Surthrival Podcast with Stacia

Lisa McNair was born to grieving parents who lost their first daughter, Denise McNair, one of four Black girls killed in the 16th Street Church Bombing on September 15, 1963. From the beginning she felt the heavy load of bringing joy, being perfect and doing all the right things due to the horrible loss of a sister she never knew. Part of this narrative for her was the importance of getting marrie...

Susan Hoskins (my long-time friend) and Carolyn Weaver of Columbus, GA became friends through small groups at church. When Carolyn couldn’t put one foot in front of the other, her granddaughter took her to church. Susan, however, ran like a horse out of the gate, eager to re-enter a spiritual community she’d been missing while caring for her ailing husband. They found each other on the A-Team (Adm...

Monte Erwin shares the story of losing his wife, Janet, a little more than a year ago. As an introvert, he has had to force himself to get out of the house, increasing the amount of volunteering with his church, Shades Crest Baptist Church in Hoover, AL. He also purchased two adorable Miniature Schnauzer brothers who have brought him laughter, snuggles and comfort. His advice to the grieving: 1) g...

Single Again - Who am I? After losing a spouse, we can find ourselves wondering who we are outside of that relationship? Deidre Clark shares her story of loss and how she became reacquainted with herself after losing Brian “Voice Porter” Hawkins. One of the questions she asked herself was if she really liked Marvel movies or watched them because Brian liked them. She does like them! When grief bri...

Caleb Young lost his older brother, Ty—whom he idolized—to suicide when he was 11. The loss shaped the way he viewed life and the choices he made as he grew up. In Cuero (Spanish for “raw hide”), a small Texas town where many men drive trucks and wear cowboy boots and hats, the culture is rugged and rooted in hunting, fishing, and ranching. In a place like that, social norms—paired with traditiona...

Natalie was just 13 when she lost her dad to suicide. This profound loss damaged her mental well-being until she found her passion and purpose of helping people in the name of Jesus. Natalie came to the United States on a mission trip years ago and ended up staying – recently getting her US citizenship! She is a wife and mother (of twin boys). Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Natalie serve...

In this episode we continue our conversation around Suicide with Meesha Emmett , Area Director for the Alabama Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Previously we spent our energy on suicide prevention. In this episode, we focus on the grief of those who have lost a loved one to death by suicide. This type of grief is complicated and is often ignored due to guilt, blame...

WARNING: This episode discusses suicide and may be triggering for some listeners and inappropriate for younger audiences. Meesha Emmett of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (Alabama Chapter) and I talk honestly about the taboo topic of Suicide . In this introductory episode we share our personal stories, talk about suicide prevention and share staggering statistics about this preventab...

Nobody likes to talk about death before the event, but it's important. Listen as Bryan Hancock of Timberchase Financial shares practical tips about getting your finances in order before a significant loss, as well as top tips for what steps you need to take after losing a spouse. Financial Surthrival Plan for after losing a spouse: (Stacia tested and approved!) Reduce risk Reduce moving parts Put...

Based on our relationships with people, we grieve differently. Robert Hill shares a tale of two griefs - his stepdad and his dad. Listen as he shares what he learned from each loss and how he surthrived.

In this episode of Surthrival, Stacia explores the unexpectedly profound truth behind the phrase “making lemonade.” What begins as a story involving drawing of a lemon tree at a prayer session unfolds into a powerful reflection on how God transforms the most bitter seasons of grief into new beginnings. Through examples from her own life, past guests, local ministries, and even a chance encounter a...

In this episode, Stacia continues the Remembrance series with Author Beth Miller for a powerful conversation on grief, gratitude, and the tension that exists between the two. Together, they explore the dangers of spiritual bypassing, the “both/and” reality of healing, and the profound metaphor of "black fire" and "white fire". Beth shares her own experiences with loss, which led her to write the b...

Two creative theologians dive deep into The Last Supper (Communion) as it relates to grief and remembering. We learn a new term, anamnesis, which means calling to mind to look toward the future. Today's Guest(s): Dr. Shaun King, Senior Pastor, John’s Creek Baptist Church, Alpharetta, GA & Milton Brasher-Cunningham, clergy and author, Mount Carmel Congregational Church, Hamden, CT Sponsored by:...

n this episode, Charlotte Cushing Cearley recounts the sudden loss of her husband upon their return to the United States after a lifetime spent serving in Africa. Recently, Charlotte invited her two sisters to accompany her on a special birthday trip of remembrance to Africa, revisiting one of the places she and her husband lived and worked. Her story highlights the comfort and healing that come f...

Guest(s): Madison Gaines Norwood, daughter Stacia and her daughter talk about how they’ve remembered their husband and father. Furthermore, they explore the customs of mourning they experienced while living in China which included “hungry ghosts”. Sponsored by: Chris Winchester In memory of Matt Gaines, beloved husband and father

Meryeum Tunagur-Williams and Angel Torres share their honest and heartfelt thoughts about the things that helped them grieve and the things that didn’t help. Sponsored by: Gina Faletta, State Farm Agent

Rabbi Steven Henkin of Temple Beth El in Birmingham, AL discusses sitting shiva which is a Jewish tradition where mourners gather for seven days after a funeral, surrounded by family and friends. This ritual offers comfort, structure, and community support, helping those who grieve to process their loss and begin healing together. Sponsored by: Kim Lefelar (best friend) in honor of her mom, Marlen...

Today's guest: Chris O'Rear, an ordained minister, licensed clinical pastoral therapist, shares practical tips that help you form stronger friendships, navigate conflicts and support loved ones through tough times. Sponsored by Chris Winchester, best boss, in honor of my husband, Matt Gaines.

New Series, New Episode, New Guest, Take a listen!

Join guest Nell and T. Marie Sponsored by the Alabama Nurses Association

Panel Discussion with Kathy Boswell, Ernest Kenty and Kim Lefelar Sponsored by: John and Louise Beard support of the Alabama Nurses Foundation

Panel discussion with David George and Susan Hoskins Sponsored by John and Louise Beard in support of the Alabama Nurses Foundation

Panel Discussion with David George and Susan Hoskins Sponsored by John and Louise Beard in Support of the Alabama Nurses Foundation

Panel Discussion with Chris Blackerby, Audrey Thorpe and Janice Williams Brought to you by: John and Louise Beard in support of the Alabama Nurses Foundation

Panel Discussion with Chris Blackerby, Audrey Thorpe and Janice Williams Brought to you by: John and Louise Beard in support of the Alabama Nurses Foundation