As I Live and Grieve

Summary: We have established that we each walk our own grief journey, different than others, yet with numerous similarities. We can gain strength and support through the stories of others. Suzanne Anderson is with me today to talk about her journey after the loss of her husband. Notes: Suzanne has lived on a kibbutz in Israel and taught skiing in the Golan Heights, met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and did Transcendental Meditation and lived for a month in a remote cliff cave in Crete exploring altered states. She has long been on a path of growth and enlightenment, yet her husband's death shook her like an earthquake. "Within 6 months I had lost everything I held most precious – my beloved husband and our future together, our island retreat center home, my cat, my community and my company." Now she guides women, not only through grief, but through transformation. She is the author of two books, You Make Your Path by Walking and The Way of the Mysterial Woman. Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.com info@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook: As I Live and Grieve Instagram: @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Suzanne: Email: suzanne@mysterialwoman.com Website: https://www.mysterialwoman.com Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod

Summary: So much free advice and guidance can be offered to us as we grieve. It is important, therefore, to be able to decide what might be helpful and what we just have to learn for ourselves. Gary Roe is the perfect resource to help and guide us as we grieve. Notes: Gary Roe is the multiple award-winning author of more than a dozen books including Comfort for the Grieving Spouse’s Heart, Shattered: Surviving the Loss of a Child, and Aftermath: Picking Up the Pieces After a Suicide. Gary’s books have won three international book awards and have been named as finalists eight times. He has been featured on Dr. Laura, The Daily Positive, Wellness, BeliefNet, Thrive Global, and other national media. A trusted and compassionate voice in grief recovery, Gary currently serves as a hospice chaplain and grief counselor for Hospice Brazos Valley in central Texas. Known for his engaging style and sense of humor, he is also a popular speaker at a wide variety of venues. Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.com info@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook: As I Live and Grieve Instagram: @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Gary Roe: Website: https://www.garyroe.com/ Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod

Summary: In grief we tend to shrink within ourselves at times, a form of protection. Kimberly Brown offers thoughts and tips instead on how to open our hearts in our grief. Kimberly is a meditation teacher, guide and coach with so many ideas and exercises to help along the way. Notes: Transformed by practicing traditional Buddhist meditations and contemporary therapeutic techniques, Kimberly teaches others how to create a life of wisdom, love, and compassion—for ourselves, others, and the world. Her book, Navigating Grief and Loss-25 Buddhist Practices to Keep Your Heart Open to Yourself and Others, is definitely one that should be in your hands. Kimberly is a Certified Mindfulness Teacher, Professional Level (CMT-P) with the International Mindfulness Teachers Association, a member of The Mindful Directory, and a graduate of a year-long 200 hour intensive Meditation Teacher Training program (2011). As a Buddhist student of nearly two decades, she regularly participates in silent residential retreats and trains with teachers in the Insight and Tibetan lineages. Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.com info@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook: As I Live and Grieve Instagram: @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Kimberly: Email: kim@meditationwithheart.com Website: https://meditationwithheart.com/ Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod

Summary: Grief is best understood by personal experience. That explains why supporters who have yet to experience it feel awkward, confused and unable to help. Aly Bird has written exactly the right book to fill the gap. In her words she demonstrates how to be a supportive Grief Ally to those suffering and shares with us today some helpful information. Notes: Since her husband’s untimely death, Aly Bird has poured her heart into helping those who feel helpless during an unexpected crisis. Her extensive study of grief psychology and culture, combined with her own devastating first-hand knowledge, led her to create a roadmap for those committed to supporting the bereaved. An author, coach, speaker and workshop leader, Aly shows a clear path to those who have the courage to take on the vital role of being a grief ally. Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.com info@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook: As I Live and Grieve Instagram: @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Aly: Website: www.alybird.com Social Media: @thealybird Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod

Summary: As women, we can't always understand why grief is different for men. John Lewis offers insight into how and what men feel in their grief. Maybe this will help a bit. Listen in... Notes: John Lewis is a speaker, motivator, author and single father of two daughters (ages 21 and 24), with his youngest graduating May 2023 from Brandeis University. With the death of his wife in 2016, he navigated the circuitous journey of his grief, finally choosing to rebuild his life. Like everyone else, he did not have an easy time of it, but now shares his journey with others, using it to demonstrate how one can use grief's negative energy to create positive outcomes. His book is titled, "Cook Away Your Grief: Using your Negative Energy to Create a Better Self," and he is about to launch his podcast (May 15, 2023) called "Giving Grief the Middle Finger." Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.com info@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook: As I Live and Grieve Instagram: @asiliveandgrieve To Reach John: Website: jl3motivation.com Facebook: JLewisIIIMotivation Instagram: jlewisiiimotivation/ LinkedIn: jlewisiiimotivation Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod

Summary: Music is said to calm us at times, and at other times it can make us scream along with the lyrics. How about using music to assist our emotions in coming to the surface? Could toe tapping, progress to humming, then to getting up on our feet dancing? Why not? Listen to my conversation with Greg - let me know if you think music can help in our grief. Notes: Greg Halpen is a multi-passionate creative. He's a creativity coach, singer, actor, solo show artist, food photographer, and digital content creator. Greg has an extensive background as a performing artist performing in musical productions in NYC, Upstate NY and across the United States. He studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC and the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Greg has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is currently studying for his graduate degree in mental health counseling. Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.com info@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook: As I Live and Grieve Instagram: @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Greg: Email: vision@creativevisionary.com Website: https://creativevisionaryincubator.com/ Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod

Summary: He's baaack! John returns to chat about taking care of ourselves while grieving. He offers a unique perspective about others around us. You really need to listen to this one... Notes: John Polo is a coach, author and speaker. In January of 2016, John lost his wife, Michelle, to cancer. From the rubble of everything that he once knew, consumed by desperation and despair, John held on long enough until he found his hope. And he slowly rebuilt. Today John helps others through his social media, books, coaching, workshops, speeches and podcasts. From grief to dating, self-growth and everything in between, John offers a style of coaching that is not only effective, but also very personal and unique. John is the author of three books, host of two podcasts and has worked with clients on thousands of coaching sessions. He has been featured on People.com, NBC, The Huffington Post, Yahoo, Fox and more. Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.com info@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook: As I Live and Grieve Instagram: @asiliveandgrieve To Reach John: Email: john@johpolocoaching.com Website: johnpolocoaching.com Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod

Summary: With the pandemic mostly behind us, thoughts of those we lost remain. Victoria Noe realized the loss of numerous friends and shares how we often are unsupported in this grief. Despite how close or important these relationships were, they are not usually recognized as valid. Notes: Deep into her fourth career, St. Louis native Victoria Noe is a Chicago-based award-winning author, speaker and activist with two degrees in theater. Her Friend Grief series - the result of a promise she made to a dying friend - recognizes the importance of friendships in shaping our lives. Noe’s long-time HIV/AIDS activism then led her to write F*g Hags, Divas and Moms: The Legacy of Straight Women in the AIDS Community, the groundbreaking book that honors the women who changed the course of the epidemic. An accomplished public speaker, she has presented at ACT UP/London, Mt. Sinai Hospital, the Muse and the Marketplace, BookExpo America, and Open Hand/San Francisco as well as libraries and bookstores around New York state and the Midwest. During COVID, she presented regularly and led writing groups online. Noe’s newest book, What Our Friends Left Behind: Grief and Laughter in a Pandemic, about people who have grieved a friend during the pandemic, will be published in June, 2023. Try to keep up with her at victorianoe.com. Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.com info@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook: As I Live and Grieve Instagram: @asiliveandgrieve To reach Victoria: victoria@victorianoe.com www.victorianoe.com Facebook: facebook.com/VictoriaNoeAuthor Instagram: Instagram.com/victorianoe1131 LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/victorianoeauthor Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod

Summary: One of our favorite guests returns today, John Polo, along with Carolyn Gower. They have launched a brand new book, The Stupid Sh*t that People Say to Grievers. If you are grieving, this book may make you smile, or even laugh - it certainly will let you know you are not alone in hearing comments that were absolutely no help. Sadly, every comment in the book is something someone heard while they were in despair after losing someone they loved. Listen to our conversation. Prepare yourself to start nodding as you hear something that was said to you. Notes: John Polo is a coach, author and speaker. In January of 2016, John lost his wife, Michelle, to cancer. From the rubble of everything that he once knew, consumed by desperation and despair, John held on long enough until he found his hope. And he slowly rebuilt. Today John helps others through his social media, books, coaching, workshops, speeches and podcasts. From grief to dating, self-growth and everything in between, John offers a style of coaching that is not only effective, but also very personal and unique. John is the author of three books, host of two podcasts and has worked with clients on thousands of coaching sessions. He has been featured on People.com, NBC, The Huffington Post, Yahoo, Fox and more. Carolyn Gower is a Grief Coach and Certified Grief Educator, whose husband, Tony, died a brief 6 years into their marriage, leaving Carolyn feeling alone and misunderstood. It wasn't long before she recognized just how grief illiterate our society is. Now she dedicates herself to helping others find their way through grief. Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.com info@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook: As I Live and Grieve Instagram: @asiliveandgrieve To Reach John: Email: john@johpolocoaching.com Website: johnpolocoaching.com To Reach Carolyn: Website: carolyngowercoaching.com Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod

Summary: Loss creates a hole in our lives. We tend to look for that loss to heal, for the wound to close, for the hole to be replaced by something. Instead, Deva Joy shares her perspective of "whole" and "hole." Listen in... Notes: Deva Joy Gouss, LCSW, believes the most important aspect in a therapeutic relationship is the safety and sense of connection between therapist and client To enhance that connection, she brings her “personal toolbox” that has grown rather extensive through the years, including experiential approaches such as Psychomotor Therapy, Transactional analysis, Trauma Resiliency Method, Emotional Freedom Technique, EMDR and Brain Spotting, Mindfulness practice, Energy medicine work, Movement therapy, etc. You can learn more about Deva Joy and her services on www.healingheartcommunications. com. Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.com info@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook: As I Live and Grieve Instagram: @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Deva Joy Website: www.healingheartcommunications.com Email: devajoy@me.com Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod

Summary: Is it possible to thrive after you lose someone you love? Perhaps not right away, but I (Kathy) can speak for myself and tell you that I feel I am thriving at this point of 5 years from the death of my husband. For now, the "How" is not important, it is merely the fact that it is, I believe, possible. One essential ingredient is community - the people in my life that helped. Melissa Pierce tells us today of a new online (at one point to be face to face) community - The Widow Squad (www.widowsquad.com). They have all made the journey, are still journeying, and invite you to walk with them. Details: Melissa was widowed overnight at the age of 44 when her husband Dave didn’t wake up on a cold Saturday morning in 2011. As a solo-parent to their two sons, Melissa knew she had to take care of herself first so she could care for her kids - they needed her support more than ever - so she began the work of processing her deep grief and practicing radical self-care to move forward. Melissa has rebuilt her life and established - for the very first time - a deeper knowledge of herself. She is a testament to trusting her gut and standing behind her choices. Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.com info@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook: As I Live and Grieve Instagram: @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Melissa: www.widowsquad.com melissa@filledwithgold.org Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod

Summary: There is little our current healthcare system can offer us in the way of relief from symptoms of grief. We have occasionally discussed alternatives and Josephine Spilka joins us today to introduce us to some options from the Chinese traditions, primary meditation. There is much more to meditation that closing our eyes and humming. Check it out! Notes: Josephine says, "I say we are living until we are not. Your opportunity for growth, healing, and contribution to our world does not end until this body is no longer breathing. I practice medicine from the perspective of classical Chinese medicine and have done so for over 20 years..." Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.com info@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook: As I Live and Grieve Instagram: @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Josephine: Website: www.josephinespilka.com www.essencepresence.com Email: josephine@josephinespilka.com Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod

Summary: Books and methodology about grieving is growing more popular, with a trend of moving from grief to hope, redefining our lives, and finding new happiness. Paulette shares with us her journey, as well as what may be the most basic of methods. Notes: Paulette earned a Master’s Degree in psychology from CUNY, Hunter College, and is certified as a Grief Recovery professional as well. She is an avid life-long learner studying within a variety of educational genres, such as programs on Body, Mind and Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Transformational Education through Landmark Worldwide. Paulette Kranjac’s book New Way to Grieve, came about due to her substantial losses in a short period of time which led to a personal discovery about grieving which she is committed to sharing. Her commitment is that people whose loved ones have died do not have to experience the unnecessary suffering that they often do. Grief is sadness’ as she explains in her book. ‘There is usually anger as well to express and then forgiveness to just get to the pure sadness. Human beings get caught up in what the death means uniquely to us each’, says Kranjac, ‘and that is where some of us get stuck.’ Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.com info@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook: As I Live and Grieve Instagram: @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Paulette: Website: www.newwaytogrieve.com Email: pkranjac@newwaytogrieve.com Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod

Summary: As we move through our grief, we realize support is likely the most needed resource. Occasionally we find a way to create a legacy to those we love. Bryan Jung has done just that, for the niche of those who lost a parent when they were just a child. This is Why is Bryan's legacy in memory of his father. Bryan recognized the power of storytelling and offers a safe space for you to tell your story. Listen to Bryan's story and feel his passion to be a resource for others. Notes: This Is Why is an endeavor Bryan created with passion and the love for his father, who died just before his 11th birthday. He feels he was blessed with the ability to mature very quickly for his age and early on was able to appreciate life and its meaning, his purpose, and what he needed to do to make my family proud. His passion for This is Why shows clearly as he speaks about it. His hope is to grow the This Is Why community and support more & more people globally over the years. Born & raised around the Seattle area, Bryan graduated from the University of Washington with a focus in Information Systems at the Michael G. Foster School of Business. He is currently a Data Engineer at Amazon. Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.com info@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook: As I Live and Grieve Instagram: @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Bryan: Website: ThisisWhy.life Email: bryan@thisiswhy.life Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod

Summary: We are delighted to have Stacy Francis return for this episode. She always has terrific advice regarding our finances and today she offers some tips especially for widows that are time sensitive. If you aren't a widow, you may also find this info very helpful. Notes: Stacy Francis is President and CEO of Francis Financial, a fee-only boutique wealth management, financial planning and divorce financial planning firm dedicated to providing ongoing comprehensive advice for successful individuals, couples, and women in transition such as divorce or widowhood. She is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®), and Certified Estate and Trust Specialist (CES™) with over 20 years of experience in the financial industry. Stacy is also the founder of the non-profit, Savvy Ladies™, host of the Financially Ever After podcast, and the author of the white paper, Unveiling the Unspoken Truth: The Financial Challenges Women Face During and After Divorce and Financial Help for Widows - A Complete Resource Guide. Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.com info@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook: As I Live and Grieve Instagram: @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Stacy: Website: www.francisfinancial.com www.savvyladies.org FREE Financial Education/Advice for all Women Email: stacy@francisfinancial.com Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod

Summary: Dr. Tomas Garza joins us today in a discussion about spirituality, meditation and grief. The practice of meditation is one that may offer comfort and support while grieving, as it helps balance our minds and emotions. It is, however, important that we learn to properly channel our minds to achieve the benefit. Notes: Rev. Tomás Garza is a teacher of A Course in Miracles and a longtime student of world spirituality. He began a personal meditation practice in the most unlikely place--high school Geometry class--and has since studied and practiced a number of traditions. He believes that spirituality is directly applicable to any situation in life, making it our most important endeavor. Rev. Tomás is an avid hiker and lover of sunshine and hot climates. He and his wife Cindy live in Arizona. Contact Us: Website: www.asiliveandgrieve.com Email: info@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook: As I Live and Grieve Instagram: @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Rev. Garza: Website: https://tomasgarza.com Email: tomas@tomasgarza.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@revtomasgarza Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/revtomasgarza Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod

Summary: We have established that Grief and Death are not easy topics. Yet they should be, as they are both natural aspects of our lives. Dr. Heather Browne joins us today to help us become more comfortable with the uncomfortable-ness of Death. Notes: As a relationship expert, Dr. Heather Browne has worked with thousands of individuals and couples in psychotherapy. She is published in hundreds of journals, has an active YouTube channel, has been featured on ABC-7 news, was the relationship expert on KDOC Daybreak OC, and is published in Inc., Toronto Sun, Thriving Family Magazine, Light + Life, BRAINZ, Scary Mommy, and Psychology Today. She is a regular guest blogger for both Links for Shrinks and for Marriage Friendly Therapists. She offers a weekly newsletter packed with tips and techniques to improve relationships and has workshops. Contact Us: Website: www.asiliveandgrieve.com Email: info@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook: As I Live and Grieve Instagram: @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Dr. Browne: Website: https://www.drheatherbrowne.com/ Email: heather@drheatherbrowne.com Info on Workshops: https://www.drheatherbrowne.com/monthly-workshop Social Media: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTd7b3xEh/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/drheatherbrowne https://youtu.be/ulYsgmXJmdc https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086978599835&mibextid=LQQJ4d https://www.instagram.com/dr.heatherbrowne/ Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod

Summary: It's one thing to lose your partner in death, but a whole layer of complexity, pain, anger and sometimes even guilt comes into play when you lose a partner, a soulmate, by suicide. Michelle Ann Collins is making that journey through grief and shares her thoughts in this candid episode. Listen in... Notes: As the founder of Inhabit Joy, Michelle Ann Collins partners with individuals who have suffered grief, injury, or other types of loss as they recover, reclaim their wholeness, and build resilience for life’s inevitable challenges. After a series of losses, including the death of her mother, her husband’s suicide, and continued estrangements from primary family members, Michelle combined the tools she had collected as a yoga therapist and wellness coach and studies in positive psychology, neuroscience, meditation and mindfulness, and spirituality to turn post-traumatic stress disorder into post-traumatic growth and resilience. With the addition of a certification in grief education and several bestselling books in which she shares her story, Michelle is helping others transform from barely surviving to joyful thriving. Michelle has authored two books, with a launch date of January 26th: Surviving Spouse or Partner Suicide Loss: A Mindful Guide for Your Journey through Grief and Supporting a Survivor of Spouse or Partner Suicide Loss: A Mindful Guide for Co-journeying through Grief. Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.com info@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook: As I Live and Grieve Instagram: @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Michelle Ann: Website: www.inhabitjoy.com Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod

Summary: The title of death doula may not be familiar to many of us, yet the presence of one may be invaluable as a loved one transitions. Anne-Marie gives us a touching perspective as a death doula herself. Notes: Of Irish Celtic and Finnish Sámi (Indigenous European) descent, Anne-Marie is a community deathcare educator, lead teacher of the death doula training Village Deathcare Citizen and founder of the nonprofit Village Deathcare. A national award-winning author from her book “Death Nesting: Ancient & Modern Death Doula Techniques, Mindfulness Practices and Herbal Care”, she draws from her work as a doula, nurse assistant, life-long meditator, Reiki Master Teacher and mother of three. She is a certified facilitator in the Buddhist path of Feeding Your Demons®, is a Life-Cycle Celebrant® and trained home funeral guide with a focus on Vermont Family Directed funerals. She lives with her family in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.com info@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook: As I Live and Grieve Instagram: @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Anne-Marie: Website: www.annemariekeppel.com Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod

Summary: It is our goal to find ideas, modalities and resources to help those grieving. In this episode, we chat with Litsa Williams, of What's Your Grief , one of the most popular online resources for those grieving. Find out what you can find if you visit and join their community. Notes: Litsa herself says she has "taken a winding road" to where she is now as Program Director and Co-Founder of What's Your Grief? She has gone from Britain and a Master’s in Philosophy, to Baltimore and a Master’s in Social Work, to working with homeless adults, troubled kids, and grieving families. Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.com info@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook: As I Live and Grieve Instagram: @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Litsa: Website: www.whatsyourgrief.com Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod