Labor Pains: Dealing with infertility and loss during pregnancy or infancy.

“Some stories shape us through presence. Others shape us through silence.”In this deeply honest and emotional conversation, Brittany Raji Alberty joins Teresa Reiniger to explore the untold stories women carry — the lessons never spoken, the grief hidden beneath motherhood, and the healing that comes when we finally understand our mothers differently.Brittany shares the deeply personal experience that inspired her anthology project, What My Mother Never Told Me, including her struggles with postpartum anxiety during COVID, feeling unprepared for motherhood, and discovering how silence shapes identity across generations.Together, Teresa and Brittany unpack motherhood, grief, friendship, resilience, generational patterns, identity, storytelling, and the importance of women finding community instead of carrying life alone.This episode is for every woman who has ever wondered:● Why do I grieve this way?● What was never explained to me?● How did my upbringing shape who I became?● And how do I heal from stories that were never spoken aloud?If you've ever felt unseen, unsupported, or disconnected from your own story — this conversation will stay with you.Guest IntroductionThis week on Female Voices: Life & Loss, Teresa welcomes Brittany Raji Alberty — an award-winning digital marketing strategist, TED Talk speaker, historian, storyteller, Amazon bestselling author, and founder of Rich Mama's Club.Brittany's work lives at the intersection of storytelling, culture, motherhood, leadership, and legacy. In this episode, she opens up about the personal experiences that inspired her powerful anthology What My Mother Never Told Me and shares how storytelling can become a pathway to healing, identity, and generational understanding.Memorable Quotes● “No one prepared me for postpartum.” — Brittany Alberty● “Some stories shape us through presence. Others shape us through silence.” — Teresa Reiniger● “Motherhood is not a monologue.” — Brittany Alberty● “Your present determines how you view your past.” — Brittany Alberty● “I think people find their voice in fellowship.” — Brittany Raji Alberty● “Who are you willing to become?” — Brittany Raji Alberty● “Your story, spoken or unspoken, matters.” — Teresa Reiniger● “You are worth all of your best efforts to feel seen, loved, and supported.” —Brittany AlbertyTopics Discussed● Postpartum anxiety and motherhood during COVID● Generational silence and inherited emotional patterns● Identity shaped through childhood experiences● Grief connected to moving, instability, and attachment● Healing relationships with mothers over time● Community-building through Rich Mama's Club● Women reclaiming joy, friendship, and support● Storytelling as a form of healing and legacy● Black history, displacement, and cultural storytelling in St. Louis● Coaching women through identity shifts and transformationKey Takeaways● Many women are grieving experiences they were never taught how to process.● Understanding your past can help reshape your future.● Community and connection are essential parts of healing.● Motherhood is often romanticized, leaving many women feeling isolated and unprepared.● Identity shifts happen when women give themselves permission to evolve.● Vulnerability and storytelling create space for generational healing.

Episode 71: “The Unknown of the Unknown" | Growing Up After Losing Both Parents at One Year OldWhat happens when you grieve people you can't even remember?In this deeply moving episode of Female Voices, Life & Loss, Teresa Reiniger sits down with Lisa Webb to explore a rarely discussed kind of grief—the lifelong ache of losing parents before memories were ever formed.Lisa lost both of her biological parents at just one year old and was raised by her grandparents, who became “Mom and Dad.” But even decades later, grief still surfaces in quiet and unexpected ways: during holidays, milestones, hard days, joyful moments, and in the unanswered questions that never fully go away.Together, Teresa and Lisa unpack the emotional complexity of grieving not only who someone was—but also what never had the chance to be. From identity and belonging to preserving memories through stories and photographs, this conversation offers comfort, validation, and understanding for anyone carrying invisible grief.This episode is a reminder that grief doesn't always come from memories. Sometimes, it comes from their absence.Meet Our Guest – Lisa WebbLisa Webb brings a deeply personal perspective to the conversation around grief, identity, and early childhood loss. After losing both of her biological parents before the age of one, Lisa was lovingly raised and adopted by her grandparents. Through honesty, vulnerability, and wisdom shaped by lived experience, Lisa shares what it means to carry grief rooted not in memories—but in longing, imagination, and unanswered questions.Memorable Quotes●“It's the unknown of the unknown.” — Lisa Webb●“You grieve not only what was, but what never had the chance to be.” — Teresa●“Pictures are worth a thousand memories.” — Lisa Webb●“It's okay to talk out loud. They're listening.” — Lisa Webb●“Grief isn't only about what was. It's also about what wasn't.” — Teresa ●“Even 57 years later… it's still okay to cry.” — Lisa Webb●“We don't know what goes on behind closed doors.” — Lisa Webb●“The joy and sadness can exist together.” — Teresa Topics Discussed● Losing both parents in infancy and growing up without direct memories● Being raised and adopted by grandparents after tragedy● The emotional impact of “invisible grief”● How holidays and milestones can reactivate grief decades later● The role of photographs and storytelling in preserving memories● Identity, compassion, resilience, and the lifelong effects of loss● The importance of sharing memories with grieving loved ones● Boundaries, healing, and learning to care for yourself after traumaKey Takeaways● Grief can exist even without memories.● It's normal to mourn the life and moments that never happened.● Sharing stories about loved ones helps keep their memory alive.● Photos, conversations, and remembrance matter more than we realize.● Grief and gratitude can coexist at the same time.● Healing doesn't mean forgetting.

What if the stories you quietly listen to… start changing your life?In this deeply personal Episode 70 of Female Voices, host Teresa Reiniger and co-host Wayna Berry bring someone special from behind the scenes into the spotlight—Donna Ben, the podcast editor and social media manager who has listened to every story of grief, healing, and resilience shared on this platform.For the first time, Donna steps into her own voice to share how editing these conversations didn't just shape her work—it transformed her understanding of grief, relationships, and herself. From realizing her own unprocessed grief to learning the power of simply listening, Donna offers a rare perspective: what it means to witness loss from the outside—and how that experience can quietly change everything within.This episode is a gentle reminder that grief isn't always loud, healing isn't always linear, and sometimes… the most powerful role we can play is simply to listen.

Grief doesn't need perfect words—it needs real presence.In Episode 69 of Female Voices, hosts Teresa Reiniger and Wayna Berry dive into one of the most uncomfortable yet universal human experiences: how to support someone who is grieving.Most people don't avoid grieving loved ones because they don't care—they avoid them because they don't know what to say. In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Teresa and Wayna break down the common phrases that often do more harm than good, and offer compassionate, practical ways to show up meaningfully—even when you feel unsure.Wayna shares deeply personal experiences of losing her son, offering real-life insight into what actually helped during her most difficult moments—and what didn't. Together, they remind us that grief isn't something to fix—it's something to witness.This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to support others better, navigate grief conversations with care, or simply understand the power of presence.About the HostsTeresa Reiniger is a grief and emotional healing expert who supports women through life transitions with compassion and clarity.Wayna Berry is a transformational coach and speaker who brings lived experience, authenticity, and deep empathy to conversations around grief, loss, and healing.

You're not stuck because you're failing… you're stuck because you're carrying more than you realize.In this deeply honest and transformative conversation, Teresa sits down with board-certified nurse coach Alison Tindall to explore the hidden layers behind weight, grief, identity loss, and emotional burnout.Alison shares her personal journey through pregnancy loss, infertility, postpartum depression, and losing her career identity—while also releasing over 160 pounds. But as she reveals, the real transformation had nothing to do with the scale.Together, they unpack why so many women feel stuck even when they're doing “everything right,” how grief lives in the body, and what it truly takes to rebuild your relationship with yourself. This episode goes beyond awareness—it opens the door to real, embodied healing.Guest Introduction:Alison Tindall is a board-certified nurse coach and founder of Thriving Willow Coaching, with 19+ years of experience supporting patients through life's most vulnerable moments. Through both her professional expertise and lived experience—including pregnancy loss, infertility, and identity shifts—Alison now helps women bridge the gap between knowing what to do and actually living it out in their everyday lives.What You'll Learn in This Episode:● Why weight loss alone doesn't lead to healing● How grief, stress, and identity loss are stored in the body● The connection between emotional health and physical health● Why women feel guilty prioritizing themselves—and how to shift that● A simple “red light, yellow light, green light” method to reconnect with yourself● How breathwork can unlock emotional release without words

What if grief isn't just emotional—but financial, physical, and deeply tied to your identity?In this powerful episode of Female Voices: Life and Loss, Teresa sits down with Financial advisor and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Terri Schneider, to unpack the often-overlooked realities of grief—especially during life-altering transitions like divorce and losing loved ones.From losing both parents at a young age to navigating a divorce during COVID, Terri shares her deeply personal journey of independence, survival, and eventually… healing.This conversation dives into the “financial fog”, the pressure to “push through,” and how unprocessed grief can live in the body—until we finally learn how to release it. If you've ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or unsure how to rebuild after loss… this episode will remind you: you don't have to do it alone.

What if your grief isn't just something you feel… but something your body is carrying?In this deeply moving and eye-opening episode, Teresa is joined by integrative holistic nurse and neuro -transformational leader, Dena Woulfe, to explore the powerful connection between grief, trauma, and the body.From childhood wounds to miscarriage, loss of loved ones, and identity struggles, Dena shares her personal journey through grief—and how those experiences shaped her work helping women release subconscious patterns and emotional pain stored in the body.Together, Teresa and Dena unpack how unresolved emotions can manifest physically as weight gain, chronic tension, health issues, and overwhelm—and more importantly, how healing is possible. They also introduce their upcoming transformative experience, “The Bond That Remains”, a healing space for women navigating loss, grief, and emotional weight.If you've ever felt stuck, heavy, or like you're just “surviving” your days… this episode will help you understand why—and what you can begin to do about it. Guest Introduction: Dena Woulfe is an integrative holistic nurse with over 20 years of experience, a neuro-transformational leader, and co-creator of powerful healing spaces for women. She blends neuroscience, faith, emotional healing, and identity work through her “Sweet Liberation” method to help women break subconscious patterns and step into alignment with who they were created to be.Memorable Quotes● Teresa Reiniger: “You do not have to carry grief alone.”● Dena Woulfe: “Sometimes we use our body as a storage locker for unprocessed emotions.”● Dena Woulfe: “You cannot change what you're not aware of.”● Dena Woulfe: “Weight is often a protective layer—it's not just physical.”● Teresa Reiniger: “It's not the grief that brings me joy—it's walking with people as they heal.”● Dena Woulfe: “If we don't process emotions, they will find a place in the body.”● Teresa Reiniger: “You don't have to fight your body anymore.”● Dena Woulfe: “We can help you remember your loved one without the heaviness.”

What if the hardest grief you carry… is the one no one else can see?In this deeply honest and emotional episode, Teresa Reiniger and Wayna Berry close out their series “The Hidden Layers of Grief No One Talks About” by exploring a powerful and often overlooked truth—grieving the life you thought you'd have.From infertility and divorce to career disappointments, identity loss, and unmet dreams, this conversation dives into the invisible griefs that shape our lives daily. Together, they unpack what it means to mourn not just people—but futures, expectations, and versions of ourselves.If you've ever felt like your life didn't turn out the way you planned… this episode will remind you: your grief is valid, and your story isn't over.

What if the hardest part of grief isn't sadness… but fear?In this deeply honest conversation, Wayna Berry and Teresa Reiniger unpack a side of grief that often goes unspoken—anxiety after loss. From panic attacks and hypervigilance to the fear of feeling happy again, they explore why the nervous system shifts into survival mode after losing someone you love.Wayna shares her personal journey after the loss of her son, revealing how grief reshaped her sense of safety, identity, and even joy. Together, they normalize the overwhelming thoughts and physical responses many experience—and offer gentle, practical ways to begin feeling safe again.If you've ever felt restless, on edge, or afraid something bad is about to happen after loss… this episode will help you understand why—and remind you that you are not alone.Wayna Berry is a licensed professional therapist, certified grief counselor, speaker, and coach who supports individuals navigating life after profound loss. Through her work and personal experience, she brings compassionate, real-world insight into grief, healing, and resilience.Teresa Reiniger is a grief coach and specialist dedicated to helping individuals and families process loss, rebuild emotional safety, and move forward with support, tools, and understanding.In this episode, we explore:● Why grief often shows up as anxiety, panic, and fear● What “hypervigilance” after loss really means● The fear of happiness and why joy can feel unsafe● How your brain tries to protect you after trauma● Simple grounding tools to calm your nervous system

Can you love someone deeply… and still feel relief when they die? It's one of the most misunderstood emotions in grief — and almost no one talks about it out loud.In this episode of Female Voices: Life & Loss, hosts Teresa Reiniger, grief specialist, and Wayna Berry explore the complicated emotional landscape of anticipatory grief — the grief that begins long before a loved one actually dies.From watching a parent decline with Alzheimer's, to caring for someone through years of illness, to the emotional toll caregivers carry silently, this conversation sheds light on why grief often begins months or even years before loss occurs.Teresa and Wayna also unpack something many grieving people experience but feel ashamed to admit: relief when the suffering finally ends.If you've ever wondered whether it's normal to feel peace, exhaustion, sadness, and even guilt at the same time after losing someone, this episode offers compassionate clarity. Grief is rarely simple.And sometimes the most healing thing we can hear is this:Nothing about your grief makes you a bad person.Memorable Quotes“Anticipatory grief happens before someone dies… you're grieving someone who is still alive.” — Teresa Reiniger“You're still showing up, still loving, still caring… but inside you're already mourning that person.” — Wayna Berry“The relief is not a lack of love. It simply means the suffering has ended.”— Teresa Reiniger“People expect grief to look like uninterrupted devastation… but grief is layered.” — Wayna Berry“Two emotions can exist at the same time.” — Wayna Berry“Grief isn't something you get over. It's something you learn to carry differently.” — Teresa ReinigerTopics Discussed • What anticipatory grief is and why it often begins long before a loved one dies• The emotional and physical toll caregiving can take on families• Why caregivers often live in a constant state of high alert and chronic stress• The complicated emotion of relief after loss and why it's biologically normal• How grief can contain contradictory emotions at the same time• Personal stories of loss involving parents, cousins, and childrenKey Takeaways• Anticipatory grief is real. Many people begin grieving long before a loved one dies.• Feeling relief after someone passes away does not mean you loved them less. Often itreflects the end of suffering or emotional strain.• Caregivers often carry a silent emotional burden that others may not see.• Grief is not one emotion — it's layered, complex, and sometimes contradictory.• It is emotionally healthy to hold multiple feelings at once: sadness, peace, love, exhaustion, and relief.Listener Reflection QuestionsIf this episode resonated with you, consider reflecting on these questions:• Have you ever experienced anticipatory grief?• Did you feel relief after a loved one passed away — and struggle with guilt afterward?• What would it look like to give yourself more compassion in your grief?

Why do we miss someone who hurt us?In this deeply honest episode of Female Voices: Life & Loss, hosts LaWayna Berry and Teresa Reiniger explore one of the most confusing layers of grief: grieving someone who caused you pain.Leaving a relationship that isn't healthy should feel like freedom — but often it doesn't. It can feel like loss, heartbreak, and the death of the future you thought you would have. LaWayna shares her personal story of divorce, trauma bonding, and the painful realization that love and harm can exist in the same relationship. Together, she and Teresa unpack the emotional complexity of attachment, the grief of lost dreams, and why protecting yourself doesn't mean you didn't love deeply.If you've ever questioned why leaving still hurts, or why you miss someone who didn't treat you well, this conversation will remind you that your grief is valid — and you're not alone.

If you've tried staying busy, staying strong, staying positive — and you're still hurting — this episode is for you.In Episode 61, Teresa and Wayna begin a powerful new series called “The Hidden Layers of Grief No One Talks About.” Today's focus is one of the most searched grief questions online: “How do I deal with grief when nothing seems to help?” Together, they unpack why grief isn't something you fix, conquer, or “win.” It's something you learn to carry. From nervous system survival mode to brain fog, anger, delayed grief, and the pressure to “get back to normal,” this episode gently normalizes what so many women are silently experiencing.If you've ever thought:● “Why am I still like this?”● “Shouldn't I be past this by now?”● “What is wrong with me?”This conversation will remind you: Nothing is wrong with you. You are grieving.

What happens when the life you built… disappears overnight?In this deeply honest and moving conversation, host Teresa Reiniger sits down with author Patti Sauer to talk about the kind of grief we don't often name—the loss of identity that comes with chronic illness.After nearly two decades as a middle school teacher, Patti was forced to step away from the career she loved due to Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)—a rare and debilitating neurological condition known as one of the most painful diseases in the world. What followed was not just physical suffering, but a profound identity crisis. Who are you when the titles fall away? Through therapy, journaling, and unexpected encouragement, Patti rediscovered a long-buried part of herself: the writer. Her poetry collection, Brave Bird, was born from grief—but grew into something much bigger.This episode is for anyone navigating chronic illness, career loss, depression, identity shifts, or the quiet grief of becoming someone new.

Four months before her wedding, Carol became a widow.In November 2019, Carol's fiancé died suddenly of a massive heart attack — just as they were preparing to begin their married life together. What followed was shock, brain fog, financial fear, physical grief symptoms, and the painful unraveling of identity.In this deeply honest conversation, Carol shares what it means to lose not just a partner — but your future. She opens up about survival mode, widow's fire, the unexpected physical toll of grief, navigating finances alone, and why the second year can be harder than the first.This episode is raw, real, and compassionate — for anyone walking through sudden loss, identity shifts, or grief that others don't understand.

