Advertise on podcast: Tendrils of Grief

Today with Julie Ryan, psychic medium, medical intuitive, and host of the Ask Julie Ryan podcast, to explore the connection between grief, spirituality, and the unseen world around us. Julie shares how intuitive and healing abilities aren't just gifts—they're skills that can be developed. We talk about what it means to connect with loved ones who have passed, how spirit communication works, and why so many of us feel the need for "one more conversation" after loss. This conversation became especially personal for me. I share my recent experience of losing my dog and the grief that followed—how loss doesn't happen in isolation, but often brings up layers of past grief all at once. We talk about pet loss, signs from loved ones, and the deep emotional bond we share with animals, and how that connection can continue even after they're gone. Julie explains how communication with spirit can be simpler than we think, how intuition works, and why we often block ourselves from receiving signs. She also offers insight into what happens as someone transitions, and how both people and pets remain connected to us in ways we may not always recognize. This episode is a blend of grief, hope, spirituality, and healing—and a reminder that even in loss, we are not as disconnected as we feel. Connect with Julie Ryan ✨ Guest: Julie Ryan 🌐 Website: https://askjulieryan.com 🎙️ Podcast: Ask Julie Ryan (available on all major platforms) 🎁 Free Book: Angelic Attendants (download on her website) 🩰 New Ways Barre by Susan Ways Proudly serving the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland and surrounding Montgomery County 📍 Boutique Barre Studio (Strength • Movement • Healing) 📅 Book a Class: https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sueways 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/   https://newwaysbarre.com/   Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  [email protected]   Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community   Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss   To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In  Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @[email protected]  Let me hear your thoughts!

I'm sharing something deeply personal. This is a solo episode, and honestly—it's a hard one. On Monday, I had to say goodbye to my 16-year-old dog, Joven. And while I expected to feel sadness, I didn't expect the depth of grief that followed. This loss didn't just stand on its own—it opened the door to so many other layers of grief I've been carrying. Joven was a complicated, deeply loving presence in my life. He wasn't the easiest dog—he was anxious, dependent, and at times overwhelming—but he loved me in a way that was completely unconditional. No expectations. No conditions. Just love. In this episode, I share the story of his life, the difficult decision to let him go, and the emotional aftermath that I'm still moving through. I talk about the weight of "what ifs," the illusion that one more day would somehow make it easier, and the truth that no amount of extra time is ever enough when we lose someone we love. This loss also brought up something deeper—the way grief compounds. How losing one thing can reopen the pain of everything else: the loss of my husband, shifts in my family, changes in my life, and the quiet realization that nothing stays the same forever. But within all of this, I'm also reflecting on what Joven gave me. The lessons. The love. The reminder to be present, to show up fully for the people and pets in my life, and to not take any moment for granted. This episode is raw, real, and unfiltered. If you've ever experienced pet loss, grief after loss, or the feeling that grief comes in waves, I hope this reminds you that you're not alone—and that what you're feeling is valid.   Interested with my studio? 📍 Class Booking / Studio Page: https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg 📸 Instagram (Brand Presence): https://www.instagram.com/sueways 📘 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/       Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being. https://newwaysbarre.com/   Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  [email protected]   Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community   Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss   To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In  Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @[email protected]  Let me hear your thoughts!  

Today with Steve Beal Sr., author of Generation Jumping: Losing Those Who Are Not Lost, to explore a perspective on grief that is both deeply personal and rooted in hope. Steve shares how a lifetime of loss—especially the passing of his father—shaped the way he understands grief today. We talk about the moments that stay with us, the memories that resurface when we least expect them, and why grief is not something we simply "get over," but something we learn to carry. One of the most powerful parts of our conversation is the role of hope. Not as something that replaces grief, but something that exists alongside it. Steve opens up about how hope can give meaning to sorrow, and how even in the hardest moments, there can be something to hold onto. We also talk about legacy—how the people we love continue to live on through our stories, our actions, and the way we choose to show up in the world. And how sometimes, without even realizing it, we become a source of hope for others walking through their own grief. This episode is a reminder that grief is real, necessary, and deeply human. But within it, there is also connection, purpose, and the opportunity to honor those we've lost in how we continue to live. Check Steve Beal Sr 🌐 Official Website: https://www.stevebealsr.com 📖 Book: Generation Jumping: Losing Those Who Are Not Lost https://www.amazon.com/Generation-Jumping-Losing-Those-Lost/dp/B0FXBMG7WT     Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being. https://newwaysbarre.com/   Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  [email protected]   Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community   Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss   To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In  Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @[email protected]  Let me hear your thoughts!  

I sit down with Jackie Disch , a lifelong writer and author of Losing Katie: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Living Grief. Jackie shares the deeply personal story behind her book—written from journal entries spanning the time before, during, and after the loss of her partner, Katie. What makes Jackie's perspective so powerful is her honesty about what grief really looks like. Not something you "move on" from, but something you learn to live with. Together, we talk about the non-linear nature of grief, the weight of honoring a loved one's final wishes, and how love continues even after loss. Jackie also opens up about the unique challenges of losing Katie during the pandemic—navigating isolation, medical restrictions, and the emotional complexity of being unable to fully show up in the ways she wanted to. Yet within that pain, she found moments of connection, meaning, and even signs that continue to comfort her today. This conversation is a reminder that grief isn't something to fix. It's something to honor. And if you allow it, it can walk beside you as you continue to build a meaningful life after loss.   Check Jackie Disch https://www.jackieldisch.com/   Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being. https://newwaysbarre.com/   Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  [email protected]   Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community   Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss   To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In  Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @[email protected]  Let me hear your thoughts!

In this deeply moving episode of Tendrils of Grief, I welcome memoirist and book coach Carolyn Flynn for an honest conversation about grief, storytelling, and healing after loss. Together, we explore how the stories we tell shape our grief—and our lives. From sudden loss to prolonged goodbyes, I share my experience losing my husband, Paul, while Carolyn opens up about untended grief, motherhood, identity shifts, and her journey through profound life transitions. We dive into what it really means to "feel your feelings," why being witnessed in grief is so powerful, and how shifting from a victim mindset to becoming the hero of your own story can change everything. If you're navigating grief, struggling with identity after loss, or searching for meaning in your pain, this episode offers both comfort and perspective—you are not alone in this.   Check Carolyn Dawn Flynn https://www.carolynflynn.com/   Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being. https://newwaysbarre.com/   Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  [email protected]   Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community   Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss   To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In  Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @[email protected]  Let me hear your thoughts!  

In this powerful episode of Tendrils of Grief, I sit down with psychotherapist and author Sally Dukes for a deeply personal and layered conversation about grief, identity, attachment, and the stories that shape our lives. During our discussion, I share my own journey with abandonment wounds and the loss of my husband — how those early attachment patterns resurfaced in grief, and how loss forces us to confront the narratives we've carried for years. Sally brings her expertise in transpersonal psychology and narrative healing to explore how the stories we tell ourselves can either keep us stuck in victimhood or help us step into growth. We also dive into Sally's near-death experience at age three during open-heart surgery — a profound encounter with a violet light of love that forever shaped her understanding of death and what may lie beyond it. Together, we explore anxious attachment, spiritual connection, manifestation, and whether the bonds we share with loved ones truly end when they die. This episode is an honest conversation about grief not as something to "get over," but as something that reveals who we are beneath the surface. It's about rewriting the story — not denying the pain — and discovering that love may continue in ways we don't fully understand. If you've ever questioned your patterns, wrestled with abandonment, or wondered whether your loved ones are still somehow near, this episode will meet you with compassion and depth. Know Sally Dukes Website:https://www.sallydukes.com/   Did you enjoy today's episode?   Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being.   Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  [email protected]   Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community   Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss   To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In  Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @[email protected]  Let me hear your thoughts!  

