Moving Forward with Mia and Julia

Jennifer Chase is a survivor of generational trauma, sexual assault and addiction. Her story and telling it has enabled her to help others. You can find more about her and set up time to connect wit her at www.riseaddictionlc.com.

Dr. Dale Atkins is a psychologist and a relationship expert with 40 years experience. She is based out of New York City and also is a writer of many popular books. Most recently, she penned our new favorite children's book, The Turquoise Butterfly which delves into the important relationship between a grandparent and grandchild and the impact that grandparents leave. For more information about Dale, please visit www.drdaleatkins.com.

John Dedakis is an award-winning novelist, a writing coach, and a manuscript editor and public speaker, as well as a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer" and a former White House Correspondent.John is also a bereaved parent and has had numerous losses in his life that has shaped his writing and speaking today. You can learn more about John, his books, and upcoming events and workshops at https://johndedakis.com/.

We know that art, theater, and music have the power to make change in so many ways. That's why we invited Kira Lace Hawkins, the Outreach and Education Director for the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts, and Sam Engle, who serves as the theater's Communications and Donor Relations Coordinator. To learn more about Kira and Sam, visit https://wagonwheelcenter.org/about/staff-and-board/. For more information about the Wagon Wheel, you can find everything at wagonwheelcenter.org and find them on Instagram and Facebook.

Avonley Lightstone is the author of Strength of Scars, a raw and redemptive autobiography that takes readers through a childhood marked by tragedy, trauma, and abuse — and the unwavering faith that helped her rise from it all. At just three years old, she tried to save her mother from a house fire. Tragically, her mother didn’t survive, and shortly after, her father placed her up for adoption.What followed was a journey through emotional, physical, and mental abuse — but also a path toward healing, resilience, and forgiveness. Through her book, her speaking, and her bold transparency, Avonley helps others find beauty in brokenness and strength through their scars.She’s here today to share her powerful testimony, how God carried her through the darkest valleys, and how listeners can find freedom and purpose — no matter what they’ve been through. You can learn more about Avonley and get a copy of her book at https://avonleylightstone.com.

​Catherine Newman is the New York Times bestselling author of the memoirs Catastrophic Happiness and Waiting for Birdy, the middle-grade novel One Mixed-Up Night, the kids’ craft book Stitch Camp (co-authored with Nicole Blum), the best-selling how-to books for kids How to Be a Person and What Can I Say? and the novels We All Want Impossible Things, Sandwich, and Wreck . She writes the Substack newsletter Crone Sandwich and has been a regular contributor to the New York Times, Real Simple, O, The Oprah Magazine, Cup of Jo, and many other publications. She lives in Amherst, Massachusetts. For more information and to buy her books, visit https://www.catherinenewmanwriter.com.

NFDA.org Spokesperson, Stephen R. Kemp, CFSP, is the owner of Kemp Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. His professional journey began in scientific research, working as a research associate at the Henry Ford Heart and Vascular Institute, VA Medical Center, and Biosan Laboratories. Transitioning to funeral service, Stephen earned his mortuary science degree from Wayne State University and has since dedicated his career to serving families with compassion and professionalism.At the national level, Stephen represented Michigan on the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Policy Board and served as an at-large representative on the NFDA Board of Directors. His national service also includes work on the Professional Development and Advocacy Committees and the Environmental Workgroup. Stephen’s expertise has been recognized through invitations to lead workshops on embalming and risk management at the NFDA International Convention & Expo.Stephen has played a significant leadership role within the Michigan Funeral Directors Association (MFDA), serving on numerous committees and the association’s board of directors. Notably, he made history as the first African-American president in MFDA’s 125-year history, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the profession and fostering inclusivity. In addition to his leadership in Michigan, Stephen has contributed to funeral service education as an instructor and clinical preceptor at Wayne State University, mentoring the next generation of funeral professionals. Learn more about funeral homes like Stephen's at https://www.rememberingalife.com/.

Leslie has lost many loved ones, including two babies in infancy. When her twenty year old son, Austin, died in 2016, she began to speak out suicide prevention and awareness. Leslie's story continues to impact and inspire many and we know that her story has something that we can all learn from. For more about Leslie and her work, visit https://leslieshope.org/.

Keith Sampson believes that business is the greatest untapped vertical for personal purpose and fulfillment. For over 20 years, he has been helping people and organizations choose to grow through life instead of choosing to go through life, unlocking their potential, building culture, and inspiring action.At the age of 19, Keith experienced a life-changing moment that shaped his life, laying the foundation of his mission: to change the world through business, one person at a time. That moment fueled his passion for leadership, sales, and culture, and continues to guide every stage, session, and conversation he leads today.You can learn more about Keith and his work at https://iamkeithsampson.com/.

At the age of nine, Laura was diagnosed with an eye disease and faced the difficult reality that she would become blind. Over the next ten years she experienced the traumatic transition of adjusting to life without sight. She is the author of the book, Harnessing Courage. Laura founded Ubi Global, which is an organization that provides speaking and coaching to empower all people to overcome challenges and obstacles with grit and gratitude.

Rick and Clancy Denton of The Loud Quiet (https://www.theloudquiet.com/) joined us today to talk about the good, the bad, and the sad that happens when your children move out. The two started their podcast, "The Loud Quiet-Empty Nest Living" when their youngest went to college. You can listen wherever you get your podcast. Watch out for their book in 2026!

Susan Shaw is a writer, speaker, and a mother who is learning to live following the profound loss of her son, William, who died in a ski accident in 2019. Susan shares her story, writing prompts, and resources and tips to move forward following loss on https://www.bereavementmom.com/. She also supports families who are grieving through https://www.williamsbeyourselfchallenge.org/.

Ellen O’Clover writes stories about love, identity, and belonging for both teens and adults. Her debut romance, The Heartbreak Hotel, was a Book of the Month selection and a regional indie bestseller. Her debut young adult novel, Seven Percent of Ro Devereux, was named a Best Book of the Year by The Bank Street Center for Children’s Education and a finalist for both the Colorado Book Award and the Florida Sunshine Young Readers Award. Ellen lives near Boulder, Colorado with her rocket scientist husband and two perfect bulldogs. Read more about her and get signed copies of her books at ellenoclover.com.

Jane is a highly experienced and trained professional nurse, holistic health coach, health and wellness advocate, grief educator, speaker, and workshop presenter. As a master facilitator of lifestyle change, Jane knows that certain approaches and techniques bring about the changes people want and need to feel healthy and whole. This perspective and practices come directly from integrating her professional and personal life as Jane has experienced health challenges throughout her life and most recently as a bereaved parent after her middle son died 2 years ago. These experiences along with her educational experiences have created methods and techniques she now shares with her clients and her audiences. If you are looking for a proven presenter who will connect with and engage your audience—all while educating them around how to find ways to move forward in their life with greater health, compassion, and meaningful experiences everyday - you’ve come to the right place.

Malisa Hepner is a therapist, podcast host, and public speaker who helps people quiet the noise of trauma, reconnect with themselves, and embody the light. She’s the host of Emotionally Unavailable and one of the hosts of Unquiet Soul, two shows that open space for deep, real, and transformative conversations. Malisa is also the creator of healing workbooks like Safe to Be Seen and The Beauty of Imperfection: Good Is Enough. Drawing on both her professional expertise and her lived experience as a survivor of complex PTSD, she’s passionate about helping people move beyond overthinking, perfectionism, and fear of visibility to live more grounded, authentic, and joyful lives.

Kanika is a Radiant Empowerment Coach and Akashic Records Reader. She guides spiritual entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers who are ready for more—more radiance, more freedom, more soul. Kanika helps clients break through invisible ceilings, awaken their unique gifts, and step into a new level of clarity, self-trust, and authentic leadership. Through her work, clients move into joy in everyday living, where inspired action flows naturally, opportunities align with purpose, and their voice and presence are finally seen and valued in their field.