There is no pain more disorienting than losing a child—and no single “right” way to grieve.In Episode 58 of Female Voices: Life & Loss, hosts Teresa Reiniger and Wayna Berry come together for a deeply compassionate, honest conversation about grieving parents, whether the loss is through pregnancy, childhood, or adulthood. Drawing from personal experience and professional practice as grief coaches and therapists, they explore how grief shows up differently for mothers and fathers, why talking about children who have died matters, and how parents can find tools, routines, and support that actually help.This episode offers validation, practical tools, and gentle hope for parents navigating the unimaginable—along with reminders that healing does not mean forgetting, and grief does not follow rules.

Parenting doesn't end when your child turns 18—it simply changes.In this deeply honest and heartfelt episode of Female Voices: Life & Loss, hosts Wayna Berry and Teresa Reiniger unpack the emotional, often unspoken realities of parenting adult children—from college drop-offs and strained communication to breaking generational patterns, letting go, and learning how to stay connected without controlling.Through personal stories, laughter, and vulnerable reflection, this episode explores how parenting evolves through every season: college years, adulthood, marriage, grandchildren,blended families, and the ongoing work of healing what was modeled before us. If you've ever wondered “Am I doing this right?”—this conversation is for you.Wayna Berry, licensed professional counselor and co-host of Female Voices: Life & Loss, brings clinical insight, humor, and real-life experience as a single mother navigating the evolvingrelationship with her adult son.Teresa Reiniger, grief coach, speaker, and co-host, shares her lived experience raising three daughters through every life stage—from college transitions to marriage and motherhood—while intentionally breaking generational cycles and modeling healthier emotional patterns.Together, they create a space where honesty meets compassion—and where growth is alwayspossible.Topics Discussed ● Parenting through the emotional shift from high school to college● How adult children pull away—and why it's often necessary● Breaking generational patterns (yelling, emotional distance, lack of support)● Letting go while still offering guidance and support● Navigating pride, embarrassment, and celebration as parents● Parenting adult children who are now parenting their own kids● Communication vs. control in adult parent-child relationships● Blended family dynamics and co-parenting challenges✨ Key Takeaways● Parenting never stops, but the role must evolve● Awareness is the first step to breaking generational cycles● Yelling may release stress—but it can shrink a child's spirit● Communication builds bridges where control creates distance● You can parent differently than how you were raised● Grace—for yourself and your children—is essential in every season

What happens when grief arrives all at once—and refuses to follow the rules?In this deeply moving episode of Female Voices: Life & Loss, host Teresa Reiniger sits down with Mon Trice Williams (aka Poet Emma Dree)—a widow, mother, poet, author, and curator of healing spaces—who shares how losing her mother, husband, and five other family members within single year reshaped everything she thought she knew about grief, self-care, and resilience.Rather than trying to “fix” her grief, Mon Trice learned to listen to it—and what emerged was a powerful philosophy: self-care isn't a one-time rescue, it's a sustainable network. Through poetry, interactive open mics, serenity suppers, and immersive writing experiences, Mon Trice now creates healing spaces that help people process grief, identity shifts, and loss—together.This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating grief, burnout, widowhood, or emotional overwhelm—and for those who feel pressure to be “high-functioning” while silently unraveling.

What happens when two grief coaches pause to reflect on a full year of powerful stories, laughter, and healing conversations?In this special Episode 55 of Female Voices: Life & Loss, co-hosts Teresa Reiniger and Wayna Berry reflect on their first full year podcasting together. From meaningful guest stories and unexpected lessons to humor-filled moments and honest reflections on grief, growth, and connection, this episode is a heartfelt look behind the scenes of the podcast—and the women behind the microphones.Together, they explore how storytelling creates healing, why laughter belongs in heavy conversations, what they've learned from their guests, and where Female Voices is headed next—including pop-ups, travel, and more international voices.This episode is a reminder that grief is universal, healing is personal, and sharing your story might be exactly what someone else needs.Episode OverviewIn Episode 55, Teresa Reiniger and Wayna Berry come together—just the two of them—to reflect on a full year of co-hosting Female Voices: Life & Loss. They discuss the evolution of the podcast, the power of storytelling, lessons learned from guests, navigating grief with humor, and the importance of curiosity, community, and authenticity.This episode blends reflection with laughter, offering listeners reassurance that even in the midst of loss, growth and joy are still possible.

What if everything you thought would make you happy… still left you feeling empty?In this powerful and soul-stirring episode of Female Voices: Life & Loss, hosts Teresa Reiniger and Wayna Berry sit down with Silvia Resnik, an internationally accredited coach whose journey through loss, depression, and spiritual awakening led her all the way to Tanzania — and back to herself. Silvia shares her experience as a lone-born twin, the grief she carried unknowingly for decades, and how encounters with the Maasai people profoundly transformed her understanding of healing, community, and purpose. Together, the trio explores grief, awakening, ancestral connection, self-love, and what it truly means to slow down in a world that never stops moving.This episode is an invitation to reflect, reconnect, and remember that even after loss, new beginnings are possible.We explore how grief, identity loss, and depression can become doorways to awakening. Silvia Resnik shares how discovering she was a vanished twin reshaped her life story, how her travels to Tanzania awakened a deeper spiritual connection, and how she is now giving back through her Empower Her Project, supporting Maasai women and girls. This conversation touches on grief, spiritual awakening, ancestral presence, cultural healing, self-love, and practical ways to live with more intention and meaning.

Grief doesn't only follow death—it also shows up when life turns out very different than we imagined.In this powerful Episode 53 of Female Voices: Life & Loss, host Teresa Reiniger sits down with writer, speaker, and photographer Michelle Lee Steiner to explore life with a hidden learning disability, the grief that comes with unmet expectations, and the resilience required to keep going when the world underestimates you.Diagnosed in kindergarten and repeatedly told what she wouldn't be able to do, Michelle shares how she learned to adapt, advocate for herself, and redefine success on her own terms. This conversation offers encouragement for anyone navigating invisible struggles, educational systems, grief outside of death, or the long journey toward self-acceptance.Episode Highlights & Topics Discussed● Living with a hidden learning disability and being misjudged because “you don't look disabled”● The grief of realizing life will look different than planned● The power of parental advocacy, IEPs, and early intervention● Redefining success beyond traditional expectations● Finding strengths in writing, speaking, and creativity● Why grief also comes from limitations, not just loss of life● How community, grace, and customized support matter

What if talking about death could actually bring comfort, clarity, and peace?In this deeply moving episode of Female Voices: Life & Loss, host Teresa Reiniger sits down with Brittany Neunuebel, Family Service Director at Baue Funeral Homes and St. Charles Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Missouri, to unpack the often‑avoided conversations around death, grief, and preplanning.Together, they explore how early experiences with loss shape us, why prearranging funerals is an act of love, and how grief resources—both traditional and unexpected—can help families survive and heal.From children's grief education to sound baths, from cemetery picnics to a children's book titled "Hello, I'm Death", this episode gently reminds us: death doesn't have to be scary—and planning ahead can be one of the greatest gifts we leave behind.

Christmas isn't always joyful — and this episode gives you permission to tell the truth about that.In this special Christmas Day episode of Female Voices: Life & Loss, hosts Wayna Berry and Teresa Reiniger reflect on holiday traditions, family expectations, grief after loss, and the pressure many women carry to make everything “perfect.” Through honest storytelling, laughter, and tender moments, they explore how traditions evolve, how grief shows up during the holidays, and why choosing presence over perfection may be the greatest gift we give ourselves. Whether this season feels warm and celebratory or heavy and complicated, this conversation reminds you that you are not alone — and that your experience is valid.✨ Episode HighlightsThis Christmas episode is an intimate, reflective conversation about:● The beauty and complexity of holiday traditions● Navigating Christmas after profound loss● How childhood experiences shape our holiday expectations● Releasing the pressure women feel to make the holidays perfect● Honoring loved ones in meaningful, personal ways

“What does it look like to mother a child who lives only in your heart?”In this deeply moving Episode 50 of Female Voices: Life & Loss, host Teresa Reiniger sits down with Sara Sutherland, a mother who lost her firstborn daughter, Brianna, just hours after birth—21 years ago. As the holiday season approaches, Sara shares how grief reshaped her life, her faith, and her family traditions. From creating a special “Brie Tree”, to scrapbooking as a form of survival, to releasing traditions with peace as her daughter would now be 21—this episode is a masterclass in grief, faith, remembrance, transformation, and love that never dies.This conversation offers gentle encouragement for anyone entering their first holiday season after loss, and profound wisdom for those still learning how to carry both grief and gratitude at the same time.MEMORABLE QUOTES● “I wanted nothing but a baby under the tree… and I knew that wasn't going to happen.” — Sara ● “If it is what your heart says you need, then do it.” — Sara ● “Life isn't about things. It's about love and the people around us.” — Sara ● “They've never met her, but my kids honor her.” — Sara ● “Grief is ugly… but I didn't want to live in a heart that was ugly.” — Sara ● “You can incorporate them. No one has to approve but you.” — Sara ● “While grief may change, love remains steady.” — Teresa

What if the moment your life shattered also became the beginning of your transformation?In this powerful and deeply moving episode, host Teresa Reiniger sits down with Jenny Brandemuehl, author of Forever Fly Free, to share the unimaginable story of her husband Mark's fiery plane crash, the five months of life-or-death battles inside a burn ICU, and the profound grief journey that followed.Jenny opens her heart as she shares how a heroic stranger, love in action, intuition, community support, and micro-moments of joy helped her navigate one of life's most devastating losses. This episode is a testament to resilience, hope, and the possibility of rediscovering yourself after your world falls apart. If you're navigating grief, trauma, or rebuilding a life you didn't choose, this episode offers comfort, perspective, and powerful reminders that healing is possible — one small moment at a time.✨ Featured GuestJenny BrandemuehlAuthor of Forever Fly Free: One Woman's Story of Resilience and the Power of Hope and Love

“What happens when the strong one breaks?”In this powerful episode, Dr. Pamela Buchanan — a 20-year ER physician, burnout expert, and mental health advocate — shares her deeply vulnerable journey through overwhelming stress, pandemic trauma, and suicidal thoughts, and how purpose and healing helped her rise again. During the pandemic, Dr. Pam worked up to 100-hour weeks fighting to save lives while silently losing her own. In this heartfelt conversation, she opens up about the emotional toll of losing patients daily, hiding depression, and how her breaking point turned into a breakthrough.Now, she helps female physicians prevent burnout, redefine boundaries, and reclaim purpose. This conversation is not just for healthcare workers, it's for every woman navigating stress, over-functioning, or feeling like they must be everything for everyone.⭐ Featured GuestDr. Pamela Buchanan, MDER Physician | Burnout Prevention Coach | Speaker | Stress Management Expert | Mental Health Advocate

“Can you really be thankful when your heart is breaking?”In this powerful Thanksgiving episode of Female Voices: Life & Loss, Teresa and LaWayna open up about navigating grief during the holidays and how gratitude can coexist with pain. From personal stories of loss to a helicopter ride filled with fear and prayer, they share authentic perspectives on reframing, community, and starting small gratitude practices that help bring calm to an overwhelmed mind.Whether you're grieving someone you love, struggling financially, or just feeling disconnected heading into the holidays—this conversation will remind you that you're not alone, and you can hold grief and grace at the same time.Quotes worth remembering● “You can absolutely have gratitude and be grieving at the same time—we are complicated human beings.” – LaWayna ● “Sometimes instead of asking ‘What am I grateful for?' ask ‘What do I have?'” – Teresa● “When we slow down and breathe, even for two minutes, the body begins to restore.” – Teresa● “I told the Lord, help your little sad child today.” – LaWayna ● “Maybe start with the ungrateful list before the grateful one.” – LaWayna Topics Covered● Navigating grief during the holiday season● How gratitude affects our brain chemistry and cortisol levels● Different gratitude practices (journaling, prayer, spoken word, connection)● The power of community in healing (AA, friendships, families)● Reframing and slowing down to be present● Adventuring outside comfort zones as an act of livingKey Takeaways● You can hold both grief and gratitude at the same time. Healing doesn't require pretending you're okay.● Starting small helps: Even a 2-minute breathing or gratitude moment can help reduce stress.● There is no one right way to practice gratitude. Journaling, prayer, speaking, community—find what works for you.● Reframing can shift mental state. Sometimes “What do I have?” is easier than “What am I grateful for?”● Getting emotions out (even the negative ones) may help. Try writing an “ungrateful list” before moving into gratitude. Suggested Timestamps00:00 – Welcome & Thanksgiving intro02:13 – Acknowledging current struggles (financial, loss, food scarcity)05:04 – Josh's gratitude practice through AA community07:02 – Holding grief and gratitude together11:19 – Scientific impact of gratitude (dopamine, serotonin)14:25 – How grief floods the body with cortisol17:07 – Breathing practice and beginning with 2 minutes22:49 – Helicopter moment: prayer, fear, and reframing27:30 – “What do I have?” as a gratitude entry point28:00 – Ungrateful list exercise29:18 – Tool announcement for listeners30:21 – Thanksgiving photos & family traditions32:21 – Closing remarks & listener engagementMentions & Shoutouts● AA Support Group – demonstrating accountability and morning gratitude list.Episode Extras●

What does it look like to keep living when life hits you back-to-back with unimaginable loss?In this candid and deeply honest conversation, Teresa and Wayna sit down with Coach Tabasha A. Davis — “Coach T” — certified life coach, speaker, and author, who shares her lived experience with grief, trauma, and rebuilding life from the bottom up. Coach T opens up about losing her son at 27, navigating eight additional family losses in the same year, and relying on coping skills she learned long before tragedy arrived. She breaks down what “healing out loud” really means, why trauma responses often feel like personality, and how generational wealth begins with mindset, emotional health, and accountability. This conversation brings truth, compassion, and tools for anyone walking through grief or personal transformation.⭐ Guest: Coach Tabasha A. Davis (“Coach T”)Life coach • Motivational speaker • Founder of I Am Changing Life Coach Services LLC • Author of Transformational Healing Workbook: Starting From the Bottom Now I'm HereMemorable Quotes● “When life comes, death comes — it's all about how you loved people while they were living.” — Coach Tabasha A. Davis● “My coping skills didn't start during the loss. They started long before the tragedy.” — Coach Tabasha A. Davis● “You're asking for healing, but you're still holding on to habits that came from trauma.” — Coach Tabasha A. Davis● “Poverty is a mindset. Generational wealth starts in your mind, not your bank account.” — Coach Tabasha A. Davis● “You can't grieve like someone else — you must grieve the relationship YOU had.” — Coach Tabasha A. Davis● “Healing out loud means telling the truth about what your depression or grief actually looks like.” — Coach Tabasha A. Davis● “As long as God deems you necessary, He's going to wake you up.” — Coach Tabasha A. Davis● “Just because you've done something all your life doesn't mean it's healthy.” — Teresa Reiniger● “Two things can be true — you can function and still struggle.” — Wayna BerryTopics Discussed● Grieving a child and multiple family losses● Building coping skills before tragedy● Trauma responses vs. personality traits● Guilt and shame in grief● Generational wealth from a mindset perspective● Motherhood, loss, and identity● Healing out loud and breaking stigma● Recognizing your emotional limits● Community, faith, and personal resilienceKey Takeaways● Coping skills are built long before grief arrives.● Your grief is personal — you cannot compare it with others.● Trauma responses often feel like “normal behavior,” even when unhealthy.● Generational wealth begins in the mind, not the wallet.● Healing out loud helps others feel safe to acknowledge their own pain.● Self-awareness is critical in navigating triggers and emotional overload.Mentions & Shoutouts● I Am Changing Life Coach Services LLC● Transformational Healing Workbook: Starting From the Bottom Now I'm HereIf this episode spoke to your heart, share it with a friend who needs a reminder that love starts with self-love.

What happens when the life you built suddenly feels like a lie?

In this open and honest dialogue, Magaly opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of falling in love, losing herself in the process, and finding her way back to peace and self-love. She and Wayna get real about toxic relationships, unhealed childhood wounds, and learning how to rebuild self-worth after heartbreak. This conversation is raw, healing, and a reminder that love should never cost you your peace.

“What happens when the dream of motherhood never comes true?”In this deeply personal and raw episode, host Teresa Reiniger sits down with Anna Mueller, a realtor, wife, and soon-to-be author, who opens up about her decade-long battle with infertility and the painful road through failed treatments, adoption hopes, and silent grief.Anna shares how endometriosis, fibroids, and being a carrier for cystic fibrosis impacted her chances of conception and ultimately led her and her husband to step away from further medical interventions. Together, they explore how silence, faith, and communication can either tear couples apart — or help them hold on stronger than ever. If you or someone you know has faced infertility or grief, this conversation will touch your heart and remind you: you are not alone.

October isn't just another month — it's a season of powerful awareness.

Faith, Fear & Early Detection“Early detection saved my life.” In this powerful and faith-filled episode, host Wayna Berry sits down with Danielle M. Frazier, a licensed professional counselor and breast cancer survivor, to share her emotional and spiritual journey—from the shock of diagnosis to the quiet battles no one sees after the bell rings. Danielle opens up about how faith, trusted community, and a persistent doctor changed everything. Whether you're walking through your own health journey, supporting someone you love, or simply need a reminder of resilience, this conversation will move you deeply.

Faith, Fear & Early DetectionIn this powerful and faith-filled episode, host Wayna Berry sits down with Danielle M. Frazier, a licensed professional counselor and breast cancer survivor, to share her emotional and spiritual journey—from the shock of diagnosis to the quiet battles no one sees after the bell rings. Danielle opens up about how faith, trusted community, and a persistent doctor changed everything.Whether you're walking through your own health journey, supporting someone you love, or simply need a reminder of resilience, this conversation will move you deeply.