So Sorry For Your Loss: Not Your Average Grief Group

Death can leave a messy tangle of emotions for loved ones to figure out. One of the tricky ones-- anger. Not having the opportunity to say how you feel or ask questions, and realizing you'll never get the chance, can perpetuate this feeling. Amanda Rotzal realized just how much anger she was holding on to after the death of both of her parents. In the months since we last spoke with her, she tackled her anger and discovered she was deserving of moving on with a happy life.  Plus, we discuss a SPOILER ALERT for the new Sex and the City reboot and how it will circle around grief. Episode Highlights: Reactions of Amanda's friends and family after hearing her on episode 11 of So Sorry For Your Loss A blunt conversation with her husband that made her look at her grief and the anger she held on to  Realizing she deserved more and that letting go of anger is okay Country music star Luke Bryan has a documentary that will air on IMBD TV about his life after multiple losses *SPOILER ALERT* Leaked info about the upcoming Sex and the City reboot, And Just Like That and how it involves grief Castmates from Bravo's Below Deck Mediterranean handling grief quite differently   Connect with Amanda Rotzal on Instagram: @AmandaRotzal   Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast

Even out of unspeakable grief, beautiful things can take wing which has been the case for this week's guest, Michele Benyo. Michele loved the motherhood journey so much that she decided to go back to school after the birth of her two children and receive her masters in family education in order to become an Early Childhood Parent Educator. It was shortly thereafter that grief began when her son was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 4. The experience ultimately led to her current role as a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist™️. Michele's younger daughter also played a pivotal role in her career path as she experienced her own grief alongside her 3.5 year-old when her son died.Today, Michele helps families heal and “live forward” with grief after the death of their child. With the Good Grief Parenting Approach, parents get in touch with their parenting wisdom so they can be confident that they are helping their bereaved young child grieve well and can be hopeful about a future for their family bright with possibilities and even joy. Episode Highlights:Michele's experience and journey with grief and how it's shaped her life and career pathAnswering the question “are kids resilient?” (and why sometimes having resilience is besides the point)Why childhood is the best time to teach about griefMistakes that adults often make when it comes to children grievingWhy Michele and her husband decided to include their young daughter in many of the experiences that came along with their sons cancer journeyThe Good Grief Parenting FrameworkWhat it means to “live forward”Continuing bondsFinding permission to grieve in a society that tells us to move onMentioned in the episode:​​Grieving mom is comforted by her 5-year-old articleConnect with Michele:https://goodgriefparenting.com/servicesOrder the GG x SSFYL Collab: Not Your Average Grief BoxBe sure to follow @griefbotique on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter on SSFYLpodcast.com or griefboutique.com and be the first to receive updates!Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend!Website | www.ssfylpodcast.comInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgiannaFacebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcastYouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

I'm running through what's happening in my personal world on this solo episode because I'm entering my grief season. My dad's birthday, deathiversary, and Father's Day are all coming up. Plus, did the loss of a parent make you more attached to the one you have left? Did any loss in general make you realize that bad things can happen in this world? Enter: lots of anxiety. We're talking through that as well as grief happenings in the pop-culture space, like the recent death of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins. I recorded this episode from Hawkins' home town of Laguna beach, California making me feel a little more connected than usual. His death brings up the age-old topic of how much does the media and the public really need to know about a celebrity's death? Mentioned in this episode:Drummer Taylor Hawkins' death reveals the vulnerability we all share (Article)Avicii: True Stories (Documentary)Why We All Feel the Loss of Kobe Bryant (SSFYL Episode 7)**This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit www.BetterHelp.com/SSFYL for 10% off your first month of therapy**Be sure to follow @griefbotique on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter on SSFYLpodcast.com or griefboutique.com and be the first to receive updates!Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend!Website | www.ssfylpodcast.comInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgiannaFacebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcastYouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

Americans have made so many advancements in life, but why has the understanding and acceptance of death relatively stayed stagnant? Over the past year, COVID forced people to think about funerals and death differently as virtual arrangements needed to be made. And this opens up the question-- how can death be handled better? Jessica Wertz has set out to do just that. With her and her sister's company, Spirit Vessel, they want people to “live more full and conscious lives by having the ability to address the most important aspect of our life-- our death.” She talks about why our culture has a disconnect in the wheel of life when it comes to the end of the cycle, ways to think differently about death and funerals, and ways her company promotes planning personalized celebration of life ceremonies.   Episode Highlights: What led Jessica and her sister Amanda to starting a business about death Jessica's time living in the wilderness for three years gaining a different perspective on life Why a personalized death ceremony could help your grief after How to approach difficult conversations about death with family Advice for setting up a will and wishes Innovative ways to add personalization to a funeral  Passages and prompts offered in the Spirit Vessel guide to help you design a meaningful death celebration for you or your loved one   Connect with Jessica Wertz and Spirit Vessel: Check out the Instagram Reach out via email Visit the website Ceremony package options  (I'm proud to be an affiliate partner with Spirit Vessel and any purchases made from this link may result in compensation for SSFYL) Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast

This week I'm chatting with author Becca Piastrelli. Becca is a storyteller, deep and present listener, and gatherer of community as well as a mother, podcast host, and more. Becca's book called, Root & Ritual: Timeless Ways to Connect to Land, Lineage, Community & the Self was written to support you in reconnecting to a more meaningful life in this fast-paced, isolating time for humans on earth and includes rituals, recipes, ancestral wisdom, and other pathways back to connection.​​​​​​​​In true So Sorry For Your Loss fashion, Becca also enjoys making fun of herself and the world of spirituality, and feels that irreverence is essential in building our resilience. She likes to decompress by watching reality television and almost always maps it back to systems of oppression and our collective need for community which we discuss in the episode. Episode Highlights:How Becca connected with her own roots, lineage, and ancestors to figure out how to approach her own lifeThe co-existence of both grief and joy that came from becoming a parent during the pandemicThe age of loneliness and how we can look closer to the ways our ancestors lived in order to feel a deeper sense of connection and belongingUnderstanding why we are death-phobic as a society and ways in which we can change thatThe physical effects of grief and why it's important to implement practices that allow your trapped emotions and grief to get out of the bodyHow unprocessed grief gets passed down and contributes to sickness, disease, and generational traumaHow she really practices communityReality TV: The Real Housewives and why we actually can relate to many of the stories and fightsOrder Root and Ritual: Timeless Ways to Connect to Land, Lineage, Community, and the Self by Becca PiastrelliMentioned in the episode:Sixty-Three BlogConnect with and learn more about Becca:https://beccapiastrelli.com/https://www.instagram.com/beccapiastrelli/Belonging with Becca Piastrelli**This episode is sponsored by Softies. Visit www.softiespjs.com and get 10% off.**Be sure to follow @griefbotique on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter on SSFYLpodcast.com or griefboutique.com and be the first to receive updates!Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend!Website | www.ssfylpodcast.comInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgiannaFacebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcastYouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

This week I'm sharing two big life updates! I'm beyond excited about what this means for the So Sorry For Your Loss community. As I continue to find myself more and more with each episode and within life itself, I figured it's time to make some big changes that have been in the works for a while and now I'm ready to share more with you.  Episode Highlights: Career path changes The significance of the age of 63 How my grief plays a factor into the way I've lived my life since 2017 Big things in store to change the world of grief   Mentioned in this episode: Intro to My Grief The Grief of Unmet Expectations and the Surprise of Postpartum Depression Sixty-Three Blog   Be sure to follow @griefbotique on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter on SSFYLpodcast.com or griefboutique.com and be the first to receive updates!   Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

Sabir M. Peele is mostly known for his style expertise and blog, Men's Style Pro but he is also quite familiar with grief. He is very vocal about the masculine perspective, vulnerability and why opening up is both helpful and necessary as a man experiencing grief. We also get into parenthood and how it affects our grief as well as how we begin to understand the depth of our parents' love once we become parents. We need more men like Sabir in the grief community so I'm excited to share him in this episode.  Sabir is from North Philadelphia and created Men's Style Pro in 2010 to give men advice and tips on style. His brand has since evolved into a full-fledged editorial site & consulting firm, encompassing everything from the how-to's of men's style to finding out the best place for a steak in your city. Sabir was first recognized for his style sense as the winner of the King of Prussia Mall style contest in 2008 before attracting the attention of the national style media and was named one of Esquire Magazine's “5 Best Dressed Real Men in America” and in addition was the winner of the Fan Favorite vote in 2010. In the fall of 2013, he was selected by GQ Magazine as their #GQFall Best Dressed. Today, Sabir serves as a freelance brand ambassador & executive stylist for GQ and consults for numerous brands — on top of running the ship at Men's Style Pro.    Episode Highlights: Sabir's career path, his first job at age 10, and the story behind Men's Style Pro His experience growing up in a dysfunctional family with two parents struggling with addiction How he found respect after resentment and how becoming a parent transformed some of that resentment The hurt, loneliness, and grief that comes from having no living parent figure  How grief affects his own personal style Why it's so important to understand and feel your emotions and how he encourages others to be vulnerable Dream clients he'd love to work with and who in the celebrity space could use some style support   Learn more and connect with Sabir: https://www.instagram.com/mensstylepro/ https://mensstylepro.com/   **This episode is sponsored by Rent the Runway. Visit www.renttherunway.com and use code RTRGIANNA for 40% off your first two months of RTR membership.**   Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend!   Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com   Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna   Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

Thrilled to welcome Sarah Fraser to the show today! The host of The Sarah Fraser Show podcast, and a familiar face in DC media, Sarah has made a living in the public eye starring on various TV shows and radio shows interviewing celebrities, reality TV stars and talking about everything hot in the news. Behind the scenes, Sarah is grieving the loss of her father in her teens and recently a miscarriage of her first pregnancy. Sarah lives her life out loud on her Instagram and on today's episode shares vulnerable parts of her story on mindful eating, therapy, and her medical journey to her beautiful baby boy, Kimball Jeffrey. Gianna and Sarah talk about the hardest parts in grieving a father, and also how motherhood has made grief more challenging. Episode Highlights: Sarah losing her dad at 14 years old to esophageal cancer The breakthrough in therapy that led her to understand her issues with eating stemmed from processing grief Her journey with mindful eating and living a more healthy life Learning about her miscarriage and molar pregnancy Getting pregnant again with son KJ and the meaning behind his name Sharing the bond of grief with a spouse In the news: Chrissy Tiegan drama and the loss of Chris Harrison on The Bachelor franchise   Connect with Sarah Fraser: Check out her Instagram Listen to her podcast Visit her website   Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Click here to check out the website! Special promo code from BYTE Teeth Aligners: http://fbuy.me/v/giannademedio

In this episode, I'm joined by celebrity lifestyle and mindfulness coach, astrologer, and soul reader, Emili Adame. Emili is the owner of Soul House, the platform in which she practices spiritual modalities and assists others in their healing journeys. Her own spiritual journey began 15 years ago when intuition development, deep healing, and spiritual studies brought her back to the inner knowledge of her being. She began to attract others who needed guidance on their spiritual journey & after many years of study and self growth she knew it was time to offer her gifts to others and to be of service.   Emili and I discuss the many modalities she practices and uses in her business such as astrology, Akashic records, meditation and more as well as how you can look at your own astrology to better understand yourself and more importantly, how it can help you in your grief. And because it's not an episode of SSYFL without some pop culture predictions, Emili shares her thoughts and premonitions on the Spears Family, The Royal Family, and Lala Kent! Emili helps clients going through grief by looking at their chart and seeing the ways in which they're able to best cope and effective practices that can aid in their grief. Her goal is to help others dive into their own spiritual paths and to support their journey through the process of healing and transformation.   Episode Highlights: Emili's transition from designer to spiritual coach How she gained recognition by celebrities and large publications and why she originally had a lot of fear to unpack with her gifts How to understanding your own chart and the most important parts to look at Emili's take on why our souls come to Earth and why she feels it's one of many dimensions Soul contracts and Akashic records The most resourceful way to ground your energy Guidance through grief and why it can be useful to look at the birth chart of a loved one that has passed   Mentioned in this episode: Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian Weiss   Learn more about Emili and her offerings: Get 50% off all readings with Emili through March 14th at www.soulhouse.life https://www.instagram.com/emili/ Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend!   Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com   Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna   Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

How can you re-enter the world when your heart is still hurting? If you've felt grief (and as a human, you likely have), some days it feels impossible to go on. This week's guest, Kimberley Pittman-Schulz has certainly been there before. Kimberley's grief started early on when she was saved from a house fire at the age of 3 years old that took the lives of her two other sisters. In the same timeframe, she lost two others in her life. Since then, she has been on her own healing path that's led to authoring books on grief and helping others find a way to live on fully when it feels like they are simply unable.   Kimberley is an award-winning poet and author who writes about loss, joy, and being mindful, with a love for all things wild and winged. As a philanthropic, end-of-life planning advisor, she's frequently asked to speak about death—specifically, why we can be better in our relationships with donors and clients (and ourselves) when we stop avoiding, and get comfortable with, conversations about death, dying, and end-of-life options. As a charitable estate planning specialist and past nonprofit executive, she's spent 25+ amazing years helping people from all walks of life plan meaningful gifts that transform some corner of the world as well as their own lives.   Episode Highlights: How to create new life patterns for yourself after loss Finding a sense of self after loss and grieving mindfully Why giving and philanthropy work is sometimes a bandaid in grief What it means to “become an avatar” Survivor guilt and Kimberley's advice for when you feel stuck in your grief Advice for when you feel stuck Covid/pandemic grief and how it's affected all of us even if it doesn't necessarily feel like it The power of nature and finding beauty wherever you're at   Learn more about Kimberley and order her book: Grieving Us: A Field Guide for Living With Loss Without Losing Yourself by Kimberley Pittman-Schulz https://lnkj.in/l/kimberleymindfulwriter https://www.poetowl.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kimberleymindfulwriter/ Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend!   Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com   Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna   Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

