E91 - Financial Matters and Grief, with Stacy Francis
We hardly have time to process our loss and the funeral before dealing with the reality of financial paperwork and details. Stacy Francis offers great information as well as an impressive free resource to aid those needing to manage the financial matters after the death of a loved one. You won't want to miss this episode!

E90 - Ease Grief Symptoms with Crystals, with Elyse Falzone
​Elyse is back to share which crystals might ease some of our symptoms of grief - sadness, anxiety, need to connect with our loved ones beyond. From moonstone to lepidolite and malachite - listen in if your curiosity is piqued.

E89 - The Importance of Support in Grief, With Dr. Marianne Trent
​When in need, we typically look to our inner circle of family and friends for support, but grief is fickle, sometimes making us feel completely isolated. How important is it to have support as we grieve? And what can you do if you feel you have no support? Listen in as we chat with Dr. Marianne Trent today.

E88 - Dating During/After/InSpiteOf Grief, with John Polo
At some point, the thought 'should I date,' or something like that, arises in our grief. Maybe it is our family or close friends suggesting we get back out there, or our personal desire to not be quite so alone. The concept can be daunting, but John Polo helps make it seem a bit more feasible, and even offers some tips on prepping ourselves to find another love - not a replacement, but an addition, to our happiness. Listen in...

E87 - Shamanic Perspective on Grief
​Join us today as Patricia Jones and John Moir offer insight into the Shamanic perspective on grief. Often associated with indigenous or tribal societies, the origins are from Northern Europe and Asia, with a common belief that spirits exist and play an important role in both individual lives and society.

E86 - Grief in So Many Words, with John Roedel
In grief, we sometimes turn to books, looking for just the right words or phrases that echo our feelings.  While you may not think poetry is what you need at this point, we think you will find exactly what  you need in John Roedel's words. We did.

E85 - Anticipatory Grief, with Kasey Perkins
​Is grief made easier when you have time before a death, knowing it is coming? Listen in and draw your own conclusion as we chat with Kasey Perkins, Executive Director of Aurora House. It may be this situation allows more time to plan and prepare, but grief, whether you are armed and ready for it, or whether it blindsides you with no warning, is still devastating and overwhelming.

E84 - Heaven's Bell, with Sherrie Barch
New to the list of books for the middle-school age level is Heaven’s Bell, by Sherrie Barch, Sherrie introduces an easily understood concept about remaining in touch with our departed loved ones that can be read by or with your tweens.  Best friends deal with a relationship made vulnerable by terminal illness. Though targeted for a specific age group, the concept is easily understood and can be appreciated by all ages, even toddlers. As well, the easy to read story presents the perfect atmosphere to broach the subject of grief with children.

E83 - Legacy of Love, with Cindy Mich
When we lose someone it is natural to dwell on memories. Our guest, Cindy Mich, has opted to create a legacy using her expertise as a film producer to honor her love, Michael, and go on tour so numerous others will know of him and remember him in his acting career. 

E82 - Love, Dad, with Michael Anthony
Today’s episode is one everyone will enjoy. Mike tells his experience of hearing from his father after his father died. Skeptics listen in, as Mike went to great lengths to find his own level of comfort in accepting this beautiful connection from the afterlife.

E81 - Grief from the Buddhist Perspective
​Deborah Eden Tull, or Eden as she prefers to be called, spent numerous years as a Buddhist monastic. She relates that one of the fundamental teachings of Buddhism is impermanence. We need, therefore, to live our lives to the fullest.

E80 - Grief and Self-Care, with Alexandra Maas
Listen in as we speak with Alexandra Maas, from the Netherlands, about the importance of self-care while grieving. Alexandra lives with her son, 2 cats, 2 dogs in a quaint little city in the north of the Netherlands. Besides her passion for her work she has love for creating in cooking, writing and textile designs. Alexandra is one of the very few counselors in the world who specialize in Masculine Grief - the Grief of Men. In her work, the story of the client is leading. All grief support is highly individually customized as all grief journeys are unique. 

E79 - Camp Heartstrings/Camp Dreams - Grief Camp for Kids
A wonderful resource exists in the Rochester, NY area — Camp Heartstrings/Camp Dreams. Listen in as Michele Allman of UR Medicine Home Care helps us understand how children from grades 2 - 11 are supported at this 3-day event. We hope you will be moved to support or start a similar program in your community.​

E78 - Journal to Overcome Grief, with Latisha Porter
​Journaling is one of the top three recommendations offered by bereavement specialists and therapists alike. Join us today as we chat with Latisha Porter about her book, Journal to Overcome Grief. In a format that combines inspiration and truth with prompts to help those grieving put thoughts and emotions on paper, Latisha's contribution of a resource is a welcome addition to the griever's collection.

E77 - Crystals May Help Grief Symptoms, with Elyse  Falzone
When the symptoms of grief hit us, we would do most anything for relief. This week we are exploring the use of crystals for healing these adverse side effects of loss -- anxiety, depression, anger, sleeplessness, etc. Listen in as Elyse shares her simple method for exploring healing crystals. SPECIAL: If you want to learn more about crystals, Elyse is offering a 50% discount for her  All About Crystals (Healing and Chakra) Course. Enter PODCAST50 as you  register  at  https://www.elysefalzone.com/crystalscourse.

E76 - Grief Rants, Raves and Random, with John Polo
​John Polo has captured thoughts in his book, Widowed. Rants, Raves and Random, that most of us feel but are reluctant to utter except when completely alone. This is an episode not to miss -- and a book that is a must for everyone grieving.

E75 - Sibling Grief in Early Childhood, with Michele Benyo
Losing a sibling is devasting at any age, but when our children are small it adds complexity that challenges the entire family. Listen in today as our guest, Michele Benyo relates her experience as one child battles cancer and another child tries to understand what is happening and what is to happen.

E74 - Grief and Intuition, with Ada May Brown
​Our favorite psychic medium returns to chat about intuition. Many of us eagerly await signs from our loved ones, some smile as they recall a sign they have received. How much is due to our skill level for intuition? Or are signs something everyone is able to look for? Listen in…

E73 - Nitty Gritty Grief, with Marj Smith
After calling hours are over and those priority tasks are completed, a series of choices arise:  should I remove my wedding band? will people tell me to think about dating? will I still be able to see my step-grandchildren? We call these the nitty gritty parts of grief -- the inevitable choices that keep bringing the reality of your loss into your daily life. Sometimes our heads spin with doubt, uncertainty, panic. Listen in today as we chat about these choices and others, and offer our thoughts on how you might deal with them.

E72 - First Year of Grief Club, with Addison Brasil
​"Just to the left of death," are the words used by Addison Brasil to describe his experience with grief. Join us today as we discuss this concept, along with his new book, First Year of Grief Club: A Gift From From A Friend Who Gets It .

E71 - STUGs and Your Grief Journey
Guest:  Dr. Jack Rainer
Have you ever been moving through your day, comfortable, doing just fine, only to be suddenly blindsided by emotions, memories and a debilitating experience resembling a panic attack? If so, you may have just experienced what is becoming known as a STUG (Sudden Temporary Upsurge of Grief). Today's guest, Jack Rainer, shares his knowledge of these frightening episodes and helps us understand how we may get through them.

E70 - Grief - From Pain to Growth, with Edy Nathan
In Grief we experience severe pain of loss, whether due to a death or other loss in life. Listen in today as our guest, Edy Nathan, shares insight and her 11 phases of grief from her book, It’s Grief: The Dance of Self-Discovery Though Trauma and Loss, to help us as we move through our journey in grief. Trauma, abuse, and grief cause the soul to become imbalanced: The goal of the work is to find emotional calibration or balance to defy the depth of darkness and the grip grief often has on the psyche. She believes that everyone experiences grief throughout their lives. Grief is not just about the death of a loved one, but the losses we experience in life.

E69 - Make Lasting Memories in Your Grief
Join Kathy and Stephanie as they chat about some ideas to create lasting memories of your loved ones. Called "forget-me-nots," the opportunities vary from simple photo collages to intricate plasticized sculptures and conversation pieces.

