2 Girls With Grief

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays. This is a special episode recorded on Christmas Eve to share our Christmas thoughts and be a friendly voice on a hard day.

Grief doesn’t just live in our minds — it lives in our bodies.In this episode, we’re joined by Jessica Maguire, physiotherapist and globally recognized nervous system expert, to explore how grief, trauma, and emotional pain are stored in the body — and how healing begins through the nervous system.Drawing from over 20 years of study, 14 years of clinical practice, and her own lived experience of loss, Jessica helps us understand why grief can feel overwhelming, unpredictable, and exhausting — and what we can do to gently support our bodies through it.How grief shows up in the nervous systemWhy grief can resurface long after a lossWhat “trauma lives in the body” really meansThe long-term effects of chronic stress and burnoutHow to build emotional safety biologically, not just mentallySmall, accessible ways to find calm in early griefTo learn more: https://www.jessicamaguire.com/

In this episode, we explore one of the most surprising parts of grief:the moment a tiny spark returns — a glimmer of joy, curiosity, creativity, or energy — even while your heart still aches.To talk about this, we’re joined by Lila Sullivan, founder of Flourish Plants, whose grief journey has inspired thousands. After losing her dad, Lila found a note from him encouraging her to keep living well — even after he was gone. That message became a guiding force in rebuilding her life, eventually leading her to start a plant business rooted in healing, creativity, and the belief that small sparks matter.Lila’s story is tender, brave, and incredibly relatable — especially for anyone trying to figure out what it means to keep living after loss.

In this episode, we explore one of the most tender parts of grief: allowing ourselves to feel joy again — without guilt, without pressure, and without making it mean that our grief has disappeared.We’re joined by Joseph Jay, widower to his wife Casey and dad to Annie. Joseph has been an early and loyal listener of Two Girls With Grief, and recently crossed his one-year death anniversary — a milestone that has brought reflection, growth, heartbreak, and moments of unexpected joy. His honesty, vulnerability, and commitment to healing (both his and Annie’s) make this conversation incredibly special.This episode is heartfelt, spacious, and real. If you’ve ever felt afraid of joy, guilty for laughing, or unsure how to live fully while grieving, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.What the early days after losing Casey looked likeHow becoming a solo parent shaped his griefWhat the one-year mark revealed about where he’s been — and where he’s goingHow fatherhood, survival, and grief collide in unexpected ways

The holidays have a way of magnifying absence — especially a holiday centered on gratitude, family, and tradition. In this special 25-minute mini-episode, Rachel and Kendel talk honestly about what Thanksgiving feels like when someone you love is no longer here. Whether this is your first holiday without them or the year where it quietly hits harder than expected, this episode is a gentle companion.Together, we explore how grief shows up at the table, how to navigate complicated emotions, and how to create space for both gratitude and grief.

Special Tuesday Episode release:In this heartfelt and incredibly important episode of Two Girls With Grief, we sit down with Kelly, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Camp Erin Online Programs Manager at Eluna. With more than eleven years of experience supporting grieving children and teens, Kelly has dedicated her career to ensuring young people feel seen, understood, and never alone in their grief.Eluna and Camp Erin are nationally recognized for their transformative grief programs for kids, and Kelly plays a pivotal role in expanding their mission into the digital space. Since joining the team in 2022, she has been leading the launch of Eluna’s first-ever direct-care online support programs — a vital lifeline for families navigating loss, especially those impacted by the pandemic and frontline work.Together, we explore how grief shows up for kids, what adults often misunderstand, and the practical steps caregivers can take to create safety, openness, and connection for young grievers.How grief looks different in children vs. adultsWhy grief often appears in “waves” or “bursts” for kidsCommon emotional + behavioral signs that a child is grievingWhat makes Camp Erin such a transformative experience for grieving kidsHow peer support normalizes grief for children and teensThe blend of traditional camp fun + intentional grief activities that helps kids feel safe and understoodThe importance of connection in healing — and why kids often open up more with peers than adultsWhat caregivers often get wrong (and how to gently get it right)Age-appropriate ways to talk to children about death and griefHow grieving adults can support grieving children even while carrying their own painThe power of “sitting in the mud” with a child instead of fixing or minimizingKelly’s vision for accessible digital grief supportWhy online programs matter — especially post-pandemicHow these resources will help families who traditionally haven’t had access to grief care🧠 In This Episode, We Explore:✨ Understanding Childhood Grief✨ Inside Camp Erin & Eluna✨ Supporting Kids Through Loss✨ Eluna’s Online Expansion

In this heartfelt episode of Two Girls With Grief, Rachel and Kendel sit down with Sabrina — known online as @SabForTony — to explore what it means to live beautifully while grieving deeply.After losing her husband, Tony, Sabrina began sharing her story with raw honesty on TikTok and Instagram, building a powerful community of over 100,000 people who resonate with her vulnerability and courage. Now living in New York City, she’s created her Living Well series — a reminder that grief and joy can coexist, even on the hardest days.Together, we talk about: 💭 How Sabrina began her grief journey and built SabForTony 🏙️ What it meant to move to New York City and rebuild in a new chapter of life ❤️ The tension between honoring grief and choosing joy 📱 How sharing her story online has built connection and community 🌿 What “living well” looks like when your heart is still healing

