How do we free ourselves when we’re confined?
How can we heal from the trauma of our lived experiences?
THE OCEAN INSIDE ME is an award-winning and Amazon best-selling, spiritual memoir about healing racial trauma as a person of color incarcerated in an almost all-white prison. Amidst harsh conditions and blatant racism, R.G. Shore learned to meditate by going into his body, befriending his shadow, and learning to sit with the traumas held by his younger self.
Through his journey within, R.G. Shore learned to love and accept the cause of his deepest pain -- his brown body. His prison radio became the conduit by which he transcended the limitations of prison. The static white noise helped transform a world of concrete and injustice into a world where he could connect to nature and find healing through the element of water.
His embodied spiritual journey eventually led him to studying law, where he advocated for the very men who oppressed him.
A Master in meditation, R.G. Shore found a way to liberate his inner child in the most unlikely place, and is now offering a path for you to find healing as well.
This spiritual memoir also offers practical guided steps for you to begin your healing journey.
R.G. Shore Social & Website:
- Instagram: @northwest_wisdom
- Website: northwestwisdom.org
- Buy the Award-Winning Book
- Masterclass: Healing Trauma Through Visual Meditation
- Book a Reiki and Spiritual Counseling Session
- Jessie Shore Yoga
- Contact: r.g.shore@northwestwisdom.org
Referenced in Episode:
- Race, Space, and Resistance in America's Whitest Big City
- Oxford Academic Article
- “The Racist History of Portland, the Whitest City in America” published in The Atlantic
- Study: Portland is one of whitest cities in US
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- 1:1 Grief Support
- Grief & Light Podcast
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safety
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
“Not everything happens for a reason, but sacred gifts MAY be found in everything that happens – even (and especially) in the most painful things.” – Not Another Self-Help Book
That’s a quote from the newly published Amazon best-seller titled, "Not Another Self-Help Book: Finding Gifts in the Midst of Life's Sh*t," by guest, Lindsey Kane Leaverton, who bravely shares her personal journey through grief, loss, and trauma, navigating life's challenges with resilience and humor.
A multifaceted individual, Lindsey serves as the director of wealth management at a boutique financial planning firm in Austin.
She has seven recorded albums under her belt, is a self-taught guitarist and vocalist, a mother of three, an Amazon best-selling author, and has been featured on The Today Show, The New York Times, People Magazine, and TIME.
Beyond her professional pursuits, she has a strong sense of faith, a vibrant personality, and not-so-secretly dreams of pursuing a career as a stand-up comedian someday.
In this candid episode, we delve into various pivotal moments that shaped Lindsey's life and personal story, including undergoing conversion therapy, reconciling her faith and lived reality within a conservative religious community, experiencing various traumas, losses, and finding the little miracles and hope in life's most challenging moments.
Lindsey Kane Leaverton's Social & Website:
- Website: notanotherselfhelpbook.com
- Get the book on Amazon
- She's a Lot Interview Series
- Instagram: @lindseykaneleaverton
- Listen on SoundCloud
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- 1:1 Grief Support
- Grief & Light Podcast
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Interested in sponsoring an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
What role does movement play in grief?
Emily P. Bingham is a certified grief educator, grief coach, widow, and founder of moveTHRU, which she created after the loss of her husband, Ian, in 2019 to Uveal Melanoma.
moveTHRU was born as a way to create new meaning out of her tragedy by helping others heal.
Her book -- LOVE AND GRIEF: Find Healing, Meaning & Purpose in Life After Loss -- teaches readers how to survive early grief, how to find meaning and purpose as you grow from this experience, and how to rebuild a life where you ultimately thrive.
Emily has worked with hundreds of clients in both private and coaching groups. Additionally, she has reached millions of followers through her social media content.
Her goal is to help anyone who has experienced a loss embrace grief through movement and mindset.
