Turning Grief into Growth: The Journey of Transformation

"Send us a Comment" In this episode, we are joined by Steven Karaiskos, Ph. D., an educator, psychologist, and emotion scientist with more than 25 years of experience in the field of education. He is the founder of Elpis Consulting and serves as the Director of Postvention & Community Programming at The Kita Center, where he develops grief-informed retreats, peer support initiatives,...

"Send us a Comment"  In this episode, J. Monique Walker shares her journey of navigating the loss of a relationship with her biological mother. Although her mother is still living, Monique was raised by her grandparents, a reality that shaped much of her life and personal growth. As the founder of Pure U Coaching (Personal Unraveling Radiant Essence), Monique discusses the power of perso...

"Send us a Comment" In this episode, Jason Stout shares his passion for helping people reconnect with the outdoors and discover the healing power of nature. Jason's own life has been marked by profound loss. At just four years old, he lost his five-year-old sister. Later, his grandmother was murdered, and at the age of fourteen, he lost his father to a sudden heart attack while he s...

"Send us a Comment" In this episode, we welcome back returning guest Dr. Frank Campbell, who previously joined us on Episode #14. Dr. Campbell discusses how, in America, we often experience what he calls “microwave bereavement,” where society expects us to return to normal after only a few short days away from work following the loss of a loved one. Frank also shares his powerful concept...

"Send us a Comment" In this episode, Joanne Harpel shares part of her journey following the loss of her brother, Stephen, to suicide in 1993. Joanne is the President of Coping After Suicide (CAS). Throughout the episode, we discuss the importance of being not only reactive in grief, but also proactive. Joanne reflects on a quote from Admiral William McRaven’s book, sharing that grief, mu...

"Send us a Comment" In this episode, Glen Lord shares his personal grief journey following the loss of his son, Noah Thomas Emory Lord, on June 14, 1999, due to complications from a tonsillectomy. Glen also speaks about the heartbreaking loss of his sister to breast cancer in 2018 at the age of 39, as well as the ongoing challenges of having a son who has struggled with severe substance...

"Send us a Comment" In this episode, Don and Greg explore what it means to engage in self-reflection and attempt to define what progress truly looks like throughout one’s grief journey. They share how vulnerability and authenticity are absolutely essential in determining the path forward, fostering growth, and recognizing when it is necessary to ask for help. Grief is not a linear path;...

"Send us a Comment" In this episode, Greg and Don discuss what it means to make choices throughout the grief journey. Some choices may lead toward healing and long-term growth, while others can prove unsustainable over time. While they avoid taking a one-size-fits-all approach to grief, they explore several foundational principles that can help guide healthier decisions along the way. Th...

"Send us a Comment" In this episode, Robyn Houston-Bean shares the growth she has experienced throughout her grief journey following the loss of her son, Nick, who passed away from an overdose on May 23, 2015. Robyn is the founder of The Sun Will Rise in Massachusetts, an organization dedicated to creating and facilitating safe spaces for peer support groups for individuals experiencing...

"Send us a Comment" In this episode, Franklin Cook shares the story of losing his father to suicide in November 1978, following a lifetime struggle with daily alcohol use. He reflects on his own journey with substance use, including years spent in and out of rehab, and the limited attention given to grief as part of the recovery process. Recognizing this gap, Franklin went on to found SA...

"Send us a Comment" In this episode, Larry Carlat joins us to share his story and discuss his book, A Space in the Heart: A Survival Guide for Grieving Parents . Larry opens up about the loss of his son, Robbie, who died by suicide on February 6, 2019—over seven years ago. Robbie faced struggles with alcoholism, bipolar disorder, and complex emotions surrounding his adoption. Through his...

"Send us a Comment" In this episode, Greg and Don explore what it truly means to “put the work in” on a grief journey. They acknowledge that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach—grief is deeply personal, and the path forward looks different for everyone. Still, they highlight several practices that many have found helpful in fostering growth: staying connected to one’s emotions, engagin...

"Send us a Comment" In this episode, we are joined by Rebecca Mullaney, a licensed psychotherapist from North Carolina. Rebecca shares her deeply personal grief journey following the loss of her husband, Captain Ian Morrison, who died by suicide on March 21, 2012. At the time, Rebecca was just 24, and Ian was 26. She opens up about the early days of her loss—pouring her love and energy i...

"Send us a Comment" In this episode, Ben Harris joins us to share his complex and compounding journey through grief. He reflects on the loss of his father, Phil, to a heart attack on 11/10/01; his younger brother Christopher, who died from a drug overdose on 11/17/05; and his brother Michael, who died by suicide on 02/06/12 after struggling with mental health challenges following his ser...

"Send us a Comment" In this episode, Don and Greg discuss the concept of capacity and the impact that taking on too many obligations can have on our lives in a negative way. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a reserve in order to serve , recognizing that we cannot effectively care for others if we are running on empty ourselves. The conversation also explores the role of menta...

"Send us a Comment" In this episode, Chaplain Colonel William R. Spencer, Director of Staff and Chief, Space Religious Affairs, Headquarters United States Air Force, Office of the Chief of Chaplains, stationed at the Pentagon, reflects on his 27 years of service as a military chaplain. He emphasizes the vital role of community and self-care for both those who are grieving and those taske...

"Send us a Comment" In this episode, Marna Brickman, LCSW-C , shares her experience and insight as a seasoned grief therapist. As the founder of Guiding Therapy in Annapolis, Maryland, Marna walks us through the layered nature of grief and how it impacts every part of our lives. She explains that grief is: • Cumulative – it builds over time, often carrying losses from the past into the p...

"Send us a Comment" On today’s episode, Claire Hunter joins us from France to explore the growing role of artificial intelligence in the world of grief and bereavement support. Claire shares insight into how AI is currently being used—from chat-based grief companions to the emerging development of digital avatars that simulate conversations with loved ones who have passed. We discuss the...

"Send us a Comment" In this episode, Don shares about the resources he provides as a grief coach through Imagine Family Recovery ( www.imaginefamilyrecovery.net ). Greg also highlights his website, Your Dad Forever ( www.yourdadforever.com ), where he offers encouragement and tools for those navigating life after loss. Together, they point listeners toward trusted grief resource websites...

"Send us a Comment" Dr. Frank Campbell shares in this episode the vital role peer support plays in the grief journey.  Through powerful stories of walking alongside men in their pain, he highlights the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and connection.  Dr. Campbell reminds us that healing doesn't happen in isolation--growth often begins when we allow ourselves to be seen, h...

"Send us a Comment" In this episode, Greg and Don explore grief in its many forms. Grief is not limited to the death of a loved one; it can arise from a wide range of life experiences such as divorce, the loss of a job, anticipatory grief related to illness, infertility, retirement, or even the loss of faith. Through honest conversation, they highlight how these losses—seen and unseen—ca...

"Send us a Comment" In this episode, Brett Hartman shares with Don and Greg about the loss of his daughter, Eva, who passed away in 2018 at the age of five. Now nearly eight years into his grief journey, Brett continues to grow, learn, and reflect on the impact of loss in his life. He emphasizes the vital role of community and meaningful connection, especially in maintaining a healthy an...

"Send us a Comment" Podcast guest Joanne Gowdy shares how she has experienced growth throughout her grief journey after losing her husband, Rick, of 35 years to suicide on February 1, 2020. Although Rick was not there to walk their daughter down the aisle or to see the birth of his grandchild, Joanne carries his presence with her wherever she goes. She has found deep solace and purpose i...

"Send us a Comment" Chris Reed shares the story of losing his son, CJ, in an automobile accident in August 2022, followed by the passing of his mother in 2023. He reflects on the power of growth that comes through mentorship and how replicating what has been modeled for him enables him to support and uplift others. 

"Send us a Comment" In this episode, Nancy Joselson shares the story of her husband, Hank, and the circumstances surrounding his tragic death by drowning, shaped by struggles with feelings of failure and substance abuse.