Nicholas Ruchlewicz was in a single vehicle motorcycle crash on March 15, 2016, and suffered a separated pelvic circle, broken Sacro-iliac, crushed left orbital, massive concussion, and a right-side brain bleed and hematoma. He was in ICU, for 2 weeks, non-cognizant, then in an acute rehab hospital for 2 weeks, learning how to focus, move his left side, and see.His trauma and brain injury have allowed him to become an advocate, he calls it “A Gift of Perspective”. He is very vocal about his mental health, and advocates for males, and others for mental wellness. He is a volunteer for https://www.traumasurvivorsnetwork.org/, a Peer Mentor” at an Acute Rehabilitation Hospital, as well as a political advocate for accessible mental health and support. He believes we all have emotions, and its “Okay to not be OK”. He has done a lot of work with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) before his trauma, and that is a reason, he believes, he is “still here.” He believes that, "Our minds can be dark, and it's important to look at the corners for the light. Life is a 4-letter word, it depends on how you use it.”

Angie Hawkins is an Inner Glow Coach who transforms high-achieving, spiritual women from chasing love and approval to radiating fierce confidence so they can finally feel happy, free, and loved for who they are.She works with women who’ve done therapy, read the books, tried the spiritual path, but still feel like something’s missing. Through deep inner work and identity transformation, she helps them break the cycle of not feeling “enough,” so they can experience real love, confidence, and peace without having to change who they are.She is the author of Running in Slippers, a raw and vulnerable memoir about finding resilience after emotional rock bottom.Angie has moved from Chicago to Hawaii on her own, jumped out of a helicopter and into the ocean Navy SEAL-style, bungee jumped, skydived, and cliff jumped, yet is still terrified about allowing herself to be seen.

Ashley Perkins, PharmD, is a mental health advocate with a background as a pharmacist andeducator. She graduated from Butler University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in2008 and is currently in the EdD program at Marshall University, with a focus on curriculum andinstruction. In March of 2020, with John Bollinger, they began the process of forming We MatterToo, Inc. which focuses on helping those with mental health issues and mental illness throughfirst-person narratives of experience. When removing the biggest barrier to seeking help ortreatment, stigma or the fear of judgment, you can possibly help more people find help or seektreatment if they so desire.

Julie Barth is a mom and an author who has experienced grief on so many levels from the struggles with her daughter's health, the death of her husband, and later, being in an abusive relationship. Her story is one of courage and overcoming obstacles that kept coming. We appreciate Julie's authentic storytelling and know you will too. For more information about Julie, her writing, and her not for profit, visit: https://www.juliebarthauthor.com/.

Noah May is from Alabama. He graduated from Auburn University in 2024 with a degree in journalism. He has dealt with mental health struggles since he was 13 and is no longer staying silent. Join us as Noah shares his story and more about how podcasting has become his outlet. You can hear more from Noah on his own podcast, Lethal Venom, wherever you listen to podcasts.

Leah Chrest is the author of At the Edge of the Jordan and It's Okay to Be Okay.  She is a high school teacher, mom, step-mom and wife.  She also serves as a lay preacher and a teacher of Christian meditation.

Walker Posey is a fourth-generation funeral director and embalmer with a family history dating back 130 years in funeral service. Walker provides resources, grief groups, etc. at Poseycares.com, illustrating how much he cares about supporting those in their time of need. He also provided us with some amazing tips that we hadn't even considered. Learn more from Walker's unique perspective in observing grief and working with those following the loss of a loved one.

When she was just 17, Susan Snow lost her father, an LAPD detective who was murdered as retaliation for testifying in a court case. She has overcome a lot of obstacles to get to where she is today and prides herself in helping others to heal. She is an author of the book, The Other Side of the Gun, a public speaker, and a Trauma Resiliency Coach. For more information about Susan, visit Susansnowspeaks.com.

Lisa Sugarman is a three-time survivor of suicide loss, author, and longtime mental health advocate. She co-hosts a podcast called The Survivors Podcast with Gretchen Schoser. Lisa is the creator of The Help Hub, a site with a comprehensive list of mental health resources. She also has a book coming out soon entitled, The Surviving.

Dr. Bruce Chalmer has been a couples counselor for over thirty years. He joins us today to talk about the grief we experience after a betrayal. As we often discuss on this podcast, we don't only grieve death, but so many other things. Dr. Chalmer is the author of several books including his latest on this topic, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and learn to trust again. He also co-hosts a podcast with his wife, Judy Alexander, called Couples Therapy in Seven Words.

Christine tragically lost her husband a few years ago, but the grief she felt transcended his death due to family complications and social media. Her story is a hard one to hear, but a stark reminder about our words can leave an impact in person and online. This episode discusses suicide, murder accusations, and a missing persons case. If these topics might be triggering to you, we ask that you take caution when listening. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 for the Suicide Prevention Hotline.

Joshua Wilson authentically shares his story of losing his brother. Josh is a wonderful father and husband and involved in his community in Atlanta, GA. This episode might be hard for some listeners as Josh's brother died by suicide. If you or anyone you know is in crisis, please call 988 to speak to someone who can help.

Though you may know Ben Higgins from Season 20 of ABC's, "The Bachelor," (which ultimately led to his platform that he uses to share more about his faith and hope for humanity), he's also the cofounder of Generous International, a for purpose company dedicated to contributing profits to social issues around the world and he has partnered with Culinary Creative Group to start over 20 restaurants worldwide. Ben is also a husband a new dad to daughter, Winona. Ben released his first book, Alone in Plain Sight in February of 2021, which is focused on reconnecting with yourself, others, romance, and with God. This book will be relaunching soon, so be sure to follow Ben for more information.

We are super fans of Lisa's! Lisa Keefauver, MSW is a Grief Activist who transformed her personal and professional experiences with loss into a mission to reimagine grief. As host of a top-rated grief podcast, TEDx and keynote speaker, grief-smart workplace consultant, grief guide, and author of the highly-acclaimed book, Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss, she is expanding our collective story of grief. Learn more about her work at www.lisakeefauver.com

Dr. Javan Reed is a dynamic and visionary leader whose steadfast commitment to student success has driven transformative change in higher education. His career is marked by a passion for empowering students, fostering inclusive learning environments, and ensuring institutions deliver meaningful and lasting educational experiences.As the former Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Simmons College, Dr. Reed prioritized student-centered strategies that expanded academic offerings and strengthened institutional sustainability. Under his leadership, Simmons College developed seven new academic programs, including its first graduate degree, generating over $12 million in tuition revenue and grant funding. His approach to higher education leadership has been deeply rooted in sustainability, faculty development, and ensuring students have the resources and support they need to thrive.Dr. Reed’s dedication to education extends beyond the classroom. As the founder of J. Reed &Associates, he provides strategic consulting services to institutions striving for academic excellence. His innovative methods, which place student success at the core of institutional growth, have earned him national recognition from esteemed organizations such as theKentucky Association for Blacks in Higher Education, the John Gardner Institute, and the United Negro College Fund.A scholar and advocate for social impact, Dr. Reed holds an Executive PhD in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University. His groundbreaking dissertation, Factors Influencing Persistence Among Formerly Incarcerated Nontraditional Students through the Lens of Anti-Deficit Framework, explores how post-secondary education reduces recidivism and advances Black student achievement. His research has informed national conversations on education policy and student support, shaping initiatives that help students overcome barriers to success.Recognized as a transformative leader, Dr. Reed successfully launched the Second Chance Pell Grant initiative at Simmons College, creating educational pathways for incarcerated individuals in Kentucky prisons. His expertise in developing student-focused programs has positioned him as a sought-after consultant for HBCUs nationwide, ensuring that education remains anaccessible and life-changing opportunity for all.Beyond academia, Dr. Reed is deeply engaged in community service and the arts. He serves on the boards of the Home of the Innocents and Kentucky Shakespeare and has collaborated withPropel and Apple to integrate Arts and Entertainment into Simmons College’s curriculumthrough the Black Film and Media Studies concentration. These initiatives reflect his broadervision of enriching students’ educational experiences and expanding career pathways.

Nikki Thompson Frazier is a journalist, culinary entrepreneur, speaker, and creator of A Life Worth Tasting. As the founder of Sweet Encounter Bakery Café and the innovator behind the nationally shipped Cupcakes in a Jar, Nikki blends purpose, passion, and storytelling into everything she does. She’s on a mission to help people heal, rise, and reclaim joy whether through a journal, a cupcake, or a conversation. Check out her YouTube Channel and new show: The Sweet Life with Nikki.Nikki lives in Lansing, MI, with her husband Terrence, their daughters Melia and Madison (MJ), their sister Shona, and their dog Biscuit.

When Rachel Doyle was a high school junior, she started GlamourGals in honor of her grandmother to bring joy to seniors and alleviate their feelings of loneliness. What started as a personal project has now grown into a nationwide movement with over 10,000 teen volunteers making a difference in their communities. Now, with 25+ years of experience as a CEO and social entrepreneur, Rachel has led GlamourGals, expanding it to 31 states and 150 communities across North America. She’s been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The TODAY Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and in The New York Times, and has spoken at Harvard, Cornell, and USC about leadership and making an impact. Rachel’s work has earned her some major awards, including the first CosmoGIRL! of the Year and the Richard C. Cornuelle Social Entrepreneurship Innovation Award. Her vision? To build a strong, lasting connection between teens and seniors—one makeover, smile, and conversation at a time.For more information about GlamourGals, visit www.glamourgals.org.

Landrie Williams was raised and lives in Arizona. She has been married to her husband, Kade, for nearly six years and is a mom to Hazel, who is 4, and Rhett, who is 1 (and who joined us on the podcast). When she's not caring for her family, Landrie likes to remain active and spends time working out or being outdoors. She uses her free time to run a social media account for Hazel's medical journey. You can learn more about the Williams family and Hazel's journey on Facebook and Instagram at Hazelmae.medical or visit their website, Hazelmae.org.

Evangelist, Dr. Kiena Hackworth has stayed steadfast in her dedication to God throughout her life. She wrote the book, The Will to Live: My Testimony following the loss of both her husband and her son. Dr. Hackworth serves as the 1st lady of the Unity Church of God in Christ in Elkhart, Indiana, the president of the Women's Department of Unity Church, and serves as jurisdictional president of the Young Women's Christian Council. Dr. Hackworth shares her story of loss, faith, and her perseverance to share her story and the word of God through unimaginable grief. Note: The content of this podcast may be emotionally challenging for some as suicide is discussed.

Justin Clifford is the CEO and cofounder of Bereave (beareave.io), after two of his friends lost their parents prematurely. They all learned that the system of loss can be more harmful than helpful. They supported each other and realized that it was clear that way people experience death, particularly in the workplace, needs an overhaul. This is an important conversation for employers and employees seeking to change the status quo.

Heather Tracy (she/her) is a travel agent by day, and a masked copy editor and writer by night.As a travel agent, she plans Nerdventures—travel for the nerd in all of us. These can be anythingfrom visiting New Zealand to see Lord of the Rings filming locations to visiting castles in Europe tofollowing in the footsteps of your favorite author.As a copy editor, she’s found hundreds of typos, comma splices, and other grammatical nitpicksfor Space Wizard Science Fantasy since before 2016. With over 30 titles copyedited, she’s nowturned her hand to writing a short story in Fiery Deeps, and her first novel, Only a Chapter whichfeatures some of her personal journey surviving breast cancer.Heather lives in Raleigh with her husband of over twenty years, William C. Tracy, where they havetwo cats and several beehives. They enjoy taking their own Nerdventures, and cosplaying at variousmarkets and cons throughout the year.

After 25 years of experience in the fashion industry, Michelle Hansen knowsthat fashion is her first love. In 2010, she merged her passion with her education (Masters of Human Relations, University of Oklahoma) and 22 years of experience in the fashion industry, and launched her styling business, High Maintenance Image & Fashion Consulting, before opening Glam Boutique in Fredericksburg, VA in 2013. After moving back to her hometown, Michelle led the downtown boutique movement in Warsaw, IN and opened Glam Boutique in Nov, 2014, and opened a second location in Granger, IN in July, 2020. Michelle has appeared on NBC 16/WNDU, ABC 21/WPTA, Washington DC's Fox 5, was a regular guest on the hit radio station B101.5 (Northern Virginia), and has blogged and penned monthly fashion columns for multiple publications as a fashion expert. She has styled high profile clients, such as, Mrs. Deanie Dempsy, Spouse of the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff;Mrs. Bonnie Amos, Spouse of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, to name a few. Glam is an active member of the Warsaw Community Development Corporation and gives back to the community through donations, sponsorships and participation in community events such as CASA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Bailey Moore Foundation, The Cancer Care Fund, and the Smithstrong Foundation. Michelle resides in Warsaw, IN with her husband Trace, three sons, Zach, Bryce and Chase and two daughters, Ella and Delaney. She attends Warsaw Community Church and loves spending time with her family & friends and is an active member of her community.Michelle shared her story following the loss of her father and brother and how she continues to make an impact in the community just as they did.

Heather Schilling is a lifelong educator, with over three decades of teaching at the high school and collegiate levels. The greatest gift of teaching is the opportunity to empower others - empower them to realize that regardless of the situation, their mindset matters. Heather loves to travel with her son and his fiancée as well as students. She is actively engaged in her community, serving on several professional boards and committees including the Community Foundation of Wabash County Scholarship committee. She and her ex-husband raised two amazing children, Elizabeth and Lucas (Indianapolis). Heather’s focus, however, changed in 2014 when her daughter was diagnosed with a stage two brain tumor. In 2019, Elizabeth developed a second tumor, a glioblastoma, and was diagnosed with a rare cancer of her spinal fluid. On December 21, 2021, Elizabeth died at home surrounded by the people and animals who loved her most. Since Elizabeth’s death, Heather gathered family and Elizabeth’s best friends to create the Elizabeth Schilling Adjust Your Sails Foundation, INC., a non-profit focused on raising funds for brain tumor and brain cancer research. Based on Elizabeth’s mantra “She stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her away, she adjusted her sails,” the foundation also works to empower others facing life’s most difficult challenges. You can find more info about the foundation here: https://www.adjustyoursailsinc.com/.To honor Elizabeth and Brain Tumor Awareness month, in May, we will donate 50% of our substack subscriptions brought in that much to the foundation. You can subscribe at movingforwardwithmiaandjulia.substack.com.

Sarah Annese is a writer who lives with her husband in California. Sarah was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2022. Sarah is raising funds for the National MS Society through Walk MS, an event happening in April in San Francisco. If you're able to make a donation, you can do so here: https://shorturl.at/UTgLH.Additionally, we will be donating $2 from each of our books that we sell in April to this cause as well.

Marcee Doherty is a full-time healthcare analytics professional, a full-time PhD student, a part-time professional actor, and a full time dog mom. Both Dr. Mia Johnson and Dr. Julia Porter are adjunct professors in the PhD program in Global Leadership, where Marcee is a student. Once she heard their presentation on Grief, Trauma, and Leadership at a residency weekend, she realized she fell into the category of compound grief, or a "grief cluster," where multiple things happen at once. Following the loss of her dog, Marcee also got divorced and lost her father. In this episode, she candidly shares her story and how all of this grief combined affected her.

Mina Starsiak Hawk is a real estate agent, HGTV star, and co-founder of the home renovation company Two Chicks And A Hammer, known for her work on the show "Good Bones" . She has also appeared on several other network shows including "Rock the Block" and "A Very Brady Renovation". Mina is married to Steve Hawk and they have two kids; Jack (6) and Charlie (4). While navigating a life in the public eye, Mina and her family have experienced many life changing events including infertility, the passing of several family members, the opening and closing of a brick and mortar and struggling family relationships. With the slate now wiped clean (or as clean as it can get) she is figuring out how to move forward and navigate her new normal.

oday, we are joined by journalist, Allison Gilbert, who shares more about her work with connection. Allison Gilbert is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and one of the most influential writers and speakers on how to find the inner resources to overcome life’s biggest challenges. Through research and lived experience, Allison helps audiences transform grief and loss and find connection amid the growing public health crisis of social isolation and loneliness. She is co-author of Dr. Ruth Westheimer’s final book, The Joy of Connections: 100 Ways to Beat Loneliness and Live a Happier and More Meaningful Life.Allison writes regularly for The New York Times, has been interviewed on the Today Show, Good Morning America, and NPR, has presented hundreds of talks to audiences at Amazon, Google, Hearst, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, and many other wellness retreat centers, companies, and organizations.Allison is the author of numerous books and hosts “Making Connections,” a monthly conversation series with Reimagine on overcoming loneliness, and previously hosted “Passed and Present,” named after her beloved book, about death and maintaining family bonds. Allison lives in New York with her family. You can connect with her on Facebook and Instagram. Visit her website at AllisonGilbert.com.

This week, on Moving Forward with Mia and Julia, Cara Bastone joins us to talk about grief in her new book, Promise Me Sunshine. Cara Bastone is a full time writer living and writing in Brooklyn with her husband, sons, and an almost-goldendoodle. Her goal with her work is to find the swoon in ordinary love stories. She's been a fan of the romance genre since she found a grocery bag filled with her grandmother’s old Harlequin Romances when she was in high school. She's a fangirl for long walks through Prospect Park and love stories featuring men who aren’t hobbled by their own masculinity.

Rebecca Soffer is cofounder of Modern Loss, which offers creative, meaningful and encouraging content and community addressing the long arc of grief. She is also the bestselling author of  The Modern Loss Handbook: An Interactive Guide to Moving Through Grief and Building Your Resilience (Running Press, 2022), which Gayle King named a favorite book of the year. Rebecca is also coauthor of the book Modern Loss: Candid Conversation About Grief. Beginners Welcome (Harper Wave, 2018), which The Strategist named a best book on loss for a younger generation.Rebecca writes the Modern Loss newsletter, a Substack bestseller that provides intimate interviews with notable figures on their experiences with loss, including actors Cynthia Nixon, Jessica Williams, and Rachel Bloom; poet Saeed Jones; comedians Jena Friedman and Alyssa Limperis; transgender rights activist Raquel Willis; stylist Stacy London; and many more. She hosts the monthly “Light After Loss” Facebook series for 1800Flowers.com and has partnered with several organizations developing tailored projects that promote their mission, including a six-month campaign with the Seleni Institute that raised awareness around perinatal mental health support. She is also an expert contributor for Help Texts.Rebecca is a Peabody Award-winning former producer for The Colbert Report and an alumna of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.You can follow Rebecca on Instagram at @rebeccasoffer and @modernloss.

While certified as a coach and grief educator, Jai prefers to identify as a companion - someone who listens deeply, walks alongside, and meets you in the moment without judgement. Founder of Coaching for All of Life and owner of Quest for Balance Wellness, Jai has been helping others find meaning in loss through story, mindfulness, and movement for more than 20 years. Honoring a lifetime call to support the wellness and well-being of others, Jai launched their practice in 2003 offering life coaching, career coaching, wellness coaching, organizational development, and other services. Like many called to grief care, in 2011, a deep loss compelled Jai to certify as a grief and end of life coach and shift the focus of practice to grief care and education, end of life coaching, and Advance Care Planning.Jai has received grants to develop grief care programs for first responders and the harm reduction community and serves on several local boards focused on suicide prevention, drug use prevention, and community wellness. Jai holds certifications including Professional Certified Coach through International Coaching Federation, Certified End of Life Coach through Coaching at End of Life, and Certified Grief Educator through David Kessler and Grief.com; and a Master of Music in Piano Performance from Indiana University. 

It can be hard to find joy when you're grieving, but Allegra Cohen shares some tips. Allegra Cohen is the Chief Joy Officer and Founder of BRAVE LIFE. Her mindset coaching and wellness seminars have been incorporated into businesses, schools and groups around the country, inspiring thousands of people with her original micro-JOYS™ method. Allegra was recently recognized with an Inspiration award by GlamourGals, for mentoring, motivating and empowering a national organization of women.Allegra is also an award-winning Film Producer and voiceover artist. She has produced feature films for Tiffany Haddish, Billy Crystal, James Franco, and Adrien Brody and can be heard in dozens of television and radio commercials including Estée Lauder, Tide, Ulta and Wawa. As a thriver with Crohn’s disease, Allegra is an advocate for those who cope with IBD or any chronic illness. She teaches and empowers a way of being to support in holistic healing.With over two decades in the entertainment industry, two Bonus kids, a six-year-old, and a passion for restoring wellbeing through joy, Allegra founded BRAVE LIFE. Her coaching empowers leaders, parents, and kids to overcome adversity by shifting back to the present moment and activating a state of joy. The Braving Series offers a fresh, dynamic approach to optimal health and happiness, both at home and at work. Go to allegracohen.com for more info.

Today, Autumn McNichols joins us to talk about grieving after the loss of a pet. Autumn is a faculty member at Ivy Tech Community College. Her professional career has also included more than 15 years of therapy work with hospice patients and their families, memory care units, adolescent inpatient and outpatient, schoolbased counseling, and intensive outpatient care utilizing DBT. Autumn's work experience includes the Department of Child Services, Adult and Child Mental Health Center, Indiana University/Riley Hospital, and private psychological practice as a clinical evaluator and therapist. By remaining active in the psychology field, she can marry the real-life experiences with the textbook theories and applications to create a better learning experience for her studentsAt Ivy Tech, you will find her in the psychology, human services, and criminal justice classrooms, but she also teaches Saturday courses to several union apprenticeship programs in Central Indiana and created an anti-harassment training program for IBEW 481 that has been delivered to more than 900 apprentices. She was invited to be a keynote speaker at HSAC (Hoosier State Apprenticeship Conference) last summer, where she presented on the critical need for DEI education and curriculum in the building trades programs.Autumn is an avid reader and believes that there are so many life lessons to learn from the wisdom of others' words and experiences. She and her husband reside in Indianapolis, where they enjoy hiking, working out, spending time with their sweet dog, and cheering on the IU football and basketball teams. She is also obsessed with The Golden Girls, iced tea, and leopard print. 

Ann Shoket is CEO of TheLi.st and Founder of TheLi.st (https://theli.st/), the Founder of New Power Media, and the Founder of 10 Minutes to Togetherness. (https://www.10minutestotogetherness.com/). She is a Media Brand Builder, a Women’s and Next Gen Expert, Bestselling Author and past Editor-in-Chief of Sevententeen Magazine. With each achievement in her career, it has been Shoket’s mission to help women and the next generation of leaders stem into their power and to redefine success-on their own terms. Shoket made her mark launching iconic media brands including Seventeen and CosmoGIRL. Most recently, as owner and CEO of TheLi.st, a nationwide community of high-impact women and non-binary leaders, she is using her platform to  shine a light on the impact of the loneliness epidemic on women at work and the solution that will help them rise--togetherness. Shoket wrote a widely acclaimed book, The Big Life, which was hailed by the New York Times as “a guide for women in their 20s and 30s who are hungry for a job they love, a supportive network of friends, respect from their bosses and partners who want all those things for them as badly as they do.”We invited Ann to speak about connectivity as we noticed in our own research that after a loss, people who are grieving tend to feel isolated, and this can be made even worse if they don’t already have a strong network both personally and professionally to help them navigate moving forward.

Please note that today’s episode is of a sensitive nature. If you have recently suffered the loss of a loved one and aren’t ready for this conversation, consider listening to this episode at a later date. Liz Wolczko is a bereaved mom, sibling and daughter. Her journey with grief began in 1974 with the death of her oldest brother John. Liz’s 26-year-old daughter and only child, Joana, died in 2008, the same year she lost her sister-in-law and Mother. Liz and her mother Sally Ketchum, were pioneers in the Hospice movement, creating the first Hospice in Maryland in 1979, that was also the third in the US. Liz didn’t stop there – she was part of creating one of the first Hospices in Southern New Hampshire. As a Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, she recruited and trained volunteers to sit with dying patients. Shortly after her daughter Joana’s death, Liz became a member of Compassionate Friends, a National non-profit support group for bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents. After benefiting as a member, she became a Facilitator for both the Nashua and Manchester, NH Chapters and Treasurer for the Manadnock Chapter in Peterborough, NH. In 2023, Compassionate Friends afforded Liz the opportunity become a Grief Educator, certified by world-renowned Grief Expert, David Kessler. Liz went on to study with Emmy-nominated, Public Speaking Coach Rachel Hanfling in her signature program, “Own the Power of Your Story”. Next up for Liz – turning our grief-denying society into a grief-accepting society by creating a program for high school and college students. To collaborate with Liz, book her for speaking engagements or to become a client in her private Grief Educator practice, contact her at [email protected]. Follow @LizKetchumWolczko on Facebook and Instagram.