The Grieving Journey Podcast

Send a textSome grief doesn’t come with a goodbye — it comes with change, uncertainty, and learning how to let go of what life used to look like.In this final episode of Season 3 of The Grieving Journey Podcast, Angel sits down with Yolanda Thorne for an honest and heartfelt conversation about navigating grief that isn’t tied to death, but to transitions, relationships, and identity shifts. Yolanda opens up about parenting through mental illness, grieving the life she once envisioned, and learning how to show up for herself in new ways.Together, they explore the quiet grief that often goes unseen — the kind rooted in unmet expectations, evolving family dynamics, and seasons that test your faith. Through vulnerability and reflection, Yolanda shares how therapy, faith, and community became anchors during moments of deep uncertainty.This episode is a reminder that grief doesn’t always look the same, and healing isn’t linear. Sometimes it’s about learning to hold both gratitude and loss at the same time.💛 Key Themes• Grieving change and unmet expectations• Parenting through emotional transitions• Faith, therapy, and emotional resilience• Releasing what no longer serves you• Redefining healing and strength✨ Connect with YolandaInstagram: @BossGalsTalkingTea🎧 Connect with The Grieving Journey PodcastInstagram + Facebook: @thegrievingjourneypodcast📧 Share your story or inquire about being a guest: [email protected] you for walking with me through Season 3 — your support, listening, and presence mean more than you know. 💛

Send a textIn this powerful episode, Angel chats with Erika Duncan for an honest and deeply moving conversation about grief, faith, self-compassion, and what happens when life asks more of you than you feel able to give.Erika shares the three defining “stops” of her grieving journey: surviving her husband’s life-altering stroke, navigating the sudden loss of her sister, and losing her father just years later. She opens up about caregiver grief, survivor’s guilt, and the moment when she realized she had been pushing through pain she never fully allowed herself to feel — until her body and spirit could no longer carry it.Throughout the conversation, Erika reflects on how self-compassion became the turning point in her healing. Not self-care. Not pushing forward. But learning to slow down, trust God, and ask herself the grounding question: What do I need right now? She also shares how faith, therapy, and community support helped her rebuild when “the wheels fell off.”Together, Angel and Erika explore the reality that grief is not linear, emotions need motion, and healing requires permission — permission to feel, to rest, to receive support, and to be human. As Angel reflects, Erika’s words echo a familiar truth: you need to feel to heal.This episode is a reminder that strength doesn’t come from holding everything together, grief doesn’t follow a checklist, and self-compassion isn’t selfish — it’s sacred.💛 Key ThemesSurvivor and caregiver griefSudden and cumulative lossFaith and trusting God through unanswered questionsSelf-compassion as a healing practiceTherapy and mental health awarenessThe importance of community and supportWhy grief is not linear and emotions need motion✨ Connect with Erika DuncanInstagram: @statgirl97LinkedIn: Erika Young Duncan🎧 Connect with The Grieving Journey PodcastInstagram + Facebook: @thegrievingjourneypodcast📧 Share your story or inquire about being a guest: [email protected] in to hear Erika’s story and the reminder we all need: slow down, feel what you feel, and give yourself grace.

Send a textIn this powerful episode, Angel sits down with Malcolm, a respected Detroit DJ, for an honest conversation about grief, mental health, faith, and what it really means to heal.Malcolm opens up about experiencing multiple losses over time, losing his mother suddenly, navigating grief in silence, and how therapy became a turning point in his life. He shares how learning to slow down, focus on small daily goals, reconnect with faith, and create a new normal helped him move forward without minimizing the pain.Together, they explore how grief shows up differently for men, the importance of safe spaces, the power of community, and why healing isn’t about “getting over” loss — it’s about learning how to live alongside it.This episode is a reminder that strength doesn’t require silence, healing isn’t linear, and giving yourself grace is part of the journey.💛 Key ThemesGrieving sudden and cumulative lossMen and emotional vulnerabilityTherapy as a tool for healingFaith and community as grounding forcesCreating a new normal after lossLiving in the present, one day at a time✨ Connect with MalcolmInstagram/Facebook: @IamKidMcFly🎧 Connect with The Grieving Journey PodcastInstagram + Facebook: @thegrievingjourneypodcast📧 Share your story or inquire about being a guest: [email protected] in to hear Malcolm’s story and the reminder we all need: “Stay up.”

Send a textIn this heartfelt episode, Angel sits down with Casie Williams for an honest conversation about a form of grief many people experience but rarely talk about — grieving the family you imagined. Casie opens up about raising her son as a single mom, navigating inconsistent co-parenting, and learning to release the expectations she once held for her home and her future.Together, they explore what it means to parent through disappointment, support a child processing absence, and find strength through faith, community, and honest conversations. Casie also shares how scriptures like Philippians 4:6, journaling, and her growing openness to therapy help her navigate anxiety and healing.This episode is a reminder that your story does not have to match society’s picture of a “perfect home” to be full of love, resilience, and grace.💛 Key ThemesGrieving the life or family you imaginedParenting through emotional complexityFaith as a grounding forceBuilding and relying on your villageGiving yourself permission to heal✨ Connect with Casie Williams🎙 Boss Gals Talking Tea — Instagram: @BossGalsTalkTea🏈 Back to You Bob Sports Media — Instagram: @BackToYouBobSportsMedia🎧 Connect with The Grieving Journey PodcastInstagram + Facebook: @thegrievingjourneypodcast📧 Share your story or inquire about being a guest: [email protected] in to hear Casie’s powerful journey and the hope she offers to anyone walking a similar path.

Send a textIn this deeply honest and tender episode, Angel Morel sits down once again with her friend Tianna Jones — wife, mom, licensed therapist, and grief survivor — for a raw conversation about navigating loss through the colder months and beyond. Tianna first shared her story of losing her mother to domestic violence, the same year Angel lost her mom to a heart attack. Now, she returns to share how grief has evolved for her as both a daughter and a therapist holding space for others.Together, they unpack what it means to actually check in with yourself when you’re grieving, especially as winter, anniversaries, and birthdays collide. From crying behind a closed office door, to asking for help, to letting your “strong friend” just be human for a moment, Angel and Tianna offer a real look at what healing can look like when you give yourself permission to feel.Tianna opens up about her own turning point in seeking therapy, how watching her mother grieve without support shaped her, and why finding the right therapist (or coach) matters. She also shares how working with children has softened the way she views tears, emotional release, and coping skills — and why her simple mantra, “one day at a time,” continues to ground her in seasons that feel heavy.By the end of this episode, you’ll be reminded that you don’t have to be the strong one all the time — and that healing isn’t about rushing past your pain, but about honoring your heart one day at a time.💛 Key TakeawaysGrief often feels heavier in colder months and around anniversaries — and that’s normal.Checking in with yourself might look like crying, resting, taking a day off, or asking for support.Your “strong friend” needs real check-ins, not just a place to absorb everyone else’s emotions.The right therapist or coach will challenge you, not just agree with you.Taking life one day at a time helps calm anxiety about the future and keeps you present.✨ Connect with Tianna Jones🔎 Find her on Psychology Today: Search “Tianna Jones Psychology Today”📱 Instagram: @thoughtsofme_therapy🎧 Connect with The Grieving Journey PodcastFollow us on Instagram and Facebook: @thegrievingjourneypodcast📧 Share your story or inquire about being a guest: [email protected] doesn’t mean you stop missing them — it means you keep moving forward, one day at a time.

Send a textIn this deeply honest and heartfelt episode, Angel Morel sits down with her friend and sister in Christ, Lanasia Angelina — life coach, business strategist, two-time author, and transformational speaker — for a raw conversation about grieving the life we thought we’d have.Together, they unpack what it means to let go of expectations, timelines, and versions of life that didn’t go as planned — from relationships and friendships to career goals and personal dreams. Through laughter, tears, and truth, Angel and Lanasia show that two things can be true: you can love your life and still grieve the parts that look different than you imagined.Lanasia shares how faith, positive self-talk, and gratitude have helped her find peace in the present moment. The two also open up about their own past struggles with suicidal thoughts and how therapy, prayer, and community became lifelines in their healing journeys.By the end of this episode, you’ll be reminded that healing isn’t about “getting over it” — it’s about learning to see beauty in the life you have right now.💛 Key TakeawaysTwo things can be true: acceptance and disappointment.Healing grows through community — you don’t have to do it alone.Start every day with gratitude to reframe your perspective.Faith isn’t about perfection; it’s about being honest with God.✨ Connect with Lanasia Angelina🌐 Website: www.lanasiaangelina.com📩 Email: [email protected]📱 Instagram / Facebook / TikTok: @LanasiaAngelina🎧 Connect with The Grieving Journey PodcastFollow us on Instagram and Facebook📧 Share your story: [email protected] doesn’t mean forgetting — it means moving forward with faith.

Send a textIn this episode, I sit down with Stacey L. Anderson—a husband, father, Kappa man, community leader, and entrepreneur—to talk about grief, faith, and healing. Stacey opens up about experiencing multiple losses over the years, including his brother, father, grandmother, mother, and best friend. He shares how he used to go straight into work mode to hold everything together, and how therapy helped him finally slow down and process the pain.We talk about the importance of finding the right therapist (especially for Black men of faith), learning to receive support the way we give it—“eat what you serve”—and staying grounded through prayer, journaling, and scripture. Stacey reminds us that while grief changes us, it also grows us. As he beautifully says, “You can go there, but you can’t stay there.”Connect: IG/FB @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast · Share your story: [email protected]: Stacey L. Anderson — IG @AndersonGroupInc · Email: sland1911@gmail · LinkedIn: Stacey L. Anderson

Send a text🎙 Welcome back to The Grieving Journey Podcast!We’re kicking off Season 3 with a special episode honoring my mom on her birthday — the heart behind this entire journey. 💛While this episode is short and sweet, my hope is that it reminds others that it’s okay to give yourself permission to talk to, celebrate, and honor your mom — or anyone you’re missing who is no longer here in the physical.This season, we’re diving deeper — exploring all types of grief, from loss of loved ones to the loss of relationships, health, jobs, and identity. Each story will shed light on the many ways we experience loss and the strength it takes to heal.This episode sets the tone for what’s ahead: honest conversations, healing moments, and stories that remind us we’re never alone in grief.Stay tuned — the journey continues. Follow us on IG @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast and Facebook @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast To share your story, email us at [email protected]

Send a textAs we wrap up season 2, we want to thank you all for tuning in and listening and sharing. We pray that the journeys that have been shared have helped you on your journey. During this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking to someone who truly turned his pain into purpose. George Ackerman shared his journey of losing his mother to Parkinson's disease. Since becoming aware of her diagnosis, he has been bringing awareness to the disease in hopes for a cure. In speaking with George, we learned that he is passionate about using his voice to speak for those who may not be able to or who may not be heard. George is also a published author, podcast host, has earned a PhD, JD, and MBA. To get in contact with George, his website is www.togetherforsharon.com . You can also follow him on IG @TogetherForSharon , Facebook at Together For Sharon and YouTube at Together For SharonFollow us on IG @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast and Facebook @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast To share your story, email us at [email protected]

Send a textDuring this episode, Angel and Dr. Portia honor their dads who are no longer present on this earth. While their experiences with their dads were completely different, the stories can be relatable to many. To all of the fathers, God fathers, and acting fathers, Happy Father's Day to you! We love you! Follow us on IG @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast and Facebook @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast To share your story, email us at [email protected]

Send a textWelcome back to another episode of The Grieving Journey Podcast. During this episode, we spoke with Oasha Sears about the journey of losing her son unexpectedly. She spoke about how her relationship and understanding of grief  has changed her life forever. She also spoke about her obedience to God and connecting to His word gave her clarity. If you would like to connect with Oasha, you can reach her at: FB: Oasha Sears IG: Oasha Sears (Click the link in her bio for more information)Follow us on IG @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast and Facebook @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast To share your story, email us at [email protected]

Send a textDuring this episode, hosts, Dr. Portia and Angel Morel discuss how they are personally prioritizing their mental health while grieving. The conversation was candid and informative. Some ways you can prioritize your mental health while grieving are: 1.Allow Yourself to Grieve: Feel your emotions without judgment.2.Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist.3.Maintain Routine: Keep a regular schedule.4.Take Care of Your Body: Eat well, sleep enough, and stay active.5.Relax: Practice deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.6.Find Creative Outlets: Write, paint, or play music.7.Avoid Substances: Don’t rely on alcohol or drugs.8.Set Goals: Focus on small, manageable tasks.9.Honor Your Loved One: Create a memorial or celebrate their life.10.Be Patient: Healing takes time.Follow us on IG @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast and Facebook @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast To share your story, email us at [email protected]

Send a textIn this episode, our aim was to pay tribute to our late mothers on Mother’s Day by inviting guests to share their heartfelt remembrances. It was a deeply meaningful experience, underscoring the importance of community support and solidarity on life's journey. This episode serves as a poignant reminder:Your mom can always be honored, even in her absence.You're not navigating this journey alone; support and companionship are within reach.Listen. Breathe. Embrace. Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers, god mothers, and mother figures! Follow us on IG @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast and Facebook @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast To share your story, email us at [email protected]

Send a textWelcome to Season 2, Episode 3! During this episode, we spoke with International Speaker and Best-selling Author, Dr. Eddie Connor. Dr. Eddie not only shared his journey being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer at the young age of 14 and losing his best friend some years prior to cancer as well, but he also shared a newer grief journey of losing his grandmother. This episode explores questions like, "How does a man deal with grief?" and "Who is encouraging the encourager?" These are real questions to consider when dealing with grief. Tune in and be encouraged as you listen. If you would like to contact Dr. Eddie Connor, you can reach him at: IG: @eddieconnorjrFB: @eddieconnorjrX: @eddieconnorjrTikTok: @eddieconnorjrwww.EddieConnor.comFollow us on IG @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast and Facebook @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast To share your story, email us at [email protected]

Send a textWelcome to Season 2, Episode 2! During this episode, we sat down with the comedic extraordinaire, Michael McDaniel and he shared his grieving journey. Michael has experienced loss in more than one form and was very transparent and vulnerable in sharing his journey. This episode is filled with emotion, but also there is a space for healing, growth, and love. Michael also talks about what it is like to be a comedian and lose his laughter. How many of us have experienced grief, and it took something from us that was a challenge to get back *insert raised hand emoji*? Take a listen. Take a pause. Say a prayer. Express Gratitude. If you would like to connect with Michael on social media, you can find him at:IG: @IAmMcDanielTikTok: @IAmMcDaniel YouTube: @IAmMcDaniel Michael@[email protected] us on IG @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast and Facebook @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast To share your story, email us at [email protected]

Send a textWelcome to Season 2 of The Grieving Journey Podcast. We want to thank all of our listeners who tuned in during season 1, and during this season, we have more journeys to share with you. During this episode, we sat down with Therapist, Tianna Jones as she shared her grieving journey. Tianna lost her mother to domestic violence, and she talks about her truth and the challenges of forgiving, but also the power in forgiveness. She also talks about what it is like to be a therapist and how that has helped her along on her journey.If you would like to connect with Tianna, you can find her at: www.thoughtsofmetherapy.comIG: ThoughtsOfMe_Therapy Psychology Today: Tianna Jones Follow us on IG @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast and Facebook @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast To share your story, email us at [email protected]

Send a textDuring this short episode, co-host of The Grieving Journey podcast recorded alone. November 4th is the day that her mother departed this earth and she wanted to come on honor her mom, Angela Anna Johnson. She also wanted to share a new tradition that she has started this year to honor her mom. Follow us on IG and Facebook at The Grieving Journey Podcast to stay up to date with new episodes and to share your journey with us. If you have a journey you'd like to share, please email us at [email protected]

Send a textWhen we think about "grief," we typically think about losing someone close to us. We may not consider that someone who has experienced adoption also experience grief. During this episode, we spoke with Talitha Abell, and she shared her grief journey of being adopted. Talitha spoke about what it was like to search for and  find her birth family at the age of 45 and how she felt like she had a dual identity.If you would like to speak to Talitha about her journey, you can do so at: Facebook: Talitha AbellFollow us on IG @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast and Facebook @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast To share your story, email us at [email protected]

Send a textBill Fennell shares his grieving journey of what it is like to lose his daughter and how he is now on the path to not only healing himself, but also helping others to heal. His daughter Caitlyn transitioned in 2017 after battling leukemia for the second time, and Bill shares the dark pit that he found himself in and how he was intentional about finding a way to pull himself out. He also talks about his journey to becoming a Grief Recovery Method Specialist and how he specifically wants to help grieving dads.If you would like to get in contact will Bill, you can do so by:Visiting his website: The Grieving DadFacebook: Bill FennellYouTube: Phone: 219-210-6000Follow us on IG @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast and Facebook @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast To share your story, email us at [email protected]

Send a textKristen Jolly-Boyd shares her grieving journey of what it is like to desperately want a child after experiencing multiple losses. During this episode, Kristen talked about being tried, but through it all, she kept her faith and became her own advocate, which resulted in her beautiful testimony who is Noa A'lice Boyd.  We wanted to give Kristen the opportunity to really walk us through her experience, and she did just that, leaving us with a mix of emotions and hopeful. Make sure to tune in to the entire episode.If you would like to connect with Kristen, you can find her on Facebook at Kristen Jolly-Boyd, as she is more than happy to be of service. Follow us on IG @TheGrievingJourneyPodcast To share your story, email us at [email protected]

Send a textDuring this episode, Angel and Portia sit to discuss the 5 Steps of Grief. As we have all heard, the 5 steps are: Denial AngerBargaining Depression Acceptance The question is, are there truly 5 steps to "conquering" grief and it's over? Tune in as we talk about it! Follow us on IG at @TheGrievingJourneyPodcastTo share your story, email us at [email protected]

Send a textDuring this episode, Angel and Dr. Portia sit down with Espy Thomas as she shares her grief journey and how she embraces her grief. Now, if you are a Detroiter, then you have definitely heard of We Rock Dope Hair, Naturally Flyy Detroit and Sweet Potato Sensations. Those are only a few things that Espy is known for and is a POWERHOUSE in all that she does. Espy's journey begins when her partner becomes ill and he transitions from this earth. Her journey is one that so many people have faced, but they don't know where to begin to embrace. Espy turned her pain into passion by creating a group called, "Where do Black Women go to Grieve". To learn more about Espy, you can visit her social media at: IG: @EttaFlyy@NaturallyFlyyDetroit@SweetPotatoSensations FB: Ettaflyy Espy Naturally Flly Detroit Sweet Potato Sensations Where Do Black Women Go to Grieve Espy can also be reached at 313-454-1840Follow us on IG at @The_Grieving_Journey_Podcast To share your story, email us at [email protected] 

Send a textWelcome to The Grieving Journey Podcast, hosted by MindSHIFT Life Coach, Educator, Mentor, Published Author, Motivational Speaker, Angel Morel Brown and Grief Recovery Specialist, Spiritual Advisor, Chaplain and Inspirational Speaker, Dr. Portia Lockett. This podcast was created from the bond that Dr. Portia and Angel cultivated that was derived from their Grief Journey.  The mission of The Grieving Journey Podcast is to provide a safe space for individuals to share their stories in hopes of touching the hearts, souls, and minds of those who are currently or have yet to travel this journey. During this inaugural episode, Angel and Dr. Portia share their grief journey, but also discuss what grief truly is. When we hear the word grief, we often associate it with the loss of a loved one and while that is one grief event, there are so many more. The ultimate goal is to help others heal by sharing tips, providing support, and sharing stories.Follow The Grieving Journey Podcast on IG @The_Grieving_Journey_Podcast and if you have a story you'd like to share, please email us at [email protected] Angel Morel Brown: IG: @A_Morel_Brown Facebook: Angel Morel Brown Website: www.AMorelBrown.comFollow Dr. Portia LockettIG: PortiaLockettFacebook: Portia Lockett and Azal Benne' Lockett Foundation Website: www.AzalBenneLockettFoundation.org