In this powerful episode, I dive into a deeply honest conversation about what it really means to live with grief—not fix it, rush it, or silence it. Drawing from personal experience and the themes we explore in this episode, I unpack how loss reshapes identity, challenges faith, and forces us to confront the parts of ourselves we often avoid. We talk about the waves of grief that return years later, the guilt and unanswered questions that linger, and the quiet strength it takes to keep moving forward. This conversation is for anyone who has ever wondered, "Why does this still hurt?" or "Am I grieving the right way?" Together, we explore how grief evolves, how love continues, and how healing isn't about closure—it's about learning to carry both the pain and the love with intention. If you're navigating loss in any form, this episode offers validation, perspective, and reassurance that you are not alone—and that your grief, in all its complexity, is human.   Check out the book!  The Luckiest Unlucky Couple   Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being. https://newwaysbarre.com/   Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  [email protected]   Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community   Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss   To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In  Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @[email protected]  Let me hear your thoughts!  

In this moving episode of Tendrils of Grief, I sit down with Barry Hoffner, a widower whose life changed forever after his wife was tragically killed in a sudden accident while they were traveling in Botswana. In the wake of devastating loss, Barry made an extraordinary decision: to honor his wife by visiting every country in the world. What began as heartbreak became a journey of purpose, connection, and healing. Barry shares openly about sudden loss, trauma, widowhood, and what it means to carry love forward instead of leaving it behind. We talk about grief as transformation, continuing bonds after death, and how meaning can emerge even from unimaginable pain. This episode is a powerful reminder that love doesn't end—and that even after tragedy, life can still hold purpose, courage, and connection. Know Barry Hoffner CONNECT WITH BARRY Instagram: @barryh99 Facebook: Barry Hoffner Goodreads: @BarryHoffner LinkedIn: Barry Hoffner Website: https://belongingtotheworld.com/ Belonging to the World is available for pre-order now from Amazon.   Did you enjoy today's episode?   Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being.   Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  [email protected]   Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community   Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss   To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In  Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @[email protected]  Let me hear your thoughts!

I open my heart and share where I truly am in my grief journey—eight years after losing Paul, and after walking through layers of loss I never imagined I'd have to carry. This episode was born out of a quiet but powerful realization during the holidays: that grief evolves, that endings can bring clarity, and that moving forward doesn't mean forgetting—it means choosing alignment, peace, and authenticity. I reflect on parental estrangement, complicated family dynamics, selling the home Paul and I built our life in, and the tender moment of recognizing when a chapter has truly completed. I talk honestly about what I've learned along the way: How sitting with your feelings—rather than avoiding them—can bring unexpected peace Why turning inward matters more than seeking answers from others Letting go of anger, old stories, and the need to react Trusting your inner guidance, even when life feels unfair Holding grief and hope in the same container Choosing not to participate in cycles of dysfunction Finding purpose after loss, even when it feels scary or unreasonable I also share how opening a community-centered barre studio became part of my healing—not because grief ended, but because I allowed myself to evolve. This episode is about trusting that what broke you may also be the thing that reshapes you into someone stronger, clearer, and more aligned than ever before. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure whether you'll ever be "okay" again, I want you to hear this clearly: you are not broken, you are not grieving wrong, and you are capable of moving forward in your own time. This episode is an invitation—to get quiet, to turn inward, to trust yourself, and to believe that even now, something meaningful is still unfolding for you. Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being. https://newwaysbarre.com/   Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  [email protected]   Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community   Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss   To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In  Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @[email protected]  Let me hear your thoughts!

