The Grief Informed Podcast

Hey all! Navigating my own Grief while hosting a podcast about Grief has been interesting. And today's episode is a short, honest check in from the middle of a season that's held more grief and complexity than I can fully name. Not here, or now. But what I can do, is show up the best way I know how, in the middle of the messy and not just at the end. While simultaneously practicing what it means to honor my capacity, show up without full clarity and to follow the quiet invitation to observe rather than explain. You're gonna hear my reflection on faith, the irony of my last episode on repression (thank you, Ricky!) and the sacred tension of asking God for assurance and finding presence instead. Short and sweet. And as always, thank you for being here. -Rachel

How well can you experience big emotions and still stay present with yourself and others? Do you tend to push your feelings down or find them overwhelming to navigate? These questions are at the heart of what we discuss in today's episode.Dr. Ricky Barrows is a Clinical Psychologist originally from Lester, England now based in Nova Scotia, Canada. In his private practice, he provides psychological therapy and assessment for adults facing a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges.If you've ever found it difficult to process your emotions or noticed a recurring pattern of shutting down during intense conversations, this episode will equip you with practical tools to break free from that cycle.With his incredible gift of knowledge and grounding presence, Dr. Barrows makes this conversation both effortless and full of practical wisdom.Press play and soak in an hour of free therapy that just might change the way you approach your emotions.-Rachel Find Dr. Barrow, here: https://www.drrickybarrows.com/

I can't imagine hosting a podcast about grief and not having a conversation about suffering and how we understand its role and impact in our lives.Today's episode is a nod to my 16 year old self, who having experienced some life changing events already, craved conversations that could help me make sense of the suffering I had witnessed.With me today to dive deep, is my friend Tamal. He is a mentor, storyteller, social-philosopher, retreat-leader and ceremonialist. He is also a painter, dancer, hermit and preposterous clown.Tamal has been studying and teaching ancestral wisdom traditions for 27 years. Among other things, he was a monk for 11 years based in India, and trained in shamanism in Peru for 4 years after that. His summary conclusion about life is that the task is to transform our paradigm of duality into one of polarity. A fundamental part of this process is a re-orientation toward suffering.We discuss his perspective on why looking directly at our own suffering, as well as that of those around us—in our homes, communities, and globally—can help us become more loving, beautiful, and potent in our service and our callings.Imagine what can shift in our lives when we allow ourselves to be honest about the effects of our suffering, name our confusion and doubt, and dive deep beneath the surface to connect to sacred wisdom.If you are someone who has wrestled with your own faith while suffering, no matter the framework of belief you come from, I believe this conversation will encourage you in your deeper exploration.Push play, share and subscribe (of course)!Also, thank you for supporting the show!-RachelWhere to Find Tamal:Moonshine Mundali CommunityInstagram: @Tamal.Kunj

If you're looking to deepen your self-awareness, the Enneagram offers a powerful framework that can help you better understand your inner world. Whether you're new to it or a seasoned student, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.In this episode, you'll discover what the Enneagram is and the unique messages each type may encounter while navigating their grief.My guest, Mandy Capehart, is on a mission to normalize grieving and cultivate the conversations that bring us healing. She is the founder and CEO of The Restorative Grief Project, an online community focusing on one another's stories and new methodologies for grief to create a safe environment for our souls to heal and our spirits to be revived. She is also the host of a weekly podcast, Restorative Grief with Mandy Capehart, as well as a published author, certified trauma professional, grief educator, one-to-one coach, and somatic embodiment practitioner.So, if you're ready to expand your capacity for more compassion with yourself and in all your relations, press play and join us for an incredibly powerful conversation! -RachelAll things Mandy:https://www.mandycapehart.com/https://www.instagram.com/mandycapehart/?hl=enhttps://www.amazon.com/Restorative-Grief-Embracing-without-ourselves/dp/B096TRSSG1https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/restorative-grief-with-mandy-capehart/id1583949156Mentioned In the Show:Take the Enneagram test: Truity or The Enneagram InstituteSleeping At Last and the Enneagram Album

