Podcasts about grief support

Grief and Laughter. At first glance, it may seem like these words could be considered polar opposites, but as we grieve, moments of laughter and joy can be a balm for the soul. The intense pain of grief oftentimes feels overwhelming. It is deep and dark, and it can feel like it will go on forever. I remember the first time that I laughed after Andy died. I felt tremendous guilt. Andy was dead. I felt like I should never laugh again. I should be sad every moment of every day. But that is not how we were made. We were created to be beings that felt joy and happiness. My mind wouldn't let me stay in the darkness continuously, and that is a good thing. Laughter can bring a tremendous release of emotions in much the same way that crying brings release. Most people do not feel guilty when they cry during grief, but laughter can cause guilt. My hope is to help people learn that laughter is amazing medicine for the soul and not something to avoid.  This week's podcast is an edited release of the Livestream with Gwen. (If you tuned in and had a difficult time listening due to technical problems, I apologize. This version is much better!) Gwen shares her wisdom on the benefits of laughter and learning to reintroduce laughter into our lives while still navigating through the depths of our pain. We are certainly not suggesting that someone can simply let go of their grief and choose to be happy. (Many people have said those words to me, and frankly, that is simplistic and absurd.) We are asking you to seek out moments of laughter and joy. Seek out people in your life who make you feel good, even if it's only for a few hours or a few minutes. For me, the best people to laugh with are actually other bereaved parents. It feels safe to laugh with them, knowing that they will not judge me if I laugh and cry at the same time. Having those people and moments in your life may help make the pit of grief feel a little less dark and help you feel a little less alone.

Today's guest, Catherine, says that in many ways, she grieved for her daughter, Helen, not once but twice. The grieving began after she suffered complications during delivery, which led to seizures that began shortly after birth and multiple medical complications. Catherine grieved for the life she had hoped and dreamed of for Helen. Then, fourteen years later, Catherine's grief started fresh when Helen died unexpectedly in her sleep. Although Catherine says that she grieved Helen twice, Helen's 14 years were not years full of sadness and grief. They were joy-filled years. Catherine loved being Helen's hands and feet. She loved seeing her eyes light up and give big smiles. Catherine was a part of Helen, and Helen was a part of her. One day, when Helen was young, the two of them were watching TV, and Catherine saw the inspirational story of Team Hoyt, a father-son duo who competed in over 1,100 races, including numerous Ironman Triathlons. Son Rick suffered from cerebral palsy, but said that when racing in a specialized wheelchair with his dad, Dick, he felt freedom and joy. After Helen died, Catherine felt lost. She did not know what to do with herself without Helen being beside her. When asking her priest for advice, he answered that he didn't know what she should do, but that for many, participation in sport could be a good healing modality. That's when Catherine began to think once again about the inspirational story of the Hoyts. She knew that she couldn't physically swim, run, and bike with Helen, but perhaps she could still be with her emotionally. That's exactly what Catherine did. Her first triathlon was done almost secretively, with only her husband's knowledge. As she waited in the water of the lake at the beginning of the race, wondering if she had made a mistake in signing up, until the sun began to rise, and she felt Helen with her.  Over the years, Catherine has continued to train and now races in an Ironman triathlon each year, following in the Hoyts' footsteps. She compares the training to her life, first as a mom of a special needs child and now as a bereaved mom. She chronicles her journey in her book, Finding My Stride: A Guide to Finding Power Raising a Child with Special Needs.

This week we are talking to Kate Rapkoch, who runs Paws and Breathe. Kate is not only a talented and trauma informed yoga instructor, but she is also a certified end of life pet doula. We have an open and sometimes emotional talk about pet loss as well as healing after a loss. Kate is kind enough to share her experience of loosing her own soul pup Champ, and how she stays connected to him and his memory now. Kate also shares a plethora of resources for pet parents preparing for their pets passing or recovering from the passing of their beloved pet. How to connect with Kate:Paws + Breathe | Yoga, Wellness, and Animal Support in ArizonaPaws + Breathe FacebookPaws + Breathe IGFollow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sometimestheressideeye/⁠

Belief expansion. As they navigate life, all adults develop a core set of beliefs. When tragedy strikes, sometimes these core beliefs can be shaken. Some grieving people lose their sense of spirituality, while others gain a deeper, stronger faith after experiencing trauma. Dave was trained as a therapist, but nothing in his training prepared him for his 18-year-old daughter, Jeannine's cancer diagnosis and death. He grew up in the Christian church with some Christian traditions, but Dave's core values and beliefs were grounded in science. Dave realized in the months and years after Jeannine's death, he needed more. Science alone did not bring him the comfort or peace he needed.  Dave says by pure serendipity, an interfaith minister named Patty entered his life. (I like to think this was by divine intervention, but I digress.) Dave had a spiritual experience with Patty that changed his life forever. Over the next ten years, Dave began exploring more and more ideas of spirituality with Patty and others. Dave said that he began to realize he did not have to abandon his core beliefs and values to adopt additional beliefs that aligned with and complemented his perspective. Dave now asks himself, "What can I add here that is going to help me get through this part of my life?" He truly feels that if he had continued in the old set of beliefs that he had when Jeannine died, he would not be where he is today. Dave said,  "My journey demanded that I needed to embrace different perspectives about how I saw myself, how I saw the world, and how I saw my values if I was going to reengage in life again while still honoring my grief." Dave wrote a book about his experiences and conversations with Patty called, 'When the Psychology Professor Met the Minister," available on Amazon. He also now hosts a podcast, The Teaching Journeys (listen for me on an upcoming episode). On the podcast, Dave continues his own journey of belief expansion by learning from the stories of others who have experienced challenges in life. Dave says, "We are all students and teachers...let's learn from each other." I cannot think of a more amazing way to learn.

