GRIEF: The Power of Showing Up: A Conversation on Grief with Counselor Melissa Minkley, Guest Co-host Laura Skinner, and Ollie | S05E35

In this episode we sit down with grief counselor Melissa Minkley to explore one of the most universal yet often misunderstood human experiences: grief. From her personal journey into this work to the insights she’s gained walking alongside others, Melissa helps us unpack what grief really is and why it matters that we understand it beyond the loss of a loved one.Together we talk about the many ways grief shows up, in death, in divorce, in illness, in unmet dreams, and in countless other life transitions. We challenge common misconceptions, explore how grief is different from sadness or depression, and discuss the physical, emotional, and spiritual toll it can take when it goes unrecognized. We also dive into how culture and upbringing shape the way people process loss and what it means to build resilience in the midst of it all.Our conversation also introduces The Power of Showing Up, a training Melissa offers through The Grief Training Center of Wisconsin. Listeners will learn why presence often matters more than advice, how the “Three-Legged Stool” approach can guide us, and what true empathy looks like in action. We highlight practical ways to recognize distress, strengthen active listening, and set healthy boundaries while still being deeply supportive.Whether you’ve experienced loss yourself or want to better walk alongside others, this episode will give you tools, insights, and encouragement to lean into connection, empathy, and resilience.Stay tuned until the end to learn how to connect with Melissa Minkley and get involved with The Grief Training Center of Wisconsin.LINKS / NOTES: Dirty Laundry Links Grief Wellness Homepage | Grief Wellness Center