Big Grief Podcast

In this sincere episode, host Alison addresses vital questions from listeners about faith during grief, particularly how faith in God may waver in times of deep loss. She reflects on her journey of losing both parents and the profound impact of grief on her outlook on life, highlighting the disparity in human support and resilience. Through raw and sincere storytelling, she relays the emotional ch...

In this heartfelt solo episode of the Big Grief Podcast, host Alison addresses listeners' questions about grief, sharing her own experiences and insights on topics such as the brain's reaction to loss, the concept of 'big grief' days, and dealing with compounded and delayed grief. She also discusses the physical and emotional changes that accompany grief, including weight issues and self-care. She...

*CONTENT WARNING* THIS EPISODE DISCUSSES SUICIDE AND THOSE WHO HAVE DIED BY SUICIDE. SOME VIEWERS AND LISTENERS MAY WANT TO AVOID THIS EPISODE IF THEY FIND THIS SUBJECT DISTURBING.  ***If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or you need to speak with someone, help is available. Please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 or visit them online at 988lifeline.org to chat...

*CONTENT WARNING* THIS EPISODE DISCUSSES SUICIDE AND THOSE WHO HAVE DIED BY SUICIDE. SOME VIEWERS AND LISTENERS MAY WANT TO AVOID THIS EPISODE IF THEY FIND THIS SUBJECT DISTURBING.  ***If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or you need to speak with someone, help is available. Please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 or visit them online at 988lifeline.org to chat...

In this insightful episode, host Alison and guest Terry Tucker discuss key principles from his book 'Sustainable Excellence,' focusing on how fear and insecurities often hold people back. Through personal anecdotes and motivational stories, Terry emphasizes the importance of hope and perseverance in overcoming life's challenges, especially when grieving. He shares a powerful experiment on the resi...

In this episode of the Big Grief Podcast, host Alison sits down with Terry Tucker, a cancer survivor, former police officer, and author of 'Sustainable Excellence: Ten Principles to Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life.' Terry shares his inspiring life story and discusses how his diverse experiences have shaped him, including his struggle with cancer and how he navigated through grief. The...

In this final part of their sincere and deep conversation, Alison and Heather continue discussing their journeys through grief after both the sudden and gradual loss of loved ones. They explore the complexities of anticipatory grief, the emotional impact of unexpected death, and the poignant lessons on time's fleeting nature, reflecting on how time becomes a precious yet elusive concept during mou...

In Part 3 of this heartfelt conversation, Alison and Heather share their experiences with grief, anxiety, and the emotional aftermath of losing loved ones. They delve into feelings of constant dread, seeking approval from the deceased, and the struggle to enjoy happy moments. Through their candid conversation, they describe how they cope with their grief, such as looking for signs from their loved...

Episode 6 - A Life Divided: Before and After Loss In Part 2 of Alison’s conversation with Heather Golczynski, they discuss the profound and multifaceted nature of grief, emphasizing that it's not just the loss of a loved one but also the loss of normalcy. They recount personal experiences of losing loved ones, describing the enduring impact of these losses on day-to-day life and emotional well-bei...

In this heartfelt and poignant episode, Alison's friend Heather Golczynski shares her emotional journey of grappling with the loss of her former husband, Marc, a United States Marine Staff Sergeant, and later, her brother Jason. Heather recounts the impactful moments of Marc's military service, his redeployment after 9/11, and ultimately his death in Fallujah, Iraq in March 2007. She describes the...

Coping with Loss: Navigating Grief and Home Repairs In this emotional episode, Alison reflects on the loss of her parents and the ongoing challenges of maintaining their house. She discusses the struggle for parental approval and the physical and emotional toll of dealing with a home in disrepair. Through memories of sparse affection and unexpected responsibilities, Alison illustrates the complexi...

In this heartfelt episode, Alison shares her journey through grief after losing her parents, reflecting on the impact of true friendships, the isolation of the pandemic, and the transformative effect of grief on creativity. Alison and Dave discuss the challenges of losing loved ones, the complexities of grief and human connection, and how Alison’s experience has shaped her writing and life purpose...

Transforming Grief: Turning a Parent's Bedroom into a Sanctuary In this heartfelt episode, Alison shares the emotional journey of transforming her late parents' bedroom into a personal office. The narrative delves into the difficulty of letting go, the persistent feeling that her parents are just away temporarily, and the peculiar emotional ties to the house and its contents. Alison recounts deali...

Episode 1 - Grief Unfiltered Navigating the Complex Journey of Grief with Alison and Dave In the inaugural episode of the Big Grief Podcast, certified grief coach and writer Alison Cook introduces the show, focusing on the raw and often hidden aspects of grieving. Joined by her long-time friend Dave, Alison shares her personal journey of losing both parents to rare cancers within 14 months, naviga...