Because of Eli

Join us as we sit down with John, a combat veteran, and Rev. Jess to talk about their vision for something truly special—a retreat created by veterans, for veterans.Introducing Ulfhedner Retreat, a nonprofit organization founded by a veteran with a mission to help fellow veterans reconnect with nature, themselves, and each other.Their vision is to create Viking-themed spiritual and holistic healing retreats specifically for veterans living with PTSD, built around camaraderie, connection, mutual support, and healing.Sometimes healing begins when we step away from the noise, reconnect with nature, and surround ourselves with people who understand.We can’t wait for you to hear their story, learn more about their vision, and discover what they hope to create for the veteran community.

Erica and Amy welcome Brock back to the podcast to share his experience as an Emergency Room nurse.Brock gives listeners an inside look at what it’s like to care for patients during medical emergencies, crisis situations, and codes. Together, three nurses with different backgrounds and passions have an honest conversation about the realities of healthcare, the importance of mental health, and the challenges of caring for patients when every second counts.They also discuss the importance of advocating for yourself and your loved ones, asking questions, and being an active participant in your own healthcare journey.Whether you’re a healthcare professional or someone who has experienced the ER from the other side, this episode offers insight, education, and meaningful conversation about the people behind the scrubs.

Join us as we welcome Shannon to the podcast.Shannon shares the joy of being Joey’s big sister, the special bond they shared, and the challenges he faced throughout his life. When Joey came out, he was met with rejection instead of the love and acceptance everyone deserves. He also battled depression and substance use disorder.But Joey is so much more than the struggles he faced. He was a son, a brother, a friend, and a person deeply loved. His story is one of resilience, love, heartbreak, and the importance of compassion.At Because of Eli Podcast, our mission is to help others feel seen, heard, and understood. We hope this conversation reaches someone who needs to hear that they are not alone.Sometimes the family we’re born into isn’t able to be the support we need—but family can also be the people who choose to stand beside us, love us, and remind us of our worth.No matter who you are or where you are in your journey, you are loved. You matter. 🫂❤️🌈

Jenna joins us to share her journey through grief after losing her mom. She opens up about living with OCD and childhood bullying, and how these experiences inspired her career in mental health and addiction services. Jenna is also a photographer that captures  moments that remind us there is beauty even in difficult seasons.This episode is filled with honesty, vulnerability, and plenty of laughter. We hope Jenna's story encourages you to look at life through a different lens, embrace every step of your journey, and remember that even in the hardest moments, hope can still be found.This episode is dedicated to Jenna’s Mom Linda 🤍Forever Loved and Missed. 

Meet Bernadette! This episode is about the importance of staying active and how important movement can be for our mental well being during difficult times. Healing  can come through movement, self-care, spirituality, and finding what brings us peace.Our conversation also expands beyond fitness as we discuss crystals, oracle cards, and tarot cards, and how many people find comfort, reflection, and healing through different practices. Whether it's exercise, mindfulness, spirituality, or simply taking a moment to reconnect with yourself, healing is personal, and there is no one-size-fits-all path.No matter where you are on your journey, we hope this episode encourages you to discover the practices that bring you strength, peace, and hope.Thank you, Bernadette, for sharing your passion for helping others care for their minds, bodies, and spirits.

Join us as Stephen shares the emotional role hairstylist play in their clients lives. Stephen does more than make his clients beautiful., he also creates a safe space for them. As clients, we share our greatest joys, deepest, heartbreaks, and life-changing moments with our hairstylist. In this episode of Because of Eli Stephen offers his perspective on mental health and the emotional weight that can come with being a trusted confident.   Thank you Stephen for helping shine a light on the often-overlooked mental and emotional role hairstylists play in their clients’ lives. Your willingness to share your perspective helps others recognize that those who spend so much time caring for others deserve support, too.This episode is dedicated to Amanda. Forever loved, Forever Missed 🤍

In this episode of Because of Eli Podcast, we are honored to welcome Brock and Brad as they share the story of their mother, Margie, and the journey their family walked together during her battle with ALS.Margie faced this devastating disease with incredible strength, love, and determination. Through the eyes of her sons, we hear about the challenges, the heartbreak, and the moments of grace and laughter that carried them through. They also reflect on the unwavering support of their father, Butch, who lovingly cared for Margie throughout her illness.This conversation is a beautiful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable circumstances, love, family, and legacy endure. Because of Margie, others will better understand ALS, and her courage and compassion will continue to inspire and touch lives.Join us as we honor Margie’s life and the lasting impact she has made on those who knew and loved her.❤️ Dedicated to Margie and all families impacted by ALS.

