Turning Grief into Growth: The Journey of Transformation
Come join Greg Jacobs and Don Lipstein on this journey of transformation as we explore what it truly means to turn grief into growth. Both Greg and Don are fathers who have lost sons, and together they share the realities of their paths—both the deep pitfalls and the unexpected triumphs.
This podcast walks alongside anyone experiencing grief, no matter what your relationship to the one you’ve lost or the circumstances of their passing. Our hope is that as you journey with us, you’ll find space to heal, to grow, and to feel the strength of shared companionship along the way.
You can email us with feedback at: TurningGriefIntoGrowth@Gmail.com
Discover more about who we are by visiting our websites:
Greg Jacobs: www.yourdadforever.com
Don Lipstein: www.imaginefamilyrecovery.net
Episodes
43 episodes
Episode #43-Sarah
In this episode, we are joined by Sarah, who lost her husband, Dave, in 2004. Dave was a helicopter pilot who was killed in action in Iraq just a couple of weeks before he was scheduled to come home. At the time of his death, Sarah was raising ...
Episode #42-Jon Ganues
In this episode, we are joined by Jon Ganues from Virginia. Jon lost his son, Wesley, to suicide on June 2, 2009, while Wesley was serving in the United States Air Force. Jon shares his journey of healing and growth, emphasizing the importance ...
Episode #41-Dr. Heidi Horsley
In today’s episode, we are joined by renowned psychologist Dr. Heidi Horsley, an international grief expert, licensed psychologist, and social worker. Dr. Horsley is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Open to Hope Foundation...
Episode #40-Tom Braden
In this episode, we are joined by Tom Braden of Marble Falls, Texas, a retired high school football coach. On September 23, 2016, Tom and his wife, Laura, received the devastating news that their son, Jeff, an F-22 Raptor pilot, had drowned whi...
Episode #39-Charles Mwungura
In this episode, we are joined by Charles Mwungura, pastor of the Southeast Christian Church Multinational Campus in Louisville, Kentucky. Charles shares his journey as he recently passed the two-year anniversary of losing his 18-year-old son, ...
Episode #38-Sharon Strouse
In this episode, Sharon Strouse shares the heartbreaking story of losing her 17-year-old daughter, Kristin, who died by suicide on October 11, 2001, after jumping from her 15th-floor dorm room at Parsons School of Design in New York City.
Episode #37-Andy McNiel
In this episode, Don and I are joined by Andy McNiel, CEO of The Compassionate Friends. Andy shares why supporting those who are grieving isn't about having all the answers. Instead, he explains the importance of simply holding space for others...
Episode #36-Brett Sylver
In this episode, Brett Sylver joins us to share the heartbreaking story of losing his son, Harrison, to suicide on January 13, 2024. Brett also reflects on earlier losses that shaped his life, including his father leaving when he was just five ...
Episode #35-Communication
In this episode, Don and Greg explore the importance of effective communication—knowing not only what to say, but also when to speak and when silence may be the better choice. They discuss the value of communicating with both accuracy and clari...
Episode #34-Mentorship
In this episode, Greg and Don discuss the importance of putting service above self. While not everyone is at a place in their grief journey where they are ready to mentor or support others, many eventually reach that point. Companioning—walking...
Episode #33-Steve Karaiskos, PH.D
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 Pos...
Episode #32-Monique Walker
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...
Episode #31-Jason Stout
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...
Episode #30-Dr. Frank Campbell
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 ...
Episode #29-Joanne Harpel
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 no...
Episode #28-Glen Lord
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 brea...
Episode #27-Man in the Mirror
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 dete...
Episode #26-Choices
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...
Episode #25-Robyn Houston-Bean
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 ...
Episode #24-Franklin Cook
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...
Episode #23-Larry Carlat
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...
Episode #22-Putting The Work In
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, t...
Episode #21-Rebecca Mullaney
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....