Today's episode is an End of the Year Recap of the amazing conversations we've had in this space.If you haven't listened to any of the podcast yet, but have wondered what topics we cover under the umbrella of grief, today's episode is a great summary.And also, these are snippets of the incredibly vulnerable stories my guests have shared with the shared desire to see our lives, relationships and communities transformed through the healing work of honoring our grief as necessary and sacred.If your grief is decades old or accutely recent, I'm hopefully optimistic that you will feel seen and supported here.Thank you for joining me! -Rachel

There are moments when I meet someone who can effortlessly articulate profound ideas, making them much easier to metabolize.That's John Onwucheckwa, to me.John, a middle child born in Texas to Nigerian immigrant parents, opens up about the profound loss of his brother and the deep impact grief had on his life.He's been a church planter, a pastor and recently completed his PhD covering the subject I love to discuss- Grief. Whether it's spoken or written, John knows how to use words to convey the complexities of grief, hopefulness and joy with incredible depth and insight.With a shared admiration for Francis Weller, we deep dive into how to give language to our grief, what can help us when we feel trapped in hopelessness and the insights he's gained from years of witnessing both his own grief and that of others.If you are open to removing “grief as a journey” from your conceptual thinking and replace it with “grief as a language we become fluent in,” press play and be ready to take notes! He's no doubt going to inspire hopefulness in your day today!Thank you for listening!-RachelAll things John O:Website: https://www.johno.co/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jawn_o/?hl=enBlog: https://www.johno.blog/Podcast: Four In The Morning https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/four-in-the-morning/id1521008739Portrait Coffee: https://www.johno.co/ventures#portrait

At the end of 2023, I knew I wanted to start a podcast to talk all things Grief, Joy and our shared human experiences and I also knew that I wanted Heather to be my first guest. As life would have it, she was meant to be on the show now, instead.I first met Heather and her husband, Cord, twelve years ago when I was their Childbirth Doula for the birth of their sixth child, Gideon.Please laugh with us as we open the podcast with his birth story, a birth I will never forget!The strength of this woman is clear, as is her genuine transparency as she recounts the event that changed her family's life nearly five years ago—when that same sweet boy survived a terrifying brain injury after a fall from a bunk bed during a family vacation.She shares, vulnerably, what she's learned about grief and also discusses the “party favor no one wants: PTSD.” She offers invaluable insights on navigating the daily struggle to find a sense of peace and a regulated nervous system when your past experience leaves you on high alert, indefinitely.One of my favorite things about Heather is her willingness to talk about how her Faith has been impacted by outcomes she was told she “should” be happy for, what its like to feel guilt for things you can't go back and change, and why it's important to allow all the big feelings to be felt.If you're seeking a conversation that can uplift your weary heart and soothe your overwhelmed nervous system while navigating difficult times, press play and dive right in with us.Thank you for being here!~RachelFind Heather on Instagram here.

What does it mean to learn to grieve?In this solo episode, I'll share what that's looked like in my life and why I'm hopeful we can shift the collective aversion to acknowledging how our experiences affect us. It's not just about giving ourselves permission to feel; grief is an invitation to attune more deeply to our own needs.So with a mix of humor and heartfelt vulnerability, join me as I shed a little more light on my own process.Enjoy!Rachel*I mentioned Oakwood University and this is the IG for their incredible choir, "The Aeolians."

Annie, the youngest of three siblings, has channeled her expertise as a cultural researcher into a profound and unexpected project: her book, "Always a Sibling: The Forgotten Mourner's Guide to Grief."When Annie's brother Ben was killed in Afghanistan, she searched for a book that would acknowledge and validate her own experience of losing a sibling. Although she found many resources for grieving parents, children, and spouses, there was a noticeable gap when it came to books for those mourning a brother or sister. Grieving the loss of a sibling is often overshadowed by the grief felt by parents and spouses, or misunderstood due to the unique nature of sibling relationships. Plus, it's not a topic that's talked about much. Now, fifteen years later, Annie has written the book she wished she'd had back then. It's a helpful guide for anyone who's lost a sibling, whether it's recent or years ago. With a compassionate and practical approach, Annie's book offers support and validation, helping you navigate your grief while honoring the many nuances that siblings face in their grief. Regardless of how you lost your loved one or how close you were, your grief is important. I am hopeful that this conversation will help you feel seen, heard, and remembered.Share it with those you believe will benefit! I'm grateful you're here! -Rachel

Native New Yorker, turned Coloradan, and author of “Trust yourself to be All in,” Amanda McCoy Flanagan opens up about how Grief from her brothers' death saved her marriage, after almost ruining it. Amanda, who had been in talk therapy for years and maintained her sobriety, shares how a string of family deaths made her question a lot about her life, including her marriage. Five months after her brothers' death she told her husband she didn't love him anymore. The steps they both decided to take pushed them to finally face the grief they had both been avoiding. This courage led to their individual healing, and eventually, the restoration of their relationship. I think you'll really connect with Amanda's no-nonsense approach and heartfelt honesty as she explores the fear of truly facing our grief. She addresses worries like the belief that we might only ever know pain or that we might not spiral back up, if we do. Join us as we combine the North and the South, in a candid conversation about life, loss and coming out on the other side. Enjoy! Rachel Trigger Warnings: 12:10- Drug Overdose, Death 26:08- Sexual Trauma mentioned 31:50- First Responder trauma All things Amanda: WebsiteBook: "Trust Yourself To Be All In."InstagramPodcast: Sol Rising

Have you heard of the concept of Shadow Work? Over 100 years ago, psychoanalyst Carl Jung taught about our "Shadow" self. He taught that t"he shadow" contains the aspects of our persona that we tend to dislike or prefer to keep hidden, such as our trauma, anger and resentments.My guest, Christin Underwood, is a motivational speaker and Life Coach that shares her own story navigating the process of becoming aware of, and ultimately working with, your shadow.We dive into the nuances that define this potent method of understanding our own blind spots—how and why we might avoid this work and the healing that awaits us on the other side of exploring the unconscious behaviors we revert to, even when they perpetuate our own pain. Despite the gravity of topics like revealing our shadow to others, Christin shines through with her honesty and authenticity. If you've ever wondered about Shadow work—when it's time to explore its impact in your own life and what lies on the other side of integration—then press play and dive deep with us!Enjoy! ~Rachel All things Christin: Instagram Linktree: Ways to work with ChristinYoutube StayHYPE Podcast Tiktok

Right now, there are an estimated 55 million people living with Dementia, worldwide. Every year, another 10 million cases are added. As of 2023, 1 in 3 seniors will die with Alzheimers Disease or another form of Dementia. And chances are high that you have experienced the effects of dementia or love someone who has.My guest, Don Wendorf dedicated 45 years as a Marriage and Family Therapist and entered retirement to become the primary caregiver for his wife, Susan. After her passing, Don became a passionate advocate for individuals living with Dementia, offering support and guidance to those navigating the same path.Whether its a spouse, parent, child, sibling or friend, witnessing your loved one gradually lose aspects of themselves can be incredibly painful.Don guides us through the approach of person-centered care, explaining why it can facilitate deeper connections with our loved ones, even amidst the inevitable feelings of disappointment, frustration, and sadness that often accompany the significant challenges of Dementia.As Don shares his personal experience around the grief and common themes that come up as a caregiver, he gives us invaluable practical wisdom on balancing self-care with preserving the dignity and essence of your loved one.And whether you are a caregiver because of a Dementia diagnosis or because of any other diagnosis, I believe that this episode will offer the medicine of encouragement for you, too.I'm grateful you're here. Thank you for listening!~Rachel Video of Naomi Feil With Glady'sBooks:Caregiver Carol'sLove Lyrics: A Musical Marital ManualDementia-Friendly WorshipResources:Alzheimers AssociationAlzauthors.org

What leads women away from community and connection with one another? And how do we heal it?That's the loaded question I got to ask Leila Dylla, a Women's Mentor and founder of The Heart Space Community. Leila leads other women in healing through relationships and feminine initiation.In this episode, we talk about the reality that many women are feeling isolated and not adequately supported. Some have lost their old friendships, communities, or family relationships while others want to make new friends or strengthen current relationships but feel unease around trying.If that's where you are, or know someone who is, then this conversation is going to feel like a tall, refreshing glass of hopefulness.I'm excited to share my own experience of joining Leila's online women's community after avoiding it for two years and why navigating that with grace allowed me to end up exactly where I wanted to be, despite my initial fears.Leila walks us through the framework of conscious participation that she teaches in her spaces, revealing why her work with women is profoundly transformative, inviting us to the skills necessary to form the deeper connections we are longing to experience. Maybe you aren't interested in joining a women's community, but you do want to deepen your connection and bond with the women around you. I believe this conversation can inspire and equip that, as well.If you're ready to deepen your appreciation for yourself and the women in your life, push play and dive in with us!Enjoy!~RachelTW: mention of abortion 6:50-7:57All things Leila:The Heart Space CommunityLeila's WebsiteLeila's IG

I have always been inspired by people who know how to truly be present with others during incredibly painful moments in their life.My guest, Doug Daspit, embodies this commitment. With twelve years of experience as a Board Certified Chaplain, Doug currently serves as a full-time Police Chaplain and an Army Reserve Chaplain. His journey has also included roles as a Pastor, church planter, and chaplain in hospital and hospice settings.In this episode, we explore the profound lessons he has learned in his work and how he has refined his skills to be present with individuals in their darkest moments. From families to first responders, Doug has seen more than most.Drawing from years of experience observing loss, family dynamics, diverse cultures, and various faith traditions, Doug shares valuable insights into the vital role of supporting people through all their expressions of grief.He also reflects on the profound beauty he finds in his work—the moments that strengthen his own faith, even amidst the daily, sometimes painful realities he witnesses.If you've ever wondered how to better support those around you—whether in your community or within your own home—who are grappling with pain, loss, or grief in its many forms, then push play and dive right in with us!I'm incredibly grateful you're here! ~Rachel

If you've ever wondered why you might not feel safe in the world after loss, don't trust people as much as you used to because of painful experiences or seem to feel “stuck” in hopelessness when you desperately want deeper trust and hope while grieving, then this conversation is going to bring you some clarity.My guest is a man with almost 50 years of experience and over 80,000 direct contact hours as a therapist that developed a practical attachment theory and human development theory that has been taught to thousands of University students. He's also the co-founder of the Gestalt Equine Institute of the Rockies.In this episode, Duey Freeman, a true elder and mentor, skillfully takes us through his attachment model, showing us why it's valuable to grasp and how it can change the way we understand grief.Whether your early childhood memories are vivid or few, you're invited to dive into how those early attachments influence your life now, particularly in how you handle grief.This is brave and courageous work. Titrate as needed.Thank you so much for listening and supporting!-RachelTW: Sexual Assault- 1:08-1:10All things Duey:Duey's Instagram, Website, and Gestalt Equine Institute of the Rockies.Free Enneagram Test through Truity!

1 in 6 couples are walking through the painful journey of infertility. And Kristin Dillensnyder wants those couples, and the family, friends and coworkers in their world, to hear this conversation.Kristin is an Infertility Mindset Coach, an IVF Warrior and host of the "More Than Your Infertility' Podcast, whose intention is to help bring back your hope and joy while trying to conceive.Kristin and her husband had their own difficult journey trying to conceive their daughter. And through that experience, Kristin saw what the fertility culture needed to shift in order to better support those dealing with infertility.We dive right into the challenges these couples (or individuals) are going to meet, the sometimes unintentional triggers they will see over and over again and the hopefulness of being fully supported by those that get it.Join us as we talk about the stressors of trying to conceive, navigating the very public opinions on very personal topics, what its like to face the many nuances of grief while on this journey and how couples can learn to walk this path and become closer through it.If you, or someone you love is going through this then be sure to listen and share.Im grateful you're here~RachelFind Kristin:Instagram @kristindillensnyderPodcast: More Than Your Infertility

Imagine loving your job, feeling deeply connected to your calling and then realizing that it's slowly ticking away at your emotional, mental and relational health.Dave Boyd is a Marine Veteran, former SWAT officer, former 911 operator, former firefighter, former school resource officer and former community police officer turned Trauma Informed Men's coach and President of the Uncivilized Incorporation.His resume reads like a human's guide to risky and intense employment! Dave was deeply loved in his community, even experiencing viral notoriety for a redemptive story during his time as a police officer in North Carolina.But something changed when he faced a diagnosis that forced him to make a tough call: leaving a job he adored. This choice required him to face the grief that comes with shifting values, redefining your identity and choosing to courageously take your own mental health more seriously.If you're grappling with the kinds of grief we're diving into, I'm confident you'll walk away with invaluable insights gleaned from Dave's remarkable journey and his honest, open-hearted approach.Be sure to share this episode with someone that could use this conversation today!Thank you for being here!Enjoy~Rachel TW: Attack of a police officer (16:53)Where to find Dave!Instagram: @uncivilized_daveUncivilized WebsiteViral Article

Hey, its Rachel and I'm sharing my first solo podcast to riff about why in the world I wanted to start a podcast about Grief. I know that an "elevator speech" is expected, but something you'll learn (to love, hopefully) is that I'm gonna need a little more of your time. Don't worry, I kept it under the 10 minute mark! Welcome into my little corner of the world where your grief is sacred and if you've been looking for a place to "feel normal" in the chaos, the messy and the confusing, you've found it! You won't find pithy statements or flat platitudes 'round here. What I do believe you'll find is a sense of safety to be your authentic, hurting or hopeful self. Wherever you find yourself in the middle of your grief journey, this podcast was created to offer you support and this episode explains my why. I am thrilled you are here! Enjoy-Rachel G.

In 2015, Karen faced every grandparents worst fear when her 11 year old grandson suffered a brain aneurysm. Collier, a very witty, charming and incredibly intelligent prankster would fight for 7 more months in the hospital before passing on on October 13th. I sat down to talk with Karen about the way grief showed up for her and how she faced the reality of wanting to die, wondering "why Collier?" and how getting curious about a small, local Grief Share group changed the trajectory of her grief. If you've ever wanted to hear about the power of hope and resiliency after loss, Karen's story is a great place to start. Life is always inviting us to reimagine whats possible after loss. So be sure to share today's episode with someone needing to feel a bit of hopefulness today. I'm grateful you're here, Rachel Trigger/Content Warnings: 13:30- Child aneurysm/death35:40- Death of child, story from support group To find your local Grief Share community: Click Here.

Today we have an incredibly honest conversation with Janice Johnson Dowd, a Social Worker, Author, speaker, mother and recovering alcoholic who helps recovering individuals repair their relationships with their family and friends.Janice spent her early career working in the most intense environments of the social work world. She also spent time working at both in patient and out patient recovery programs not realizing that one day she would be a patient in similar programs, recovering from alcoholism.We deep dive into the world of what triggered her drinking and what she would have to face when she was ready to get sober.I know you are going to enjoy Janice's transparency as much as I do. In fact, it's her brutal honesty that is foundational for beginning the repairs needed with her children and family, well into sobriety. And that lived experience is what she uses to help so many achieve that same healing in their own relationships.Once again, I am blown away by the beauty and resiliency that lies within the human sprit.Listen and share everywhere you find your podcasts!Enjoy,-RachelJanice on Instagram here."Grief Recovery Handbook" that Janice says was instrumental in her learning how to cope with Grief. Janice's blog here about hiking the A.T, here.Her book will be released Spring 2025.

