Grief, Gratitude & The Gray in Between

Hannah Rumsey is a writer, certified Grief Educator, and the podcast host of Friends Missing Friends [http://friendsmissingfriends.com/]. After the death of her beloved friend Lauren in 2015, she noticed a stark lack of friend-loss resources. To fill this gap, she launched the Friends Missing Friends Collective [http://friendsmissingfriens.com/griefgroup]—an affordable online membership for friend-loss grievers to get 1:1 and group support. Her mission is to speak out about this disenfranchised grief, and nurture a community where folks grieving friends feel seen, heard, and understood. Contact Hannah Rumsey: : friendsmissingfriends.com [http://friendsmissingfriends.com/] https://www.instagram.com/friendsmissingfriends/  https://www.facebook.com/friendsmissingfriends  [https://www.facebook.com/friendsmissingfriends] Grief Groups through the Friends Missing Friends Collective: friendsmissingfriends.com/griefgroup [http://friendsmissingfriends.com/griefgroup] Contact Kenddra Rinaldi https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/ In this episode, we cover: • The Gift of "One Last Summer": Hannah shares the beautiful story of meeting her friend Lauren at Interlochen Arts Camp and how Lauren, though younger, gave Hannah the gift of one last childhood summer before adulthood set in. • The Trauma of Digital Grief: We discuss the jarring reality of finding out about a loved one's death via social media. Hannah recounts the heartbreaking moment she went to post a "Happy Birthday" message on Lauren's Facebook wall, only to discover "Rest in Peace" posts instead. • Grief in Young Adulthood: We explore the unique disorientation of losing a peer at age 23. Hannah explains how this "out of order" loss shattered her ability to create a "five-year plan" because the concept of a future felt impossible to grasp. • From Perfectionism to Improv: Hannah details her radical pivot from being a classical trumpet player to studying Improv comedy in Chicago. She explains how Improv became a survival mechanism, forcing her to live entirely in the "present moment" because looking ahead was too painful. • Friend Loss as Disenfranchised Grief: We define "Disenfranchised Grief" and discuss why society often invalidates the loss of a friend. Hannah shares her frustration with Googling "friend loss support" and only finding resources for pet loss. • Internalized Disenfranchisement: We talk about the concept of "Name it to Tame it." Hannah explains that because society didn't validate her pain, she began to feel like she was "going crazy" or overreacting, until she learned that her grief was real and valid. • Friends Missing Friends: How Hannah turned her isolation into community by creating the Friends, Missing Friends Collective to support others navigating this specific type of loss.

In this vulnerable solo episode, I am sharing my heart regarding the emotional weight of these past few weeks. Recently, it really hit home for me when some teenagers from my daughter's school here in Texas died in a tragic sledding accident during a rare ice storm. When you combine a local tragedy like that with the grief of injustices, war, and shattered families happening all around the world, our nervous systems can tighten, and the collective grief can feel like too much to carry. We often feel a pressure to speak up publicly or post on social media, fearing that if we don't, we aren't doing enough. But in this episode, I want to remind you that we are all part of an "ecosystem" of life—kind of like a potluck dinner where everyone brings a different dish. Some of us bring activism, while others bring art, prayer, laughter, or a quiet presence, and all of these roles are necessary for change. In this episode, I touch on: • The Pressure to Perform: Releasing the guilt of not publicly speaking out on every tragedy and understanding that your role might look different than someone else's. • The Ecosystem of Change: How to identify if your role today is to be on the front lines, or if your role is to rest so you can hold space for others tomorrow. • Nervous System Regulation: Why we need to pause when we feel overwhelmed—because if we are all crumbling, we can't hold anyone else up. • Micro-Acts of Love: How small things, like smiling at a stranger, checking on a friend, or dropping off a meal, are powerful ways to tend to the collective grief. • Curating Your Peace: The importance of breathing, moving your body, and setting boundaries around how much news and social media you consume. I want to invite you to give yourself permission to feel whatever you are feeling—whether that is freezing, crying, or needing to retreat. We cannot fix everything, but we can always tend to someone. Sending you all so much love. https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

Shari Ross is the author of Senior Living Made S.I.M.P.L.E.™ and creator of the companion workbook and toolkit designed to help families take clear, practical steps through the senior living journey with a clear path forward. She is also the founder of the Senior Living Made S.I.M.P.L.E.™ brand, where she has built a reputation for simplifying complex decisions and leading families toward the right solutions with compassion and expertise.  An award-winning senior living sales specialist, Shari spent over a decade guiding hundreds of families through the challenges of assisted living, memory care, and long- term planning. Her expertise has made her a frequent guest on national podcasts and a featured speaker for organizations and events dedicated to aging, caregiving, and family transitions. A graduate of NYU and long-time Southern California resident with East Coast roots, Shari combines her professional expertise with her personal journey. She continues to guide her own aging parents through their next steps while raising two young adult children, giving her an authentic, empathetic perspective that resonates deeply with the families she serves.  Her mission is to transform aging from overwhelming to empowering. Through her signature S.I.M.P.L.E.™ Method, she equips families with a framework to make informed senior living decisions, helping them move forward with a clear path forward, dignity, and peace of mind. https://www.seniorlivingmadesimple.com/    Amaon Book [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FFQJPDZN?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_XJPT73H2K6PVDVW056XC&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_XJPT73H2K6PVDVW056XC&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_XJPT73H2K6PVDVW056XC&bestFormat=true]  Amazon Workbook [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FKH1LD64?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_JPVFBBBGD2FKB4SBDQ0Y&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_JPVFBBBGD2FKB4SBDQ0Y&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_JPVFBBBGD2FKB4SBDQ0Y&bestFormat=true]   IG @seniorlivingwithshari Connect with Kendra Rinaldi [https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/] to be a guest on the podcast or to joing the newsletter Show Highlights: • The S.I.M.P.L.E. Framework: Shari breaks down her acronym designed to guide families through the maze of senior living: Support, Information, Matching, Preparation, Letting Go, and Engagement. • Redefining Identity: We discuss the profound shift that occurs when you allow professionals to take over the caregiving duties, enabling you to step back into your original role as a son, daughter, or spouse. • Navigating Guilt and "Stuff": Shari explains the two layers of "Letting Go": releasing the physical accumulation of a lifetime and releasing the emotional weight of guilt that suggests you aren't doing enough. • Language Matters: Why words like "facility" or "institution" create fear, and how shifting our vocabulary to "community" or "apartment" can change the tone of the conversation. • The Grief of Relocation: We acknowledge that moving brings legitimate grief over the loss of a home and independence, even when it leads to a gain in community, safety, and purpose. • Proactive vs. Reactive: The importance of having these difficult conversations early—before a fall or medical emergen