In this open conversation, Emily shares her journey from caretaker of her beloved husband Ian, to newly bereaved widow and mother of two under the age of 3, to how she rebuilt her life helping others, and how she's ultimately thriving through grief and love.
Her story is ultimately one of resilience, surrendering, and deeply understanding that "nothing is ever lost".
Emily P. Bingham's Social & Website:
- Website: movethrugrief.com
- Instagram: @emilypbingham
- TikTok
- Buy the book: LOVE AND GRIEF
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Episodes of topics referenced in this episode:
- Continuing Bonds: Death ends a life, but not a relationship
- The pain is real, but the suffering is optional
- Grief and personal boundaries
Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Interested in sponsoring an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
In this episode, we deep dive into the reality of experiencing life's duality in its fullness as guest, Kera Sanchez, experienced both the birth of her daughter and the unexpected loss of her mother only a few days apart.
She shares how her grief left her with no choice but to turn "lemons into lemonade" as she learned to navigate loss and joy through the power of dark humor and community.
Kera channeled her love for her mother through her creative gifts, creating legacy journals, a first-of-its-kind magazine for grievers, and a welcoming space for all through her social media channels.
Kera Sanchez is a High School Spanish teacher in the Chicago area, a wife, and mom of two. After her mom unexpectedly died while on vacation in Italy at the age of 57, she dove deep into a grief journey, where she channeled her unexpressed love in the form of the Legacy Letters guided journal, offering a way to write and leave handwritten legacies of love, advice, and support for loved ones, to ensure families all over the world don't have to face unexpected loss without a legacy left behind. She also released a second journal, "No Legacy Lost", a guided memory and grief journal. Through her Instagram community, she pokes fun at her grief journey with relatable memes and dark humor. In early 2024, she launched Get Griefy Magazine, as a community outlet for grievers to publish their poetry, writing, art, photography, and more.
Kera Sanchez Social & Website:
- Website: getgriefymagazine.com
- Subscribe to GET GRIEFY Magazine
- Instagram: @getgriefymagazine
- Website: legacylettersjournal.com
- Purchase the Journal
- Instagram: @legacylettersjournal
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Interested in sponsoring an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
Trigger Warning: Discussion of sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.
What role does creative expression play in navigating the complexities of grief?
Eileen Kielty, founder of Kaia Evolutions, a culmination of her life’s work and a love letter to her sister, Katie, who died by suicide in June of 2019.
She has degrees in both dance and psychology, as well as extensive training in somatic integration, embodiment and intimacy practices, and is passionate about consent-driven spaces with an emphasis on social justice.
She recognizes the importance of illuminating the darker, often hidden, parts of the human experience through sharing openly and authentically, as we’re not meant to do this alone. Eileen believes in the power of creative expression and its ability to reveal the unspoken language of being alive; that the body always knows, and that movement is our direct connection to our deepest truth.
In this candid episode, Eileen shares her perspective and experience as a surviving sibling, and trauma survivor, as well as how the creative expression of dance and movement has helped her and her clients navigate some of life's biggest challenges.
Eileen Kielty's Social & Website:
- Website: kaiaevolutions.com
- Instagram: @kaia.evolutions & @ekielty
- Offerings (use code GRIEFANDLIGHT for 22% discount on H.O.P.E. Coaching)
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Interested in sponsoring an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
“Grieving room is endangered in a culture that thinks it is more helpful to rush past grief than to lean into it.”
Leanne Friesen is the brilliant soul behind the groundbreaking book, "Grieving Room: Making Space for All the Hard Things After Death and Loss."
As the curator of the popular Instagram platform, @grieving.room, she has cultivated a nurturing space for those navigating the tumultuous waters of grief.
With a profound understanding that grief defies easy solutions, Leanne advocates for the power of creating room for the complexities of grief, rather than rushing to fix or diminish it.
Drawing upon her extensive experience as an ordained minister and grief educator spanning over two decades, Leanne offers invaluable insights into the sacred process of grief, and how the cognitive understanding of loss and grief falls short of the lived experience.
She learned this heartbreaking reality after the loss of her sister, Roxanne, after an eight-year battle with melanoma.
In this episode, we discuss imperfect goodbyes, sibling loss, living the "are you serious?!" era after loss, making room to grieve, and so much more!
Leanne Friesen Social & Website:
- Instagram: @grieving.room & @leanne_friesen
- Buy GRIEVING ROOM book
- Website: leanfriessen.com
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Interested in sponsoring an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
"Grief is not this OR that; it's this AND that." - Nina Rodriguez
Grief thrusts us into the messy middle, which in time may become the magical middle.
But what the heck is it anyway?! The irony of this universal experience is that it's so unique to each experiencer, the answer of what is it depends on who you ask.
That said, there are some words, descriptions and frameworks that seem to describe aspects of big-picture GRIEF, that when understood, may give us the tools needed to understand and navigate through this nuanced experience.
Grief is love with nowhere to go...
AND unique to each person...
AND nuanced...
AND it lasts forever...
AND dynamic, evolving as we evolve...
AND...
This episode gets a little nerdy, AND it's great for those of us who seek to understand this life experience.
I also check in, providing updates on new and upcoming developments.
Tune in and DM me on Instagram @griefandlight to let me know what you think!
Referenced in this Episode:
- EP. 27 | Grieving with Grace: Dr. Mekel Harris' Grief-Informed Approach to Relaxing into the Pain
- EP. 22 | Anatomy of Grief Series: What's your grief bias?
- EP. 21 | Grace on Ice: Skating through Sibing Grief 30 Years Delayed with Judy Lipson
- Book | The Anatomy of Grief: How the Brain, Heart, and Body Can Heal After Loss
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Interested in sponsoring an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
There are losses that rearrange our understanding of life and how we show up in the world.
The death of a young person, a baby, a spouse or a sibling can be particularly devastating, due to the traumatic and out-of-order elements surrounding the loss.
Surviving one loss can feel unbearable. But all four?
Today’s guest shares her story of immense loss — a journey marked by the departure of her one-year-old son, Garret, her beloved husband, Jack, her resilient brother, Seth, and her sister-in-law, Brooke.
In her own profound grief, Angie Hanson found solace in a mission to change the narrative around grief, to bring light into the darkest moments, and to offer genuine support to those walking the path of loss.
She founded Butterflies + Halos, a greeting card company that seeks to bridge the gap between sympathy and understanding, between condolence and companionship.
Through her story, Angie illuminates the way forward for those grappling with their own losses, and offers insight into how we can better support one another through life's most challenging moments.
Angie Hanson Social & Website:
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Threads: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
Some of the conversation includes candid recounts of sensitive matters related to loss of loved ones. Listener discretion is advised.
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Interested in sponsoring an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
Clinically Trained, Mystically Guided.
Casey Stevens embodies the philosophy encapsulated in this motto. She is a Spiritual Psychotherapist and Consciousness Coach, and founder of Shrink Bigger.
Casey shares her deeply personal journey of transformation, from navigating the loss of her husband and ensuing grief to embracing her true calling as an embodied healer. Through candid reflections and profound insights, Casey delves into the fusion of clinical expertise with mystical guidance, offering listeners a glimpse into her unique approach to healing and transformation.
Throughout the conversation, Casey explores the intricacies of her holistic therapeutic framework, which honors the interconnectedness of the bio-psycho-social-spiritual aspects of human experience. Drawing from her own experiences and clinical practice, she sheds light on the importance of shadow work, inner child work, family triangulation dynamics, organizing your energy, and conscious awareness in the process of healing and self-discovery.
Listeners are invited to explore the transformative power of quantum healing principles and learn practical techniques for cultivating mindfulness, self-awareness, and alignment with one's true self. Through her inspiring journey and compassionate wisdom, Casey offers hope and guidance to those navigating their own paths of healing and transformation.
