PODCAST · health
Grief, Gratitude & The Gray in Between
by Kendra Rinaldi
Bilingual Podcast by Kendra RinaldiGrief, Gratitude, and the Gray in Between: Exploring grief beyond death—identity, migration, divorce, and life’s joyful transitions like motherhood, marriage, and career change. / Explorando el duelo más allá de la muerte—identidad, migración, divorcio y las transiciones alegres de la vida como la maternidad, el matrimonio y los cambios profesionales. It is a bilingual podcast each episode features heartfelt interviews with individuals sharing their personal grief journeys, conversations with experts offering tools and insights, and solo episodes where host Kendra Rinaldi reflects on topics that matter. Together, we honor grief in all its forms and learn tools we can use to help us navigate it.Duelo, Gratitudy todos los matices de por medio: historias de cambio, amor y resiliencia es un pódcast bilingüe, en ingles y en español, que explora las muchas caras del duelo—no solo por pérdidas, sino también por las transiciones de la vida. Desde cambi
-
247
Afrontando la Muerte Repentina de tu Pareja: Intuición, Señales y El Plan del Alma con Natalia Spinel
Episodio en EspañolNatalia Spinel es psicóloga, coach ejecutiva y de vida, con formación en psicología transpersonal y certificación en Danza Primal. Tras la muerte repentina de su esposo Juan Carlos en 2024, después de 18 años juntos, Natalia emprendió un profundo proceso de transformación personal y familiar. Con más de 20 años de experiencia en yoga y una práctica terapéutica constante, ha encontrado en estas herramientas un sostén fundamental para atravesar el duelo y las transiciones vitales. Actualmente vive en Colombia, donde facilita círculos de mujeres y acompaña procesos de reconexión, resiliencia y redescubrimiento personal.Conectate con Natalia por Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliaspinel_psicoach/Conectate con Kendra Rinaldi https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/En este episodio aprenderás sobre: Una historia de amor y una despedida premonitoria: Natalia nos lleva por el viaje de su relación con Juan Carlos, su vida como familia expatriada en Perú, y la impactante historia de cómo le escribió una hermosa carta celebrando su jubilación, la cual terminó leyendo en su funeral tan solo días después. La intuición como guía en medio del trauma: Cómo una claridad inexplicable y su propia intuición le permitieron a Natalia tomar decisiones médicas y logísticas cruciales (como negarse a prolongar artificialmente la vida de su esposo) en las horas más oscuras. Señales inexplicables y sincronicidad: El asombroso momento en que Natalia y sus hijos adivinaron los cuatro dígitos de la clave del banco de Juan Carlos al primer intento, demostrando que nuestros seres queridos siguen guiándonos. "El plan de tu alma" y los acuerdos espirituales: Natalia explica cómo logró evitar el papel de víctima frente a la tragedia. A través de su camino espiritual, comprendió la partida de su esposo como un "acuerdo entre almas", cediéndole el espacio necesario para que ella aprendiera su propia lección de vida: aprender a recibir amor a manos llenas. Herramientas para sobrevivir el día a día: El papel fundamental que jugaron la terapia psicológica y la práctica constante del yoga para darle raíz, estructura y fuerza en los momentos en que el dolor no la dejaba ni levantarse de la cama. Sostener el "gris en el medio": Una reflexión final increíblemente honesta sobre la dualidad del duelo, donde Natalia confiesa que, aunque es una experiencia dolorosa que no le desea a nadie, agradece profundamente los regalos invaluables y la transformación personal que esta pérdida le ha traído.
-
246
Finding Purpose After Retirement: The T.R.U.E. Method to Happiness with Former CEO Joe Elphick
Joe Elphick is a lifelong entrepreneur and retired CEO whose book, TRUE Fulfillment, offers a pragmatic formula for creating lasting happiness in a world obsessed with temporary pleasure. Drawing on four decades building and selling a successful manufacturing company, Joe brings real-world experience to concepts scientifically studied and proven. He provides a modern, accessible path by translating longstanding truths into actionable practices.Joe’s journey began from an urge to unpack the 10 Commandments for a new generation, wanting his family and others to find true happiness. The turning point came when he realized the Commandments primarily focused on what not to do, inspiring him to create a positive, actionable framework for lasting fulfillment.Through this journey, Joe developed a unique approach to help individuals seeking deeper joy through what he calls the 10 Commitments to TRUE Happiness, explored using his signature TRUE method (Test, Reframe, Understand, Embrace).Contact Joe Elphink on LinkedInGet in touch with Kendra Rinaldi, crator and host of the podcastShow highlights: From Blue-Collar to CEO: Joe discusses his journey of growing a packaging business from a $600 piece of equipment into a $60 million company, and the unexpected void he felt upon retiring. A Playbook for Life: Why Joe wrote his book, True Fulfillment, as a legacy guide for his five grandchildren rather than to become a famous author. The T.R.U.E. Method: How to reframe negative rules, like the Ten Commandments, into positive, actionable commitments (such as turning "don't steal" into "be generous"). The Moral Obligation to be Happy: How Joe navigated the devastating loss of his brother by actively choosing gratitude and focusing on the good times they shared. Building "Mental Muscles": Joe's practical daily habit of putting one specific virtue (like "Honesty") on his Google Calendar for an entire week so he can intentionally practice it. Giving Back: A note that all proceeds from his book go to the Children's Flight of Hope, a charity that flies sick children to receive medical care.
-
245
The Silent Grief of Babyloss: Navigating Life Transitions and the Myth of "Moving On" with Shruti Trivedi
Shruti Trivedi is a transformation coach and speaker specializing in supporting mothers and professionals as they heal, reset, and thrive. She creates a compassionate space for navigating grief, pregnancy loss, burnout, and significant life transitions, ensuring her clients feel seen, supported, and safe to grow.Get in Touch with Shruti Trivedi https://blinq.me/AAcAILQ5QK3kxylXUp3S?bs=iclGet in Touch with Kendra Rinaldi for more information about being a guest or Grief Coachinghttps://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/Show Highlights: Navigating Cultural Life Transitions: Shruti opens up about immigrating to the U.S. from India at age 22, and the unique identity shifts that occur when you realize you have lived abroad longer than in your home country. The Heartbreak of Pregnancy Loss: Shruti bravely shares her journey of losing three babies, detailing a heartbreaking nine-week miscarriage and the tragic delivery of her twin boys, Yash and Raj, at 23 weeks on her oldest daughter's seventh birthday. The Pressure to "Move On": We discuss how society and loved ones often urge grieving mothers to hide their pain. Shruti describes how she suppressed her grief for years, running to the bathroom to cry between corporate IT meetings before putting a brave face back on. A Beautiful Birthday Legacy: A deeply moving story about how Shruti began secretly honoring her twin boys by etching "Y" and "R" onto her daughter's birthday cake every year, and the beautiful way her daughter eventually took over this tradition. The Power of Therapy: Shruti reveals the major turning point she experienced in 2022 when she finally sought professional help, realizing that the goal of grief isn't to "move on," but rather to move forward while continuing to honor your babies. The 3 ACE Framework: Now a transformation coach, Shruti breaks down her simple but highly effective framework for dealing with grief and life transitions: Acknowledge, Accept, and Address. Upgrading Your Emotional Health: Shruti explains why we are so quick to "upgrade" our physical fitness or financial status, but rarely invest in upgrading our mental and emotional well-being. Self-Care Isn't Selfish: We discuss the heavy burden of "mom guilt" and why setting boundaries—like taking a few minutes to finish your coffee or having a "no cooking" day—is vital for your family's overall well-being.
-
244
From Heartbreak to Helping 1 Million Families: Karen Olson on Founding Family Promise
Karen Olson, the founder and CEO emeritus of Family Promise , and author of Meant for More , whose work continues to shape how communities address family homelessness. has dedicated her life to transforming the present and futures of homeless and low-income families. Karen has rallied more than a million volunteers nationwide, fostering an extensive network of support for the vulnerable. Also, because of all the efforts of the volunteers, the organization has been able to assist over a million people experiencing homelessness.Before her remarkable transition into the realm of social advocacy, Karen demonstrated her leadership prowess as a manager at Warner-Lambert. However, her leap into the world of nonprofits truly underscored her compassionate spirit and steadfast determination.Karen’s efforts have been duly recognized, and she has received numerous awards. Some of them include President George H.W. Bush honoring her with the prestigious Annual Points of Light Award, and the New Jersey Governor’s Pride Award recognizing Karen’s remarkable social-service contributions. The American Institute of Public Service also bestowed upon her the Jefferson Award, acknowledging her tireless public-service efforts.In 2019, Karen experienced a freak accident that left her in a wheelchair. While it has changed her life, Karen continues to be involved.https://www.karenolsonauthor.com/https://familypromise.org/Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest or to be added to the NewsletterShow Highlights: Unspoken Suicide Loss: Karen recounts the tragic loss of her mother to suicide at age 12, and how she had to navigate her grief completely alone when her family refused to speak about it. A Fateful Sandwich: How a simple act of buying lunch for a homeless woman named Millie shifted Karen's trajectory from a corporate career to a life of service. Founding Family Promise: Turning her childhood pain into empathy by creating a nonprofit that has helped over one million homeless men, women, and children. The Hidden Homeless: Karen breaks down the difference between the chronically homeless and the often-invisible population of homeless families who live in cars, shelters, or doubled-up with friends. Meant for More: Discussing her book, Karen explains why true fulfillment is found in going outside of yourself to serve others rather than acquiring material things. Radical Resilience: How Karen adapted after a severe spinal cord injury from a cryotherapy accident left her in a wheelchair, including how she learned to become a left-handed impressionist painter. The Power of Receiving: The vulnerability required to accept help after a lifetime of serving others, and how Karen now views her physical therapists and aides as extended family
-
243
Why Closure is a Myth: The Philosophy of Grief and Relearning How to Live with Thomas Attig
THOMAS ATTIG holds BA and PhD degrees from Northwestern University and Washington University in St. Louis. At Bowling Green State University, while Chair, he and his colleagues established the world’s first PhD Program in Applied Philosophy. A Fellow of the International Work Group on Death, Dying, and Bereavement, he has received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Death Education from the International Network on Personal Meaning, Death Educator and Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Association for Death Education and Counseling, and the Robert Fulton Founder’s Award from the Center for Death Education and Bioethics at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse.Get in touch with Thomas Attig https://griefsheart.com/?i=1Contact Kendra Rinaldi and sign up for the newsletter https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/Show Highlights An Early Exposure to Death: Thomas shares how growing up in a large family in Illinois, where his mother actively read letters detailing the passing of relatives and took him to sit with dying family members in the hospital, uniquely set him up to be comfortable with the uncomfortable reality of death. Becoming a "One-Man Band" in Grief Studies: How Thomas shifted from studying math to applied philosophy, ultimately creating and teaching a comprehensive university course on death and dying that went beyond mere clinical or ethical issues. Grieving as "Relearning the World": Thomas reveals why traditional models like the "stages of grief" often fall short for the bereaved, proposing instead that grieving is an active, ongoing process of relearning how to live in a world that is completely changed by loss. Wisdom vs. Science: Discussing his 2025 book, Seeking Wisdom in Death's Shadows, Thomas explains why caregiving for grieving souls should focus on seeking individual wisdom rather than relying solely on "evidence-based" scientific predictability, because every soul and every loss is entirely unique. The Myth of Closure: We discuss why treating grief as a "problem to be solved" is a mistake, and why aspiring for closure is silly because relearning how to live is a lifelong, ongoing project. Defining the Vocabulary of Loss: Thomas breaks down the distinct differences between bereavement (the state of being deprived), grieving (the involuntary reactions and our deliberate responses), and mourning (traditional or culturally defined practices). Embracing "Sorrow-Friendly Practices": Exploring his book Catching Your Breath in Grief, Thomas encourages grievers to stop suppressing their emotions. He shares practical ways to attend to your soul’s pain, including journaling, exploring the arts, leaning into faith, and taking extraordinary experiences—like feeling a loved one speak to you—seriously. The Price of Love: Thomas beautifully reads a passage from his book reminding us that the pain of missing someone is the inevitable companion to the joy of sharing life with them, and that avoiding love out of fear of sorrow would cost us everything.
-
242
Navigating Spousal Loss and Solo Parenting with Samina Bari
Samina Bari is a corporate leader, 2x best-selling author, and advocate whose life and work explores how we navigate loss with courage and grace. A trusted advisor to CEOs and boards with over $40 billion in M&A transactions to her credit, she brings the same clarity and strength that defines her corporate career to her deeply personal mission of helping others rebuild after loss.After losing her husband suddenly in 2023, she began speaking and writing openly about the life-altering impact of spousal loss and the process of rebuilding after it. Her second book, Don’t Call Me Widow, offers a first-hand guide for supporting those who’ve lost a spouse, and her podcast After Life continues that mission, helping others show up with compassion in life’s hardest moments. This follows her first book, I Can, I Will, & I Did: Lessons on Life, Love, and Leadership, which shares her insights on perseverance and renewal.Through both her professional and personal journeys, Samina brings rare depth to conversations about grief, growth, and human resilience.https://saminabari.com/Contact Kendra Rinaldi https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/Episode themes: The Power of a Curated Community: Samina discusses the importance of having a reliable support system after the sudden loss of her husband, Doug, and how her friends naturally coordinated tasks—from writing the obituary to helping in the kitchen—so she could simply grieve. Practical Grief Support: Samina shares the inspiration behind her book, Don't Call Me a Widow, which serves as a firsthand guide for people who want to support grieving loved ones but don't know what to say or do. She advises against vague offers like "Is there anything I can do for you?" and suggests specific, thoughtful gestures like bringing tea, checking the mail, or just sitting in silence. The Problem with the Word "Widow": Samina explains her visceral reaction to being called a widow, noting the word's ancient origins implying someone who is useless or lacks purpose. She shares how she reframes her identity, emphasizing that she is still a wife and her husband is still her husband, he just died. Solo Parenting vs. Single Parenting: Samina clarifies the crucial distinction between single parenting (which is often by choice or circumstance, such as divorce) and solo parenting, where a surviving spouse bears 100% of the emotional burden and decision-making for their children without a sounding board. Children Are Not "Resilient" to Trauma: Samina debunks the common societal myth that grieving children are naturally resilient, highlighting that children lack the emotional maturity to process such massive loss and often manifest grief through anger, nightmares, or behavioral changes. She also shares a heartbreaking example of "parentification," where her seven-year-old daughter tried to suppress her own grief to take care of the household. Why Year Two is Harder: Samina notes that while support is heavy in the first year as you navigate administrative tasks and the initial shock, the second year can often feel more difficult because the reality sets in that the loss is forever.
-
241
Healing Modalities: Reiki, Family Constellation Therapy, and Karma Yoga Healing with Edit B. Kiss
Edit B Kiss is a holistic mentor, success habit coach, #1 best-selling author, Humanitarian Award winner, and international speaker. She specializes in guiding individuals from misery to peace within 30 days by integrating ancient healing techniques with neuroscience. Her journey from a 15-year career in petroleum engineering to holistic healing exemplifies her commitment to transformation and personal growth.https://editbkiss.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@MagicalKarmaPriestesshttps://www.instagram.com/editbkisshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/editbkiss/https://www.facebook.com/bkisseditContact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest or for coaching: https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/Show Highlights From Engineering to Healing: Edit shares her journey of growing up in communist Hungary, becoming a petroleum engineer to travel the world, and how experiencing severe panic attacks led her to seek natural, spiritual healing. Healing Modalities Explained: An easy-to-understand breakdown of what Edit practices, including Reiki (cleansing energy and raising vibration), Family Constellation Therapy (healing the family's unconscious pain), and Karma Yoga Healing (transcendental meditation). Multidimensional Trauma: Why someone might experience anxiety or triggers despite having a "perfect" childhood, and how our deep-rooted emotions can actually be tied to past lives or our ancestors' struggles. Navigating Life Transitions: Edit discusses her work with clients—often in their 40s and 50s—who are navigating divorces, grief, depression, or the heavy feeling of being lost in life. The Illusion of Control: The fascinating story of how getting let go from her corporate contracting job was a massive manifestation that pushed her into her true calling. Body, Mind, and Spirit Alignment: Practical advice for raising your vibration, including starting a Samadhi meditation practice, using nutritional supplements, and understanding why cutting out sugar, alcohol, and caffeine is vital for mental health. Edit's Books: A look into her published works, including On the Healer's Journey (a guide for lightworkers in their "cocoon phase") and her latest release, The Gap Filler Success, which combines grounded strategic action with spiritual tools like manifestation and numerology
-
240
Alzheimer's and End-of-Life Choices with Author Erica Baccus
ERICA BACCUS started her professional career in the suburbs of Chicago as an 8th grade English teacher. She went on to San Francisco to become a high-tech marketing, advertising, and research executive. She and her beloved husband John were married for 41 years. Together they lived an active and adventurous life—skiing, golfing, hiking and traveling around the world. Erica enjoys spending time with her son, stepson, stepdaughter and grandkids. Now she helps advocate and educate people about end-of-life decisions exploring the moral and ethical perils so many face. Erica is a caregiver, widow, and lived-experience expert on end-of-life autonomy for dementia. Erica’s new memoir, A PROMISE KEPT: Honoring His Wishes, Embracing Our Love [Soul Spark Press | September 30, 2025], is a clear-eyed account of honoring her husband John’s self-determined end while navigating the legal maze that forced their hand.Get in touch with Erica Baccus and order her book:EricaBaccus.comInstagramFacebook LinkedinContact Kendra Rinaldi to be odded to the newsletter, to find out about coaching or to be a guest on the show. https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/Show Themes and highlights:A 41-Year Love Story: Erica details her magical 41-year marriage to John, which was filled with deep connection, independent passions, and a cherished tradition of surprise anniversary trips.The Alzheimer's Diagnosis: We trace John's 2020 early-stage Alzheimer's diagnosis and his firm declaration that his "brain is his person" and he did not want to live in a "vegetative state".Navigating End-of-Life Laws: Erica explains why U.S. assisted dying laws fail dementia patients, leading them to seek help from Dignitas in Switzerland where the focus is solely on mental competency.The Burden of Secrecy: The couple's difficult decision to keep their end-of-life plan hidden from their wider circle to protect John's dignity and avoid defending his choice.A Final Farewell: How their family rallied to support John's final wishes, including a beautiful last weekend spent playing poker and creating memories with his children and grandchildren.Planning While Healthy: Erica’s powerful plea for listeners to make and discuss their end-of-life plans while they are still healthy, rather than during a medical crisis
-
239
Building a Will with No Overwhelm: Journey of Family Connection and Creating HeirLight with Jermaine Ee
Jermaine Ee is a founder and storyteller interested in three things: how we spend our time, the work we do, and what we leave behind. His career has zigzagged across ed‐tech, logistics, toys, political campaigns, executive search, and impact projects, but the through‐line has always been the same: helping people make better decisions about their money, careers, and futures. He’s run financial‐aid workshops in low‐income high schools, built a startup to help kids confront their fear of math, and worked inside the Venture Capital & Private Equity ecosystem, studying how talent shapes enduring companies. Through Rotary and other efforts, he has helped lead humanitarian projects from Los Angeles to Colombia, Mexico, and Ukraine, working on refugee housing, medical transport, and frontline logistics.Today, Jermaine spends most of his time on HeirLight, a simple and smart will maker designed to turn one of adulthood’s most avoided tasks into a fast, modern, emotionally intelligent experience. Born in Los Angeles and raised between LA and Malaysia, he thinks a lot about belonging, identity, and the quiet instructions we leave behind for the people we love.***Since recording the podcast HeirLight is now also available in Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Illinois by March 15.***Chekout this link to get 50% off! www.heirlight.com/en/podcast https://www.eejermaine.com/Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest or for coaching information https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/Show Highlights Navigating Migratory Grief: Jermaine discusses growing up across different countries like Malaysia and Mexico, and the grief and struggles of being the "new kid" coming back into the U.S. high school system. The Inspiration Behind HeirLight: Jermaine shares how a simple lunch conversation with his parents about retirement turned into a mission to create an unbiased, judgment-free estate planning app that helps families—particularly immigrant families—plan for the future without overwhelm. Honoring Immigrant Sacrifices: We hear a beautiful, tear-jerking story of Jermaine taking his parents back to Oklahoma to trace their first steps in the U.S., including a poignant moment at a Burger King that reminded the family of how far they've come in just one generation. Estate Planning as a Tool for Clarity: We discuss how HeirLight doesn't just record assets, but also captures the user's bucket list, helping them align their finances with what truly brings them joy and contentment today. The "Memory Dividend": Jermaine introduces the concept from the book Die With Zero, emphasizing that creating memories early in life allows you to enjoy the "dividends" of those memories for decades. Living Intentionally Before Loss: Jermaine opens up about taking his mom to Salzburg, Austria to live out her Sound of Music bucket list dream just eight days before she was suddenly hospitalized, reminding us all not to wait to live our lives.
-
238
Life After the Narcissist: Healing, Dating, and Reclaiming Your Identity with Melissa Rymer
Melissa Rymer is a certified recovery coach, author, and survivor whose work centers on helping individuals heal, rebuild, and regain self-trust after emotionally unsafe or high-conflict relationships. Using a trauma-informed and spiritually grounded approach, Melissa guides people in understanding relational dynamics, strengthening boundaries, planning safe transitions, and rebuilding financial and emotional stability to create lives rooted in clarity, confidence, and emotional safety.She is the author of Grieving the Narcissist: Mourning the Love You Thought Was Real, a book that explores one facet of the healing journey many experience after leaving an emotionally manipulative relationship. Melissa is also the co-founder of the Victim to Warrior Method, where her work emphasizes long-term recovery, personal empowerment, and life after survival.https://victimtowarriormethod.com/thegray https://www.facebook.com/v2wvictimtowarrior https://www.tiktok.com/@v2wvictimtowarrior https://www.instagram.com/v2w_victimtowarrior/ https://www.youtube.com/@v2wvictimtowarriorTo get more information about coaching with Kendra Rinaldi or being a guest on this porcast reach out. https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/Show Highlights: The "Sneak Attack" of Narcissistic Abuse: Melissa shares her personal story of meeting her ex-husband in a church recovery group, explaining how predators look for empathetic victims and mirror their lives to appear as the perfect "soulmate". The Mask Slips: A look at how the charming "Prince Charming" facade eventually falls away, leaving victims isolated, questioning their reality, and trying to fix an impossible situation. The Warning from a Professional: The pivotal moment when a marriage counselor refused to treat Melissa and her ex-husband together, privately warning Melissa that she was married to a narcissist. Understanding the Abuser's Psychology: We discuss how a narcissist's need to belittle others and their inability to accept failure actually stems from deep-rooted low self-esteem. Why It's So Hard to "Just Leave": Melissa breaks down the shame and self-isolation that keeps victims trapped, and why leaving a narcissistic relationship is a dangerous "war" that requires an exit strategy. From Victim to Warrior: How Melissa found love again with her current husband, John, and how they turned their shared experiences of surviving abuse into a business that helps others safely escape and recover. Grieving the Illusion: We explore the profound grief that comes with narcissistic abuse—validating that it is necessary to mourn the loss of the person you thought they were and the future you thought you would have
-
237
Trauma Responses vs The Portal of Grief with Lillian Eve Moore
Lillian Eve Moore is a trauma expert and teacher known for her surgical precision, radical love, and optimistic approach to transformation. With more than twenty years of experience, she helps clients resolve trauma with uncommon speed by blending somatics, nervous-system work, energy medicine, and mindset tools, teaching them to work with themselves so breakthroughs become fast and lasting.Her Treasure Hunting framework views every part of the psyche as precious material for creation. Trauma isn’t something to move past, it’s raw potential that, once alchemized, becomes the foundation for a life that wasn’t possible before. Influenced by motherhood, entrepreneurship, global travel, and a deep relationship with nature, Lillian’s work is both deeply human and profoundly efficient. Through mentoring and online programs, she guides clients into clarity, courage, and creative power.Connect with Lillian Eve Moore: https://www.lillianevemoore.com/Contact Kendra Rinaldi: https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/Show Highlights & Themes: Grief as a "Portal": Lillian explains that grief is not something to be "healed" or "fixed". Instead, it is a beautiful portal that connects us to the eternal and the transient nature of existence. Trauma vs. Grief: While grief is a natural initiation, trauma acts as "undigested information" that can block us from fully moving through the grief portal. The Past is "Fiction": Lillian shares a profound perspective that whatever you experience in your mind is real to your body, regardless of objective facts. Because of this, the stories we tell ourselves about our past trauma can be rewritten to support our healing. 3 Steps to Process Trauma: Discover a simple formula for working with trauma: 1) get in touch with the wound, 2) give it kind or accepting attention, and 3) utilize the body's natural metabolism (like walking, EFT tapping, or EMDR) to process it. Manifestation for Trauma Survivors: For those whose nervous systems are dysregulated, standard "law of attraction" advice can feel invalidating. Lillian reframes manifestation not as acquiring things, but as an identity question: "Who do I want to be?". The Treasure Hunting Framework: Learn how to retrain your brain to look for "berries instead of tigers" by actively seeking evidence of love and goodness to build a new, healed identity. Nothing Cannot Be Healed: The episode concludes with a powerful message of hope—there is absolutely nothing that cannot be healed.
