Tendrils of Grief

In this episode, I'm joined by Marie Crews, a transformational coach, speaker, retreat facilitator, and best-selling author whose work is grounded in one core belief: your story can set you free. For over 15 years, Marie has helped women rewrite the narratives that limit them—guiding them through grief, trauma, and profound life transitions with compassion, courage, and clarity. Marie's 25-year jo...

In today's episode Julie Fingersh, an accomplished writer and freelance journalist with a knack for exploring the intricacies of life. Through her essays, editorials, and reporting, Julie dives into topics like culture, wellness, relationships, and parenting adult children—all while offering insights on how to lead a better, more meaningful life. Her work has graced the pages of The New York Times...

I sit down with Rev. Kate J. Meyer, LPC—an ordained minister, licensed professional counselor, hospice professional, and acclaimed author—whose life's work is dedicated to bringing grief out of the shadows and helping people move through loss with honesty, compassion, and faith. Drawing from decades of experience in hospice care, private practice, and spiritual counseling, Kate offers deeply groun...

We sit down with Zoilita Grant, a transformational mindset expert with over 50 years of experience in subconscious reprogramming, hypnosis, and personal development. Zoilita has helped thousands of people break free from old patterns, release fear, and step into a life of clarity, confidence, and purpose. Known for her grounded, heart-centered approach, Zoilita blends science-backed techniques, hy...

In this episode, we sit down with Andrea, an author, poet, artist, book illustrator, and yoga practitioner who writes under the pen name Cheydrea. Andrea's journey is one of brave authenticity, deep healing, and passionate storytelling. From her 15+ year journey of religious deconstruction to healing her inner child and navigating family estrangement, Andrea candidly shares her experiences and les...

In this deeply moving episode of Tendrils of Grief, host Susan Waze speaks with Jenny Brandemuehl, author of Forever Fly Free: A Memoir of Love, Trauma, and Resilience. Jenny opens her heart to share the incredible true story of how her husband survived — and ultimately succumbed to — a fiery plane crash that forever changed her life. A former Silicon Valley executive turned author and mental heal...

We welcome Heather Hester — LGBTQ+ advocate, coach, author of Parenting with Pride, and host of More Human. More Kind. Together, they explore the intersection of grief, identity, parenting, and unconditional love, offering hope and understanding for families navigating similar journeys. In this episode I open up about my own experience supporting my child, Max, who came out as transgender after th...

We sit down with Misty Reshun — writer, speaker, and founder of Regal Crown Publishing — to explore how grief can become a powerful catalyst for healing, faith, and purpose. After the devastating loss of her son, Misty turned her pain into purpose through her book Sunflowers and Silence: Reflections from the Valley, a memoir and guided journal that offers comfort, reflection, and renewal for anyon...

In this inspiring episode of The Tendrils of Grief Podcast, Edit B Kiss — a holistic mentor, success habit coach, #1 best-selling author, Humanitarian Award winner, and international speaker — to explore how true healing begins from within. After a successful 15-year career in petroleum engineering, Edit took a leap of faith and transitioned into the world of holistic healing and mind-body transfo...

We sit down with Dr. Jerry Woodbridge — a Christian author, grief advocate, and lifelong educator whose mission is to bring comfort, understanding, and faith-based healing to grieving children and their caregivers. With over 40 years of experience in education and a deeply personal connection to grief after losing her husband in 2004, Dr. Woodbridge has turned her sorrow into purpose. Through her...

 We welcome Jill Amy Sager—an award-winning author, public speaker, intuitive Tarot reader, and spiritual channel whose story is as inspiring as it is transformative. Jill's journey began in the late 1970s when she first studied Tarot, never imagining that it would lead her to channel wisdom from the Universe—what she lovingly calls "Guidance." Over time, her gift as a spiritual medium grew, and t...

In this episode, we sit down with Elliot Kallen, President of A Brighter Day, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing teen suicide and supporting families struggling with teen depression, stress, and mental health challenges. Founded in 2015 after the heartbreaking loss of his 19-year-old son Jake to suicide, Elliot transformed personal tragedy into a mission of hope. Through A Brighter Day, Elliot an...

In this episode, we sit down with Kathleen E. Judge, an accomplished Edward Jones financial advisor, community leader, and advocate for meaningful wealth management. With nearly three decades of experience in the financial services industry, Kathleen specializes in helping successful professionals, retirees, and business owners make smart decisions about their money—aligning their financial strate...

Jen Newberg, Founder of It's Lifey, knows firsthand that life doesn't come with a playbook. From navigating divorce, addiction, blending families, and widowhood, Jen has lived through life's most beautiful and heartbreaking transitions. Out of these experiences, she discovered one powerful truth: the antidote to loneliness is connection. In this episode, Jen shares the story behind It's Lifey—a co...

In this episode of Tendrils of Grief, I welcome back Todd and Gina Goodwin, board-certified hypnotists who specialize in helping people overcome the emotional and behavioral challenges rooted in unresolved trauma and grief. Together, they have worked with thousands of clients, offering powerful, neuroscience-based tools to release unwanted thoughts, emotions, habits, and pain. We dive deeper into...

In this episode, I'm joined by Tim Cummings—award-winning author, actor, and creative powerhouse—whose work bridges storytelling, performance, and imagination in extraordinary ways. Tim is the author of the newly released young adult novel The Lightning People Play (Black Rose Writing), as well as Alice the Cat (Fitzroy Books), which was named an American Book Awards Finalist and received multiple...

In today's episode of Tendrils of Grief, we have the privilege of speaking with Patricia Roos, a former professor of sociology at Rutgers University, whose life took a tragic turn in 2015 when her 25-year-old son, Alex, passed away from a heroin overdose. Guided by her academic background in sociology, Patricia embarked on a deeply personal journey to make sense of the devastating loss that her fa...

In today's episode of the Tendrils of Grief podcast, we are joined by David Woods Bartley, a man who has faced both incredible successes and profound challenges. David's journey has taken him from leading a nationally recognized nonprofit to battling severe depression and surviving a suicide attempt. Through his own recovery, David has become a passionate advocate for mental health, shining a ligh...

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Dr. Kimberly Harms—a woman of extraordinary resilience and wisdom. From a distinguished 30-year career in dentistry to navigating unimaginable personal losses, Dr. Harms shares her remarkable journey of transformation, healing, and hope. After losing her ability to practice dentistry due to nerve damage, Kim pivoted her life's work to support others...

In today's solo episode, I open up about the ongoing evolution of my grief journey after losing my husband, Paul. I reflect on how my grief has shifted over time—from a gaping wound to a quiet, ever-present companion. It hasn't been easy. The emotional challenges, the deep inner work, and the conscious choices I've had to make are all part of this path toward finding moments of peace and even joy....

In this powerful episode of the Tendrils of Grief podcast, we are joined by Todd and Gina Goodwin, board-certified members of the National Guild of Hypnotists and the dynamic duo behind Goodwin Hypnosis. With over 15 years of experience, Todd and Gina have helped thousands of people overcome emotional and behavioral struggles stemming from unresolved trauma. Specializing in trauma-informed care, t...

In this heartfelt episode of Tendrils of Grief, we welcome Jennifer Schrappe — a seasoned therapist, ordained pastor, and compassionate guide for those navigating emotional pain. With two decades of experience, Jennifer leads Chrysalis Enterprises, a private counseling practice based in Columbus, Ohio, where she walks alongside individuals in their journey toward hope, healing, and personal freedo...

In this deeply moving episode of Tendrils of Grief, we welcome Kristina, whose life was forever changed at the age of 13 when her brother Jay made an eerily accurate prediction about his own death. Just days later, he was tragically killed in a bike accident—hit by the green car he had foreseen. Jay's sudden death sent Kristina down a harrowing path of addiction, rebellion, and searching. Haunted...

Susan, your host, welcomes Justine Lette to today's episode. Justine is an internationally recognized hypnotherapy trainer, owner of Hypnosis New Zealand, and creator of the Golden Thread Trauma Transformation Protocol. Justine is an expert in using hypnotherapy to help clients overcome grief, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. As a Professional Member of The International Association of Counselling a...

In this touching episode of Tendrils of Grief, we sit down with Molly, founder of Birthdays from Beyond, to explore the healing power of preserving love and memories in the face of loss. When Molly's father was diagnosed with cancer, she was struck by the painful realization that he wouldn't be there to celebrate future birthdays with her. Wanting to hold onto his presence, she gave him a stack of...