In this thoughtful and deeply grounded episode, I sit down with Gyani Richards, MA—a grief counselor, Certified Grief Educator, and lifelong student of meditation and wisdom traditions—to explore what it truly means to live with grief over a lifetime. Gyani's path into grief work began early, following the death of his father when he was just 13 years old. That loss set him on a lifelong journey of inquiry—one that led him into meditation, Eastern and Western wisdom traditions, martial arts, and ultimately the field of grief counseling. With over 40 years of personal practice and professional experience, Gyani brings a calm, compassionate, and deeply human presence to conversations about loss. In this episode, we talk about grief not as something to "get over," but as an experience that unfolds, evolves, and teaches us over time. Gyani shares how meditation, embodied awareness, and spiritual inquiry can support grievers without bypassing pain or forcing healing. Drawing from his background in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology, Aikido, and grief education, he offers insights into how grief lives in the body, how presence can soften suffering, and why meaning-making is a deeply personal process. Together, we explore themes such as: Early loss and its lifelong impact Grief as a teacher rather than a problem to solve Meditation and mindfulness in grief support The role of embodiment and movement in healing Integrating wisdom traditions with modern grief counseling Learning to meet grief with curiosity, compassion, and patience This conversation is especially meaningful for those seeking a quieter, more contemplative approach to grief—one that honors sorrow while gently opening space for growth, insight, and resilience. Whether you're newly grieving or decades into your loss, this episode offers reassurance that grief does not mean you are broken—and that wisdom, presence, and healing can emerge when we learn to walk alongside it. Episode Highlights grief counselor interview living with grief grief and mindfulness grief and meditation navigating grief and loss embodied grief healing grief as a lifelong journey grief support podcast Know Gyani Richards Website at www.ourgriefpath.com YouTube at https://youtu.be/3Y0F5IPcWO4 Substack at https://gyanirichards.substack.com/p/grief-and-aikido-relaxing-under-pressure   Did you enjoy today's episode?   Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being.   Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  [email protected]   Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community   Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss   To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In  Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @[email protected]  Let me hear your thoughts!  

In this episode of Tendrils of Grief, we are honored to welcome Kelly Daugherty, a seasoned social worker with over two decades of clinical experience and a Fellow in Thanatology: the study of death, dying, and bereavement. Based in Malta, NY, Kelly is the founder of Greater Life Grief Counseling and the Center for Informed Grief, LLC. Her personal journey with grief began as a teenager following the loss of her mother to breast cancer, inspiring her lifelong dedication to supporting individuals navigating the complexities of grief. Kelly's mission extends beyond individual support to creating a more grief-informed society. Through the Center for Informed Grief, she provides tools and training for educators, therapists, and communities, ensuring that no one faces their grief alone. Additionally, as co-owner of Healing Strides, LLC, Kelly combines emotional and physical well-being through a unique seven-week program that pairs therapeutic grief groups with 5K race training. She is also the co-author of several impactful books, including The Grief Experience: Tools for Acceptance, Resilience, and Connection. Join us for an insightful conversation as Kelly shares her professional expertise, personal experiences, and her innovative approach to grief support. Whether you're navigating your own grief journey or supporting someone else, this episode offers valuable tools and inspiration for healing, growth, and resilience.  Tune in now to learn from Kelly's profound insights and compassionate perspective on grief and healing. Episode Highlights Grief counseling resources Thanatology expert Kelly Daugherty grief specialist Center for Informed Grief Grief-informed society Therapeutic grief programs Healing through running programs Greater Life Grief Counseling Grief support tools and techniques Navigating grief and loss Grief-informed education and training Holistic approaches to grief support Coping with the loss of a loved one Emotional and physical healing programs Grief books and resources Kelly Daugherty grief counseling books Healing Strides grief program Personal growth through grief Resilience after loss Professional grief training for therapists Connect with Kelly  https://linktr.ee/kellydaugherty Did you enjoy today's episode?   Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  [email protected]   Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community   Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss   To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In   Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @[email protected]   Let me hear your thoughts!  

