Mourning Meeting

On this week's episode of The Mourning Meeting, Mandi talks with Abby Hennigan. They discuss Abby's story of loss — as a teenager she lost both her parents within a two year span. Abby, who is now 24, tells Mandi how she navigated through high school and college in the shadow of such loss. Abby reveals how familial support bolstered her after her parents' deaths. They also discuss the importance of peer support. Mandi and Abby describe how her loss, combined with her own inner strength and passion for music, have helped to shape her life and career as a young adult. Find Abby's blog at www.youngandinloss.com. Reach out if you want to hear about a specific topic on the podcast or if you want to be a guest on the show: inner-harbor.org/contact Where to Find Us: inner-harbor.org INSTAGRAM: @innerharbor_grief_support SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/2T5Q6Te APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3yIwhAi If you, or someone you know, are thinking about taking your own life, there is help. Call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-274-TALK (8255) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Mandi speaks with Susan Angel Miller. Susan is the author of “Permission to Thrive” — a memoir she wrote in the aftermath of the sudden death of her teenage daughter. Mandi and Susan discuss the grief and trauma that can accompany losses of any type. They define post traumatic growth and explain how positive self growth and exploration is possible after great loss. Susan can be reached at www.susanangelmiller.com. Where to Find Us: www.inner-harbor.org INSTAGRAM: @innerharbor_grief_support SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/2T5Q6Te APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3yIwhAi Reach out if you want to hear about a specific topic on the podcast or if you want to be a guest on the show: inner-harbor.org/contact --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode focuses on creative ways to support student mental health on college campuses. From marketing and outreach techniques to educating teachers about the shame many students feel when they struggle academically, we need more people who understand the reality of students today. Mandi and Dr. Kimberly Quinn discuss how we can best accommodate, and encourgae the wellness of our students. Where to Find Us: inner-harbor.org INSTAGRAM: @innerharbor_grief_support SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/2T5Q6Te APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3yIwhAi Reach out if you want to hear about a specific topic on the podcast or if you want to be a guest on the show: inner-harbor.org/contact. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Where to Find Us: inner-harbor.org INSTAGRAM: @innerharbor_grief_support SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/2T5Q6Te APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3yIwhAi Reach out if you want to hear about a specific topic on the podcast or if you want to be a guest on the show: inner-harbor.org/contact If you, or someone you know, are thinking about taking your own life, there is help. Call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-274-TALK (8255) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Mandi speaks with Cynthia Whipple. Both of Cythia's parents died — within six weeks of one another — when she was 24 years old. Mandi and Cynthia talk about the experience of loss as a young adult. They explore how loss shapes all aspects of our lives — professionally and socially; from work to relationships. Mandi and Cynthia identify supports and strategies that grieving young adults — and those around them — can employ. As professionals and human beings who have both experienced loss as young adults, Mandi and Cynthia explain why "we have an obligation to be the person we needed." If you want to learn more about EmpowerHer, check out www.empoweringher.org. Where to Find Us: www.inner-harbor.org INSTAGRAM: @innerharbor_grief_support SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/2T5Q6Te APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3yIwhAi Reach out if you want to hear about a specific topic on the podcast or if you want to be a guest on the show: inner-harbor.org/contact  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Mandi talks with grief educator Connie Palmer, about grief beliefs and the relationship between grief and shame — an important, but often misunderstood and overlooked topic. Through the lens of grief and loss, Mandi and Connie explore how false beliefs, fear and shame intersect and impact, not only our willingness to expose ourselves, but our ability to express ourselves. Connie Palmer is a licensed clinical social worker who is an experienced teacher, therapist and school counselor with more than 30 years of experience. She is currently a Grief Educator for Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss in NJ and the owner of Therapeutic Learning Connections, offering social-emotional learning workshops for schools, community organizations and workplaces. Connie can be reached at cqpalmer@yahoo.com. Where to Find Us: inner-harbor.org INSTAGRAM: @innerharbor_grief_support SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/2T5Q6Te APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3yIwhAi Reach out if you want to hear about a specific topic on the podcast or if you want to be a guest on the show: inner-harbor.org/contact. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today, we are going to talk about eating disorders and grief, and how they relate to another. We talk about how eating disorders can bring on feelings of grief, related to our own sense of identity. We also explore how grief can create changes in appetite that can be the beginning of disordered eating. Often, grievers feel some lack of control, and controlling food intake may be one way to gain a sense of that back. In extreme cases, this control can turn in to severe restrictions of food intake. To reach out to Tziporah, find her on Instagram at @tziporaheisenstein. Where to Find Us: inner-harbor.org INSTAGRAM: @innerharbor_grief_support SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/2T5Q6Te APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3yIwhAi Reach out if you want to hear about a specific topic on the podcast or if you want to be a guest on the show: inner-harbor.org/contact --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Preston Zeller is an artist who took a year after the sudden death of his brother to paint a picture every day to process and express his grief, including using his brothers ashes in his art. He and Lindsay Lederman, an art therapist from The Art Therapy Project, partnered to make a documentary called The Art of Grieving that highlights the benefits of using art to mourn. Where to Find Us: inner-harbor.org INSTAGRAM: @innerharbor_grief_support SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/2T5Q6Te APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3yIwhAi Reach out if you want to hear about a specific topic on the podcast or if you want to be a guest on the show: inner-harbor.org/contact --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today on the show, I am interviewing two special guests, Emma Payne and Sarah Khatau. Sara shares what it was like to lose her father as a young adult and what supports continued to help her in the really painful times. One of those supports was Grief Coach, a subscription based grief support texting service. So we also have on the show the Founder of Grief Coach, Emma Payne. Emma shares how she came up with Grief Coach and how it has changed the way we can provide support to anyone. If you are interested in a subscription to Grief Coach, go to www.grief.coach/innerharbor for $10 off a yearly subscription. Where to Find Us: inner-harbor.org INSTAGRAM: @innerharbor_grief_support SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/2T5Q6Te APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3yIwhAi Reach out if you want to hear about a specific topic on the podcast or if you want to be a guest on the show: inner-harbor.org/contact --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Mandi talks with Wendy Sefcik, a mother who lost her child to suicide. They reveal the important strategies we can draw on to help prevent suicide in our friends, family and students. Mandi and Wendy provide valuable insight and resources to the listener about suicide and suicide prevention and how to confront the swell of emotion that accompanies the topic. By normalizing and removing the stigma surrounding the discussion of death and suicide, Mandi and Wendy leave listeners better equipped to support people who may be struggling. Wendy serves as Chair for the NJ Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council, as NJ Chapter Chair for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Board Member for the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County and their Child Advocacy Committee and is employed as the Suicide Prevention Coordinator for Bergen County. Along with her husband Steve and son Matt, Wendy created Remembering T.J. - A Story of Teen Depression, Lessons and Hope. They have shared their story with over 30,000 people to raise awareness of depression and mood disorders in teens and suicide risk. Wendy also provides hope to those dealing with these issues and to those who have suffered a traumatic loss. To connect with Wendy, reach out to her at: www.rememberingtj.org. Where to Find Us: inner-harbor.org INSTAGRAM: @innerharbor_grief_support SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/2T5Q6Te APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3yIwhAi If you, or someone you know, are thinking about taking your own life, there is help. Call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-274-TALK (8255) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Melissa Lunardini and Mandi Zucker both founded organizations focused on supporting people after a loss. They are both frequently asked how they maintain their own mental health in such an emotional draining job. In this episode, Mandi and Melissa share some of their own strategies they use to avoid burnout and focus on their own self-care. Where to Find Us: Melissa Lunardini, MA, MBA, FT can be reached at www.radicalgrief.org. Mandi Zucker, LSW, CT can be reached at www.inner-harbor.org INSTAGRAM: @innerharbor_grief_support SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/2T5Q6Te APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3yIwhAi Reach out if you want to hear about a specific topic on the podcast or if you want to be a guest on the show: inner-harbor.org/contact --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Joyal Mulheron and Mairead Peters talk about the efforts to make paid bereavement leave a reality for all Americans, and the current situation that allows for workers, particularly low-wage earners, to