Grief, Love, and Learning to Live Again with Marie-Claude Goudreau

In this episode of Skin Deep Stories, Montreal tattoo artists and moms Kirsten Diachidos and Melanie Belanger welcome special guest Marie-Claude Goudreau, certified death doula, grief companion, and founder of Empowered Through Grief. What begins as a conversation between old friends quickly becomes a powerful discussion about love, loss, healing, and the ways we carry grief throughout our lives. Kirsten and Marie-Claude explore the surprising connection between their work. As a tattoo artist, Kirsten has helped countless clients commemorate loved ones through memorial tattoos, while Marie-Claude supports individuals and families navigating grief, loss, and end-of-life experiences. Together, they discuss why remembrance matters and how people find meaningful ways to stay connected to those they have lost. Marie-Claude shares her own journey into grief work following the death of her partner from terminal cancer. She opens up about caregiving, loss, the challenges of rebuilding a life after profound heartbreak, and the experiences that ultimately led her to create Empowered Through Grief. The conversation also explores the physical and emotional realities of grief, the cultural discomfort surrounding conversations about death, and why there is no timeline for healing. From signs and synchronicities to the importance of having people who can hold space for difficult emotions, this episode is a thoughtful and compassionate look at what it means to love deeply and grieve honestly. Whether you are navigating a recent loss, supporting someone who is grieving, or simply curious about the ways grief shapes our lives, this episode offers comfort, perspective, and hope. Connect with Marie-Claude: Instagram: @empowered_through_grief Follow the hosts: Kirsten on Instagram: kirstentattooarts Mel on Instagram: melrocktattoos Book a tattoo or learn more: Visit wildmagnoliatattoos.com to see their work and book your next tattoo consultation.