Ken Miller is a speaker, coach, and author whose life story is a powerful testament to the human capacity for betrayal, breakthrough, and becoming. Born into difficult circumstances and raised in a home marked by both love and trauma, Ken's early life was anything but easy. Despite the odds, he excelled academically, becoming a National Merit Scholar and eventually graduating from an Ivy League university—achievements that reflected his immense potential. But life took a dark turn. Struggles with addiction and a series of poor decisions led Ken into a cycle of homelessness, incarceration, and despair. He went from prestigious classrooms to prison cells, from hopeful beginnings to rock bottom. Through it all, he carried the weight of regret and the fear that his story might end in tragedy. Yet, in the depths of that darkness, Ken made a decision that would change everything: to rebuild his life, one small, intentional choice at a time. Released from prison with nothing but a box of belongings and $28 to his name, Ken began the long, challenging road of reclaiming his life. That journey, fueled by courage, accountability, and an unrelenting commitment to growth, led him to become the man he is today—a thriving entrepreneur, mentor, and voice of hope for those who feel trapped by their past. Ken now uses his story to inspire others, proving that where you've been doesn't have to determine where you're going. He speaks to schools, organizations, and individuals across the country, sharing a message of identity, transformation, and the power of choice. His mission is clear: to show that no matter how far someone has fallen, it is always possible to rise, rebuild, and thrive. www.kenmillerspeaks.com [https://kenmillerspeaks.com/] Show Topics: • The Broken Scholar: How a violent upbringing led an Ivy League student into a 30-year spiral of alcoholism and addiction. • Shame vs. Guilt: Understanding the difference between being "shame-based" (a state of being) and "guilt-based" (a verb of action), and how this distinction saves lives. • The Four Pillars of Wellness: How Ken rebuilt his life by focusing on his physical, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional health. • Taking Power from Secrets: The necessity of "walking through the doors" of past trauma and turning on the light to find forgiveness and healing. • Redefining Masculinity: The 1998 turning point when Ken heard the phrase "today I am a kind and gentle man" and decided to make that his life's mission. • From Survival to Service: Why Ken now focuses on being "good" rather than "great" and how he gives back through mentoring and speaking Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be on the podcast or more information about the services she offers  and to  sign up for the newsletter. https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

Natalia Varela, socia fundadora de ArteUmano, es una de las 230 instructoras internacionales certificada para llevar el trabajo del Dr. Joe Dispenza "NeuroChange Solutions" al mundo corporativo.  Más de 25 años de experiencia en el mundo corporativo en las áreas de Recursos Humanos y Desarrollo Organizacional`. Está convencida que las organizaciones crecen de adentro hacia afuera. Por esta razón le apasiona ayudar a las personas en sus procesos de desarrollo, crecimiento y transformación.  Por medio de conceptos y herramientas de neurociencia ayuda a las personas a comprender la conexión entre del cerebro con el cuerpo como parte fundamental para lograr cambios permanentes en cualquier ámbito de la vida. www.arteumano.com [http://www.arteumano.com/] Intragram: arteumano_au Puntos Destacados: •Reprogramación Cerebral: El 95% de nuestros pensamientos son inconscientes y automáticos; a través de la neuroplasticidad, podemos "podar" conexiones antiguas y crear nuevos patrones de pensamiento. • Acompañamiento en el Duelo: Natalia relata cómo la meditación junto a su padre en el hospital fue una herramienta sanadora que ayudó a ambos a reducir la ansiedad y encontrar paz antes de su partida. • Ruptura de Adicciones Emocionales: El cuerpo se vuelve adicto a las hormonas del estrés (cortisol/adrenalina); la meditación permite observar y romper el ciclo vicioso de victimización o culpa. • Supervivencia vs. Creación: Al meditar, pasamos del "modo supervivencia" (estrés persistente) al "modo creación", activando el sistema nervioso parasimpático para evitar enfermedades causadas por emociones atrapadas. • Maternidad Consciente: Natalia utiliza la neurociencia para entender que los niños no tienen el cerebro totalmente desarrollado para controlarse; esto le permite ayudarlos a regularse en lugar de engancharse en sus conflictos. • Herramientas Prácticas: Destaca el uso del "Diario de los 5 minutos" para iniciar el día con gratitud e intención, y la regla de los 90 segundos, que es el tiempo que tardan los químicos de una emoción en disminuir mediante la respiración. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Si deseas mas informacion sobre los servicios que ofrece Kendra Rinaldi: • Sesiones de Coaching de Duelo: Un espacio personalizado y seguro para trabajar en tu proceso individual. • Eventos Virtuales: Talleres y encuentros diseñados para brindar apoyo y herramientas prácticas de sanación. • Comparte tu historia: Este podcast es un espacio para la comunidad que hemos formado. Si sientes que tu testimonio puede ayudar a otros a transitar su dolor, me encantaría que fueras mi próximo invitado para relatar tu historia. Puedes contactarme directamente griefgratitudepodcast@gmail.com https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/ Instagram: @griefgratitudepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/griefgratitudepodcast/#]  Recuerda que, aunque el duelo es un proceso personal, no tienes que recorrerlo a solas.