Depending on the grief you're experiencing, your friends and family may not always be able to relate to you on the same level. Of course, they can offer condolences and support, but it's not quite the same as meeting with people that know exactly what it feels like to come up on a death anniversary or a triggering holiday or another event unique to grief or loss. This week I chatted with Carla Fernandez, co-founder and original host of The Dinner Party community. The family dinner table is sacred ground in the Fernandez family - so when her dad José passed away from brain cancer in 2010, having a potluck with other people who'd lost a parent was a natural way for Carla to unpack the experience of life after loss. Since then, Carla and co-founder Lennon Flowers created an ever growing platform and have hosted thousands of Dinner Partiers turning their heartbreak into connection and healing.   The Dinner Party is a platform for grieving 20-, 30-, and early 40-somethings to find peer community and build lasting relationships. Since 2014, The Dinner Party has connected more than 13,000 grieving peers to one another, including 2,000 since the start of the pandemic. They screen, train and support a growing network of peer hosts, and connect them to 12-15 people nearby, who share a similar age and loss experience.     Episode Highlights: Where and who grief support has mainly been catered to in the past and where there is lack of support and resources The story of the original dinner party When the world woke up to grief: how Covid played into their business and allowed them to reach more people How Carla navigated her personal grief process as the organization grew Gianna's first Dinner Party experience Different methods of processing grief and why the dinner party can sometimes be a “gateway drug” to other modalities of healing Federal and state labor laws around how bereaved people are respected, receive time off and resources   Learn more about The Dinner Party and available grief resources: https://www.thedinnerparty.org/ https://www.instagram.com/thedinnerparty/ https://www.facebook.com/ThisIsTheDinnerParty/ https://twitter.com/DinnerPartiers   Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

Grief and masculinity: two topics that are often not talked about enough-- or at all. Grief on it's own is a difficult topic, and then we take into consideration the even smaller subset of men dealing with their emotions, it gets even harder.   For this episode, Gianna invited Mark Manning to share with us how we can change the outdated ideas of masculinity, and how it isn't so purely rooted in a man's ability to repress or suppress their emotions.   Be sure to join us for this episode as we aim to change how we view and support grieving men!   Episode Highlights:   A bit about Mark Manning an his satirical writing Mark on losing his father His thoughts on time making grief easier AND harder A dive into Patton Oswalt's public talks about his grief Mark using comedy to grieve A thoughtful gift from Mark's friend to help him grieve, complete with a flask!   Connect with Mark Manning:   Satirical Writing Incubator mentioned by Mark Patton Oswalt and Stephen Colbert Interview Huffington Post Article by Randall Horton   Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Click here to check out the website!

Danielle Massi, aka The Shadow Queen joins me this wee. She is a Licensed Family Therapist and Master Shadow Work Practitioner and owns The Wellness Collective, a holistic healing space in Center City Philadelphia. To be healthy is so much beyond your physical body and realm. Mind and spirit also play a key role in health and overall wellness. Within the shadow lies everything that holds us back as human beings, and Danielle is here to guide us through the process of healing and integration. Her extensive experience in the psychotherapy world, background in cognitive neuroscience, and her own spiritual gifts enable her to help others heal from wounds they've been carrying for lifetimes.    Episode Highlights: Her experience with cervical cancer and how it led to her spiritual and physical healing How you can grieve things other than the loss of a loved one (identity, relationships, our own mortality, etc.) How our brains are formed and how that impacts the way we see things Changing the way our neural pathways are wired Accessing theta brainwaves through meditation Reincarnation Therapy versus shadow work Unconscious programing: what it is and how it works Celebrities she'd like to do shadow work on if given the opportunity   Danielle offers her signature program, Create Your Light Academy to help women heal unconscious blocks and is also a motivational speaker, best-selling author, and creator of the Shadow Seekers Journal. Her work has been featured in New York Mag, The Cut, Shape Magazine, Buzzfeed, and more.   Mentioned in this episode: Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian Weiss Becoming Supernatural: How Common People are Doing the Uncommon by Joe Dispenza   Connect with Danielle: https://www.iamdaniellemassi.com/ https://www.instagram.com/iamdaniellemassi/ Create Your Light Academy Books by Danielle Massi   **This episode is sponsored by Rent the Runway. Visit www.renttherunway.com and use code RTRGIANNA for 50% off your first two months of RTR membership.** Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

This week I'm joined by family friend, Meredith Hannahs. Meredith lost her mom four years ago to cancer and also has a clinical perspective on grief as she is approaching the end of her time as a grad student of psychology. Meredith works in a practice setting directly with clients which gives her a unique insight on depression, grief, and more. Meredith and I share our own perceptions on grief, self care, and how working as a therapist allows her to empower others in their own lives.    Episode Highlights: Meredith's journey with grief and the loss of her mother Her clinical approach to grief and why she loves working with clients Understanding that grief is an ongoing process and not just a list of things to check off How she assists her clients in setting their own therapeutic framework Why therapy is collaborative The stages of grief and the misconceptions she often sees around the stages Why self care is such a big part of therapy/psychology education Connect with Meredith on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meredithkh/  **This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit www.BetterHelp.com/SSFYL for 10% off your first month of therapy** Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

We might often take our parents for granted in our younger years—being so assured that they will always be there for us. But if you're listening to this podcast, you probably know that isn't always the case. Today's guest lost her mother suddenly in her mid twenties, and went on to lose her father to an illness a few years later. Amanda details the ironic way grief played into dating her now-husband, Greg, and what planning a wedding was like when being told her dad had mere weeks to live. Be sure to listen in and hear Amanda's wild story, all topped off with an emotional father-daughter dance that even got their DJ crying! Episode Highlights: How Amanda lost both her parents before 30
 Learning family secrets after their deaths
 The importance of familial connections and support after losing someone
 How Amanda struggled to handle her loss, turning to substance abuse
 Amanda's husband, Greg, being her beacon and rock to heal
 Her last happy moment with her dad, their father-daughter dance after the wedding
 And hear about the ways celebrities have included their loved ones in their wedding celebrations. Connect with Amanda on Instagram: @amandarotzal
 Photo of Amanda and her dad dancing at her wedding
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In this episode I'm joined by writer, photographer, & podcast host John Piccuto to discuss a different kind of loss; the loss of losing a job and the unique feelings of grief that come along with it. John lost his job fairly early on in the pandemic and although he considers it to be a failure, it may not be in the way you typically think of failure. John defines failure not as a let down but as a learning experience and a path to something far greater. When John lost his job he set out on the road and began photographing anything and everything. He also started The Wrong Advice Podcast, a show about real people having real conversations about life in an attempt to dive into the things that make us tick. Today, John's life is nothing like what it was during the pandemic when he lost his job but in fact it's become something even better than anticipated.   John and I discuss his path to photography and podcasting, the raw emotions of losing his job in the pandemic, the fallacies of social media, how his vision of himself as an entrepreneur has evolved over time, the definition of success and why it's always changing, tackling creative pursuits, internet friends, and the many things he's come to learn over the last 18 months.  Tune into my episode with John on The Wrong Advice Podcast   Connect with John: https://www.johnpicciuto.com/ https://www.instagram.com/johnpicciuto/ https://twitter.com/johnpicciuto https://www.instagram.com/thewrongadvicepodcast/    **This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit www.BetterHelp.com/SSFYL for 10% off your first month of therapy** Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

Grief and loss come in many forms and are brought on in many ways. Although loss is loss no matter how you slice it, there is a uniqueness to sudden loss. This week I have a conversation with Erin Browning to discuss the anatomy of sudden loss, how that connects to your nervous system, why breathwork and meditation can be helpful in healing, and the internal housekeeping that can be powerful to getting you on the right path to healing.   Early in adulthood, Erin's career was thriving as she worked in healthcare as a masters educated Speech Pathologist but chaos struck and she quickly realized something was missing from her work. After experiencing sudden loss she began navigating a new life. One that allowed her to show up and care for herself in a way that only she could do. Now, she helps others do the same.    Episode Highlights: Erin's take on Big's death in SATC reboot and how it relates to her personal experience with loss Sudden loss and why it feels so different than other losses Creating space for new life, plans, and interactions while also holding the past sacred When and why you should start having the tough conversations surrounding death before it happens The BS in “finding peace” and why it's not a one size fits all solution Following your intuition and meeting your own needs Ayurveda medicine and healing Connect with Erin: https://erin-browning.com/ **Use code SSFYL for a discount on any of her online courses** Take the Ayurveda Dosha Quiz: https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/dosha-quiz/ **This episode is sponsored by Rent the Runway. Visit www.renttherunway.com and use code RTRGIANNA for 50% off your first two months of RTR membership.** Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

Gianna interviews past guest Jessica Hersh. The two talk about how grief has affected people during the COVID pandemic, as well as how grief has come up recently in pop culture. Jessica opens up to Gianna and shares what it was like losing her mother to cancer how that influenced feelings she had during quarantine. The two talk about how hard the holidays were this past year missing their loved ones, and how the pandemic overall has pushed everyone closer to their own thoughts of mortality. Jess herself came down with COVID and chronicles how serious her case was, even a multi-day hospital stay. The two unpack that experience and explore what positives could come out of such a terrifying moment in time. For the last half of the episode, Gianna and Jess talk about some recent instances where grief has come up in pop culture. They discuss how Carl Radke from Bravo's reality TV show Summer House lost his brother to an overdose during filming. Carl had to grieve in front of the cameras many times, and Gianna and Jess make a point that Carl helped educate viewers on the natural grieving process. Then, they move to talk about new Bachelorette Katie Thurston and artist Megan Thee Stallion have both had their losses on the main stage. *Interview took place in March 2021* Links: Love #SSFYL? Subscribe and share with a friend! Check out the official website of Gianna DeMedio here. Listen to the previous episode with Jessica Hersh.  

This week I welcome Alaine Portner. Alaine is a gifted evidential Medium, compassionate spiritual teacher, experienced meditation coach and accomplished author. Through her exceptional skills as a Medium, she makes a difference in the lives of people across the globe through communication with the departed. Transformative spiritual experiences are her intention that empowers all of us to develop our own Intuition and connection to our loved ones.   Alaine and I chat about the dream she had on 9/9 about the terrifying events on September 11th, 2001, how to clear your own intuitive channels, evolving our consciousness, why we should be focusing on self-practices like meditation and her perception of grief as a spiritual medium. She also answers listener questions submitted by you - questions like how to know if you're ready for a reading, how to understand signs from the universe, what to do if you're feeling lost or disconnected from a passed loved one, and so much more!   Connect with Alaine Portner: https://www.alaineportner.com/ https://www.instagram.com/alaineportner_medium/ https://www.facebook.com/ThisIsAlainePortner https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaine-portner-729a1a14/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw4QxIyFCSL5ZRmwfAnRfzg  **This episode is sponsored by Rent the Runway. Visit www.renttherunway.com and use code RTRGIANNA for 50% off your first two months of RTR membership.** Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

It's been way too long, but I'm back on the podcast. A few updates about my life, and what you can expect in this new season of So Sorry For Your Loss... hint, a lot of great stuff!

This week I'm beyond excited to be joined by my very best friend on the podcast, Brittany Hook. As an only child, Brittany is the closest thing I have to a sister and I'm so proud of her for sharing her story on this episode. Brittany is typically more of a behind the scenes gal but in this episode she decided to bare it all and speak her truth. The result? A deep discussion on unmet expectations, the grief that comes from things or events that you plan and hope for that don't turn out how you had them in mind, and a whole lot of vulnerability.   Brittany and I discuss the excitement around her first pregnancy that resulted in miscarriage, navigating pregnancy and postpartum in a Covid world and the heaviness that comes with it, unmet and unexpected expectations that come after birth such as breastfeeding and c-sections, the loss of Betty White, Khloe Kardashian's unmet expectations, and more!  Episode Highlights: The impact miscarriage imprints and how people really don't understand unless they've been through it The insensitivities of words used around miscarriage and how damaging they are Why she had a difficult time acknowledging her second pregnancy out of fear Her second miscarriage and the differences in emotions between the two The struggles of dealing with judgements around parenting Turning to therapy and medication when it comes to grief Betty White and Khloe Kardahian: Unmet expectations in the pop culture space    **This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit www.BetterHelp.com/SSFYL for 10% off your first month of therapy** Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

Think planning a funeral is tough, imagine doing it trans-continentally! Michelle Chikaonda discusses the cultural implications involved in her fashion choices for her father's funeral in Malawi, an event in which the guest of honor was actually fashionably late! We also talk about eulogy writing and the strange, but kind of endearing, trend of theme funerals. Check out these links to Michelle's published work: My Father's Death Changed the Way I Think About Time, Modern Loss (2020) The Things Dad Used to Say (2019) Mourning Clothes, Anti-Heroin Chic (2019) Tailoring My Clothes, Fitting into My Life in America, Catapult (2019) In need of a fashion update yourself? Use code RTRGIANNA for $100 off Rent the Runway Unlimited. I talk about why it was a game-changer for me after my dad's death. Find me on Instagram! @Gianna.de

Last year when I decided to rebrand and restart the SSFYL Podcast I knew I had to have Sally and Imogen of Good Mourning Podcast. In this episode I learn about their personal experience in loss, divine interventions such as how they met, symptoms of suppressing grief and trauma, support groups, and more! Sal and Im are two thirty-something friends based out of Australia on a mission to candidly tackle the tumultuous topic of grief in a relatable way that isn't all doom and gloom as hosts of Good Mourning. They cover taboo topics in a raw, real and relatable way, while also interviewing incredibly interesting guests about how loss has shaped their lives.  We explore grief in its many fashions and how they bring humor and honesty to the forefront of the often minimized topic. Episode Highlights: Their personal experiences of losing their mothers The spiritual intervention that brought them together Mediumship and a goosebump worthy story Sally's sister experienced Death versus birth, why we're so much more receptive to birth, and who's leading the charge in acknowledging death The double whammy of grief Consciousness beyond death, rebirth, and finding comfort in signs from past loved ones How they plan to continue elevating their community Connect with Good Mourning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodmourningpodcast/  **This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit www.BetterHelp.com/SSFYL for 10% off your first month of therapy** Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

The sudden death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna "Gigi" Bryant, and seven others, is a tragedy that sent shock waves across the world. I'm at a loss for words, really, but being a podcast about grief, I felt compelled to speak out. It's interesting that we can feel such grief for a person we've never met, right? Many of you may be feeling a sincere grief for the first time, or your existing grief could be exacerbated by this loss (like me). I'll discuss all of this and what you can do to move on from this emotional news.

Creative writing instructor from the University of Pennsylvania, Jamie-Lee Josselyn, shares with me how writing can help you process your grief. We covered a lot of other important topics, too, like the stigmas of suicide, how she strived to continue a normal life as a pre-teen after her loss and how she coped when she reached the age her mom died by suicide.

Taking a look back at this season and sharing some of my favorite grief quotes and advice from the fabulous guests. There is so much more where this came from so scroll back to hear from other amazing guests on grief. See you in 2022! Clips in order they appear: Jayme Aills from It's the Griefiest Time of the Year Shawn Hitchins from The Queer Perspective on Grief Katrina Weller from A Grief Coach Shares Three Cs to Help You Confront Grief Jessica Wertz from Death Runs in the Family: How to Talk About it and Plan for a Personalized Ceremony Mark Manning from Grief and Masculinity Katherine DiGiovanni from Tips to Organize Your Life During Grief Amanda Rotzal from Life After Losing Both Parents Before 30 Jonathan Mark from  The Afterlife and Communicating with Loved Ones Chelsea London Lloyd from Finding the Comedy in Grief Courtney Veale from Coping with a Parent with Alzheimer's Disease Sarah Fraser from Grief and Motherhood, Coping with Miscarriage Jessica Hersh from Grief of the Week: Kardashians, Snoop Dogg, and Bereavement Policies Jennifer Morrow from Tips for Surviving Infant Loss and Miscarriage Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups /ssfylpodcast YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

Do you ever hear a song, find a coin, or see a butterfly and immediately think of your loved one on "the other side?" Do you see it as them sending you a sign, or pure coincidence? Jessica Hersh explains key points of the book "Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe" by Laura Lynne Jackson that might help you make a decision on that. She shares her grief journey and lessons she's learned after the death of her mother Sarajane from cancer in 2016. Plus, I tell my own story of signs as well as a few from SSFYL followers.

It's so hard to say goodbye...to inanimate objects! When your loved one has died, you begin to put an irrational amount of emotional value on the physical items they left behind. In this episode, I talk about a recent experience of cleaning out my closet and boxes full of items from my dad and grandmother. It can be tough, but so therapeutic! I'll tell you why and give you tips on how to make your day full of organization a successful one.

We did it! We are 6 weeks out from our wedding and we are happy to report that it was an amazing time and we got through it without our grief taking over. In this episode, you'll hear us break down the toughest parts of planning a wedding while grieving and what you need to know to make it to the altar unscathed.

A lifetime of finding the comedy in his love life comes to a shuddering stop when comedian and writer Shawn Hitchins loses two great loves, five months apart, to sudden death. This fall he released a deeply poignant memoir where he explores the messiness of being alive: the longing and desire, scorching-earth anger, raw grief — and the pathway of healing he discovers when he lets his heart remain open. Shawn is also the author of A Brief History of Oversharing. His one-man show Ginger Nation toured extensively before being filmed in concert. Hitchins is an award-winning entertainer, writer, personality, and creator of live performance. Based in Toronto, Ontario, he is the proud new owner of an American green card and hopes to return to the USA if COVID can only cool its jets.  He helps me explore elements of grief that are important for healing in the LGBTQ+ community. Episode Highlights: His experience being at the bedside for the death of his ex-husband– a perspective that has made me rethink my own experience  Why he thinks therapy ruined his career but also saved his life The equation he's discovered through hours of reading that can predict how you may grieve the loved ones in your life. Some people thought it was too soon for him to write his book, The Light Streamed Beneath It, available in Kindle, paperback or Audible, but the incredible detail he can provide in each scene proves them wrong Suggestions for the queer community to stop using hetero-normative comparisons and start builing their own house of relationships Connect with Shawn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnhitchins/?hl=en  **This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit www.BetterHelp.com/SSFYL for 10% off your first month of therapy** Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast  YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

The pod is taking a little hiatus in order to reformat and regroup. I also am in need of a little rest while growing this tiny human! Pregnancy has been tougher than I anticipated this go around and the pod has been a challenge to keep up with. Not to worry, I will be back! Mentioned in this episode:Seven Husbands of Evelyn HugoThe Last Mrs. ParrishBe sure to follow @shopalltheskies on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter on SSFYLpodcast.com or www.shopalltheskies.com and be the first to receive updates!Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend!Website | www.ssfylpodcast.comInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgiannaFacebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcastYouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

If you're a millennial, it's probably no surprise that the new Dear Media podcast, Back to the Beach, hosted by Laguna Beach stars Kristen Cavalleri and Stephen Coletti has shot to number one on the charts. To honor the new show launch, we're honing in on two topics we love to talk about, pop culture and grief, and telling Kristin Cavalleri's own story with grief.K Cav lost her brother Michael back in 2016 and in this episode I talk about their relationship, his disappearance and loss, the ways she spoke out about it and honored him, and how she's continued her life since.Clips from this episode:EXCLUSIVE: Kristin Cavallari 'Sees a Lot' of Her Late Brother in Her Oldest Son CamdenKristin Cavallari Wishes She Said Goodbye to Late Brother | Very Cavallari | E!“It Was A Crazy Time”: Kristin Cavallari Opens Up About Brother Michael's DeathKristin Cavallari Gets Emotional With Jay at New Store Opening | Very Cavallari | E!Kristin Cavallari Cries in Jay's Arms After Talking About Loss | Very Cavallari | E!Kristin Adorably Calls Jay Her "Common Denominator" | Very Cavallari | E!Kristin Cavallari On The Loss Of Her Brother: 'It Has Been A Roller Coaster' (Exclusive)Who do you want to see profiled next? Send me a DM @sosorrywithgiannaBe sure to follow @shopalltheskies on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter on SSFYLpodcast.com or www.shopalltheskies.com and be the first to receive updates!Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend!Website | www.ssfylpodcast.comInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgiannaFacebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcastYouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

Marc and I got engaged on August 1st, 2018. It sounds horrible, but I actually dreaded my engagement day as I thought I would be an inconsolable ball of emotions since my dad wouldn't be there to share in our special day. But he sent enough signs from heaven for me to know he was celebrating from afar.

Welcome! A brief introduction to host Gianna DeMedio and the reason why she's here: the sudden death of her father in 2017. 

