Grief is a Sneaky Bitch

Nina Rodriguez joins host Lisa Keefauver to explore aspects of grief too often ignored, particularly focusing on sibling loss and the the societal stigmas surrounding addiction-related deaths. Nina shares the impact of unexpected loss, the importance of savoring life's little pleasures, her journey of reclaiming narratives and the ongoing process of living with wonderment. One of the things you won’t hear in her bio, though you will get to know about her in our conversation today, is the way she carries her grief with such care. Honoring the love she still holds for her brother Yosef, even in a world that often dismisses or diminishes deaths that result from addiction.ABOUT GUESTNina Rodriguez is a grief-informed guide, indie podcaster, host and founder of Grief and Light, a platform and podcast dedicated to fostering a more grief-informed, hopeful world through honest conversations about life after loss. Following the sudden passing of her only sibling in 2019, Nina launched the Grief and Light podcast to shine a truthful light on grief as a lived experience to honor, tend, and integrate, rather than something to 'fix'. Now in its fourth season, the show has earned a 2025 Women Who Podcast Magazine award and ranks #18 of 100 on Goodpods in the Grief category.Nina speaks nationally on grief, grief literacy, and post-traumatic growth, with recent engagements at the University of Miami, the 2025 Latinas in Podcasting Summit, and multiple Reimagine events. She writes the Substack 'Resting Grief Face', contributes to Get Griefy Magazine, co-authored Resilient A.F.: Stories of Resilience, Vol. 2, and completed a Grief Care Professional Certificate Program.Based in South Florida, Nina welcomes aligned collaborations, speaking engagements, and opportunities to create spaces where grief, resilience, and humanity can be met with honesty and care. Follow her work at Grief and Light on all platforms.LEARN MORE ABOUT NINA: https://www.griefandlight.com/LISTEN TO HER PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-and-light/id1680003901ABOUT THE SHOW & HOSTLisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, social worker, widow, assault & cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time.LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: at https://lisakeefauver.com/ACCESS GRIEF SUPPORT: https://lisakeefauver.com/supportREAD BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t&READ ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Poet Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer joins host Lisa Keefauver for a heartfelt conversation exploring the complexities of grief, the power of poetry, and the importance of self-compassion in the grieving process. They dive deep into the role of metaphor as a way to metabolize grief, and how writing can serve as a vehicle for self-compassion. Rosemerry is in a deep and expansive relationship with grief after the death of her son Finn by suicide in 2021 followed shortly afterwards by the death of her dad. In her work, just as she does in this conversation, she offers a tender voice, big heart, appetite for play, willingness to plum the depths of love and loss, and an insistence to be honest in her use of words. She emphasizes the duality of love and loss, and the significance of community in navigating grief. The conversation culminates in a powerful reading of Rosemerry's poetry, highlighting the beauty and pain intertwined in the human experience of love and loss.ABOUT GUESTRosemerry Wahtola Trommer has been writing and sharing a poem a day since 2006—a practice that especially nourished her after the death of her teenage son in 2021. Her daily poems can be found on her blog, A Hundred Falling Veils, or a curated version (with optional prompts) on her daily audio series, The Poetic Path, available with the Ritual app. She is the author of Exploring Poetry of Presence II: Prompts to Deepen Your Writing Practice. Her spoken-word albums include Dark Praise, which explores “endarkenment,” and Risking Love, which explores loving even when it seems impossible. Both are available anywhere you listen to music.LEARN MORE ABOUT ROSEMERRY at www.wordwoman.comREAD HER BOOKS: Unfolding, All The Honey, and more at https://bookshop.org/beta-search?keywords=rosemerry+wahtola+trommerSIGN UP FOR HER POETRY WORKSHOPS: at www.wordoman.comABOUT THE SHOW & HOSTLisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, social worker, widow, assault & cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time.LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: at https://lisakeefauver.com/ACCESS GRIEF SUPPORT: https://lisakeefauver.com/supportREAD BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t&READ ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chipsEPISODE THEMES:grief, grief support, child loss, suicide, grieving, grieving parent, community, poet, poetry, writing, healing, unfolding, podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having met first in 2024 when they both spoke at End Well, Sah D’Simone joined host Lisa Keefauver for a live in-studio conversation. Together they explore a wide range of topics - the death of his mother, our tendencies to escape the pain even in the name of healing, the power of somatic embodiment, what helping without hope looks like and so much more. With heart and sometimes humor, Sah shares personal stories of loss, healing, and his varied path from supporting orphans in Indonesia, bringing hope to formerly enslaved individuals in India, educating recovering addicts in Nepal, providing spiritual care to the sick and dying at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, and empowering homeless youth in Los Angeles.ABOUT GUEST:Sah D'Simone is a humanitarian, spiritual innovator, and grief educator whose work integrates Buddhism, somatic dance, art, and social justice to facilitate personal and collective healing. As founder of the Somatic Dance Institute, Sah developed the Somatic Activated Healing (SAH) Method, uniting dance, social justice, and spirituality to train instructors worldwide. His bestselling books, highly rated podcast, extensive membership platform, and transformative training programs have earned international recognition—from the cover of Sweden's Human Shift magazine to features in British Vogue, The Guardian, and Forbes.LEARN MORE ABOUT SAH: https://michelledhord.com/MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY: https://practice.sahdsimone.com/membershipINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sahdsimone/INSIGHT TIMER: https://insighttimer.com/sahdsimoneABOUT THE SHOW & HOST:Lisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, social worker, widow, assault & cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time.LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: at https://lisakeefauver.com/READ BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t&READ ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chipsEPISODE THEMES:grief, grief support, healing, emotions, healer, grief support, loss, transformation, dance, somatic embodiment, Sah D’Simone, Lisa Keefauver, Grief is a Sneaky Bitch, podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Michelle Hord joined host Lisa Keefauver to kick off Season 7 of Grief is a Sneaky Bitch podcast. Michelle knows that behind every tragic headline are real people experiencing real pain from catastrophic loss. As she shared in our Season 5 conversation on Grief is a Sneaky Bitch podcast, soon after she filed for divorce, her husband murdered their 7-year-old daughter, Gabrielle. She faced the unbearable pain of being a bereaved mother while grappling with the shocking actions of someone she once loved. As a producer for Good Morning America, she endured it all in the public eye. In this episode, we explore her latest O Magazine essay, There Are No Words—But Here's What We Owe the Grieving Anyway, inspired by the tragic murder of Rob and Michelle Reiner.KEY MOMENTS:02:24 Harmful Grief Beliefs in Society05:05 The Myth of Fixing Grief09:34 Invasive Questions and Grief Thieves12:57 The Othering Effect in Grief14:30 Protecting Your Heart in Grief18:10 The Power of Presence26:57 Understanding the Complexity of Grief30:03 The Impact of Speculation on Grief32:00 Complexity of Loss and Grief34:44 Self-Care for Supporters of the Grieving38:39 Understanding Resilience and Joy44:44 Finding Joy in Art and Service49:23 Grief in the Workplace and Organizational Culture58:04 The Interconnectedness of Grief and HealingABOUT GUEST:Michelle Hord is a consultant, facilitator, and keynote speaker who helps leaders navigate change, strengthen psychological safety, and build resilient, inclusive workplace cultures. With more than 30 years in media leadership and corporate talent development, she brings a storyteller’s lens and an operator’s discipline to the way organizations communicate, lead, and care for their people. Her book, The Other Side of Yet, is a recipient of the 2023 Christopher Award and the 2023 Memoir Magazine Grand Prize. Michelle is the founder of Gabrielle’s Wings, a nonprofit serving elementary-aged children in historically underserved communities named in her daughter's memory.LEARN MORE ABOUT MICHELLE: https://michelledhord.com/READ BOOK: The Other Side of Yet https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-other-side-of-yet-finding-light-in-the-midst-of-darkness-michelle-d-hord/42ad0b5d5d0bdb6fREAD ESSAY: There are No Words - But Here's What We Owe The Grieving Anyway https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/a69822675/rob-reiner-unthinkable-tragedy/ABOUT THE SHOW & HOST:Lisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, social worker, widow, assault & cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time.LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: at https://lisakeefauver.com/READ BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t&READ ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chipsEPISODE THEMES:#grief #loss #resilience #joy #presence #trauma #healing #community #workplace #compassion #griefsupport #griefandloss #tragedy #murder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hospice Nurse Penny as she’s known to millions on Tik Tok and Instagram joins host Lisa Keefauver for this episode of Grief is a Sneaky Bitch podcast. They explore Penny’s journey into hospice care, the myths surrounding hospice, and the importance of reframing our understanding of grief and death. Penny emphasizes that hospice care is about enhancing the quality of life for patients and dispelling misconceptions about the dying process. In this conversation, Penny and Lisa explore the complexities of end-of-life care, emphasizing the importance of centering the patient, advocating for honest communication, and addressing death anxiety. They share personal stories and insights on how to navigate difficult conversations about dying, the significance of understanding cultural differences, and the need for medical professionals to engage in meaningful discussions about hospice and palliative care. The dialogue highlights the emotional challenges faced by families and caregivers while also offering hope and strategies for finding meaning in the dying process. MORE ABOUT GUESTPenny Smith, BSN, RN is a (US) nationally certified hospice and palliative care nurse, social media influencer and author of Influencing Death, Reframing Dying for Better Living. For 20 years, Penny has worked in a variety of care settings and roles within hospice and is currently working as a hospice quality assurance nurse for an organization in Washington state. Penny is a passionate advocate for hospice education with a mission to normalize the end-of-life process to remove the stigma and fear around hospice care, death and dying. During the pandemic she found her way to social media and discovered a unique way to utilize her death care expertise to provide education to a worldwide audience at a grassroots level. Using a variety of teaching styles including TikTok trends, dark humor, dancing and storytelling, Penny has gathered over 2 million followers across her social media platforms as @hospicenursepenny. ABOUT THE SHOW & HOSTLisa Keefauver is a social worker, widow, and grief activist on a mission to reimagine the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. Learn more at www.lisakeefauver.com.Follow @lisakeefauvermsw on Instagram.Listen to Grief is a Sneaky Bitch Podcast - Available on all podcast platforms.Read Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. Available in bookstores and on your favorite online booksellers, including Bookshop.Org.Watch her TEDx talk, Why Knowing More About Grief Can Make it Suck Less hereSubscribe AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jennifer Hassel, author of 'Badass Grief joins host Lisa Keefauver' to discuss her journey through profound loss and the adventures that followed. Jennifer shares her early experiences with grief, the legacy of her husband Mark, and how she navigated parenting while grieving. The discussion emphasizes the importance of living fully in memory of loved ones and the challenges of finding happiness amidst sorrow. In this conversation, they explore the complexities of grief, resilience, and the journey of healing after profound loss. They discuss the importance of finding agency, the role of purpose in navigating grief, and the nonlinear path of healing. Jennifer shares her personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the need for compassion and support for those who are grieving. The conversation highlights the significance of acknowledging hard feelings while also recognizing moments of growth and hope.Key Takeaways·      Finding ways to remember loved ones is essential.·      Adventures can be a form of healing after loss.·      Finding agency in grief is crucial for healing.·      Having a purpose, even a small one, can help navigate loss.·      Resilience is a journey that takes time and effort.·      Offering hope to others can be a powerful act of compassion.·      It's important to connect with those further along in their grief journey.·      Recognizing personal growth can be difficult but is essential. MORE ABOUT GUESTJennifer E. Hassel was a lawyer who then became a registered nurse after living through her husband’s terminal illness, their mutual suffering, and her own grief. Writing from what she knows through first-hand experience, she has been published in The Philadelphia Lawyer, Joyful Life Magazine, The Sun, and the local newspaper of her hometown. profession and practice of nursing. Badass Grief is her first book. You can pick up a copy at your favorite online bookseller or your local bookstore. Learn more about Jennifer at jenniferhassel.com or subscribe to her new Substack at https://substack.com/@jenniferhasselABOUT THE SHOW & HOSTLisa Keefauver is a social worker, widow, and grief activist on a mission to reimagine the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. Learn more at www.lisakeefauver.com.Follow @lisakeefauvermsw on Instagram.Listen to Grief is a Sneaky Bitch Podcast - Available on all podcast platforms.Read Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. Available in bookstores and on your favorite online booksellers, including Bookshop.Org.Watch her TEDx talk, Why Knowing More About Grief Can Make it Suck Less hereSubscribe AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack here  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Grief is a Sneaky Bitch podcast, host Lisa Keefauver welcomes mother-daughter duo Suzy Hopkins and Hallie Bateman to discuss their new book, 'What to Do When You Get Dumped.' Suzy’s world fell apart when just a few weeks shy of her retirement, her husband of more than 30 years announced he was leaving her. Relying on her skills as a journalist, she set out to understand what other people did to move forward in the wake of this particular type of loss. With creativity, grit, talent, and humor, Suzy and her daughter Hallie joined forces for a second time to create a graphic book that helps us feel seen and understood in the grief that comes from being dumped. Key Takeaways: ·     Family dynamics play a significant role in how we process grief.·     Writing can be a powerful tool for processing grief.·     Humor can help navigate the darkness of grief. mor can coexist with grief and provide relief.·     Creative expression can be a powerful tool for processing grief.·     Art allows for a cathartic exploration of emotions.·     Self-compassion is crucial in the healing journey.·     Setting boundaries is essential for personal healing.·     Witnessing a loved one's healing can inspire personal growth. MORE ABOUT GUESTSuzy Hopkins is a former newspaper reporter and magazine publisher. She is co-author of What to Do When I’m Gone and her latest book, What To Do When You Get Dumped with her daughter, writer and illustrator Hallie Bateman. You can follow Suzy on Instagram @hopkinssuzy. Hallie Bateman is the author of four books. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, The New Yorker, Buzzfeed and many others. She lives in Cincinnati with her husband, their twins and a dog named Spinelli. You can learn more about Hallie and her illustration and creative works by visiting halliebateman.com  ABOUT THE SHOW & HOSTLisa Keefauver is a social worker, widow, and grief activist on a mission to reimagine the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time.Learn more at www.lisakeefauver.com.Follow @lisakeefauvermsw on Instagram.Listen to Grief is a Sneaky Bitch Podcast - Available on all podcast platforms.Read Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. Available in bookstores and on your favorite online booksellers, including Bookshop.Org.Watch her TEDx talk, Why Knowing More About Grief Can Make it Suck Less hereSubscribe AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mary-Frances O’Connor is one of the foremost experts on the impact of grief on the brain and the body. That’s why host Lisa Keefauver was thrilled to welcome her back to the podcast for a second time to discuss her latest book The Grieving Body: How the Stress of Loss Can Be an Opportunity for Healing. Just as Mary-Frances did in her book, she combines fascinating science, intimate storytelling, and her generous heart to help us better understand the physiological impact of the stressors of grief. Some of the themes explored include: Stress is a significant factor in the grieving process.Grief can significantly impact physical health, particularly cardiovascular health.Every small act of agency contributes to healing.The body has a natural resilience and ability to recover from grief.Life after loss involves adapting to new realities and understanding changes. Grieving is a continuous learning curve that requires practice.Attachment plays a crucial role in how we experience grief.Social connections can alleviate some of the physiological impacts of grief. MORE ABOUT GUESTMARY-FRANCES O’CONNOR, PhD is a professor of psychology at the University of Arizona, where she directs the Grief, Loss and Social Stress (GLASS) Lab, investigating the effects of grief on the brain and the body. Her first book The Grieving Brain was included on Oprah’s list of Best Books to Comfort a Grieving Friend. O’Connor holds a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Arizona and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in psychoneuroimmunology at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. Having grown up in Montana, she now lives in Tucson, Arizona. Visit www.maryfrancesoconnor.org to learn more. ABOUT THE SHOW & HOSTLisa Keefauver is a social worker, widow, and grief activist on a mission to reimagine the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. Learn more at www.lisakeefauver.com.Follow @lisakeefauvermsw on Instagram.Listen to Grief is a Sneaky Bitch Podcast - Available on all podcast platforms.Read Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. Available in bookstores and on your favorite online booksellers, including Bookshop.Org. Watch her TEDx talk, Why Knowing More About Grief Can Make it Suck Less hereSubscribe AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome Serene Meshel-Dillman to the show. In this episode, host Lisa Keefauver engages in a profound conversation with Serene - a producer and filmmaker, about her documentary series 'Take Me Out Feet First.' now playing on Amazon Prime. – is a poignant documentary series delving into the deeply personal journeys of 25 terminally ill individuals as they navigate their end-of-life decisions and explore their options. They explore personal experiences of loss, the cultural context of grief, and the importance of discussing medical aid in dying. The conversation highlights the need for agency and dignity in end-of-life choices, emphasizing the significance of sharing stories to normalize these discussions and advocate for change in legislation surrounding medical aid in dying.MORE ABOUT GUESTA New York native and dancer with a passion for the visual arts, Serene attended The School of American Ballet, Tenafly High School then The University of Vermont. Post graduation, she opted out of law school and worked at an advertising agency in New York, founded a company that imported baskets from Haiti, then moved to Los Angeles to work in production on television commercials. In 2014 Serene conceived and directed the documentary film, “Getting to The Nutcracker”, a behind the scenes look at what it takes to produce the classic ballet from auditions to final performance. Her second documentary, “The 5th Dementia” is about a Los Angeles-based band whose members live with Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s. They are able to sing and play music despite their neurodegenerative diseases. Take Me Out Feet First, currently streaming on Amazon Prime, is her first series.Key TakeawaysThe importance of agency in end-of-life decisions.Many people do not use medical aid in dying despite having the option.Personal stories can drive advocacy for change.Conversations about death should be normalized.Quality of life is paramount in end-of-life care.Legislation is evolving, and advocacy is crucial.ABOUT THE SHOW & HOSTLisa Keefauver is a social worker, widow, and grief activist on a mission to reimagine the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time.LEARN more at www.lisakeefauver.com.FOLLOW @lisakeefauvermsw on Instagram.LISTEN to Grief is a Sneaky Bitch Podcast - Available on all podcast platforms.READ Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. Available in bookstores and on your favorite online booksellers, including Bookshop.Org. Also available as an audiobook.WATCH her TEDx talk, Why Knowing More About Grief Can Make it Suck Less hereSUBSCRIBE AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Consolée Nishimwe and Barbara Becker joined host Lisa Keefauver for this powerful episode. In this episode, these friends explore the profound themes of grief, trauma, and resilience. They discuss Consolée's experiences as a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, and the importance of empathy and storytelling in the healing process. The conversation highlights the significance of creating safe spaces for vulnerability and the role of community support in navigating pain and hope. Consolee opens up about her journey of healing through storytelling, the transformation of her identity after trauma, and the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding HIV and rape. She emphasizes the role of mindfulness and meditation in her healing process, and the necessity of community support in overcoming shame and stigma. As Consolee expressed, we are more than what we endured.  MORE ABOUT GUESTSConsolee Nishimwe is an author, a motivational speaker, and a survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Today, Consolee is a committed speaker on the genocide, a defender of Women’s rights, and an advocate for other genocide survivors. In 2012, Consolee released her memoir Tested to the Limit: A Genocide Survivor’s Story of Pain, Resilience, and Hope. Consolee currently lives in New York. Learn more about her at www. https://www.consolee.org  Barbara Becker is a bestselling writer, international human rights advocate, and interfaith leader. She is the author of the Gold Nautilus Award-winning HEARTWOOD: The Art of Living with the End in Mind, which Katie Couric Media featured in their “Books that will Change Your Life.” Barbara has worked with the United Nations, Human Rights First, the Ms. Foundation for Women, and has recently participated in a delegation of interfaith leaders to Rwanda. As an ordained interfaith minister, she bridges the sacred and the secular. Learn more at www.barbarabecker.comABOUT THE SHOW & HOSTLisa Keefauver is a social worker, widow, and grief activist on a mission to reimagine the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. Learn more at www.lisakeefauver.com. Follow @lisakeefauvermsw on Instagram. Listen to Grief is a Sneaky Bitch Podcast - Available on all podcast platforms.Read Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. Available in bookstores and on your favorite online booksellers, including Bookshop.Org. Also available as an audiobook. Watch her TEDx talk, Why Knowing More About Grief Can Make it Suck Less here Subscribe to AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sundari Malcolm, a Birth, Grief, and Death Doula, joined host Lisa Keefauver for this episode. In 2007, at 27 years old, and after 7 years of being her Caregiver, Sundari Malcolm lost her mother to Breast Cancer. 4 years later, her father died from the complications of Brain Cancer.Those experiences redirected her life, and she's made it her mission to equip people with the tools they need to manage life’s greatest transitions. This conversation travels topics deep and wide from friendship loss, the role of caregiving for one parent, to grieving a complicated relationship with the other parent and the practices and skills we need to metabolize our grief. All along the way Sundari brings warmth, wisdom, and my favorite – a little cheeky humor to this wide-ranging conversation. MORE ABOUT GUEST:Sundari is the founder of A Healing Doula Academy, a self- paced virtual training program for Spiritually led Grief & Death Doulas with a focus on Indigenous healing practices. Sundari is offering this community an enrollment discount of 20%. You can visit www.ahealingdoula.com to learn more and Simply apply the giftcode, SNEAKYBITCH20 at checkout.  CHAPTERS:05:07 Cultural Perspectives on Grief07:58 Understanding Friend Loss14:54 Healing Practices and Self-Care19:31 Navigating Life as an Orphan28:03 Spiritual Practices in Grief29:11 The Role of Caregiver in Grief29:32 Navigating the Complexities of Caregiving43:38 The Challenges of Anticipatory Grief56:10 Understanding Complicated Grief01:03:55 Reclaiming Intuitive Healing ABOUT THE SHOW & HOSTLisa Keefauver is a social worker, widow, and grief activist on a mission to reimagine the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. Learn more at www.lisakeefauver.com.Follow @lisakeefauvermsw on Instagram.Listen to Grief is a Sneaky Bitch Podcast - Available on all podcast platforms.Read Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. Available in bookstores and on your favorite online booksellers, including Bookshop.Org. Also available as an audiobook.Watch her TEDx talk, Why Knowing More About Grief Can Make it Suck Less hereSubscribe AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack here  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cole Imperi, a clinically trained chaplain and thanatologist joins host Lisa Keefauver to explore the multifaceted nature of grief. They explore the importance of grief literacy, the role of community support, and the cultural perspectives that shape our understanding of loss. Cole shares her experiences working with incarcerated individuals and discusses the concept of shadow losses, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in grief. The conversation highlights the significance of rituals, vulnerability, and the importance of building supportive communities for those navigating grief.  MORE ABOUT GUESTCole Imperi is a thanatologist, author, and researcher whose work focuses on the use of non-clinical tools in support of those experiencing loss and grief. She is the author of "A Guide to Grief" published by Kids Can Press for ages 10-14 and has a second book about grief for adults coming in 2026 from Penguin. Visit www.coleimperi.com to learn more about her work. KEY TAKEAWAYS09:49 Grief in the Prison System18:09 Themes of Loss and Home24:42 Cultural Perceptions of Grief33:05 Vulnerability of Grievers38:53 Cultural Influences on Grieving Practices49:11 Building Community in New Environments55:09 Writing for Grief Literacy in Teens01:04:18 Understanding Thanatology and Its Cultural Context ABOUT THE SHOW & HOSTLisa Keefauver is a social worker, widow, and grief activist on a mission to reimagine the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time.Learn more at www.lisakeefauver.com.Listen to Grief is a Sneaky Bitch Podcast - Available on all podcast platforms.Read Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. Available in bookstores and on your favorite online booksellers, including Bookshop.Org. Also available as an audiobook.Watch her TEDx talk, Why Knowing More About Grief Can Make it Suck Less hereSubscribe AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack hereFollow @lisakeefauvermsw on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Olivia Abousaid joins host Lisa Keefauver for a profound conversation about the complexities of grief, particularly in the context of community, chronic illness, and cultural influences. They explore personal experiences of grief, the importance of rituals, the role of anger, and the necessity of finding agency amidst ongoing loss. The discussion emphasizes the significance of community support, the power of letter writing as a tool for processing grief, and the balance between experiencing joy and sorrow. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder that grief is a shared human experience that requires connection, understanding, and compassion. Our conversation traverses a wide landscape of types of losses and facets of grief  - from the death of loved ones, witnessing and experiencing racism and genocide, dreams deferred and denied, and the grief over the limitations brought on by living with Lupus, a chronic illness. MORE ABOUT GUESTMaster Certified Coach Olivia understands the profound power of self-improvement and resilience. Born and raised in Dallas to Palestinian parents, her journey has instilled in her a deep appreciation for personal growth and navigating cultural nuances. Now residing in Los Angeles, Olivia combines her life experiences with her expertise as a Master Certified Professional Coach to empower individuals to unlock their full potential. As a dedicated grief and transformation coach, Olivia helps clients navigate their unique journeys through grief—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, coping with chronic illness, or grappling with unfulfilled dreams. Her transformational coaching goes beyond one-size-fits-all solutions, creating a safe space for you to explore your goals, overcome challenges, and embrace your authentic self. Learn more about Olivia by visiting https://www.pact-coaching.com/ Key Moments09:46 Cultural Context of Grief15:36 Navigating Complicated Grief21:12 Agency in Ongoing Grief30:36 Embracing the Complexity of Emotions36:32 Sustaining Activism and Personal Well-being45:19 Understanding Chronic Illness and Grief56:59 The Importance of Community in Grief01:05:39 Rituals and Practices for Healing ABOUT THE SHOW & HOSTLisa Keefauver is a social worker, widow, and grief activist on a mission to reimagine the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time.Learn more at www.lisakeefauver.com.Listen to Grief is a Sneaky Bitch Podcast - Available on all podcast platforms.Read Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. Available in bookstores and on your favorite online booksellers, including Bookshop.Org. Also available as an audiobook.Watch her TEDx talk, Why Knowing More About Grief Can Make it Suck Less hereSubscribe to Substack AFGO with Lisa Keefauver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne Gudger is the author of the beautiful memoir, The Fifth Chamber, which Kirkus Review called “An emotionally riveting memoir, raw and inspiring.” In this conversation, Annie Gudger shares her journey of navigating love and grief after the accidental death of her husband when she was just 6 months pregnant with their son. As she shared in her extraordinary memoir, Anne explores the complexities of entering a new relationship as a young widow and mother while dealing with profound. Together we explore themes around shock, the nature of helpful (and not helpful) grief support, along with the coping mechanisms she developed. Annie emphasizes the importance of curiosity and meaningful conversations in processing grief and highlights the therapeutic value of writing as a tool for healing.  MORE ABOUT GUEST Anne Gudger's work has been published in places like Newsweek, Real Simple Magazine, Columbia Journal, The Los Angeles Review, and more. She has been a Best of the Net Nominee twice and has won a handful of essay contests. In March 2020, with her beloved daughter, she co-founded Coffee and Grief: a community that includes a monthly reading series focused on grief and their podcast called Coffee, Grief, and Gratitude. Anne’s big purpose is to normalize grief, to give grief a microphone. You can learn more about Anne Gudger, her incredible memoir, The Fifth Champer, and her other grief platforms by visiting www.annegudger.com or follow her on socials at @annegudger.  Key Moments00:00 Introduction to Grief and Early Loss06:00 Lessons from Early Grief Experiences09:01 Celebrating Kent: A Life Full of Adventure11:58 Navigating Accidental Loss and Early Grief15:07 The Role of Support Systems in Grief18:01 Specific Ways to Offer Support21:04 The Impact of Grief on Daily Life28:55 The Importance of Grief Support30:01 Navigating the Before and After of Grief34:25 The Challenge of Dating After Loss41:53 Remaking Identity Through Grief44:47 Finding New Love Amidst GriefABOUT THE SHOW & HOSTLisa Keefauver is a social worker, widow, cancer survivor, and grief activist, author, and keynote speaker on a mission to reimagine the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. Learn more at www.lisakeefauver.com.Follow @lisakeefauvermsw on Instagram.Listen to Grief is a Sneaky Bitch Podcast - Available on all podcast platforms.Read Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. Available in bookstores and on your favorite online booksellers, including Bookshop.Org. Also available as an audiobook.Watch her TEDx talk, Why Knowing More About Grief Can Make it Suck Less here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m thrilled to bring you a conversation with the warm and one of the truly wisest people I know on the subject of grief and loss, Litsa Williams. She is the co-founder of the online grief organization, What’s Your Grief - - - which is also the title of the incredible book she co-authored. She is a grief therapist with over 15 years of experience working with sudden, traumatic, and disenfranchised losses as well as ambiguous grief. Litsa holds a Masters in Social work and one in Philosophy too. Both of those perspectives show up in this conversation. This episode is expansive as we explore the loss of her father and the subsequent challenges her family faced, including her sister's struggle with addiction. Litsa emphasizes the importance of understanding our grief beliefs and the stigma surrounding addiction, while also highlighting the need for accessible resources for those navigating grief. Whether you or someone you love is experiencing a disenfranchised grief related to addiction, ambiguous losses, traumatic loss or more, I promise you are going to learn so much from this conversation.MORE ABOUT THE GUESTShe is the co-founder of the online grief organization What’s Your Grief. She’s a grief therapist with over 15 years of experience working with sudden, traumatic, and disenfranchised losses as well as ambiguous grief. Drawing on personal and professional experience with grief, WYG was built as a resource offering concrete, accessible, and relatable support, founded on the values of psychoeducation and creative coping. Litsa received her master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work, as well as a master’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Warwick (UK). She co-authored the 2022 book What’s Your Grief: Lists to Help You Through Any Loss. Learn more here: https://whatsyourgrief.com; https://instagram.com/whatsyourgrief; https://facebook.com/whatsyourgrief ABOUT THE SHOW & HOSTLisa Keefauver is a social worker, widow, and grief activist on a mission to reimagine the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. Learn more at www.lisakeefauver.com.Follow @lisakeefauvermsw on Instagram.Listen to Grief is a Sneaky Bitch Podcast - Available on all podcast platforms.Read Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. Available in bookstores and on your favorite online booksellers, including Bookshop.Org. Also available as an audiobook.Watch her TEDx talk, Why Knowing More About Grief Can Make it Suck Less here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Susan Lieu is a multi-hyphenate storyteller, activist, and author helping people live the stories they’ve always wanted. Her award-winning solo show 140 LBS: How Beauty Killed My Mother evolved into her debut and truly extraordinary memoir, The Manicurist’s Daughter. In this episode we explore the complexities of grief beliefs shaped by family dynamics, the silence surrounding loss, and the impact of cultural context on mourning. Susan reflects on her mother's legacy, the circumstances of her death, and the cascading losses that followed, including shifts in family structure and identity. The conversation highlights the importance of being seen and heard in the grieving process and the role of art in healing. Susan shares her profound journey of grief, justice, and self-discovery following the death of her mother. She discusses the complexities of carrying grief, the quest for accountability, and the transformative power of performance art in processing her experiences. Through her exploration of family dynamics, she uncovers the shared pain and resilience within her family, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of love, compassion, and the importance of living with intention. ABOUT THE GUESTVietnamese-American author, playwright, and performer Susan Lieu is the creator of her theatrical solo show "140 LBS: How Beauty Killed My Mother," which received critical acclaim from LA Times, NPR, and American Theatre. Her debut memoir, The Manicurist’s Daughter (Celadon), is an Apple Book Pick of the Month and Must Listen of the Month, and has received accolades from The New York Times, NPR Books, Elle Magazine, and The Washington Post. The cofounder of Socola Chocolatier, she is a proud alumnae of Harvard, Yale, and Hedgebrook.You can follow: @susanlieu @celadonbooks facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanlieuofficial TikTok: @susanlieuofficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanlieu/ https://www.susanlieu.me/over-140-lbs ABOUT THE SHOW & HOSTLisa Keefauver is a social worker, widow, cancer survivor and grief activist on a mission to reimagine the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN more at www.lisakeefauver.com.FOLLOW @lisakeefauvermsw on Instagram.SUBSCRIBE to AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack at lisakeefauver.substack.comLISTEN to Grief is a Sneaky Bitch Podcast - Available on all podcast platforms.READ Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. Available in bookstores and on your favorite online booksellers, including Bookshop.Org. Also available as an audiobook.WATCH her TEDx talk, Why Knowing More About Grief Can Make it Suck Less here or the video versions of this podcast here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we discuss internationally celebrated celebrity intuitive medium Susan Grau’s new remarkable book, Infinite Life, Infinite Lessons. It is a deep dive into the soul's journey, offering insights into healing from grief and the afterlife. Susan shares her early memories of trauma and loss and the profound impact of her near-death experience. Our conversation delves into the definitions of spirit and soul, and how these concepts relate to our understanding of life and death. Susan explains what she’s experienced and learned about the spiritual connections that persist beyond death, the role of angels and guides, and the importance of being present in our lives. Susan offers practical advice for connecting with loved ones who have passed. Please note: This episode does include discussions of childhood abuse and near-death experiences. Please take care and use your judgement on what’s best for you. ABOUT THE GUEST Susan Grau is an internationally celebrated celebrity intuitive medium, author, soul healer, and speaker. In addition to working as a professional medium and life path intuitive, Susan’s diverse range of certifications include: Reiki Master, Sai Maa Diksha Practitioner, Karuna Practitioner, and Certified CADC II - Addiction Specialist. Additionally, she is a licensed hypnotherapist specializing in past life regression, a respected professional teacher of the metaphysical arts and an honorary member of the Healing Touch Professional Association (HTPA). Susan specializes in grief therapy, guiding people to healing and recovery. Susan has just released her new book Infinite Life, Infinite Lessons (July 16, 2024) by Hay House. It is a deep dive into the soul's journey, offering insights into healing from grief and the afterlife and is now available to order on her website and a variety of retailers in the US. ABOUT THE SHOW & HOSTLisa Keefauver is a social worker, widow, cancer survivor and grief activist on a mission to reimagine the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN more at www.lisakeefauver.com.FOLLOW @lisakeefauvermsw on Instagram.SUBSCRIBE to AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack at lisakeefauver.substack.comLISTEN to Grief is a Sneaky Bitch Podcast - Available on all podcast platforms.READ Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. Available in bookstores and on your favorite online booksellers, including Bookshop.Org. Also available as an audiobook.WATCH her TEDx talk, Why Knowing More About Grief Can Make it Suck Less here or the video versions of this podcast here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emmy Award-Winning journalist and author, Allison Gilbert, joined host Lisa Keefauver for an important conversation on the intersections of grief, joy, and loneliness. They dive deep into the lessons from Allison's latest book, 'The Joy of Connections: 100 Ways to Beat Loneliness and Live a Happier and More Meaningful Life.' co-authored with the late Dr. Ruth Westheimer. They explore early experiences of grief, the importance of peer support, and the tough love lessons from her co-author, Dr. Ruth Westheimer. The conversation delves into defining joy, the structure of their book, and the significance of communicating needs in relationships. They also address the challenges faced by caregivers and the importance of maintaining connections amidst caregiving responsibilities. ABOUT THE GUEST Allison Gilbert is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and one of the most influential writers and speakers on how to find the inner resources to overcome life’s biggest challenges. Through research and lived experience, Allison helps audiences transform grief and loss, manage caregiving and chronic illness, and find connection amid the growing public health crisis of social isolation and loneliness. She is co-author of Dr. Ruth Westheimer’s final book, The Joy of Connections: 100 Ways to Beat Loneliness and Live a Happier and More Meaningful Life. The book stems from the article Allison wrote for The New York Times, “Dr. Ruth Saved People’s Sex Lives. Now she wants to Cure Loneliness,” about Dr. Ruth’s appointment as New York State’s Ambassador to Loneliness, the first such position in the United States. Allison is also the author of Passed and Present, Always Too Soon, and Parentless Parents. You can follow her on IG at @agilbertwriter. ABOUT THE SHOW & HOSTLisa Keefauver is a social worker, widow, cancer survivor and grief activist on a mission to reimagine the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN more at www.lisakeefauver.com.FOLLOW @lisakeefauvermsw on Instagram.LISTEN to Grief is a Sneaky Bitch Podcast - Available on all podcast platforms.READ Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. Available in bookstores and on your favorite online booksellers, including Bookshop.Org. Also available as an audiobook.WATCH her TEDx talk, Why Knowing More About Grief Can Make it Suck Less here or the video versions of this podcast here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathleen Blackburn was the oldest of five children, a 12-year-old from Lubbock, Texas, whose evangelical family eschewed publ­ic education for homeschooling and wove improbable scientific theories into literal interpretations of the bible. Then her father, a former air force pilot, was diagnosed with stage IV cancer at the age of thirty-eight, and, as Kathleen writes in her searing memoir, Loose of Earth, “it was like pouring gasoline on the Holy Spirit.” In this conversation, we explore the intricate relationship between personal grief, memory, and the political dimensions of loss. We dive dep into the complexities of memory, denial, and the impact of parental beliefs on childhood experiences of loss. As a memoirist, Kathleen explores the journey of humanizing those we’ve lost and shares her experiences growing up in a family that prioritized faith healing over medical care for her father's cancer. Kathleen explores the impact of her father's military background, the denial surrounding his illness, and the emotional toll it took on her as a child. The conversation also explores the environmental factors contributing to her father's health issues, particularly PFAS contamination, and how these experiences shaped her understanding of grief and memory. ABOUT THE GUESTKathleen was born in a military hospital on Guam in 1984. She was raised in Lubbock, Texas. She earned an MFA from the Ohio State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is the author of the memoir Loose of Earth, out with the University of Texas Press (April 2024). Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Texas Observer, Belt, Guernica, Gulf Coast, River Teeth, and elsewhere. For five years, she’s taught creative nonfiction workshops at the University of Chicago. In Fall 2024, she will join the English faculty at SUNY New Paltz as an Assistant Professor. You can pick up a copy of her extraordinary memoir, Loose of Earth online here or in your favorite local bookstore. ABOUT THE SHOW & HOSTLisa Keefauver is a social worker, widow, cancer survivor and grief activist on a mission to reimagine the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN more at www.lisakeefauver.com.FOLLOW @lisakeefauvermsw on Instagram.LISTEN to Grief is a Sneaky Bitch Podcast - Available on all podcast platforms.READ Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. Available in bookstores and on your favorite online booksellers, including Bookshop.Org. Also available as an audiobook.WATCH her TEDx talk, Why Knowing More About Grief Can Make it Suck Less here or the video versions of this podcast here  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Please welcome my wonderful friend, Jamie Thrower to the show. They are a Creative, Death Doula and founder of the Queer Grief Club. This episode is all about the intersections of grief, art, and community. Jamie and Lisa explore how personal experiences with loss shape grief beliefs, the importance of creative expression in processing grief, and the need for safe spaces for grieving individuals, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Jamie shares their journey of using photography and art as tools for mindfulness and connection, emphasizing the significance of community in navigating grief. Jamie explores their own losses, including a late pregnancy loss and how that informs the community work they do. The conversation highlights the necessity of witnessing grief and creating environments where individuals can both embody and express their grief. ABOUT THE GUESTYou can learn more about Jamie’s work as a Death Doula, End-Of-Life Educator, and Grief Supporter at www.jamiethrower.com. They also host an incredible Substack called Mourning Glory. You can sign up here: https://jamiethrower.substack.com/ ABOUT THE SHOW & HOSTLisa Keefauver is a social worker, widow, and grief activist on a mission to reimagine the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. Learn more at www.lisakeefauver.com.Follow @lisakeefauvermsw on Instagram.Listen to Grief is a Sneaky Bitch Podcast - Available on all podcast platforms.Read Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. Available in bookstores and on your favorite online booksellers, including Bookshop.Org. Also available as an audiobook.Watch her TEDx talk, Why Knowing More About Grief Can Make it Suck Less here SPECIAL EPISODESubmit your question: If you have a grief question, you’d like Lisa to answer on the air, record your question here: https://www.speakpipe.com/GriefIsASneakyBitchLive. Make sure you’re subscribed to the show so you get notified when these bonus episodes drop so you can hear your question, and her answer live on the air. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.