Casey Steven Social & Website:
- Instagram: @shrinkbigger
- Website: shrinkbigger.com
- Services
- Book a Session
- Free Inner Gold Meditation
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Threads: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Interested in sponsoring an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
How does grief impact our mental health, and what strategies can we employ to nurture our well-being through times of loss and transition?
Join us as we explore the intersection of grief and mental health with the amazing Dr. Mekel Harris, Memphis-based licensed psychologist helping other perfectly imperfect folks navigate life's challenges in order to grow in lifestyle, love, leadership, and loyalties to God, self, and others. She also shares insights into her own grief experience and the ripple effect it had on her career after the loss of her beloved mother to pancreatic cancer.
GIFT: 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Grief-Informed Clinician
She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Baylor University, an M.A. in Psychology from Houston Baptist University, and a Ph.D. in Clinical/School Psychology from the University of Houston, and further honed her skills through a pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
She serves diverse communities through hospital-based programs, higher education, and her private practice, Harris Psychological Services, LLC.
Dr. Harris' is co-founder of Bloomwell Partners, LLC, empowering organizations with the tools to support those navigating grief in the workplace.
She is also an author and speaker, having presented at over 30 conferences worldwide, and a TEDx Talk.
Her memoir, "Relaxing Into the Pain: My Journey Into Grief & Beyond," offers profound insights into the human experience of loss.
A sought-after expert, Dr. Harris has shared her wisdom through various media platforms, including Equanimity Magazine and The Washington Post. Her advocacy for mental health extends to her role as VP of the Board of AIMHITN, and as a recurring guest on FOX13 Memphis.
Let's delve into the heart of grief and the transformative power of relaxing into our grief.
Dr. Mekel Harris Social & Website:
- Instagram: @drmekel
- Website: mekelharrisphd.com
- Bloomwell: growwithbloomwell.com
- 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Grief-Informed Clinician
- The Grief Anatomy Toolkit
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
Interested in sponsoring an episode? Contact us at info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
"Everybody else rushed me past the agony, but grief is the one and only voice that told me, 'take as long as you need'." J.S. Park – As Long As You Need
Life-altering loss and grief can alter our perception of time, an effect experienced by many grievers that I like to call "grief time".
Grief time is non-linear, both a blink and an eternity. Grief also demands your time and attention, whether in the moment or after decades delayed.
In this episode, we delve into how our perception of time, and how we dedicate time to processing our grief can have long-lasting effects and outcomes. We discuss practical actionable steps and tools to help anchor us to the present moment and normalize this common phenomenon experienced by many.
Episodes & Article Referenced:
- EP.1 The Call & The Calling | Losing your only sibling | Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, Broken-Heart Syndrome
- Harvard Health Article about Tako-tsubo heart: https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/takotsubo-cardiomyopathy-broken-heart-syndrome
- Grace on Ice: Skating through Sibling Grief 30 Years Delayed feat. Judy Lipson
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Threads: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Interested in sponsoring an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
How can a mother move forward after the life-altering death of her son?
Is it even possible?
Our guest is on a mission to bring hope to those who navigate the challenging journey of grief, the trauma of loving someone suffering from substance use disorder, and the reality of life after losing a child.
Kathy Wagner is a grief-focused writer and author, and a mother of three grown children who understands the profound pain of loss. Her journey includes the devastating experience of losing her son Tristan to fentanyl poisoning in 2017.
Since that time, Wagner has advocated for improved access to quality addiction
recovery services and was a grief support group facilitator for Healing Hearts Canada.
In this episode, we discuss her beautiful memoir, "Here With You: A Memoir of Love, Family, and Addiction," where she candidly shares the highs, lows, and the beautiful resilience that emerged from her family's journey through addiction, recovery, and ultimately, loss.
