Dr. Kay Fontana

Healing Our Grieving Hearts Podcast

Health EN ↓ 119 episodes

I’m Kay Fontana, and have faced profound loss throughout my life, giving me a deep understanding of the pain it brings. My journey began with the loss of my brother to cancer when I was just nine, altering the dynamics of our family as my parents grappled with grief. Later, I experienced the anguish of losing my mother to Alzheimer’s and my father to cancer shortly after his diagnosis. The most heartbreaking of all was the death of my husband and soul mate of 40 years in January 2023 due to multiple health challenges. These losses, including many others - from family and friends to pets - have...

Author

Dr. Kay Fontana

Category

Health

Latest episode

Jul 4, 2026

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Episodes

Understanding Grief Through Books 25.01.2025

Introduction Topic Introduction [01:01] Main Topics Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown [01:48] On Grief and Grieving by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler [03:33] Grief One Day at a Time by Alan Wolfelt [05:34] Bearing the Unbearable by Joanne Cacciatore [07:08] It's OK That You're Not OK by Megan Divine [09:02] The Grief Recovery Handbook by John W. James and Russell Fried...

Navigating Grief Anniversaries and Special Dates 18.01.2025

Introduction Topic Introduction [01:01] Main Topics The complex emotions surrounding significant dates [01:30] Personal responses to important dates [04:04] Common reactions to significant dates [05:00] Preparation before the date [06:07] The day itself [07:01] After the date has passed [07:49] My anniversary date experience [08:45] Summary and conclusion [10:23] Additional Resources https://heali...

The Role of Humor in Healing Grief 11.01.2025

Introduction Topic Introduction [01:01] Main Topics Emotional and physical responses to grief [01:45] Societal notions about grief [03:02] Physiological effects of laughter [04:21] Building connections with humor [05:52] Finding comfort in funny stories and memories [07:22] Incorporating humor through various means [09:58] Finding community [11:22] Summary [12:17] Additional Resources https://heal...

Grief in the Workplace 04.01.2025

Introduction Topic Introduction [01:01] Main Topics Identifying signs of grief [01:49] Showing empathy and understanding [03:15] Building a supportive workplace [03:58] Training managers [04:43] Bereavement leave policies [05:17] Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) [06:00] Human Resources (HR) [06:44] Supporting a grieving colleague [08:12] Taking care of yourself [09:45] Conclusion [11:37] Additi...

Facing the New Year After Loss 28.12.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction [01:01] Main Topics The dichotomy of New Year's celebrations [01:31] Balance of memories [04:15] Starting new traditions [05:37] Finding support [06:16] Journaling or creative outlets [06:56] Celebrating lives of loved ones [08:20] Conclusion [10:29] Additional Resources https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/ https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/media https://www.fac...

How the Nature of Death Affects the Grieving Process 21.12.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction [01:01] Main Topics Sudden death [01:55] Suicide [03:11] Long-term illness [04:26] Stages of Grief and the impact of different types of death [05:47] Personal impact of different types of death [08:40] Coping with different types of grief [ 10:31] Conclusions [12:15] Additional Resources https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/ https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/medi...

Rituals and Traditions of Different Cultures Around the World 14.12.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction [01:01] Main Topics South Korea [02:53] Ghana [03:32] Madagascar [04:07] New Orleans [04:42] Mexico [05:18] Tibet [05:59] Hindu [06:53] Jewish [07:27] Islam [08:04] Roman Catholic [08:37] Mennonite/Amish [09:12] Native American [09:45] Conclusion [10:19] Additional Resources https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/ https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/media https://www...

The Science of Grief: What Happens in the Brain 07.12.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction [01:01] Main Topics The amygdala [02:50] The pre-frontal cortex [03:25] The hippocampus [03:59] Memory in the grieving process [04:52] Stress response and cortisol [06:16] Neurotransmitters of serotonin and dopamine [07:03] Coping and healing mechanisms [07:52] Conclusion [10:54] Additional Resources https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/ https://healingourgrievinghe...

How to Set Boundaries While Grieving 30.11.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction [01:01] Main Topics Why setting boundaries is important [02:05] Open communication [03:02] Prioritizing self-care [04:02] Navigating social situations [05:15] Managing expectations[06:06] Managing communications [07:02] Establishing time limits [07:58] Practicing assertive communication [08:48] Limiting exposure to triggers [09:40] Being selective about sharing info...

Creating a Healing Space at Home 23.11.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction [01:01] Main Topics Why create a healing space? [01:25] The Elements of a healing space [02:04] Designing your space with intention [03:33] Tools and practices for healing [08:51] Conclusion [11:35] Additional Resources https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/ https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/media https://www.facebook.com/kay.fontana

Grief During the Holidays 16.11.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction [01:01] Main Topics Creating new traditions [ Reaching out for support [ Honor their memory [ Navigating social obligations [ Take time for self-care [ Conclusion [ Additional Resources https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/ https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/media https://www.facebook.com/kay.fontana

Exploring Grief Through Art, Music, and Creative Expression 09.11.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction [01:01] Main Topics Exploring through art [01:56] Exploring through music [08:40] Exploring through creative expression [13:42] Conclusion [16:18] Additional Resources https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/ https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/media https://www.facebook.com/kay.fontana

How to Build Resilience in the Face of Grief 02.11.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction - What is Resilience? [01:01] Main Topics Different types of resilience [02:34] Gregg Braden on resilience [04:02] Mental resilience [05:49] Physical resilience [07:43] Spiritual resilience [10:45] How mental, physical, and spiritual resilience helps emotional resilience [11:51] Conclusion [14:08] Additional Resources https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/ https://he...

When You Have a Family Member with Dementia 26.10.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction [01:01] Main Topics Types of dementia [01:21] Grief from having a family member with dementia [03:59] Anticipatory grief and other feelings from having a family member with dementia [04:10] Strategies for creating a healthier emotional environment [11:20] Conclusion [15:14] Additional Resources https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/ https://healingourgrievinghearts.c...

When You Have Lost Your Faith 19.10.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction[01:01] Main Topics Why is faith important? [01:28] What causes a loss of faith? [02:01] What are the effects of losing one's faith? [06:31] How do you restore faith? [09:05] Conclusion [11:35] Additional Resources https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/ https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/media https://www.facebook.com/kay.fontana

Finding Your Purpose and Passion After Loss 12.10.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction - Your Purpose and Passion [01:01] Main Topics Living a purposeful life [01:51] What are you passionate about? [02:46] What is your purpose? [04:19] Live according to your value. [06:00] Find out what others like about and see in you. [06:48] Recognize how life should feel. [07:24] Embrace your fears. [08:26] Finding my purpose. [09:25] Conclusion [10:21] Additional...

Ways to Express Gratitude in Challenging Times 05.10.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction of Gratitude [01:01] Main Topics The importance of gratitude [02:01] Gratitude affirmations [03:55] Keeping a list of gratitudes [05:39] Keeping a journal [06:41] Be alert to goodness in your life [07:29] Save notes of gratitude [08:14] Random acts of kindness [08:45] Writing letters of appreciation [09:23] Gifts of appreciation [09:55] The gift of time [10:27] Conc...

Grief from Empty Nest Syndrome 28.09.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction - Empty Nest Syndrome [01:01] Main Topics Daily interactions [01:37] Role as caregivers [02:45] Loneliness [03:58] Fear [05:39] Nostalgia [06:32] Sense of purpose [07:39] Shifting parent-child dynamics [08:40] Transition into new life stages [09:54] Emotions resembling the grieving process [11:08] Redefining lives [11:52] Conclusion [12:34] Additional Resources http...

When We Grieve People We've Never Met 21.09.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction - [01:01] Main Topics Portrayal of individuals in the media [01:38] Empathy plays a role [ 02:26] Projecting feelings [03:19] Common identity [04:12] Public tragedies [04:41] Public figures and celebrities [05:36] Activists and other public figures [08:42] Tragic or unjust deaths [10:27] Conclusion [11:12] Additional Resources https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/ h...

When Grief is Absent 14.09.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction - Absent Grief [01:01] Main Topics Social isolation with absent grief [02:31] Unacknowledged loss [04:00] Guilt and shame [05:31] Conflicting emotions [08:06] Finding closure [10:32] Non-traditional grieving practices [12:14] Delayed grief [ 13:50] Suppression of emotional response [14:37] Conclusion [19:01] Additional Resources https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/...

When Grief is Collective 07.09.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction - What is Collective Grief [01:01] Main Topics The anniversary of 9/11 [01:28] The attacks and the aftermath [01:59] The effects on feelings and emotions on the anniversary [06:33] Ways to cope on the anniversary [09:51 Conclusion [13:14] Additional Resources https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/ https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/media https://www.facebook.com/ka...

Grief and Finding Meaning and Growth After Loss 31.08.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction [01:01] Main Topics Self-reflection through journaling or meditation [03:36] Rekindle old interests [05:14] Explore new activities or interests [07:49] Join classes or groups [09:11] Create a daily routine [09:43] Create new traditions [11:40] Be open to signs and messages [13:22] Conclusion [15:19] Additional Resources https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/ https://...

A Meditation for Grief 24.08.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction [01:01] Main Topics A Guided Meditation for Grief [01:20] Conclusion [14:19] Additional Resources https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/ https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/media https://www.facebook.com/kay.fontana

When Losses Are Intangible 17.08.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction and what are intangible losses [01:01] Main Topics Death of a loved one [01:42] Divorce or end of relationship [03:02] Accident or injury [04:01] Serious illness [04:55] Job loss or career transition [06:14] Financial hardship [07:17] Traumatic events [08:54] Relocation [10:05] Questions to ask yourself about the situation [12:05] Steps to take in the process [17:56...

Numbing the Pain Won't Heal It 10.08.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction [01:01] Main Topics Substance use during the grieving process [02:01] Types of substances used [02:52] Statistics on substance use among grieving individuals [03:35] Effects of substance use [05:16] Alternative coping strategies [09:12] Resources available [13:43] Conclusion [15:33] Additional Resources https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/ https://healingourgrievin...

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