489. Loss of a Child, Grief & Healing with Malisa Hepner of Emotionally Unavailable

What happens when deep grief meets the journey of healing, honesty, and vulnerability? In this heartfelt episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts reconnects with Malisa Hepner grief expert and host of Emotionally Unavailable who has faced unimaginable loss. Malisa shares her profound journey through the heartache of losing her child, revealing the layers of grief that come with such a loss and how it has shaped her understanding of emotional availability. Malisa opens up about her experiences with loss, including the passing of her parents and her child, and how these events have reshaped her perspective on vulnerability and connection. Reena and Malisa dive deep into authentic communication, the discomfort that often accompanies grief, and the necessity of allowing yourself to feel every emotion without judgment. They also talk honestly about the adjustments that come with major life changes how grief forces you to rebuild your sense of normal, and what that process actually looks like day to day. They discuss how societal expectations often lead to dismissive responses to grief, the importance of creating safe spaces for those who are mourning, and the power of vulnerability and community support. Sharing one's story, they explore, can be a healing act not just for the person grieving, but for everyone who hears it. 🎙️ WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODE: Malisa's journey through grief and loss The impact of emotional availability on relationships Strategies for coping with loss and fostering connection The importance of authentic communication in healing How to support someone who is grieving Navigating the adjustments and changes that come with major life shifts The role of community and nourishment in the grieving process Navigating vulnerability and fear in conversations about grief 💭 MEMORABLE QUOTES FROM MALISA: "If we can't have an authentic conversation, I'd rather us just pass each other, not say a word." "The only shift really has become more of, like, yeah, me too." "I just want to connect with people. Whatever we're talking about, I want to connect." "I can't do anything that doesn't just give me light or is part of my life force." ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Introduction to Malisa Hepner (05:15) Malisa's experiences with loss and grief (15:30) The importance of vulnerability in communication (25:00) How to support someone in mourning (35:45) The healing power of sharing stories (45:00) Reena's reflections on grief and connection 🔗 CONNECT WITH MALISA HEPNER: Instagram | Linktree 🔗 CONNECT WITH REENA FRIEDMAN WATTS: YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram Join us for this enlightening conversation that reminds us of the power of connection, empathy, and the importance of sharing our stories in the face of tragedy.