TAKEAWAYSSometimes, you just need to sit with someone in their grief and be there for themDon't isolate yourself when you are going through grief - isolation makes you vulnerable to the Devil's attacksYou are not alone - many other people have experienced trauma; find trusted friends and reach outGrief is not something that simply “goes away;” it is a long process of self-work and emotional challenges

In this episode of Mental Health News Radio, host Kristin Sunanta Walker speaks with the co-hosts of the Unspoken Grief podcast and founders of the nonprofit Impacted Survivors of Murder-Suicide: Michael Vinton, Christina Faulkner, and Tina Shevalier. Each of these advocates is also a survivor. Through deeply personal stories of loss, they illuminate what it means to live with—and speak from—the aftermath of murder-suicide. Together, they discuss the realities of grief shaped by stigma, media distortion, and silence, and how their work offers a space where no one is made to feel responsible and no one has to grieve alone. Topics include:How peer-led grief work meets needs that clinical spaces can missNavigating shame, survivor guilt, and the unanswered “why”Media boundaries and narrative reclamationThe fire of advocacy as part of post-traumatic meaning-makingBuilding bridges for others while still healing yourselfThis is a compassionate, trauma-informed, and clinically valuable conversation for survivors, therapists, and anyone walking alongside someone who has experienced complex grief. Learn more at www.impactedsurvivors.org.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mental-health-news-radio--3082057/support.

Send us a textIn this powerful and heartfelt episode of Soulful Self-Care Conversations, host Pearl Chiarenza welcomes Tony Lynch—men's grief coach, founder of Memories of Us and Men's Grief Support, host of the Grief: Let's Talk About It podcast, editor-in-chief of Grief Talk Magazine, and organizer of the Global Grief Conference.Tony shares his deeply personal story of losing his son, the cascade of losses that followed, and how grief brought him to the brink—but ultimately gave him a renewed sense of purpose. Today, he creates spaces for men around the world to grieve, heal, and grow through connection, conversation, and creativity.This episode is raw, honest, and filled with hope. If you've experienced loss—or love someone who has—you'll find wisdom, compassion, and encouragement here.What You'll Hear in This Episode:✨ Little Tony's Dream – From sketching cartoons for his sister to creating The Adventures of Grief Guy, Tony shares how creativity shaped his life and still fuels his work today.✨ The Turning Point – How losing his son, father, brother, and mother within a short time brought Tony face-to-face with despair—and how grief itself became his teacher.✨ Grief and Men – Why men often grieve differently, why anger is often a “secondary language,” and how Tony helps men find healthier ways to process loss.✨ Building Community – The birth of Memories of Us, the men's grief support network, the Global Grief Conference, and a growing online presence that reaches millions worldwide.✨ Living With Purpose – How grief can strip us down, yet also rebuild us into people with deeper empathy, clearer vision, and renewed commitment to love and connection.Powerful Quotes from Tony:“Grief was the thing that almost took my life—and the very thing that saved it.”“When men grieve, it's like a foreign love language no one speaks.”“Anger is often the secondary language of grief—it's how we mask our pain and maintain our masculinity.”“Memories of Us was born because men need a safe space to talk about loss, without judgment.”“Surround yourself with people who will speak life and love over you.”Resources & Links Mentioned:

"Spirit Messages: Grandfather's Love, Family Connections & Afterlife Peace;" On this episode of Radio Medium Laura Lee, Spirit delivers heartfelt messages to Kenzie from Illinois, bringing through her late grandfather, other beloved family members, and their shared sense of humor. Her grandfather validates his presence by recalling family moments, offering gratitude for the love and support he received, and reminding Kenzie that he is not bound to the grave site but is always near. With confirmations such as his passing in March, Spirit affirms the continuity of love beyond this life. This powerful reading brings comfort, peace, and a reminder that Spirit is always with us. Tune in for uplifting messages from beyond and discover how love and family bonds endure across all realms.

Near the end of today's interview, my guest, Miranda, said one of the most beautiful sentences that I have ever heard from a bereaved mom, especially one who is only 9 months into her grief journey. Miranda said, "Denver's death is going to be my reason, not my excuse - my reason to get up, my reason to do, my reason to survive, and my reason to love." Denver was a happy, healthy toddler who had just celebrated his first birthday when he died from accidental suffocation while he slept. His birthday theme just weeks before had been 'One Happy Dude,' so Miranda and her family used the decorations for his funeral. His funeral was full of yellow smiley faces and lots of bright colors. The family handed out smiley face pins at the funeral.  Every summer, their hometown of Medicine Hat, Alberta, has a hot air balloon festival. This year, Miranda had the idea that one of the pilots might be able to take a picture of Denver up in a brightly colored hot air balloon during he festival. By the time the festival began, all thirty hot air balloons contained pictures of Denver. Many of the balloonists are international and continue to bring the picture of Denver with them as they fly all over the world. This month, Denver's picture is flying with a hot air balloon over Italy.  I have shared many times about bringing Andy's teddy bear with us as we travel to help us have a symbol of Andy with us. Continuing to live and make happy memories without him is challenging. Living without Denver's smile and laugh each day is extremely difficult, yet Miranda continues to get up and try. She, too, often travels with a little teddy bear she can hug when the pain of missing Denver feels too great.  Miranda's goal is to try to keep on living in the best way that she can - her reason to live and not her excuse. Each day still contains tears for Denver, but the tears no longer flow all day. She tries to look for smiley faces around her as she thinks of Denver's little picture flying in hot air balloons. Every time I see a hot air balloon, I will wonder if a little bit of Denver might be up there in its basket.  