In this deeply grounding episode of Tendrils of Grief, I'm joined by Sheena Nancy Sarles—lifelong student of well-being, certified yoga teacher, author, and creator of Yoga for Living with Loss™—for a powerful conversation about grief as an embodied experience and the wisdom of learning to live with loss rather than trying to heal or fix it. After the profound losses of her parents, sister, and best friend, Sheena began to notice what many grievers intuitively feel but rarely hear validated: grief doesn't only live in the heart or mind—it congests in the body. Through years of personal practice, teaching, and grief-centered workshops, she integrated yoga, chakra-based awareness, and somatic presence into a compassionate approach that honors grief as a lifelong companion. In this episode, Sheena shares how Yoga for Living with Loss™ was born—not as a method to "move on," but as a way to gently reconnect with the body, breath, and spirit when grief overwhelms the nervous system. We explore how traditional grief narratives often bypass the body, why stillness can feel unsafe for the bereaved, and how intentional movement can create moments of grounding, safety, and self-trust. Together, we reflect on themes including: Why grief is not something to heal, but something to live alongside How trauma and loss are stored in the body The role of chakras and energy centers in grief awareness Yoga as a non-verbal language for sorrow Creating space for grief without spiritual bypassing Reclaiming connection to the body after profound loss Sheena also speaks about sharing this work globally—from BaliSpirit Festival to grief centers, healthcare conferences, and studios—along with her journey as an author, former communications and fundraising professional, and creator of holistic wellness offerings. This episode is an invitation to slow down, soften, and listen inward—to recognize that even in grief, the body holds wisdom, memory, and the quiet possibility of presence. Whether you are newly bereaved or years into your loss, this conversation offers permission to stop striving, to stop fixing, and to begin living gently alongside your grief. Episode Highlights yoga for grief grief in the body embodied grief healing somatic grief support living with loss grief and the nervous system yoga for loss and trauma grief yoga practice grief support through movement Know  Sheena Nancy Sarles More information is available at www.yogaforlivingwithloss.com   Did you enjoy today's episode?   Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being.   Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  [email protected]   Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community   Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss   To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In  Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @[email protected]  Let me hear your thoughts!  

In this deeply moving episode of Tendrils of Grief, I sit down with Ksenia Merck—artist, architect, and creative storyteller—to explore how love, creativity, and spiritual connection continue long after loss. Ksenia shares her powerful grief journey following the death of her husband, William F. Merck II, and how honoring his final wish led her to bring his genre-blending science fiction novel, Ghost Flower, to life through posthumous publication and her own original illustrations. What unfolds is an intimate conversation about enduring bonds, creative healing, and the unseen ways our loved ones remain present. Together, Ksenia and I reflect on caregiving, compounded loss, spiritual communication, and how grief reshapes purpose over time. She opens up about caring for her mother until age 102, navigating trauma within the hospital system, and discovering that creativity became both her refuge and her bridge to continued connection with her husband. In this episode, we gently explore themes such as: Continuing bonds after death Spiritual signs and intuitive communication with loved ones Grief as a lifelong companion, not something to "get over" Creative expression as a path to healing Trusting inner guidance and making meaning after loss With compassion, honesty, and hope, this conversation is a reminder that grief does not end love—and that connection, creativity, and faith can help illuminate a path forward, even in the darkest seasons. Whether you're early in your grief journey or years into it, this episode offers reassurance that you're not imagining your connection, you're not grieving wrong, and you are not alone.   Know Ksenia J. Merck Website : https://www.merckiipress.com/ LinkedIn : Ksenia Merck Facebook : Merck II Press  Instagram: merck2press   Did you enjoy today's episode?   Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being.   Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  [email protected]   Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community   Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss   To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In  Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @[email protected]  Let me hear your thoughts!

