GRIEF: Let's Make Sense of This Sh*t

In this episode, we're diving deep into something that doesn't get talked about enough: what happens to your grief when the sun goes down. If you're someone who feels like nighttime is when your loss hits hardest, when the weight of missing someone or missing how things used to be becomes almost unbearable, this episode is for you. Dylan explores the real physiological reasons why grief amplifies in the evening hours, and more importantly, he walks you through practical, gentle rituals you can use to move through that nighttime heaviness instead of just lying there with it all night long. This isn't about making grief disappear. It's about creating intentional space to process what you're feeling so you can actually rest. What You'll Learn: • Why nighttime grief feels heavier and more intense than daytime grief • How your nervous system changes as the sun sets and impacts emotional processing • The physiological reasons your defenses are lower in evening hours • Specific rituals designed to help you move through grief before bed • How to honor what you're feeling while also creating space for rest Key Insights • Meeting nighttime grief with intention helps release it instead of letting it build • Your body's vulnerability at night isn't weakness, it's an opportunity for processing • Creating a deliberate evening practice can transform your relationship to nighttime sadness • Grief processing at night is different and deserves its own specific approach • Honoring loss while also prioritizing your own rest are not in conflict Recommended Resources: • The Center for Complicated Grief at Columbia University offers research-backed resources for processing intense grief • The National Sleep Foundation provides guidance on sleep and emotional health • The Dinner Party offers community and support for people grieving significant loss Coming Up Next In our next episode, we're exploring what happens when grief shows up unexpectedly during moments that are supposed to be happy. Join us as we talk about navigating those complicated emotions and finding authenticity in spaces where you're expected to smile. 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at [email protected]. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...

In this episode, if you're finding that even the simplest daily tasks feel overwhelming after your loss, you're not alone. Grief can disrupt the brain's usual routines, making things like making coffee or feeding a pet seem impossible. We explore why this happens and how to approach these moments with kindness rather than pressure. This conversation acknowledges the fog that settles in and offers understanding for those days when getting started feels out of reach. We move slowly, honoring your pace without any rush to return to normal while sharing real stories and brain science that explain the shutdown many experience. What You'll Learn: • Grief interrupts brain signals for starting simple daily tasks. • The prefrontal cortex handles sequencing and gets temporarily affected by loss. • Personal stories reveal common blank moments during routine activities. • Scientific studies confirm these disruptions are normal after significant bereavement. • Naming the pattern reduces shame and feelings of personal failure. Key Insights: • Allow one small reachable step without needing the full routine. • Prepare aids like leaving items out the night before to ease decisions. • Notice patterns gently without judgment to open space for change. • Treat each day as its own set of tiny decisions only. • Replace inner pressure by asking what one action looks possible today. Recommended Resources: • Columbia Center for Complicated Grief provides research and guidance on adjusting after loss. • UCLA bereavement studies detail brain changes during early grief phases. • American Psychiatric Association DSM5TR explains effects on daily functioning. Coming Up Next We'll explore how grief affects relationships and communication next time, helping you find steadier ways to connect without added strain. 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at [email protected]. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...

In this episode, we’re gently untangling one of grief’s most painful companions: guilt. That specific weight of the “what ifs” can feel like a maze with no exit, a relentless loop of regret and alternate realities you can’t stop replaying. If you’re haunted by thoughts of what you could or should have done differently, you are not alone. This episode is a compassionate space to understand why these thoughts hit so hard, not to erase them, but to help you find a way to breathe alongside them. We’ll explore how this guilt is often a heartbreaking signal of your love and how to relate to these thoughts with more kindness for the person you were then.What You'll Learn:• Why "what if" thoughts are a common, almost universal, part of grieving.• The psychological term "counterfactual thinking" and how your brain uses it.• How guilt often judges your past self with knowledge you didn't have.• That these painful thoughts frequently stem from love and a wish for control.• Why trying to forcefully stop these thoughts often makes them louder.Key Insights• You can acknowledge a "what if" thought without getting lost in its story.• Practice separating the you grieving now from the you who acted without foresight.• Understand that your mind is trying to solve an unsolvable problem out of care.• Allow for the non-linear nature of this process; some days will be louder than others.• The goal is to change your relationship to the thoughts, not to stop them completely.Recommended Resources:• The article "Understanding Counterfactual Thinking in Grief" from the *Journal of Loss and Trauma*.• Dr. Kenneth Doka’s extensive writings on disenfranchised grief and complicated mourning.• The book "It’s OK That You’re Not OK" by Megan Devine.Coming Up NextWe’ll explore practical, gentle ways to respond when a "what if" thought ambushes you, offering tangible steps to find grounding and self-compassion in the moment.📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at [email protected].💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/grief-let-s-make-sense-of-this-sh-t--6352946/support

In this episode, we explore the gentle yet powerful practice of the Five-Minute Memory Box - a daily ritual designed to help those grieving maintain meaningful connections with loved ones they've lost. Whether you're in the raw early stages of grief or walking a path that stretches back years, this simple practice offers a sustainable way to honor memories without becoming overwhelmed by them.What You'll Learn:• How to create and personalize your own Five-Minute Memory Box with meaningful items• Why setting time boundaries around grief work can make it more manageable and sustainable• Understanding the difference between contained grief practices and overwhelming emotional experiences• How daily micro-rituals can help maintain healthy connections with those we've lost• Ways to adapt the practice as your grief journey evolvesKey Insights:• Start small - even five minutes of intentional remembrance can have profound healing effects• Create clear boundaries around your practice to make it feel safe and sustainable• Allow flexibility in your ritual - some days may need more time, others less• Choose items that bring comfort rather than trigger overwhelming emotions• Remember there's no "right way" to maintain connections with loved onesRecommended Resources:• "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine• The Grief Recovery Handbook by John W. James and Russell Friedman• What's Your Grief (website and online community)Coming Up Next:Join us as we explore how to navigate grief triggers during holidays and special occasions, with practical strategies for preparing and caring for yourself during challenging times.📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at [email protected].💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/grief-let-s-make-sense-of-this-sh-t--6352946/support

In this episode, we tackle the profound challenge of complicated grief, where the natural healing process gets stuck. Understand why your grief might feel endless and discover gentle pathways to move forward without leaving your loved one behind. This isn't about 'getting over it,' but about finding a way to breathe again.What You'll Learn::• Recognize signs of complicated grief.• Understand why healing gets stuck.• Differentiate from typical mourning.• Explore factors influencing persistent grief.• Find gentle ways to carry loss.Key Insights:• Complicated grief is a natural response.• It is not a failure to heal.• Society's timelines are often unrealistic.• Understanding is the first step toward freedom.• Moving forward doesn't mean forgetting.Recommended Resources:• "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine• "On Grief and Grieving" by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross• Grief counseling and therapy• Support groups for complicated grief📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at [email protected].💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/grief-let-s-make-sense-of-this-sh-t--6352946/support

In this episode, we explore the profound connection between grief and physical movement. Whether you're struggling to get out of bed or finding solace in long walks, we delve into how our bodies process loss and how mindful movement can become a gentle companion in grief. Through personal stories, expert insights, and community experiences, we discover how honoring the physical dimension of grief can open new pathways to healing.What You'll Learn:• How grief manifests physically in our bodies and impacts our natural movement patterns• The science behind why movement can help process emotional pain and trauma• Simple, accessible ways to incorporate mindful movement into your grief journey• Why traditional exercise advice often fails grieving people and what works instead• How different cultures use movement rituals to honor loss and support healingKey Insights• Start small - even tiny movements like stretching in bed or walking to the mailbox count• Listen to your body's rhythm - some days need stillness, others need movement• Create sacred movement spaces where you can safely express your grief• Use gentle walking meditation to stay present with difficult emotions• Connect with others through movement, whether in grief groups or solo practiceRecommended Resources:• "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk• Mindful Grieving Movement Guide by The Center for Loss & Life Transition• GriefYoga.com - Specialized yoga practices for those experiencing lossComing Up NextJoin us next week as we explore how to navigate grief during major life transitions and milestones, offering practical tools for these challenging times.📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at [email protected].💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/grief-let-s-make-sense-of-this-sh-t--6352946/support

In this episode, we shine a light on disenfranchised grief, the profound pain of losses that go unseen and unacknowledged by society. Discover how to validate your own experience and find solace even when others don't understand, transforming isolation into self-compassion.What You'll Learn::• Understand disenfranchised grief's impact• Validate your personal loss experience• Cope with unacknowledged sorrow• Find support for hidden grief• Reclaim your right to mournKey Insights:• Society often ranks losses, invalidating many• Grief's depth isn't measured by social recognition• Unrecognized grief adds layers of isolation• Your pain is real, regardless of others' understanding• Healing involves honoring your unique loss journeyRecommended Resources:• "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine• The Disenfranchised Grief and Loss Scale (DGLS)• Grief counseling and therapy📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at [email protected].💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/grief-let-s-make-sense-of-this-sh-t--6352946/support

In this episode, we explore the gentle yet powerful practice of five-minute grief journaling prompts. Whether you're navigating fresh loss or carrying grief that's been with you for years, we'll discover how brief moments of writing can create meaningful spaces for processing pain, honoring memories, and finding small pockets of peace in the storm. This episode offers practical, accessible tools for anyone feeling overwhelmed by grief's intensity. What You'll Learn: • How short writing sessions can provide relief when traditional grieving practices feel overwhelming • Why five-minute prompts can be more manageable than lengthy journaling sessions • The connection between brief writing practices and emotional processing during grief • Ways to create sustainable grief rituals that don't require massive emotional energy • How to use simple prompts to maintain connection with loved ones we've lost Key Insights • Start with just five minutes - there's no pressure to write more if you're not ready • Allow yourself to write whatever comes up, without judgment or editing • Use specific prompts as gentle doorways into difficult emotions • Create a dedicated space and time for your grief writing practice • Remember that there's no "right" way to express your grief through writing Recommended Resources: • "The Grief Journal" by Wendy Sloneker • "Writing to Heal" by James Pennebaker • GriefShare.org's Writing Through Grief resources Coming Up Next Join us next week as we explore how to navigate grief during the holiday season, with practical strategies for handling difficult celebrations and family gatherings. 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at [email protected]. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...

In this episode, we explore the complex terrain of anticipatory grief - that deep ache we feel when we can see loss approaching but haven't fully experienced it yet. Whether you're dealing with a terminal diagnosis, watching a loved one's cognitive decline, or facing any impending loss, we create a safe space to acknowledge the challenging reality of grieving someone while they're still here. This episode offers gentle guidance for those living in that difficult space between "now" and "then." What You'll Learn: • How anticipatory grief differs from post-loss grief and why it's equally valid • Ways to manage the guilt that often accompanies grieving someone who's still present • Strategies for staying present while preparing emotionally for future loss • Understanding the physical and emotional impacts of anticipatory grief • How to honor both your grief and your ongoing relationship with your loved one Key Insights • Give yourself permission to feel complex, contradictory emotions during this time • Create meaningful moments and memories while acknowledging the reality ahead • Practice self-care through journaling, rest, and connecting with understanding others • Find balance between preparing for the future and staying present in the moment • Recognize that anticipatory grief is a natural expression of deep love Recommended Resources: • "Anticipatory Grief" by Therese Rando • The Anticipatory Grief Support Group Directory (www.grief.com) • "Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs, and Communications of the Dying" Coming Up Next Join us next week as we explore the unique challenges of grieving during major holidays and special occasions, with practical strategies for honoring both your loss and your traditions. 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at [email protected]. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...This episode includes AI-generated content.

In this episode, we explore the delicate and often overwhelming experience of morning grief - those sacred first hours of the day when loss feels most acute. Whether you're struggling with that empty chair at breakfast, missing those morning texts, or simply finding it hard to face another dawn without your loved one, we create a gentle space to acknowledge these challenges and discover meaningful ways to honor both your grief and your need to keep living. What You'll Learn: • How morning biology affects grief intensity and why early hours can feel particularly challenging • Ways to create meaningful morning rituals that honor both your loss and your healing journey • Understanding the difference between helpful routines and pressure to "move on" • Practical strategies for managing overwhelming emotions during those first waking moments • How to transform morning struggles into opportunities for connection and remembrance Key Insights • Give yourself permission to start slowly - even small morning rituals can provide meaningful support • Creating a dedicated grief space can help contain overwhelming emotions without denying them • Morning routines can evolve naturally - there's no need to force specific practices • Combining remembrance with self-care can help bridge the gap between past and present • Your morning experience of grief is valid, whether it involves tears, silence, or moments of peace Recommended Resources: • "The Early Morning Light: Grief and Dawn" by Hope Edelman • Modern Loss online community (modernloss.com) • Refuge in Grief's Morning Meditations (refugeingrief.com) Coming Up Next Join us as we explore the complex dynamics of grieving within families - how shared loss can both unite and challenge our closest relationships. 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at [email protected]. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...This episode includes AI-generated content.

In this episode, Dylan guides you through the complex world of processing emotions in grief, sharing that there's no right way to feel your way through loss. Whether you're experiencing overwhelming anger, unexpected numbness, or contradictory emotions all at once, this conversation offers gentle validation and practical tools. Through real listener stories and research-backed insights, you'll discover that grief emotions are information to be honored, not problems to be solved. Dylan explores how our brains literally rewire themselves to hold both love and loss, and shares concrete techniques for moving through overwhelming feelings without being consumed by them.Key TakeawaysThere's no timeline or right way to process grief emotionsGrief activates the same brain pathways as physical painMaintaining bonds with deceased loved ones supports healthy adjustmentEmotions in grief carry important information about healingMultiple contradictory feelings can coexist and are completely normalWhat You'll DiscoverHow to create space for difficult emotions without drowning in themThe pause and breathe technique for emotional overwhelmWhy naming specific emotions reduces their power over youHow to use the wave visualization for intense grief feelingsDaily integration practices that honor grief while supporting lifeResources MentionedDr. George Bonanno's research on resilient grief patterns at Columbia UniversityDr. Mary-Frances O'Connor's neuroscience studies on grief and brain rewiringDr. Nigel Field's continuing bonds research at University of UtahThe Harvard Study of Adult Development on grief and long-term wellbeingDr. Worden's tasks of mourning frameworkNext Episode Preview Next week, we'll explore how to navigate the holidays when grief feels overwhelming, including practical strategies for family gatherings and creating new traditions that honor your loss.📩 Have questions or want to share your story? Reach out at [email protected]. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here

In this episode, Dylan explores building emotional resilience after loss in a focused "Five Mins Out" format. Discover why resilience isn't about bouncing back to who you were before, but about learning to bend without breaking. Learn the difference between resilience and resistance, and find practical ways to develop the capacity to hold both sorrow and joy. This isn't about getting over grief—it's about growing around the wound while honoring both your loss and your life.Key TakeawaysResilience in grief means learning to bend without breaking, not bouncing backBuilding emotional strength honors your loss while supporting your capacity to keep livingResilience isn't about hurting less but developing flexibility to hold multiple emotionsTrust develops through practice and small acts of courage in your healing journeyYour grief journey contributes to a larger story about human resilience and loveWhat You'll DiscoverWhy resistance to grief actually makes the journey harder than building resilience within itHow to work with your current energy levels rather than demanding superhuman strengthThe difference between recovery and adaptation when processing profound lossWhy resilience looks different day by day and that's completely normalHow building your own grief toolkit supports long-term emotional sustainabilityResources MentionedResearch on emotional flexibility and resilience after lossTherapeutic approaches to grief adaptation vs. recovery modelsStudies on the non-linear nature of grief and healingNext Episode Preview Join us next time as we explore navigating grief triggers in everyday life. We'll discuss practical strategies for handling unexpected waves of emotion and building confidence in your ability to move through difficult moments.📩 Have questions or want to share your story? Reach out at [email protected]. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here

In this episode, we explore the complex journey of finding hope after loss and rebuilding optimism when grief has fundamentally shifted your world. Dylan addresses the reality that hope after loss doesn't mean returning to who you were before, but rather learning to carry both grief and possibility simultaneously. Through research-backed insights and powerful real-life stories, we discover that hope isn't about forgetting or moving on, but about honoring your loss while remaining open to future meaning. You'll learn practical tools for nurturing hope when you're ready, understanding that hope and grief aren't opposites but companions that can coexist in your healing heart.Key TakeawaysHope after loss looks different for everyone and emerges in its own timelineGrief and hope can coexist without betraying your loved one's memorySmall, daily practices can create space for hope to naturally emergeHope after loss is earned hope that understands darkness but chooses lightCommunity and shared experiences often become pathways to renewed hopeWhat You'll DiscoverHow to recognize hope when it appears in unexpected, subtle formsThe difference between toxic positivity and genuine hope rooted in lossResearch-backed approaches for nurturing hope without rushing your grief processWhy hope after loss is deeper and more authentic than pre-loss optimismPractical tools like the five-minute practice and legacy creation for daily hopeResources MentionedDr. Edith Steffen's research on meaning-making after loss and continuing bondsDr. Dennis Klass's groundbreaking work on maintaining connections with deceased loved onesDr. Crystal Park's studies on meaning-making processes in grief recoveryDr. Richard Tedeschi and Dr. Lawrence Calhoun's post-traumatic growth researchDr. Mary-Frances O'Connor's neuroscience research on grief and brain connectivityNext Episode Preview Next week, we'll be exploring the often-overlooked topic of disenfranchised grief and how society's expectations can complicate our healing process. We'll discuss how to validate your own grief experience when others don't understand its depth or duration.📩 Have questions or want to share your story? Reach out at [email protected]. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here

In this episode, Dylan explores the complex relationship between grief and rest, addressing why sleep becomes so elusive during loss and how our bodies desperately need recovery time. He discusses the physical and emotional exhaustion that accompanies grief, the role of grief dreams in healing, and practical ways to honor your need for rest without guilt. Dylan shares personal stories and client experiences to illustrate how rest isn't weakness—it's essential for processing loss and moving through grief with more resilience and presence.Key TakeawaysGrief exhaustion affects your body, mind, and nervous system simultaneouslyYour body's hypervigilant state during grief requires extra rest and recovery timeGrief dreams are your brain's way of processing trauma and reorganizing realityResisting rest often leads to greater depletion and overwhelming emotionsTaking care of your sleep needs honors both yourself and your lost loved oneWhat You'll DiscoverWhy grief disrupts sleep patterns and creates vivid, intense dreamsHow to distinguish between healthy rest and avoidance behaviorsThe science behind why grief makes you feel physically exhaustedPractical approaches to honoring your rest needs without judgmentWhy society's pressure to bounce back quickly is harmful to healingResources MentionedSleep and grief recovery research from trauma psychology studiesNervous system regulation techniques for grief processingClient stories: Sarah's post-loss sleep struggles and Maria's guilt journeyNext Episode Preview Join Dylan next time as he explores navigating grief triggers in everyday life and how to build resilience when the world feels unpredictable. He'll share strategies for managing unexpected waves of emotion and finding stability in the midst of loss.📩 Have questions or want to share your story? Reach out at [email protected]. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here

In this episode, Dylan explores the profound reality that strength in grief looks nothing like what we've been taught. Rather than being about "getting over it" or maintaining composure, true grief strength emerges through vulnerability, presence, and the courage to feel deeply. Through personal stories and research-backed insights, this conversation reveals how emotional setbacks are actually love in disguise, how healing isn't linear, and why authentic grief work requires us to stay soft in a hard world.Key TakeawaysEmotional setbacks in grief are normal and indicate love, not healing failureTrue strength means staying present with pain rather than avoiding itGrief doesn't follow a linear path and that's completely normalVulnerability and authenticity are forms of profound courage in lossSmall daily practices can help build resilience over timeWhat You'll DiscoverHow neuroscience research explains why grief changes our brain structureThe difference between "armored strength" and "embodied strength" in griefReal stories from listeners finding their own paths through lossPractical tools like the five-minute rule and grief inventory techniqueWhy post-traumatic growth can emerge from our darkest momentsResources MentionedDr. George Bonanno's research on resilient grief at Columbia UniversityDr. Mary-Frances O'Connor's neuroscience work on grief and brain imagingPost-traumatic growth research by Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence CalhounDr. Crystal Park's studies on meaning-making in griefDr. Sheldon Cohen's social support research at Carnegie MellonNext Episode Preview Join us next time as we explore how to navigate the complex terrain of grief during holidays and anniversaries. We'll discuss practical strategies for honoring memory while creating new traditions that hold both joy and sorrow.📩 Have questions or want to share your story? Reach out at [email protected].💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here

In this episode, we dive into the heart of grief recovery through the gentle power of daily practices. Your host Dylan creates a calm, supportive space where small routines become lifelines, not just to survive, but to rediscover moments of hope, agency, and self-kindness. Through heartfelt stories and honest reflection, you’ll learn why the tiniest rituals matter and how showing up for yourself in simple ways can create lasting change, even in the darkest times.Key Takeaways• Small daily routines can provide stability and comfort during grief• Grief recovery happens through tiny, consistent actions• There’s no perfect or “right” daily practice for healing• Rituals help reclaim agency and nurture self-kindness• Every act of care, no matter how small, truly countsWhat You’ll Discover• Real stories of how daily habits support healing after loss• The role of gentle routines in building resilience• How to create your own meaningful daily ritual• Why self-compassion is essential during grief• Practical tips for starting a daily practice todayResources Mentioned• “The Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion• “Option B” by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant• “Healing After Loss” by Martha Whitmore Hickman• “Tiny Habits” by BJ Fogg• Article: “Rituals and Grief Recovery” (Psychology Today)Next Episode PreviewNext time, we’ll be talking about Finding Strength—practical ways to rediscover your resilience in the midst of loss. I hope you’ll join me for another honest, supportive conversation.📩 Have questions or want to share your story? Reach out at [email protected].💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/grief-let-s-make-sense-of-this-sh-t--6352946/support

In this episode, we explore the difficult journey of accepting change after loss. Grief reshapes your world in ways that can feel overwhelming and unrecognizable. Together, we’ll unpack what acceptance really means—not as forgetting or moving on, but as learning to live with change while honoring what you’ve lost. Through stories, research-backed strategies, and compassionate insight, this episode offers practical tools and emotional support for anyone navigating grief’s unpredictable path.Key Takeaways• Acceptance is a process, not a destination• Resistance to change is natural and valid• Small, gentle steps invite acceptance• Guilt and anger can block healing but are normal emotions• Connection and community are essential supportsWhat You’ll Discover• The true meaning of accepting change after loss• Why grief disrupts identity and daily life• Real-life stories illustrating acceptance in action• Practical strategies like mindfulness and radical acceptance• How to navigate setbacks and emotional barriersResources Mentioned• Tara Brach’s teachings on radical acceptance• Journaling and mindfulness practices• Support groups and community resourcesNext Episode PreviewNext time, we’ll explore Daily Practices—simple routines to support your healing journey every day. Join us for more gentle guidance and tools.📩 Have questions or want to share your story? Reach out at [email protected].💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/grief-let-s-make-sense-of-this-sh-t--6352946/support

In this episode, we gently explore how affirmations—those simple, compassionate statements—can create a little light on the darkest days of grief. Whether you’re feeling numb, overwhelmed, or just searching for something to hold onto, this episode is a space to rest, reflect, and try something new. Dylan walks alongside you, sharing stories from real people, offering calming science-backed insights, and guiding you through an affirmation practice that’s made for real, messy, unpredictable grief—not perfection. You’ll discover how tiny shifts in self-talk can support your healing journey and why kindness to yourself is never wasted, even if you don’t believe the words at first. You’re invited to bring only yourself and an open mind—no need to have it all together. This conversation is here to meet you exactly where you are.Key Takeaways• Affirmations offer gentle self-compassion in grief• You can use affirmations even when you don’t fully believe them• Consistent self-kindness supports your brain’s healing process• Affirmations can be simple, private, and personal• No right way to practice; all feelings are welcomeWhat You’ll Discover• The science behind affirmations and grief recovery• How to find phrases that genuinely resonate with you• Ways real people use affirmations after loss• Practical tips for integrating affirmations daily• Permission to rest in imperfection and keep goingResources Mentioned• “Option B” by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant• “Healing After Loss” by Martha Whitmore Hickman• The Greater Good Science Center (Berkeley)• “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk• Mindfulness Apps: Insight Timer, HeadspaceNext Episode PreviewNext time, we’ll explore accepting change—finding stability and meaning as life continues to shift after loss. Join me for practical tools and heartfelt support on your ongoing journey.📩 Have questions or want to share your story? Reach out at [email protected].💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/grief-let-s-make-sense-of-this-sh-t--6352946/support

In this episode, we gently explore what it truly means to move forward after loss—not by forgetting or moving on, but by rebuilding a life that honors both grief and hope. Dylan guides you through the realities of grief, dispelling myths about “getting over it,” and offers heartfelt stories alongside practical strategies to help you navigate this difficult journey. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just beginning to consider what comes next, this episode provides compassionate insights and tools to support you every step of the way.Key Takeaways• Moving forward is different from moving on and doesn’t erase love or loss• Small daily acts can be powerful steps toward healing• Guilt around joy and progress is normal but can be eased with self-compassion• Building support and community is vital for navigating grief• Meaning-making helps integrate memories into your evolving lifeWhat You’ll Discover• How to embrace grief and hope at the same time• Practical routines and goals that gently rebuild your days• Ways to find and cultivate support during difficult times• The importance of self-kindness in your healing journey• How to honor memories while opening to new possibilitiesResources Mentioned• “On Grief and Grieving” by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross & David Kessler• “Option B” by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant• The Grief Recovery Method (griefrecoverymethod.com)• Mindfulness meditation apps like Insight Timer and Headspace• Local and online grief support groupsNext Episode PreviewNext time, we’ll explore “Affirmations for Healing,” sharing simple, nurturing phrases to carry you through tough moments. I hope you’ll join me.📩 Have questions or want to share your story? Reach out at [email protected].💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/grief-let-s-make-sense-of-this-sh-t--6352946/support

In this episode, Dylan gently guides you through the real-life challenges of caring for yourself while grieving. Grief can make even basic self-care feel impossible, and the guilt or resistance that comes with prioritizing your needs is deeply human. This conversation offers both practical tips and compassionate reassurance—reminding you that taking care of yourself is not selfish, but essential. You’ll hear moving stories, learn simple exercises you can try right now, and discover why even the smallest acts of self-kindness can help you survive the hardest days.Key Takeaways• Self-care is essential for healing during grief• Small acts of kindness toward yourself matter• Guilt about self-care is a common experience• Practical self-care looks different for everyone• It’s okay to accept help from othersWhat You’ll Discover• The impact of grief on your ability to care for yourself• How to identify and meet your basic needs• Gentle exercises for grounding and relief• Why self-care is not a sign of weakness• Tips for overcoming resistance to self-careResources Mentioned• “The Wild Edge of Sorrow” by Francis Weller• “Option B” by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant• National Alliance for Grieving Children (childrengrieve.org)• “Self-Compassion” by Kristin Neff• Grief.com articles and resourcesNext Episode PreviewJoin us next time as we talk about “Moving Forward After Loss”—gentle ways to step into the future, even when it feels daunting. We’ll explore how to honor your loved one while also reclaiming hope and meaning in your life.📩 Have questions or want to share your story? Reach out at [email protected].💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/grief-let-s-make-sense-of-this-sh-t--6352946/support

In this episode, we explore the complex journey of grieving relationships—whether through death, distance, breakup, or estrangement. Losing someone you love is more than missing a person; it’s losing the routines, memories, and sense of self tied to that connection. We dive into the unique pain of relational grief, real-life stories of loss, and the science behind why heartbreak hurts so deeply. You’ll discover gentle, research-backed strategies for processing grief, honoring your feelings, and rebuilding your life with compassion. Whether you’re facing ambiguous loss or the finality of goodbye, this episode offers a heartfelt guide to navigating love and loss.Key Takeaways• Grief is complex and unique to every relationship• Emotional pain can mimic physical pain in the brain• Ambiguous loss can be especially confusing and isolating• Rituals and storytelling help process grief• Healing is non-linear and requires patience and self-compassionWhat You’ll Discover• How attachment shapes our grief reactions• Stories of different types of relational loss• Practical strategies to cope and heal• The role of memory and triggers in daily life• Ways to rebuild trust and form new connectionsResources Mentioned• “On Grief and Grieving” by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler• What’s Your Grief website (whatsyourgrief.com)• Grief: Support for Young Adults app• Local counseling and support groupsNext Episode PreviewNext time, we’ll explore practical self-care tips for navigating grief. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck, these gentle tools will help you find calm and grounding.📩 Have questions or want to share your story? Reach out at [email protected].💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/grief-let-s-make-sense-of-this-sh-t--6352946/support

In this episode, Dylan invites you to take a short, restorative break with “Breathing Exercises for Grief: Calm Your Mind in Five Minutes.” Whether your heart feels raw or numb, this gentle 5 Mins Out episode is here to hold space for your pain, confusion, and healing. Dylan speaks directly to the real, messy challenges of grieving, guiding you through simple yet powerful breathing exercises that can help soften the sharp edges of loss—even if just for a few moments. You’ll learn why grief makes breathing difficult, how intentional breaths can ease both mind and body, and practical ways to anchor yourself in the present when life feels overwhelming. There’s no pressure to “fix” anything—just a warm, steady presence to remind you that you’re not alone, and that a little comfort is possible, one breath at a time. This is grief support in its most human, compassionate form.Key Takeaways• Breathing is a grounding tool for overwhelming grief• Small, intentional breaths can bring comfort and stability• There is no “wrong way” to practice mindful breathing• Self-kindness is essential on the hardest days• Grief healing happens in small, repeatable momentsWhat You’ll Discover• Why grief disrupts your natural breathing patterns• The science behind breath and the nervous system• Techniques to anchor yourself during emotional waves• Real stories of grief and the power of a simple pause• How to create personal breathing rituals in daily lifeResources Mentioned• “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk• “Permission to Mourn” by Tom Zuba• Headspace app – Mindful breathing exercises• Grief.com – Breathing and grounding resourcesNext Episode PreviewNext time, we’re exploring “Grieving Relationships”—how loss changes the bonds we hold and how to find your footing when connection feels broken. Join us for another honest conversation.📩 Have questions or want to share your story? Reach out at [email protected].💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/grief-let-s-make-sense-of-this-sh-t--6352946/support

In this episode, we explore the unexpected and often overwhelming moments called grief triggers. Whether it’s a scent, a song, or an anniversary, triggers can ambush us and make the pain of loss feel fresh all over again. Join Dylan as he gently unpacks what triggers are, why they happen, and how they affect both body and mind. Through authentic stories, science-backed insights, and practical strategies, you’ll discover ways to recognize, anticipate, and respond to triggers with kindness and self-compassion. This episode offers hope and tools to help you carry your grief without being overwhelmed by it.Key Takeaways• Understand what grief triggers are and why they happen• Learn common types of triggers and how they affect you• Discover practical steps to anticipate and cope with triggers• Explore the science behind grief and emotional memory• Find hope in post-traumatic growth and long-term healingWhat You’ll Discover• How grief shows up in unexpected moments• Why your body reacts before your mind can catch up• Gentle ways to build awareness around triggers• Techniques to calm yourself during triggering moments• How to cultivate self-compassion on your grief journeyResources Mentioned• On Grief and Grieving by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler• Insight Timer app for guided meditations• Support groups and therapy options for grief supportNext Episode PreviewNext time, we’ll dive into simple breathing exercises designed to help calm your nervous system and bring peace in moments of distress. Don’t miss it.📩 Have questions or want to share your story? Reach out at [email protected].💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/grief-let-s-make-sense-of-this-sh-t--6352946/support

In this episode, we explore how mindfulness can become a gentle lifeline in the midst of grief. Dylan guides you through simple, accessible ways to ground yourself when pain feels overwhelming, and shares how even small moments of mindful presence can carve out space for healing. If your thoughts have been scattered or the world feels too loud, this conversation offers both practical tools and deep reassurance. Whether you’re brand new to mindfulness or just struggling to show up for yourself, you’ll find permission here to grieve as you are.Key Takeaways• Mindfulness can offer comfort even in the worst moments• Presence is possible even when your mind is scattered• Small mindful pauses can shift your relationship with pain• Mindfulness is for everyone, not just “wellness” people• No one grieves or practices mindfulness perfectlyWhat You’ll Discover• How to gently practice mindfulness while grieving• Grounding exercises for difficult days and nights• Ways to anchor yourself when emotions feel too big• The truth about resistance and “failing” at mindfulness• Why tiny mindful moments can change your grief journeyResources Mentioned• “The Mindful Path Through Grief” by Sameet Kumar• “Wherever You Go, There You Are” by Jon Kabat-Zinn• Headspace app for guided mindfulness• “Grief Works” by Julia SamuelNext Episode PreviewNext episode, we’ll dive into overcoming triggers—how to recognize what sets off waves of grief and find ways to move through them with care. Hope you’ll join us.📩 Have questions or want to share your story? Reach out at [email protected].💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/grief-let-s-make-sense-of-this-sh-t--6352946/support

In this episode, we dive deep into how real, imperfect connection becomes one of the most powerful tools in healing from grief. Dylan explores what it truly means to find support—whether through family, friends, strangers, or unexpected moments—and how community helps us survive loss even when reaching out feels impossible. Through honest stories, research, and practical steps, this conversation gently invites you to notice, rebuild, or rediscover your own patchwork of support. Whether you’re feeling isolated or already surrounded by caring people, this episode will help you see why connection is never wasted and how small acts of community can start to shift your world.Key Takeaways• Grief often isolates, but connection is essential for healing• Community can be found in unexpected places and small gestures• Sharing your story can reduce shame and loneliness• Supporting others can heal both you and them• Every act of reaching out—however small—mattersWhat You’ll Discover• Why our brains and bodies crave connection during grief• Real stories of finding or struggling with support• Practical ways to build community, even from scratch• How to handle setbacks and awkward moments• The science behind why being witnessed helpsResources Mentioned• “The Other Side of Sadness” by George A. Bonanno• “Option B” by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant• The Dinner Party (thedinnerparty.org)• Modern Loss (modernloss.com)• Journal of Loss and Trauma, selected researchNext Episode PreviewNext time, we’ll explore how mindfulness can become a steady anchor during the storms of grief. Tune in as we uncover gentle, realistic practices for everyday healing.📩 Have questions or want to share your story? Reach out at [email protected].💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/grief-let-s-make-sense-of-this-sh-t--6352946/support

In this episode, Dylan sits beside you for a gentle, honest exploration of what it really means to find grief support when you need it most. If your loss has left you feeling isolated, disappointed by friends, or simply overwhelmed by the idea of asking for help, you’re in good company. Dylan shares personal stories, small but powerful exercises, and evidence-backed tips to help you notice, nurture, and invite support—without pressure, without pretense. If you’ve wondered how to build a network you can actually lean on, or you’ve struggled with asking for what you need, this episode offers real hope, simple encouragement, and the reminder that you never have to grieve alone.Key Takeaways• Grief support is unique for everyone• Small moments of connection matter deeply• Boundaries are essential when accepting help• Support can come from unexpected places• Asking for help is an act of courageWhat You’ll Discover• How to spot authentic support in daily life• Simple ways to reach out even when it’s hard• Tips for building a reliable network over time• The value of online and peer support groups• Practical exercises to connect without overwhelmResources Mentioned• Option B by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant• The Art of Comforting by Val Walker• Modern Loss (modernloss.com)• What’s Your Grief (whatsyourgrief.com)• The Dougy Center (dougy.org)Next Episode PreviewIn our next full episode, we’ll explore how healing is possible when you find connection and meaning in community. Join us as we dig deeper into the bonds that help us rebuild after loss.📩 Have questions or want to share your story? Reach out at [email protected].💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/grief-let-s-make-sense-of-this-sh-t--6352946/support

In this episode, Dylan gently guides listeners through the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—exploring how these experiences shape our healing journeys. With warmth, humor, and deep empathy, Dylan unpacks what these stages look and feel like in real life, drawing on heartfelt stories from listeners and his own lived experience. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “doing grief right,” or if your feelings don’t seem to fit the script, this conversation is for you. You’ll discover why grief isn’t a linear checklist, why it loops and surprises us, and how to move through it with compassion and self-acceptance.Key Takeaways• The five stages of grief are not linear steps• Denial protects us until we’re ready to face reality• Anger and bargaining are natural responses to loss• Depression is part of loving deeply, not a failure• Acceptance means learning to live alongside your lossWhat You’ll Discover• How real people experience the stages of grief• Ways to honor your grief without judgment• Strategies for coping when you feel stuck• Why it’s okay to revisit stages at any time• Where to find support and additional resourcesResources Mentioned• On Grief and Grieving by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler• The Grieving Brain by Mary-Frances O’Connor• Grief.com (support and resources)• Therapy for Grief and Loss (psychologytoday.com)Next Episode PreviewNext week, we’ll dive into practical and emotional grief support: what helps, what doesn’t, and how to ask for what you need. Join us as we explore the many ways to build a support system for yourself or someone you love.📩 Have questions or want to share your story? Reach out at [email protected].💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/grief-let-s-make-sense-of-this-sh-t--6352946/support

Episode 4: Coping Mechanisms for Grief: Techniques to Help You Heal Description:Welcome to “5 Mins Out,” a quick episode of "Grief: Let's Make Sense Of This Shit." Today, we’re talking about Coping Mechanisms—those little lifelines that help you get through the worst moments of grief. In just five minutes, we’ll break down what coping mechanisms are, how they can help you manage the chaos of grief, and we’ll share a quick, practical exercise you can try today. Whether it’s grounding yourself in the present or just taking a moment to breathe, these small steps can make a big difference. Grief isn’t something you can “fix,” but you can learn how to live with it, one step at a time.💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛If this podcast has helped you, consider joining our Supporters Club. Your support allows us to continue creating these important conversations around grief and mental health—conversations that are often too hard to find in today's world.Mental health services aren’t accessible for everyone, and we know how isolating that can feel. By joining, you’re helping us keep this space alive, providing comfort, tools, and real talk to those who need it most.Together, we can make sure that no one has to navigate grief alone.Click here to join our Supporters Club and help us help more people.We’re in this together. 💛

Episode 3: Understanding Loss: What You Need to Know In this episode of "Grief: Let's Make Sense Of This Shit," we take a deep dive into Understanding Loss—what it means, how it hits us, and the unpredictable, messy ways it can show up in our lives. Loss is more than just an event—it’s a transformation, and it changes you in ways you might not expect. We’ll talk about real-life stories of people navigating their losses, break down the emotional and physical toll of grief, and share research-backed tools and strategies to help you make sense of your own journey. Whether you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, or even a part of yourself, this episode is all about helping you find your way through. You’re not alone in this. Tune in to learn, relate, and most importantly, take one step forward in understanding your loss.💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛If this podcast has helped you, consider joining our Supporters Club. Your support allows us to continue creating these important conversations around grief and mental health—conversations that are often too hard to find in today's world.Coping Mechanisms for Grief: Techniques to Help You HealMental health services aren’t accessible for everyone, and we know how isolating that can feel. By joining, you’re helping us keep this space alive, providing comfort, tools, and real talk to those who need it most.Together, we can make sure that no one has to navigate grief alone.Click here to join our Supporters Club and help us help more people.We’re in this together. 💛

Ep. 2: Quick Tips for Grief Relief: 5-Minute Stress BustersRelease Date: October 21, 2024In this quick episode of "Grief: Let's Make Sense of This Sh*t, we introduce you to 5 Mins Out, a short yet impactful segment focused on quick tips to help you navigate grief in just five minutes. Today's topic is Quick Grief Relief, where we explore the little things you can do to alleviate grief-related stress, even in the busiest of moments.We’ll walk you through simple exercises and mindful strategies that you can try right now, offering a much-needed break from the emotional weight of grief. Tune in, try it out, and take one step closer to finding a little relief in your day.Don’t forget to join us for the next full episode, where we’ll dive deep into Understanding Loss. See you then!💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛If this podcast has helped you, consider joining our Supporters Club. Your support allows us to continue creating these important conversations around grief and mental health — conversations that are often too hard to find in today's world.Mental health services aren’t accessible for everyone, and we know how isolating that can feel. By joining, you’re helping us keep this space alive, providing comfort, tools, and real talk to those who need it most.Together, we can make sure that no one has to navigate grief alone.Click here to join our Supporters Club and help us help more people.We’re in this together. 💛

How to Navigate Grief: A Guide for HealingIn this first episode of Grief: Let’s Make Sense of This Sht*, we dive into the foundational topic of navigating grief. Grief is not a linear process, and there's no one “right” way to experience it. Together, we explore what it means to move through the pain of loss, from the emotional ups and downs to the pressure society often puts on us to “move on.”You’ll hear real-life stories of people who have found their way through grief, as well as research-backed strategies that can help you cope, such as mindfulness, journaling, and self-care. Whether you’re new to grieving or have been on this journey for a while, this episode offers insights, comfort, and tools to help you navigate your own healing path.💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛If this podcast has helped you, consider joining our Supporters Club. Your support allows us to continue creating these important conversations around grief and mental health — conversations that are often too hard to find in today's world.Mental health services aren’t accessible for everyone, and we know how isolating that can feel. By joining, you’re helping us keep this space alive, providing comfort, tools, and real talk to those who need it most.Together, we can make sure that no one has to navigate grief alone.Click here to join our Supporters Club and help us help more people.We’re in this together. 💛