When today's guests, Andy and Kristen, lost their almost 2-year-old daughter due to complications after a seizure 2 years ago, their lives completely changed. There was life before Juniper died, and there was life after Juniper died. Before Juniper died, they had two young girls in daycare. Days after Juniper died, their older daughter, Macie, started public school, and Juniper was gone. There was no longer a need for a daycare. They were suddenly navigating a world where they were bereaved parents. It was as if they were suddenly living in an alternative universe. Years before Juniper's death, Andy had watched his aunt and uncle mourn their son after he died in a car accident. Andy now realized that he didn't have a clue about what they had gone through - the pain that they felt each day. Andy and Kristen found themselves looking to other bereaved parents for support. They joined their local Compassionate Friends chapter and became regular listeners of the podcast. I sometimes have doubts about continuing to produce the podcast each week. It is certainly a labor of love, but it does require a lot of work, and sometimes, when listener numbers falter or donations stop for several weeks at a time, I wonder if the time for the podcast has passed. Then, I hear beautiful words like I heard today, and I realize that even though most of my guests have never spoken to each other, we have created a community of grievers. Before ending my conversation with Andy and Kristen today, Andy shared, "For all of the other parents who have been on the podcast and are now listening, we have cried for your children. We have mourned for your children because we know how it feels. We have heard them." Kristen says that early on in their grief journey, they knew that someday, they would want to share Juniper's story on the podcast. Today, almost two years later, is that day. Now, Andy and Kristen can know that all around the world, other bereaved parents are truly hearing them. They are crying for Juniper and mourning her as well. And for me, that is all that truly matters.

Healing Sandy's Question: Join Psychic Medium Laura Lee as she connects with spirit to bring peace and clarity to Sandy, a listener seeking answers about her mother's final moments. Ten years after her passing, Sandy still wonders what her mother was trying to say with her last words. Laura offers compassionate spiritual insight, addressing unresolved grief, and guides Sandy (and listeners) through a healing visualization exercise to release guilt, embrace closure, and find comfort knowing loved ones in spirit are at peace. If you've ever questioned a final goodbye or longed for closure after losing someone dear, this episode will help you understand the signs, messages, and love that continue from the other side.

I have often said that different people grieve differently. Today's guest, Lori, adds a new twist to that statement. She lost two of her four sons almost 30 years apart from each other, and she is grieving so much differently now than she did the first time around, showing that the same person can grieve similar losses differently as well. The stories of Michael and Logan's deaths are far different. Michael died at age 2 of an aggressive type of cancer called neuroblastoma. He died after 9 months of treatment in his mother's arms at the hospital, which she says gave her time to say goodbye, but also forced her to watch him endure pain and suffering. Twenty-five-year-old Logan, on the other hand, died suddenly from an accidental drug overdose in his apartment. Logan was there one day and gone the next. Lori says that after losing Michael, she became an extremely compassionate person. She and her husband turned to each other for support. Loris describes him as her rock. She was very involved in church, turning to her faith to help ease the intense pain of loss. Over the years, Lori says that her biggest fear was that she might lose another one of her three remaining boys, but despite Logan's long history of mental health struggles, she did not ever think this would happen to them again. Then, 18 months ago, the unimaginable occurred - Logan died, too. After Michael died, compassion emerged. This time, however, fear and anger are the dominant emotions. She has trouble going out in public. Lori hasn't gone to church, and her faith feels broken. Her relationship with her husband has been damaged, and she has moved in with her two living sons, who are now her two rocks. Online support groups and podcasts have become her coping strategies.  These vastly different responses may seem surprising. I know they were unexpected to Lori, but there is a lesson here.  Grace. We need to give others and ourselves grace. We cannot control our feelings or our responses to grief. We need to feel our emotions, whatever they may be, and work through them. Through hard work, hope for the future may come again, for Lori and for us.

In this episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast, host Dr. Maria Rothenburger welcomes fellow podcaster Melissa Oatman. Melissa, a high school German teacher by day and a spiritual practitioner by night, discusses the profound impact of her personal losses and how they shaped her new book, 'A Beautiful Mourning: A Guide to Life After Loss.' They delve into topics such as reframing grief, deepening psychic abilities, and receiving signs from loved ones who have passed. Join them as they explore the journey of loss, healing, and spiritual awakening with advice on how to navigate these challenging emotions. Tune in to hear personal stories and gain insights into connecting with the other side. Don't forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube at the Reluctant Medium.NOTE: References to the Ethereal Network are now New Reality TV (www.newrealitytv.com)

Nancy M. Gordon, LCSW, is a grief expert, licensed therapist, consultant, #1 international best-selling author, speaker, and engaging podcast guest. Her new book, I Miss You Already: Preparing for the Unbearable Loss of Your Pet©, is a teaching memoir on anticipatory pet grief. Her private practice includes direct client coaching, speaking/podcasting, and a loss and grief training/consulting business with other animal care practitioners, especially veterinarians. Her mission is to make a difference in how loss and grief, especially pet loss, are perceived, understood, navigated, and supported through her unique methodologies. Topics covered in this episode:  Nancy's journey through anticipatory pet loss and grief Honoring the pet loss journey Understanding anticipatory grief Disenfranchised grief in veterinary medicine Navigating emotional support for clients The role of Spirituality in grief Transforming grief into growth Links & Resources:  Visit the Grow Beyond Grief website to learn more Pledge to the I Miss You Already Kickstarter project  Find Nancy Gordon on Instagram or through Linktree Find Nancy Gordon on LinkedIn  Watch the documentary, The Weight They Carry The House Call Vet Academy Resources:  Download Dr. Eve's FREE House Call & Mobile Vet Biz Plan Find out about the House Call Vet Academy online CE course Learn more about Dr. Eve Harrison Learn more about the Concierge Vet Mastermind Get your FREE Concierge Vet Starter Kit mini course Learn more about SoulShine Space For Vets. Use discount code SHINE15 for 15% OFF SoulShine Space For Vets! (Available for a limited time only! Rules and restrictions apply.) Learn more about 1-to-1 coaching for current & prospective house call & mobile vets Get House Call Vet swag Learn more about the House Call & Mobile Vet Virtual Conference Register TODAY for the House Call & Mobile Vet Virtual Conference, February 7th-8th, 2026!!!!!! Here's a special gift from me as a huge thank you for being a part of our wonderful House Call Vet Cafe podcast community! ☕️ GET 20% OFF your Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee when you order through this link! 4Sig truly is my favorite!!! Enjoy it in good health, my friends! Music:  In loving memory of Dr. Steve Weinberg.  Intro and outro guitar music was written, performed, and recorded by house call veterinarian Dr. Steve Weinberg.  Thank you to our sponsors!  Chronos  O3 Vets  This podcast is also available in video on our House Call Vet Cafe YouTube channel   

