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

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

A Look at Sound and Vibrational Therapies for Grief 03.08.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction [01:01] Main Topics My music background [01:15] The connection between music and sound and vibrational healing [03:41] The history of sound healing [06:46] Sound healing in modern times [08:01] Music therapy and sound and vibrational healing for grief and loss [10:27] Conclusion [16:34] Additional Resources https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/ https://healingourgri...

Embracing Self-Compassion - A Path to Healing 27.07.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction [01:01] Experiencing shame, blame, and guilt [01:33] Main Topics Shame [02:17] Blame [02:54] Guilt [03:32] Establishing healthy boundaries [05:21] Releasing control of perfectionism [06:56] Embracing emotions [08:42] Attuning to the messages of your body [10:26] Become aware of self-critical thoughts [12:32] Practicing gentleness and patience [14:16] Closing [15:48]...

Grief and Loss During Times of Global Conflict, Crisis, or Disaster 20.07.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction [01:01] Main Topics Effects of global conflict, crises, disasters and political unrest on grief and well-being [01:20] Strategies for coping and healing during challenging times [04:54] Mindfulness, meditation, and yoga [05:25] Support groups and virtual communities [06:12] Creative mediums such as writing, art, and music [07:46] Reducing exposure to media content [...

What Happens When Children Grieve? 13.07.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction [01:01] Main Topics My first experiences with death [01:11] Avoiding conversations about death [02:12] Ways in which adults contribute to unresolved grief in children [02:45] Telling children to "be strong" [04:54] Avoiding age-appropriate explanations about death [07:05] "You're too young to understand [08:10] "Get over it" [09:25] Replacing the loss [10:42] Shifts...

The Experience of Anticipatory Grief 06.07.2024

Introduction Topic Introduction [01:01] What is Anticipatory Grief [01:09] Main Topics Aging parents or family member decline [02:16] Loved ones with chronic illness [04:59] Military deployment or dangerous work assignments [07:06] Impending divorce or separation [08:44] Natural disasters or catastrophic events [10:21] A pet with a serious illness [12:00] Impending loss of job or career, or retire...

Grief and the Role of Social Media and Technology 29.06.2024

Introduction Welcome to today's episode [01:01] Main Topics Traditional and new ways of expressing grief [01:11] The positive side of social media platforms [02:20] The drawbacks of social media platforms [04:02] Digital legacies and online memorials [07:06] Social media and technology challenges during the grieving process [10:56] Tips on creating healthy boundaries and protecting emotional well-...

How to Get Your Daily D.O.S.E. of Happiness 22.06.2024

Introduction What is a Daily D.O.S.E. of Happiness [01:01] Main Topics Dopamine [02:12] Oxytocin [05:41] Serotonin [08:39] Endorphine [12:11] How I got my daily D.O.S.E. [15:30] Conclusion [16:50] Additional Resources  https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/ https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/media https://www.facebook.com/kay.fontana/

Holistic Healing for Grief 15.06.2024

Introduction Recap of last week [01:01] Medical disclaimer [01:41] Main Topics Breathwork [02:35] Meditation [04:01] Aromatherapy [05:26] Journaling [06:59] Self-massage [08:39] Yoga [10:12] Herbal teas [11:48] Guided imagery [13:24] Warm bath [15:03] Art therapy [16:23] Music [17:46] Conclusion [19:23] Additional Resources  https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/kay.fonta...

Grief and the Physical Manifestations of Loss in the Body 08.06.2024

Introduction About Podcast [00:00] Welcome and medical disclaimer [01:01] Main Topics Cortisol in our bodies and stress [02:44] The respiratory system [03:43] Energy levels and fatigue [05:29] Muscle tension and headaches [07:03] Digestive issues [08:44] Chest discomfort [11:11] The immune system [12:47] Conclusion [14:35] About Healing Our Grieving Hearts {14:56] Additional Resources  www. Heali...

When Grief is Complicated 01.06.2024

Introduction Welcome and topic of today [01:01] Main Topics What is complicated grief? [01:18] Trigger and factors that contribute to complicated grief [02:21] Sudden or unforeseen loss [02:37] Complex or challenging relationship [03:42] Series of losses in close succession [04:45] Lack of adequate support [05:56] Previous trauma or unresolved grief [07:06] Losing someone who played a central role...

How to Honor Your Loved One Even After the Funeral 25.05.2024

Introduction Welcome to episode 8 on How to Honor Your Loved One Even After the Funeral [01:01] Main Topics Memorial table or altar [01:36] Memory book or scrapbook [02:41] Charitable organizations or causes [04:00] Plating a memorial tree [06:04] Memorial event or vigil [07:08] Writing letters or journal entries [08:02] Dedicating a bench, plaque, or brick [09:06] Expressing through art [09:38] M...

When Your World Falls Apart When You Lose Your Spouse 18.05.2024

Introduction Welcome to episode 7 where I will discuss When Your World Falls Apart When You Lose a Spouse.  In today's episode, we'll be embarking on a unique journey as I share my personal narrative—a story that may resonate with some of you. [01:01 Main Topics My husband, my soulmate [01:19] Health issues [ 01:36] Taking him off life support [04:05] The journey [04:31] The celebra...

Adding Energy Healing to Our Toolbox 11.05.2024

Introduction Energy healing methodologies are amazing tools for grief recovery [01:01] Main Topics Overview of energy healing [01:19] Benefits of energy healing in grief recovery [02:58] Qigong [04:23] Reiki [08:53] Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)/tapping [12:44] Sound healing [15:56] Conclusion [19:11] Additional Resources  https://healingourgrievinghearts.com https://www.facebook.com/healingo...

When We Lose Our Pets, Our Companions 04.05.2024

Introduction When we lose our pets, our companions. Experiencing the loss of a beloved pet. [01:01] Main Topics As my sweet dog approaches his 13th birthday, I'm reminded of the painful loss of my dog who passed away in 2006 [01:11] Adding loss to an existing loss [02:42] Navigating the journey of grief [04:10] Ways to honor your beloved pet [04:55] Seeking support [06:34] Engaging in self-care [0...

Words That Hurt, Words That Heal 27.04.2024

Introduction Today’s podcast is an insightful exploration of things to avoid saying to someone who is grieving, accompanied by explanations and alternative approaches to offering genuine comfort and support. Main Topics Introduction [01:01] Words that hurt. [01:43] Words that heal. [12:01 Conclusion [18:45] Additional Resources  https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/hea...

The Many Types of Loss 20.04.2024

Introduction Thank you for tuning in for today’s episode on The Many Types of Loss where I'll be shedding light on some types you're familiar with and others that might be new to you. Main Topics Introduction [01:01] The Grief Recovery Handbook [01:14] Two main categories: Tangible and Intangible Losses [02:00] The "Backpack" of Losses [02:37] Tangible Losses - Death[03:09] Divorce [05:34] Es...

Understanding the 5 Stages of Grief 13.04.2024

Introduction Thank you for tuning in to today’s episode as I shed some light on The 5 Stages of Grief defined by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in her book, “On Death and Dying,” published in 1969, and what it can mean for those grieving a loss. Main Topics Background of The 5 Stages of Grief [01:01] The First Stage of Denial [03:38] The Second Stage of Anger [06:25] The Third Stage of Bargaining [08:...

Healing Our Grieving Hearts Podcast: What is Grief Anyway? 06.04.2024

Introduction Today, we are diving into the general topic of grief that touches us all at some point in our lives. Grief is a universal human experience that can be triggered by various circumstances, shaping our emotions in profound ways.  Main Topics What is Grief? [01:02] Understanding the Circumstance of Grief [01:55] Isolation and Grief During the Pandemic [02:48] Unresolved Grief From Ch...

Healing Our Grieving Hearts Podcast Trailer 01.04.2024

Introduction Welcome to the Healing Our Grieving Hearts Podcast, designed for those who have endured one or more losses and are on a journey to find healing from unresolved grief. I am Dr. Kay Fontana, your host, who has personally experienced profound loss and understands its deep impact.  Main Topics Kay's experiences with loss [00:18] Podcast day and time [00:54] Overview of topics th...

Listen to the Healing Our Grieving Hearts Podcast podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.