-
236
What Attending Three Memorials Taught Me About Living a Purposeful Life
In this solo episode, I share my recent reflections after attending three different memorials.We often avoid going to funerals, memorials, or celebrations of life because we are afraid it will be too sad or that it will "bum us out". However, I want to share how these ceremonies can actually be incredibly inspiring and uplifting experiences centered around an immense amount of love.I discuss the beautiful and unique ways these families chose to honor their loved ones, who all lived into their 80s. You will hear about a beautiful at-home memorial that perfectly captured a mother's sense of humor with prank plastic spiders and her favorite recipe cards. I also share the story of a gentleman whose eulogy highlighted his incredible journey of moving to the United States, learning new languages, and validating his studies to build a beautiful life.Key Takeaways from this episode: Funerals are about love, not just sadness: While there is certainly grief, the core of a memorial is the immense love present for the person who passed. Personalization brings deep comfort: Honoring a loved one's specific quirks—like their love for cats, cultural food, or even playing pranks—helps attendees connect with their memory and share wonderful stories. Witnessing the end of a life can inspire the rest of yours: Hearing about these lives lived with such profound purpose deeply inspired me. Having just turned 50 myself, these memorials made me reflect on how I want to show up for my family and live my next 30 years with intentionality and presence.I invite you to listen and perhaps reconsider any reluctance you might have about attending a funeral or memorial in the future. I would also love to hear about your own experiences and what you have learned from the memorials you have attended!Contact me on my website: https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/ or on Instagram
-
235
Helping Children Process Grief: "Are You Here?" with Jenny Robinson Clark and Travis Clark
Jenny Robinson Clark is an author, former dancer and actress, and homeschooling mother of four. Inspired by motherhood, healing, and mindfulness, she wrote Are You Here?, a heartfelt children’s book exploring connection, grief, and the magical signs that remind us we are never alone. Jenny is passionate about meditation, creative living, and building meaningful moments with her family. When she’s not writing or baking sourdough, she can often be found in a hip-hop dance class with her husband, Travis Clark, her biggest supporter.Travis Clark is best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and founding member of the pop-rock band We the Kings, whose music has connected with fans around the world through heartfelt lyrics and high-energy performances. Throughout his career, he has remained passionate about creating music that brings people together and tells meaningful stories.While his accomplishments in music have shaped much of his professional journey, Travis considers his most important role to be that of a devoted husband and proud father to his four children. Family is at the heart of everything he does, inspiring both his life and his creativity. Balancing life on the road with life at home, he strives to lead with love, gratitude, and purpose — believing that his greatest success is found not on stage, but in the memories and moments shared with his family. Order your Book here www.jennyrobinsonclark.com Free Printables for ChildrenSong by We the Kings "Are you here?"Connect with Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest on the podcast or for information about Grief Coaching and Grief Education Workshops In this episode, we cover: The Inspiration Behind the Art: Jenny shares the emotional journey of moving back to Florida to care for her mother, Debbie, during her cancer treatments. She recounts the profound peace of her mother's passing at home, accompanied by a beautiful sign: three deer that laid outside her window for three days and walked away just as she took her last breath. A 3 A.M. Divine Message: After attending a Joe Dispenza retreat with the intention of reconnecting with her mom's spirit, Jenny woke up in the middle of the night and channeled a beautiful poem. Turning Grief into a Song: Travis (lead singer of We the Kings and Jenny's husband) shares how he took Jenny's late-night poem and turned it into the emotionally resonant companion song, Are You Here?,. Creating a Toolkit for Children: Jenny and Travis explain how the poem naturally evolved into a children's book. With stunning, hopeful illustrations by Elisabetta Fantone (who was also grieving the recent loss of her father), the book serves as a "toolkit" to help kids understand grief, process the unknown, and look for signs from their loved ones. Healing the Inner Child: We discuss how this book is not exclusively for children. For adults experiencing "grief brain" who cannot focus on a novel, this book offers simple, grounded beauty. It also provides an opportunity for adults to heal their "inner child" if their own childhood grief was never acknowledged or processed. A Mission over Ego: Jenny shares her ultimate mission for the book: to get it out of the stores and directly into hospitals, grieving centers, libraries, and schools to help families navigate their darkest seasons with hope and connection
-
234
Yoga for Grief and Finding Self-Compassion with Nancy Watson
Nancy Watson has been practicing yoga since the year 2000. In 2019, she experienced a traumatic loss and realized that the only thing that made her feel a tiny bit less awful was continuing to show up on her yoga mat. She completed her yoga teacher training (YTT-200) in 2022 and knew that she wanted to help others to discover the ways that yoga can be helpful in grief. She went on to achieve a certification in Compassionate Bereavement Care Yoga from the MISS Foundation and began offering Yoga for Grief classes in January 2024. Nancy is currently the only yoga teacher in the Northeast Texas area who leads yoga classes specifically for grieving individuals. She loves sharing what she calls "the yoga magic" with her participants, both in her grief-focus classes and in her "regular" yoga classes. Find her on Instagram @yogaforgriefdallas or on Facebook @yoga.for.grief.dallas.yogaforgriefdallas.comContact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest, get the newsletter or for a complimentary coaching session: https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/Show Highlights: A History of Silent Grief: Nancy reflects on losing her father to a brain tumor at age six in 1967, and how her family’s refusal to talk about him shaped her early inability to process loss. The Loss of Adam/Emily: Nancy opens up about the sudden death of her child, who was born Emily and later transitioned to Adam. She discusses the complex layers of her grief, including the feeling that she had to grieve her child twice. A Tiny Bit Less Awful: In the harrowing months following her child's death, Nancy found that stepping onto her yoga mat—even if she cried the entire time—was the only thing that made her feel a "tiny bit less awful". The Parallels of Grief and Yoga: Nancy and Kendra explore how grief, much like yoga, should be non-competitive and non-comparative. They discuss how grievers must honor wherever they are on a given day, just as a yogi must accept their daily balance on the mat. Quieting the "Mean Mind": Nancy explains how yoga breathwork helps regulate the nervous system and how mindfulness can help grievers step back from the cruel things their "mean minds" tell them. The Yoga for Grief Workbook: Nancy shares the journey of creating her workbook, which is designed for all bodies and includes short, accessible yoga flows (both floor and chair versions) and guided meditations
-
233
"Generación Sándwich" Entre Soltar a Nuestros Hijos y Cuidar a Nuestros Padres
En este episodio, quiero validar la pesadez y las emociones encontradas que trae esta encrucijada. Hablamos sobre cómo nuestros roles cambian drásticamente: pasamos de ser los "managers" de nuestros hijos a ser sus consejeros, y al mismo tiempo, nos convertimos en los cuidadores de nuestros padres. Es un proceso lleno de duelo por la dinámica familiar que conocíamos.Si te sientes abrumado tratando de estar en dos lugares a la vez, este episodio es para ti. Te comparto mis reflexiones sobre el mito del "balance" perfecto y tres herramientas fundamentales para sobrevivir esta etapa sin volverte loco: priorizar tu autocuidado (ponerse la máscara de oxígeno primero), soltar la culpa y apoyarte en tu comunidad.Quiero que sepas que te veo, te entiendo, y estás haciendo un trabajo increíble sosteniendo ambas partes de tu mundo. ¡Date mucha gracia y paciencia.Conéctate conmigo: Suscríbete a mi Newsletter mensual en mi página web para recibir información y recursos adicionales. https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/ Si estás pasando por un momento difícil y buscas acompañamiento de duelo, puedes encontrar la información de mis servicios en mi sitio web. ¡Me encantaría saber de ti! Envíame un mensaje por correo electrónico o a través de mi Instagram y cuéntame si estás pasando por algo similar y cómo lo estás navegando. Para otros episdios en Español puedes ver mi playlist en YouTube donde tengo la lista de episodios en español.
-
232
Turning the Loss of a Son into a Lifeline for Mental Health with Kathy Mullen
Kathy Mullen is an angel mom, music lover, and an adventure seeker focused on healthy, joyful living. She started Mullen’s Miracles in honor of her son, Eric, whom she lost to suicide on October 2, 2018. Even with medical personnel, trauma therapists, and recovery programs, it was overwhelming sorting through the abundance of resource options while losing the battle against time to find the help Eric so desperately needed while he was alive.“Before I left Eric’s hospital bed, I committed to helping others live healthier lives by finding ways to ‘fill the gaps’ we had experienced. Mullen’s Miracles exists to make your journey easier so your ‘Eric’ can survive and live a long, beautiful life.”https://mullensmiracles.org/Show Highlights• The Trauma of "Saving to Lose": Kathy shares the heartbreaking backstory of her son, Eric. After saving his father’s life with CPR following a massive heart attack, Eric was forced to make the decision to remove life support 18 days later—a trauma that deeply contributed to his own downward spiral.• "I Don't Know How to Live": Kathy reveals the painful reality of her son's mindset before his death. She shares that Eric told her, "Mom, I don't want to die, but I don't know how to live anymore," highlighting the distinction between wanting death and simply lacking the tools to cope with life.• Choosing Truth Over Stigma: Immediately after arriving at the hospital following Eric’s attempt, Kathy made the brave decision to tell the truth about his suicide to family and friends. She realized, "If I don't tell the truth now... I can't help anybody else not be here".• The 3-to-5 Year Reality Check: Kathy discusses the vital advice she received from her therapist, Mark, who told her that deep grief is a "three to five-year process" to find joy again. This realistic timeline helped her surrender to the journey rather than trying to rush her recovery.• Surviving Compound Grief: Kathy’s resilience is tested by extreme loss; within a seven-year span, she lost her brother, her ex-husband, her son, her father, her mother, and her father-in-law, requiring her to close out five estates while trying to survive her own grief.• Mullen’s Miracles & The 6 Pillars: We explore the founding of her nonprofit, Mullen’s Miracles, which focuses on six pillars including awareness, crisis intervention, and the mantra "We Go On." She also discusses her new app designed to help users track moods and signal friends for support.• Healing Through Music: Kathy shares her collaboration with Ross Vanelli (brother of Gino Vanelli) to create Live Like There’s No Tomorrow, an album of 11 original songs and videos designed to provide a "better space in music" for those grieving.• Signs of Love: Kathy ends on a lighter note, sharing how she stays connected to Eric through signs—specifically finding heart shapes in everything from nature to a piece of toast.Connect with Kendra Rinaldi to find out more about how to be a guest on the podcast https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/
-
231
From Pain to Poetry: Navigating Loss and Finding a Voice with Spoken Word with Tiriq Rashad Callaway
Tiriq Rashad Callaway is a spoken-word artist, recording poet, and storyteller whose work blends emotional depth, cinematic soundscapes, and lived experience. His EP When the HeArt Speaks earned official GRAMMY® consideration, and his latest album Kiss My Art has further solidified his voice across the poetry and music landscape.Featured in Ebony Magazine and celebrated by the late Nikki Giovanni—who praised him as “a poet with vision beyond his years”—Tiriq uses vulnerability, narrative, and performance to explore grief, healing, identity, and purpose. He has also taken the TEDx stage, sharing his powerful perspective on innovation, compassion, and storytelling.Through his art, Tiriq aims to move audiences toward connection, reflection, and emotional truth—one poem, performance, and project at a time."Links & Socials:• Website: tiriqrashad.comContact Kendra Rinaldi: https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/Show Highlights: The Journal as a Best Friend: Growing up in a culture where "boys don't cry," Tiriq found his emotional outlet in a notebook, which became his "therapist and counselor" to process everything from childhood responsibilities to heartbreaks. A Hero’s Passing: Tiriq shares the tragic yet heroic story of his mother, who passed away in 2021 while stopping on a highway to save a stranger from a burning vehicle—a final act of service that defined her life. The "Tug of War" on Sacrifice: Reflecting on his mother's death, Tiriq discusses the internal conflict between honoring her selfless legacy and his own need to preserve his life for his children. The "Achilles Moment": After tearing his Achilles tendon and losing a corporate job opportunity, Tiriq was forced to sit still and reflect, leading him back to his true purpose of writing and creating his memoir. Navigating Compound Grief: Tiriq opens up about the immense weight of losing his brother, his mother, and his unborn daughter in a short span of time, and how he used art to heal. Self-Care is Not Selfish: Through his song "No Regrets," Tiriq emphasizes that prioritizing your own mental health is essential, as you cannot be a light for your family or community if you do not take care of yourself first.
-
230
Grief in Young Adulthood with Hannah Rumsey
Hannah Rumsey is a writer, certified Grief Educator, and the podcast host of Friends Missing Friends. After the death of her beloved friend Lauren in 2015, she noticed a stark lack of friend-loss resources. To fill this gap, she launched the Friends Missing Friends Collective—an affordable online membership for friend-loss grievers to get 1:1 and group support. Her mission is to speak out about this disenfranchised grief, and nurture a community where folks grieving friends feel seen, heard, and understood.Contact Hannah Rumsey: : friendsmissingfriends.comhttps://www.instagram.com/friendsmissingfriends/ https://www.facebook.com/friendsmissingfriends Grief Groups through the Friends Missing Friends Collective: friendsmissingfriends.com/griefgroupContact Kenddra Rinaldi https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/In this episode, we cover:• The Gift of "One Last Summer": Hannah shares the beautiful story of meeting her friend Lauren at Interlochen Arts Camp and how Lauren, though younger, gave Hannah the gift of one last childhood summer before adulthood set in.• The Trauma of Digital Grief: We discuss the jarring reality of finding out about a loved one's death via social media. Hannah recounts the heartbreaking moment she went to post a "Happy Birthday" message on Lauren's Facebook wall, only to discover "Rest in Peace" posts instead.• Grief in Young Adulthood: We explore the unique disorientation of losing a peer at age 23. Hannah explains how this "out of order" loss shattered her ability to create a "five-year plan" because the concept of a future felt impossible to grasp.• From Perfectionism to Improv: Hannah details her radical pivot from being a classical trumpet player to studying Improv comedy in Chicago. She explains how Improv became a survival mechanism, forcing her to live entirely in the "present moment" because looking ahead was too painful.• Friend Loss as Disenfranchised Grief: We define "Disenfranchised Grief" and discuss why society often invalidates the loss of a friend. Hannah shares her frustration with Googling "friend loss support" and only finding resources for pet loss.• Internalized Disenfranchisement: We talk about the concept of "Name it to Tame it." Hannah explains that because society didn't validate her pain, she began to feel like she was "going crazy" or overreacting, until she learned that her grief was real and valid.• Friends Missing Friends: How Hannah turned her isolation into community by creating the Friends, Missing Friends Collective to support others navigating this specific type of loss.
-
229
Collective Grief & The Ecosystem of Healing: Why You Don't Have to Carry It All
In this vulnerable solo episode, I am sharing my heart regarding the emotional weight of these past few weeks. Recently, it really hit home for me when some teenagers from my daughter's school here in Texas died in a tragic sledding accident during a rare ice storm. When you combine a local tragedy like that with the grief of injustices, war, and shattered families happening all around the world, our nervous systems can tighten, and the collective grief can feel like too much to carry.We often feel a pressure to speak up publicly or post on social media, fearing that if we don't, we aren't doing enough. But in this episode, I want to remind you that we are all part of an "ecosystem" of life—kind of like a potluck dinner where everyone brings a different dish. Some of us bring activism, while others bring art, prayer, laughter, or a quiet presence, and all of these roles are necessary for change.In this episode, I touch on:• The Pressure to Perform: Releasing the guilt of not publicly speaking out on every tragedy and understanding that your role might look different than someone else's.• The Ecosystem of Change: How to identify if your role today is to be on the front lines, or if your role is to rest so you can hold space for others tomorrow.• Nervous System Regulation: Why we need to pause when we feel overwhelmed—because if we are all crumbling, we can't hold anyone else up.• Micro-Acts of Love: How small things, like smiling at a stranger, checking on a friend, or dropping off a meal, are powerful ways to tend to the collective grief.• Curating Your Peace: The importance of breathing, moving your body, and setting boundaries around how much news and social media you consume.I want to invite you to give yourself permission to feel whatever you are feeling—whether that is freezing, crying, or needing to retreat. We cannot fix everything, but we can always tend to someone.Sending you all so much love.https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/
-
228
Senior Living Made Simple: How to Have "The Talk" and Let Go of Guilt with Shari Ross
Shari Ross is the author of Senior Living Made S.I.M.P.L.E.™ and creator of the companion workbook and toolkit designed to help families take clear, practical steps through the senior living journey with a clear path forward. She is also the founder of the Senior Living Made S.I.M.P.L.E.™ brand, where she has built a reputation for simplifying complex decisions and leading families toward the right solutions with compassion and expertise. An award-winning senior living sales specialist, Shari spent over a decade guiding hundreds of families through the challenges of assisted living, memory care, and long- term planning. Her expertise has made her a frequent guest on national podcasts and a featured speaker for organizations and events dedicated to aging, caregiving, and family transitions.A graduate of NYU and long-time Southern California resident with East Coast roots, Shari combines her professional expertise with her personal journey. She continues to guide her own aging parents through their next steps while raising two young adult children, giving her an authentic, empathetic perspective that resonates deeply with the families she serves. Her mission is to transform aging from overwhelming to empowering. Through her signature S.I.M.P.L.E.™ Method, she equips families with a framework to make informed senior living decisions, helping them move forward with a clear path forward, dignity, and peace of mind.https://www.seniorlivingmadesimple.com/ Amaon Book Amazon Workbook IG @seniorlivingwithshariConnect with Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest on the podcast or to joing the newsletterShow Highlights:• The S.I.M.P.L.E. Framework: Shari breaks down her acronym designed to guide families through the maze of senior living: Support, Information, Matching, Preparation, Letting Go, and Engagement.• Redefining Identity: We discuss the profound shift that occurs when you allow professionals to take over the caregiving duties, enabling you to step back into your original role as a son, daughter, or spouse.• Navigating Guilt and "Stuff": Shari explains the two layers of "Letting Go": releasing the physical accumulation of a lifetime and releasing the emotional weight of guilt that suggests you aren't doing enough.• Language Matters: Why words like "facility" or "institution" create fear, and how shifting our vocabulary to "community" or "apartment" can change the tone of the conversation.• The Grief of Relocation: We acknowledge that moving brings legitimate grief over the loss of a home and independence, even when it leads to a gain in community, safety, and purpose.• Proactive vs. Reactive: The importance of having these difficult conversations early—before a fall or medical emergen
-
227
Shame vs. Guilt: Understanding the Core of Emotional Healing with Ken MIller
Ken Miller is a speaker, coach, and author whose life story is a powerful testament to the human capacity for betrayal, breakthrough, and becoming. Born into difficult circumstances and raised in a home marked by both love and trauma, Ken's early life was anything but easy. Despite the odds, he excelled academically, becoming a National Merit Scholar and eventually graduating from an Ivy League university—achievements that reflected his immense potential.But life took a dark turn. Struggles with addiction and a series of poor decisions led Ken into a cycle of homelessness, incarceration, and despair. He went from prestigious classrooms to prison cells, from hopeful beginnings to rock bottom. Through it all, he carried the weight of regret and the fear that his story might end in tragedy. Yet, in the depths of that darkness, Ken made a decision that would change everything: to rebuild his life, one small, intentional choice at a time.Released from prison with nothing but a box of belongings and $28 to his name, Ken began the long, challenging road of reclaiming his life. That journey, fueled by courage, accountability, and an unrelenting commitment to growth, led him to become the man he is today—a thriving entrepreneur, mentor, and voice of hope for those who feel trapped by their past.Ken now uses his story to inspire others, proving that where you’ve been doesn’t have to determine where you’re going. He speaks to schools, organizations, and individuals across the country, sharing a message of identity, transformation, and the power of choice. His mission is clear: to show that no matter how far someone has fallen, it is always possible to rise, rebuild, and thrive.www.kenmillerspeaks.comShow Topics:• The Broken Scholar: How a violent upbringing led an Ivy League student into a 30-year spiral of alcoholism and addiction.• Shame vs. Guilt: Understanding the difference between being "shame-based" (a state of being) and "guilt-based" (a verb of action), and how this distinction saves lives.• The Four Pillars of Wellness: How Ken rebuilt his life by focusing on his physical, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional health.• Taking Power from Secrets: The necessity of "walking through the doors" of past trauma and turning on the light to find forgiveness and healing.• Redefining Masculinity: The 1998 turning point when Ken heard the phrase "today I am a kind and gentle man" and decided to make that his life’s mission.• From Survival to Service: Why Ken now focuses on being "good" rather than "great" and how he gives back through mentoring and speakingContact Kendra Rinaldi to be on the podcast or more information about the services she offers and to sign up for the newsletter. https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/
-
226
La Meditación: Una Herramienta de Cambio con Natalia Varela
Natalia Varela, socia fundadora de ArteUmano, es una de las 230 instructoras internacionales certificada para llevar el trabajo del Dr. Joe Dispenza “NeuroChange Solutions” al mundo corporativo. Más de 25 años de experiencia en el mundo corporativo en las áreas de Recursos Humanos y Desarrollo Organizacional`. Está convencida que las organizaciones crecen de adentro hacia afuera. Por esta razón le apasiona ayudar a las personas en sus procesos de desarrollo, crecimiento y transformación. Por medio de conceptos y herramientas de neurociencia ayuda a las personas a comprender la conexión entre del cerebro con el cuerpo como parte fundamental para lograr cambios permanentes en cualquier ámbito de la vida.www.arteumano.comIntragram: arteumano_auPuntos Destacados:•Reprogramación Cerebral: El 95% de nuestros pensamientos son inconscientes y automáticos; a través de la neuroplasticidad, podemos "podar" conexiones antiguas y crear nuevos patrones de pensamiento.• Acompañamiento en el Duelo: Natalia relata cómo la meditación junto a su padre en el hospital fue una herramienta sanadora que ayudó a ambos a reducir la ansiedad y encontrar paz antes de su partida.• Ruptura de Adicciones Emocionales: El cuerpo se vuelve adicto a las hormonas del estrés (cortisol/adrenalina); la meditación permite observar y romper el ciclo vicioso de victimización o culpa.• Supervivencia vs. Creación: Al meditar, pasamos del "modo supervivencia" (estrés persistente) al "modo creación", activando el sistema nervioso parasimpático para evitar enfermedades causadas por emociones atrapadas.• Maternidad Consciente: Natalia utiliza la neurociencia para entender que los niños no tienen el cerebro totalmente desarrollado para controlarse; esto le permite ayudarlos a regularse en lugar de engancharse en sus conflictos.• Herramientas Prácticas: Destaca el uso del "Diario de los 5 minutos" para iniciar el día con gratitud e intención, y la regla de los 90 segundos, que es el tiempo que tardan los químicos de una emoción en disminuir mediante la respiración.___________________________________________________________________________________Si deseas mas informacion sobre los servicios que ofrece Kendra Rinaldi:• Sesiones de Coaching de Duelo: Un espacio personalizado y seguro para trabajar en tu proceso individual.• Eventos Virtuales: Talleres y encuentros diseñados para brindar apoyo y herramientas prácticas de sanación.• Comparte tu historia: Este podcast es un espacio para la comunidad que hemos formado. Si sientes que tu testimonio puede ayudar a otros a transitar su dolor, me encantaría que fueras mi próximo invitado para relatar tu historia.Puedes contactarme directamente [email protected]://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/Instagram: @griefgratitudepodcast Recuerda que, aunque el duelo es un proceso personal, no tienes que recorrerlo a solas.
-
225
The Waves of Grief with Rev. Kate J. Meyer
Rev. Kate J. Meyer, LPC, is an ordained minister and licensed professional counselor who has worked in both private practice and hospice care. She is passionate about bringing grief into the light so that all grievers know how to move forward in a healthy, life-giving manner. Kate is the author of the newly published Navigating the Waves of Grief and its predecessor Faith Doesn’t Erase Grief, along with The Red Couch and The Yellow Dress, the first two novels in her fiction series Lake Harbor Chronicles. Kate is a dog mom living with her husband in Western Michigan.Facebook: @katejmeyer1 Instagram: @kate.j.meyer.author TikTok:@katejmeyerauthor www.katejmeyer.com Show Highlights• Finding the "Soul Spot": Reverend Kate Meyer shares how her path led her through youth ministry and seminary to healthcare chaplaincy and hospice, finally landing in bereavement care, which she recognizes as her "soul spot" where she feels truly energized.• Faith Doesn't Erase Grief: Meyer discusses her book, Faith Doesn't Erase Grief, which addresses the guilt and conflict experienced by believers who feel they are "supposed to simply rejoice that my person is in heaven" instead of feeling sorrow. She emphasizes that grief is a "whole being experience" that must address physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects.• Spirituality vs. Religion: The interview explores the difference between religion and spirituality, noting that grief significantly impacts spiritual topics like connection, meaning, purpose, and identity, regardless of religious affiliation.• Grief is Non-Linear: Discussing her most recent book, Navigating the Waves of Grief, Meyer offers an active, non-linear framework structured by the broad themes of Connection, Emotions, Identity, and "Through". She cautions against using prescriptive models like the stages of grief, which were written for the dying, not the grievers.• The "Both and" of Loss: Meyer explains that grief is a "both and" experience, meaning it is natural and okay to move forward, find happiness, and still miss the person who "was supposed to be at that event".• Advice for Helpers: Meyer offers concrete advice for those supporting grievers, urging them to name the deceased person, avoid using the word "still," and make concrete offers of help, as the "grieving brain just can't handle" vague offers.Get in touch with Kendra Rinaldi https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/Follow on Instagram and send me a message about what takeaways you had from listening to this episode.