Send us a textGrief is something we all face, yet most of us aren't prepared for it — and it's costing us more than we realize.In this conversation, Dr. Kevin White talks with Emma Payne, founder and CEO of Help Texts, about what really happens to our minds and bodies after loss, why grief can shorten lifespan if ignored, and how simple, science-based support can change the outcome. Emma shares her personal story, the inspiration behind Help Texts, and the surprising link between grief, brain plasticity, and long-term health.They also break the news on Longevity Texts — a new service delivering expert-led, science-backed longevity tips straight to your phone. Whether you're navigating loss yourself, supporting someone who is, or looking to build resilience for the years ahead, this episode offers practical, compassionate wisdom you can act on today.In this episode:How grief impacts both healthspan and lifespanWhy we often avoid talking about loss — and why that's harmfulThe four tasks of healthy mourning (and how to apply them)The surprising ways our brains rewire during griefWhy “doing nothing” is the worst way to support a grieving friendHow Help Texts and Longevity Texts are changing the way we give and receive support Prime Health Associates

In this deeply personal episode, Jonathan Sackier speaks with Zoe Strickland, author of To Grief With Love, about how she navigated the loss of her son and found space for healing through creative expression and connection. They reflect on the evolving nature of grief, the importance of making space for sadness, and the small but powerful ways we can support ourselves and each other through loss. Zoe's story is one of honesty, vulnerability, and hope, inviting listeners into a compassionate conversation about grief, meaning, and remembrance.   Timestamps (00:00) – Introduction (04:14) – Journalling and the birth of Doodle Lady (10:00) – Mindfulness and slowing down (15:20) – Helping others through shared experience (17:10) – Revisiting the five stages of grief (18:10) – A more fluid view: coping, learning, and growing (22:27) – Finding meaning through creativity and community (26:35) – The role of divinity in healing (30:47) – The Grief Room Door – honouring stillness (34:47) – Why time and space matter after loss (36:32) – The value of therapy and support (39:29) – Living with anniversaries (44:00) – Understanding suicide beyond labels (46:54) – Theory of Constraints and supporting prevention (51:26) – Finding resources and safe spaces (53:54) – A gentle closing reflection

Livestreams with Gwen are back! This week's livestream topic was to be about the fact that we are living in two worlds - longing to live in the past while dealing with our messy lives in the present. I talk about my struggles of missing Andy while trying to be the happy mother-of-the-groom at Valeriano's recent wedding. This conversation quickly morphed into another topic. Respite. First, is it OK to take a break from your grief? And second - where do I find respite when I need a break from my grief? My answers - First - YES! And Second - walks outside in the sunshine, riding in our boat, listening to birds while on my deck, listening to music, reading a good book, and playing board games with family or friends. The most important point is this. It is OK (and actually GOOD) to take a break from your grief. Many grieving parents feel like they need to feel their grief all the time. Every book they read is about grief. Every podcast they listen to is about grief. Days are filled with therapy and support groups. While all of these things are great, breaks are needed. Our bodies and minds cannot handle the constant pain of grief. I remember in those early days feeling like I needed to feel the pain constantly. If I started to laugh or even smile, I would remind myself that Andy was dead, and the smile would disappear. As the seven-year anniversary approaches next week, I feel the heaviness begin to worsen again, but I have learned that the best way to get through these difficult days is to take some time away from the pain as well. I will have intentional times with my family to talk about and remember Andy. There is an upcoming 5K race where 25 of my co-workers will be wearing Be Still bracelets as they run to support our local FitKids program. But there will also be time for me to have respite. I will spend time reading a book and listening to birds outside on my deck. I will play golf and go boating. Hopefully, I will be able to convince my family to play a board game with me. Finding this balance is what gives me the strength to continue on each day.

Episode Summary: Welcome to Healing Starts With the Heart, where grief gets real and healing gets honest. In this episode, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker pulls back the curtain on the 9 biggest lies we've been told about grief—and how they've shaped generations of silent suffering. From pretending you're okay to being told “just stay busy,” this episode is a deep and raw dive into the ways our society teaches us to perform instead of process our pain. If you've ever felt like you're grieving “wrong,” this is your invitation to unlearn the myths and finally make space for the truth: you are not broken—just unheard.

