Grief Grower

You've probably heard the phrase "don't speak ill of the dead"—but what if the person who died hurt you? I'm breaking down how this common advice silences survivors, protects harmful legacies, and makes grief harder for people with complicated losses. You'll learn: Why "don't speak ill of the dead" is outdated, harmful advice How this phrase impacts survivors of abuse, estrangement, or neglect Thr...

Grief isn't just heartbreaking—it's belief-shaping. After a major loss, many grieving people internalize painful stories like "I'm crazy," "I'm alone," and "My life will be like this forever." Understanding these beliefs (and what to say in response) can transform the way you show up and support the grieving people in your life. You'll hear: Where the 3 most common grief beliefs come from Why reas...

What do you do when no one wants to talk about your loss—or hear your grief at all? In this episode, Susan Lieu, author of The Manicurist's Daughter , shares what it was like to grow up in a family where her mother's death was never acknowledged. Together, we explore: Why some families avoid talking about grief The long-term effects of unspoken loss How to process grief solo when support isn't ava...

There are days when grief makes everything feel pointless—as if nothing will ever be good or meaningful again. If you've been there (or you're there now), this episode is for you. I'm sharing eight small but meaningful ways to keep going when everything feels impossibly heavy. These are the low-pressure, real-life practices I've used myself and taught inside Life After Loss Academy—not to fix grie...

Society tells us that achievements are supposed to feel good—so why do they sometimes leave you feeling unsettled, sad, or even disconnected? This episode explores gain grief—the hidden grief that lives beneath "positive" milestones like graduation, marriage, promotions, parenthood, and more. You'll learn: Why even "positive" transitions can be accompanied by real grief How to recognize gain grief...

Not sure what to say to someone grieving during the holidays? These 12 simple text messages are a powerful way to show care, even when you're not sure what to say. You'll learn: How to avoid common clichés like "Let me know if you need anything" or "You have so much to be thankful for!" How to validate your friend's pain without trying to fix it How you can offer presence via text without pressure...

Making a major choice after loss can feel impossible. Grief scrambles your brain and makes every option feel like the wrong one. I'll share some grounded tools to help you weigh options, consider best- and worst-case scenarios, and make compassionate choices you can trust. You'll learn: Why "don't make any major decisions for at least a year after loss" isn't always realistic Three practical ways...

What do you do with the dreams that come after loss? In this conversation with grief dreams expert Dr. Joshua Black, we talk about why grief shows up while we're sleeping, what these dreams might be trying to tell us, and how they can offer connection, clarity, and even comfort in the wake of death. Together we explore: The 3 types of grief dreams and how to recognize them How to invite a dream of...

"I'm sorry for your loss" is one of the most common phrases people say to grievers after a loss—but does it really help? I explore why it often falls flat and share what grieving people actually want to hear. You'll discover: Why we default to "I'm sorry for your loss" in the first place How this phrase can unintentionally feel empty or obligatory Real examples of how grievers experience these wor...

Have you ever felt like you're grieving not just a loss, but grieving grief itself? In this episode, I introduce the term "meta grief"—the invisible sorrow that comes from being tired of grieving, worn down by ongoing tragedy, or overwhelmed by the endlessness of loss. If you've felt grief fatigue or wondered how long this will last, this episode is for you. You'll learn: What meta grief means and...

Sometimes grief is too big for plain language. I'm sharing six powerful grief metaphors—from the "Ball in the Box" to "grief butter" to my own "dressing room"—that give shape and words to what life after loss feels like. These images can help you explain your grief, validate your experience, and feel a little more understood. You'll hear: Why metaphors help make sense of overwhelming emotions 6 po...

You don't need to be a therapist to support someone grieving. In this episode, discover why presence matters more than credentials and how to show up with confidence, even when you feel unqualified. You'll hear: Why "comforter imposter syndrome" is so common How grievers often find the deepest support outside therapy Three questions to ask to boost your comforter confidence Practical ways to offer...

What makes a "good death" for a beloved pet—and how do you grieve when society says, "It was just an animal"? Jana DeCristofaro of The Dougy Center joins me to explore pet grief, creating meaningful end-of-life rituals, and how to keep honoring your animal companion after they die. You'll hear: What a "good death" for a pet might look like Why pet grief can feel even bigger or more profound than h...

Discover how Life After Loss Academy has transformed the lives of grieving people facing death, divorce, diagnosis, and other major life changes. I share five real student stories and the healing they experienced through live coaching, supportive community, and the GRIEF Method program. You'll hear: How Lori honored her daughter's memory while setting healthy boundaries Why Chris, a therapist, gai...

When loss shatters your life, "rebuilding" can feel impossible—especially if it means leaving your person behind. But what if you don't have to "get over" your grief to move forward? I'll cover what rebuilding after loss really means, and how to carry your grief with you into a life that still holds peace, purpose, and joy. You'll learn: What rebuilding after loss actually looks and feels like Why...

Friendship grief is one of the most overlooked and heartbreaking parts of loss. I'm talking about why friends pull away after death, divorce, or diagnosis—and what to do about it. You'll hear: What friendship grief is and why it hurts so much 3 toxic grief tropes to look out for in your friendships My 5-step framework for navigating hurtful relationships—while grieving! How to set new boundaries a...

How do you keep a loved one's memory alive after they die? In this episode, I share how to use a Signs + Symbols Library—a powerful tool that helps you feel connected to someone you've lost through your five senses. Whether you believe in signs from the afterlife or just want intentional ways to remember your person, this episode is for you. You'll hear about: How to use sensory memory to feel clo...

What do you do when your own face reminds you—or others—of someone who died? In this conversation with Empower founder Cara Belvin, we talk about the surreal experience of resembling someone you've lost and how it shapes identity, memory, and the grief we carry. Together we explore: Why looking like someone who died can feel comforting—or complicated The emotional weight of being a "living reminde...

Can you really let go of grief without letting go of love? These two powerful lists can help you release the pain of what can no longer be—while making space for what remains… and how you'd like to move forward. You'll learn: Why "letting go" doesn't mean forgetting How to grieve the person you used to be How to grieve you thought you'd have Simple rituals to help you release and heal Pre-order my...

If you've been wondering what to actually do after a loss or death, this episode is for you. I'm sharing the most important—and most overlooked—first step in grief. Before joining a support group, before reading the books, before trying to "process" the pain… you need this. You'll discover: Why grief can feel so disorienting, even when you're "doing the work" What the Safety First Rule is and how...

Thinking about grief coaching but not sure if you're ready? In this episode, I'll walk you through three important questions to help you figure out if coaching is the right next step for you and your grief. You'll hear: Why feeling "stuck" might be a sign you're ready What feedback and support really look like in grief coaching How to know if you have the capacity to engage with a grief coach righ...

When loss hits, it can feel like your whole world shrinks down to your own pain. And then someone says you're being "selfish" or "self-centered" for grieving! In this episode, I unpack where those accusations come from—and why turning inward after loss isn't shameful. In fact, it might be necessary for your healing. You'll learn: Why grief feels so personal and consuming What "selfish" actually me...

Grieving more than one loss can make the calendar feel like a minefield. Illustrator and author Tyler Feder joins me to talk about cumulative grief, anxiety, and how art can become a companion when no part of the year feels safe. In this episode, we cover: Why no month feels emotionally "safe" after multiple losses How to create and use a grief calendar The link between anxiety and loss after deat...

Grief doesn't happen in a vacuum—it happens in a political system. In this episode, we explore how grief is political and what that means for grieving people who want to start or stay engaged in activism. You'll learn: How politics shape your grief Questions to ask before participating in activism 6 low-energy ways to take meaningful action How your grief can become a powerful force for change ......

Planning a wedding after the death of a loved one is bittersweet. In this episode, I share how to honor grief, make space for absence, and infuse your celebration with memory, meaning, and love—without losing yourself in the overwhelm. You'll learn: How to choose a wedding format that supports your grief Ideas for clothing, flowers, and rituals that honor loved ones who have died Tips for managing...