Kathy's essays have found their way into The New York Times, Best Health Magazine, The Globe and Mail, and The Sun Magazine, and her first book is making waves with its release in Canada, as well as in the U.S. and worldwide (available Spring 2024).
Get ready for a touching and inspiring conversation with a woman who's turned her pain into a beacon of hope for others.
Kathy Wagner Social & Website:
- Website: kwagnerwrites.com
- Kathy Wagner's Essays
- Order HERE WITH YOU
- Follow on Facebook
- Instagram: @kwagnerwrites
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Threads: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
In this deeply introspective episode, Catherine Baars opens up about her personal experiences with grief, especially in the context of navigating a complex relationship with her father, whom she lost a mere six months as of this recording.
For as long as she can remember, Cat's relationship with her father was strained due to his substance use disorder, which eventually led to their estrangement and a final reconciliation before he passed.
She bravely shares insights into the delicate interplay between death and spirituality, shedding light on her own healing journey from religious trauma.
As a professional astrologer, Cat guides others towards understanding their life's purpose through dedicated readings based on each individual's birth chart.
Through her unique perspective and lived experience, she offers a message of hope, healing, and resilience to anyone grappling with life's profound changes and challenges.
Catherine Baars Social & Website:
- Personalised Astrology Readings by Cat
- TikTok: @cats_astrology
- Instagram: @cats_astrology
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Threads: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
Carlos Duran, shares his inspiring story, from the turbulent streets of Wheehawk, New Jersey, to the mountains of Costa Rica. His story is a testament to the power of transformation through nature and plant-based medicine, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Growing up, Carlos faced the challenges of a violent and abusive household that left him feeling separate, disconnected, and profoundly alone.
His journey took an unexpected turn when he found himself in the serene landscapes of Costa Rica. There, fate led him to a Shaman who introduced him to Yagè, the Colombian form of Ayahuasca. The transformative power of this ancient plant medicine became evident during a 45-minute trek up the side of a mountain to his first ceremony. In that sacred space, he underwent true spiritual healing and a radical transformation that altered the course of his life.
Under the guidance of Taita Juanito, Carlos has spent the last decade immersed in the study and practice of Yage, evolving from a hustler to a healer.
Co-founder of Four Visions, founder of Savage Encounter (a men’s retreat) and Operation Purify (a veteran’s retreat), he passionately shares the profound healing potential of this sacred medicine with the world.
Carlos Duran is a living testament to the transformative power within each of us, and continues to inspire others to embrace their own path to healing and connection.
Carlos Duran Social & Website:
- Carlos Duran's Website
- Instagram @carlosduranlive
- Savage Encounter (Men's Retreat)
- Operation Purify (Veteran's Retreat)
- Cycles of the Moon hosted by Grandmother Jairsagua Farutiva Gacheta
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Threads: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Full Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
The information shared in this episode does not constitute real medical or legal advice, nor imply endorsement of programs, products, or methodologies. If you are concerned about your health in any way, always consult a medical practitioner. You are responsible for your own decisions and actions.
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
What is your grief bias?
(Hint: You have one. We all do.)
Our beliefs about grief, or grief biases, define how we show up for ourselves and each other. They become particularly evident when we experience a loss or life-altering circumstances.
Inspired by the profound insights gained from Megan Devine's Grief Care Professional Certificate Program, this episode peels back the layers of treating grief as a disease or personal failing, the societal pressures and expectations that shape our collective experience, and what role our grief-phobic culture plays in the epidemic of loneliness.
I invite you to explore your own grief biases, challenge them, and cultivate curiosity as we improve how we navigate the nuances of grief.
To answer the question in the episode, DM me on Instagram at @griefandlight.
Sources referenced in the episode:
- CIGNA study on loneliness
- The Loneliness Epidemic Persists: A Post-Pandemic Look at the State of Loneliness among U.S. Adults
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Threads: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
Is it possible to begin grieving a loss after 30 years?