"...mementoes become clutter when they no longer bring us pleasure."
    ~ Alison Gilbert

E68 - The Dreaded Tasks of Grief
Guest:  Marjorie Smith, LCSW
Marjorie Smith, LCSW, visits with us again today to tell us how we should handle those "dreaded" tasks of our grief journey. Handling things like thank-you notes after the funeral, cleaning out the closet of your loved one, what to do with their possessions/memorabilia, and how about those first social events/holiday celebrations after they've passed? So...when SHOULD you empty the closet? Listen in for the answer.​

E67 - Your Brain on Grief, with Dr. Mary Frances O'Connor
Have you wondered why death of someone we love is so hard to believe, and then to accept? Listen in - listen for the analogy of the dining room table. (Despite saying near the beginning of the podcast that we won't reveal it, we do eventually talk about it.) With this seemingly simple explanation, it all made sense. Dr. O'Connor chats with us today about her findings related to what happens in our brain when we grieve, outlined in her recently published book, The Grieving Brain.

E66 - Grief is a Wilderness, with Dawn Murphy
Our concept of grief changes completely once we experience it. It can be difficult to find the right words to describe it to friends. Dawn Murphy, we feel, has done just that. In her book, Good Grief! Trekking the Wilderness of  Loss, the use of the word wilderness is perfect. We feel isolated, abandoned, left with resources to even help us find our way. Listen in...

E65 - The Harsh Reality of Grief, with Chelsea Ohlemiller
Today's guest, Chelsea Ohlemiller, speaks to us today about her personal journey after the death of her mother in 2017. She turned to writing, and her words can offer you both comfort and encouragement. Listen in...

E64 - SBNR Perspective and Grief, with Dr. Terri Daniel
Dr. Terri Daniel returns to share more information on how religion and spirituality differ, and delves into the perspective of Spiritual But Not Religious (SBNR), the adoption of which has increased significantly in our population.

E63 - Retrospective
Join us today as we look back at some of our previous topics, offer thoughts from our own use of some of these concepts, and an update on our knowledge of grief. We have covered a lot of perspectives, recommended some books, offered some activities for our listeners -- and we have lots more coming in the weeks ahead!

“Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.”  (Jamie Anderson)

E62 - Grief in a World Gone Mad, with Gary Roe
Join us as Gary Roe’s guides us through this world gone mad. His new book, Hope in a World Gone Mad, is on the shelves and offers this hope in his gentle, conversational style. He uses our questions and responds easily with scripture and rationale that will renew our faith and offer us comfort, regardless of the reason for our grief.

E61 - More About Grief, Ghosts and Spirits, with Ada May Brown
Guest: Ada May Brown (returning guest)
​We delve deeper into our connections with those departed. Ada May's casual style allows easy conversation and her candid observations in her communications and interactions with spirits and ghosts - a conversation you will not want to miss.

E60 - Imaginal Psychology and Grief
Guest:  Dr. Linda Shanti
Dr. Linda Shanti shares her background of Imaginal Psychology and explains this modality for our grief. You may want to consider checking out her group, The Art of Grief, which will help support widows in their grief using expressive arts (e.g. - collage, drawing, journaling, altar making, altered books, etc.).

E59 - Recognizing Grief, with Julie Hall
Wouldn't it be nice if we could know someone is grieving? In today's conversation we learn a bit more about grief and how to recognize it in both ourselves and others.​

E58 - Hardcore Grief Recovery, with Steve Case
When we grieve, we often are recipients of platitudes that we perceive as empty, meaningless and sometimes even cruel. Even some blogs or books we turn to for support may seem superficial and unrealistic. Well, Steve Case has written just the book for those wanting the straight, uncensored reality of Grief,  Hardcore Grief Recovery: An Honest Guide to Getting through Grief without the Condolences, Sympathy, and Other BS (F*ck Death; Healing Mental Health Journal for Adults After the Loss of a Loved One). Join us in hearing why this may be exactly what we need as we begin our journey in Grief. NOTE: All expletives (which are few) have been ‘bleeped’ so all may enjoy our conversation.

E57 - Grief Self-Care with Yoga
​Guest:  Lizz Ortolani
Self-care is vital when you are grieving. Today we chat with Lizz Ortolani about yoga and its benefits. Whether grief or just every day routines leave you frantic, worried, anxious, yoga can have a calming and cleansing effect and ease physical, mental and emotional issues. Lizz offers her personal experience both as a participant and as a teacher and even helps us find our seat.

E56 - Sibling Grief, a Personal Journey
Guest:  Alyse Oram
​The relationship between siblings can often be dynamic and filled with ups and downs. Yet to lose a sibling through death, especially a sudden loss, may lead to unanticipated overwhelming grief that refuses to abate. Listen to our guest, Alyse Oram, as she relates her grief journey that started in 2016 with the loss of a childhood friend, then her younger brother six months later.