Have you ever started a podcast and five episodes in you get to have a conversation with one of your favorite teachers that you've never met in person?Traver Boehm is an author, 2 time TEDx speaker, podcast host and creator of the worldwide men's community: Man Uncivilized.I first stumbled on to Traver's work in 2017, via his TEDx talk from the year before. I was in the beginning stages of my own "how did my life get like this" moment navigating the dismantling of my 15 year marriage and walking into life as a single mom.I had known grief through the loss of my parents in early childhood and young adulthood, but I had never met the type of pain that comes from this kind of chapter ending.Travers twelve minute TEDx talk helped set the framework for my own healing journey as I listened to his lived experience that catapulted him into the transformative work he now leads others through.In this episode we discuss his personal story of loss, his attempts to run from pain, and the year he decided to face it all.Take a deep breath and be ready to be blown away!All things Traver:Website: Man UnvilizedBooks: Today I Rise, Man UncivilizedInstagram: Traver BoehmTEDx: How To Make Pain Your GuruWhy we need more uncivilized men

Eric Hodgdon is a resilient advocate for those grappling with the profound impact of loss and intimately understands the challenges that accompany the grieving process. His personal journey took a powerful turn in early 2014 when he tragically lost his 15-year-old daughter, Zoi, to suicide. Frustrated by the prevailing narrative that merely surviving grief marked the “endpoint” of the journey, Eric embarked on a mission to redefine and expand what grief support can be. Over the last decade, Eric has dedicated himself to transforming the way we approach grief. Through coaching and training, he has empowered thousands of grieving individuals to overcome the mental hurdles that impede progress, enabling them to navigate the formidable challenges that accompany loss. Eric has shared his insights, twice, from the TEDx stage, He further solidified his impact by publishing the Amazon bestselling book, "A Sherpa Named Zoi.”, which is currently available on Amazon.com Currently, Eric channels his expertise into personalized 1-on-1 sessions with clients, guiding them through the process of survival, recovery, and ultimately, living beyond the loss of a loved one. To learn more about this visit: yourjourneyguided.org. *Eric's first TEDx talk: "What my daughter's death taught me about life."

Today's episode is with Dusty Sivley who is a Supervising Licensed Professional Counselor that has spent the last 14 years working with young children and teens. Dusty specializes in Bereavement Counseling and this episode is full of her incredible wisdom and practical insights on navigating teen grief after loss.Whether you are a parent of teens, a caregiver or love someone who has experienced a death, this conversation will be one to bookmark. Not to mention, so much of what Dusty shares is applicable to the wide range of losses we might experience that bring us to our grief.Be sure to share this episode with someone that might need to hear the beautiful message of hope and healing that is possible when we are supported to do the work of honoring and being with our grief.

On today's episode, I sit down with Jessica Bedient from Pike Road, Alabama. She is a mom to 9 children (1 biological, 8 from Foster Care to Adoption). She talks about the journey she, along with her husband Ben, have had through the Foster Care to Adoption process. After about 10 years working with the system, Jessica shares about experiencing the many ups, downs and sometimes, public scrutiny that comes from this path of parenting.TW: 22:00, loss of placement with a childThe Verse Jessica mentions is from the Bible: Psalm 4:8- "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe."

On the inaugural episode of The Grief Informed Podcast, I am bringing on my great friend, Becki Irby. Becki and her husband Garret are the, beaming with pride, parents of eleven year old Gabriel Lewis. Gabriel was diagnosed with a stroke at birth resulting in cerebral palsy and epilepsy, along with other diagnoses requiring full care. Becki invites us into her story and personal journey with Grief and her pursuit of Joy after tragedy. TW: Birth trauma, 14:10