Turning Grief into Growth: The Journey of Transformation

"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Larry Carlat joins us to share his story and discuss his book, A Space in the Heart: A Survival Guide for Grieving Parents. Larry opens up about the loss of his son, Robbie, who died by suicide on February 6, 2019—over seven years ago. Robbie faced struggles with alcoholism, bipolar disorder, and complex emotions surrounding his adoption.Through his journey, Larry offers a powerful perspective: “Life is about choice. We can choose to be happy and have joy. There is always hope—we just have to look for it, embrace it, and never let go.”Larry also shares that while he has been a guest on more than 50 podcasts, Don and I are the only two fathers he knows who host a podcast dedicated specifically to grief.

"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Greg and Don explore what it truly means to “put the work in” on a grief journey. They acknowledge that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach—grief is deeply personal, and the path forward looks different for everyone. Still, they highlight several practices that many have found helpful in fostering growth: staying connected to one’s emotions, engaging with others who have experienced similar loss or trauma, and prioritizing self-care through exercise, healthy eating, and meditation or prayer.They also reflect on the meaningful ways people choose to honor and remember their loved ones—whether through visiting a gravesite or urn, creating foundations or scholarship funds, advocating for legislative change, mentoring others, or finding other personal expressions of remembrance.

"Send us a Comment"In this episode, we are joined by Rebecca Mullaney, a licensed psychotherapist from North Carolina. Rebecca shares her deeply personal grief journey following the loss of her husband, Captain Ian Morrison, who died by suicide on March 21, 2012. At the time, Rebecca was just 24, and Ian was 26.She opens up about the early days of her loss—pouring her love and energy into her dog, Daisy, and committing to daily counseling and group therapy throughout the first year. Rebecca speaks candidly about the depth of her depression and the intentional work it took to begin climbing out of that dark place—work she continues to this day, 14 years later.Rebecca also shares how life has grown around her grief. She is now remarried to Brennan, and together they have a three-year-old son, Harrison Samuel.She leaves us with a powerful reminder: the importance of setting “loose goals” in grief—allowing space for flexibility, while taking small, steady steps forward. Rebecca encourages listeners to discover what truly helps them on their own path and to honor that journey in their own way.

"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Ben Harris joins us to share his complex and compounding journey through grief. He reflects on the loss of his father, Phil, to a heart attack on 11/10/01; his younger brother Christopher, who died from a drug overdose on 11/17/05; and his brother Michael, who died by suicide on 02/06/12 after struggling with mental health challenges following his service as a Marine in Afghanistan.Ben speaks candidly about the habits and coping mechanisms we develop in grief—some that sustain us, and others that ultimately do not. He reminds us that while grief requires us to feel it in order to heal, it is not meant to be endless suffering. Through intentional practices like gratitude and serving others, we can begin to find purpose and healing along the way.To learn more about Ben and his work, visit www.siblingstrong.online

"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Don and Greg discuss the concept of capacity and the impact that taking on too many obligations can have on our lives in a negative way. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a reserve in order to serve, recognizing that we cannot effectively care for others if we are running on empty ourselves. The conversation also explores the role of mental hygiene and self-care as essential practices for staying whole, healthy, and capable of supporting the people in our lives.

"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Chaplain Colonel William R. Spencer, Director of Staff and Chief, Space Religious Affairs, Headquarters United States Air Force, Office of the Chief of Chaplains, stationed at the Pentagon, reflects on his 27 years of service as a military chaplain. He emphasizes the vital role of community and self-care for both those who are grieving and those tasked with delivering traumatic news. “Spence” also speaks about the importance of protecting religious freedom within the military ranks and maintaining the strict confidentiality that comes with conversations with service members. Throughout the discussion, he shares the deeply personal nature of his calling and the profound seriousness with which he approaches his role. 

"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Marna Brickman, LCSW-C, shares her experience and insight as a seasoned grief therapist. As the founder of Guiding Therapy in Annapolis, Maryland, Marna walks us through the layered nature of grief and how it impacts every part of our lives.She explains that grief is:• Cumulative – it builds over time, often carrying losses from the past into the present. • Concurrent – multiple losses can occur at once, compounding the emotional weight. • Comprehensive – it touches every dimension of our lives: physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual. • Emotional – grief is not linear or logical; it is deeply felt and uniquely experienced by each individual.Marna brings compassion, clarity, and professional wisdom to this conversation, helping us better understand the complexity of loss and the importance of support along the way.To learn more about her practice, visit www.guidingtherapy.com.

"Send us a Comment"On today’s episode, Claire Hunter joins us from France to explore the growing role of artificial intelligence in the world of grief and bereavement support. Claire shares insight into how AI is currently being used—from chat-based grief companions to the emerging development of digital avatars that simulate conversations with loved ones who have passed.We discuss the deep ethical and emotional questions surrounding this technology. For some, AI has provided comfort, connection, and a sense of continued presence. For others, the idea feels unsettling or even intrusive. The controversy highlights a broader tension between innovation and tradition in grief work.Claire emphasizes that while AI tools show promise, much research is still needed to understand the long-term psychological impact and to determine what constitutes healthy integration of AI in grief therapy. As with any tool, discernment, boundaries, and human-centered care remain essential.This is a thoughtful and timely conversation about technology, memory, love, and the evolving landscape of support for those walking the grief journey.

"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Don shares about the resources he provides as a grief coach through Imagine Family Recovery (www.imaginefamilyrecovery.net). Greg also highlights his website, Your Dad Forever (www.yourdadforever.com), where he offers encouragement and tools for those navigating life after loss.Together, they point listeners toward trusted grief resource websites and emphasize a powerful truth: no one is meant to walk the grief journey alone. Healing is not found in isolation but in connection. Groups, community, shared stories, and mutual support create space for hope, understanding, and growth.If you are grieving, consider taking a step toward community. There is strength in gathering, comfort in shared experience, and healing in knowing you are not alone.

"Send us a Comment"Dr. Frank Campbell shares in this episode the vital role peer support plays in the grief journey.  Through powerful stories of walking alongside men in their pain, he highlights the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and connection.  Dr. Campbell reminds us that healing doesn't happen in isolation--growth often begins when we allow ourselves to be seen, heard, and supported by others who truly understand.  

"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Greg and Don explore grief in its many forms. Grief is not limited to the death of a loved one; it can arise from a wide range of life experiences such as divorce, the loss of a job, anticipatory grief related to illness, infertility, retirement, or even the loss of faith. Through honest conversation, they highlight how these losses—seen and unseen—can deeply impact our emotional and mental well-being, and why acknowledging them is an important part of the healing journey. 

"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Brett Hartman shares with Don and Greg about the loss of his daughter, Eva, who passed away in 2018 at the age of five. Now nearly eight years into his grief journey, Brett continues to grow, learn, and reflect on the impact of loss in his life. He emphasizes the vital role of community and meaningful connection, especially in maintaining a healthy and positive mindset when it comes to mental health. 

"Send us a Comment"Podcast guest Joanne Gowdy shares how she has experienced growth throughout her grief journey after losing her husband, Rick, of 35 years to suicide on February 1, 2020. Although Rick was not there to walk their daughter down the aisle or to see the birth of his grandchild, Joanne carries his presence with her wherever she goes. She has found deep solace and purpose in working with children, helping to shape their futures through meaningful interaction and the healthy expression of emotions. 

"Send us a Comment"Chris Reed shares the story of losing his son, CJ, in an automobile accident in August 2022, followed by the passing of his mother in 2023. He reflects on the power of growth that comes through mentorship and how replicating what has been modeled for him enables him to support and uplift others. 

"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Nancy Joselson shares the story of her husband, Hank, and the circumstances surrounding his tragic death by drowning, shaped by struggles with feelings of failure and substance abuse. 

"Send us a Comment"Melissa Farmer shares the story of losing her son, Avery, at just 17 years old in a tragic automobile accident. Through her grief journey, Melissa reflects on the profound pain of that loss while also highlighting the personal growth, resilience, and deeper perspective that have emerged as she has learned to navigate life after unimaginable heartbreak. 

"Send us a Comment"Kim Burditt Bartlett shares about her loss as a sibling after her brother John died from suicide.  In addition, she shares about the loss of both of her parents, and the work that she is doing with the Black Box Project and soldier suicide prevention.

"Send us a Comment"Greg Jacobs shared reflections about his son, David, prior to his passing.

"Send us a Comment"Listen to Don Lipstein share about his son Josh before his passing.

"Send us a Comment"Greg and Don explore how "Triggers" stir and activate our emotions, some bringing positivity, while others can be deeply painful.  Join us as we talk about how meaningful growth can emerge when we face these emotions with honesty and compassion.

"Send us a Comment"Greg and Don continue to explore some ways to navigate grief around the Holidays in this part 2 podcast,

"Send us a Comment"Greg and Don explore some ways to navigate grief around the Holidays.

"Send us a Comment"Greg Jacobs and Don Lipstein share why they decided to start a podcast on grief.