For Dr. Priya, the autopsy is just the beginning. What happens next can change everything for the families left behind. In this episode, Dr. Priya Banerjee joins Sheryl McCollum, to examine a side of autopsies that rarely makes headlines: the profound responsibility of communicating with families. Dr. Priya reflects on the power of empathy in the autopsy suite, the deep importance of walking families through trauma with care, and the surprising ways postmortem findings can protect the living. She shares raw personal experiences—from the loss of her own parents to advocating for grieving families left behind during COVID—and the critical role of cultural awareness, front-line staff, and honest conversations. Listeners will also learn how autopsies sometimes uncover hereditary conditions that can lead to lifesaving interventions for surviving loved ones. This is forensic pathology not just as a science, but as a service. Highlights: (0:00) The emotional weight of entering the medical examiner’s office (1:30) Debunking the ‘grim reaper’ myth of pathology (3:00) Personal loss and professional insight: How Dr. Priya’s grief reshaped her work (5:45) The unsung heroes of the ME office—investigators and admin staff (6:45) Why Dr. Priya insists on calling families directly (9:00) Launching a private autopsy service in response to COVID-era needs (13:00) Managing expectations: What autopsies reveal and what they can’t (15:00) Working with families and finding closure (16:30) Cultural and religious barriers to autopsy (24:00) Why refusing an autopsy can hurt future legal or health outcomes (27:00) The hidden legacy of genetic disease (30:00) Dr. Priya’s pet and power of early intervention About the Hosts Dr. Priya Banerjee is a board-certified forensic pathologist with extensive experience in death investigation, clinical forensics, and courtroom testimony. A graduate of Johns Hopkins, she served for over a decade as Rhode Island’s state medical examiner and now runs a private forensic pathology practice. Her work includes military deaths, NSA cases, and high-profile investigations. Dr. Priya has also been featured as a forensic expert on platforms such as CrimeOnline and Crime Stories with Nancy Grace. She is a dedicated educator, animal lover, and proud mom. Website: anchorforensicpathology.comTwitter/X: @Autopsy_MD Sheryl McCollum is an Emmy Award–winning CSI, a writer for CrimeOnline, and the Forensic and Crime Scene Expert for Crime Stories with Nancy Grace. She works as a CSI for a metro Atlanta Police Department and is the co-author of the textbook Cold Case: Pathways to Justice. Sheryl is also the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute (CCIRI), a nationally recognized nonprofit that brings together universities, law enforcement, and experts to help solve unsolved homicides, missing persons cases, and kidnappings. Email: coldcase2004@gmail.comTwitter/X: @ColdCaseTipsFacebook: @sheryl.mccollumInstagram: @officialzone7podcast

Since becoming a bereaved parent, several phrases have irritated me. One of the most bothersome things people say to me is, 'You are so strong. I could never do what you do.' I feel like that suggests they don't think they need to help me—that I can handle everything on my own without assistance. When I first heard about today's guest, Cristi, and the 'Mentally STRONG' method she developed, I wasn't sure if I would like it. However, because Cristi lost not just one, but three children, I thought I should give it a try. After our conversation, all my doubts melted away. When Cristi talks about being mentally strong, she doesn't mean being a resilient hero doing everything alone. Instead, Cristi teaches people to face their grief and sorrow directly, in community with therapists and other grieving individuals. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Cristi believed in cognitive behavioral therapy and the power of positive thinking. But after losing her adoptive son Johnny to drowning and seeing her son Reggie—and later daughter, Miah, and husband, Bundy—suffer from DRPLA, a terrible degenerative disease, Cristi realized that simply thinking positively was not very helpful for those grieving. We can't just 'look on the bright side' and think positive thoughts after losing our children. That isn't realistic or natural. Cristi understands this too well. She writes, "Grief can feel overwhelming, like a weight that never lifts. It consumes your thoughts, leaves you feeling lost, and makes it hard to get through the day. It's an unpredictable journey that pulls at your heart. But in these moments of deep sorrow, there is space to feel, process, and find a path toward healing." The Mentally STRONG method isn't a quick fix for deep grief, but it can help you face and work through your grief. It can help you find purpose in life again. If Cristi can find purpose and experience joy after losing Johnny, Reggie, Miah, and Bundy, so can we. For more information and access to her book and documentary, visit mentallystrong.com.

Episode Summary: In this powerful and raw episode of Healing Starts With the Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker asks a deeply uncomfortable—but necessary—question: What if the pain isn't the problem… but the key to your healing? Sharon breaks down why so many of us are still stuck in our grief—not because we're doing it wrong, but because no one ever taught us how to feel the pain instead of managing it. From performative grief to inherited patterns, she shares how unprocessed pain keeps us in a holding pattern of burnout, resentment, and silence. You'll learn how to stop performing, start feeling, and allow grief to finally move through you—instead of staying trapped inside your body.

✨ Episode Summary In this deeply personal and Spirit-led episode, Dr. Leelo Bush shares how a quiet moment of surrender led to a global movement—and how the same can happen for you. If you've ever hesitated because you didn't feel “ready” to step into coaching, ministry, or healing work, this message will break chains. You'll be reminded that God doesn't need you to be perfect—He needs you to be willing. Through powerful scripture, bold truth, and a heartfelt challenge, you'll discover why your story, your scars, and your “yes” might be the answer to someone else's prayer.    

In this deeply moving episode of Radio Medium with psychic medium Laura Lee, spirit brings healing and closure to Naomi from South Carolina, who never got the chance to say goodbye to her long-distance love before his sudden passing. Through vivid spiritual impressions and dream visitations, Naomi's late partner shares heartfelt messages of love, gratitude, and soul connection from the other side.