Dr. Hugh A Jenkins  became both a Naturopathic and Chiropractic doctor after years of mentoring by Dr. Alvenia M. Fulton, ND, a pioneer of natural healing and the world authority on fasting. During his many years of practice and mentoring others he was able to assist many people through their journey to Health and Wellness. Beginning in 2007, he wanted to write a book on fasting and prayer but felt that he did not have enough knowledge in his head to write a successful book. Since that time God has taken him through several life challenges of his body, mind, spirit and emotions to bring him where he is today. One of his characteristics is that he is a master of Desert Dry Daddy Jokes. He consider  himself a sit-down comedian because he would not make it in stand-up. https://www.facebook.com/hugh.a.jenkins His Book on Amazon [https://a.co/d/6bIzOGL] From Grief to gratitude (his story of going from Grief to Gratitude) [https://docs.google.com/document/d/13h2-d-8u19JHlCgdGc4kNjOoxl1N9KvHk65cRu3Shb4/edit?tab=t.0] Show Highlights • The "Big G" Shift: A major highlight of the conversation is Dr. Jenkins' philosophy of releasing the "little G" in grief to embrace the "big G" in gratitude. He argues that while chronic complaining creates a "poverty mindset," gratitude constitutes true riches and wealth. • Healing from Within: As the author of Fasting and Prayer: God's Healing Therapies, Dr. Jenkins asserts that all diseases are "incurable" by external medicine alone; true healing is a spiritual process that occurs from the "inside out" when one connects with the "master healer" in the heart. • Redefining Death as Ascension: Dr. Jenkins views the passing of his brother, David (DJ), not as death, but as "transcending" or "ascending". He shares a profound experience of meeting his brother's spirit on a porch to receive the "spirit of philanthropy," which he defines as service to the community rather than just financial wealth. • Spiritual Signs in Nature: To maintain a connection with his brother, Dr. Jenkins looks for signs from "God's  creatures"  in nature. He identifies a dragonfly  as a spiritual messenger that guides him and has even visited him inside his home Disclamer:  This episode of Grief, Gratitude, and the Gray in Between includes personal stories and perspectives on topics such as grief, health, and mental wellness. The views expressed by our guest  are his own and reflect individual experiences and professional philosophies—including his work with naturopathic medicine, fasting, and spiritual healing—which are not meant as medical advice. As the host, I hold space for diverse voices and holistic perspectives, but this does not imply an endorsement of every viewpoint shared. Discussions regarding the "incurability" of disease or the use of fasting and prayer as "healing therapies" should be viewed as personal and spiritual insights rather than a substitute for professional medical consultation. Please listen with care and take only what resonates with you. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen or medical treatments Get in touch with f Kendra Rinaldi https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

Rev. Kate J. Meyer, LPC, is an ordained minister and licensed professional counselor who has worked in both private practice and hospice care. She is passionate about bringing grief into the light so that all grievers know how to move forward in a healthy, life-giving manner. Kate is the author of the newly published Navigating the Waves of Grief and its predecessor Faith Doesn't Erase Grief, along with The Red Couch and The Yellow Dress, the first two novels in her fiction series Lake Harbor Chronicles. Kate is a dog mom living with her husband in Western Michigan. Facebook: @katejmeyer1  Instagram: @kate.j.meyer.author  TikTok:@katejmeyerauthor www.katejmeyer.com [http://www.katejmeyer.com/]  Show Highlights • Finding the "Soul Spot": Reverend Kate Meyer shares how her path led her through youth ministry and seminary to healthcare chaplaincy and hospice, finally landing in bereavement care, which she recognizes as her "soul spot" where she feels truly energized. • Faith Doesn't Erase Grief: Meyer discusses her book, Faith Doesn't Erase Grief, which addresses the guilt and conflict experienced by believers who feel they are "supposed to simply rejoice that my person is in heaven" instead of feeling sorrow. She emphasizes that grief is a "whole being experience" that must address physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. • Spirituality vs. Religion: The interview explores the difference between religion and spirituality, noting that grief significantly impacts spiritual topics like connection, meaning, purpose, and identity, regardless of religious affiliation. • Grief is Non-Linear: Discussing her most recent book, Navigating the Waves of Grief, Meyer offers an active, non-linear framework structured by the broad themes of Connection, Emotions, Identity, and "Through". She cautions against using prescriptive models like the stages of grief, which were written for the dying, not the grievers. • The "Both and" of Loss: Meyer explains that grief is a "both and" experience, meaning it is natural and okay to move forward, find happiness, and still miss the person who "was supposed to be at that event". • Advice for Helpers: Meyer offers concrete advice for those supporting grievers, urging them to name the deceased person, avoid using the word "still," and make concrete offers of help, as the "grieving brain just can't handle" vague offers. Get in touch with Kendra Rinaldi https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/ Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/griefgratitudepodcast/#] and send me a message about what takeaways you had from listening to this episode.