E55 - Life After Losses, Twice Widowed - with James LaVeck
Guest:  James LaVeck
​Losing a spouse is devastating, losing two is, for many, incomprehensible. Shifting roles in parenting, maintaining routine for your children, and moving through grief is shared candidly by our guest today, James LaVeck.

E54 - Infant Loss from a Young Priest's Perspective
Guest:  Rev. Liz Tichenor
​It is routine for a priest to face grief within their congregation, yet quite another to face the devastating grief that comes with the loss of ones own child, an infant. Today we chat with Rev. Liz Tichenor, author of The Night Lake, a chronicle of her personal journey with grief upon the loss of her five -week-old son.

E53 - Messages from Our Furry Friends, and MORE! with Rob Gutro
Guest:  Rob Gutro
It can often seem more crushing to lose a beloved family pet than we would think. Rob Gutro helps us better understand why the loss of a furry child is so devastating - and, offers us a solution to touch base with them on the other side of what many call the Rainbow Bridge. Rob Gutro is an author, paranormal investigator and medium with Inspired Ghost Tracking of Maryland. He's become known as a pet medium though he communicates with both pets and people who have passed. Since he was a child he could receive messages from ghosts or spirits (who have crossed over). 

E52 - Dia de los Muertos is NOT Mexican Halloween
Guest: Evelyn D'Agostino
​Many people believe the Dia de los Muertos holiday is simply a Halloween celebration with Latin flare. It is, however, a holiday and celebration in its own right. Dia de los Muertos is a multi-day holiday when family and friends gather to pay respects and to remember family and friends who have died. Today's guest, Evelyn D'Agostino, shares her memories of this holiday.

E51 - Spirituality vs. Religion - Is There a Difference?
Guest:  Rev. Jennifer Green
We often tie our grief to our faith, and frequently to how we were raised as children. Yet in today's society, it is not uncommon to hear the words, "I am not religious." It may be that "I am not religious" merely equates to "I don't go to (or belong to) a church," because it seems these same people still cling to some type of belief in a higher power, or higher influence. Rev. Jennifer Green returns as our guest to help us understand what the difference, if any, may be between Spirituality and Religion.

 ​E50 - Self-Care for Those Who Grieve, with Paula Becker
Guest:  Paula Becker
A critical aspect of your grief journey is self-care. In your despair and exhaustion we often overlook the simpler items and sometimes sacrifice our own well-being. We may turn to books only to be overwhelmed with the volume of words, thoughts and number of pages. Paula Becker is our guest today and has written just the book you, and everyone who has suffered a loss, needs to read.

E49 - Grief Traditions from the Victorian Era, with Kathryn Murano-Santos
Guest:  Kathryn Murano-Santos
In bygone days, grief was displayed for all to see, and sex was never discussed publicly or even comfortably. How things have changed! From hair jewelry to other traditions, we gain some insight into bereavement traditions from past ages. Listen in as Kathryn Murano-Santos discusses some old traditions.

E48 - The New Face of Grief, with Katie Rossler
Guest:  Katie Rossler
Grief is most frequently linked with death, but really describes many situations:  divorce, loss of a job, loss of lifestyle, geographical moves with loss of familiar community and friends. Yet we rarely take the time to consider these circumstances as ones that make us grieve. This type of grief is tagged disenfranchised grief and, for Katie, hidden grief. Listen in as we discuss hidden grief and the transformation that occurs throughout our grief journey.

E47 - Psychic Medium Returns - Messages from the Departed
Guest:  Ada May Brown
​Psychic medium Ada May Brown returns today to offer a bit more insight into how a psychic medium might help us receive and interpret messages from our departed loved ones.

E46 - Suicide Among Military Veterans
Guests:  Amy Rodrigues and Mary Ellen Kesel
Suicide among our military's veterans is 1.5 times the national average for civilians, increased from previous years according to statistics. Listen in as Amy Rodrigues (Clinical Psychologist) and Mary Ellen Kesel (Clinical Social Worker) offer insight on this topic. September is Suicide Prevention Month and our guests provide resources available as well as suggestions for identifying someone who may be in need of assistance.

​E45 - Journal Your Way Through Grief, with Latisha Porter
Guest:  Latisha Porter
​Often the first suggestion for someone grieving is to start journaling. For most people, journaling equals writing, and this suggestion is met with resistance at the thought of writing. Perhaps it might be helpful to consider journaling as a conversation with yourself, merely putting your thoughts and memories into words written down. Join us today as Latisha Porter offers support and suggestions to help you do just that.

E44 - End of Life Discussions, with Nancy Light
Guest: Nancy Light
Nancy Light returns after her episode of Caregivers Grief and broaches the serious topic of End of Life Discussions. The topics for these discussions can range from necessary paperwork to very specific choices for the time of passing. Most have heard of Health Care Proxy, Living Will and other forms needed by hospitals or nursing homes. Nancy shares is wisdom of having other details decided ahead of time to avoid conflict and indecision.

E43 - Psychic Medium - Spirits, Guides and Angels
Guest:  Ada May Brown
Do you believe we can communicate with those we have lost? Can they send messages? And do we need a medium to be the connection for this communication? Psychic medium Ada May Brown visits with us today to shed some light on this mystifying ability and talent. Tune in to hear what she has to say.

E42 - Surviving Suicide Loss, with Rita Schulte
Guest:  Rita Schulte
Complicated Grief has been a topic in previous episodes. Join us today as we hear from Rita Schulte, author of  Surviving Suicide Loss Making Your Way Beyond the Ruins, who not only had to endure grief after the suicide of her husband, but was also the person who found his body in their home. In using the word "Ruins" in her title, she captures the devastation of this horrendous discovery and her journey through grief afterward.

E41 - Coping Mechanisms - A Personal Story
Guest: Hermès Auslander
Personal stories touch us in many ways. Sometimes they help us feel we have gracefully avoided issues, and other times they help us realize we are not alone, nor crazy, nor odd. Hermès relates his journey through grief due both to loss of someone by death and also a devastating loss through a broken relationship.​

E40 - Five Things to Say to Grieving Relatives
Guest: Andre Roupp
We have all experienced that lump in our throat as we attend calling hours or a funeral. The lump you get when you know you should say something, as silence is awkward and uncomfortable. Andre Roupp, funeral director and supervisor at Roupp Funeral Home in Mifflinburg, PA. Andre offers his thoughts for words that are sincere and appropriate.

​E39 - Anticipatory Grief - You're Not a Burden
Guest:  Kathy Nawojczyk
When your partner is given a diagnosis of terminal illness, your grief journey starts. You may move through your days providing care for your loved one, driving them to a myriad of appointments and treatments or back and forth from the hospital. As you lose your own identity, your routine, you tend to focus on the things you can do something about. Providing care, updating friends and family and spending every available precious minute with your loved one, knowing that in an undetermined, but finite period of time, you will be alone. Today's guest, Kathy Nawojczyk, knows this journey well, and speaks with us today about her final days with her husband.

E38 - When a Couple Grieves
Guest:  Dan and Nancy Loeffler
When a couple is grieving the same loss at the same time, things can get complicated. We already now grief is different for everyone - and this fact can change the dynamics substantially. Today, Dan and Nancy Loeffler share their story, including how they each handled their own grief, and then the dynamics of being a couple.

​E37 - The Grief Guidebook, with Gary Roe
Guest:  Gary Roe
Wouldn't it  be nice if there was a book we could turn to with answers to our deepest feelings, fears and emotions of grief? Let me re-introduce Gary Roe, whose book, The Grief Guidebook: Common Questions, Compassionate Answers, Practical Suggestions (Good Grief Series) has just hit the shelves of your favorite bookstores. Join us today as Gary introduces us to his newest book of 71 common questions about grieving.

E36 - Caregivers' Grief
Guest:  Nancy Light
​Caregivers are unique in that they give everything they have to care for someone in need. Some provide care for loved ones, some provide care as a career and yet others provide care out of a passion to serve. They are all subject to overloading their lives and burning out so the rest of us need to be aware of this and how we might help them to help us. Join us as Nancy Light shares her experience both as a caregiver and as an employer of caregivers.

​E35 - Trauma-Related Grief, It's Complicated
Guest:  Sharon Willow
Trauma-related grief  is far more than our initial concept of grief. In addition to the devastation that accompanies the death of a loved one, situations are added that can include litigation,  PTSD, media attention, face to face encounters with a perpetrator - a myriad of issues we cannot even imagine. Sharon Willow helps us better understand the complexities that result from trauma-related grief.

E34 - Grief After a Violent Death
In Memory of Christopher Jones
Guest:  Sirena Cotton
Grief is devastating in and of itself. Imagine though losing a loved one through violence - violence on the streets, in your own neighborhood, across the street from your own house, while you watch helplessly. Sirena Cotton relives that today in our conversation.

E33 - The Energy Alignment Method, with Karen Shaw
Guest:  Karen Shaw
​UK's Karen Shaw shares the Energy Alignment Method (EAM) with us as a way to help control emotions, shape our responses to situations and use our positive energies for a better life. Whether assisting us in move forward more comfortably through our grief or merely to allow ourselves to move toward a happier and more fulfilling life, EAM may be your solution to live your truth.

E32 - Managing Grief, with Eleanor Ward
Guest:  Eleanor Ward, Bigger Fish to Fry Coaching
​Sometimes we feel we just can't move on, but Eleanor's response to that is that we already have, though may be a bit stuck at the moment. She helps us identify triggers that may have caused this and aids us in knowing what we might do to get past it.

E31 - Survivor's Guilt (3/3)-Veterans Benefits/Advanced Planning
Guest:  Matthew Marini
Veterans  are usually reluctant to discuss their experiences in military service, especially combat related. Many have avoided interaction with government organizations, like the Veterans Administration, due to mistrust. So, it is incredibly difficult for many families to engage their veteran in discussion about funeral arrangements and knowing which choices to make can be overwhelming.

E30 - Survivor's Guilt (2/3) - Veterans' Voices
Guests:  Mike Herzog, Steve McAlpin, Genaro Prieto
"Daily,"  is the response to our question, "How often do you think of them?" We are, of course, referring to the countless men and women who served in our military and never returned home. Memorial Day isn't just a long weekend, picnics and parades. For our veterans it is an official reminder of their comrades killed while serving, or those who returned but succumbed later to an injury or illness acquired while serving. Today we hear from three veterans the impact survivor's guilt has and has had on them personally.

E29 - Survivor's Guilt (1/3) - Veterans and Memorial Day
Guest:  Dr. Peter Ziarnowski
With Memorial Day approaching, memories of soldiers who never made it home are forefront in the minds of veterans. Despite decades passing since their death, our veterans continue to struggle with Survivors Guilt.

E28 - Grief Dreams, with Joshua Black, Ph.D.
Guest:  Joshua Black, Ph.D.
Do you dream of your loved one in your grief? Are you troubled by those dreams, or do they comfort you? Join us today as Dr. Joshua Black, Ph. D., describes his own investigation of bereavement dreams. There is very little academic research on this topic, so we are certain you will find this discussion enlightening.

E27 - Signs May Ease Your Grief, with Brian Smith
Guest:  Brian Smith
​Brian knows grief as his  daughter, Shayna, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep at the age of 15-1/2. This led him on a spiritual quest which has made him an amazing resource on the subject of death. Today he helps us understand how to recognize signs left by our departed loved ones and adds that synchronicity of signs can reinforce our beliefs.

​E26 - Three Key Ways to Process Grief, with Gary Roe
Guest:  Gary Roe
Gary Roe uses 'TWA' to designate the 3 Key Ways to Process Grief, and adds his personal experience to help others feel supported and a bit more in control. These tasks will help verbalize memories, feelings and regrets and allow you to continue through your grief journey instead of being stuck. 

E25 - Are You Good to Go?
Guest:  Amy Pickard
In our grief we often think of how difficult it was to make decisions about funeral arrangements and other details. In today's episodes we introduce you to a unique concept of preparing your details ahead of time to save your loved ones that burden and stress that will face them after your last breath.

E24 - Bereavement and Bad Theology - A Toxic Cocktail with Terri Daniel
Guest:  Rev. Dr. Terri Daniel
What happens when bereavement and theological beliefs collide?

E23 - Grief and Unanswered Questions
Guest:  Melissa Pennel
Some people leave a note to be read after their death and these notes are treasured. Melissa Pennel's mother died unexpectedly and there was no note. As questions came to mind, Melissa compiled them into a book which she published, Questions You'll Wish You Asked: A Time Capsule Journal for Mothers and Daughters. She joins us today to tell us more about this book as well as the soon to be released version for Mothers and Sons.

