Podcasts about grief support

There is one question that this week's guest, Nicole (nicolebgebhardt.com), asks each client when she first starts seeing them as a life coach.   What are three things you love about yourself?  How did you answer this question? Was it difficult? Did you even come up with three things? I have to admit something. I had a hard time. As a mom, I can think of three things I love about my kids. As a wife, I can easily name three things I love above my husband, but when asked to look inward like this, I falter.  Nicole says that 85% of her clients have the same struggle. They can't name even one thing, let alone three. There was a time when Nicole had these same feelings. After suffering through two miscarriages and the death of her 9-week-old son, Samuel, from SIDS, she didn't feel like she deserved to be happy. Nicole turned to alcohol, and when her husband began abusing her, she felt as if she 'deserved' the abuse.  Even after having three healthy children, leaving her first husband, and meeting her 'Prince Charming', she still didn't love herself. Five and a half years ago, she decided to take her own life. After surviving that suicide attempt, her outlook on life changed. She chose to become clean and sober and focus on loving herself first. This certainly was not easy, but when talking to Nicole today, I can say that she, quite simply, radiates joy. Despite her past, Nicole does not let these experiences define her. Nicole realizes that she is not a victim. She is a survivor, and that is amazing. She is resilient, she is strong, and she is awesome.  Think about your own life for a minute. Think of all that you have gone through. Likely, if you are reading this, your child died. Perhaps you have suffered through abuse and addiction or tried to help a loved one through their struggles. Maybe you have lost other loved ones or your job, marriage, or home. Despite all of these things and more, you get up every day. You are strong and resilient. We all are.  Can I name three things I love about myself? Yes, I can. And so can you.

If you or someone you know has had to go through Grief related to the loss of a loved one crossing over to the other side, this is the episode for you. On this week's episode, Shanta is joined by Christine Marie Aitchison. In this powerful episode of Authentic Talks 2.0, host Shanta Generally welcomes trauma-informed healer and ceremonial guide Christine Marie Aitchison for a heartfelt conversation on grief, healing, and sacred transformation. Christine Marie opens up about her personal journey—growing up with a father who struggled with heroin addiction, a mother dealing with mental health challenges, and surviving a near-death experience that changed everything. Together, we explore the emotional terrain of loss, trauma, and the healing practices that help us move from pain to empowerment.Christine Marie shares insights from her 90-day healing journal, Grieve with Guidance, offering rituals, reflection, and real tools for anyone walking the path of loss and forgiveness. We also talk about the silence around grief, the weight of “not knowing what to say,” and the sacred power of presence. This episode is an invitation to heal—authentically, gently, and with grace.  Christine Marie will return for a future panel discussion centered around her journal—so stay tuned!Connect with Christine Marie:Earth & Energy Medicine SchoolWebsite: ChristineMarieHeals.comInstagram: @christinemariehealsBook: Grieve with Guidance (Available on her website and major retailers)Website:https://www.christinemarieheals.com/?msID=815c5e15-0e36-4451-a7ef-dfb83abaf278https://www.christinemarieheals.com/energymedicineschool?msID=589050f4-082f-43d7-899c-de02d118efe7Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Grieve-Guidance-support-journey-forgiveness/dp/B0F1C298JW?msID=c91c57e0-2c95-499e-84a7-6b8f90da246fApple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Spreaker | Castbox and more. Connect with the host:Instagram: @AuthenticTalks2.0 Email: AuthenticShanta@gmail.com Website: www.AuthenticTalks2.com Facebook: AuthenticTalks2 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/authentic-talks-2-0-with-shanta--4116672/support.

What if we embraced death not with fear, but with love, dignity, and thoughtful planning?In this powerful and moving episode, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Dipti Purbhoo, Executive Director of the Dorothy Ley Hospice, to explore the essential, but often overlooked, role of hospice and palliative care in our healthcare system.Dipti shares her personal journey into the world of hospice, emphasizing the importance of early access to palliative care, community support, and the compassionate legacy that end-of-life services offer. From demystifying death to advocating for a proactive healthcare approach, this conversation is a poignant reminder of what it truly means to care for others and for the legacy we leave behind.Key takeaways:✨ Hospice is Heart Work – At its core, hospice care is about love, dignity, and showing up for people at their most vulnerable.✨ Start Sooner, Not Later – Palliative care isn't just for the final days; it can begin at diagnosis to support quality of life.✨ Community is Essential – Volunteers, donors, and grief support services form the foundation of holistic, accessible care.✨ Talk About It – Open conversations about end-of-life wishes empower families and reduce fear around death.✨ Care is a Legacy – Success isn't always about achievements—it's the lasting impact of compassion, presence, and advocacy.Connect with DiptiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dipti-purbhoo/Website: https://dlhospice.org/Connect with Us • LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald • Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Episode 300. It's hard to wrap my head around a number that big. Hundreds of beautiful stories. Thousands of listeners. Later this summer, we will reach another milestone: the 7th anniversary of Andy's death—14 years of having Andy here on Earth and 7 years of Andy in heaven. Another concept that is so difficult to comprehend. In today's episode, Gwen plays host and interviews Eric and me as we discuss the podcast and its growth over the past six years. The addition of our videographer, Jen, has been an incredible blessing as she has created beautiful video clips to share on Instagram and Facebook (@alwaysandysmom). These videos have helped us all see the featured children in real life, so to speak. Over the next few days, you will be able to see Andy featured for the first time! We also talked about our recent family trip. Vacations can be difficult after losing a child. Part of us may feel like we don't want to make new, wonderful memories without our loved one. Certainly, there were moments of sadness and tears as we traveled, thinking of Andy and knowing how much he would have loved it. We made a point of taking Andy's teddy bear, Herky, along on the trip and capturing pictures with him every single day. Herky had his special pouch in the backpack and made appearances at St. Peter's Square, the canals of Venice, and the Acropolis. Our 'Herky pictures' certainly did not replace having Andy with us, but they gave us all a moment to think about him and feel like a tiny bit of him was there. As we start our next 100 episodes, I look forward to seeing what new changes lie ahead. The first addition will be the opportunity to share your child on the podcast in a unique way. While some people want to share their child on an episode, others may never feel ready for such a step. I was inspired by Michael's Madre, who offered to sponsor the full cost of her episode, which is $125. Now, I invite others to do the same. If you feel called to sponsor all (or part of) an episode in your child's name, visit the Donate Page on andysmom.com, and their name will be announced in the introduction. Thank you all so much for the love and support you have shown me. The podcast has blessed me in more ways than I could have ever realized. I cannot imagine what my life would be like today without it.

You feeling this episode? Send us a text!Pt 7/7. In this episode we get into the hard part of relationships. The ending. When does does us part. How do you move on when you have more love to give? The anger you feel about the other dying without you? The pain you feel about losing the other? The guilt you feel about wasting time. It's all part of grief and as soon as we start to let that part go then we can begin to live again. Well I don't want to ruin it for you. Tune in now. Support the show

"I'm good." This was a common response that Mary Beth's son, Michael, used when he didn't want to do something or go somewhere. "Michael, do you want to come with me?" "I'm good." It almost became a bit of a family joke. After Michael died 18 months ago at 21 years of age, his brother, a talented artist, wrote a cartoon depicting Michael in heaven. In the cartoon, his brother was longing to have Michael back with them, here on earth, with their family, so he called heaven. When Jesus answered the phone, he was asked if he could send Michael back home. Jesus responded, "Let me go ask him." Michael's response was typical Michael - "I'm good." The problem, of course, is that although Mary Beth is sure that Michael is 'good', Mary Beth is not. She and their entire family miss Michael terribly. Michael is the second of five sons in an incredibly close family. Although Michael had a long history of anxiety struggles, his family thought he was great. He seemed happy and was completing his college education with a degree in biology. He was a brilliant and talented young man with a bright future ahead of him.  Unbeknownst to his family, however, Michael was suffering inside. Mary Beth was shocked when she found him dead in the room where he had been living at his grandparents' house, and more shocked when they learned that he had taken his own life. After searching his computer, they found an unsent email where he described having homicidal and suicidal thoughts. He was suffering a mental breakdown and shared that he feared that he might kill other people. In that moment, he seemed to feel like the way to protect others was to die himself. Mary Beth did not know how she could go on living after losing Michael, but day by day, she is doing just that. Each day is a challenge, but Mary Beth continues to get up, go to work, and parent their four living boys. Does she expect to cry daily? Of course she does. Can she honestly answer, 'I'm good' when she is asked? Definitely not. But, until that day comes, Mary Beth clings to the knowledge that Michael is most certainly ‘good' up in heaven.

Connect with us!Grieving Unapologetically is brought to you by The Heart of Miss Bee, Inc. a 501(c)(3) organization that exists to honor the late Beverly E. Carroll. This episode is brought to you by The Heart of Miss Bee, Inc. which exists to honor the late Beverly E. Carroll.

I have long loved Faith's Lodge and, since the early days of the podcast, hoped that someday, I might be able to talk with someone from that wonderful organization. Now, that wish became a reality. Today's guest, Kelly, is not a bereaved mom herself, but she was at the side of her sister when she lost her 12-year-old son, Carter, almost 15 years ago. As I listened to Kelly, I was struck by how instinctively she did so much 'right' after Carter died. Logistically, she handled so much for her sister in those first days and weeks, but perhaps even more importantly, she kept Carter a part of their everyday lives in the months and years that followed. When holidays came, Kelly made sure that Carter was remembered. Kelly continued to ask for parenting advice from her older sister, asking, "When this happened to Carter, what did you do?" Shortly after Carter died, Kelly's sister's family attended a retreat at Faith's Lodge. Her sister shared that for the first time, she felt like she could fully be herself and not have to wear a mask and try to hide. Then, 13 years ago, while golfing at a charity golf event, Kelly was asked if she might consider leaving her job and becoming the executive director of a non-profit organization. She had no interest in leaving her job, but politely asked the name of the organization - Faith's Lodge. The tears came, and then, long hours of considering a career change. With her sister's blessing, Kelly started the job that has since become her passion. Under Kelly's guidance, the organization expanded to be even more than an amazing year-round retreat center. They developed a program for employers called 'Hope Works Here' to give businesses tools to help bereaved parents return to work successfully. This month, more big changes came to Faith's Lodge as they undergo a rebranding in order to more clearly define their mission and purpose. Their new name is the Child Loss Foundation. They still offer their incredible retreats at Faith's Lodge (although they hope to spread to additional locations). They still offer resources for employers, now called Child Loss at Work. Additionally, the organization merged with another Minnesota non-profit formerly called The BeliEve Foundation, in order to expand their mission of offering immediate financial support for newly bereaved families. I have long known that Faith's Lodge was a magical place, but now, I can't wait to see how many more lives they will be able to touch as they grow and expand.

How Understanding Death Can Help You Live More Fully — with Hospice Nurse JulieThis episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriendWhat if facing the realities of death could actually help you live with more intention, gratitude, and peace—right now?In this powerful episode of Asking for a Friend, I sit down with Julie McFadden, better known as Hospice Nurse Julie, a former ICU nurse turned nationally recognized hospice educator with over 15 years of experience and millions of followers online. Julie's mission? To normalize conversations around death and provide comfort, clarity, and dignity at the end of life.We explore:The most common experiences people have at the end of life—many of which are rarely talked aboutHow Julie transitioned from ICU to hospice, and what she learned about life in the processPractical advice for midlife women navigating aging parents and caregiving responsibilitiesHow to prepare emotionally and logistically for end-of-life situations—with grace and self-compassionWhy contemplating our mortality might be the greatest gift for living more meaningfullyJulie's new Nothing to Fear Journal offers a compassionate guide for reflection, planning, and healing—and this episode delivers the heart and honesty that midlife listeners crave.✨ If you're supporting aging parents, feeling overwhelmed, or simply curious about what a peaceful end-of-life journey can look like—this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode Sascha and I look at vigils, vigilance and hyper-vigilance. We consider how each state shows up in our lives and how they interact with each other. We offer personal stories and learn a little more about each other. 

In this moving episode of Radio Medium, Psychic Medium Laura Lee delivers a heartfelt message from the spirit of Andrea's late father.Her dad steps forward to acknowledge the emotional heartache at home and the fatigue a relationship has caused her. With gentle encouragement, he reveals that there is a divinely guided exit strategy in motion—one that offers hope and renewal. He suggests that a second home or new space may serve as a sanctuary, helping Andrea clear emotional clutter, recenter herself, and begin her healing journey. This powerful moment serves as a loving reminder that our departed loved ones are always near—offering guidance, love, healing, and protection, especially during life's most vulnerable transitions.✨ Tune in for a soul-stirring episode that reinforces the enduring bond between parent and child—offering insight, hope, and comfort from the spirit realm.

In this episode of Radio Medium, Psychic Medium Laura Lee delivers a healing and heartfelt message from the spirit of Joy's late mother. Her mother gently acknowledges that she heard Joy's call to reconnect from the other side and expresses deep gratitude for the care Joy gave during her final days—despite Joy battling her own illness at the same time. She also asks Joy to send her love to her granddaughter, who was close but not present at the time of her passing. The spirit lovingly notes that the granddaughter may question the connection, possibly due to distance or disbelief. This tender moment reminds us that our departed loved ones remain close, offering love, guidance, healing, and protection—especially during life's most vulnerable moments.✨ Tune in for a soul-stirring episode that reaffirms the unbreakable bond between mothers and daughters—both in life and in spirit.

In this moving episode of The Embryo Adoption Podcast, Executive Director Tamara Martin of Arrows in the Sky shares profound insights on navigating the complex grief of failed embryo adoption transfers and pregnancy loss. Drawing from her own hard journey, Tamara discusses how spouses may grieve differently and the vital importance of memorializing lost children. Plus, she shares her ministry's mission of providing free care packages with grief resources to families facing infertility and loss. Tamara's compassionate perspective provides validation for the grieving and guidance for those supporting them. Find this podcast helpful? Spread the word! Share, rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your audio.

In this deeply emotional episode of Radio Medium, Psychic Medium Laura Lee delivers a powerful and healing message from the spirit of Gloria's late mother. When Gloria seeks her mother's forgiveness for a difficult, last-minute decision about life support, her mother responds with unconditional love and grace from the other side.The spirit not only offers forgiveness but also acknowledges the strong emotional support surrounding Gloria—especially from her sister and her young daughter, who also resides in spirit. This heartfelt spiritual connection serves as a reminder that our departed loved ones remain with us, offering guidance, healing, and protection, particularly during life's most vulnerable moments.✨ Tune in for a message that will move your soul and reaffirm the enduring bond between mothers and daughters—both in life and beyond.

In this emotional yet empowering episode, I share the story of saying goodbye to my beloved horse, Rico, and the powerful lessons it taught me about grief, clarity, and emotional resilience. But this isn't just about loss, it's about recognizing what no longer aligns in your life or business and finding the strength to release it with love. Want to learn more about how to feel good even when business feels heavy? Check out this related episode: Ep 192 - 3 Steps To Building Resilience:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/0NAk5QbUnxe2HaqJAifhhJ?si=27YtsoffTXO-zKMkdm9r9A  If you want to achieve HUGE results You can connect with me or learn more about The Beauty Growth Academy HERE Tide offer: Get £200 when you open a Tide business account and take £1,000 in payments through their card reader. Use code BGA200 at https://glnk.io/91954/alysha2vj. – T&Cs apply. Timely offer:  Get 3 months for free with Timely! Claim your Timely code here: https://www.gettimely.com/ - using the code BEAUTYGROWTHACADEMY

In this episode Sascha and I throw structure to the wind and invite you into friendship chatting about vigilance and loss. We discuss: outrage at day spas, prairie dogs, non-aquatic anemones, aikido and how it feels when we open the door to our pain and fear, and try to move and roll with it.Maybe this structure demonstrates one of the antidotes for hyper-vigilance: what comes when we feel deeply safe and therefore free to follow each other down whichever paths open up as far as they allow, then turn off or circle back and end up somewhere, though nowhere we intended. In the end we both like what we've found along the path and how our feet and hearts feel from the wandering. We hope you'll come along and maybe see sometime worth picking up along the way.

Host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly shares from her heart, knowing that she'll experience loss and grief very soon in her life, coping with the very thing which she compassionately teaches that comforts others. Caregivers, doulas and professionals like Mary Anne are typically the first line of support as they assist other dementia patients and their family members to cope with serious illness, feelings of loss, and the end of life. But now, it's her time.  This episode begins with the celebration of a new building that is shared by both the Veranda Ministries and the Preferred Care Group. An extraordinary collaboration is available to both organizations as they learn and glean from each other. And then there's Doris' story. Doris is Mary Anne's sister and her life is in the balance of God's hand right now. The grief she is feeling about her younger sibling is the emotional response to loss, defined as the individualized and personalized feelings and responses that an individual makes to real, perceived, or anticipated loss. The last gift that Mary Anne will give her sister is her presence, her words and her gift of love.

In this episode, Emma Case, Planning and Advocacy Manager at the Senior Alliance talks to Jennifer Frush, Executive Director for New Hope Center for Grief Support. They discuss the various problems and the situations that can cause those problems when dealing with grief. Everyone has a different way of grieving, and grief affects everyone differently. whether you're a senior, or younger or even a child. New Hope Center for Grief Support is a free advocacy and counseling organization that offers help for people who are grieving in many different ways. From support groups to individualized help to events and activities, New Hope can provide care for those who are grieving and feel like no one understands what they are going through. Great information! www.thesenioralliance.org. Produced by The Senior Alliance and Blazing Kiss Media. The post Inside The Senior Alliance – New Hope Center for Grief Support (Ep 56) appeared first on The Senior Alliance.

From the first pages of reading the memoir written by today's guest, Sally McQuillen, I was quite honestly hooked. 'Reaching for Beautiful: A Memoir of Loving and Losing a Wild Child' is an absolutely beautiful story that Sally wrote after losing her 21-year-old son, Christopher, in a boating accident shortly after Christmas. Sally shares that as she raised Christopher, she often found herself worrying about him. Christopher is described as a 'wild child' who suffered from addiction and loved to take risks. He lived every part of his life in a big way. Parenting Christopher was truly a roller coaster ride for Sally and her husband.  After losing Christopher, Sally's life was forever changed. She says that one of the greatest lessons that she learned both from raising and losing Christopher was to learn to let go of fear and instead cling to love. Sally had to "make losing Christopher a permission slip to be compassionate" with herself. Over the next months and years, Sally was challenged to let go of the fear, guilt, and regret in order to forgive herself and move forward with life. This was certainly not a quick process. Sally says it took her seven years to feel a sense of normalcy in her life after Christopher died. After Jen, my Instagram and Facebook videographer, watched the video of today's interview, she wrote to me that she felt so comforted when she heard Sally say that it took that long to feel 'normal' again. This is the biggest takeaway from this episode. There is no timeline for grief. Everyone's journey is their own. Some people appear to move faster and some slower, but it is not right or wrong. We need to take that lesson from Sally and give ourselves 'permission slips' when we think about our grief.  This brings me back to Sally's beautiful memoir. I found myself feeling so much love as I read this story, whether it was reading about Christopher's struggles in life or about Sally's grief after he died. The book is described as 'a luminous story of how love triumphs over pain, love transcends fear, and love never dies.' I couldn't agree more. Thank you, Sally.

Welcome to Episode #254, which is a continuation of my conversation with Michael and Peggy Mages. In our last episode, we were introduced to their son Mason—a bold, kindhearted, and faith-filled young man—and the tragic day they lost him in a drowning incident.In this second half, Michael and Peggy open up about life in the aftermath of loss. They share advice for newly bereaved parents, reflect on how grief has changed their marriage, their parenting, and their walk with the Lord, and offer insight into what it means to persevere in faith when the pain doesn't go away. From grief brain and “Mason Days” to sacred circles and heavenly hope, their words are honest, practical, and rooted in Scripture.Whether you are fresh on the road of grief or walking beside someone who is, this episode is full of grace and truth for the journey.  We'll pick up right where we left off last week.  Missed the first half of our conversation?  Click HERE to listen!  To register for our FREE While We're Waiting Weekend for Bereaved Parents scheduled for October 3-5, 2025, in Hesston Kansas, led by Michael and Peggy Mages, click HERE.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Before we experienced grief ourselves, many of us did our best to support others — but often in ways we now realize may have missed the mark. In this episode, I share an article that resonated deeply with me, exploring the regrets people have about how they once showed up for grieving friends and loved ones. As I reflect on a few of these powerful insights, we'll uncover how our own grief journeys can transform the way we support others with deeper empathy, compassion, and understanding.

Weddings. Graduations. Births. Empty Nesting. Divorce. No one would ever say that going through a big transition like this is easy. When reviewing my curriculum for my Starlight Virtual Support group this week, I learned that when people go through any rite of passage during life, their bodies require 20-25 minutes of rest three times a day, or they can get sick. Let's take a second and really think about that - we should rest 20-25 minutes three times a day when facing big life changes. I'm trying to look back to whether I have ever truly put aside time like that when going through big life transitions. I don't think I have. I am quite sure I am not alone in this. We are encouraged to power through and keep going until we fall into bed exhausted at night's end. Now, let's go a step further. When we are grieving and going through additional big transitions in life, is it surprising that we are completely exhausted? This conversation with Gwen serves as a wake-up call to me, and hopefully, it will do the same for all of you. I am certain that over the past almost 300 episodes of this podcast, I have said countless times how important it is to give yourself grace while you are grieving. Today, I am going to tell you to give yourself double grace when you are going through changes in life. Are you going through a graduation or planning for children to move off to college? Get help from others. You are more tired than your friends. They likely aren't thinking about the child whose graduation party they will never get to have, or living with the fear that when this child moves off to college, they might never see them again. Give yourself grace. Are you planning a wedding or expecting a new baby in the family? This is awesome and wonderful, but it is still exhausting, and the grief will likely bubble up when you least expect it, while looking at the empty chair in the church or in the eyes of that newborn. Give yourself grace. Are you going through the challenge of divorce? It may bring relief for a new beginning, but you may feel grief as you remember family times together. Give yourself grace.

Today's guest, Teresa Davis, currently goes by another name - The Grief Mentor. She hosts a podcast that is released twice a week. On the podcast, Teresa works to 'shine a light into the shadows, helping you discover that joy and pain can coexist, and that you can still have a purpose here on earth.' In addition to the podcast, Teresa offers a free grief survival guide, a free grief masterclass, a grief worship playlist, weekly newsletter, monthly support groups, and even one-on-one Grief Mentor sessions. As amazing as all of these things are, however, the thing that I admire most about Teresa is her sharing of the story that got her to this place of hope and healing in her grief journey. Though Teresa had a strong faith and was leading Bible studies, that faith was rocked to its core the day her oldest son, Andrew, a 32-year-old commercial pilot, was killed in a plane crash. She says that the world lost its color that day. She felt betrayed by God. God could have protected Andrew that day, but he didn't. She had devoted her life to God, but she felt He had failed her. Over the following months, Teresa found herself at a crossroads. She could either continue living in the darkness or she could choose to rebuild her life. Interestingly, a visit to the plane crash site months after the accident became a pivotal moment in her life. The smell of jet fuel was still in the air as she searched for where the cockpit had crashed into the ground. Suddenly, she heard God's voice in her head repeating Scripture - 'Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here.' Instead of feeling like the place of death and destruction, the crash site began to feel like a holy spot, the place where Andrew began his new life in heaven.  Over the next months and years, Teresa's faith continued to grow and evolve. It took on a strength it had never had before. Teresa began to pray, 'Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.' He has answered this prayer again and again. Now, by working as the Grief Mentor, Teresa takes other grieving parents by the hand, showing them how to feel joy in the midst of chaos.

Today's guest, Michelle, gave me some words of wisdom from her therapist that I will remember forever. Recently, Michelle had an appointment with her counselor and was talking about how her crying was 'not pretty'. The therapist agreed, saying, "No. Crying is not pretty, but when you are crying tears over the loss of your daughter, the tears are beautiful." This makes me think so much about grief in general. I have often described myself over the years as a 'hot mess'. April and August are my 'hot mess' months, April because of Andy's birthday on the 21st, and August due to the anniversary of his death. Additionally, this past month was extra difficult due to having the second Andy Larson Memorial Concert. For Michelle, April is an extremely challenging month as well. Her daughter Scarlett's birthday is on April 22nd, and she died after a long cancer journey two days before her 16th birthday on April 20th, 2022. As we spoke, nearly two weeks before these big days in our lives, we were both a 'hot mess', but I wonder now if that truly is the ugly mess that I always envisioned. I remember a few months after Andy died when I first heard the term 'lament' used with my grief. I learned that what I called the 'bad' cry or the 'ugly' cry when I completely lost control and would fall into a weeping heap on the floor, was actually when I was experiencing lament. Learning the term 'lament' helped me feel so much better about showing my emotions in that way. Lament is healthy. Lament is spiritual. Lament has a purpose and helps in our healing. I feel like this conversation with Michelle gave me a similar epiphany. Yes - Michelle and I fully admit that we are each a 'hot mess' in April, but I see now that our 'hot mess' is not necessarily ugly. We are crying beautiful tears for Scarlett and Andy. We have puffy faces, runny noses, and red eyes. Those tears may not make us look pretty on the outside, but our 'hot mess' is truly beautiful as we are freely showing lament while mourning our amazing children.

In this powerful episode of Radio Medium, Psychic Medium Laura Lee connects with caller Ashley, a compassionate caregiver surrounded by hundreds of spirits from the other side. Ashley's spirit guides reveal that she unknowingly carries the unresolved grief of her patients home with her—an energetic burden that is quietly impacting her personal life and emotional well-being.Laura offers deeply personal and intuitive guidance on how Ashley can restore balance in her life and career—particularly one so intimately connected with end-of-life care. Through daily spiritual rituals, emotional boundaries, and a shift in mindset, Laura empowers Ashley to transform grief into a celebration of life—both her own and those who have crossed over.This episode is rich with messages of healing, love, and spiritual clarity. It's a powerful listen for anyone in caregiving roles, navigating grief, or seeking reassurance that we are never truly alone. Tune in for transformative insights, heartfelt mediumship readings, and divine wisdom from the spirit world that helps us live with purpose, peace, and connection.✨

In this touching episode of Radio Medium, Psychic Medium Laura Lee connects Hallie with the spirits of her beloved grandmother Margarette and mother-in-law. Through Laura, Hallie receives heartfelt messages that bring clarity, closure, and comfort. Hallie's grandmother, Margarette, opens up about her feelings during Hallie's upbringing—emotions that Hallie never knew existed. Meanwhile, her mother-in-law lovingly acknowledges a cherished ring recently passed down to her granddaughter, expressing joy over the lasting bond. When Hallie asks about the marriage, her mother-in-law sweetly affirms, "she's happy!" This episode is filled with messages of love, healing, and connection from beyond. If you're seeking spiritual insight, longing to feel closer to loved ones who have passed, or need encouragement to live more fully, this episode offers a soulful reminder of the unseen support that surrounds you. Tune in for divine guidance, heartfelt mediumship readings, and the power of spirit to bring us peace and purpose.✨

In this heartfelt episode of Radio Medium, Psychic Medium Laura Lee reconnects caller Dennis with his beloved mother and uncle in spirit. Laura conveys a loving message from the other side—Dennis' mom expresses her unwavering affection, gently kissing her “dear boy, Denny” on the forehead through Laura. She brings comforting reassurance about his father's spiritual presence and the importance of family unity. As Dennis and his siblings embark on a home renovation project, spirit affirms not only promising returns but a powerful reminder: they still have each other.This episode is filled with spiritual guidance, mediumship messages, and divine insight to help you stay grounded in the love around you, to pursue your passions, and live life to the fullest. A soulful tribute to the power of connection—both here and beyond.✨

When Britt's 4-year-old son, Persy, died from cancer 18 months ago, Britt says that she was shocked. Now, you may question why Britt says she was shocked. Persy suffered from cancer for almost two years before dying. He underwent treatment after treatment, both in their home state of Florida and in New York. Persy was sent home on hospice to spend the last three weeks of his life. How is it that Britt says she was shocked? The answer lies in the difference between the words shock and surprise. Was Britt surprised that Persy died? No - she was not. She knew he was dying. Although she continued to pray for a miracle, she knew that his chances of recovery were minimal, so she was not surprised when Persy took his last breath. However, Britt was still shocked. No parent can truly imagine what life will be like after their child dies. We won't ever hear their voice again, be able to see their smile light up a room, or hold them close in a loving hug. We are therefore in shock when we have to experience these things, no matter whether the death was expected or not. As the shock slowly wears off, we now realize that we must continue living, even though it feels impossible. We may cry every day. We miss them every day, but time continues to move. Britt immediately turned to other bereaved parents to ask for help. Britt says that she and her husband have held on to two truths since losing Persy. First, their faith will bring them back to Persy. Persy lives on in heaven, and someday, they will be able to join him. The second truth is that every day, they are a little closer to the day they will be reunited with Persy. Do these truths make it easy to live here on earth without Persy? Of course not. Britt cries for Persy each day. She misses that he is not a part of her life now. She wishes her younger boys had an older brother to teach them to run, jump, and play - an older brother who might have occasionally gotten them all into trouble. Despite this longing for Persy and the life they might have had, she will continue to remind herself of the truth that one day they will all be reunited in faith.

Episode Summary: In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Healing Starts with a Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker explores the raw truth behind her book Grieve That Sht*. Through honest storytelling and lived experience, Sharon unpacks “the grief sh*t”—the real, often unspoken pain that comes with loss—and what it actually feels like in the body, mind, and soul. This episode is a lifeline for anyone navigating the devastating aftermath of grief and looking for real talk, not clichés. Key Points Discussed: The origin and meaning behind the book title Grieve That Sht* What "the sh*t" really is: the messy, painful, and often invalidated experience of grieving Grief as a full-body, biological, emotional, and intellectual experience The myth of “moving on,” “closure,” and other harmful expectations Why people say the wrong things, and how to hold your truth anyway You can't outthink grief—you have to feel your way through it Grief is more than death: it includes lost dreams, identities, relationships, and futures Journal Questions for Reflection: What does "the grief sh*t" look like in your life right now? When have you tried to “outthink” your grief, and how did that feel in your body? How do you resist grief—and what might it feel like to let go just a little? What parts of your life or identity have you grieved that weren't related to death? What's one honest answer you could give someone if they asked how you're really doing? Conclusion: Grief isn't just emotional—it's physical, spiritual, and all-consuming. It changes everything, and there's no handbook, no timeline, no “right” way to do it. But one truth remains: you are not broken. You are grieving, and your body knows what to do. You don't have to hold your breath through it—you can let yourself breathe again. Let this episode be your reminder: you're doing a damn good job just making it through today.

Send us a textGrief touches us all, yet we rarely understand its full complexity until we drown in it. Beyond the passing of loved ones, grief emerges when we lose jobs, places, relationships, and even versions of ourselves we've outgrown. When was the last time you allowed yourself to fully feel a loss instead of pushing forward?In this deeply personal episode, I share my journey of avoiding grief for decades and the surprising breakthrough that came in my fifties. After rushing past denial, anger, bargaining, and depression to reach acceptance throughout my life, my brother's passing changed everything. For the first time, I allowed myself to experience the full weight of loss without shutting down. This newfound emotional connection transformed not just how I processed his death but how I experienced a later move from Guam—marking the first time I genuinely missed a place I'd left behind.The truth about grief is stunningly simple yet profoundly difficult to embrace: we are all born sensitive beings meant to experience the full spectrum of human emotion. When we shut down grief, we also inadvertently close ourselves to joy. Through practical approaches like writing memory-focused letters, seeking professional support, and practicing presence within each stage of grief, we can honor our losses while still finding moments of light.Whether you're personally navigating grief or supporting someone through it, remember that grief follows no timeline. Loneliness often hits hardest about six weeks after loss, when most support has faded. Your presence then—a simple "how can I help?" rather than "let me know if you need anything"—could be exactly what someone needs to feel less alone in their ocean of grief.Ready to bring more mindfulness to your grief process? Download my free guide "Five Ways to Practice Presence" and start finding moments of peace even amid loss.It's time to rediscover YOU. Join the Reignite Your Flame Facebook group—a supportive community where women like you find peace, joy, and purpose. Together, we'll nurture your mind, body, and spirit so you can shine again. Don't wait to start your journey back to yourself. Join Reignite Your Flame HERESupport the showAre you a woman over 40 who is on the verge of a mental or physical breakdown? Are you ready to invite peace, joy, and excitement into your life again? Download 5 Tips to Feel Joy Again in Under 20-Mintues AND Join the Reignite Your Flame Group on Facebook where women, just like you, come together to support, encourage, and connect. Music by Adipsia

A guided meditation to support you while you process the intense emotions of grief.Support the showListen on Insight Timer https://insighttimer.com/elkejohnsonSubscribe @Restful Medicine on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVWbsKjfzIbDRM8PeZfwqww/videos?view=0Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560351875075Elke is a certified 500 hr Yoga Teacher focusing on Grief Yoga (R), Trauma Sensitive Yoga, and Yoga Nidra (Transformational Sleep). A very big and special thank you to my teacher, Ally Boothroyd. Subscribe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMrEhPz-kPE or visit her website for her yoga teacher training, workshops, and retreats https://www.sarovarayoga.ca. It should be noted that some people can be distressed by meditation and mindfulness and therefore this might not be appropriate for everyone and is not a treatment for any disorder and is not a substitute for professional care.Make a donation at https://www.patreon.com/restfulmedicine Thank you for meditating with me. ElkeOm Shanti Shanti Shanti - Peace Peace Peace

In this powerful episode of Radio Medium, Psychic Medium Laura Lee connects with the spirit realm to deliver a heartfelt message for Lisle from her late biological father. Acknowledging the pain caused by his absence, he expresses deep remorse for abandoning their relationship and the emotional hardship he placed on both Lisle and her mother.Despite his failings, he honors their resilience—especially recognizing the role of a loving father figure who stepped in and truly became Lisle's dad. His message is clear: she not only overcame adversity, but also became an amazing parent herself. This call is a moving reminder that even after death, spirits can seek atonement, deliver healing messages, and affirm that love continues beyond the veil.Tune in for an inspiring spiritual conversation filled with insights, emotional breakthroughs, and divine guidance. Whether you're navigating grief, searching for life purpose, or looking for closure, this episode reminds us of the importance of staying devoted—to our work, relationships, and even play—as part of living fully and joyfully. ✨

Episode 85: Navigating Grief: Support After Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Loss with Jessica Zucker  This week Rachael speaks with psychologist Jessica Zucker about her experiences with miscarriage and her efforts to normalize conversations around women's reproductive health. Jessica shares insights from her books, including 'I Had a Miscarriage' and 'Normalize It', emphasizing the need to break the stigma surrounding these topics.  Inside this episode: The ongoing emotional impact of miscarriage and loss  How to support friends dealing with loss The often overlooked topic of termination for medical reasons Body image issues post-loss and the pressures women face regarding their bodies And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Jessica's website: https://www.drjessicazucker.com/normalize-it  Normalize It: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683738144  I Had A Miscarriage: https://www.drjessicazucker.com/i-had-a-miscarriage  Jessica's Instagram: @ihadamiscarriage  If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram!

I am quite sure I have never spoken with a parent whose child had their own Wikipedia page, but Erin's son, Keenan Cahill, does. Certainly, when Keenan was born, Erin did not ever imagine that someday, he would become an internet celebrity. From an early age, Erin worried about Keenan and his growth and development. When Keenan was 12 months old, Erin mentioned her concerns to Keenan's pediatrician. Keenan was diagnosed with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VI. The disease was not curable, but was treatable. He underwent a bone marrow transplant to slow the progression. Erin was told that his life expectancy was between 40 and 60 years, and they should expect medical complications throughout life.  Despite these challenges, Keenan wanted to be a regular kid, and Erin worked hard to make him feel that way. When Keenan wanted to play sports, Erin signed him up, although he could never hope to keep up with other kids. Nothing stood in his way. As Keenan started high school, he began playing around with the desktop computer he got for his birthday. He released a hilarious video of himself lip-syncing to Katy Perry's song, "Teenage Dream." People loved it, and soon it was played on The Jimmy Kimmel Show. His life changed forever. Keenan was off to do events to entertain people. Celebrities visited their home to be in Keenan's videos, but with this newfound fame, many had negative, hurtful comments. Just as Keenan did not let his disease hold him back, he didn't let those hateful comments hold him back either. Eventually, he graduated from college and was able to produce his own music videos.  Complications after heart surgery ended Keenan's life in 2022 at the age of 27, far earlier than expected. While the world mourned a Youtuber, Erin mourned her amazing son. As Erin shared his story, I just kept thinking about how he spread joy in his short life. That should inspire all of us, shouldn't it? Despite the grief and pain, we too can spread joy and inspire others. While we may not end up with a Wikipedia page, it will be enough to help spread some happiness or relieve a little pain in those around us.

In this inspiring episode, join Psychic Medium Laura Lee as she channels the spirit of C'Artis's mother, who affectionately declares her as a "superwoman." Tune in as she expresses heartfelt gratitude for C'Artis's unwavering care and support during her final days, all while juggling a full-time job, schooling, and raising her own children. This touching session highlights the powerful bond between a mother and child and offers messages of love, resilience, and healing. This heartfelt session offers profound emotional reassurance. It's a moving reminder that we are never truly alone. Whether you're navigating grief, searching for deeper meaning, at a life or career crossroads, or seeking peace after loss, this episode brings clarity, comfort, and hope. Tune in to receive divine insights that can guide your spiritual journey and inspire personal transformation. ✨ 

Death and grief bring up life's biggest questions. In 2022 Betsy Stephenson lost her son Charlie to suicide, and of course the biggest question after something like this is why? In Betsy's memoir Blackbird, she explores her complicated feelings after Charlie's death, and she pulls back the curtain on the fear and shame she felt in the aftermath. If you or someone you know is dealing with grief and loss Betsy's story will be a path towards healing. Betsy Stephenson Get the book Blackbird: A Mother's Reflections on Grief, Loss, and Life After Suicide Links to helpful Resources Organizations dedicated to Suicide Prevention, Grief Support, and Mental Health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When today's guest, Danielle, went into her 21-month-old daughter Lydia's room to wake her from a nap on Christmas Day 2022, she noted how peaceful Lydia looked. She began to gently rub her back to rouse her gradually, but Lydia did not move. Danielle started to jostle her a bit more and soon realized that something was very wrong. Lydia was not waking up. Danielle screamed for her husband's help and quickly called 911. Even as she drove to the hospital, Danielle says she did not realize the gravity of the situation. Lydia had died. They learned from Lydia's autopsy that she had a rare congenital mesenteric defect that caused a volvulus and bowel obstruction that day. Their previously healthy, smiley, chatty girl and only child was gone. All they were given when they left the hospital were the pajamas Lydia had been wearing - pajamas that matched Danielle's own. They had no idea what to do. She desperately wanted some guidance - resources to help navigate these first unimaginable days and weeks, but they felt alone.  Feeling lost, Danielle went home and started crocheting little white hearts. She buried Lydia with one in her hands and kept a matching one for herself. She crocheted hundreds of these tiny hearts, giving them away so others could remember Lydia's kindhearted spirit. Over the next weeks, Danielle thought more and more about walking out of that hospital with nothing but Lydia's pajamas. Within 4 months of Lydia's death, Danielle had started an organization in Lydia's memory that she named Love From Lydia. She began working with two local hospitals to help make care packages for grieving parents. Included in the package would be a pair of crocheted white hearts and information to help parents in this new, unexpected pain.  Over time, Danielle realized that she wanted to do more than send comforting words on paper. She wanted to help make personal connections. She created COPE (Connecting Our Personal Experiences) which works to match parents with other grieving parents who are at least a year out from the death of their own child, making sure that newly bereaved parents don't feel as lost and alone as she once did.

Today's episode is a solo episode where our founder Erica M. Freeman shares our newest Grief Support Group - Black Moms Loss Returning.  This is expanding our currently offering in our partnership with Postpartum Support International.   Black Moms in Loss will be held weekly on Thursday's at 8pm EST Black Moms in Loss Returning will be held bi-weekly on Tuesday's at 8:30pm EST. Join our Weekly Grief Support Groups at sistersinloss.com/psi Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Living Water Doula Services Book Recommendations and Links Below You can shop my Amazon Store for the Book Recommendations You can follow Sisters in Loss on Social Join our Black Moms in Loss Online Weekly Grief Support Group Join the Sisters in Loss Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica's Website Erica's Instagram Erica's Facebook Erica's Twitter

In this powerful episode of Radio Medium, renowned Psychic Medium Laura Lee connects with Diane to channel messages from the spirit world. The spirits reveal profound insights about their continued presence in her life—both past and present—and deliver messages of reassurance, and healing from the afterlife. A seemingly random encounter with children becomes a surprising spiritual sign, offering Diane clarity during her emotional struggles.This session offers deep spiritual guidance and serves as a heartwarming reminder that healing is always possible, and you are never truly alone. Whether you're coping with grief, seeking life purpose, exploring a career crossroads, or trying to make peace with loss, this episode will inspire hope, encourage emotional healing, and support your spiritual transformation. Tune in for divine wisdom that can illuminate your path forward.

In this touching episode of Radio Medium, renowned Psychic Medium Laura Lee connects with Deborah's late husband from the spirit world. Through deeply personal and specific details, he reassures her of his ongoing presence in their home—the space where they built a life together. His loving message encourages Deborah to take a step toward happiness by making a move she's been contemplating, reminding her that he'll always be with her, carried forever in her heart.This heartfelt session offers profound spiritual guidance and emotional reassurance. It's a moving reminder that we are never truly alone. Whether you're navigating grief, searching for deeper meaning, at a life or career crossroads, or seeking peace after loss, this episode brings clarity, comfort, and hope. Tune in to receive divine insights that can guide your spiritual journey and inspire personal transformation.

In this powerful episode of Radio Medium, Psychic Medium Laura Lee connects with the spirit of Mary's late mother, Maureen. As Mary navigates the pain of a significant breakup, her mother's spirit offers comforting guidance and loving messages from the other side. Maureen watches over her grieving daughter's heart, encouraging Mary to nurture herself, grow her garden, raise her grandchildren, and open her soul to new experiences and love once again.This deeply moving session serves as a reminder that even in moments of loss and heartbreak, we are never truly alone. Whether you're grieving a loss or seeking spiritual insight, this episode will provide comfort, support, and a renewed sense of hope on your personal journey toward healing.

Look, we've all got pain. We've all got stories we're afraid to tell. But what if there was a space where you could actually share those stories without judgment, without fear, and find healing in the process? Today, I'm sitting down with Liz Walker - a former news anchor turned pastor who discovered something powerful: when we create safe spaces for people to truly be heard, something miraculous happens. In the heart of Roxbury, she started a movement called "Can We Talk" that's transforming how communities process trauma, grief, and healing. This isn't just another feel-good story. This is about real people - mothers who've lost children, young men caught in cycles of violence, entire communities learning to heal together. Liz's journey will challenge how you think about pain, community, and the incredible resilience of the human spirit. Here's the hope: healing is possible, and it starts with being brave enough to tell your story. So join us, so no one is left alone. Liz Walker is a minister, journalist, activist, and sought-after speaker. She leads the Cory Johnson Program for Post-Traumatic Healing. As Boston's first Black evening television news anchor, Walker received two Emmys and an Edward R. Murrow Award for excellence in her field. A graduate of Harvard Divinity School, Walker served as pastor of Roxbury Presbyterian Church. She helped found the Jane Doe Safety Fund, has done humanitarian work in South Sudan, and has served on the boards of Boston Medical Center and Andover Newton Theological Seminary. The mother of three and grandmother of two, Walker now lives in Sarasota, Florida.Liz's Book:No One Left AloneLiz's Recommendation:Moonrise Over New JessupSubscribe to Our Substack: Shifting CultureConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowShifting Culture Productions Support the show

When we lose someone, we love, we often say we have a broken heart—but what if that's not just a metaphor?In her new book “The Grieving Body: How The Stress of Loss Can Be An Opportunity For Healing” University of Arizona Professor of Psychology Mary Frances O'Connor shares groundbreaking insights into the biological and physiological impacts grief has on our bodies. O'Connor reveals how profound loss can lead to serious medical conditions, from heart attacks to immune system breakdowns, and explains why grieving can make us more vulnerable to diseases like cancer, pneumonia, and even autoimmune disorders.Drawing on her personal experiences and extensive research, O'Connor outlines why our medical system—and society at large—needs to rethink how we support grieving individuals. She makes a powerful case for viewing grief not only as an emotional experience but as a medical event deserving careful monitoring and intervention, similar to pregnancy or chronic illness.

Andy always loved dogs. I think he loved dogs so much because his personality was similar to a puppy's. He was always on the move and always excited to meet new people and to see new places. Over the years, Andy tried in vain to talk Eric into getting us a family dog. Eric came from a cat family. I came from a dog family. I am allergic to cats and Eric did not really like dogs, so our poor children ended up with pet fish instead. Once, when Andy was young, he asked me, 'If Dad dies, can we get a dog?' I was caught completely off guard but eventually had to answer that we could likely get a dog, but that we did NOT want Dad to die so it could happen. Just like Andy, today's guest, Debbie, and her daughter, Kelsey, have always loved dogs. In Debbie's memoir, My Grief Jar, Debbie relates the stories of the many dogs in Kelsey's life. As a young girl, Kelsey initially struggled with painful urination, which led to more and more struggles with chronic pain throughout her teen years and into adulthood. Throughout it all, however, dogs were a constant in her life, bringing her much joy. As an avid reader of memoirs, Debbie always said to Kelsey that someday 'something good' would come from all of the pain and suffering in her life. In all of the books that Debbie enjoyed, it seemed that the writer of the story would have 'something good' that would emerge from the tragedy they were experiencing. She was certain that would happen for Kelsey.  After Kelsey moved into her own home at the age of 27, she got a lab named Brody. Kelsey dreamed that Brody would become a therapy dog and visit nursing homes and hospitals, bringing a little joy to people living with chronic pain.  Although Kelsey's pain was not thought to be life-threatening, she died from a severe bowel obstruction before Brody was old enough to be trained. Tragically, Kelsey never realized her dream, but Brody and Debbie have been able to do so. Debbie knows she is bringing Kelsey with them on every visit she and Brody make. Although Kelsey didn't get to experience her 'something good' in life, she plays a huge part in it.

The Lies We've Been Told About Grief Episode Description: In this eye-opening episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker confronts the damaging lies we've all been told about grief. From childhood, we are handed false beliefs like: • “Don't feel bad” • “Be strong” • “Time will heal” • “You should get over it” Sharon dives deep into how these messages have distorted our understanding of grief and often cause us to suppress or deny the pain we're carrying. She shares her own personal experience with the grief that no one warned her about, and how unlearning these toxic myths led her on a path of true healing. If you've ever felt like your grief didn't fit into the tidy boxes society sets for it, this episode is a must-listen. Sharon invites you to release the shame and guilt tied to these lies, offering a new, empowering perspective on what it truly means to grieve and heal. Key Points Discussed: The Lies We've Been Taught About Grief Why pretending to be “strong” and “moving on” can actually hold us back from healing. How Grief Should Really Be Handled Understanding grief as a personal journey that requires space, time, and the willingness to feel deeply. The Cost of Suppressing Grief How ignoring your grief can lead to long-term emotional pain, and why it's crucial to face it head-on. Grief as a Journey, Not a Destination Grief doesn't follow a timeline, and healing doesn't mean you “get over it.” It means you learn to live with it. Journal Questions for Reflection: What lies about grief have you been told or have believed? How do you feel when others tell you to “move on” or “be strong”? What would it look like if you gave yourself permission to grieve openly and without judgment? Join the Journey: Grief doesn't follow a simple, linear path, but Sharon is here to help you navigate it with compassion. Visit The Grief School for more resources, and join our Study Hall sessions every Tuesday and Thursday. You can also connect with Sharon during her live sessions on TikTok and Facebook.

Adlai Stevenson famously eulogized Eleanor Roosevelt, saying, 'She would rather light a candle than curse the darkness.' When today's guest, Sherri, first heard this quote, she knew that she wanted it to apply to her life as well. Sherri's youngest daughter, Conni, battled through addiction and mental illness for 10 years. Sherri stayed by her side for all of that time, supporting her through the good years as well as the bad. She attended 12-step meetings with Conni and learned about addiction during Conni's low moments and celebrated with her when it seemed she was beating the addiction at last. She learned to love and support Conni while hating her addiction. Months after Conni died by intentional drug overdose, Sherri thought of that famous quote. She had a decision to make - 'I can curse the darkness or I can light a candle.' It would be so easy to want to curse the ugliness of the world when watching a loved one battle addiction. It would be easy to simply sit in darkness after your child dies by suicide. However, Sherri did not make the easy choice. She made the heroic choice to light a candle instead.  Sherri realized that her journey with Connie taught her three valuable lessons. Firstly, Sherri has far more compassion for others in pain. Secondly, she is far less judgmental of others and their actions. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, Sherri is not afraid of ugly. She has lived through the ugliest of the ugly and is still breathing. Sherri knew that she could demonstrate to others that they can do the same. She started posting on Instagram as @itsalifeunexpected to show that it is possible to love and support people through addiction without losing yourself in the process. You see, Sherri knew that she was not going to be the last mom to watch their child battle addiction. She would not be the last mom whose child took their own life. Sherri also knew she wanted to be a light to those who would come after her. She wanted to hold a candle for them and work to light hundreds more along the path so they would not feel quite so lost and alone.

In this special episode of Our Dead Dads Podcast, I sit down with returning guests—and real-life couple—Matthew Struck and Jocelyn Bates. Both have shared their powerful grief journeys individually: Jocelyn losing both of her parents just a week apart, and Matthew processing the loss of his father to suicide. But today, we go beyond their personal stories to talk about grief in relationships—what it looks like to navigate loss together, how it shapes a partnership, and the ways they've supported each other through the hardest moments.This conversation is honest, raw, and unexpectedly full of laughter. We discuss the ways grief sneaks into daily life, how different grieving styles can challenge a relationship, and the surprising moments of joy that can emerge even in the midst of profound loss. Whether you're grieving yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode is a deep dive into the complexities of love, loss, and everything in between.Matthew and Jocelyn open up about the hardest parts of their journey but also share the moments that have strengthened their bond. If you've ever wondered how grief affects a relationship—or how a relationship can help you survive grief—this episode is for you.GIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS! FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM! BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/

When Larry lost his son, Rob, to suicide six years ago, Larry was devasted. He immediately found a grief counselor and signed up to be in a grief support group. After two months of waiting, he attended his first support group meeting. He said he did not expect to like being in a support group, but, shortly after starting, Larry realized that he had found 'his people'. Larry felt like they could speak a language that 'ordinary' parents could not understand.  When one of the other parents in his support group wished out loud that there was a guidebook for bereaved parents, Larry felt inspired to write such a book. Larry wrote 'A Space in the Heart' (available on Amazon) as an honest guide to help bereaved parents while they are in their deepest, darkest pain. Larry writes:   "When your child is taken from you, you are no longer ordinary parents. Ordinary parents don't visit their child in a cemetery. Ordinary parents don't cry themselves to sleep at night. Ordinary parents don't wake up each morning knowing they'll never see their child again. We become extra ordinary. But after a while, something strange takes place that's right out of a Marvel comic book. A metamorphosis occurs during our grief and mourning, transforming us from extra ordinary to extraordinary. We are extraordinary parents who must go on living in the world with a hole in our hearts. We are extraordinary parents who, in many cases, still love and care for our other children. We are extraordinary parents who go to work every day and function as human beings, while most people are unaware of our secret identities. We are extraordinary parents who feel things that no ordinary parent has ever felt, and we can endure the deepest pain because that has become one of our superpowers." You may not feel like you have superpowers. You may feel weaker than you have ever been in your life, but Larry's words inspire me to hold my head a little higher. We are no longer ordinary parents. In fact, we are no longer ordinary people at all. We are extraordinary and have so much to offer the world.

I have been told that my podcast is an important part of the therapy process for many grieving parents. Today is the first time, however, that I have interviewed someone whose therapist instructed her to reach out to me and be on my podcast as a guest.  When Robyn's son, Drew (Andrew), was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2021, she was 'shocked, but not surprised.' She certainly had that shock of losing Drew, but Drew was a daredevil most of his life. He had no fewer than three accidents in the months before his death that could have taken his life, but he had miraculously walked away each time. After Drew's death, Robyn did everything she thought she should do. She started therapy. She decided to live life to its fullest and bought two kayaks to take up kayaking. She got a healthy diet plan and lost 50 pounds. She bought equipment to start her own podcast. Everyone around her said she was doing great, and from the outside, she looked like she was doing great. Her therapist, on the other hand, said, 'Robyn, you are not doing great. You are not allowing yourself to truly feel. You need to lean into your grief,' but Robyn did not listen. She kept on as she was, until eventually, she couldn't. The grief caught up with her. She needed to grieve. She started in a Compassionate Friends support group. A member of the group told her about my podcast, another 'Andrew's Mom' with a podcast. Hmm. Was this a little sign? In the meantime, Robyn had been going to her new therapist, who had been brainstorming ways that she could help others in her grief. "What about a podcast?" he suggested, "or a book?" Robyn went to her therapist one day and told him about my podcast. "So you emailed her, right?" the therapist said. "No," Robyn admitted. He suggested that she get out her phone and do it right then. She promised to instead email in the next week.  Robyn emailed me, and the rest is history. Months later, Robyn is sharing Drew's story with the world to help others heal. I am so excited to see the next steps of Robyn's journey and what this may lead Robyn to do in the days and months to come.