In this powerful episode of Because of Eli, we welcome three incredible mothers whose sons continue to make a difference in the lives of others every single day.Karen shares how she honors the memory of her son, Joseph, through compassion and service to grieving families. Dawn discusses the work of Hope on Deck, the organization founded by her son, Earle, and how she continues his mission of bringing hope, resources, and support to those affected by addiction. Becky tells us about her son, Sean, and the kindness project she created in his memory, encouraging others to pay it forward and spread compassion throughout their communities.Together, we discuss grief, remembrance, purpose, and the ways our children continue to impact the world long after they are gone. Through tears, laughter, and heartfelt stories, we celebrate the lives of four remarkable young men whose legacies live on through acts of kindness, hope, and love.This episode is dedicated to Earle, Eli, Joseph, and Sean. Their stories remind us that while a life may end, the love they leave behind continues to create ripples that reach far beyond what we can imagine.

In this episode, we welcome Deanna from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) as she shares the many resources, programs, and support AFSP has to offer individuals, families, and communities.Deanna also opens up about her personal “why.” Because of her cousin Danielle, Deanna discovered her purpose and began her journey into public health and suicide prevention advocacy.This episode is filled with important conversations about mental health, suicide prevention, and the importance of getting comfortable having life-saving conversations. We also discuss the follow-up questions to ask when someone may be struggling or in crisis, and how simply showing up can make a difference.Whether you are struggling yourself, supporting someone you love, or looking to better understand suicide prevention, this episode offers valuable resources, education, and hope.*Trigger Warning ⚠️ Topics discussed include suicide and mental health struggles.

In this important episode of Because of Eli, Amy and Erica welcome Bill to the podcast to share his perspective and experiences working in corrections. Together, they discuss the mental and emotional toll that correctional work can take on those behind the walls — the stress, trauma, burnout, and the stigma surrounding mental health struggles in the profession.Bill speaks openly about the realities many corrections officers face every day, including exposure to violence, long hours, hypervigilance, and the pressure to remain “strong” while silently carrying emotional weight. The conversation also explores how these experiences can impact relationships, personal well-being, and overall mental health, while highlighting the importance of support, awareness, and open conversations surrounding suicide prevention.This episode shines a light on a profession that is often overlooked when discussing mental health and reminds listeners that those who spend their lives protecting others also deserve support, compassion, and care.

Amy and Erica reflect on the past year and the reality of learning to live alongside grief. Grief is not something to “get over,” but something carried forward with love. From navigating milestones and holidays to finding purpose, signs, connection, and community.Whether you are grieving yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation is a reminder that grief has no timeline, and no one should have to walk through it alone.

Amy and Erica had the honor of attending the 11th Annual Heroes of Hope Celebration hosted by AltruVision. This powerful event brings together donor families, recipients, and supporters to honor the heroes whose gifts continue to save and change lives.For families like ours, these moments are a reminder that even through deep loss, love and hope continue to live on through the gift of donation. 

In this episode, we sit down with Karen Feeley, owner of Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home. Karen and her compassionate team cared for Eli, and we are forever grateful for the kindness and dignity they showed our family.Karen is also a bereaved mother who has created a space of support and understanding for grieving families. Join us as she shares her perspective on walking alongside families during one of the most devastating times in their lives, and the importance of compassion, listening, and honoring the stories of those we love.This episode also honors Karen’s son — Because of Joseph. ❤️Because of Eli ❤️

Victoria and Mike join us to share their incredible story. Victoria is a living donor, and Mike is the recipient of her life-saving gift. What makes their story even more amazing is that they were complete strangers before this journey—and now they share a bond that will last a lifetime.