Join us as we delve into the profound impact of grief on our lives and the importance of opening up the conversation surrounding it.
Judy Lipson is the author of Celebration of Sisters: It Is Never Too Late To Grieve, winner of Literary Titan’s 2021 Silver Award.
The sole survivor of three sisters, Judy founded Celebration of Sisters, an annual ice-skating fundraiser benefiting Massachusetts General Hospital, and as a way to commemorate the lives and memories of her beloved sisters Margie and Jane.
Judy was the keynote speaker at The Bereaved Parents USA Conference in 2023, presented at The Compassionate Friends National Conference, appeared on The Open to Hope cable television program, and is a ForGrief speaker.
Her passion for figure skating secured the recipient of U.S. Figure Skating Association 2020 Get Up Award.
In her recent memoir, Judy states, “there is no recipe for grief. The instant you suffer a loss, your life is changed.”
Join us as we explore Judy's story of regaining her balance on the ice skating rink and in life after loss.
Judy Lipson Social and Website:
- Massachusetts General Hospital, beneficiary of the Celebration of Sisters
- Website: judylipson.org
- Judy's Ice Skating Performance
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Threads: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Disclaimer
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
Welcome to the Season 2 of the Grief and Light Podcast!
Season 2 is a deliberate exploration of the "Anatomy of Grief," aiming to demystify the misunderstood aspects of grief and offer a platform for diverse voices to share their unique stories, resources, experience, education and more.
We're not just talking about grief; we're redefining what it means to be grief-informed.
By challenging societal norms and advocating for a grief-informed world, this season aims to provide valuable insights and support for individuals navigating the intricate and often misunderstood journey of loss, fostering a community that embraces the multifaceted nature of grief.
We'll feature guests who offer traditional, alternative, and sometimes controversial views on how to navigate the grief experience.
So grab your headphones, and join me as I share the behind-the-scenes of navigating the fifth holiday season without my brother, and give a glimpse into what's next.
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Threads: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Resource: 10 Core Principles of Being Grief-Informed (free download provided by the Dougy Center)
Disclaimer: https://www.griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
A message for the new year…
I'm about to reveal a "secret" that's been a quiet cornerstone of my journey – a confession that feels like turning a page in our shared narrative.
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the soul tribe that has grown with me since the podcast's inception on March 30th, 2023.
The journey, which began as a personal exploration of my own grief, has evolved into something profound, a space of connection and authenticity that has touched lives in ways I could never have anticipated.
Now, as I stand at the intersection of past, present and future, I'm peeling back a layer of my identity to share a truth with you. This revelation is a stepping stone into a deeper exploration of the heart-centered work that has become the core of my existence, and to our connection.
I also offer an invitation of hope for the New Year and a beautiful poem by the incredible poet, Donna Ashworth, as we close out 2023.
Timestamps:
- 0:15 Introduction & Personal Journey in 2023
- 2:04 Evolution of the Grief and Light Podcast
- 2:47 Confession: Revealing the real name
- 7:20 Key takeaways from the Grief & Light Podcast Guests in 2023
- 10:47 Clarity and Alignment in 2023
- 12:09 Invitation of Hope for 2024
- 15:36 What's next for Grief & Light?
- 16:29 Closing and Poem by Donna Ashworth
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Threads: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- 1:1 Heart-to-Heart 12-week Grief Support
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Disclaimer: https://www.griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
What would you do if your only sibling, your sister, was diagnosed with a terminal illness the day after giving birth to her second child?
In this heartfelt episode, we embark on an intimate conversation with the remarkable Dr. Kelly S. Thompson, delving into the intricacies of her military upbringing and the unique sisterhood she shared with Meghan.
Kelly candidly shares the challenges of navigating a relationship affected by her sister's addiction, estrangement, and ultimately, the looming shadow of death following Meghan's terminal diagnosis.
