Growth from Grief

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Growth from Grief , Susan explores the familiar phrase “Time heals all wounds” and shares why, in her experience, healing after loss takes more than time alone. Using the analogy of recovering from a broken bone, she reflects on the emotional, physical, and mental work of grief—and how the scars we carry can become reminders of both love and resilience. Time alo...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt and insightful conversation, Sue sits down with a dear friend and fellow yoga teacher, Mary Mullin to explore her unique work supporting widows through Kundalini yoga and grief. We talk about what Kundalini yoga really is and how it differs from Hatha yoga and how it can gently support the nervous system during times of deep loss. Mary also shares a simple, appro...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Growth from Grief , I reflect on the phrase “one step forward, two steps back” through the lens of Spring, a simple dance step, and the grief journey. As nature shifts between warmth and cold, we’re reminded that healing doesn’t move in a straight line. If you’ve ever felt like you were making progress only to be pulled back into grief, this gentle conversation...

Send us Fan Mail Susan returns to her podcast "Growth From Grief" after a break and discusses the importance of listening to oneself, particularly for those experiencing grief. She emphasizes that her podcast is a safe space for listeners who are newly bereaved or have been grieving for a while. Susan encourages listeners to find ways to express their feelings and move forward during cha...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Growth from Grief, Susan Andersen explores the somatic signs of seasonal grief, emphasizing how our bodies respond to grief during the changing seasons. She discusses the physical symptoms associated with grief, the importance of connecting with our body's memories, and offers practical techniques for self-care and mindfulness. The episode encourage...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Growth from Grief, Erin Nelson, the executive director of Jessica's House, shares her personal journey through grief after losing her husband, mother, and son and how these experiences led to the creation of a supportive community for grieving families. The conversation explores the importance of community support, the unique ways children and adult...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this conversation, Susan Andersen explores the intricate relationship between gratitude and pain, emphasizing that while gratitude can serve as a bridge to hope, it is often misinterpreted in our culture as a remedy for grief. She highlights the importance of acknowledging pain and sorrow without the pressure to feel grateful, as this can invalidate genuine emotions. Ta...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Growth from Grief, Jenny Brandemuehl, the author of Forever Fly Free:  One Woman's Story of Resilience and the Power of Hope and Love shares her profound journey of love, trauma, and resilience following her husband's devastating plane crash. She discusses the power of community, the importance of vulnerability, and how to navigate the complexi...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, Susan Andersen discusses the importance of creating personal rituals for remembrance and how these practices can help in the grieving process. She emphasizes that remembrance can happen at any time, not just on traditional dates, and shares various ways to honor loved ones, including lighting candles, creating altars, and writing letters. These acts serve...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Growth from Grief, Susan Andersen speaks with Reverend Krysia Burnham, a hospice chaplain, about her journey from journalism to chaplaincy, the importance of grief support, and the role of hospice care. They discuss personal experiences of loss, the significance of community in grief, and innovative approaches to healing, including expressive writing wor...

Send us Fan Mail Summary:  In this episode of Growth from Grief, host Susan Andersen discusses the challenges of celebrating birthdays and anniversaries after the loss of a loved one. She shares her personal experiences of navigating grief, particularly focusing on her son Ian's birthday. The conversation emphasizes the importance of keeping memories alive through food and shared experiences,...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Growth from Grief, host Susan Andersen discusses the journey of healing from grief through restorative yoga. She emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to rest and the exhaustion that often accompanies grief. Susan explains the principles of restorative yoga, its benefits for the nervous system, and provides practical poses that can be done at hom...

Send us Fan Mail Summary: In this episode of Growth from Grief, Susan Andersen, a grief guide and yoga teacher, explores the complex emotions associated with grief and loss. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging unspoken thoughts and feelings, categorizing them into anger, relief, isolation, regret, and irrational fears. Susan shares her personal journey with grief, highlighting the signi...

Send us Fan Mail Summary: In this episode of Growth from Grief, Susan Andersen discusses the importance of routine and gentle rhythms in navigating the journey of grief. She emphasizes the need for supportive structures that can help individuals cope with their emotions and find moments of peace amidst the chaos of loss. Through practical examples and personal anecdotes, Susan encourages listeners...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Growth from Grief, Dr. Kim Mead-Walters, the Executive Director of Sharing Kindness, shares her personal journey following the loss of her son to suicide and how it led to the creation of Sharing Kindness, an organization focused on suicide awareness and grief support. The conversation explores the importance of community support, the need for grief-sens...

Send us Fan Mail Summary: In this episode of Growth from Grief, Susan Andersen explores the intricate relationship between grief and the body. She emphasizes that grief is not just an emotional experience but also manifests physically, affecting our nervous system and overall well-being. Through various techniques, including breathing exercises and body awareness practices, Susan guides listeners...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day , this episode of Growth from Grief shares the deeply moving story ofJill Maiorana.  She shares her profound journey through loss, including the deaths of her children's father and her son, Joey from substance abuse disorder. She discusses the isolating experience of grief, the importance of community support, and...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Growth from Grief, Susan Andersen invites listeners to embrace the end of summer by walking lightly through their days, even while carrying heavy emotional loads. She emphasizes the importance of being present in nature, allowing emotions to surface, and finding moments of lightness amidst grief. The conversation encourages listeners to set intentions fo...

Send us Fan Mail Summary : In this episode of the Growth from Grief podcast, host Sue Andersen speaks with Sylvia Moore Myers, author of 'Gold Scars', about her journey through grief and trauma after the loss of her son. Sylvia shares her insights on the importance of addressing unresolved grief, the impact of trauma on relationships, and the healing power of vulnerability and laughter....

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Growth from Grief, Susan Andersen explores a cyclical perspective on grief, contrasting it with the traditional linear model. She emphasizes the importance of understanding grief through the lens of seasons, particularly focusing on summer as a time of emotional heat and overwhelm. Susan offers practical strategies for managing these feelings, including movement...

Send us Fan Mail Summary : In this episode of Growth from Grief, host Susan Andersen reviews key  insights from the book 'The Grieving Brain' by Mary Frances O'Connor.   In the book Dr O'Connor explores the neuroscience behind grief, highlighting the importance of understanding how our brains process loss and the practical applications of these insights in supporting those who...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of the Growth from Grief podcast, host Susan Andersen speaks with Teresa Quinn, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in grief, trauma, and chronic illness. They explore the intersection of grief and spirituality, the nuances of trauma and grief, and the importance of body awareness through yoga and breathwork. Teresa shares insights on expressive...

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode, Susan Andersen celebrates the one-year anniversary of her podcast, reflecting on the journey of creating 50 episodes. She shares insights on the challenges and successes of podcasting, highlights memorable episodes that resonated with listeners, and discusses her goals for the upcoming year, including a focus on more interviews and valuable content for her...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Growth from Grief, host Sue Andersen speaks with Howard Miller about his experiences caring for aging parents and the emotional complexities that arise during this journey. They discuss the themes of anticipatory grief, the role of humor in coping, and the challenges posed by the pandemic. Howard shares personal anecdotes about his parents, their resilie...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Growth from Grief, host Susan Andersen explores the complex relationship between old wounds and new grief. She shares her personal experiences with grief, particularly following the loss of her son, and discusses how unresolved emotions from past losses can resurface during new periods of grief. Andersen emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these f...