E22 - Empowered Through Grief, by Marie Goudreau
Guest:  Marie Goudreau
When you lose your life partner to death, the devastation seems endless. If they were ill for a period of time, you may have been their caregiver, their advocate, their entire world - sacrificing yourself bit by bit without realizing it. Such was Marie's experience, which became her reason to become a Grief Coach. Listen to her story and how she helps others whose lives run parallel to her own.

E21 - Grief Can Take a Village - Carson's Village
Guest:  Jason Dyke
​Jason Dyke started his grief journey traumatically when his 11-year old son died from suicide. He saw the differences in the impact of grief on his wife and other two sons, but when his "bus family" stepped in to help, their support made a tremendous difference for Jason. Carson's Village is a legacy to Jason's son and serves those families devastated by a sudden loss. Jason shares with us today and this is an episode to not miss.

E20 - The Fox and the Feather, with Kendall Lanning
Guest: Kendall Lanning
Dealing with the death of a loved one is tough, but having to explain that death to a child is sometimes traumatic for both the adult and the child. Join us today as Kendall Lanning introduces her book, The Fox and the Feather, a children's book for the grieving heart.

E19 - Anxiety and Grief, with Claire Bidwell Smith
Guest:  Claire Bidwell Smith (author)
​Anxiety is the focus of our discussion today with guest Claire Bidwell Smith, author of Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief. We can understand anxiety easily in that initial phase of grief with the myriad of activities, tasks and the bustle of visitors, cards and calls. However, anxiety can remain and can also have a more troublesome impact further along in your grief. Claire helps us understand how anxiety plays a part in our grief and how we can allay the effects of this anxiety.

E18 - Tap Your Way Through Grief (EFT Tapping)
Guest:  Amanda Ferrat
Our guest is Amanda Ferrat, founder of Value Yourself Counseling, returns to offer insight into the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tapping. This technique is frequently recommended by therapists to help grievers find stabilization and focus, especially during the intense emotions of initial grief.  ​

E17 - Pet Loss and Grief
Guest:  Wendy Andrew
​Our pets, regardless of species, often become very near and dear to us with their unconditional love and soulful eyes. The death of that pet can be devastating to the owner, yet not fully understood by other's who have never experienced a similar loss. Wendy helps us understand disenfranchised grief and also speaks about how children respond to the loss of a pet, which is usually their very first experience with death and grief.

E16 - Could a Life Coach Help With Your Grief?
​Guest:  Stevie Fedele
​Today we chat with Stevie Fedele, a Certified Life Coach, who helps us understand how partnering with a Life Coach might prove beneficial if you struggle with your grief, even walking us through a brief exercise she frequently uses with her clients.

E15 - Writing Through Grief
Guest:  Beth Castrodale
​Author Beth Castrodale shares how her grief actually interrupted progress on her novel and what she did to move past this. She offers suggestions for how you might benefit from putting thoughts and feelings in words and writing them down, even if you think you can't write.

E14 - Rocky the Grief Therapy Dog
Guest:  Mike Perotto
Dogs have an incredible way of breaking through those invisible barriers that hold people back when it comes to comforting those in pain. We are delighted today to learn about Rocky, a goldendoodle who serves at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home in Rochester, NY. Rocky charmed his owner, Mike Perotto, into speaking with us and we invite you to listen in. 

​E13 - Grief and Guilt, with Dr. Jackie Black
Guest:  Dr. Jackie Black
Join us as Dr. Jackie Black returns, this time to help us understand how guilt impacts our grieving process. Guilt and shame are not the same - did you know that?​

E12 - The AfterGrief, with Hope Edelman
Guest:  Hope Edelman
​Bestselling author Hope Edelman discusses her latest book, The AfterGrief, Finding Your Way Along the Long Arc of Loss (pub. Oct. 2020) so we might better understand how grief impacts our lives even years beyond the death of a loved one.