Dr. Thompson is a retired military officer who holds an MFA and a Ph.D. in Creative Writing, and has been published in Chatelaine, Maclean’s, the Globe and Mail, and more.
Her debut memoir, GIRLS NEED NOT APPLY, was named a Globe and Mail Top 100 Book, and was an instant bestseller. She works as a mentor for the University of King’s College MFA in Creative Nonfiction.
Her second memoir, STILL, I CANNOT SAVE YOU, was released in 2023, and was also an instant bestseller in Canada. At once funny, raw, and heartbreaking, STILL, I CANNOT SAVE YOU, is a story about addiction, abuse, and tragedy, but above all, it is a powerful portrait of an enduring love between sisters.
In this emotional and personable discussion, we'll reflect on the enduring love between sisters, the impact of Meghan's diagnosis, and how Kelly crafts stories that resonate deeply with the universal human experience.
Get in touch with Dr. Kelly S. Thompson via:
- Website: kellysthompson.com
- Email: kelly@kellysthompson.com
- Twitter (now X)
- Pre-order STILL, I CANNOT SAVE YOU (available in the US in 2024)
BONUS! Check out her bull terrier, Ham, on Newsweek and follow him on Instagram! (He's kind of a big deal 😜)
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Threads: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- 1:1 Heart-to-Heart 12-week Grief Support
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Disclaimer: https://www.griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us vi
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
The sudden death of a parent, the loss of three close friends, and a sexual assault were among the catalysts of Jonathan Niziol’s 15-year spiral into alcohol, drugs, exercise addiction, anxiety and depression. His story, however, was kept hidden behind a carefully-constructed social media exterior, until now…
Raised in a serene Canadian farm, Jonathan Niziol's life is soon shadowed by the untimely loss of his mother, one day before his 21st birthday.
In this episode, Jonathan opens up about the heartbreak that sparked a transformative journey—a path marked by addiction, international modeling ventures, eating disorder, pancreatitis, sexual assault, and the triumphant stride of 16 1/2 years of sobriety to-date.
Amidst the heartbreaking lows, Jonathan's story takes an unexpected turn into the world of modeling, uncovering a tumultuous relationship with body image and a challenging connection with food.
In this candid conversation, he shares how embracing therapy in 2017 became the beacon of light that liberated him from the 15-year grasp of addiction and mental health disorders.
Join us as we explore the intricate layers of Jonathan's resilient spirit, shedding light on the triumphs that emerged from the depths of adversity.
Jonathan Niziol may be reached via:
- jonathanniziolofficial.com
- Instagram: @jonathanniziol
- TikTok: @jonathanniziol
- YouTube
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Threads: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Disclaimer: https://www.griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
Join us for a magical conversation with Danielle Catherine Baker, a dedicated mother, women's health mentor, doula and female yoga teacher.
She lives nomadically with her family, hosts Women's Circle Online, and women's circles wherever she lands.
Danielle is also the host of the Depths of Motherhood Podcast, where she welcomes guests to raise awareness for undisturbed birth and conscious parenting.
Last month, Danielle released her book, “Reclaiming Circle: A Guide to Holding Women’s Circles”.
In this episode, she also shares her grief story following her brother’s death by suicide earlier this year, to create awareness, and share how her own practices of nervous system regulation, women's circles, and biomagnetic practices have supported her through the waves of grief.
Danielle Catherine Website & Social:
- Website: danielle-catherine.com
- Instagram: @daniellecatherinebaker
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Threads: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Disclaimer: https://www.griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
Handle with care.
My intention is always to honor my guests’ truths, stories, their loved ones’ stories, and to deliver these heart-felt stories to you as a listener with care.
Some stories are more layered than others. In this episode, we hear from a brave sister, Brittany Merz, doing everything in her power to honor her beloved sister, Samantha, who, as of this recording, passed a mere 10 weeks ago.
You will hear an honest recount of the early grief days, in all of its heaviness and fogginess.
