Creating Space for Grief and Hope

In this first video episode of Creating Space for Grief and Hope , Holly Gainsboro answers some of the most common questions she receives from clients and workshop participants. She explains anticipatory grief, explores how relationships can change during caregiving, discusses feelings of guilt after a loved one dies, and shares why grief is not something we "finish," but something that...

In this episode, Holly Gainsboro speaks with Shannon Traphagen , host of The Game On Glio podcast , about her journey through grief after losing her husband Mike to glioblastoma in 2020 at the age of 44. Shannon shares the story of Mike’s sudden diagnosis, their 20-year marriage, and the heartbreak of interrupted plans for parenthood. She discusses how creating her podcast became a way to honor Mi...

In this episode, Holly Gainsboro speaks with Gabby Jimenez, founder of The Hospice Heart, about end-of-life care and the role of hospice. Gabby shares her journey from commercial real estate to hospice nursing and offers insight from witnessing thousands of final moments. Together, they address common misconceptions about hospice, discuss what to expect at the bedside, and explore the emotional an...

In this episode, Holly Gainsboro speaks with Sal Schito , founder of " Music for a Cure ," about his journey after losing his wife, Karen, to glioblastoma in 2024. Sal shares how his grief led him to create a powerful fundraising event that will bring community, music, and purpose together to support the Glioblastoma Research Organization. He discusses the inspiration behind the upcoming...

In this episode, Holly Gainsboro speaks with Charlene Lam, grief coach and author of Curating Grief , about the deeply personal process of managing belongings after a loved one’s death. Drawing from her experience curating her mother’s possessions, Charlene shares a thoughtful framework to help others navigate grief through physical items. Together, they discuss the emotional weight of letting go,...

Holly welcomes guest Rebecca Feinglos, a certified grief support specialist and founder of Grieve Leave. Rebecca shares how losing both of her parents, including her mother’s battle with glioblastoma and her father’s sudden COVID related death, shaped her understanding of grief. Together, they discuss how those experiences led Rebecca to create Grieve Leave, a movement advocating for more compassi...

Elizabeth Catignani joins Holly as her guest this month as they explore what it’s like to move through the holiday season while carrying grief. They share personal stories, remind listeners that there is no “right” way to feel, and offer gentle ideas for creating pockets of peace, reducing overwhelm, and honoring your own emotional needs. This episode is a comforting companion for anyone navigatin...

In this episode, Holly Gainsboro speaks with Caroline Williams , a 37-year-old yoga instructor and massage therapist from Florida, about her journey living with glioblastoma. Diagnosed while 20 weeks pregnant, Caroline faced unimaginable challenges and life-changing decisions while continuing to care for her young daughter. She shares how community support, self-advocacy, and her commitment to hop...

In this episode, Holly Gainsboro speaks with Hank Glassner about his experience as a husband and father caring for his wife, Jordy, who was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2023. Hank shares how their family, including their young son Brody, navigates caregiving, parenting, and anticipatory grief while focusing on quality of life. He and Holly discuss the challenges of control, self-care, and findin...

In this episode, Holly Gainsboro interviews Amber Barbach , founder of the Glioblastoma Research Organization (GBMRO), about her journey after losing her father to glioblastoma in 2018. Amber shares how her grief inspired her to launch GBMRO, which has since raised over $2.7 million for research and awareness initiatives, including podcasts and a documentary. She reflects on her father’s life, the...

In this episode, Holly welcomes Dr. Joshua Black, a leading grief and bereavement researcher, for a fascinating conversation about the role of dreams and grief. Joshua explains the different types of grief dreams - those with or without the deceased - and how they reflect a person’s emotional state. He shares how dreams can bring comfort, highlight unresolved pain, or surface as distressing nightm...

Join Holly and Elizabeth as they discuss the topic of dating after the loss of a spouse or life partner, emphasizing that there is no right or wrong time to start dating and the importance of listening to one's own intuition. They share their personal experiences with dating after losing their spouses, highlighting the challenges and support they encountered along the way. Both women emphasize...

I’m honored to welcome Jessica Correnti to the podcast today. Jessica is a certified Child Life Specialist and grief expert who brings both professional insight and deeply personal experience to our conversation. She shares her journey through multiple pregnancy losses and how those experiences have shaped her compassionate approach to grief support. We explore the importance of validating grief,...

In this heartfelt episode, I welcome friend and fellow advocate Shawn Carey, who opens up about the devastating loss of his mother, Wendy, to glioblastoma. From the early days of her misdiagnosis to the strength she displayed throughout her illness, Shawn reflects on the legacy Wendy left behind. Together, he and Holly talk candidly about navigating terminal illness, the unique grief of losing apa...

Join Holly and Elizabeth as they discuss when anger arises on one's grief journey. Although not experienced by everyone, anger is not unusual when grieving. Anger is often a protection mechanism for underlying feelings, and it’s important to acknowledge and honor what is coming up for you. Holly and Elizabeth share their own experiences with anger, why anger may surface in relation to loss, as...

Join me as I welcome my dear friend and guest, Holly Richard, as she shares her personal story of losing her son to glioblastoma, finding a supportive community during the grieving process, connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences, and finding purpose in her pain. Holly’s grief inspired her to write a book, One Hundred and Twenty-Six Days, The Unthinkable Journey, about her...

As we step into a new year, the passing of time can feel especially heavy for those experiencing grief. In this episode, Holly and Elizabeth explore how the New Year impacts the grieving process, sharing personal stories and practical strategies to help listeners find a balance between difficult emotions and hopeful moments. The episode features a transformative four-part reflection exercise desig...

In this heartfelt episode Holly and Elizabeth dive into the challenges of navigating the holiday season while grieving. They share practical tips, from choosing traditions to creating space for emotions, and explore how to find support and comfort during this time of year. Whether your loss is recent or years ago, this episode offers compassionate guidance, self care strategies, and gentle reminde...

In this episode, Holly shares her personal experience of losing her mother in July and the journey of navigating grief in the weeks that followed. She discusses the vital role of self-care during difficult times and the importance of acknowledging and processing grief. The conversation also covers the practical tasks she faced after her mother's passing, offering insights, support, and guidanc...

In this episode we discuss various grief styles and how individuals experience and express grief differently. We will introduce you to four grief styles: intuitive grievers, instrumental grievers, dissonant grievers, and blended grievers. While we emphasize that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, understanding these different styles can help in supporting yourself and others through the gri...

Holly and Elizabeth welcome their very special guest, Brooke Carlock . Listen and be inspired as Brooke shares her experience with multiple losses which includes the traumatic death of her 10 year old daughter just two years ago. She will tell us how her book and the title came to be. Brooke will make you laugh and cry (sometimes in the same exact moment) with her wit and candor.  From the scenic...

Holly & Elizabeth have received many questions over the past year pertaining to grief. In this episode, join them as they thoughtfully respond to several of those questions, and provide useful & supportive information for you to add to your tool kit.  Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education,   is a certified grief support specialist/coach and certified grief...

Join Holly and Elizabeth as they welcome Jody LaVoie, founder of Widows in the Workplace, as she shares her own grief story following the tragic death of her husband, Steve, and found herself thrust into the business world amid her grief. Jody is an inspiration as she now provides support for women who have become widowed and find themselves unexpectedly re-entering the workforce. Jody talks about...

Join Holly and Elizabeth as they acknowledge that New Years Eve and planning for 2024 isn't always the hype it is made out to be, especially when grieving a loss. They will both share their own NYE stories after the deaths of their late husbands, Brian and Steven, as well as new rituals they have created with their families. Listen along for some of their favorite tips and tools in navigating...

Thanksgiving can bring up all sorts of emotions and memories. You get to feel them all - no matter what your family and friends say! Listen in as Holly shares her own story about her first holiday without Steven, and where she is now 13 years later. She also provides you with some ideas/activities to honor your feelings and your memories. Wondering how to respond to people about the upcoming holid...