Dr. Ruth Hephzibah's journey epitomizes resilience and transformation, emerging from profound personal loss to dedicate her life to the realms of psychosociological rehabilitation and grief support. Having founded Grief to Grace International, she has dedicated herself to helping individuals navigate the complexities of loss and trauma. Her expertise is further encapsulated in her literary work, "A Pen that Rewrites Grief," and her engaging podcast, through which she extends hope and healing to those in need. Dr. Hephzibah's profound understanding of grief, borne from her own experiences, enables her to offer invaluable guidance and support to others navigating similar pathways. In this discussion, we delve into her impactful initiatives, the nuances of psychosocial rehabilitation, and the essential tools she employs to facilitate healing in those confronting grief.Dr. Ruth Hephzibah's odyssey, characterized by resilience and transformation, serves as the focal point of our enlightening discourse. With a profound commitment to the realm of psychosocial rehabilitation, Dr. Hephzibah has dedicated her professional life to the intricate nuances of mental health and grief support. Her journey commenced with the profound personal loss of her husband, an event that catalyzed her transition from a career in IT to her true calling in psychosocial rehabilitation. This episode delves into the genesis of her nonprofit organization, Grief to Grace International, along with Echoes of Life and Spice, which collectively assist individuals grappling with the tumultuous waves of loss and trauma. Dr. Hephzibah's experiences not only shape her professional engagements but also imbue her narrative with a sense of authenticity and hope, making her insights invaluable for those traversing similar paths of grief.Throughout our conversation, we explore the intricacies of psychosocial rehabilitation, a field that blends psychiatric understanding with social support mechanisms. Dr. Hephzibah elucidates her methodology, emphasizing the importance of personalized plans that cater to individual needs. By employing a variety of coping strategies, including mindfulness and journaling, she aids her clients in navigating their emotional landscapes. Her approach is underscored by a profound understanding of grief's complexities, as she articulates how unresolved grief can manifest in various forms, including substance misuse and anxiety. This discussion not only highlights the practical aspects of her work but also offers a poignant reminder of the healing power of compassion and connection in the face of profound loss.As the conversation culminates, we reflect on the key principles outlined in Dr. Hephzibah's book, 'A Pen that Rewrites Grief.' This work offers structured guidance for those grappling with loss, providing practical exercises that encourage self-reflection and emotional expression. The central tenet of our dialogue is the assertion that healing is attainable, with Dr. Hephzibah advocating for acceptance, self-discovery, and the importance of sharing one's experiences. Her journey serves not only as a beacon of hope for those in mourning but also as a compelling reminder of the strength that lies within the human spirit to overcome even the most profound of losses.Takeaways: Dr. Ruth Hephzibah's journey exemplifies resilience, illustrating the transformative power of grief support. She founded Grief to Grace International to assist individuals dealing with trauma and loss effectively. A Pen that Rewrites Grief serves as a guide for healing, offering practical interventions for grief management. Ruth emphasizes the importance of acceptance and forgiveness as crucial steps in the healing process. The podcast highlights various forms of grief, advocating for a compassionate approach to those suffering. Listeners are encouraged to share their stories and...

Today's guest, Jody, worked as an actor on Broadway for a year, but nothing had ever prepared her for the role she was required to play after the birth of her firstborn daughter, Lueza. After a completely unremarkable pregnancy, Jody suffered severe complications during childbirth, resulting in significant brain injuries for Baby Lueza. After suffering from horrible seizures as a young infant, they were able to stabilize little Lueza. Once they did so, she began to show a smile that would light up a room. Still, Lueza had significant delays. She could not sit, eat, or talk independently. At one point in time, Jody remembers looking at her husband and saying, "Will Lueza ever be able to sit up on her own?" Her husband's answer stuck with her: "She may be lying down, but she may be very happy." Over the years, Lueza proved her Dad right. She continued to be 'lying down,' but she was always very happy. She loved music, movies, and roller coasters. She would laugh and squeal and could let her family know what she did and didn't like with the slightest head movements. And her smile continued to light up the room.  Lueza had a profound effect on many people around her as she interacted with doctors and nurses in the medical community and her teachers at school. Over time, Lueza slowly developed more complications and died suddenly at home one night after getting what her family thought was only a little cold.  Then, Jody's life changed once again. She was no longer the mother of a medically complex child. She was now a bereaved mother. There were no more hospital visits. The medical equipment was no longer needed in the family home. Jody began doing arts and crafts as a form of healing. She attended spiritual support groups for bereaved parents. Most importantly, Jody began to write. Jody wrote a memoir about her life with Lueza that was years in the making. The title of the memoir was so fitting - 'She May Be Lying Down, but She May Be Very Happy.' This memoir was a story of her life with Lueza and a heartfelt thank you to all the people who had helped her over the years. A beautiful tribute for a beautiful girl.

For something that touches every one of us, many people still feel grief-illiterate. Whether it's impacting someone close to you or your entire community, it can be difficult to figure out what to say or how to offer support. In light of the recent flooding in Texas, I wanted to have a heartfelt conversation about collective grief, the grieving process, and what it truly means to show up for others in both the short and long term.I'm honored to have my client and Master Coach, Margo Fordonski, join me to offer her wisdom surrounding the grieving process. Margo is a trained grief educator who brings her professional insight and her personal experience with grief to this topic. We discuss how grief affects us individually and collectively, and how we can support one another when the unexpected happens.In this episode, you'll hear about specific ways to support someone who is grieving, how to offer help in the midst of collective grief, and why it's never too late to reach out—whether the loss happened recently or many years ago. Grief is hard, and many of us are afraid to say or do the wrong thing. Because of this, we often end up doing nothing at all. However, the more we normalize this universal, human experience, the more we can understand how to navigate grief and to support others. What you'll learn:The ripple effects of community tragedy and collective griefWhy every grief experience looks different–and grieving never has a deadlineThree specific tips for how to support someone who is grieving in the early stagesHow to be a steady presence for someone after a loss in the long-termWhy small actions—a text, sharing a photo, using their loved one's name—can help support someone who is grievingYou can read the full show notes here.About Margo FordonskiMargo Fordonski is a Master Certified Life Coach, Certified Grief Educator, and a twice-bereaved parent. After losing both of her children—most recently her son Andrew, who lived with brain cancer for 24 years—Margo has walked the long, complex path of grief firsthand. Her personal journey led her to a powerful calling: to support other mothers navigating life after the unthinkable. Margo helps grieving moms find peace, resilience, and renewed hope—not by “moving on,” but by learning how to carry their grief with love. Her 1:1 coaching approach is deeply personalized, meeting each mother where she is with compassionate guidance and tools that support nervous system regulation, emotional processing, and holistic healing. She guides her clients in healing at their own pace, rediscovering who they are now, and gently rebuilding a life that honors both their child and their continued growth. Her work is trauma-informed, heart-led, and rooted in the belief that grief is not something to fix—it's something to tend to with care, courage, and support. Through her coaching, writing, and lived witness, Margo offers a safe and understanding space for grieving moms to feel less overwhelmed, more connected to themselves, and begin to rebuild a life that holds both sorrow and joy.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/margofordonskilifecoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margofordonski_lifecoach Website:

On this heartfelt episode of Radio Medium Laura Lee, spiritual medium Laura connects with Mercy from Florida, revealing powerful messages from beyond. Surrounded by angels—including Archangel Michael—and a beloved maternal spirit who once found comfort in food, Mercy receives emotional healing guidance rooted in love, forgiveness, and divine support. As she searches for meaningful answers to her pain, the spirit world reminds her the healing journey begins within. Laura shares her own story of healing through forgiveness, urging listeners to pair spiritual practice with medical care. If you've ever struggled to let go, find peace, or are curious about signs from your angels, this episode is for you.

In this episode Sascha and I explore what it's like to interact with reality mediated by different kinds of brains. We realized that one good way to describe our current experience is this: Sascha is a potion mage and I am a potion. This feels just right to me. I revel in her jars and shelves, feel grateful for my tremendous luck this time around and move off in the world more self aware and oriented.Along the way we discuss lions and panthers, spiders and iguanas, orb creatures, horses and Melon bank.We hope you find some expansiveness in this romp through a few of the endless ways to be consciously incarnate. 

Connect with us!I talk about grief support and care that actually landed. What would grief support that speaks your grief care language look like? That's what this is about. 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.

When today's guest, Andy, lost his 18-year-old son, Heston, to suicide, he had a lot of time to reflect on life and finding one's purpose. Early in Andy's grief journey, he saw a visual that truly resonated with him. The image was of a framed picture that was completely black. The blackness represented the grief that, early on in one's grief journey, was all-encompassing. The darkness of the grief covered every part of the bereaved person's life. Then, there was a second image of a black rectangle the same size as the first. However, the picture frame was now several times larger, so that the black portion now took up only 5% of the frame.  The explanation is simple. The deep grief does not go away. The hole in our hearts remains. What we can work to change is the rest of our lives. We can grow and expand so that our lives are bigger than the grief. There are portions with love, joy, and happiness. They do not eliminate the grief, and the grief remains a part of the picture, but it is not the entire picture. The idea is not to get stuck in our grief, but to bring it along with us as we continue to experience life.  This past weekend, my (foster) son, Valeriano, got married. It was a beautiful wedding. There were lots of smiles and happiness surrounding the couple, but there were tears, too, as we had our first big family event without our Andy. Valeriano bought a special green pen to use to sign his marriage certificate to honor Andy. I put his picture and teddy bear on the seat where he should have been sitting. The new family picture included Andy's picture and teddy bear. We did not ignore our grief and forget about Andy on Saturday. We brought him along to be a part of the celebration. This is just what Heston's Dad, Andy, encourages as well. He brings Heston with him, feeling his presence. He has even released a powerful book, 'Overcoming Life's Toughest Setbacks: 15 Breakthrough Core Beliefs to Transform Challenges into Opportunities!' The book is available through his website, askandycampbell.com. If it's half as good as my conversation with him today, I know it will inspire many of us on our grief journey.

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 – MI Options (Ep 58) appeared first on The Senior Alliance.

Today's guest, Jackie, says that her guiding purpose is based on a quote that she has written down and keeps close by. David Viscott wrote, "The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The work of life is to develop it. And the meaning of life is to give your gift away." Jackie says that is exactly how her son, Stu, lived his life and how she works to live her own.   Initially, after her amazingly talented, loving son, Stu, died by suicide, she lost herself. Stu had been living his dream life in New York City. He had his own apartment and worked at a job he loved as a barber, cutting hair. Then, mental illness invaded his life and took him away. Jackie was left feeling alone. Hope? What is that? Healing? That's impossible. She tried going to grief support groups but felt overwhelmed. Then, Jackie found an organization called Eric's House. Their vision is that 'no person who is bereaved by suicide or substance use will suffer these devastating losses alone.' Jackie said the organization saved her.  Ever so slowly, hope crept back into her life. Jackie didn't force healing to come, but it did, a little bit at a time. She joined one of their online support groups and then another. They gave her the tools that she needed to start rebuilding her life. She began writing an article for the organization's newsletter and started facilitating support groups for them as well. Over time, Jackie found a purpose for her grief.  Now Jackie compares herself to the old apple trees in her backyard. They appear to be 150 years old. They have branches dying each year and huge holes in them, but they persist. Each year, the trees blossom and look beautiful. They produce apples that feed the deer in the area. Whatever life throws at them, they keep going.  That is a great visual for our lives now. We may have huge holes inside and limbs that are missing, but we just keep going. As ugly as our lives may look from the outside, they can still produce beauty and help provide for others along our life's journey. We may not be who we once were, but we can still be amazing.

Welcome back to Groove with Portia.I'm joined by Dr. Cristi Bundukamara, known as Dr. B., who shares one of the most profound stories of pain, survival, and spiritual evolution I've ever witnessed. Dr. B. has endured the unimaginable—the loss of three children and her husband—and yet she still shows up in the world with purpose, compassion, and a fire to help others heal.We talk about her “Mentally Strong Method,” born out of necessity when faith alone wasn't enough to hold the weight of grief. Dr. B. opens up about how her spiritual beliefs have evolved, how she wrestled with anger, and why grief and trauma must be treated separately. She speaks from both lived experience and clinical expertise as a psychiatric nurse practitioner.We also get real about the self-help industry's anti-medication bias, the silence around spiritual conflict in therapy, and the way women often internalize pain—especially when navigating anger, depression, and the crushing expectations of faith communities.This episode is a safe space for anyone who's ever been told to “just pray through it,” for anyone navigating grief layered with spiritual conflict, and for those who feel like they're barely holding it together.If that's you—this one's for you.Connect with Dr. B: https://mentallystrong.com/

Maeve was a little girl who was born to be a big sister. As soon as she was able to toddle around the house, Maeve was bringing the family dog her favorite books to read and making sure he had everything that he 'needed'. Shortly after Maeve's second birthday, her little brother was born, and Maeve was truly in her element. She adored Declan and wanted to share everything with him. Baby Declan loved being a part of the 'Maeve show' as her mama, Tarah, described it. Declan would grin as his big sister laughed and danced around him. Life was good. Then, one day, that perfect life was destroyed. The little family was on a flight to DC. The flight had been delayed, so by the time the plane landed, Maeve had fallen asleep on her dada's lap. Tarah's husband tried to rouse her, and could not. Maeve was no longer breathing. He let out a scream, and both parents immediately started CPR. Their perfectly healthy 3-year-old daughter had died for no apparent reason while sleeping on her father's lap. Her official cause of death was Sudden Unexplained Death of Childhood (SUDC). Their world was shattered. Tarah first wrote to me less than two months after Maeve's death. She shared her story and asked to be connected to another mom whose daughter died of SUDC. Over the almost two years since that first email, Tarah has continued to email with family updates, show ideas, and eventually, about Maeve's Foundation, the charity that Tarah and her husband started in Maeve's memory.  Initially, Tarah just wanted to collect enough money to buy a bench as a dedication to Maeve. Then, that idea grew into sponsoring a memorial garden in Maeve's memory. As more people contributed to the foundation, Tarah knew they needed to grow.  The organization now has a new mission - Maeve's Wish. Maeve's Wish is working to provide 'a truly magical respite for children battling a chronic or terminal illness - a trip to Walt Disney World.'  Just as Maeve wanted to make her family dog and baby brother happy, she will help make precious family memories for others. We're pretty sure she will be laughing and dancing as she watches from heaven.

Families gathered for the first meeting of a new Parent Grief Support Group in Clark County, created to provide healing and community for those navigating the pain of losing a child. Organized by NWCAVE and led by co-chairs who have lived the experience, the group continues with a July 27 session in Battle Ground. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/parent-grief-support-group-offers-hope-and-community/ #griefsupport #ClarkCounty #NWCAVE #JaneOh #childloss #BattleGroundWA #traumasupport #ParentSupport #communityhealing #MindiThomas

Storytelling. It's my very favorite thing about doing the podcast each week. When I meet each guest, I am privileged to help people share their child's story with people around the world. I have come to learn over the past 300-plus episodes that this storytelling helps lead to healing for both the guests sharing their stories and the listeners who tune in each week. Emily learned about the power of storytelling years ago while writing her book, Birth Story Brave. As a perinatal mental health specialist, she recognized the importance for women to be able to work through their own birth story experiences to help them heal when things don't go as planned. Hundreds of miles away, Malhaley, a fellow perinatal mental health specialist, used the book with her patients as well, finding its 'storytelling as healing' theme to be extremely helpful.  Then, the unimaginable happened. Not only did Mahaley have her own birth trauma experience, but her daughter, Saachi, needed to be admitted to the NICU and died a few days later. Mahaley's world was rocked. She did not know if she would ever be able to work in perinatal mental health again, but as she did consider going back, she thought about Emily and her book. Mahaley knew that she needed to work through her own story to begin to heal. As helpful as Emily's first book was to Mahaley, she quickly realized that families whose birth story leads to their babies being admitted to the NICU needed something more. The birth story was important, certainly, but for these families, it was only the beginning. They need a guide to help them after the birth, when their babies start and sometimes end their lives in the NICU.  Mahaley interviewed Emily, and an idea was born. The two of them began to write another book, 'Your NICU Story: Reflecting on Your Family's Experience', which will be released in September. In it, they utilize the power of storytelling to help families navigate their own NICU experiences, whether they ultimately bring their babies home or not.

On this episode of Groove with Portia, I'm joined by grief recovery mentor, photographer, and author Helen Fernald, whose book Love, Helen: Letters to My Mother came from years of pouring her heart onto the page. After losing her mother, father, and experiencing two miscarriages, Helen turned to writing as a way to release what couldn't be said out loud. And through that process, she found her voice—and her healing.We dive deep into how creativity can be a lifeline through grief. Helen shares what it was like to cry while writing, wrestle with anger, and find peace in remembering. We also talk about the pressure to hide our pain, especially as women, and the importance of making space for real emotion—without shame.This conversation is an invitation to be honest with yourself about where you are in your grief and to trust that expression—whether through tears, writing, or silence—is powerful. Grief isn't the enemy.Sometimes, it's the teacher.Connect with Helen: https://helenfernald.com/

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.

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 – St. Joseph's Helpers (Ep 57) appeared first on The Senior Alliance.

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.

"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.

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 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.

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

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.