be fired for taking a day off of work after a family member dies. Mairead shares what it was like as a college student to lose two family members and the pressures she felt at work and at school to perform and make money. Joyal shares what we can all do to get involved and advocate for employee support after a death. Where to Find Us: inner-harbor.org INSTAGRAM: @innerharbor_grief_support SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/2T5Q6Te APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3yIwhAi Joyal Mulheron can be reached at www.live-evermore.org Mairead Peters can be reached at mairead@covect.org. Reach out if you want to hear about a specific topic on the podcast or if you want to be a guest on the show: inner-harbor.org/contact --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Kathy Benjamin is the author of “It's your Funeral: Plan a Celebration of a Lifetime Before it's Too Late.” Kathy and Mandi talk about planning your own funeral, when you should start planning your funeral, and how to talk to others about planning theirs. They also explore how making your wishes known is a loving, final gift for family and friends. Kathy and Mandi acquaint the listener with interesting burial practices and talk about different trends and which connects most with young people today. Where to Find Us: Kathy Benjamin: www.quickbooks.com or www.kathybenjamin.com. inner-harbor.org INSTAGRAM: @innerharbor_grief_support SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/2T5Q6Te APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3yIwhAi Reach out if you want to hear about a specific topic on the podcast or if you want to be a guest on the show: inner-harbor.org/contact  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Lane Pease Hendricks in the Director Of Programs at Kates Club in Atlanta, Georgia. Mandi and Lane talk about grieving after the death of a complicated relationship. We explore reactions to losses that were conflicted and how friends can support grievers after these kinds of deaths.  Lane Pease Hendricks can be reached at lane.pease@katesclub.org.  Where to Find Us: inner-harbor.org  INSTAGRAM: @innerharbor_grief_support  SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/2T5Q6Te  APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3yIwhAi Reach out if you want to hear about a specific topic on the podcast or if you want to be a guest on the show: inner-harbor.org/contact  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Amy is a social worker in rural Pennsylvania who shares her decision to have an abortion as a young adult. We talk about the support she did, and did not, have as she made her decision and the reasons she kept her choice private from so many people. We also talk about the grief she experienced after the abortion and the ways she coped to deal with those feelings. Where to Find Us: inner-harbor.org INSTAGRAM: @innerharbor_grief_support SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/2T5Q6Te APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3yIwhAi To reach out to Amy, email her at amyemasters@outlook.com. Reach out if you want to hear about a specific topic on the podcast or if you want to be a guest on the show: inner-harbor.org/contact --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Jenny Lisk is an award-winning author and widowed mom. Mandi and Jenny discuss the sudden death of her husband and the ensuing chaos, grief, and stress. They also discuss the importance of honesty and benefit of therapy for grieving individuals. Jenny reveals to Mandi and our listeners the “ah-ha, moment of clarity” that propelled her forward in her life. Jenny Lisk is dedicated to helping widowed parents increase their families well-being. Her book “Future Widow” and her show "The Widowed Parent Podcast” bring much needed resources to widowed parents, helping them feel less lost and alone. To connect with Jenny, reach out to her on her website, www.jennylisk.com. Where to Find Us: inner-harbor.org INSTAGRAM: @innerharbor_grief_support SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/2T5Q6Te APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3yIwhAi Reach out if you want to hear about a specific topic on the podcast or if you want to be a guest on the show: inner-harbor.org/contact --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Sanat Mohapatra is the creator of "Unmasked" a supportive, anonymous community built for college students, by college students. He is working to erase the stigma surrounding mental health and lower the barriers to accessing emotional support. Mandi and Sanat discuss the benefits of peer counseling, the inspiration and inner workings of Unmasked, and how you can get involved in the revolution that Unmasked is creating for the mental health of college students. Where to Find Us: Sanat Mohapatra: Sanat@unmaskedproject.com inner-harbor.org INSTAGRAM: @innerharbor_grief_support SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/2T5Q6Te APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3yIwhAi Reach out if you want to hear about a specific topic on the podcast or if you want to be a guest on the show: inner-harbor.org/contact If you, or someone you know, are thinking about taking your own life, there is help. Call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-274-TALK (8255) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Kristina Jones is an award winning advertising art director turned tech entrepreneur. When Kristina was seven, her father died from cancer and she knew one day she wanted to share her story on how she kept the connection to her dad alive. Throughout the process of writing and editing, "My Forever Guardian" (Myforeverguardian.com), she noticed the immense lack of online support for the millions of grieving children here in the US. She quickly got to work building www.guardianlane.com, a children's mental health platform that is innovating how children access grief counseling. With the use of on-demand exclusive video content, community, tele-counseling and a whole lot of creativity, the children have begun to build their own social healing network. To contact Kristina, reach out at to her at kjones@guardianlane.com. Where to Find Us: inner-harbor.org INSTAGRAM: @innerharbor_grief_support SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/2T5Q6Te APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3yIwhAi Reach out if you want to hear about a specific topic on the podcast or if you want to be a guest on the show: inner-harbor.org/contact --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Annie Tulkin is the founder of Accessible College, an organization dedicated to supporting students with all abilities have access to college. In this episode, we talk about why students need to learn to advocate for themselves differently in college, and how to do that. We discuss ways to find out what accommodations are available at each college and ways to distinguish quality disability services at each school. We also talk specifically about grieving college students, who are not disabled but may need some accommodations or accommodations for some time. Annie and I also explore what to think about when trying to access different kinds of support, like transportation, insurance and staffing. To connect with Annie further, reach out to her at www.accessiblecolle.com or @accessiblecollege on facebook, instagram and twitter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Eric Kussin founded a nonprofit, We Are All a Little Crazy, after his own struggles with mental illness. His focus is on the mental health of college athletes because he noticed the unique challenges of mental fitness as an athlete, as well as the significant pressure on these students to perform. Eric's goal is to normalize the fact that we all have varying degrees of mental health, and illness, throughout our lives. To contact Eric, reach out at to him at eric@sameheregolbal.org. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Bob Filippone is a father of three children, one of whom is transgender. His child, Glori Dei, was on the podcast last season and there was a lot of interest from people about their parents and what it was like to find out that their child is noon-binary. Bob has graciously agreed to be on the show to talk about it. A note about pronouns: Glori Dei uses they/them pronouns and Bob talks about them using that pronoun. If you are interested in speaking further to Bob about his experience, you can reach him at bobfili@yahoo.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Sonjacharde experienced a significant amount of trauma as a child. As a result of these experiences, Sonjacharde had a difficult time in college developing and maintaining relationships. In this episode, we talk about Sonjacharde's understanding of her behavior as a young adult and how she  began to work on her own self-worth and self-love.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Laura Madaio started an Instagram account, Grief Hungry, shortly after her father died. We talk about the account and why food is such an important part of grief. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Our final episode of the season will focus on how educators can best support students returning to the classroom. Many students have experienced some significant losses over the past year and will be returning to school different and in need of additional resources. Perhaps they had COVID, or had a family member who had it. Perhaps they had a significant death loss, either from the virus or from another illness, suicide or accident. Perhaps they have been affected by violence, or the images of violence, against Black or Asian Americans which has made leaving their home scarier for them. How can teachers support these students? In this episode, we discuss several strategies including acknowledgment, preparedness, structure and flexibility. If you have a strategy that has worked for you, please reach out and let me know. Mzucker@inner-harbor.org. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Glori Dei Filippone (they/them) is a recent graduate of New York University. They realized that they were trans in college and we talk about how they came to that understanding and what it was like to tell family and friends. We also talk about the relief they experienced when they realized who they are, but also the sense of loss and pain that this realization brought with it. Glori Dei explains some of the misconceptions about gender identity and helps us to understand the process involved, both internally as well as externally. To reach out to Glori Dei, you can send them a DM on Instagram @gloridei22. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Lindsay Marino had just graduated college and started her first job as a teacher when her boyfriend died suddenly in a motorcycle crash. It was through her grief that she realized that she can still connect with Nick to continue her relationship with him even though he isn't here physically. Lindsay shares her story and how others can connect with people who have died (and she does believe that we all can do this!). Lindsay is an international psychic medium, podcast host and co-author of the #1 Amazon best seller, 365 Days of Angel Prayers. To learn more about Lindsay, go to www.lindsaymarino.com or check her out on Instagram @lindsaymarinomedium. Use this link for a free pdf: 7 ways to communicate with your passed loved ones. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Alana's parents both died before she was in high school. She then moved in with her aunt in a new state and, once again, learned to make new friends in a new school. In this episode of the podcast, we talk about transitioning to college and what it was like to once again meet new people in an unfamiliar environment. Did that bring up feelings of loss? Did she get support? How did she then manage another transition to remote learning after the pandemic began? Alana is a sophomore at Virginia State University studying math and psychology. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Megan Ashley was only 18 when she witnessed the murder of her mother and survived her own attempted murder. A student in college at the time, Megan struggled to cope with the trauma and grief of that night, both physical and emotional. She now shares her story in the hopes of helping someone else going through trauma know that they can get through this and thrive. Megan shares about the supports she did and did not receive, as well as some of the things she has learned that may be useful to others going through violent deaths. Megan can be reached on Instagram at @himeganashley or on her website, www.meganashley.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Accidents are the leading cause of death for people under 24 years old. The nature of accidents often means that young people are best suited for organ donation because dying in an accident creates a possible scenario that someone's organ are healthy enough and are able to be artificially kept alive long enough to be donated to someone else. So how do you make sure your wishes are known if you want, or don't want, to be a donor? Is checking a box enough? This week, I speak with Michelle Post, MA, LMFT about organ donation and how to start conversations with family members about your wishes. For more information, go to www.donatelife.net or reach out to Michelle at www.PostInternationalinc.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Many families begin to think about college before high school even begins. What major do you want to study? Should you take the SAT or ACT? What extracurricular activities will show your leadership skills to make you more desirable to a specific school? All of these things are important when considering the right academic fit for a student. But how do you measure the right emotional fit at a college or university? How do you make sure that a grieving student will be prepared for the transition to college? How do you know if a particular school will have enough supports in place to meet the needs of a grieving student? With an education career spanning over 25 years, Brett Levine has worked with thousands of students going through the college search, application, and selection process. He has worked as a school counselor and administrator in two wonderful New Jersey districts, being one of the state's first counselors to integrate Naviance into the schools back when it was known as TCCI. (The College Counselor on the Internet). He has also worked on the other “side of the desk” as a college admissions officer and academic advisor at Adelphi University and New York University respectively. Mr. Levine works full time as a School Counselor in a wonderful New Jersey School District and lives in Union County, New Jersey with his wife Rachel (a social worker) and their two sons, Ryder and Jackson. Mr. Levine can be reached at brett@sensiblecollegecounseling.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Grieving college students often need comfort. Away from home and familial support systems, food can become that support for some. And for others, food feels like too much work when energy and motivation are low. In this episode, we explore the ways that food can comfort us when we are grieving, and also the ways that food can help with some grief symptoms like sleepiness, memory loss and lack of focus. We also explore ways to engage with food when we don't feel the motivation to eat. Natalie Nation, she/her, is a graduate student, future registered dietician, health educator and content creator. She is the producer of Feed That Nation: a podcast, YouTube channel and blog where she discusses college life, college health and college wellness. Feed That Nations aims to shed light and provide education on college-related health and professional development topics, and Natalie shares her best advice and stories from her experience as a college student. She also talks openly about her mental health journey with ADHD. Natalies goal on Feed That Nation is to help college students to be successful in the endeavors, confident in themselves, and find health and balance in their student journey. She can be reached @FeedThatNation on Instagram and www.feedthatnation.com. Also mentioned in this episode, some additional resources include: Jessicathesportsrd, vitamin_ri, and foodsiencebabe on Instagram. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Apparently, we've been doing it all wrong! Sticking out our chests and sucking in our gut may actually impede the grief process! This week, I speak with Dr. Amy Novotny about the PABR method, which stands for Pain, Awareness, Breathing, Relief. She takes us through a series of breathing and posturing techniques that allows our bodies to relax and release tension. You can listen to the episode and practice along with us as she takes us through the basics.  If you would like more information, reach out to Dr. Novotny at amy@pabrinstitute.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today, I am the guest on my own show! Shilpa Panchmatia, a business executive coach in England, interviews me about why I started Inner harbor, what services we provide, and why I think it's so important. So many people ask about the work I do and this episode explains so much! Take a listen and then contact me for more information about support, education or retreats.  I can be reached at: mzucker@inner-harbor.org or 908-292-8039.  The website is www.inner-harbor.org. You can sign up for the weekly newsletter there! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On April 16, 2009, Kim Hamer watched her 44-yr-old husband take his last breath. Their children were 12, 9, and 7 at the time. While her husband had cancer and after he died, they were amazed and humbled by the creative and thoughtful ways their friends, family, and co-workers supported them. Kim started calling these kind actions “acts of love.” Wanting to show others how simple and impactful acts of love are, Kim wrote 100 Acts of Love: A Girlfriend's Guide to Loving Your Friend through Cancer or Loss and launched 100ActsofLove.com. Kim helps companies and individuals act with confidence when cancer strikes. Kim is a business owner, professional speaker, and blogger who lives in Los Angeles where tries not to bother her relatively well-behaved college-aged children. You can reach Kim on social media @100actsoflove. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

All students have been impacted in some way from this pandemic. Most people associated with a college or university want to address the needs of both faculty and students, but innovation is hard! Well, meet Taylor Young, a senior at Penn State and the President of the College of Education Undergraduate Student Council. Learn how she, along with her peers, listened to the needs of students in her college and then created an original program to address these needs. This program can be duplicated in other schools so if you are looking for ideas about how to meet the social and emotional needs of your classmates, this is the episode for you! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Brianne Leeson is an artist, writer, and small business owner from Dallas, Texas. She's also the creator of the scripted comedy podcast, Today's Lucky Winner. She joins Mandi on the podcast to talk about a life-threatening illness she experienced in college. The experience left her grieving for the college experience she expected to have and disappointed in some of the support she received afterwards. She also talks about the trauma of not being taken seriously as a young woman in the hospital and what that did to her relationship with medical professionals. If you would like to reach out to Brianne, you can find her: Personal - @brianne_leeson on instagram Podcast- @luckywinnershow on instagram, facebook, and twitter Business - @bellonaarts on instagram and facebook.  Website - bellonaarts.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode highlights some of the rituals and beliefs of certain American Indian tribes as told by Beccah O'Brien. Beccah lost her sister and father as a teen and young adult. Beccah graciously shares some of the little-known traditions of American Indians and explains the beliefs about death in this culture. She talks about what it was like to lose these most important people and how her culture provided both gifts and challenges for her. Beccah can be reached at Beccah.obrien@gmail.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today's conversation is with Rebekah Saltzman, an organization expert who has recently written a book about organizing in a Jewish tradition for all of life's major milestones and events. Inspired by her mom after her death, Rebekah's original goal was to make sure all mourners (in the Jewish tradition, a "mourner" is either a parent, sibling or child of the deceased) understood the rituals and laws regarding mourning. She does not claim to be a scholar or rabbi, but she offers advice as a person who has recently lost her mother. She wishes a guide like this was available to her when she needed it so she created it, inspired by her own loss, to help others in the same faith. For more information reach out to Rebekah at www.organizedjewishlife.com, balaganbegone.com, or rebekah@rebekahsaltzman.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week, I speak with Leah Carey, a Sex and Intimacy Coach and host of the podcast Good Girls Talk about Sex. We talk about some of the issues college students are currently having regarding staying connected others, both emotionally and physically. We explore ways to get physical touch needs met in the middle of a pandemic as well as COVID-safe (or COVID-safer) sex practices. We also talk about grief and libido and we explore the changes to libido after a death experience. For more information or to reach out to Leah, you can find her at www.leahcarey.com or www.goodgirlstalk.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week, I talk with Ian Wolf, the Coordinator of Student Conduct and a case manager for the Behavioral Intervention Team at Bergen County College in New Jersey. We talk about behavior as a means of communication and how we often look at behavior as good or bad, appropriate or inappropriate. Sometimes we forget that behavior is a function of our feelings and environments and if we take a deeper dive into that behavior we may find the need for support instead of discipline or punishment. We also talk about the struggles of many college students to get the support they need through traditional systems and what other, less traditional options may be available. We touch on the need for teachers to get support in the midst of trying to provide so much to their students as well. To contact Ian for more information, email him at Ianwolf1992@gmail.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It's a very common phrase- often used to comfort someone who is in a terrible amount of pain after the death of a loved one. In today's episode, we examine this phrase more closely and consider the consequences of assuming the amount of grief you experience is diectly related to the amont of love you felt for the person that died. This episode was dedicated to Michael Siminoff and Nicole Pruess from the Retinger family. For more information, contact Mandi Zucker at mzucker@inner-harbor.org or 908-292-8039. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode explores 10 different ways to include the people that have died into your holiday observances. From gift giving to holidays meals, self care and traditions, we cover it all in a short podcast episode with tons of practical tips to make these holidays less stressful, more inclusive and respectful of your grief. Please reach out to us at mzucker@inner-harbor.org or 908-292-8039 if you are looking for support or education. As mentioned in the podcast, here is a blessing you may want to include in your holidays: Memory Candles As we light these four candles in honor of you, we light one for our GRIEF, one for our COURAGE, one for our MEMORIES and one for our LOVE. This candle represents our GRIEF. The pain of losing you is intense. It reminds us of the depth of our love for you. This candle represents our COURAGE – to confront our sorrow. to comfort each other, to change our lives. This light is in your MEMORY – the times we laughed, the times we cried, the times we were angry with each other, the silly things you did, the caring and joy you gave us. This light is for the light of LOVE. As we enter this holiday season, day by day we cherish the special place in our hearts that will always be reserved for you. We thank you for the gift your living brought to each of us. We love you. ~From Holiday Help: Coping for the Bereaved, by Sherry Gibson, B.S., R.N. and Sandra Graves, Ph.D.Candles in the Night --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Jesse and Rachel are both Child Life Specialists at The Cancer Support Community of Central New Jersey. What is a Child Life Specialist, you may ask? If you don't know, it's likely because you have never had a child in the hospital. But if you have, you have hopefully experienced the benefit of having someone talk to you and your children about their diagnosis. This week on the podcast, we talk about how to explain different diagnoses to children and why the language matters even as they get older. We also talk about how to maintain connection and support during the pandemic if someone dies. For more information, reach out to Jesse or Rachel at jguzik@cancersupportcnj.org or Rwerner@cancersupportcnj.org. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Shelby Forsythia (she/her) is the author of Your Grief, Your Way and Permission to Grieve and podcast host of Coming Back: Conversations on Life After Loss. Through a combination of practical tools and intuitive guidance, she helps grieving people reclaim their power and peace of mind after devastating loss. Her work has been featured on Huffington Post, Bustle, and The Oprah Magazine. We talk on the podcast about several losses she experienced in college. We explore how the death of her mom shaped her career and how she finally was able to examine the grief that she experienced years after the loss. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Lisa Gitelson was born into a family where everyone did social work/social justice work. She couldn't be prouder of the family that she came from, or more privileged to have grown up in an environment where everyone was able to do this type of work. She started working in child welfare when she was 15 at a summer sleep away camp for children with behavioral special needs. Once she did that, she knew that she wanted to spend her career working in child welfare and has been lucky enough to be able to do so. Lisa has worked privately as an attorney representing child welfare organizations, worked as an attorney for NYC Children's Services, worked in house at a social service agency leading their foster care program and now works at the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies, COFCCA, advocating for the child welfare organizations of New York. She believes deeply in the power of the family, in the possibility for better and in change that brings better to the families that we serve. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Elise I. Antoine holds a master's degree in social work and has been in a social worker for 15 years. She is a Life Coach and the CEO of Legacy In The Making. Elise is a woman of God, a mental health advocate and the founder of Rip The Stigma which is a nonprofit organization that encourages individuals with mental health challenges to speak up and share their stories.  Elise has survived two suicide attempts, sexual abuse, self-mutilation and an eating disorder. Through her life experience her goal is to transform her clients' lives by helping them discover their inner confidence, purpose, and motivate them to build a legacy! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Dr. Egan has a doctorate in school psychology and has specialized training in counseling and family-school relations. She established Charlotte Parent Coaching, LLC in 2011 and has also worked as an adjunct professor in the undergraduate department at two different colleges. She is the author of two books, Better Behavior for Ages 2-10 (Lesson Ladder, 2013) and Adolescence: A Parent's Guide (Rockridge Press, 2020). She co-hosts a podcast called One Day You'll Thank Me with her teenage daughter and works with clients on all sorts of transitions, including divorce. Dr. Egan is a wife, an ex-wife, a mom and a stepmom. She is a child and adolescent therapist, a parent coach a podcast host, an author and a public speaker. She can be reached at www.charlotteparentcoaching.com for private therapy or www.drtaraegan.com for coaching, books, parenting webinars and links to her podcast. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Renee's mom died after a long illness when she was a senior in high school. Soon after that, the pandemic began and grief support changed, both from professional avenues as well as the support she was able to receive from friends. As they all grieved the loss of their senior year, Renee talks about applying and getting accepted to college so soon after her mom died. She also talks about the transition to college and what has been helpful to her since she got to school.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Litsa Williams MA, LCSW-C is a co-founder of the grief community What's Your Grief. Litsa received her master's degree in social work from The University of Maryland and has a master's in Philosophy for The University of Warwick (UK). Litsa has been working in the field of grief and loss for 12 years and previously worked in homeless services in Baltimore, MD. Before founding What's Your Grief, Litsa supported patients and families in the hospital at end of life in circumstances of unexpected death, and provided ongoing grief and bereavement support in the years following the loss as the director of family and community services for the Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland. Feeling frustrated with the online and print materials that were available for grievers, she co-founded What's Your Grief as a resource offering concrete, practical, creative, down-to-earth, and relatable grief support. What's Your Grief offers in-person support including workshops, trainings, and support groups and online support including hundreds of articles on all topics around grief and loss, a weekly podcast, and online courses. She has been interviewed as a grief expert for NPR, Washington Post, US News, The New York Times, Huffington Post, and the BBC. During this episode, Litsa talks about the death of her father when she was in college and the tension she felt being away from home and then going back home where the grief really lived. To contact Litsa, reach out on social media @Whatsyourgrief or Litsa@whatsyourgrief.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Maria Boyes, a communications professionals and school psychologist, was diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer when her sons were in their late teens and her daughter was just 8 years old. She shares what it was like for her, as well as them, when she told them the diagnosis and went through treatment. She also reflects on the possible ways the diagnosis affected her children then and now.  Maria can be reached at mcboyes@verizon.net if you want to talk to her about her experience, or have questions about your own.  For additional support to talk to your children about a diagnosis of any kind, reach out to info@inner-harbor.org.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Janet Sarkos is the Executive Director of Caring Contact, a volunteer-staffed community of listeners that provides telephone support to people who are in need, either due to stress or suicidal thoughts. Janet and I talk about how we all can be the support to people in our lives, even if we aren't therapists , when we are worried about someone's mental health. How do you start a conversation with someone if you are concerned? What if you feel like you aren't able to be the support they need? Who can you reach out to for support for yourself and for the person you are worried about? Listen to this week's episode for these answers and more. To contact Janet directly, reach out to her at Caring Contact at www.caringcontact.org or call 908-301-1899. The listening line for non-emergencies is 908-232-2880. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 800-273-8255. For international question, please contact www.councilforhelplines.org For additional resources, reach out to the National Alliance on Mental Health at www.nami.org --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app