Premonition can be both wildly exciting or anxiety inducing depending on what the message is. I've certainly felt both feelings over the past several months. On the heels of last week and resharing an episode about signs from loved ones, I'm sharing a couple more personal stories of life recently and the signs and messages that were presented to me. I detail my own journey with pregnancy and loss, how I've coped, allowing myself to feel the feels, why I felt angry with my dad, and messages from a medium!I'm compiling YOUR stories of signs for an upcoming podcast episode. If you have one to contribute, send me a message on Instagram @sosorrywithgianna or email me at giannademedio@gmail.comMentioned in this episode:It's the Griefiest Time of the Year: Handling the HolidaysSecrets of a Spiritual MediumInstagram Live with Alaine Portner on 7/26Be sure to follow @shopalltheskies on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter on SSFYLpodcast.com or www.shopalltheskies.com and be the first to receive updates!Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend!Website | www.ssfylpodcast.comInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgiannaFacebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcastYouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

Erika Austin, PhD has taken life's lemons and made the sweetest lemon cupcake. She's suffered two devastating losses, her husband and her brother, and manages to have a beautiful outlook on death, grief, and the connection we can have to our loved ones who die. She opens up about her experience as a young window, recounting the painful shifts of how life changes when your partner is gone. Almost two decades later, she's able to share what she wishes she knew then. Tragedy struck again and the person who supported her through her husband's death, her brother Frankie, was taken too soon. Erika knew what to expect and drew from the lessons she learned from her husband's passing to grieve and celebrate gratitude simultaneously. Her work in the grief world counseling others through similar situations has continued to bring her peace. She shares interesting ways to honor a loved one, and we discuss supermodel Iman's newest way of honoring husband David Bowie– a fragrance called Love Memoir. PLUS- a bit of a life update from me and a NON SPOILER recap of the new Sex and the City reboot on HBO Max, And Just Like That. Episode Highlights: We discuss the idea of embracing death– the awkward, the taboo, the uncomfortable– to be able to embrace life. Grieving a significant person reminds you how special this life is and to not take any moments for granted The loss of her husband David at 26 years old to cancer Taking her graduate work down the path of working with grief and wellness The sudden loss of her brother Frankie– how the devastation was deep, but the prior experience gave her the confidence to push through Her recommendations for unique ways to honor a loved one Connect with Erika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drerikaaustin/?hl=en  **This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit www.BetterHelp.com/SSFYL for 10% off your first month of therapy** Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast  YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

Are you a believer in signs? A butterfly, a coin, a rainbow, or something completely random, that immediately makes you think of your loved one above. In this previously aired episode, Jessica Hersh opens up about her grief journey and lessons she's learned after the death of her mother Sarajane from cancer in 2016. We discuss key points of the book "Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe" by Laura Lynne Jackson. I also share my own story of signs and a few from SSFYL listeners!Episode Highlights:Jessica's grief path and what it was like living in a hospital for 3 months while her mother was dyingHow you can create positive memories if you're in the position of watching a loved one declineSeeing the signs: ghost calls, coins, music and animalsSkepticism to signs and taking them as concretely or loosely as you'd likeStories of signs from listenersMentioned in this episode: The Dinner PartySigns: The Secret Language of the Universe" by Laura Lynne Jackson**This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit www.BetterHelp.com/SSFYL for 10% off your first month of therapy**Be sure to follow @shopalltheskies on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter on SSFYLpodcast.com or www.shopalltheskies.com and be the first to receive updates!Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend!Website | www.ssfylpodcast.comInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgiannaFacebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcastYouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

Chelsea London Lloyd was thrown on the grief train before she even hit double digits. By the age of eight, her father was diagnosed with ALS and her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She turned to the arts and theater to cope with the drama engulfing the health of her loved ones. Chelsea shares her story and details her anticipatory grief and resilience. She lives in Los Angeles but travels the country for stand-up comedy gigs where she weaves comedy and the tragedy of grief together into one. Creating a name for herself with her unique humor, Chelsea started the Dying of Laughter podcast (best show title ever) two years ago. She explores the stories of others who encounter comedy with their grief. We discuss if, when, and how comedic relief can be appropriate while grieving, talk about TV and movies in Hollywood that feature grief, and she offers two really helpful tips that helped her through her grief. Episode Highlights: She talks about a new show debuting on FOX called Pivoting that chronicles the grief of three friends. We discuss the rumors around the new Sex and the City series called And Just Like That and how grief is involved There's no good way to say goodbye, Chelsea talks about saying goodbye to her father Why comedy can help you through your grief but cannot be a replacement for therapy WE ARE HUGE THERAPY SUPPORTERS Two grief groups Chelsea works with: Our House LA and Experience Camps Her advice for how to use voice memos to your advantage She recommends the book “The Power of Now” Connect with Chelsea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ChelsWhoElse_/  **This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit www.BetterHelp.com/SSFYL for 10% off your first month of therapy** Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast  YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

We often talk about how critical it is to have support when it comes to grief yet support and asking for help is still often stigmatized in our society. When Candyce Ossefort-Russell experienced the sudden loss of her husband at the age of 30, she decided to become the therapist that she once needed. As an LPC-S, Candyce offers insights about grief, being a widow, and other painful emotions from a unique blend of personal and professional experience. She has extensively explored psychological, spiritual, and scientific perspectives of suffering and transformation for 30 years and pairs her knowledge with being a writer, trainer, and speaker.Episode Highlights:Candyce's grief journey and the extensive pain of becoming widowed at the age of 30 with an 11 month old sonWhat makes loss traumaticHow to find support via therapy, friends, grief groups and other resourcesTips for widows of any ageProlonged Grief Disorder DiagnosisSocial loneliness vs attachment lonelinessNormalizing recurring bouts of griefDownload Candyce's free grief e-bookSubscribe to Deeper Dimensions, Candyce's weekly email and blogConnect with Candyce:deepcenterforgrowth.comwww.instagram.com/CORTherapisthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cortherapist/https://twitter.com/cortherapist/https://www.facebook.com/candycecounselingMedium.com/CORTherapistBe sure to follow @shopalltheskies on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter on SSFYLpodcast.com or www.shopalltheskies.com and be the first to receive updates!Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend!Website | www.ssfylpodcast.comInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgiannaFacebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcastYouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

People tend to understand grief for the loss of a physical being (well, even that can be debatable), but what about when a loved one is losing mental capacity and they are no longer themselves? Grief can set in way before they ever physically leave us. Courtney Veale from Bravo's Below Deck joins us to talk about grieving someone who is still here.  Courtney's father suffers from early onset Alzheimer's Disease, a condition in which the brain functioning rapidly declines. People can lose the ability to recognize their own family, hold a career, and even take care of themselves. During the COVID pandemic, deaths associated with Alzheimer's Disease rose 16 percent. Her grief played out on national television and messages came pouring in to Courtney from other millennials coping with the same situation in their families.  Episode Highlights: Her family life and why yachting might be in her genes “Alzheimer's is not just somebody forgetting. It's a whole other roller coaster” Why going on Below Deck made her confront her grief How the cast members of Below Deck supported her What you need to know about dealing with a parent with Alzheimer's Will we see her on another season…? Connect with Courtney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneyveale/?hl=en   **This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit www.BetterHelp.com/SSFYL for 10% off your first month of therapy** Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast  YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