You will also hear details in this story that are not apt for everyone. So if you have children around, I encourage you to save this episode for another time when you can listen more privately. If you’re in the grips of early grief or are feeling generally overwhelmed and feel the need to pause, please do so.
I am not here to tell you when you’ve reached your capacity.
But I want to give a gentle warning that in doing my best to honor the painful truth of this story, parts of the recount can feel overwhelming as a listener.
The purpose of this podcast is to explore grief honestly and authentically, and sometimes that means sharing raw, uncomfortable, and painful truths.
So as always, listen with care and honor your thresholds.
As a grieving sister, I deeply empathized with Brittany’s story and completely understand her heart’s desire to share Samantha's story, create awareness about the reality of fentanyl poisonings ("Sonoma County's Silent Killer"), and share her truth as a grieving sister.
I hope you feel the unconditional love through the pain.
- Brittany can be reached on IG @asistersgrief_siblingloss
- "Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe" by Laura Lynne Jackson
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Threads: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Disclaimer: https://www.griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
--
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
"I never understood why when someone dies the bereaved post quotes with photos of nature — waves, sunsets, clouds, rain … and then my brother died. My only sibling.
And I found myself living somewhere between the earth and the sky, crying into the sunset, because I finally understood that nature is the only force capable of holding the magnitude of my grief. " - Nina Rodriguez
In the early years, I found that only nature had the capacity to hold the magnitude of my grief. So I leaned into it.
In this episode, I share a reflection about the power of grief to nurture and transmute our pain, and how moving forward requires us to surrender, slow down, and take tiny steps as we regain our footing around the shattered pieces of loss.
Join me in this exploration of grief and nature.
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Threads: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Disclaimer: https://www.griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
Meet Andrianna, a remarkable young woman who experienced the heartbreaking loss of her brother, Christopher, just three years ago. This devastating loss, along with having to navigate a complex relationship with her mother, shaped her path and mission to create a community of support and understanding.
Andrianna is a certified family life educator, holds a B.S in Human Development & Family Studies, and is working on her masters degree in Social Work. She has worked in child advocacy, food banking, nurturing parenting, and in a hospital, where she focused on preventing burnout among staff. Currently, she's interning at a non-profit specializing in helping grieving children.
As part of this mission and her own grieving process, Andrianna founded and hosts the "A Path to Helping Others" podcast, sharing stories about grief, mental health, and moving forward to inspire and remind others that they're not alone.
Click to access the links mentioned in the episode:
- apathtohelpingothers.com
- The Christopher John Ehring Esq. Scholarship
- Instagram @apathto_helpingothers
- TikTok
Her commitment to making a positive impact is nothing short of inspiring, and we're excited for you to dive into her story, where we discuss adult sibling loss, complex family dynamics, ambiguous grief, holiday grief, and so much more!
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Threads: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Disclaimer: https://www.griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
In this heartfelt conversation, my husband, Cesar, and I delve into the complex dynamics of adult sibling loss, and how it has tested, strengthened, and reshaped our relationship.
You will hear a candid exploration of the grief journey from a husband's perspective, providing unique insights into the challenges and triumphs of grieving as a couple. We share our experiences, discussing the initial shock and aftermath of the first three years of grief.
This episode offers a rarely-discussed perspective for those navigating similar journeys of grief and marriage, reminding us all that even in the most challenging times, love and support can be our guiding lights.
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:
- Instagram: @griefandlight
- Threads: @griefandlight
- Website: griefandlight.com
- Ways to Work with Me
- Subscribe to my newsletter
Disclaimer: https://www.griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers
#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast
Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via info@griefandlight.com.
Thank you for listening! Please share with someone you love.
Want your story featured in a podcast episode?
Please contact me via IG @griefandlight, via email at nina@griefandlight.com.
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Between Pages and Pain: Writing the unthinkable in STILL, I CANNOT SAVE YOU
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