Danny Lesslie is a widower, devoted father of two daughters, and an entrepreneur whose life and work are deeply rooted in storytelling, resilience, and faith. As a coach, speaker, and writer, Danny brings authenticity and hope to audiences navigating life's most difficult transitions. He and his late wife, Raffaella Dobles, co-authored Thank You, Cancer, a powerful memoir that chronicles their shared journey through Raffaella's five-year battle with Stage 4 cancer. Woven from Raffaella's journal entries during her illness and Danny's reflections after her passing, the book is both a tribute to a remarkable woman and a testament to the enduring strength of love. https://dannylesslie.co/ Instagram @momentumwithdanny Show Highlights • Love and Humor as a "Safe Home": Danny shares how his wife, Raffaella, immediately caught his attention with her "lightning fast wit," a humor that became a "safe home" for them throughout their whole relationship, even to the "very, very end". • Navigating Stage Four Cancer: Danny recounts the five-year battle with stage four vulvar cancer. Despite being "diametrically opposed" on treatment paths when the disease recurred, they chose unity, realizing that supporting Raffaella's choice was the most "powerful thing in our marriage". • Miracles Through Sharing: The couple's financial resources were constantly "drained," forcing them to "swallow your ego" and share their story. Danny describes the "mind blowing" support they received, including a GoFundMe that raised over $50,000, which meant they could continue treatment and "make it through the next... years of struggle" [51, 20:34]. • Honoring the Legacy: Danny fulfilled their shared dream by writing the book, Thank You, Cancer, which intertwines his perspective with Raffaella's "original unedited words" and powerful moments of divine grace, ensuring that her remarkable story is told. Connect with Kendra Rinaldi either for coaching or to be a guest on the podcast https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

Debra Meyerson was previously a tenured professor at Stanford University, where she studied, wrote, lectured, and taught about diversity, gender, identity, and organizational change. In September 2010, her life and career were derailed by a severe stroke that initially left her paralyzed on the right side, and completely mute. Years of intensive therapy and a relentless work ethic enabled Deb to regain her independence, but she still lives with physical limitations and speech challenges. She wrote Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves After Stroke to help other survivors and those closest to them navigate an emotional journey that she found very difficult—and rewarding. Steve Zuckerman is Debra's husband and life partner since 1988, and her care partner since her stroke in 2010. He had a successful first career as a business leader and then launched West Coast operations for Self-Help, a nationally recognized economic justice nonprofit. After co-founding Self-Help Federal Credit Union and serving as president for 12 years, Steve stepped out of his leadership role in 2020 to cofound and build Stroke Onward with Debra – working to catalyze change in the system of stroke care. * Links:  To learn more about some of the things discussed in this podcast, please see the links below: Stroke Onward website: Stroke Onward [https://strokeonward.org/] Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves After Stroke:  Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves After Stroke [https://strokeonward.org/identity-theft-book/] Stroke Onward Community Circle (SOCC): Sign in | Stroke Onward [https://circle.strokeonward.org/c/welcome] Stroke Onward Gatherings: Stroke Onward | Gatherings [https://strokeonward.org/gathering/] WCNY Documentary:  Inclusive Sports | Stroke Across America: Trauma, Adaptation, Purpose | PBS [https://www.pbs.org/video/stroke-across-america-trauma-adaptation-purpose-oukojg/] Episode Highlights • The "Second Trauma": Debra discusses the identity crisis she faced when her university medical leave ended, forcing her to realize she could not return to her life as a tenured Stanford professor. • Stroke as a Family Illness: The couple shares how trauma shifts family roles, including how their daughter learned that vulnerability is a form of strength rather than weakness. • Toxic Positivity vs. Action: Steve and Debra explain why "sugary positivity" can be harmful and how practical help—like a friend volunteering to walk their dog—offers true support. • Rehabilitation vs. Recovery: Steve highlights the gap in the medical system between physical rehabilitation (fixing function) and emotional recovery (rebuilding a rewarding life). • Combatting Isolation: The hosts discuss their cross-country cycling trip, where they connected with some of the 7 million U.S. stroke survivors who often feel deeply isolated. • New Tools for Aphasia: The discussion covers the second edition of their book, Identity Theft, which explores how AI voice technology can assist survivors. Contact Kendra Rinaldi if you'd like more information about coaching with her, having her as a guest speaker  or being a guest the podcast. https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

Tim's debut novel, Alice the Cat (Fitzroy Books) was chosen as an American Book Awards 'Best Book' Finalist for 2023, received a Bronze Medal in the 2024 Feathered Quill Book Awards, and is a Finalist in both the 2024 National Indies Excellence Awards for Teen Fiction and the Independent Author Network's Book of the Year Awards. His second novel, The Lightning People Play (Black Rose Writing) in the summer of 2025.  He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University Los Angeles and a BFA from NYU/Tisch School of the Arts. He has appeared in 200+ projects across theatre, film, television, voice-over, and new media. Recent publications  include F(r)iction, Scare Street, Lunch Ticket, MeowMeow PowPow, From Whispers to Roars, Drunk Monkeys, Hare's Paw, Lit Angels, The Wax Paper, Excerpt,  and Critical Read/RAFT, for which he won the 'Origins' contest for his essay, "You Have Changed Me Forever." Tim is an octopus and spider enthusiast. He goes wild for anything with eight legs. He recently discovered he is a masterful hula hooper and can whirl nonstop for eons. He possesses enviable collections of stickers, labradorite, night-sky projector lights, vintage vinyl, and rare first-edition hardcover copies of some of his favorite novels. No one has ever made a better vat of chili, and his lasagna is infallible. He teaches writing for UCLA Extension Writers' Program, The Townies Inc. in Ojai, runs private workshops, and coaches authors. https://www.timcummings.ink/ https://www.instagram.com/octospark/ Show Highlights / Themes Storytelling as Service * Tim Cummings, UCLA instructor and author of Alice the Cat and The Lightning People Play. * Writing as a "time machine" to reconnect with younger selves. * Transforms trauma into light, using storytelling as service. Art as Lifeline & Found Family * Acting became a lifeline after losing his mother at 16. * Theater community offered belonging after bullying. * His work champions marginalized voices and underdogs. Navigating Grief * Tim has endured profound family loss. * Writing and movement (like dance aerobics) became healing practices. * His advice: feel your feelings — they are the way through. Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest on the show or to inquire about  grief coaching  sessions https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/  Email : griefgratitudepocast@gmail.com Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/]

Rebecca (Becky) Faye Smith Galli is an author, columnist, and advocate who writes about love, loss and healing. Surviving significant losses—her seventeen-year-old brother's death; her son's degenerative disease and subsequent death; her daughter's autism; her divorce; and nine days later, her paralysis from transverse myelitis, a rare spinal cord inflammation that affects one in a million—has fostered an unexpected but prolific writing career. Her website (BeckyGalli.com) houses over 400 published columns. Her books, Rethinking Possible – A Memoir of Resilience (2017) and Morning Fuel – Daily Inspirations to Stretch Your Mind Before Starting Your Day(2024) reflect what she believes: "Life can be good—no matter what." She continues to write Thoughtful Thursdays—Lessons from a Resilient Heart, a column for her subscriber family that shares what's inspired her to stay positive. Contact Rebecca Faye Smith Galli  https://rebeccafayesmithgalli.com/  List of Topics: • Author Introduction: Rebecca Faye Smith Gali (Becky) is introduced as an author, columnist, and advocate who writes about love, loss, and healing. Discussion includes her books: Rethinking Possible, a Memoir of Resilience and Morning Fuel, Daily Inspiration. • Early Loss and Resilience: Discussing the death of her 17-year-old brother, Forrest, in a water skiing accident when Rebecca was 20, and observing the vastly different ways her parents grieved (one public, one private). • The Power of Structure: How structure (like college classes) and avoiding isolation helped her move through initial grief, noting that resilience is a muscle that requires work and mindfulness. • The Parallel Paths Concept: Learning about the powerful concept of pursuing parallel paths (e.g., hoping her son would outgrow seizures while also preparing for the reality that he might not) to manage the "immobility of uncertainty". • Navigating Complex Family Dynamics: Discussing her son Matthew's epilepsy and subsequent death at age 15, raising her daughter Madison with autism, and consciously deciding to pursue an "amazing divorce" after three years of intensive counseling. • Sudden Illness and Acceptance: Being paralyzed from the waist down by transverse myelitis and using the parallel paths concept in her health journey. She recounts her "big toe moment," realizing acceptance meant reinvesting the energy spent on hope into "living fully in the life I had". • Three Tools for Navigating Grief: The essential strategies Rebecca uses: being honest about feelings (including anger and chronic disappointment), seeking resources (professional help, nature, support), and keeping moving by finding one small thing to be grateful for. • The Importance of Perspective: The reminder that "life can be good no matter what". • Avoiding Comparison: Using the analogy of the Dalmatian and the Chihuahua in the mud to illustrate that everyone's grief journey is different, and comparison should be avoided. Contact Kendra Rinaldi for coaching  or to be a guest on the podcast https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

Diane Namm is a book author with over 65 titles (children's, YA, and non-fiction adult). Her most recent picture book What Happens After? is about losing someone you love, respecting the grieving process, and finding a way forward. Kirkus Reviews describes it as "A simple, emotionally effective exploration of loss. https://www.instagram.com/dianenamm/ https://www.amazon.com/What-Happens-After-Diane-Namm/dp/B0DNF5988R https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221620126-what-happens-after https://www.dianenamm.com [https://www.dianenamm.com/] Brief List of Topics in the Podcast: * Children's Author Perspective: Diane Namm, author of over 65 titles, shares her journey from working as a children's book editor in New York to writing full-time in Los Angeles. * Dual Audience Approach: Her picture book, What Happens After, is written for the "dual audience response" of both children and adults, serving as a "hug" and a conversation starter. * The Power of Direct Language: The book intentionally avoids common euphemisms (like "passed on") and uses the clear word "dies" to address the "elephant in the room" directly, providing a clear springboard for discussion. * Validating Grief: Diane used the writing process as a cathartic experience to validate big feelings for children and emphasize that there is no timeline or deadline for mourning. * Honoring Legacy: The discussion focuses on how to keep the person in your life by incorporating memories into holidays and routines, stressing the real value in not forgetting them. * Pre-Loss Reading: A key takeaway is the value of reading the book with loved ones before they die to gather information (like favorite songs or memories) that helps children know how to honor the loved one later. To be on the newsletter subscribe on the website https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/ To contact Kendra Rinaldi email her at griefgratitudepodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to a solo episode where I discuss a very personal topic: honoring and celebrating my parents' wedding anniversary (October 29th) even though my mom died nine years ago and my dad has since remarried. I share the fascinating, intercultural love story of how my Italian-American father, who was traveling in South America, met my Colombian mother. This date is where our family started, and I feel strongly about continuing to honor that legacy. I also share the bittersweet memories attached to this time of year. This period holds the anniversary of their wedding, but also the anniversary of my mom's passing in November. I reflect on the magical and miraculous way my mother followed a hunch to travel to Orlando right before she died, which ensured all of us siblings were able to be present when she took her last breath. It's okay to honor these complex dates and allow the emotions—the grief, the joy, and the immense gratitude—to come through. Thank you for tuning in! If you feel inspired, please subscribe to my newsletter via the website, or check out my subscription content on Apple Podcast for additional bonus episodes. If you have a story to share, email me at griefgratitudeodcast@gmail.com https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

Pam Baker is the founder and CEO of Widows Who Wine™, a national community and app designed to help widows rediscover connection, support, and joy after profound loss. After losing her husband, Jon, to glioblastoma in 2021, Pam turned her personal experience into purpose—becoming an author and podcast host to guide others through the complexities of grief and estate planning. She is the author of Where's the Key to the Safe? and hosts two podcasts: The Lost Love Stories, which offers heartfelt conversations for anyone who has lost someone they love, and Coffee, Cancer & Cocktails, a candid and compassionate space to discuss the messy intersections of illness, caregiving, and resilience. A seasoned philanthropist and community leader, Pam and her team have raised millions for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation following the diagnoses of two of her children. Based in Roswell, Georgia, she is the proud mother of four young adults and is known for opening her heart and home to a life filled with purpose, people, and plenty of laughter. https://lastinglegacyconsulting.com/       https://www.instagram.com/bakereed/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/pambaker1818/    https://www.facebook.com/pam.r.baker.5/  Show Highlights:  * Background: Pam and her husband, John (a financial advisor), were married for 24 years. Pam's experience navigating her children's cystic fibrosis (CF) diagnosis prepared her for John's aggressive glioblastoma. John lived three years after his diagnosis, passing peacefully at home. Pam and John created the Facebook Live series, Coffee, Cancer, and Cocktails, to control their narrative. Pam's current podcast, The Lost Love Stories, encourages sharing honest memories of lost loved ones. * Community (Widows Who Wine): Pam created this social group for women to find sisterhood and thrive after loss, as existing grief support often had a heavy religious overtone. * Financial Preparedness: Where's the Key to the Safe? is a workbook designed to help manage the "business of death" and prevent major financial decisions during "grief fog. Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest or  for Grief Coaching  griefgratitudepodcast@gmail.com Sign up for the NEWSLETTER [https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/]

Jennifer Schrappe LPCC-S has been a therapist for over twenty years, specializing in trauma. She is the Founder and Director of Chrysalis Enterprises, a private counseling practice in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to her work at Chrysalis, she is also a professional speaker. Jennifer has created the Heal Your Money Stuff, Calm Your Life program for those who struggle with ongoing money management issues, and is developing a program for entrepreneurs who are in recovery from food addiction. www.jenniferschrappe.com [http://www.jenniferschrappe.com/] @jenniferschrappelpcc (Instagram) Show Highlights: This episode features Jennifer Schrappe, a licensed professional clinical counselor and supervisor specializing in trauma and emotional woundedness. The discussion centers on various healing modalities and how unresolved pain impacts daily life. Trauma Expertise and Personal MotivationJennifer Schrappe utilizes IFS-informed (Internal Family Systems Informed) therapy as a trauma therapist. Her path was driven by a deep desire to help others avoid the pain she experienced, particularly relating to internalizing blame for her parents' divorce and a resultant 40-year food addiction. Healing Childhood Wounds (IFS)Schrappe guides clients to connect with the wounded child part (e.g., a 10-year-old) to unburden its pain and find safety and compassion. This process allows the client's emotional protectors (like anxiety or the inner critic) to calm down, as they realize they are no longer reacting to pain from decades ago. Neutralizing Recent Trauma (RRT)For recent traumatic incidents, she may use Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT) to neutralize the traumatic effect and stop the brain from "looping" the memory (causing flashbacks or intrusive thoughts). RRT leverages neuroplasticity by having the client remain in a calm, safe place while the therapist retells the traumatic memory with purposefully incorrect details, forcing the brain to relearn the memory without the trauma and sting. Life Impact and Self-ProtectionUnresolved trauma and anxiety can affect all aspects of life, including relationships, money management, and work. Jennifer views unhealthy or unproductive behaviors as self-protective responses. She also emphasizes that struggles like depression are not personal failings but signs that an internal part is "crying out for help". Programs and Entrepreneur SupportHer work extends to webinars and programs, such as "Heal Your Money Stuff" and "Calm Your Life Program," addressing how internal parts interfere with daily functioning, specifically around money management patterns (e.g., fear spending, guilt spending). She is also developing support for entrepreneurs navigating addiction recovery or emotional struggles that crash with their business endeavors. To sign up forthe podcst Newsletter go to https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/ Send me an email and let me know what you found impactful about this episode and if you have suggestion for other topics griefgratitudepodcast@gmail.com

Andy Campbell is a resilient survivor and inspirational author who has overcome numerous life-altering challenges—a victim of childhood sexual abuse and bullying, the loss of his mother at an early age, and the eventual estrangement from his father, his battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, and the loss of his youngest son to suicide. Despite enduring multiple surgeries, grueling chemotherapy treatments, and the tragic loss of his youngest child, he has demonstrated remarkable strength and perseverance, and developed a deep understanding of resilience and knows firsthand what it takes to overcome monumental challenges. To share with others what he has learned through his experiences, Andy has written Overcoming Life's Toughest Setbacks: 15 Breakthrough Core Beliefs to Transform Challenges into Opportunities! [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCL3HTJ2]. In this book readers can access actionable insights from the 15 Core Beliefs crafted to empower us to navigate through life's labyrinth. Your journey from experiencing life's storms to dancing in its rain unfolds in this book's insightful examples. www.askandycampbell.com [http://www.askandycampbell.com/] Show Notes: Essential Topics * The Power of the Physician: Andy details the need to seek a true "physician"—one with "insatiable curiosity" who partners with the patient—rather than a statistic-focused doctor. * A New Approach to Illness: Andy deliberately chooses to "struggle against" cancer, viewing the cells as defective rather than malicious, which helped him manage anger and cortisol levels. * The Metastasizing Pain of Suicide: He discusses the shift from feeling parental guilt to realizing he had "zero control" over his son's decision. Andy explains the horrific truth that the pain of suicide does not end with the person but "metastasizes" onto remaining loved ones "like a cancer". * Putting Your Helmet On: A core life philosophy: you must "put your helmet on before you need it" by engaging in health, mental health, and physical care before crisis hits. * Irreplaceable Threads: Andy emphasizes that every human is an "irreplaceable thread in the fabric of the universe" and encourages listeners to struggle to stay alive and leave an aspirational legacy. * The 15 Core Beliefs: These phrases act as the "rope bridge" that connects a person from complete devastation back to making slow progress. * Final Wisdom: "Do not take out of the creator's hands the ability to move the universe in your favor". To find out more information about working with Kendra Rinaldi https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/event-details/lets-connect-15-minute-discovery-call To be a guest on the podcast https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/book-online

Sally McQuillen, LCSW, CADC, is a psychotherapist in private practice specializing in addiction recovery, grief and trauma healing. An avid reader with a double major in writing and dance criticism in college, she began working in public relations and marketing prior to obtaining her master's degree in social work. Reaching for Beautiful is Sally's first book. She and her husband live on the north shore of Chicago where they raised their three children. https://www.sallymcquillen.com/  Key topics in this conversation include: * The Nature of Grief: Sally describes grief as a complex experience where many deep emotions can exist at once. She and Kendra discuss how past losses don't always prepare you for new ones, and even with coping tools, they may not be accessible in the moment of trauma. * A Family's Journey with Addiction: Sally opens up about the legacy of addiction in her family, from her father to her own recovery, and finally to her son's struggles. She shares how she became fully transparent about her past when Christopher needed help at age 16. * The Loss of Christopher: Christopher passed away in a canoeing accident with three friends during a college break. After being sober for three years, he had relapsed, wanting to fit in with his fraternity brothers. The tragedy of multiple families losing their children at once was an overwhelming and traumatic experience. * Parenting from Love Over Fear: Sally reflects on parenting Christopher from a state of "fight or flight" and emphasizes the importance of parents calming their own nervous systems. She found that consciously letting go of fear deepened her connection with her son before he passed away. * Signs and Hope: Sally's belief that Christopher is still alive in spirit has been fundamental to her survival. A pivotal conversation on an airplane introduced her to A Course in Miracles, which reinforced her path of choosing love over fear. * Honoring Christopher's Legacy: Sally and her family keep Christopher's memory alive by supporting two charities in his name: The Penguin Project for young adults with special needs and the In Balance Ranch Academy, which provides scholarships for addiction treatment. * A Message of Hope: Sally offers a powerful message to any parent who has lost a child: the loss is survivable, even when it feels impossible. She aims to offer hope to others walking this difficult path. Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest on the podcast  [https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/book-online] Inquire about a Free Discovery Coaching Call [https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/event-details/lets-connect-15-minute-discovery-call] with Kendra Rinaldi

Randi Pearlman Wolfson is a Los Angeles based grief educator and author. After experiencing the death of her dad when she was ten years old, it became her life-long dream to provide hope and healing to grieving children and adults. For over twenty years, she has educated the community, including mental health professionals, clergy, students, teachers, and various other professionals, on the topic of grief. As founder/writer at Grief & GRITS™ on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/griefandgrits] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/griefandgrits/], Randi provides a caring heart and voice for little grievers™ and adult grievers. She is the author of "Eddie's Brave Journey: How one little elephant learned all about grief" a story for the littlest of grieving hearts. To learn more about her book please go to: EddiesBraveJourney.com [https://www.griefandgrits.com/] Show Highlights * Meet Randi Pearlman Wolfson: Introducing Randi, the founder of the popular grief community Grief and Grits and author of the children's book, Eddie's Brave Journey. * A Lifelong Griever: Randi shares how the death her father when she was 10 in 1966 shaped her life, combining her personal experience with over a decade of professional work in the grief space. * Writing for Her Inner Child: Randi's book, Eddie's Brave Journey, was written for her own 10-year-old self. In 1966, there were no children's grief books, so she created the resource she never had. * The Story of Eddie: The book follows a little elephant named Eddie grieving his grandpa. Elephants were chosen because they are known to grieve as a community. The story uses direct language like "died" and teaches kids they can hold two feelings at once. * Grief in Everyday Moments: Randi and Kendra discuss how small, daily disappointments (like a meal not turning out right or a friend canceling) are also forms of grief, and how these can be used to teach children about loss before they experience a major death. * Talking About Grief Isn't Always Sad: Randi explains that creating a safe space for grief to "come out" is one of the greatest honors of her life and not inherently sad. * Identifying as a "Little Griever": One of Randi's missions is to help adults who experienced the death of a parent in childhood identify as "little grievers," validating how that  continues to shape them. Contact Kendra Rinaldi at griefgratitudepodcast@gmail.com for more information about how to schedule a coaching call To book a podcast https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/book-online

DonnA Meador is a women's dating coach, author, and speaker who helps smart, soulful women over 50 find love again without repeating old patterns or sacrificing who they are. At 66, DonnA has walked the path of love, loss, and rediscovery. She became a widow at 57 when her late husband, Pietro, passed away suddenly just 15 days after his 70th birthday. As a self-proclaimed "dating intuitive," DonnA combines her strong intuition with lived experience to see beneath the surface, sense the energy behind choices, and guide women to trust their inner knowing. Her own journey of navigating "grief brain" and learning to open her heart to love a second time—she is now happily remarried to her husband, Jeff—gives her a unique and compassionate perspective on dating after loss. DonnA is the author of the book "Dating, It's Not Personal," which she began writing in 2004 and published in 2014 as a love story dedicated to Pietro. She is also the creator of the YouTube channel Smart Dating Divas, where she and her husband Jeff share dating advice and a man's perspective. Her core mission is to help women understand and embrace their immense value in relationships, reminding them to "look for love where it is and not where it isn't". Through her coaching, book, and online presence, DonnA empowers women to reconnect with their feminine wisdom, reclaim joy, and attract love that meets them soul-to-soul. https://smartdatingdivas.com/    https://www.facebook.com/donna.s.meador https://www.linkedin.com/in/dbsmeador/   https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingdivas/ Interview Highlights • Sudden Loss & a Love Story: Donna shares her ten-year love story with her late husband, Pietro, who passed away suddenly from a heart attack and stroke while receiving cancer treatment. • The Power of Declaration: Pietro had often declared he'd be happy to make it to 70 and didn't want to suffer. He passed away 15 days after his 70th birthday, getting everything he had declared, departing with hope in his heart. • Receiving Support: A key piece of advice for the grieving: "allow people to love you the way they know how." Donna's community showed up with food and practical help because she was open to receiving it, even when she was too overwhelmed to ask. • Navigating "Grief Brain": For nearly two years, Donna experienced "grief brain," which made her unable to perform simple tasks like reading a menu. • Finding Love a Second Time: Donna discusses the challenge of opening her heart again, wondering, "How could I possibly fall in love when I'm already in love?". She explains that the heart simply grows to make room for more love and is now happily married to Jeff. • A Continued Spiritual Connection: Donna shares that she still communicates with Pietro in his non-physical form and that he has even appeared to her now-husband, Jeff, as a spirit guide, offering his blessing and support. • Donna's Core Message: Her passion is to help women understand their immense value in relationships. Her biggest tip is to "look for love where it is and not where it isn't". Contact Kendra Rinaldi [https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/book-online] to be a guest on the podcast. To book  a coaching discovery call email griefgratitudepodcast@gmail.com

JULIE MCFADDEN, RN, is the New York Times bestselling author of Nothing to Fear  and a hospice/palliative care nurse with more than fifteen years of experience. Passionate about normalizing death and dying, she has more than one million followers on TikTok as @hospicenursejulie. She has been featured in Newsweek, Time, USA Today, and The Atlantic, and has appeared on Dr. Phil Primetime, Howie Mandel Does Stuff, and elsewhere.  Her most recent book THE NOTHING TO FEAR JOURNAL [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/777758/the-nothing-to-fear-journal-by-julie-mcfadden-rn/] is an invaluable tool for putting our beliefs about death into practice through thought-provoking questions that prompt reflection, clarification, and planning. Interview Highlights: • Introducing Hospice Nurse Julie: Meet Julie McFadden, an RN known as "Hospice Nurse Julie" on TikTok (1.6M+ followers) and a New York Times bestselling author of "Nothing to Fear" and "Nothing to Fear Journal" • Breakups as Grief: She shares how a painful breakup at 28-29 was a "greatest gift," fostering self-discovery and growth, and how breakups represent profound, often unvalidated grief and transitions. • Fear of Transition: Kendra and Julie explore how fear of the unknown, not death itself, makes life transitions scary, and criticize society's "fix-it" culture that avoids uncomfortable emotions. • Finding Hospice: Unhappy in the ICU, Julie "took the plunge" into hospice nursing, even without prior experience, finding her calling and realizing the environment, not nursing itself, was the issue. • Personal Beliefs on Death: Julie, having experienced tragic deaths young, believes we go to a place that feels "more like home" after death, a belief validated by her hospice work, though she emphasizes it's a personal journey. Faith can aid in peaceful dying, but is not a prerequisite; she's seen atheists die peacefully and religious people struggle. • TikTok Phenomenon: Inspired by her nieces during COVID-19, Julie started TikTok, initially thinking it "stupid". Her fourth video went viral, leading to rapid organic growth across platforms (1.6M+ on TikTok, 1.3M on Facebook, nearly 500K on Instagram, nearly 600K on YouTube) and a book deal, indicating people were "more ready to talk about this than we knew. • "Nothing to Fear" Book & Journal: Her New York Times bestselling book is an educational resource with intertwined stories and an index. The "Nothing to Fear Journal" offers step-by-step guidance for preparing for death, exploring existential questions, and uncovering personal belief. • Comfort in Biology: The most comforting aspect of death for Julie is the biology of the body, how it naturally prepares by shutting off hunger/thirst and increasing calcium, which she sees as a miracle and the primary reason she is not afraid of death. TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@hospicenursejulie?lang=en]   Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hospicenursejulie/?hl=en]  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@hospicenursejulie]  HospiceNurseJulie.com [https://www.hospicenursejulie.com/] Contact Kendra Rinaldi for a Free Discovery call email her at griefgratitudepodcast@gmail.com to set up an appointment. Subscribe on the website [https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/] be on the podcast newsletter  To be a guest visit https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/book-online