-
224
Navigating Stage Four Cancer, Grief, and Honoring Raffaella's Legacy with Danny Lesslie
Danny Lesslie is a widower, devoted father of two daughters, and an entrepreneur whose life and work are deeply rooted in storytelling, resilience, and faith. As a coach, speaker, and writer, Danny brings authenticity and hope to audiences navigating life’s most difficult transitions.He and his late wife, Raffaella Dobles, co-authored Thank You, Cancer, a powerful memoir that chronicles their shared journey through Raffaella’s five-year battle with Stage 4 cancer. Woven from Raffaella’s journal entries during her illness and Danny’s reflections after her passing, the book is both a tribute to a remarkable woman and a testament to the enduring strength of love.https://dannylesslie.co/Instagram @momentumwithdannyShow Highlights• Love and Humor as a "Safe Home": Danny shares how his wife, Raffaella, immediately caught his attention with her "lightning fast wit," a humor that became a "safe home" for them throughout their whole relationship, even to the "very, very end".• Navigating Stage Four Cancer: Danny recounts the five-year battle with stage four vulvar cancer. Despite being "diametrically opposed" on treatment paths when the disease recurred, they chose unity, realizing that supporting Raffaella's choice was the most "powerful thing in our marriage".• Miracles Through Sharing: The couple's financial resources were constantly "drained," forcing them to "swallow your ego" and share their story. Danny describes the "mind blowing" support they received, including a GoFundMe that raised over $50,000, which meant they could continue treatment and "make it through the next... years of struggle" [51, 20:34].• Honoring the Legacy: Danny fulfilled their shared dream by writing the book, Thank You, Cancer, which intertwines his perspective with Raffaella's "original unedited words" and powerful moments of divine grace, ensuring that her remarkable story is told.Connect with Kendra Rinaldi either for coaching or to be a guest on the podcast https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/
-
223
Beyond Rehab: The Emotional Journey of Stroke Recovery with Debra Meyerson and Steve Zuckerman
Debra Meyerson was previously a tenured professor at Stanford University, where she studied, wrote, lectured, and taught about diversity, gender, identity, and organizational change. In September 2010, her life and career were derailed by a severe stroke that initially left her paralyzed on the right side, and completely mute. Years of intensive therapy and a relentless work ethic enabled Deb to regain her independence, but she still lives with physical limitations and speech challenges. She wrote Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves After Stroke to help other survivors and those closest to them navigate an emotional journey that she found very difficult—and rewarding.Steve Zuckerman is Debra’s husband and life partner since 1988, and her care partner since her stroke in 2010. He had a successful first career as a business leader and then launched West Coast operations for Self-Help, a nationally recognized economic justice nonprofit. After co-founding Self-Help Federal Credit Union and serving as president for 12 years, Steve stepped out of his leadership role in 2020 to cofound and build Stroke Onward with Debra – working to catalyze change in the system of stroke care. Links: To learn more about some of the things discussed in this podcast, please see the links below: Stroke Onward website: Stroke Onward Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves After Stroke: Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves After Stroke Stroke Onward Community Circle (SOCC): Sign in | Stroke Onward Stroke Onward Gatherings: Stroke Onward | Gatherings WCNY Documentary: Inclusive Sports | Stroke Across America: Trauma, Adaptation, Purpose | PBSEpisode Highlights• The "Second Trauma": Debra discusses the identity crisis she faced when her university medical leave ended, forcing her to realize she could not return to her life as a tenured Stanford professor.• Stroke as a Family Illness: The couple shares how trauma shifts family roles, including how their daughter learned that vulnerability is a form of strength rather than weakness.• Toxic Positivity vs. Action: Steve and Debra explain why "sugary positivity" can be harmful and how practical help—like a friend volunteering to walk their dog—offers true support.• Rehabilitation vs. Recovery: Steve highlights the gap in the medical system between physical rehabilitation (fixing function) and emotional recovery (rebuilding a rewarding life).• Combatting Isolation: The hosts discuss their cross-country cycling trip, where they connected with some of the 7 million U.S. stroke survivors who often feel deeply isolated.• New Tools for Aphasia: The discussion covers the second edition of their book, Identity Theft, which explores how AI voice technology can assist survivors.Contact Kendra Rinaldi if you'd like more information about coaching with her, having her as a guest speaker or being a guest the podcast. https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/
-
222
Processing Grief Through Storytelling with Tim Cummings
Tim's debut novel, Alice the Cat (Fitzroy Books) was chosen as an American Book Awards 'Best Book' Finalist for 2023, received a Bronze Medal in the 2024 Feathered Quill Book Awards, and is a Finalist in both the 2024 National Indies Excellence Awards for Teen Fiction and the Independent Author Network's Book of the Year Awards. His second novel, The Lightning People Play (Black Rose Writing) in the summer of 2025. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University Los Angeles and a BFA from NYU/Tisch School of the Arts. He has appeared in 200+ projects across theatre, film, television, voice-over, and new media. Recent publications include F(r)iction, Scare Street, Lunch Ticket, MeowMeow PowPow, From Whispers to Roars, Drunk Monkeys, Hare's Paw, Lit Angels, The Wax Paper, Excerpt, and Critical Read/RAFT, for which he won the ‘Origins’ contest for his essay, "You Have Changed Me Forever." Tim is an octopus and spider enthusiast. He goes wild for anything with eight legs. He recently discovered he is a masterful hula hooper and can whirl nonstop for eons. He possesses enviable collections of stickers, labradorite, night-sky projector lights, vintage vinyl, and rare first-edition hardcover copies of some of his favorite novels. No one has ever made a better vat of chili, and his lasagna is infallible. He teaches writing for UCLA Extension Writers' Program, The Townies Inc. in Ojai, runs private workshops, and coaches authors.https://www.timcummings.ink/ https://www.instagram.com/octospark/Show Highlights / ThemesStorytelling as Service Tim Cummings, UCLA instructor and author of Alice the Cat and The Lightning People Play. Writing as a “time machine” to reconnect with younger selves. Transforms trauma into light, using storytelling as service.Art as Lifeline & Found Family Acting became a lifeline after losing his mother at 16. Theater community offered belonging after bullying. His work champions marginalized voices and underdogs.Navigating Grief Tim has endured profound family loss. Writing and movement (like dance aerobics) became healing practices. His advice: feel your feelings — they are the way through.Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest on the show or to inquire about grief coaching sessionshttps://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/ Email : [email protected] on Instagram
-
221
The Power of Parallel Paths: Navigating Radical Loss, Uncertainty, and Resilience with Rebecca Faye Smith Galli
Rebecca (Becky) Faye Smith Galli is an author, columnist, and advocate who writes about love,loss and healing. Surviving significant losses—her seventeen-year-old brother’s death; her son’sdegenerative disease and subsequent death; her daughter’s autism; her divorce; and nine days later, her paralysis from transverse myelitis, a rare spinal cord inflammation that affects one in a million—has fostered an unexpected but prolific writing career. Her website (BeckyGalli.com) houses over 400 published columns. Her books, Rethinking Possible – A Memoir of Resilience (2017) and Morning Fuel – Daily Inspirations to Stretch Your Mind Before Starting Your Day(2024) reflect what she believes: “Life can be good—no matter what.” She continues to write Thoughtful Thursdays—Lessons from a Resilient Heart, a column for her subscriber family that shares what’s inspired her to stay positive.Contact Rebecca Faye Smith Galli https://rebeccafayesmithgalli.com/ List of Topics:• Author Introduction: Rebecca Faye Smith Gali (Becky) is introduced as an author, columnist, and advocate who writes about love, loss, and healing. Discussion includes her books: Rethinking Possible, a Memoir of Resilience and Morning Fuel, Daily Inspiration.• Early Loss and Resilience: Discussing the death of her 17-year-old brother, Forrest, in a water skiing accident when Rebecca was 20, and observing the vastly different ways her parents grieved (one public, one private).• The Power of Structure: How structure (like college classes) and avoiding isolation helped her move through initial grief, noting that resilience is a muscle that requires work and mindfulness.• The Parallel Paths Concept: Learning about the powerful concept of pursuing parallel paths (e.g., hoping her son would outgrow seizures while also preparing for the reality that he might not) to manage the "immobility of uncertainty".• Navigating Complex Family Dynamics: Discussing her son Matthew's epilepsy and subsequent death at age 15, raising her daughter Madison with autism, and consciously deciding to pursue an "amazing divorce" after three years of intensive counseling.• Sudden Illness and Acceptance: Being paralyzed from the waist down by transverse myelitis and using the parallel paths concept in her health journey. She recounts her "big toe moment," realizing acceptance meant reinvesting the energy spent on hope into "living fully in the life I had".• Three Tools for Navigating Grief: The essential strategies Rebecca uses: being honest about feelings (including anger and chronic disappointment), seeking resources (professional help, nature, support), and keeping moving by finding one small thing to be grateful for.• The Importance of Perspective: The reminder that "life can be good no matter what".• Avoiding Comparison: Using the analogy of the Dalmatian and the Chihuahua in the mud to illustrate that everyone's grief journey is different, and comparison should be avoided.Contact Kendra Rinaldi for coaching or to be a guest on the podcast https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/
-
220
Children's Books to Open Grief Conversations with Diane Namm
Diane Namm is a book author with over 65 titles (children's, YA, and non-fiction adult). Her most recent picture book What Happens After? is about losing someone you love, respecting the grieving process, and finding a way forward. Kirkus Reviews describes it as “A simple, emotionally effective exploration of loss.https://www.instagram.com/dianenamm/https://www.amazon.com/What-Happens-After-Diane-Namm/dp/B0DNF5988Rhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221620126-what-happens-afterhttps://www.dianenamm.comBrief List of Topics in the Podcast: Children's Author Perspective: Diane Namm, author of over 65 titles, shares her journey from working as a children's book editor in New York to writing full-time in Los Angeles. Dual Audience Approach: Her picture book, What Happens After, is written for the "dual audience response" of both children and adults, serving as a "hug" and a conversation starter. The Power of Direct Language: The book intentionally avoids common euphemisms (like "passed on") and uses the clear word "dies" to address the "elephant in the room" directly, providing a clear springboard for discussion. Validating Grief: Diane used the writing process as a cathartic experience to validate big feelings for children and emphasize that there is no timeline or deadline for mourning. Honoring Legacy: The discussion focuses on how to keep the person in your life by incorporating memories into holidays and routines, stressing the real value in not forgetting them. Pre-Loss Reading: A key takeaway is the value of reading the book with loved ones before they die to gather information (like favorite songs or memories) that helps children know how to honor the loved one later.To be on the newsletter subscribe on the website https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/To contact Kendra Rinaldi email her at [email protected]
-
219
Honoring My Parents' Wedding Anniversary with Kendra Rinaldi
Welcome to a solo episode where I discuss a very personal topic: honoring and celebrating my parents' wedding anniversary (October 29th) even though my mom died nine years ago and my dad has since remarried.I share the fascinating, intercultural love story of how my Italian-American father, who was traveling in South America, met my Colombian mother. This date is where our family started, and I feel strongly about continuing to honor that legacy.I also share the bittersweet memories attached to this time of year. This period holds the anniversary of their wedding, but also the anniversary of my mom's passing in November. I reflect on the magical and miraculous way my mother followed a hunch to travel to Orlando right before she died, which ensured all of us siblings were able to be present when she took her last breath.It’s okay to honor these complex dates and allow the emotions—the grief, the joy, and the immense gratitude—to come through.Thank you for tuning in! If you feel inspired, please subscribe to my newsletter via the website, or check out my subscription content on Apple Podcast for additional bonus episodes. If you have a story to share, email me at [email protected]://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/
-
218
Financial Preparedness and Community in Widowhood with Pam Baker
Pam Baker is the founder and CEO of Widows Who Wine™, a national community and app designed to help widows rediscover connection, support, and joy after profound loss. After losing her husband, Jon, to glioblastoma in 2021, Pam turned her personal experience into purpose—becoming an author and podcast host to guide others through the complexities of grief and estate planning. She is the author of Where’s the Key to the Safe? and hosts two podcasts: The Lost Love Stories, which offers heartfelt conversations for anyone who has lost someone they love, and Coffee, Cancer & Cocktails, a candid and compassionate space to discuss the messy intersections of illness, caregiving, and resilience. A seasoned philanthropist and community leader, Pam and her team have raised millions for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation following the diagnoses of two of her children. Based in Roswell, Georgia, she is the proud mother of four young adults and is known for opening her heart and home to a life filled with purpose, people, and plenty of laughter.https://lastinglegacyconsulting.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bakereed/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/pambaker1818/ https://www.facebook.com/pam.r.baker.5/ Show Highlights: Background: Pam and her husband, John (a financial advisor), were married for 24 years. Pam's experience navigating her children's cystic fibrosis (CF) diagnosis prepared her for John's aggressive glioblastoma. John lived three years after his diagnosis, passing peacefully at home. Pam and John created the Facebook Live series, Coffee, Cancer, and Cocktails, to control their narrative. Pam's current podcast, The Lost Love Stories, encourages sharing honest memories of lost loved ones. Community (Widows Who Wine): Pam created this social group for women to find sisterhood and thrive after loss, as existing grief support often had a heavy religious overtone. Financial Preparedness: Where's the Key to the Safe? is a workbook designed to help manage the "business of death" and prevent major financial decisions during "grief fog.Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest or for Grief Coaching [email protected] up for the NEWSLETTER
-
217
Reprocessing Trauma with Jennifer Schrappe, LPCC
Jennifer Schrappe LPCC-S has been a therapist for over twenty years, specializing in trauma. She is the Founder and Director of Chrysalis Enterprises, a private counseling practice in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to her work at Chrysalis, she is also a professional speaker. Jennifer has created the Heal Your Money Stuff, Calm Your Life program for those who struggle with ongoing money management issues, and is developing a program for entrepreneurs who are in recovery from food addiction.www.jenniferschrappe.com@jenniferschrappelpcc (Instagram)Show Highlights:This episode features Jennifer Schrappe, a licensed professional clinical counselor and supervisor specializing in trauma and emotional woundedness. The discussion centers on various healing modalities and how unresolved pain impacts daily life.Trauma Expertise and Personal MotivationJennifer Schrappe utilizes IFS-informed (Internal Family Systems Informed) therapy as a trauma therapist. Her path was driven by a deep desire to help others avoid the pain she experienced, particularly relating to internalizing blame for her parents’ divorce and a resultant 40-year food addiction.Healing Childhood Wounds (IFS)Schrappe guides clients to connect with the wounded child part (e.g., a 10-year-old) to unburden its pain and find safety and compassion. This process allows the client’s emotional protectors (like anxiety or the inner critic) to calm down, as they realize they are no longer reacting to pain from decades ago.Neutralizing Recent Trauma (RRT)For recent traumatic incidents, she may use Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT) to neutralize the traumatic effect and stop the brain from "looping" the memory (causing flashbacks or intrusive thoughts). RRT leverages neuroplasticity by having the client remain in a calm, safe place while the therapist retells the traumatic memory with purposefully incorrect details, forcing the brain to relearn the memory without the trauma and sting.Life Impact and Self-ProtectionUnresolved trauma and anxiety can affect all aspects of life, including relationships, money management, and work. Jennifer views unhealthy or unproductive behaviors as self-protective responses. She also emphasizes that struggles like depression are not personal failings but signs that an internal part is "crying out for help".Programs and Entrepreneur SupportHer work extends to webinars and programs, such as "Heal Your Money Stuff" and "Calm Your Life Program," addressing how internal parts interfere with daily functioning, specifically around money management patterns (e.g., fear spending, guilt spending). She is also developing support for entrepreneurs navigating addiction recovery or emotional struggles that crash with their business endeavors.To sign up forthe podcst Newsletter go to https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/Send me an email and let me know what you found impactful about this episode and if you have suggestion for other topics [email protected]
-
216
Surviving Stage 4 Cancer and the Unimaginable Loss of a Son to Suicide with Andy Campbell
Andy Campbell is a resilient survivor and inspirational author who has overcome numerous life-altering challenges—a victim of childhood sexual abuse and bullying, the loss of his mother at an early age, and the eventual estrangement from his father, his battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, and the loss of his youngest son to suicide. Despite enduring multiple surgeries, grueling chemotherapy treatments, and the tragic loss of his youngest child, he has demonstrated remarkable strength and perseverance, and developed a deep understanding of resilience and knows firsthand what it takes to overcome monumental challenges. To share with others what he has learned through his experiences, Andy has written Overcoming Life’s Toughest Setbacks: 15 Breakthrough Core Beliefs to Transform Challenges into Opportunities!. In this book readers can access actionable insights from the 15 Core Beliefs crafted to empower us to navigate through life’s labyrinth. Your journey from experiencing life’s storms to dancing in its rain unfolds in this book’s insightful examples.www.askandycampbell.comShow Notes: Essential Topics The Power of the Physician: Andy details the need to seek a true "physician"—one with "insatiable curiosity" who partners with the patient—rather than a statistic-focused doctor. A New Approach to Illness: Andy deliberately chooses to "struggle against" cancer, viewing the cells as defective rather than malicious, which helped him manage anger and cortisol levels. The Metastasizing Pain of Suicide: He discusses the shift from feeling parental guilt to realizing he had "zero control" over his son’s decision. Andy explains the horrific truth that the pain of suicide does not end with the person but "metastasizes" onto remaining loved ones "like a cancer". Putting Your Helmet On: A core life philosophy: you must "put your helmet on before you need it" by engaging in health, mental health, and physical care before crisis hits. Irreplaceable Threads: Andy emphasizes that every human is an "irreplaceable thread in the fabric of the universe" and encourages listeners to struggle to stay alive and leave an aspirational legacy. The 15 Core Beliefs: These phrases act as the "rope bridge" that connects a person from complete devastation back to making slow progress. Final Wisdom: "Do not take out of the creator’s hands the ability to move the universe in your favor".To find out more information about working with Kendra Rinaldi https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/event-details/lets-connect-15-minute-discovery-callTo be a guest on the podcast https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/book-online
-
215
A Mother Grieving Her Young-Adult Son's Death with Sally McQuillen
Sally McQuillen, LCSW, CADC, is a psychotherapist in private practice specializing in addiction recovery, grief and trauma healing. An avid reader with a double major in writing and dance criticism in college, she began working in public relations and marketing prior to obtaining her master’s degree in social work. Reaching for Beautiful is Sally’s first book. She and her husband live on the north shore of Chicago where they raised their three children.https://www.sallymcquillen.com/ Key topics in this conversation include: The Nature of Grief: Sally describes grief as a complex experience where many deep emotions can exist at once. She and Kendra discuss how past losses don't always prepare you for new ones, and even with coping tools, they may not be accessible in the moment of trauma. A Family's Journey with Addiction: Sally opens up about the legacy of addiction in her family, from her father to her own recovery, and finally to her son's struggles. She shares how she became fully transparent about her past when Christopher needed help at age 16. The Loss of Christopher: Christopher passed away in a canoeing accident with three friends during a college break. After being sober for three years, he had relapsed, wanting to fit in with his fraternity brothers. The tragedy of multiple families losing their children at once was an overwhelming and traumatic experience. Parenting from Love Over Fear: Sally reflects on parenting Christopher from a state of "fight or flight" and emphasizes the importance of parents calming their own nervous systems. She found that consciously letting go of fear deepened her connection with her son before he passed away. Signs and Hope: Sally's belief that Christopher is still alive in spirit has been fundamental to her survival. A pivotal conversation on an airplane introduced her to A Course in Miracles, which reinforced her path of choosing love over fear. Honoring Christopher's Legacy: Sally and her family keep Christopher's memory alive by supporting two charities in his name: The Penguin Project for young adults with special needs and the In Balance Ranch Academy, which provides scholarships for addiction treatment. A Message of Hope: Sally offers a powerful message to any parent who has lost a child: the loss is survivable, even when it feels impossible. She aims to offer hope to others walking this difficult path.Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest on the podcast Inquire about a Free Discovery Coaching Call with Kendra Rinaldi
-
214
Writing for Her Inner Child with Randi Pearlman Wolfson
Randi Pearlman Wolfson is a Los Angeles based grief educator and author. After experiencing the death of her dad when she was ten years old, it became her life-long dream to provide hope and healing to grieving children and adults. For over twenty years, she has educated the community, including mental health professionals, clergy, students, teachers, and various other professionals, on the topic of grief.As founder/writer at Grief & GRITS™ on Facebook and Instagram, Randi provides a caring heart and voice for little grievers™ and adult grievers. She is the author of “Eddie’s Brave Journey: How one little elephant learned all about grief” a story for the littlest of grieving hearts. To learn more about her book please go to: EddiesBraveJourney.comShow Highlights Meet Randi Pearlman Wolfson: Introducing Randi, the founder of the popular grief community Grief and Grits and author of the children's book, Eddie's Brave Journey. A Lifelong Griever: Randi shares how the death her father when she was 10 in 1966 shaped her life, combining her personal experience with over a decade of professional work in the grief space. Writing for Her Inner Child: Randi's book, Eddie's Brave Journey, was written for her own 10-year-old self. In 1966, there were no children's grief books, so she created the resource she never had. The Story of Eddie: The book follows a little elephant named Eddie grieving his grandpa. Elephants were chosen because they are known to grieve as a community. The story uses direct language like "died" and teaches kids they can hold two feelings at once. Grief in Everyday Moments: Randi and Kendra discuss how small, daily disappointments (like a meal not turning out right or a friend canceling) are also forms of grief, and how these can be used to teach children about loss before they experience a major death. Talking About Grief Isn't Always Sad: Randi explains that creating a safe space for grief to "come out" is one of the greatest honors of her life and not inherently sad. Identifying as a "Little Griever": One of Randi's missions is to help adults who experienced the death of a parent in childhood identify as "little grievers," validating how that continues to shape them.Contact Kendra Rinaldi at [email protected] for more information about how to schedule a coaching callTo book a podcast https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/book-online
-
213
Dating After Loss: Finding Love Again with Donna Meador
DonnA Meador is a women's dating coach, author, and speaker who helps smart, soulful women over 50 find love again without repeating old patterns or sacrificing who they are. At 66, DonnA has walked the path of love, loss, and rediscovery. She became a widow at 57 when her late husband, Pietro, passed away suddenly just 15 days after his 70th birthday.As a self-proclaimed "dating intuitive," DonnA combines her strong intuition with lived experience to see beneath the surface, sense the energy behind choices, and guide women to trust their inner knowing. Her own journey of navigating "grief brain" and learning to open her heart to love a second time—she is now happily remarried to her husband, Jeff—gives her a unique and compassionate perspective on dating after loss.DonnA is the author of the book "Dating, It's Not Personal," which she began writing in 2004 and published in 2014 as a love story dedicated to Pietro. She is also the creator of the YouTube channel Smart Dating Divas, where she and her husband Jeff share dating advice and a man's perspective.Her core mission is to help women understand and embrace their immense value in relationships, reminding them to "look for love where it is and not where it isn't". Through her coaching, book, and online presence, DonnA empowers women to reconnect with their feminine wisdom, reclaim joy, and attract love that meets them soul-to-soul.https://smartdatingdivas.com/ https://www.facebook.com/donna.s.meadorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dbsmeador/ https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingdivas/Interview Highlights• Sudden Loss & a Love Story: Donna shares her ten-year love story with her late husband, Pietro, who passed away suddenly from a heart attack and stroke while receiving cancer treatment.• The Power of Declaration: Pietro had often declared he'd be happy to make it to 70 and didn't want to suffer. He passed away 15 days after his 70th birthday, getting everything he had declared, departing with hope in his heart.• Receiving Support: A key piece of advice for the grieving: "allow people to love you the way they know how." Donna's community showed up with food and practical help because she was open to receiving it, even when she was too overwhelmed to ask.• Navigating "Grief Brain": For nearly two years, Donna experienced "grief brain," which made her unable to perform simple tasks like reading a menu.• Finding Love a Second Time: Donna discusses the challenge of opening her heart again, wondering, "How could I possibly fall in love when I'm already in love?". She explains that the heart simply grows to make room for more love and is now happily married to Jeff.• A Continued Spiritual Connection: Donna shares that she still communicates with Pietro in his non-physical form and that he has even appeared to her now-husband, Jeff, as a spirit guide, offering his blessing and support.• Donna's Core Message: Her passion is to help women understand their immense value in relationships. Her biggest tip is to "look for love where it is and not where it isn't".Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest on the podcast.To book a coaching discovery call email [email protected]
-
212
Hospice Nurse Julie: Navigating Death, Grief, and Life's Transitions with Julie McFadden
JULIE MCFADDEN, RN, is the New York Times bestselling author of Nothing to Fear and a hospice/palliative care nurse with more than fifteen years of experience. Passionate about normalizing death and dying, she has more than one million followers on TikTok as @hospicenursejulie. She has been featured in Newsweek, Time, USA Today, and The Atlantic, and has appeared on Dr. Phil Primetime, Howie Mandel Does Stuff, and elsewhere. Her most recent book THE NOTHING TO FEAR JOURNAL is an invaluable tool for putting our beliefs about death into practice through thought-provoking questions that prompt reflection, clarification, and planning.Interview Highlights:• Introducing Hospice Nurse Julie: Meet Julie McFadden, an RN known as "Hospice Nurse Julie" on TikTok (1.6M+ followers) and a New York Times bestselling author of "Nothing to Fear" and "Nothing to Fear Journal"• Breakups as Grief: She shares how a painful breakup at 28-29 was a "greatest gift," fostering self-discovery and growth, and how breakups represent profound, often unvalidated grief and transitions.• Fear of Transition: Kendra and Julie explore how fear of the unknown, not death itself, makes life transitions scary, and criticize society's "fix-it" culture that avoids uncomfortable emotions.• Finding Hospice: Unhappy in the ICU, Julie "took the plunge" into hospice nursing, even without prior experience, finding her calling and realizing the environment, not nursing itself, was the issue.• Personal Beliefs on Death: Julie, having experienced tragic deaths young, believes we go to a place that feels "more like home" after death, a belief validated by her hospice work, though she emphasizes it's a personal journey. Faith can aid in peaceful dying, but is not a prerequisite; she's seen atheists die peacefully and religious people struggle.• TikTok Phenomenon: Inspired by her nieces during COVID-19, Julie started TikTok, initially thinking it "stupid". Her fourth video went viral, leading to rapid organic growth across platforms (1.6M+ on TikTok, 1.3M on Facebook, nearly 500K on Instagram, nearly 600K on YouTube) and a book deal, indicating people were "more ready to talk about this than we knew.• "Nothing to Fear" Book & Journal: Her New York Times bestselling book is an educational resource with intertwined stories and an index. The "Nothing to Fear Journal" offers step-by-step guidance for preparing for death, exploring existential questions, and uncovering personal belief.• Comfort in Biology: The most comforting aspect of death for Julie is the biology of the body, how it naturally prepares by shutting off hunger/thirst and increasing calcium, which she sees as a miracle and the primary reason she is not afraid of death.TikTok Instagram YouTube HospiceNurseJulie.comContact Kendra Rinaldi for a Free Discovery call email her at [email protected] to set up an appointment.Subscribe on the website be on the podcast newsletter To be a guest visit https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/book-online
-
211
When People Leave: A Conversation on Grief, Family Secrets, and Finding Your Voice with Leslie A. Rasmussen
Leslie A. Rasmussen was born and raised in Los Angeles and graduated from UCLA. She went on to write television comedies for Gerald McRaney, Burt Reynolds, Roseanne Barr, Norm McDonald, Drew Carey, as well as The Wild Thornberrys and Sweet Valley High. After leaving the business to raise her boys, Leslie obtained a master's degree in nutrition and ran her own business for ten years. More recently, Leslie has been published on Huffington Post over twenty times and speaks on panels discussing female empowerment. She’s a member of the Writers Guild of America, as well as Women in Film and the UCLA Alumni Association. After Happily Ever After is Leslie’s debut novel and has won over fifteen awards, and her second novel, The Stories We Cannot Tell, has won eleven awards. Leslie has been interviewed about it on NPR and XM radio. Leslie’s latest novel, When People Leave, was released in May 2025. When Leslie isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with friends. Leslie lives in Southern California with her husband and two sons.Links:https://www.lesliearasmussen.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/leslierauthorFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lesliearasmussenauthor Show Themes: Grief in Life's Transitions: A heartfelt discussion about how grief isn't limited to death but is a natural part of major life changes, like children leaving for college or moving into new chapters of life. Art, Grief, and Humor: Leslie explores how writing can be a powerful tool to process grief and how humor is a vital and natural part of healing, often reflecting a loved one's personality. The Power of Perspective: Discover how art takes on a new life when shared, highlighted by a reader who saw one of Leslie's books not just as a story, but as a "love story of a woman falling in love with her life". Finding Meaning and Community: Leslie shares her belief that storytelling helps people feel less alone, starts important conversations, and reminds us that everyone is navigating their own struggles.Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest or for a free discovery call [email protected]://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/https://www.instagram.com/griefgratitudepodcast
-
210
Grief & Joy in the College Transition for Parents & Teens
Show Highlights: Understanding Grief in Life Transitions: Kendra introduces the concept of grief not just as a response to loss, but as an emotion felt during significant life transitions, specifically focusing on children going to college This is a major change that can bring about complex emotions for both parents and teenagers. Kendra's Personal College Experience: Reflects on her own experience of leaving Colombia at 18 to attend college in the U.S., highlighting the different communication methods of the time (calling cards, letters) and how being in a new environment might have made her personal adjustment "easier" than for her family back home, who felt her absence more acutely in familiar surroundings. The Coexistence of Joy and Grief: Emphasizes that it's "okay to feel grief and also to be excited for your kids" as they embark on their college journey. The episode explores this "complex" emotional landscape where joy and sadness can exist simultaneously. Grief from a Student's Perspective: Discusses that teenagers themselves will also experience grief as they leave for college, particularly after returning home and realizing what they've missed, or when they miss their friends, relationships, and established routines. Validating and Honoring Emotions: Stresses the importance of naming these emotions as "grief" to acknowledge their multifaceted nature and the many other feelings (like regret) that can accompany it. Open Communication and Support: Encourages honest conversations with your children, letting them know you're excited for them but also miss them, which helps validate their own mixed emotions. Connecting with others who are experiencing similar changes is also vital. Invitation for Accompaniment: If you are going throgh a life transition and want someone to walk alongside you as you figure it out. Reach out for a FREE 15 min Discovery call email: [email protected]
-
209
How to Share Your Story Before You Feel Ready
Hey friends—this episode’s a little different. I went rogue and recorded it straight from my phone, just me sharing some raw, unfiltered thoughts on grief.I talk about how grief isn’t just about big losses—it’s something we all feel, every single day. Even little things, like when dinner doesn’t turn out the way we hoped, can bring up that feeling. That’s why this podcast isn’t just for people going through major loss—it’s for everyone.It’s wild to think it’s been over 5 years since I started this show. I’ve learned so much, and one big thing is this: if we wait until we feel “ready” to share our stories, we might miss the chance to help someone who needs to hear it right now. So I’m here to remind you—your gifts, your voice, your story? They matter. Don’t wait.This episode is a gentle nudge that you’re not alone in what you’re feeling. I hope it helps you feel seen, and maybe inspires you to share your own story too. Grief is heavy, yes—but it doesn’t have to be depressing. There’s so much growth and connection that can come from it.And hey—if you’re in the middle of a life transition and feel that little nudge to have someone walk alongside you as you figure out what this next chapter looks like, I’d be honored to connect. I offer a FREE discovery call to see if working together feels like the right fit. Just head over to my website to inquire and take that first step.https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/resources
-
208
Sanación y Comunicación Intuitiva con María Paulina
María Paulina tiene un título en educación y por más de 15 años enseñó a niños, adolescentes y adultos. Sin embargo, siguiendo las directrices de su alma, desde hace poco más de 10, se dedica a la comunicación intuitiva. Con el deseo de apoyar procesos de transformación en personas y animales a través de la comunicación intuitiva, precisamente, creó Amada Vida Mía… desde donde presta varios tipos de consultas y enseña comunicación animal, entre otras cosas. Y es la fundadora del Hogar Animal El Rincón. Además, María Paulina ha escrito 3 novelas tranformativas, un libro de autoayuda y un libro testimonial de edición limitada sobre la vida de un gran tenor colombiano. Porque escribir es algo que lleva dentro desde niña.https://www.mariapaulina.co/Canal de Youtube: https://youtube.com/@yosoymariapaulina?si=5SSE96nqhtVi9W15Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yosoymariapaulina?igsh=eGxwdjBiZjk3MDMy&utm_source=qrTemas que hablamos:• Experiencias Intuitivas Tempranas: Desde los cuatro años, María Paulina sintió un profundo "dolor de mundo" y vivió experiencias de desdoblamiento y viajes espontáneos a vidas pasadas, lo que transformó su visión de la existencia.• Transición a la Comunicación Intuitiva: La grave enfermedad de su hija en 2014 la llevó a la meditación, abriendo sus canales para que seres fallecidos y animales comenzaran a comunicarse con ella, un proceso que describe como "soltar las riendas" y ser su yo auténtico.• Nueva Percepción de la Muerte: Su comunicación con el "otro lado" ha transformado su relación con la muerte de dolorosa a una certeza de "plenitud absoluta" para quienes parten, aunque el dolor humano por la ausencia física sigue presente.• Inquietudes Comunes de Clientes: La pregunta más frecuente que recibe es "¿están bien?" (personas o animales fallecidos), especialmente cuando la muerte fue por eutanasia, buscando aliviar la culpa y traer tranquilidad.• Proceso de Comunicación: María Paulina no requiere objetos físicos (salvo foto de animales para centrar la energía); los seres se manifiestan con claridad solo durante las consultas, razón por la cual se describe como "comunicadora intuitiva" en lugar de médium.• Mensaje de Animales Fallecidos (Honrar la Vida): Los animales que han partido piden a sus humanos "honrar la vida de ellos en lugar de sufrir su muerte", recordando su felicidad y contribuciones, lo que ayuda a cortar un hilo energético para su evolución.• Mensaje de Animales Fallecidos (Animales "Atrapados"): Si persiste la inquietud sobre un animal fallecido, se recomienda buscar un comunicador animal que pueda liberarlo de un estado de "atrapamiento" del otro lado.• Acompañar la Muerte Animal: Al acompañar a un animal moribundo, lo más importante es la "quietud energética" y un acompañamiento digno (calma, sosiego, poca interrupción física) para que su alma pueda desprenderse en un entorno amoroso.Contacta a Kendra Rinaldi https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/
-
207
Creating Boundaries & Asking for Support While Grieving with Kendra Rinaldi
Grief can leave us feeling exposed, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to ask for what we need. In this solo episode, Kendra shares compassionate wisdom and practical tips for setting healthy boundaries and reaching out for support while grieving. Drawing from personal experience, she reminds listeners that protecting your energy isn’t selfish—it’s sacred. Whether you’re grieving now or supporting someone who is, this episode is a gentle guide for creating space to heal, one boundary at a time.Contact Kendra Rinaldi if you'd like to be a guest or want to invite her as a guest speaker https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/
-
206
How to Support a Grieving Teen or Young Adult
How can we support our teenagers when they're grieving—especially when their pain feels unreachable? In this episode, Kendra speaks directly to parents navigating the delicate role of helping their teen through loss. Drawing from her own experiences of grieving as a young person, she offers practical, compassionate insights to help parents show up—not with perfect words, but with presence, patience, and love. Whether your teen is quiet, angry, or seems “fine,” this episode reminds you that your steady, caring presence can be an anchor through the storm.Get in touch with Kendra Rinaldi https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/
-
205
A Caregiver's Journey Through Love and Loss with Tony Stewart
Tony Stewart has made award-winning films for colleges and universities,, written software that received rave reviews in The New York Times and the New York Daily News, designed a grants-management application that was used by three of the five largest charities in the world, and led the development of an international standard for the messages involved in buying and selling advertisements, for which he spoke at conferences across Europe and North America. Carrying the Tiger is his first published book.Tony and his late wife Lynn Kotula, a painter, traveled extensively in India and Southeast Asia, staying in small hotels off the beaten track and eating delicious food with their fingers when cutlery wasn’t available. Inspired by the experience of writing Carrying the Tiger, Tony is now studying to become a Certified Grief Educator.www.tonystewartauthor.comShow Highlights:•Tony Stewart, author of Carrying the Tiger, shares his deeply personal memoir, chronicling his wife Lynn's 6.5-year battle with stage four cancer and his profound grief journey.•Discover how Tony's daily writings to friends on CaringBridge evolved into his book, serving as a "love story told almost entirely by actions" that allowed Lynn to live fully despite her illness.•Hear Tony describe the final weeks of Lynn's life in home hospice as "the best two weeks of my life," a "miraculous" time of deep physical care and spiritual connection.•Learn about Lynn's powerful and comforting last words: "Don't bother me. I've got a lot to do," which left Tony with a sense of mystery and spiritual insight.•Tony bravely discusses finding new love after immense loss, and the complexities of honoring Lynn's memory while opening his heart to a new relationship.•Explore the meaningful origin of the book's title, "Carrying the Tiger," which stems from a Tai Chi concept of facing and making challenges less threatening.•Gain insight into why Carrying the Tiger is described by readers as an inspiring and joy-filled experience, rather than a depressing one, despite its difficult subject matter.Reachout to Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest or have her as a guest https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/
-
204
Navigating Pet Loss Grief: Honoring Our Beloved Animals with Beth Bigler
Beth Bigler is a Pet Loss Grief Counselor, end-of-life animal companion doula, and pet chaplain. She works with individuals and families before, during, and after the loss of their beloved animal companion. She’s also known for her Instagram account @honoringouranimals where she shares daily original content and tips about pet loss grief which are a unique blend of tools, compassion, and “telling it like it is.” She works closely with animal care workers, veterinary professionals, and other pet industry brands on grief training and awareness. She is a regular contributor to podcasts, articles, and other media. Her debut book, Honoring Our Animals: 365 Meditations for Healing After Pet Loss is published by Quarto Books. Beth is also a seasoned film/television professional, college instructor, and mom to a five-year-old son and two divine felines!The best way to learn about Beth is through her Instagram @honoringouranimals or website: www.honoringouranimals.comOther podcast episode with BethRecommended Pet Loss Books For Kids 6 and UnderFind Momo Everywhere by Andrew KnappRemembering by Xelena GonzalezThe Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith ViorstThe Invisible Leash by Patrice KarstRemembering Blue Fish (Daniel Tiger) by Becky FriedmanShow Highlights:•Beth Bigler, a certified pet loss grief counselor, explains why pet loss is often a "disenfranchised grief," lacking societal acknowledgment despite being as intense, or even more profound, than human loss due to disrupted routines and deep emotional bonds.•Gain insight into compassionate euthanasia, understanding it as a medical decision to ensure a "good death" for beloved pets, emphasizing dignity and avoiding suffering.•Discover practical tools and strategies for coping with grief, including managing guilt and "what ifs," and developing self-compassion, noting how these skills are foundational life tools applicable to all major life events..•Learn valuable tips for parents on supporting children through pet loss, advocating for honest, age-appropriate language, recognizing that children grieve in spurts, and involving them in memorializing rituals.•Explore Beth's new book, "Honoring Our Animals: 365 Meditations for Healing After Loss," a practical resource offering daily guidance on coping, identity, and maintaining connection with beloved pets.•Understand the power of maintaining daily rituals with your beloved, like greeting their photo, to comfort your brain and foster a sense of continuity after physical absence.•Reflect on "anticipatory grief" and the concept that "your goodbye begins on day one," encouraging gratitude for every moment spent with your beloved animal.Connect with Kendra Rinaldi at https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/
-
203
Honoring a Lifelong Love: Grief, Legacy, and The Isaac Collection with Pamela Blake
Pamela Blake, PhD, is the CEO of Utamatzi Inc, an independent publishing imprint dedicated to bringing creative, high-quality fiction to readers in the global marketplace. The initial offering is The Isaak Collection, which consists of five novels by her late husband, David Isaak.Prior to forming Utamatzi several years ago, Dr. Blake was a Technical Fellow with The Boeing Company, from which she retired in 2020, after twenty years of employment. She is an expert in quantified performance assessment of imaging sensors and in the development and application of algorithms that exploit the underlying physics and phenomenology for automated feature and object recognition.She holds a BA in Physics from Willamette University in Salem, OR, amd MS and PhD degrees in Geology/Geophysics from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Dr. Blake resides in Huntington Beach, California. For more information, please consult: https://utamatzi.com.Show Highlights: Navigating Grief and Legacy: Join Dr. Pamela Blake, CEO of Utamatsi Inc., as she shares her profound journey of processing grief as a loss, not a wound, following the sudden passing of her lifelong companion, David Isaak. From Love Story to Literary Imprint: Discover how Pamela's desire to honor David's lifelong passion for writing led her to create Utamatsi Inc., publishing his five novels as The Isaac Collection. The Genesis of The Isaac Collection: Learn about David's dedication to writing his novels, the challenges he faced with traditional publishing, and the emotional success of his first published work, "Tomorrow Bill," which impressively charted on Amazon. Enduring Connection and Shared Life: Hear about Pamela and David's extraordinary relationship that began at age 14, their shared love for music and gardening, and how Pamela continues to feel David's presence and guidance in her daily life. Embracing New Chapters: Explore Pamela's remarkable pivot from a distinguished career at The Boeing Company to becoming a publisher, and her future plans to write a sequel to David's novel and a guide for aspiring self-publishers. Powerful Takeaways: Pamela offers poignant advice: "Don't wait to tell somebody you love of them," "Don't be afraid to tell your story," and the importance of finding a "driving force" through life's deepest challenges.Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest on the podcast or to have her on your podcast: https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/book-online
-
202
Reconectar con la Vida: Fe, Equilibrio y Renacer con Lanny Vahlis
Lanny Vahlis, nacida y criada en Venezuela, llegó a Estados Unidos hace 15 años con el sueño de construir una nueva vida. Actualmente se desempeña como Gerente de Proyectos de Construcción e inversionista en bienes raíces, un camino profesional que ha construido con esfuerzo y determinación.Más allá de su carrera, Lanny es madre de dos hijos, Jake y Derek, quienes representan su mayor fuente de motivación y fortaleza. Su historia de resiliencia está marcada por desafíos personales y profesionales, incluyendo su experiencia como inmigrante y su reciente proceso de sanación tras un diagnóstico de cáncer de mama.Apasionada por las artes marciales, encuentra en el kickboxing y el jiu-jitsu su vía de escape para liberar el estrés y fortalecer tanto su cuerpo como su mente. A lo largo de los años, ha aprendido a equilibrar sus responsabilidades con su bienestar emocional y físico, estableciendo límites claros en su vida laboral y personal.Hoy, Lanny vive con una renovada perspectiva, priorizando su salud, su familia y su crecimiento espiritual. A través de su historia, busca inspirar a otras mujeres a escuchar su cuerpo, cuidar su bienestar y vivir con propósito y equilibrio. Además, ha aprendido a trazar límites saludables en su vida, asegurando que su bienestar y el de su familia sean siempre su prioridad.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamlannyvahlis/#Resaltes de nuestra conversacion: Presentación y contexto: trayectoria de Lanny como gerente de proyectos de construcción, madre de dos hijos y su experiencia como inmigrante en Estados Unidos. Diagnóstico y proceso médico: impacto del estrés en su salud, importancia de la prevención, diagnóstico temprano y tratamiento. Impacto emocional y familiar: emociones tras recibir la noticia, miedo e incertidumbre, afectación en su entorno cercano y su decisión de vivir el proceso con conciencia. Reconexión espiritual y mental: acercamiento a Dios, aprendizaje sobre la energía femenina y estrategias para gestionar pensamientos invasivos. Transformación en estilo de vida: cambios en alimentación, ejercicio, manejo del estrés y establecimiento de límites en su rutina laboral. Red de apoyo y conexiones: selección de personas positivas en su entorno, eliminación de relaciones que no sumaban y encuentros con amigas como fuente de apoyo. Aprendizajes y reflexiones finales: importancia de la prevención en la salud, gratitud por su proceso de transformación y resiliencia como herramienta de crecimiento personalContacta a Kendra Rinaldi para mas informacion sobre como ser invitado/a en el podcast https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/
-
201
Dear Griever: A Letter to Those Who are Grieving by Kendra Rinaldi
I felt compelled to write a Dear Griever type letter tonight. A letter for anyone who is in the midst of grief. This is a short episode of me reading it.Grief is heavy, unpredictable and deeply personal, yet I wanted to share some love and compassion to anyone of you who are in the thick of the pain right now. I pray this brings you a bit of comfort. You are loved, you are seen.Love,Kendra
-
200
Grief, Signs & Spiritual Connection with Rebecca Schaper
Rebecca Schaper is an author, filmmaker, philanthropist, and mental health advocate. Her new book, “Roses to Rainbow – My Dog Gus in the Aferlife,” is a moving story that includes transcripts of psychic sessions Rebecca had with an animal communicator after the sudden, unexpected passing of her dog – Gus. The book also includes Rebecca’s notes from her daily journal as she responds to both earthly and spiritual guidance from Gus.She also co-produced and directed the award-winning documentary A Sister’s Call. The film chronicles her mission to bring her brother Call Richmond Jr. back from the depths of homelessness and schizophrenia, all while seeking ways to heal herself and her family from the past. Her memoir The Light in His Soul: Lessons from My Brother’s Schizophrenia recounts the events in the film, supplemented by her intimate personal reflections on recovering from trauma and developing spiritual insight.Rebecca makes frequent public and media appearances as a spokesperson for mental-health awareness and spiritual development, including presentations to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Vinfen community-based services, the NYC Mental Health Film Festival, Greenville Mental Hospital, the Canadian Mental Health Association, the First Presbyterian Church in Greenville, and the American Psychiatric Association (APA). She is a supporter of NAMI, as well as benefactor of the Great Plains Foundation for African wildlife conservation, a family-assistance program in Kigali, Rwanda, a children’s school at the Drepung Gomang Monastery in Bhutan, and The Healing Center in Bali. She is also facilitating the global outreach efforts of the Last Inca Shamans Healing Association of Q'ero Nation in the Cusco region of Peru. She helped sponsor the film Ram Dass, Going Home by Derek Peck. She makes her home with her husband Jim in Georgia. https://www.rebeccaschaper.com/about https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaSchaperAuthor/ https://x.com/rebecca_schaperShow Highlights: A Sister’s Search for Her Lost Brother – Rebecca shares the emotional journey of finding her brother Call after 20 years. Navigating Mental Health & Advocacy – How Rebecca’s experience shaped her understanding of schizophrenia, trauma, and support. Signs & Synchronicities in Grief – The spiritual connection Rebecca felt with her late dog Gus and how signs continued to show up. The Unconditional Love of Pets – How Gus’s presence helped her heal and process layers of grief. Transforming Grief Into Purpose – Rebecca’s work in storytelling and advocacy for mental health awareness. Honoring Loved Ones Through Action – Turning pain into projects that inspire and educate others.Contact Kendra Rinaldi https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/
-
199
Love, Loss & Self-Belief: Grief, Healing & Transformation with Caren Paskel
Caren Paskel is a best-selling author, speaker, and the founder of the Self-Evolution Education (S.E.E.) Foundation. With decades of experience in spiritual education and yoga principles, Caren guides individuals on a journey of transformation, helping them reach their fullest potential. As the former owner of EnSoul Yoga, Caren navigated the challenges of managing multiple studios while caring for her husband, who was diagnosed with a terminal illness. This profound life event, coupled with the global pandemic, led Caren to reevaluate her life’s mission and create impactful programs aimed at personal evolution and empowerment.A firm believer in the power of community, Caren has inspired thousands through her Self-Evolution courses, retreats, and books, including her acclaimed work, The Power of Self-Belief. She has since expanded her mission to include self-caregiving support for caregivers, launching a program that promotes self-care practices for those caring for loved ones. Her philosophy centers on the idea that personal transformation begins with inner strength and is amplified by a supportive community.https://carenpaskel.com/Show Highlights: A Life-Changing Diagnosis – Caren shares the moment David’s seizure led to his brain cancer diagnosis. Navigating Grief & Uncertainty – How caregiving and major life changes shaped Caren’s resilience. Choosing Growth Through Loss – Why grief doesn’t have to hold us back but can push us toward transformation. Honoring Legacy Through Action – How David’s encouragement continues to inspire Caren’s work. Energy, Vibration & Impact – The way our emotions influence the world around us. Career Shift & New Beginnings – Caren’s pivot from yoga studio owner to online educator and mentor. The Power of Support & Mentorship – Why embracing connection and guidance fosters true healing.Get in touch with Kendra Rinaldi if you'd like to be a guest on the Podcast https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/
-
198
Reflections on Grief: 200 Voices, 5 Years, and the Journey of Healing
Welcome to a very special episode of Grief, Gratitude, and the Gray In Between. Today, we celebrate a milestone—our 200th episode! Over the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with nearly 200 incredible individuals, each sharing their unique experiences and perspectives on grief.Grief is complex. It’s not just about loss—it’s about transitions, expectations, healing, and everything in between. In honor of this journey, we’re revisiting some of the most profound moments from past conversations—voices that have shaped this space, challenged misconceptions, and offered wisdom on navigating grief and finding light through the darkness.Join me as we reflect, honor, and learn from the many voices that have guided us over the years. I’m so grateful for this community. If you feel you resonate with any of the insights shared by my guests, I invite you to look for the full interview I've done with them. Episode Timeline: Jana DeCristofaro – The layered emotions of grief, relief, and guilt. Kendra Rinaldi – Reframing grief as transition through Baha’i teachings. Carol Schneberg – How we grieve the way we live, shaped by hospice insights. Tawny Platis – Finding comfort in metaphysical views on time and connection. Sophie Mills – How loss led her to question lifelong atheist beliefs. Jenny Robinson – Surrendering to a loved one’s journey and finding peace. Daniel Rinaldi – Honoring his mother’s passing through music and reflection. Aijia Grammar – The isolation of grief when it’s unacknowledged. Colin Campbell – Confronting denial and choosing to live with purpose. Bevin Mugford – Learning from hardship and finding wisdom in pain. Rabbi Steve Leder – Rejecting grief “stages” and embracing waves of emotion. Edy Nathan – Grief as a dance—fluid, messy, and deeply personal. Nathan Peterson – Floating through grief when pushing forward feels impossible. Pixie Lighthorse – The power of permission to fully experience grief. Grant Garry – Letting grief express itself instead of suppressing it. Tatiana Zamir – Processing grief through unfinished business and peace. Stephanie Matos – Using grief as a catalyst for personal growth.For more information about the different services I offer (Speking, Grief Education, Grief Coach) Or to be a guest on the Podcast reach out: [email protected] or on my website. https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
TOPICS IN THIS SHOW
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Bilingual Podcast by Kendra RinaldiGrief, Gratitude, and the Gray in Between: Exploring grief beyond death—identity, migration, divorce, and life’s joyful transitions like motherhood, marriage, and career change. / Explorando el duelo más allá de la muerte—identidad, migración, divorcio y las transiciones alegres de la vida como la maternidad, el matrimonio y los cambios profesionales. It is a bilingual podcast each episode features heartfelt interviews with individuals sharing their personal grief journeys, conversations with experts offering tools and insights, and solo episodes where host Kendra Rinaldi reflects on topics that matter. Together, we honor grief in all its forms and learn tools we can use to help us navigate it.Duelo, Gratitudy todos los matices de por medio: historias de cambio, amor y resiliencia es un pódcast bilingüe, en ingles y en español, que explora las muchas caras del duelo—no solo por pérdidas, sino también por las transiciones de la vida. Desde cambi
HOSTED BY
Kendra Rinaldi
Loading similar podcasts...