The Empowered Grief Journey

In this powerful episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, Chris sits down with Carissa Karban—systems architect and shadow alchemist—to explore a form of grief that often goes unseen: the loss of identity. Carissa shares her personal journey through profound life transitions, including the unraveling of marriages, careers, and the versions of herself built for survival rather than truth. Together, they dive into what it really means to grieve the life you thought you would have, and how to rebuild from a place of authenticity. This conversation goes beyond traditional grief and opens the door to deeper healing through shadow work, self-discovery, and emotional integration. If you’ve ever felt lost, disconnected, or unsure of who you are after major life changes—this episode will meet you there.

Grief has a way of changing everything—and the hardest part is learning how to move forward when life no longer looks the same. In this episode, Chris sits down with Bill Cushing, who shares his personal journey of losing his wife to breast cancer and the profound impact that loss had on his life, identity, and sense of direction. Through honest reflection and lived experience, Bill opens up about what it’s like to walk through deep grief, face the reality of life after loss, and begin the process of rebuilding when everything feels uncertain. In this conversation, you’ll learn: What it’s like to lose a spouse to breast cancer How to navigate the emotional weight of grief and loss The challenges of rebuilding your life after losing a partner Finding strength, resilience, and meaning after tragedy How your perspective on life shifts after experiencing deep loss This episode is a powerful reminder that while grief never fully goes away, it can reshape you—and over time, help you rediscover purpose, connection, and a path forward. If you’ve lost someone close to you or are struggling to find your footing after loss, this conversation offers real, grounded insight into what healing can look like. You don’t have to have it all figured out—you just have to take the next step.

Grief doesn’t just affect your mind—it lives in your body. In this episode, Chris sits down with psychologist, mystic, and breathwork practitioner Colleen Quinn to explore how trauma and grief are stored in the body—and how true healing happens when we begin to work with it, not avoid it. Drawing from decades of experience in somatic experiencing, internal family systems (IFS), and breathwork, Colleen shares how unresolved grief can shape our identity, emotions, and nervous system—and how we can begin to release it in a safe, embodied way. Together, they dive into: How grief and trauma are stored in the body Why healing isn’t just mental—it’s physical and emotional The role of breathwork in processing grief How identity shifts after loss Learning to “get comfortable with the uncomfortable” Turning pain into personal growth and transformation If you’ve experienced loss and feel stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed, this conversation will help you understand why healing takes time—and how to begin reconnecting with yourself in the process. Grief isn’t the end of your story—it’s the beginning of a new chapter.

In this episode of the Empowered Grief Journey Podcast, Chris speaks with Lezlee Liljenberg—entrepreneur, author, and speaker—about her life-changing DNA discovery. What started as a fun family experiment quickly turned into a deeply emotional journey that challenged everything she believed about her identity and biological roots. Lezlee shares the realities of navigating unexpected family truths, the grief that can come with identity shifts, and how she found acceptance, connection, and meaning through her journey.

In this episode of the Empowered Grief Journey Podcast, Chris speaks with Lori Layne—author, speaker, and founder of The Lane Less Traveled—about her experience with a high-risk pregnancy, a long NICU journey, and the loss of her daughter. Lori shares the emotional realities of child loss, including navigating grief while raising a surviving child, how partners grieve differently, and the importance of community and support. She also discusses how she turned her pain into purpose through writing, ministry, and legacy work to help other grieving parents feel less alone.

In this episode of the Empowered Grief Journey Podcast, Chris sits down with writer and storyteller Penelope Alonso to discuss her experience of losing both parents within a short period of time. Through her journey of caregiving and profound loss, Penelope opens up about the emotional and identity shifts that follow when the foundational figures in your life are gone. She also shares how writing became a meaningful way to process grief, honor her parents, and move forward with intention.

In this episode, Chris sits down with Devorah Brinckerhoff, a mixed media artist and creator of the Soul Portrait Process, to explore how creativity can help transform grief, trauma, and life challenges into empowerment. Together, they discuss healing through art, reconnecting with your authentic self, and how expression can become a powerful tool for growth after loss.

In this episode of The Empowered Grief Journey Podcast, host Chris Mamone sits down with Diane Carbo, a registered nurse with 54 years of experience and the founder of Caregiver Relief, to talk about the realities of grief, caregiving, and why families need a clear plan before a crisis hits. Diane shares her personal story of losing her mother after her oncologist told her she had “beaten cancer”—only for her mom to suffer a pulmonary embolism and pass away the same day. That experience shaped Diane’s lifelong approach to death, dying, and medical advocacy, including how grief can rewire the brain, create trauma responses, and change relationships within families. Chris and Diane also explore how end-of-life conversations are often avoided until it’s too late, and why practical preparation matters. Diane explains the purpose behind her system, My Vital Vault, designed to help families organize critical health and life information so they can stay prepared for everyday caregiving and unexpected emergencies.

In this deeply personal and spiritual episode of The Empowered Grief Journey Podcast, host Chris Mamone sits down with Samuel Thomas Holland—a clairvoyant medium and intuitive—to explore grief through the lens of suicide loss, spiritual awakening, and energetic healing. Samuel shares the story of his friend Jordan, a 24-year-old aspiring opera singer who moved from Sydney to Melbourne to pursue her career. During the intense COVID lockdowns in Melbourne, canceled international opportunities and isolation contributed to what Samuel describes as a heavy, “black tar” depression—and Jordan ultimately died by suicide (2019). Samuel speaks candidly about how that loss affected his nervous system, emotions, and spiritual sensitivity, and how grief can sometimes “attach” itself when we’re deeply empathetic.  

In this returning-guest episode of The Empowered Grief Journey Podcast, host Chris Mamone welcomes therapist, speaker, artist, and Adversity Rising founder Kyira Wackett back to the show for a deep conversation about radical acceptance, the hidden grief of not being able to control outcomes, and what it takes to rebuild self-trust after trauma. Kyira—known for leading the “anti Band-Aid” movement in mental health—breaks down how fear, shame, and quick-fix thinking keep people stuck, and how healing often requires facing hard truths with compassion. Together, Chris and Kyira explore how thoughts vs. beliefs shape our self-worth, why many of us use other people’s reactions as “data” to decide our value, and how trauma can show up in relationships through rejection sensitivity and fear of abandonment. In this episode, you’ll learn: What radical acceptance really means (and what it doesn’t) How to release the need to control other people, outcomes, and relationships The difference between thoughts vs. beliefs—and why it matters for healing How childhood trauma and caregiver loss can create fear of leaving/being left How to stop outsourcing your worth and start living by your values Why grief can include mourning what you can’t control—and moving forward anyway If you’re navigating grief, trauma, anxiety, fear of rejection, or relationship triggers, this conversation will help you feel seen—and give you a grounded path toward authenticity, resilience, and values-driven living.

In this inspiring episode of The Empowered Grief Journey Podcast, host Chris Mamone sits down with author and speaker Linda Magoon to talk about what it really looks like to rebuild your life after a painful ending—and how nature can become a powerful path to healing. After leaving a 25-year toxic marriage, Linda chose an unexpected kind of “post-divorce therapy”: she set a goal to hike all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot peaks—an intense challenge known for steep elevation gain, rugged terrain, and unpredictable mountain weather (including the legendary conditions on Mount Washington). Along the way, she rediscovered her strength, resilience, and a sense of freedom she didn’t know she’d lost. Linda shares how shame, fear, finances, and stigma can keep people stuck in unhealthy situations—and how taking one brave step at a time can lead to profound transformation. She also discusses her book, Live Free and Hike: Finding Grace on 48 Summits, and why the outdoors can support emotional and mental well-being in ways traditional healing tools sometimes can’t. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Leaving a long-term toxic relationship and starting over The emotional weight of shame, stigma, and fear around divorce Why hiking became Linda’s “therapy” and turning point The mental and emotional lessons hidden inside hard climbs Finding grace, resilience, and freedom through the healing power of nature If you’re navigating grief after divorce, identity loss, or a major life transition, this conversation will remind you: your ending can become your beginning—and healing can start with one step.

In this episode of The Empowered Grief Journey Podcast, host Chris Mamone sits down with Rob Gutro—award-winning author, paranormal investigator, retired meteorologist, and pet medium—for a powerful conversation about pet loss grief, the afterlife, and the real-life signs our animals can send after they pass. Rob shares the story of his dog Buzz, the loss that reawakened his mediumship abilities, and the early signs that changed everything—including meaningful songs that played unexpectedly and a striking physical validation at the vet that confirmed Buzz was still present and okay. Together, Chris and Rob explore: What it means when people receive signs from pets in spirit Common ways pets communicate after passing (music, energy, physical signs, intuition) The difference between spirits vs. ghosts and why that matters How Rob’s science background explains spiritual communication through energy Why grief can heighten sensitivity—and how to stay grounded How to ask for a sign (without forcing it) and trust what you receive If you’ve ever wondered, “Is my pet still with me?” or you’re navigating the heartbreak of losing a beloved animal companion, this episode offers both comfort and clarity—blending compassion, lived experience, and practical insight into the mysteries of connection beyond death.

In this deeply moving episode of The Empowered Grief Journey Podcast, host Chris Mamone sits down with award-winning journalist and author Ashley Jordan to talk about a kind of grief many people experience—but rarely name: the loss of a first love in childhood and the long-term impact of unprocessed grief. Ashley shares the story of Daniel—her childhood sweetheart—who was killed in a sudden accident just days before her 13th birthday. With no emotional tools or support system to help her process the trauma, she did what many people are taught to do: shut down, “suck it up,” and keep going. Years later, an unexpected trigger cracked the grief back open—and changed everything. Together, Chris and Ashley explore: What it’s like to lose someone deeply significant at a young age How repressed grief can return later in life (even decades later) The emotional cost of becoming an “unhappy achiever” to outrun pain Why grief is connected to love, presence, and emotional aliveness How healing can include witnessing, meaning-making, and allowing the pain to move Ashley also shares her book, The Unhappy Achiever: Rejecting the Good Girl Image and Reclaiming the Joy of Inner Fulfillment, and how her grief journey shaped the message behind it. If you’ve ever felt grief resurface years after a loss—or you’ve carried a quiet heartbreak you never fully processed—this episode will help you feel seen and remind you: you’re not broken. Your grief is asking to be honored.

In this heartfelt episode of The Empowered Grief Journey Podcast, host Chris Mamone welcomes creative empowerment coach, musician, educator, and author Jenny Leigh Hodgins for a deeply meaningful conversation about grief, creativity, and rediscovering purpose after loss. Drawing from more than 30 years in music education and nearly four decades of Buddhist practice, Jenny shares how creativity becomes a powerful tool for navigating grief, burnout, and major life transitions. Together, Chris and Jenny explore how courage, self-compassion, and creative expression help us reconnect with ourselves when life changes everything. In this episode, you’ll discover: How grief and creativity are deeply connected Why emotional expression is an act of courage — not weakness Healing burnout through creative flow and self-compassion The role of mindfulness and Buddhist practice in grief recovery Reclaiming identity after loss and life transition How music, art, and storytelling support emotional healing This conversation is especially powerful for anyone experiencing grief, creative burnout, identity shifts, or feeling disconnected from their purpose. Jenny reminds us that creativity isn’t reserved for artists — it’s a human pathway back to wholeness. Grief may change your life, but it can also reconnect you to your most authentic voice. Connect with Jenny Leigh: Website: https://www.YourCreativeChord.com Podcast: https://www.YourCreativeChord.com/podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yourcreativechord LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyleighhodgins Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourCreativeChord Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourcreativechord

In this powerful episode of The Empowered Grief Journey Podcast, host Chris Mamone sits down with author, speaker, and grief facilitator Megan Malick to explore what it truly means to make space for grief — both personally and professionally. Megan, founder of A New Path and creator of a practical grief workbook and planner for the first year after loss, shares compassionate insights on navigating life after major change, loss, and transition. Together, Chris and Megan discuss how grief extends beyond death, touching career shifts, identity changes, relationships, and every major life transition we experience. This conversation dives into: How change and loss are deeply connected Navigating the first year of grief with clarity and compassion Practical tools for organizing life after loss The role of reflective writing and grief-informed practices How approaches like Brainspotting support emotional healing Creating space for grief in workplaces and everyday life If you’re coping with loss, supporting someone grieving, or seeking grounded guidance on healing and rebuilding after life changes, this episode offers both validation and practical direction. Grief is not the end of your story — it’s the beginning of a new path forward. 🎧 Listen now and take your next step from survival toward empowered healing.

Leaving a narcissistic relationship was only the beginning of Gail Showalter’s story. In this episode, Gail shares her journey of surviving emotional abuse, raising three children, and rebuilding her life from the ground up. But she didn’t stop at survival. She went back to school. She wrote a book. She started an organization to help other women break free from abuse. We talk about: • The subtle patterns of narcissistic control and gaslighting • The grief of losing the life and identity you thought you had • Raising children while healing from trauma • Going back to school later in life to reclaim your future • Writing a book as part of the healing process • Turning personal pain into advocacy and structured support for women This conversation is about resilience — but more than that, it’s about rebuilding with intention. Gail’s story is proof that grief can be a catalyst for purpose. If you’re navigating emotional abuse, identity loss, or starting over later in life, this episode will remind you that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

Why do certain memories still trigger anxiety, fear, or emotional reactions—even years later? In this episode, I sit down with Cedric Bertelli, founder of the Emotional Health Institute, to explore the science behind emotional memory and how our brains encode fear. Cedric explains why many emotional triggers aren’t just “mindset issues,” but deeply learned responses stored in emotional memory. We discuss how phobias, trauma responses, and anxiety are formed—and how they can be unlearned through emotional retraining. In this conversation, we explore: • How emotional memories are created in the brain • Why talk therapy doesn’t always resolve emotional triggers • The difference between intellectual understanding and emotional learning • Emotional plasticity and retraining fear responses • How anxiety can be healed at the root—not just managed If you’ve ever wondered why you logically “know you’re safe” but still feel triggered, this episode will give you a powerful new perspective on healing. Because transformation doesn’t just happen in thought—it happens in emotional memory.

What do you say to someone who’s grieving—when you’re afraid of saying the wrong thing? In this episode, I’m joined by Heidi Dunstan, a certified grief educator, to talk about the real-life impact of sudden loss, what widows and grievers actually need, and why so many people disappear when grief enters the room. Heidi shares her personal story of losing her husband suddenly just two days after Christmas and the day before her 40th birthday—and how that experience revealed how unprepared most people are to support someone in grief. We talk about: Why people avoid grievers (and how to have the courage to show up anyway) What to say when you don’t have the words What NOT to say (and why common platitudes can cause real harm) How to offer support in practical, specific ways (not “call me if you need anything”) How judgment shows up in grief—and what true compassion looks like If you’re grieving, supporting someone who is, or you’ve ever frozen up unsure of what to do—this conversation will help you show up with more confidence, care, and humanity. Because grief doesn’t need fixing. It needs presence.

Grief isn’t always one defining moment. Sometimes, it’s woven quietly into the fabric of our lives. In this episode, I sit down with Simona Costantini, founder of Volt Productions and host of Happiness Happens, to explore the many forms grief can take beyond death and traditional loss. We talk about grieving the life you thought you wanted, career paths that no longer fit, expectations placed on you, and versions of yourself you’ve outgrown. Simona shares her journey from corporate marketing into entrepreneurship and how conscious choice, visibility, and amplifying your voice often require letting go of who you used to be. One of the most powerful moments in our conversation: “Everything and nothing changes at the same time.” This episode is for anyone navigating identity shifts, career transitions, reinvention after loss, or the quiet grief of becoming someone new. Because grief doesn’t just close chapters — it opens new ones.

In this powerful episode, therapist and author Erica Bonham opens her heart and shares a lifelong grief journey shaped by adoption, early loss, identity struggles, and the complex dynamics of loving—and losing—two mothers. Erica and Chris explore the primal wound experienced by many adoptees, the layered grief of identity, and the “brutiful” intersection of love and loss. Erica also discusses her transformative experience with ketamine-assisted therapy, how it helped heal the deepest parts of her nervous system, and why healing is a nonlinear, lifelong path rather than a destination. If you’ve ever struggled with belonging, boundaries, identity, grief, or the weight of childhood wounds, this episode will offer clarity, validation, and hope. Come listen to a conversation that invites compassion, curiosity, and connection at the deepest level.

In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Bob Cutillo—a physician, caregiver, and author of Holding On in the Storm—shares the intimate journey of walking beside his wife Heather through terminal cancer and learning to navigate grief through faith, vulnerability, and emotional honesty. Bob and Chris explore the shock of diagnosis, the struggle to reconcile faith with suffering, how men can open up emotionally, and the transformative idea of “stewarding our pain” so it becomes a force for compassion rather than destruction. If you’re facing loss, questioning God, or learning to live in the aftermath of a life-changing storm, this conversation will offer comfort, clarity, and hope.

In this powerful episode, Harvard-educated author Bracha Goetz shares her lifelong search for purpose—from early grief and food addiction to the spiritual awakening that transformed her life. Together, Chris and Bracha explore how unhealed grief creates inner emptiness, why addictions form, and how gratitude becomes a path back to joy, fulfillment, and connection. If you're navigating grief, seeking meaning, or struggling with emotional cravings, this conversation offers wisdom, hope, and practical tools to nourish your soul.

In this powerful episode, Chris Mamone sits down with grief advocate, author, and founder of Journey Thru Grief, Tracy Oeser, who lost her daughter Chelsie to suicide in 2006. Tracy shares the raw truth of what suicide loss actually looks like—far beyond the stigmas, silence, and misconceptions that surround it. Together, Chris and Tracy explore: – The hidden signs of suicide and why prevention isn’t always straightforward – What survivors really need from friends, therapists, and society – The urgent training gaps in the mental health system – How to hold space for yourself when grief comes in waves – Tracy’s groundbreaking Four Phases of Suicide Loss that go beyond the outdated five stages of grief If you’ve experienced suicide loss, support someone who has, or want to better understand this complex form of grief, this episode offers compassion, clarity, and a path toward meaningful healing and post-traumatic growth.

In this deeply moving episode, Chris sits down with grief educator and bereaved mother Carrie Brody, who lost her vibrant 9-year-old son, Seth, to Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC)—a tragedy few parents even know exists until it happens to them. Carrie shares the shock of losing a healthy child without warning, the painful search for answers that never came, and the trauma that reshaped her family and marriage. She also opens up about her powerful spiritual connection with Seth, the signs and messages she continues to receive, and how he guided her to write her book Do You Know the Way? Together, Chris and Carrie explore the realities of child loss, how partners grieve differently, why guilt haunts bereaved parents, and how love continues beyond death. If you're navigating grief, searching for meaning, or longing for connection with a child who has passed, this episode will meet you tenderly where you are.

In this powerful episode, Australian coach and podcast host Kate Galli shares the sudden and heartbreaking loss of her mother during the height of COVID-19 lockdowns. From closed borders to ICU restrictions, ambulance escorts, and navigating grief in total isolation, Kate brings us inside the emotional shock and unreal logistics that shaped her experience. Together, we explore: • Sudden loss and the trauma of not being able to say goodbye • Grief during COVID and the loss of basic human connection • Healing strained family relationships after tragedy • Anger, compassion, and the transformation that grief demands • How grief reshaped Kate’s activism, leadership, and entire worldview • What her mother — and her mother’s cat Pango — taught her about love This episode is a deeply moving reminder that grief forces us to grow in directions we never imagined — and that compassion, even in the smallest moments, can carry us through the unimaginable.

What happens when grief is layered—cancer loss, complicated family history, caregiving, and the unexpected death of a beloved pet? In today’s episode, novelist Ansley Ash shares her deeply personal journey through a lifetime of responsibility, emotional exhaustion, and profound love. We talk about: • Navigating cancer loss and anticipatory grief • Growing up in a home shaped by disability • Pet loss and why it deserves real space • Anger as a messenger, not a flaw • Setting boundaries and choosing what truly matters • Rebuilding identity through creativity and self-grace If you’ve ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward, Ansley’s story will help you feel understood—and remind you that your grief journey is valid exactly as it is.

In this heartfelt episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone sits down with Los Angeles-based psychotherapist Cherie Nassi to explore how grief can become a pathway to healing and empowerment. Cherie shares her story of growing up with a father who developed Alzheimer’s, the anticipatory grief she faced as a teen, and how his death inspired her to help others navigate trauma and loss. Together, they discuss radical acceptance, setting boundaries, and learning to live alongside grief rather than “getting over it.” Cherie also reflects on supporting her community through California wildfires and the lessons of resilience that followed.

In this heartfelt episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone sits down with award-winning Canadian author Angie Vancise to explore how grief, creativity, and faith can become powerful forces for healing. After losing her brother Dan unexpectedly—followed by her parents, home, and sense of identity—Angie found solace through writing her debut novel Cry of an Osprey, honoring her brother’s memory and exploring themes of love, loss, and acceptance. Her second book, Hidden in the Shadows, extends that empathy to survivors of abuse and exploitation, turning pain into purpose through storytelling. Together, Chris and Angie discuss the physical weight of grief, signs from loved ones, guilt around “moving on,” and the redemptive power of creative expression.

In this powerful episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone sits down with Jessa Reynolds — creative, mother, and founder of The Inner Grace Project — to explore healing through chronic illness, medical trauma, and grief. Diagnosed with endometriosis, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and ADHD after years of unexplained pain, Jessa shares what it’s like to grieve the life she imagined, rediscover self-love, and find hope through faith, motherhood, and advocacy. Together, they discuss the hidden grief of chronic pain, the emotional toll of not being believed, and the courage it takes to speak up and seek real support.

In this heartfelt episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone sits down with Ally Dalsimer — award-winning author of It’s Okay Not to Be Fabulous Every Day: A Journey to Self-Discovery — to explore how resilience, humor, and self-compassion can carry us through life’s hardest seasons. Ally shares her story of losing her husband to cancer, navigating single parenthood, career upheaval, and multiple losses — and how each experience taught her to rebuild her identity with grace and courage. Together, they unpack the myths of “getting over it,” the importance of honest grief, and why kindness toward ourselves is the foundation of healing.

Author and speaker Ken Miller (Becoming Ken) joins host Chris Mamone on The Empowered Grief Journey to share how he transformed a childhood marked by foster care, abandonment, and violence into a life of recovery, purpose, and service. Once a National Merit Scholar at Dartmouth who fell into decades of addiction, homelessness, and incarceration, Ken recounts the turning point that led him to rebuild his physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual health while in prison. Together, Ken and Chris explore the grief beneath anger, the power of forgiveness, and how “gap control” helps interrupt reactive cycles and foster emotional balance. Ken also unpacks the language of respect and disrespect—from the streets to the boardroom—and how changing our self-talk can transform our lives. Today, Ken is a successful entrepreneur, mentor, and storyteller who models resilience, grace, and love.

In this moving episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone speaks with Jess Moyer—grief coach, author, and founder of Faith Over Fear Coaching. Jess shares her powerful story of losing her son and how faith, surrender, and community became lifelines in her healing. Together, they explore trusting divine timing, finding purpose through pain, and embracing the lessons grief leaves behind.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone talks with Eryn Anitavi—author of If Then: The Neurodivergent Rulebook—about the intersection of grief, identity, and neurodiversity. Eryn opens up about losing her brother, navigating life as a neurodivergent woman, and transforming pain into purpose. Together, they explore how embracing difference, emotional honesty, and community can turn grief into a catalyst for growth.

In this heartfelt episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone sits down with Australian grief coach and author Carolyn Gower, founder of The Voice of Grief movement. After losing her husband to prostate cancer and surviving a near-death experience herself, Carolyn shares her powerful perspective on grief, resilience, and the courage to keep living. Together, they explore how to carry love forward, honor those we’ve lost, and rediscover joy without “getting over” grief.

Astrologer and healer Tiffany O’Hearn joins Chris to explore grief in all its forms—beyond death and into rupture, divorce, and hard choices in family court. Tiffany shares the 24 days she was separated from her daughter, how “feeling it to heal it” became her compass, and why forgiveness, curiosity, and nature (hello, owl omens) helped her rebuild. They talk children’s voices, breaking cycles, and creating space for the big tears that transform us.

In this deeply moving episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone sits down with Lucille Barkman, who shares her story of losing her daughter in a tragic car crash. For years, Lucille carried her grief quietly—believing strength meant silence. Together, they explore the cost of emotional suppression, the courage it takes to feel again, and the healing that begins when we allow ourselves to be seen. Lucille’s journey is a powerful reminder that true strength comes from honesty, vulnerability, and love that never fades.  

In this insightful episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone sits down with therapist Valerie Rubin to unpack the roots of relationship anxiety and the path to genuine inner confidence. Valerie shares how early attachment wounds shape adult relationships and offers practical tools for feeling secure, calm, and connected.

In this illuminating episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone sits down with Johanna Burkhart — multidimensional channel, quantum healer, and creator of The Purification Process. Johanna shares how her own trauma led her to develop a powerful method for healing on both a soul and cellular level. Together, they explore how grief can become a catalyst for empowerment, truth, and spiritual awakening.

In this episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone sits down with Lisa, who shares her heartfelt story of family, love, and resilience. From navigating marriage and motherhood to finding her footing after profound loss, Lisa reflects on the lessons that shaped her path. Together, they explore how grief can become a gateway to courage, self-acceptance, and new beginnings. Her story offers comfort, hope, and the reminder that healing unfolds in many forms.

In this episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone sits down with Carrie Casey West — best-selling author, speaker, and narrative coach — to explore how the stories we tell ourselves can shape or limit our healing. Through her own experiences and powerful client work, Carrie reveals how narrative coaching helps transform pain into purpose and self-acceptance. This heartfelt conversation is an invitation to release old identities, rewrite your story, and step into a future grounded in meaning and hope.

In this episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone sits down with Stephanie Carmody — a former brand and celebrity publicist who built a two-decade career defined by creativity and connection. Together, they explore her journey of breaking free from a narcissistic marriage, embracing authenticity, and finding joy on the other side of change. When life called her to reinvent herself, Stephanie followed her heart. Now, as host of Second Act Sessions, she helps others navigate transition and rediscover peace and purpose.

In this episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone welcomes Moni Castaneda—feng shui consultant, speaker, and author. Moni shares how her Nine Steps to Feng Shui System blends ancient East Asian wisdom with modern design to create homes that nurture emotional healing and renewal. For those navigating grief or seeking forgiveness, Moni’s approach offers a tangible way to shift energy and invite new beginnings.

In this episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone speaks with Martha Glory—a resilient cult survivor turned international leader in trauma healing and wellness. After 14 years of deep personal recovery, Martha now helps others reclaim their lives as the creator of TraumaX, a community for trauma survivors. She’s also an Amazon best-selling author, dynamic speaker, trauma-informed coach, and host of the TV show Let Glory Shine.

In this episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone speaks with Teresa Sims—founder of AscendU Coaching, award-winning author of A Century of Secrets, and host of the Powering Through Life podcast. Teresa shares her incredible story of survival—from childhood abuse and neglect to spousal abuse and two near-death experiences. Through it all, she discovered how to break free from limiting beliefs, release emotional blocks, and live with purpose and healing. Together, they explore how to transform trauma into strength, break unconscious patterns, and embrace courage as a cornerstone of healing.

In this episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone welcomes Caroline Rena—grief alchemist, spiritual guide, and host of the Awakening Soul Divinity Podcast. Caroline shares her powerful story of transmuting trauma, navigating grief, and rediscovering the truth of who she is. A veteran, empath, and healer, she now helps others release inherited patterns, raise their frequency, and embody their divine purpose. Together, they explore the ocean-like nature of grief, the courage it takes to face loss, and how grief can become a catalyst for awakening. A heartfelt, hope-filled conversation reminding us that even in the depths of loss, we are never truly alone.

In this heartfelt episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone sits down with Fran Strickland—an HR leader and expat living in Switzerland—whose story of losing her mother reveals the power of resilience, faith, and self-reinvention. Fran shares how her upbringing, global perspective, and professional path shaped her understanding of grief—and how the lessons from her loss continue to guide her life and leadership today. Together, they explore what it means to grieve across cultures, embrace healing as a lifelong process, and find strength in vulnerability. A moving conversation reminding us that healing isn’t about moving on—it’s about moving forward with grace and courage.

In this episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone sits down with Daniel Jackson—a gifted spiritual medium who channels archangels and spirit guides to bring healing, clarity, and comfort. Daniel shares how communicating with the other side has transformed his own grief and helped countless others find strength and purpose after loss. Together, they explore grief as a spiritual awakening, the guidance of spirit allies, and the power of love and acceptance in healing. Whether you’re seeking meaning, comfort, or connection, this conversation is a reminder that we are never truly alone.

In this powerful episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone sits down with Brooke Bownes—accredited trauma coach, therapist, and #1 best-selling author—to explore her extraordinary story of resilience and transformation. From a traumatic birth and childhood abuse to homelessness and single motherhood, Brooke’s path is a testament to defying the odds. She shares how she turned pain into purpose, rewrote the narrative of limitation, and learned to stand fully in her worth. Today, Brooke empowers women worldwide to overcome self-doubt, heal from trauma, and reclaim their confidence. A moving conversation about courage, healing, and the power of self-belief.

In this heartfelt episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone sits down with Lori Sase—life coach, grief tender, and host of The Imaginal Podcast. Drawing from the loss of both parents within months and the death of a beloved student, Lori shares her journey of grieving in a world that rarely makes space for it. Together, Chris and Lori explore the importance of slowing down, creating space for mourning, and discovering the quiet wisdom that can emerge from life’s most painful transitions. This gentle conversation is a reminder that even in the heaviest moments, healing is possible.

In this eye-opening episode of The Empowered Grief Journey Podcast, host Chris Mamone welcomes Carrie Brauninger—licensed clinical social worker, co-founder of the Saunders Sisterhood, and proud Great Dane mom—for a deeply personal conversation about the unspoken grief of being childless not by choice. Carrie opens up about navigating invisible loss, societal expectations, and the quiet ache that often goes unseen. Together, they explore breaking free from the “life script” and creating new visions of purpose, connection, and fulfillment beyond parenthood.