Grief, Vulnerability & Healing: A Conversation with Kate Nudds

SummaryIn this heartfelt and compassionate episode of the Onward Shift Podcast, Vishal Narbheram sits down with award winning grief coach Kate Nudds to explore the many forms grief can take and how we learn to live alongside it. Grief is not limited to the death of a loved one. Kate explains how loss can show up through bereavement, estrangement, serious illness, pet loss and even anticipatory grief the pain of knowing loss is coming. Together, they unpack the physical and emotional impact grief can have on the body and mind and why vulnerability and safe spaces are essential during the grieving process. Kate introduces the concept of “continuing bonds,” explaining how healing does not mean forgetting but integrating the memory and meaning of what or who has been lost. The conversation offers practical tools such as journaling, writing letters, spending time in nature and simply learning how to sit with emotion rather than suppress it. This episode is a reminder that grief is not something to fix it is something to understand, honour, and navigate with compassion.💬 Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around bereavement, illness, and emotional loss. Please listen with care.Key TopicsDifferent types of grief: bereavement, estrangement, anticipatory griefThe physical and emotional effects of griefContinuing bonds and integrating lossSupporting others through presence and listeningJournaling and expressive writing techniquesThe significance of pet lossGrieving serious illness or diagnosesManaging grief triggers and fluctuating emotionsNature and community as healing toolsCreating safe spaces for vulnerabilityChapters00:00 Introduction & Guest Introduction01:03 What Is Grief and Why It Matters02:07 Understanding Loss Beyond Death03:31 The Complex Relationship with What’s Been Lost06:11 Physical and Emotional Effects of Grief08:13 Continuing Bonds and Integration09:35 Acceptance and Managing Pain10:58 Different Grief Responses & Safe Spaces13:00 What a Grief Coaching Session Looks Like14:29 Vulnerability in Grief Support16:10 Kate’s Personal Story20:24 The Art of Listening22:42 Practical Ways to Support a Grieving Friend24:39 Grief Triggers and Emotional Waves26:40 Grieving Someone Who Is Still Alive28:41 Navigating Illness and Anticipatory Grief30:56 Journaling and Expressive Techniques33:37 Normalising Pet Loss36:11 The Significance of Emotional Bonds with Pets40:49 Multiple Losses in a Short Period42:15 Finding Hope After Personal Loss45:28 Accepting Grief Around Diagnoses49:00 The Healing Power of Nature and Community49:32 The Importance of Talking51:18 Where to Find Support🎙️ Support & Stay Connected🎙️ If you like this episode, please like it and share it.🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates.Follow Onward Shift:* Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/onwardshift/⁠⁠* Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/onwardshift/⁠⁠* TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@onwardshift⁠⁠* LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/onward-shift/⁠⁠Learn more about the mental health support we offer: ⁠⁠https://onwardshift.com⁠⁠Follow Vishal Narbheram on LinkedIn here: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/⁠ You can find Kate here: Linkedin - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/katenuddsgriefcoaching/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@grievethenachieve?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/grievethenachieve/Website - https://www.grievethenachieve.co.uk