In today's episode with Karen Roldan, a licensed funeral director, embalmer, and the creator of Behind the Funeral, to pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood industries in our lives — death care. With nearly twenty years of experience and a deep respect for the families she serves, Karen brings honesty, compassion, and clarity to conversations many of us avoid until we're forced to have them. As a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science and a licensed professional in funeral services, cremation, pre-need planning, and cemetery property, Karen offers a rare insider perspective on what really happens behind the scenes after a death. Through Behind the Funeral, Karen is changing how we talk about grief, funerals, and end-of-life planning — dismantling myths, answering hard questions, and humanizing a profession often surrounded by fear and silence. In our conversation, we explore what families should know before making arrangements, why transparency matters in death care, and how understanding the process can bring peace during some of life's most difficult moments. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating loss, planning ahead, or simply wanting a more honest and informed relationship with death — because the conversations we avoid are often the ones that heal us most.   Episode Highlights The Death-Positive Movement Transparency in the Funeral Industry End-of-Life Planning for Millennials & Gen X Normalizing Conversations About Death Grief Education vs Grief Avoidance Ethical Funeral Practices Pre-Planning Funerals & Cremation Humanizing the Death-Care Profession Funeral Industry Myths Debunked Emotional Support During Funeral Planning Death Literacy & Public Education Digital Memorials & Modern Grief Rituals Consumer Advocacy in Funeral Services Trauma-Informed Death Care Cultural Shifts in How We Honor the Dead funeral director insights death care industry explained behind the funeral process funeral planning guide cremation vs burial explained end-of-life planning education funeral myths and truths grief and funeral services death care transparency licensed funeral director advice pre-need funeral planning what happens after death funeral costs explained compassionate funeral care talking about death and grief modern funeral practices behind the scenes funeral home death positive movement understanding cremation process how funerals really work   Know Karen Roldan Visit behindthefuneral.com to learn more. [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenroldanaasfsp/   Did you enjoy today's episode?   Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being.   Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  [email protected]   Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community   Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss   To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In  Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @[email protected]  Let me hear your thoughts!  

Today I sit down with Kyle Kittleson, the on-camera host for MedCircle, known for making complex mental health topics accessible through thoughtful, compassionate conversations. Kyle opens up about his personal grief journey after losing his mother as a teenager and how unprocessed loss shaped his emotional world for years. Drawing from both lived experience and thousands of interviews with leading mental health experts, Kyle shares powerful insights on grief, trauma, emotional healing, and rebuilding life after loss. We talk about why there's no "right" way to grieve, how avoidance quietly impacts healing, and what it truly means to work with grief rather than against it. This conversation offers grounded wisdom, hope, and practical tools for anyone navigating bereavement, supporting a loved one, or seeking a deeper understanding of mental health and grief. Episode Highlights Kyle Kittleson MedCircle grief and mental health podcast losing a parent as a teenager childhood grief and trauma unprocessed grief healing navigating grief after loss grief and emotional avoidance mental health education podcast understanding grief and trauma healing after loss journey how grief affects mental health coping with grief after losing a mother grief recovery without timelines working with grief instead of avoiding it emotional healing after bereavement grief conversations with mental health experts making sense of loss and trauma grief support through mental health education Know Kyle Kittleson About MedCircle: While treatment, medication, and therapy are all crucial components to mental wellness, the often forgotten step to optimal mental health is preventative mental health care – for you and others. MedCircle believes that people who become highly educated about mental health can improve both their lives and the lives of the people around them. MedCircle provides access to the world's greatest minds in mental health through engaging interview-style video series, virtual live Workshops, and in-depth articles on important mental health topics. MedCircle's award-winning video library gives you "behind-the-scenes" insight from the most sought after psychologists and psychiatrists. You'll learn what certain diagnoses entail and get unprecedented insight into the processes experienced doctors use to diagnose them. You'll also understand treatment options along with the risks and benefits each doctor considers, and how they go about prescribing a treatment, therapy and/or medication. Become a MedCircle Member today: https://medcircle.com/   Did you enjoy today's episode?   Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being.   Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  [email protected]   Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community   Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss   To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In  Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @[email protected]  Let me hear your thoughts!