E11 - Hospice and Grief
Guest:  Marjorie Smith, LCSW
Marjorie Smith, LCSW, visits with us today to tell us about Hospice and how this program supports both the terminally ill patient and the family.  After a brief history of Hospice, we learn the various components of this end of life care program and can better understand how it can impact grief by preparing family and supporting them after the death of their loved one. Hospice incorporates holistic practices and a diverse care team to provide dignity and better quality of life in the last months of life.​

E10 - Grief - It's Not Just About Death
Guest:  Archie Messersmith-Bunting
Today’s chat is with The Feelings Guy™, Archie Messersmith-Bunting, who helps us understand that everyone grieves and that grief is the reaction to a loss, whether related to the death of a loved one or to the death of our dreams. ​

E9 - Grief Shatters Us, Yet We Are More Beautiful (Kintsugi Perspective)
Guest:  Melissa Pierce
​Our guest today is Melissa Pierce, author of Filled With Gold: A Widow’s Story (written with Christine Fadden).  
Melissa chats about the importance of self-care and advocates being your own best friend while grieving. She believes the brokenness of grieving relates to kintsugi, an ancient practice of repairing cracked vessels with a gold adhesive, thus making them whole again, but also far more beautiful. 

E8 - Grief and Belief
Guest:  Rev. Jennifer Green
Join us today as we discuss how various beliefs can impact the grief process, especially as plans are being made for funeral or other memorial events. Belief in God, higher power or non-belief is an individual choice and really makes little difference in our personal grief journeys. However, when people come together immediately after a death to plan a funeral or other event to memorialize or celebrate the deceased, differing individual beliefs can pose a major stressor for all. 

E7 - Newborn Grief
Guest:  Crystal Webster
Today’s episode is Dedicated to Madelyn Elizabeth Webster, daughter of our guest, Crystal Webster. Maddie was in her mama’s arms when she died the very day after her birth. Grief just sucks. Crystal shares in her straightforward, candid manner the gamut of emotions experienced with the loss of a newborn, as well the reality faced in living ‘childless not by choice.’ 

E6 - COVID and Grief
Guest:  Michelle Allman, LMSW
COVID has turned our lives upside down. For those who have lost loved ones, whether from the virus or another source, the restrictions imposed during this pandemic have complicated the grief journey for many. Michele Allman, LMSW, in Rochester, NY, speaks to how the presence of COVID and restrictions have impacted the local grieving community. 

E5 - Do I Need Professional Help?
Guest:  Dr. Jackie Black
After suffering a loss, Dr. Jackie feels everyone should be encouraged to find a Bereavement Group in which to participate. “It is the only place you don’t feel different than everyone else.” Therapy is indicated, she states, only if there is a clear psychiatric diagnosis. She offers insight into her recommendation, even including suggestions for friends and family to comfortably broach the subject.

E4 - 8 Tips to Handle Holiday Grief
Guest:  Gary Roe
Gary Roe itemizes his 8 Tips to Handle Holiday Grief and adds his personal experience to help others contemplate their own situations and feel supported and a bit more in control of this frantic period, now even more stressful with the pandemic. Gary Roe is the multiple award-winning author of more than a dozen books including Comfort for the Grieving Spouse’s Heart, Shattered: Surviving the Loss of a Child, and Aftermath: Picking Up the Pieces After a Suicide. 

E3 - Finding Your Way Through Grief
Guest:  Dr. Bill Webster
Dr. Bill brings us from the traditional stages of grief as offered by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and another perspective of task-oriented phases by William Worden, to his current thoughts on the grief process, the grief journey.  Then we move on to a more easily understood perspective that though there are many emotions, thoughts and feelings as we grieve, it is different for everyone. There is no standard. Grief is not a sickness or a mental disorder. It is a normal reaction to an unwelcome event. 

E2 -  What Exactly is Grief?
Guest:  Amanda Ferrat
Amanda Ferrat, founder of Value Yourself Counseling, helps us better understand what grief is by identifying more types of grief than one might think imaginable.

E1 - Walk With Us
Featuring:  Kathy Gleason and Stephanie Kendrick
It’s time for grief to come out of the basement, or wherever we have stuffed it to avoid talking about it. Grief is painful. We have walked that journey and are familiar with the thoughts and feelings that are consuming you. We were offered no choice in this matter and it is ours with which to cope. Now, let us walk with you. You need these words. In this episode we introduce ourselves, Kathy and Stephanie, to you. We are mother and daughter and have managed to move through more than one grief experience in our lives so far. We are blessed to have each other to lean on, vent to, cry with (though we usually hide ourselves when we cry) and move forward. But it isn’t over. We don’t think it ever ends, because love is profound. Yet we continue to live and grieve.