's Ok that You're Not Ok by Megan DevineBearing the Unbearable by Joanne CacciatoreTime Lived, Without Its Flow by Denise RileyWhen Death Takes Something from You Give It Back: Carl's Book by Naja Marie AidtWriting as a Way of Healing: How Telling Our Stories Transforms Our Lives by Louise DeSalvoNo Pressure, No Diamonds: Mining for Gifts in Illness and Loss by Teri DillionSuicidal by Jesse BeringThe Suicidal Mind by Edwin S. SchneidmanSupport the show

Carrie talks with Elizabeth about Gentle Parenting and how she has done so muchwork and has explored her own needs so she knows what she needs to do to be the best momto her children. She learned this through her own work with a therapist and lots of reading and self-development.Elizabeth is a stress coach for moms. She has 4 kids, 3 boys and 1 baby girl. Elizabeth hasbeen married for 13 years and is super passionate about mental health and emotional wellness in motherhood. She helps overwhelmed moms reduce the mental stress so they can respond with patience and calm with their kids. She teaches proactive ways to be less stressed, how to prioritize needs and ways to regulate emotions when feeling triggered.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

Carrie shares her experience with books and how they helped her son when he was experiencing anxiety. They were all therapist recommended and have helped both Carrie and her young son to be able to better deal with his emotions. Link to the list of books discussed: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1CPIYEEL7DDP0?ref=cm_sw_em_r_un_un_wnCpm5G Zqt0uX Support the show

Carrie shares several books that have helped her young son who was 3 when hisbrother, who was 7 died. These books are most beneficial for children ages 3-7 and were alltherapist recommended.Link to the books discussedhttps://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2ILDB54OGU6B4?ref=cm_sw_em_r_un_un_1ekugEaaKSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

In this episode, Carrie talks about healing being a choice. It is intentional. Sheshares that even though you don't want to move forward, life keeps happening. You can choose to find joy again, it is not easy but it is possible.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

Carrie talks about how Trauma Informed Yoga has been transformational in her healing journey. Learning how to slow down and listen to her body through TIY has really helped to unlock some trauma. Trauma Informed Yoga is invitational and you learn to listen to your body because it will tell you what it needs, if you tune in. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

Carrie talks with Teresa whose sister died when she was 14 years ago. 32 years later, it is still painful to talk about. She talks about how hard it was as a sibling and watching her parents grieve. She does family centered therapy as a result of the lack of therapy available when her family needed it. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

Carrie and Dr. Murphy Rising talk about how the death of her father at the age of 27 affected her and how it shaped her as a therapist. She works with children and emphasizes the importance of giving children a space to talk about life's difficulties. She also talks about the signs she has received from her father and the difference between grieving and mourning.Dr. Janys Murphy Rising is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington state with 18 years of clinical experience, and over a decade teaching graduate level counselors. Janys works with adolescent transitions, substance use, eating disorders, grief, spirituality, and life adjustments. Their approach is yoga informed, enneagram informed, and anti-diet. Janys's counseling helps people learn patterns that support spontaneity, presence, and how to be the person you they were born to be.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

In this episode, Carrie talks about how important it is for grievers to be able to grieve the way they need to and not be told by society that we are doing it wrong. Everyone grieves differently and just like no one would tell you how to love, people shouldn't be telling us how to grieve either. There is a time for us to be a student and then a time to be a teacher and share what you have learned.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

In this episode, Carrie talks with Ceramo about how he turned the loss of his wife into a foundation that helps others who are either fighting or surviving cancer. He shares about how he is able to “Be the Light in the darkness.” He shares how important it is to reach out to someone you know who is fighting cancer and just how important that can be for someone.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

Carrie wraps up all of the subjects that were discussed in season one. Season 2 will continue to destigmatize grief and the idea that it is something we will get over.Support the show

Carrie and Michelle talk about the challenges of parenting while grieving but that you can get through it and there is help available. Good Grief Parenting offers a course to help parents learn how to see the whole horizon and live forward with their surviving child.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

Carrie and John have a conversation about John's only son, Christian, who died of cancer in 2020. John shares the things that he learned from Christian and how he influenced John with so much of his life. John shares his healing journey and how we went from not leaving the house to losing weight and living again. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

Carrie and Meghan discuss how trauma affects the brain and the types of therapy that can help you work through PTSD. They talk about how EMDR can help you process a feeling/emotion that might have you stuck. Trauma creates neural pathways in the brain but healing can create new neural-pathways. Meghan Riordan Jarvis, MA, LCSW is a psychotherapist specializing in trauma and grief and loss who works in private practice in Washington, DC. After experiencing PTSD after the deaths of both of her parents within two years of each other, Meghan started the platform “Grief is My Side Hustle” which includes her popular blog, links to her podcast under the same name, and her free writing workshop “grief mates.” Meghan's memoir “The End of The Hour” publishes with Zibby Books in 2023. Support the show

Carrie shares what it's like for her to grieve during a pandemic and the challenges that have been presented. She hopes that by sharing her experience that others can understand why she can't be the friend that she desires to be.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

Carrie talks about admitting exhaustion and her struggles. She hopes that sharing her ownexperience will help people feel less alone.Support the show

Carrie and Chrissy Holder talk about what it was like to be a friend to someone through child loss. Chrissy shares how she talked to her kids and how she walked alongside the Schmitt's during their grief journey. They also talked about the book they are working on together about sibling loss.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

In this episode, Natasha shares her experience with pregnancy after loss and cultural differences between the US and Trinidad & Tobago. She shares how her writing became therapy and how her experience as a therapist helped her to be able to help others. She shares her experience to help others feel less alone.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

In this episode Carrie talks about how the phrase “moving on” can be a big trigger for bereaved parents. There are better terms that don't feel as dismissive as being told to move on can be.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

In this episode, Carrie talks about advice that she doesn't always take for herself but knows the value in being gentle with yourself. The holidays are especially difficult for bereaved parents.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

Carrie talks with Glen about what grief therapy looks like. The talk about going into the cave, doing the next right thing, learning how to grieve and talking about where you “should” be.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

In this episode, Carrie interviews children's therapist, Dr. Mary Ann Lingg. They discuss ways that children can show their grief and ways to help with anxiety. She shares books for both grieving and anxious children as well as grieving parents.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

In this episode, Carrie shares her experience with how grief affected her brain after her son died. She shares ways that she works on her self care and how it is not always the outside stuff like coffee and massages. She shares info by Megan Devine, who is well known in the grief community.www.refugeingrief.comSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

In this episode Carrie's brother, Kevin, interviews Mike and Carrie as they discuss how they grieve differently. Mike talks about his experience as a father.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

Carrie shares how her tribe helped her through the aftermath of the death of her son. She also shares how there have been things that have been said to her that have been helpful and other things that have actually hurt. What she is saying is her own experience and not meant to condemn. She hopes that by sharing, it can help others find words that are helpful.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

Carrie talks about how Love Like Jackson came to be. Starting a foundation during a pandemic can be a challenge but she didn't let that stop her. She also shared about the impact that had been made with Team Jackson St. Baldrick's. Team Jackson St. Baldrick's have raised $130,000 for osteosarcoma research.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

Carrie speaks with Dion Walker Sr., the father of Matthew Walker, who is a 4 time cancer survivor and has had 3 bone marrow transplants. We talk about his son's 6 year fight, how they have survived having their life continuously flipped upside down and how important it is going to therapy. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

Carrie shares about how music therapy can be very helpful for children when they are grieving. She talks with the owners of Music Therapy STL, Tracie Sandheinrich and Jamie Kennington. They talk about how their company, Music Therapy STL came to be and how music therapy can help grieving children as well as people of all ages. Carrie also shares how therapeutic songwriting, one useful tool used in music therapy, was a helpful tool for her son, Ivan. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

Carrie does not claim to be an expert, she just wants to share the things she has learned in her own journey. She shares how trying parenting while grieving can be. She also shares her own experience with the different ways that her son shows his grief and hopes that it can encourage another parent in an impossible situation.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

Carrie wants to share her experience so that she can help others through this grieving process. She is raw and vulnerable with her emotions to give a voice to an incredibly difficult topic, child death. She tries to share insight that she needed after her son died.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)

My beautiful tragedy is a podcast discussing grief, advocacy and child loss. Meghan Riordan Jarvis, grief/trauma therapist and writer, interviews Carrie Schmitt and they discuss surrogacy, child loss and grief. The goal of this podcast is to shed light on difficult subjects such as child loss, grief and childhood cancer advocacy. Carrie wants to help other bereaved parents in any way she can.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lovelikejackson)