Jack and Amy share an honest conversation about how grief impacts marriage—the strain, the misunderstandings, and the moments that bring you closer. A transparent look at love, loss, and choosing each other through heartbreak.Because of Eli, we continue to have the hard conversations—so no one has to navigate grief alone.Trigger Warning: Discussion of child loss and grief.

This episode of Because of Eli explores perinatal loss and may be extremely triggering for some listeners.Join us as Kelsey bravely shares her personal journey of love, loss, and resilience. This episode is dedicated to the loving memory of Lucy.Because of Lucy, Kelsey has found purpose in supporting others through their own journeys of grief and healing. 🤍🤍 Please take care of yourself while listening, and step away if you need to.

Self-care and healing can take many forms. Join Erica and Amy as they share their personal medium experiences and explore how connection can bring comfort through grief.

Trigger Warning:This episode includes discussion of the death of a child and may be emotionally difficult for some listeners.Grief has a way of revealing who can sit in the hard places. In this episode of Because of Eli, we talk about losing a child and how relationships shift in the aftermath of loss.Love doesn’t end at goodbye—and neither does grief.

This episode of Because of Eli is about holding space—for grief, for curiosity, and for yourself. We welcome a medium to discuss messages often sought in loss, the hope and healing they can bring, and how to navigate grief without losing yourself in it. Alongside this conversation, we focus on self-care as a vital part of surviving and living with loss. Come as you are. Listen with an open heart. Take what you need.For our Youtube Viewers:At the close of this episode, we share a slideshow of photos in loving memory of Dakota Scott Beal—a quiet moment to honor his life, speak his name, and hold space for remembrance.

Welcome back! Today we're taking a moment to catch you up on what the last couple of months have looked like for us. We also share a conversation with a special guest who offered some thoughtful guidance on how to talk with children about death. As we move out of the holiday season, we want to acknowledge how heavy this time can be when you're grieving. We hope you found even small moments of comfort or connection, and if not, that's ok too. We're really glad you're here with us!

We teamed up with Iron Roots as Brooke-Linh and Gianna break down what Iron Roots is and how bodybuilding has impacted their healing and strength.Lots of laughter----and even some UNO!

The holidays can bring joy, memories, and moments that tug at our hearts. This week, we talk about navigating it all- grief, traditions, and giving yourself permission to show up just as you are.

Addiction can take so much from a person - but recovery shows us the strength that still lives within. In this episode, we have an open and honest conversation about the realities of addiction, the courage it takes to seek help, and the hope that comes with healing. It's a reminder that no one is ever too far gone to begin again. 💫

Join us and our special guest, Reiki Master Dawn! Dawn shares how Reki can help those walking through grief and why self-care matters!

This halloween, we are reminding ourselves that it's ok to laugh- even through  tears. Grief and joy can exist in the same breath. Sometimes healing looks like a good cry, and sometimes it looks like laughing until your stomach hurts. Tune in for real talk, heart, and maybe a few giggles too! 👻🎃👻

In episode 5 we discuss the loss of siblings, battles with addiction, and finding the balance between grieving and carrying out daily tasks. Our very first guest Brookelinh shares her first hand experience with theses topics as she opens up  for the first time about the loss of her brother. We hope more people will be willing to  share their experiences with grief and we hope you find comfort knowing you are not alone on this journey.

In this episode of Because of Eli, we share Eli’s story—who he was, how he loved, and the quiet ways he continues to matter. This is a telling shaped by memory and love, honoring a son whose presence did not end, even when his life did. Eli’s story is held here with care, spoken gently, and remembered always—because of Eli.

Before the loss, there was a life deeply loved.Before the mission, there was a boy named Eli.In this opening episode of Because of Eli, meet Erica and Amy, and meet the heart of it all—Eli. We share who we are, how this story began, and why saying his name still matters. This episode is not about answers, but about love that remains, stories that deserve to be told, and a legacy carried forward—because of Eli.