Reid Peterson is no stranger to grief and has had several, very different experiences with loss in his lifetime. Reid experienced death first at the age of 10 when a friend and classmate died of spinal meningitis. He went on to lose his biological father to suicide in 2006 and his stepfather to cancer in 2016. He felt compelled to help the grieving find peace and purpose after loss. Reid achieved a Masters Degree in Transpersonal Psychology from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in 2007 and is certified in Death & Grief Studies by the Center for Loss & Life Transition. He has since gone on to create Grief Refuge - the best mobile app to help you cope with the loss of a loved one. Filled with insight and wisdom for managing grief, it helps you understand what to do with your loss: physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Find out how Reid was inspired to create the app and how it can help you through your grief.Episode Highlights:Why Reid decided to become educated and certified in griefHow his experiences with grief have differedThe physical loss of a person versus the loss of a relationship you longed forSlowing down and listening as it pertains to griefThe six needs for mourningWhy meditation can be such a powerful resource for grieversThe healing powers of natureGrief Refuge AppConnect with Reid:https://www.griefrefuge.com/https://www.instagram.com/griefrefugeapp/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmcsIhVmqOQC1WjFnqOXu1Ahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/grief-refuge/https://www.facebook.com/griefrefuge**This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit www.BetterHelp.com/SSFYL for 10% off your first month of therapy**Be sure to follow @shopalltheskies on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter on SSFYLpodcast.com or www.shopalltheskies.com and be the first to receive updates!Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend!Website | www.ssfylpodcast.comInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgiannaFacebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcastYouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

Jayme Aills from the Grief Unfiltered podcast is here and there's no filter on this conversation! Jayme lost her mom to breast cancer five years ago and, like me, is experiencing a new version of grief this year as she welcomed her daughter Breck to the world. But will this addition to the holiday table help ease the pain of the person missing from that same table? We talk through that, along with how to handle the holidays while grieving and how grief can differ among siblings. Episode Highlights: Jayme's experience losing her mother and details on her podcast, Grief Unfiltered Why breast cancer awareness campaigns, and all that PINK, drives her crazy How grief changes the empathy you have for others in similar situations Changes in grief after having a baby Simple solutions to managing grief over the holidays Read the full article I wrote about coping with grief during the holidays Hear more from me and Jayme on an episode of her podcast. Connect with Jayme on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neatnikdc/?hl=en  **Enjoy 15% off of a ONE HOUR virtual session with the ladies of Neat Nik**Refer to code SSFYL in the contact form Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast  YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

I speak with Candice Bock, a mom from New Jersey who lost her son in a tragic accident. While speaking with her, I quickly realized this wasn't a typical interview. The emotion, the story, and the inspirational messages lent themselves to a different style of episode that I hope you'll enjoy. After losing six-year old Edmond, Candice went through a myriad of grief and since then has not only been able to grow immensely herself but also teach others to grow from their own adversities. She started Stand Strong Fitness and Wellness based on the foundation that it is important to ‘Stand Strong' through challenges we face in life. It was originally Edmond who learned how to “Stand Strong” in vacation bible school the summer before he passed, and it was something he repeated when he thought someone needed the reminder.Candice shares her story and the challenges that came after losing Edmond, how she began to heal after loss, what it means to begin again, learning the ins and outs of entrepreneurship, bringing a holistic approach to wellness, and a whole lot more. Stand Strong Fitness & Wellness offers personal training, nutrition guidance, and mental health support because taking care of yourself involves your whole well being. Connect with Candice: https://www.standstrongfw.com/https://www.instagram.com/standstrongfitnessandwellness/Need a grief gift for someone you love? All The Skies, a modern sympathy shop, is now open for business! Be sure to follow along on Instagram @shopalltheskies and sign up for our newsletter to be the first to receive updates and gift drops!Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend!Website | www.ssfylpodcast.comInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgiannaFacebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcastYouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

Nicole Anzia and Katherine DiGiovanni of NeatNik, an organizing firm out of Washington, D.C., know first-hand how hectic life can be after the loss of a loved one. So many decisions, so many people to communicate with, and so… much… stuff! They offer solid tips on how to approach cleaning out and organizing the belongings of a loved one.  They also discuss why clutter in the home can be an added stress to your life, why it's okay to ask for help, and what the process would look like if you hire an organizing professional to help you in your time of grief. HINT: it's SO easy, and SUCH a good idea. Episode Highlights: Nicole and Katherine's experience with the loss of their parents Decision fatigue and why you're not crazy-- you're fatigued! Suggestions of what to tell people when they ask “How can I help?” after the death of a loved one Tips on how to tackle the organization of your loved one's things, from making categories, enlisting help, not sticking around to see the items removed from the home, and more. Breaking down how clutter in the home can have an impact on the stress in our life and tips that you can implement today to help Connect with Nicole and Katherine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neatnikdc/?hl=en  **Enjoy 15% off of a ONE HOUR virtual session with the ladies of Neat Nik**Refer to code SSFYL in the contact form Want more advice on organizing? I detailed my own experience and offered lessons learned in episode 4 of SSFYL. Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast  YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

If Oprah and James Cordon had a baby, raised on Dolly Parton's front porch—it would be today's guest, Matt Marr. Matt will talk to anyone. He's the guy in the grocery store that compliments your eye makeup and then two minutes later you're asking him for dating advice.  He is a therapist and holds a Masters of Clinical Psychology, specializing in Narrative Therapy and is also the co-host of the Reality Gays Podcast (ranked by Screenrant as the number one reality podcast everyone should be listening to for 2020). He is a successful commercial actor, improv actor, host, and has performed stand up all over the West Coast. Matt discusses his personal experience with loss and grief as he shares the story of his beloved father Chelsea, aka Papa Marr. We talk about personalizing funerals to fit the person lost, sitting with anger and why it's not always fair in life and death, the media's inaccurate portrayal of birth and death, grief on reality TV, understanding your own grief fingerprint, and a whole lot more! This episode is a fun one that you do not want to miss. Connect with Matt Marr:www.realitygays.comwww.instagram.com/theMattMarrhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmarr/https://twitter.com/themattmarr**This episode is sponsored by Rent the Runway. Visit www.renttherunway.com and use code RTRGIANNA for 40% off your first two months of RTR membership.**Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend!Website | www.ssfylpodcast.comInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgiannaFacebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcastYouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

Jess Hersh joins us again to talk about the grief of the week. We start with quick notes on Snoop Dogg's announcement that his mother Beverly Tate passed away, and what his vulnerability means for fellow male grievers. Then, because we love all things Kardashian, we dive into the budding romance of Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson, try to solve the mystery of who really was at karaoke, and discuss Kris Jenner's history of grief. We get slightly distracted by Pete Davidson's BDE. Please forgive us.  We move to a more serious topic of bereavement policies in the workplace an discuss a recent article in The Atlantic which declares that corporate America is not ready for the avalanche of grief heading it's way. Jess and I share our experiences with FMLA and our workplace at the time of our loss. Jess left her job; I've stayed with the same company ever since. Find out why the two drastic differences. Episode Highlights: Snoop Dogg recently lost his mother, posts on social media and performs special song at concert Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson seen on several dates. Could they be bonding over the loss of a father at a young age? The Kardashian connection to grief, Kris Jenner keeping those who have suffered a loss under her wing Grief in the workplace and the upcoming crisis the corporate world faces with millions of grievers returning to the office Connect with Jessica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyjessicahersh/?hl=en **Enjoy 40% off of Rent The Runway with code RTRGIANNA** Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast 

Dying is a fact of life. While emotional, there are certain logistics and practicalities that have to be dealt with: cremation versus burial, financial obligations, physical belongings, and the list goes on. This week, I'm joined by Cianna Stewart who also has a podcast on death and grief. Cianna hosts Dying Kindness, a podcast for people who are going to die someday (hint: that's you and me, both) with the goal of helping people make key decisions now in order to be more kind to those they'll leave behind. Death has always been part of Cianna's conversation and experience. When she was only 15 years old, she lost her mom. This loss was amplified and reinforced by working in HIV prevention and awareness during the 1990s in San Francisco. During this period, she experienced the death and memorialization of many friends, and became the primary caretaker for her roommate who died from AIDS. After Cianna's father and stepmother died in 2019, she resolved to get her own paperwork and other affairs in order so that she wouldn't leave behind the same kind of disorganized mess she and her siblings were left with. To support that effort, she started a group on Facebook and The Dying Kindness podcast then emerged as an effort to encourage others to join in on making key decisions now, well before they're needed. Cianna has been a writer, documentarian, speaker, coach, event producer, startup founder, nonprofit manager, consultant, workshop leader, and more. Episode Highlights:Cianna's experience and relationship with grief and losing both parents Working in HIV prevention and losing her roommate and dear friend to AIDSRecognizing our own fears and putting ourselves in others shoes Resources for assistance when it comes to logistics surrounding deathEmotional grief versus practical grief and managing bothThe death binder: a collection for decisions and documents you need when someone dies (and someone will need when you die)Shifting the conversation around death and making decisions that will help those still living when we pass onAdvance directives, powers of attorney, dependents, and wills/trustsMentioned in the episode:The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss by Mary-Frances O'ConnorCianna's curated selection of booksNeptune SocietyConnect with Cianna:https://twitter.com/ciannawww.dyingkindness.comDying Kindness PodcastDying Kindness Facebook GroupNo Complaints: How to Stop Sabotaging Your Own Joy by Cianna P StewartSign up for the newsletter on SSFYLpodcast.com and be the first to receive updates on the podcast and All The Skies grief boutique!Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend!Website | www.ssfylpodcast.comInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgiannaFacebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcastYouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

Katrina Weller lost her mother to cancer when she was 15 years old. “The Big C” turned her life upside down. But now, as a grief coach and educator, she's focused on different C words, ones that allow us to confront our grief. She shares them with us today, as well as details about the loss of identity she felt after leaving an abusive relationship and grief surrounding non-tangible losses. Hailing from the UK and currently residing in Australia, Katrina brings her international perspective on grief. We touch on how grief differs between cultures. And some Australian birds pop in for a chat. Crikey! Episode Highlights: Katrina's story: losing her mom to cancer, having funerals in multiple countries Why she got into grief work The Three Cs to begin to confront your grief Compassion Connection Community Why Journaling is beneficial in times of grief Connect with Katrina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katrinalpweller/?hl=en  **SSFYL Listeners get 10% off an online course OR 1:1 sessions with Katrina by using code “SSFYL” on her website https://www.katrinapreislerweller.com/ ** Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast 

It's Infant Loss Awareness month and today's guest has quite a story to tell about her experience with her son Matthew. Grief Coach Jen Morrow gracefully and bravely details the moment a doctor reached across the desk and told her to prepare for miscarriage or stillbirth. A few weeks short of full term, she delivered her son Matthew and held him until he passed away only hours later. She went on to experience another miscarriage and eventually welcomed her rainbow baby girl. She uses her experience to help others and created a guide and academy (links to both below) that help women achieve a healthy and fulfilling life after devastating loss.  Episode Highlights: Jen's story: losing her son Matthew, having a miscarriage, the birth of her baby girl, Sienna Tips for handling common situations after a miscarriage like Social Media Going back to the obstetrician Attending a baby shower And more How life after loss isn't always destined for failure Connect with Jen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_morrow_/  **SSFYL Listeners get $100 off Jen's Guide to Grief Academy here: https://bit.ly/POD100**  **Get your FREE Guide to Grief by Jennifer here: https://bit.ly/GuideToGrief** Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast

This week's episode is a bit of a mixed bag where I sit down solo to share what's going on lately. I start with how I've been dealing amidst year five of my dad's death anniversary as well as a part of my conversation with last week's guest, Rebecca Soffer in regards to gifting after grief. Edible Arrangements are OUT and intentional, useful gifts are IN!Episode Highlights:The five particular days that sit with me and weigh heavier than the others around my dad's death anniversaryHow grief waxes and wanes with each passing yearHow other relationships within my family play a role in my griefSome of the different feelings that have come up this year around my dad's death anniversaryWhy grieving people more than likely don't care to receive an Edible ArrangementsAn update on the modern grief boutique: a new name and launch updates!Rebecca's two books:Modern Loss Handbook: An Interactive Guide to Moving Through Grief and Building Your ResilienceModern Loss: Candid Conversations about Grief**This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit www.BetterHelp.com/SSFYL for 10% off your first month of therapy**Be sure to follow @griefboutique on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter on SSFYLpodcast.com or griefboutique.com and be the first to receive updates!Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend!Website | www.ssfylpodcast.comInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgiannaFacebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcastYouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyoo17xXVkpLD0WiTbqsh8w

Dealing with the loss of a pet can be a huge grief trigger. It's complicated because people may not understand the bond you shared with your furry friend. Well here at So Sorry For Your Loss, your grief is valid and I've brought in an expert to help you through! Dr. Lisa Lippman, one of the most influential veterinarians out there, gives us the lowdown on combating the stigma of pet loss, how to keep your senior dog comfortable and help them get the most out of their life, and the options pet owners have for a pet's end of life.  Plus, she shares stories about some of Hollywood's four-legged friends! Episode Highlights: Assessing Quality of Life for Your Companion Animal and Making End-of-Life Decisions, a helpful scale from Ohio State University She recommends Rainbow Raina as an account that helps those grieving a pet Her segment on the Dr. Oz Show She co-founded Pet Loss Community to support suffering from the loss of their best pals Connect with Jonathan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlisalippman/   **This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit www.BetterHelp.com/SSFYL for 10% off your first month of therapy** Enjoying #SSFYL? Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend! Website | www.ssfylpodcast.com  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssfylpodcast