Grief Episodes

In this episode, I talk with Tony Stewart—writer, partner, caregiver—about what shifted the day his wife, Lynn, was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and what he learned as they walked through the next six years together. This conversation isn’t just about loss. It’s about presence. And what happens when you let yourself feel every bit of it.

What happens when your child whispers, “It hurts everywhere, Mama”? When the unthinkable becomes your reality, how do you show up — not just for your child, but for yourself? Laura DeKraker Lang-Ree shares the moment her world split in two with her daughter’s cancer diagnosis, and the extraordinary path it put her on.

Grief doesn’t follow neat timelines – and it doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you if it still shows up years later. Whether it’s been a decade or just a season, grief can return in a song, a memory, a smell, or even a YouTube clip that catches you off guard. That ache isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of what mattered. In this short reflection, we explore why grief that lingers is part of love that lasts. You’ll hear a gentle reminder that: “Grief isn’t a problem to solve. It’s part of...

Marty Klein returns for a bonus episode where we dive into his journey since his original appearance on The Life Shift Podcast. The main takeaway from our chat is how sharing his story about losing his mom at a young age has impacted him and helped him reflect on the deeper shifts it created in his life. We discuss the nuances of dealing with grief, the importance of talking about it openly, and how sharing experiences can lead to unexpected connections with others. Marty shares how he initiall...

Rachel Fiorello returns to The Life Shift Podcast to share her journey since her first appearance, where she opened up about the profound loss of her husband, Matt. This conversation digs into how sharing her story has helped her navigate grief, allowing her to honor Matt while creating new memories with their daughters. Rachel reflects on the cathartic nature of storytelling and the importance of maintaining connections to loved ones, even after they are gone. We explore the challenges she fac...

In this episode of the Life Shift podcast, I sit down with Susan Lieu, a Vietnamese American playwright, performer, and author, who shares her powerful journey of healing and self-discovery after losing her mother at a young age. Through her art, Susan has found a way to process her pain, reclaim her narrative, and inspire others to embrace vulnerability and the power of storytelling.

Sylvia Moore Myers shares her profound journey of loss, resilience, and healing, emphasizing the transformative power of resilience in the face of unimaginable and violent tragedies. After the tragic loss of her son Jacob to violence and surviving her own attempted murder, Sylvia highlights the importance of understanding grief as a lifelong journey rather than something to be rushed through. She invites listeners to embrace their scars, reframing them not as marks of suffering but as symbols of strength and growth.

Caren Paskel shares her inspiring journey of transformation and resilience following the profound loss of her husband, David, to brain cancer. Her story is a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to find purpose and joy amidst life's challenges. Caren emphasizes the importance of self-belief and the courage to reinvent oneself, highlighting how David's unwavering confidence in her inspired her to take bold steps in her life and career. Instead of succumbing to sorrow, she chose to honor David's memory by celebrating life and helping others through her work. Caren's insights serve as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to lead a fulfilling and impactful life by focusing on personal growth and community support.

In this bonus episode of The Life Shift podcast, I share a heartfelt compilation of reflections from my past guests. Each one shares their advice to their pre-Life Shift selves. The main takeaway resonates through their words: no matter how challenging the moment, everything is going to be alright. They encourage us to simply breathe during tough times and trust our instincts while following our gut. These insights highlight the universal truths we often forget in our struggles. My guests open ...

Suzanne Rico’s life was forever altered by the death of her mother, which propelled her into a profound journey of grief and self-discovery. For two years, she struggled to confront her mother’s passing and the unfinished memoir that held the key to understanding her family's complex history in Nazi Germany. Upon finally opening that memoir, Suzanne not only began to process her grief but also embarked on a mission to uncover the truth about her grandfather’s involvement in creating a weapon for Adolf Hitler. This exploration led her to grapple with difficult themes of generational guilt and the legacy of trauma, ultimately transforming her perspective on what it means to remember and honor those who came before us. Join us as Suzanne shares her emotional roller coaster of discovery, revealing how storytelling can illuminate dark histories and foster connections across generations.

In this episode of The Life Shift Podcast, Ashley Gould candidly shares her transformative journey following her father’s cancer diagnosis. In this conversation, we explore the impact of grief, the resilience required to navigate life’s unexpected challenges, and the importance of embracing change. Ashley reflects on her father's enduring influence, the pivotal shift in her life after his diagnosis, and how it shaped her path toward creativity and fulfillment.

In this bonus episode, I reflect on a powerful conversation with Barb Higgins, who has faced numerous life challenges, including the tragic loss of her daughter. Barb's journey is a testament to resilience and finding meaning in grief. She emphasizes that while our experiences shape us, they do not solely define us. She shares how she maintains her joyful spirit despite the hardships, even describing herself as a "wrinkly kid" at heart. This is my little episode to convince you to listen to Ba...

Barb Higgins shares a deeply moving and raw story about the loss of her daughter, Molly, an experience that transformed her life in unimaginable ways.

Losing a pet can be a profoundly unexpected and deeply challenging experience, and in this episode, I share my journey with the loss of my buddy and little dog, Mikey.

Presenting an AI-generated episode (minus the opening) powered by Google NotebookLM. Whoa.

Michelle Hord's story is one of unimaginable grief but also one of resilience and hope. In this episode of The Life Shift, Michelle shares her journey of overcoming tragedy and finding a new purpose in life. "I remember driving up on the scene, and I just knew that it was my child. There was no doubt in my mind. And I remember getting out of the car and running towards them, and they wouldn't let me get close. And I just remember hearing somebody say, 'Ma'am, you don't want to see this. Turn around and walk back to your car.' And I just remember thinking, 'I want to see my child. I want to see my child.'" - Michelle Hord

In this episode of 'The Life Shift Podcast,' Matt shares the pivotal moment in his life when he lost his mother in a tragic accident at the age of eight. Matt explores how this life-altering event shaped his journey through grief, personal growth, and, ultimately, his purpose in creating The Life Shift Podcast for sharing transformative stories.

In this episode, Nina Rodriguez shares her journey through grief and healing following her brother's sudden death. She recounts the last moments she spent with her brother, the shock of his unexpected passing, and how this pivotal moment led her to create the "Grief and Light" podcast. Through their discussion, Matt and Nina explore themes of human connection, life's unpredictable nature, and grief's transformative power.

In memory of Mikey Gilhooly - 2/17/10 - 7/18/24 In this bonus episode, I reflect on the heart-wrenching experience of losing my dog, Mikey, after 14 and a half years together. I try my best to share the intense process of recognizing Mikey's decline, making the agonizing decision to let him go, and the overwhelming and unexpected level of grief that followed.

In this episode, Lindsay Ensor, a mental health advocate, speaker, and author, opens up about her journey, discussing her experiences with sudden loss, anxiety, and the complexities of motherhood. She details how these experiences affected her mental health, her path to recovery, and her subsequent advocacy work.

Dr. Marianne Bette is a retired family physician who has experienced an extraordinary journey of grief, healing, and transformation.

Debbie K. Weiss sheds light on love, loss, and new beginnings in her journey through significant loss to find renewed purpose. From Grief to Grace.

Laurel Wright opens up about her personal journey through profound loss, her battle with depression, and how she found solace and purpose in music. She shares insights into the healing power of grief and offers hope to those facing similar challenges.

Audrey Laura White's story, marked by the murder of her brother and the loss of her parents, highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of empathy and understanding in the face of grief and recovery.