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

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.

✨ Whether you're a business owner, a mother, or someone looking to reclaim your personal power—this episode will leave you inspired to take action.

What happens when you leave behind a 30-year corporate career to chase your passion? In this inspiring episode, Teresa Reiniger sits down with Rhonda Travers, a former corporate leader turned entrepreneur, to explore breaking barriers, redefining success, and overcoming self doubt.Rhonda shares her deeply personal journey of stepping outside her comfort zone, facing fear head-on, and navigating the unexpected loss of identity that came with leaving her long-established career. She opens up about the challenges of being a woman in a male dominated field, the power of networking, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who lift you up.Whether you're navigating a career transition, considering entrepreneurship, or searching for the courage to take a bold step in life—this episode will inspire you to align your passion with your purpose and create a lasting impact.

"What feels like an ending can actually be the mostbeautiful beginning."In this week's episode, Wayna sits down with Carol Fletcher. Carol is a woman of faith, resilience, and empowerment. As a wife, mother of five in a blended family, and entrepreneur, she has embraced both the beauty and challenges of transformation. With a background in advertising at iHeart Media, she now serves as a Sales Director in the beauty industry, where her work extends beyond selling products—it's about building confidence and restoring self-worth.Carol shares her deeply personal journey—navigating divorce and single motherhood while redefining her purpose through entrepreneurship and self-care. She and Wayna discuss the profound impact of loss, the expectations placed on women, and the power of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-love in the healing process.Through personal stories, Carol emphasizes faith, resilience, and the importance of having a strong ‘why' to fuel personal growth and support her family. The conversation explores the challenges of parenting through difficult seasons, the role of community in healing, and how embracing change can lead to newfound strength and purpose.Wayna and Carol also dive into the significance of self-care, the necessity of healthy boundaries, and the importance of surrounding yourself with positive influences. They highlight how grief, growth, and empowerment are deeply connected, reminding listeners that even life's hardest moments can lead to profound transformation.

Grief changes everything—including how we care for ourselves.Why do so many women struggle to prioritize themselves in grief?How can small acts of self-care become a path toward healing?In this deeply personal episode, Wayna shares her experience of navigating life after the loss of her son, while Teresa reflects on the emotional weight of losing her mother. Together, they explore the complex relationship between self-love and grief, shedding light on the emotional overwhelm, societal expectations, and the internal struggles that often prevent women from focusing on their own well-being.This conversation goes beyond the idea of pampering—Wayna and Teresa discuss practical, meaningful ways to reclaim self-care, from setting boundaries to recognizing when you need rest, support, or space to heal. They also touch on the power of community, the importance of honoring loved ones in ways that feel authentic, and the small but significant steps that can make healing feel possible.Whether you're grieving, supporting someone who is, or simply learning to care for yourself in new ways, this episode is a powerful reminder that healing begins with self-compassion—one intentional stepat a time.

Grief doesn't just happen to us—it transforms us.Grief is messy. It's complicated. And sometimes, it takes us years to realize how deeply it has shaped us.In this powerful episode of Female Voices: Life & Loss, Wayna Berry sits down with Mimsy Hebron—an author, speaker, artist, and ordained minister—to explore the unexpected ways grief reshapes our lives. Mimsy shares her deeply personal journey of losing both parents within a year, navigating the challenges of caregiving, and rediscovering her own identity after loss.Together, they discuss the weight of grief, the resilience it demands, and the surprising moments of humor that can arise even in the darkest times. The conversation touches on the complexities of relationships, singleness, and the importance of self-care when life forces us into roles we never expected. Mimsy also shares insights into her work as an advocate for education, her creative passions, and how storytelling becomes a powerful tool for healing.Through raw honesty and heartfelt wisdom, this episode is a reminder that even in loss, there is life—and in grief, there is growth.If you've ever felt like you've lost yourself in grief, this episode is for you.Topics Discussed:  The weight of caregiving & grief – How taking care of a loved one changes you before they even pass. Faith & grief – Wrestling with God in the hardest seasons of life. Losing your identity in grief – When caregiving, loss, and life changes make you question who you are. The pressure to “be strong” in ministry & leadership – Why faith leaders struggle to grieve openly. Finding unexpected humor in loss – The lighter side of grief, including funny dementia moments. The transformation that happens in grief – How pain forces us to grow in ways we never imagined.Key Takeaways: Grief transforms us. It's not just about missing someone—it's about learning who we are without them. Caregiving is its own kind of loss. You don't just grieve a person's passing; you grieve the version of yourself that existed before. Faith doesn't take away grief—but it carries us through. Mimsy shares how leaning into her faith helped her process loss. Self-care isn't selfish. Even an hour a day of respite can help caregivers maintain their emotional well-being. Laughter & grief coexist. Sharing humorous memories helps us keep the spirit of our loved ones alive. Key Quotes:“The second lesson that I learned is that grief doesn't just happen to us, it transforms us.” “Hold on, Life is worth living even when you want to let that life go” ~ Mimsy HebronShoutouts & Mentions:Books by Mimsy Hebron: So You're Single, Get Over It, Voices of Hope & Voices of Inspiration (Collaborations with JenLoving)Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis' Head Start/Early Head Start – Advocating for early childhood education.Revival Hearts Podcast by Nancy DeMoss WolgemuthThis episode is a powerful, heartfelt look at grief, faith, and the strength it takes to rebuild after loss.Connect with Mimsy.Instagram: grlspower77 Facebook: Mimsy HebronConnect With Us:Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: @ Female Voices: Life and Loss PodcastWebsite:⁠https://femalevoiceslifelo.wixsite.com/female-voices⁠Email: femalevoiceslifelosspodcast@gmail.com