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Jack Ciapciak, a TV writer and storyteller who has captured hearts online through his honest reflections on grief and love after losing his fiancé, also named Jack.Jack opens up about their beautiful love story, the Hudson River Park bench that became both a place of proposal and remembrance, and how he continues to live fully — not in spite of grief, but alongside it.We explore what it means to honor someone’s legacy, how love continues to evolve after loss, and the quiet power of rituals that keep memory alive. Jack’s perspective reminds us that grief doesn’t end — it transforms, deepening our capacity to love, to create, and to keep showing up for life.Jack’s story of love, loss, and the memorial bench that holds so much meaning.How his late fiancé’s words — “Find out who you are, try not to be afraid of it” — continue to guide him.The importance of creating rituals and physical spaces that honor loved ones.How grief and authenticity intertwine — and how to keep living fully in their memory.The role of storytelling and creativity in processing loss.What it means to build legacy, both for those we’ve lost and for ourselves.Follow Jack @JackCiapchiak

In the final episode of Season 2, Rachel and Kendel reflect on their journey through grief, powerful guest stories, and what they’ve learned along the way. They dive into grief etiquette, the impact of sharing personal loss, and why sensitive, open conversations about death matter. From lighthearted memories to deep emotional truths, this season explored it all — tune in to hear how grief connects us, transforms us, and how community helps carry us through.Stay tuned for Season 3

In this episode of Two Girls with Grief, Kendel and Rachel sit down with Hannah Rumsey, founder of Friends Missing Friends, to dive into the often-overlooked grief of losing a friend. Hannah shares her journey after losing her friend Lauren and highlights the emotional complexities that arise when grieving a friend in a society that doesn’t always recognize this type of loss.Key Takeaways: 💔 The societal stigma around friend loss and why it’s often minimized 🗣️ The healing power of sharing stories and creating safe spaces for grief 🌱 How friendships shape personal growth and why their loss hits differently 📚 The role of media and literature in shaping our understanding of grief ⏳ The ongoing impact of time on grief and the importance of diverse friendshipsJoin us as we unpack the complexities of friend loss and advocate for more support and understanding around this often invisible grief.Connect with Hannah here:friendsmissingfriends.com

In this episode, Kendel and Rachel welcome Felix Lerma, a San Francisco-based psychic medium who made Rachel a believer. Rachel shares her powerful experience with Felix and how their sessions helped her navigate her grief journey.The conversation explores:🔮 Why healthy skepticism is important when choosing a psychic medium🕰️ When the right time might be to seek one out👻 Plus—unexpected spirit visits make a surprise appearance during the episode!Note: There were some “spirity” technical issues, causing Kendel to drop off occasionally and a few sound glitches, but the conversation is too good to miss!Tune in for an enlightening and heartfelt discussion!Felix's podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speaking-spiritually-with-amy-and-felix-lee/id1747002475Felix's website https://www.felixleelerma.com/

Writer and therapist Sara Rian opens up about losing her mother to suicide, the healing power of poetry, and the importance of ethical grief support. She explores the intersection of grief and love, the role of literature in healing, and why vulnerability and authenticity are essential in sharing loss. This conversation highlights the power of words to create connection, foster open dialogue, and express complex emotions.

Alex Ostebo opens up about losing her sister Denali, the emotional journey of grief, and the struggle of letting go while preserving memories. From sorting through belongings to finding joy after loss, this conversation explores the healing power of storytelling and how Alex’s upcoming fantasy novel, Realm Jumper keeps her sister’s spirit alive.https://www.alexostebo.com/

In this Crossover episode,Kendel & Rachel welcome Rob from Obsessed with Death Podcast where he shares his unique take on society’s discomfort with death, the emotional complexities of grief, and the surprising role of humor. The conversation explores true crime fascination, funeral planning, and how to support loved ones without “fixing” their pain.

Brendan Shaw opens up about the tragic loss of his brother, Philip, and the complexities of grief, justice, and healing. He shares the emotional toll of legal battles, the unique pain of sibling loss, and how grief reshapes relationships. The conversation explores the differences in how men and women process grief, the power of connection, and finding purpose after tragedy. Connect with Brendan here: brendanshawgrief.com

Brendan Shaw opens up about the tragic loss of his brother, Philip, and the complexities of grief, justice, and healing. He shares the emotional toll of legal battles, the unique pain of sibling loss, and how grief reshapes relationships. The conversation explores the differences in how men and women process grief, the power of connection, and finding purpose after tragedy.Connect with Brendan here:brendanshawgrief.com

Rachel and Kendel sit down with Rebecca Feinglos, founder of Grieve Leave, to unpack the realities of grief—from navigating holidays and personal keepsakes to dating and workplace bereavement policies. They explore how grief and joy can coexist, the impact of loss on relationships, and why self-love is key to healing. Tune in for real talk, personal stories, and insights on embracing life after loss.Learn more about Rebecca Feingloss and Greave leave here:Grieve LeaveArticles mentioned in episode:https://www.grieveleave.com/blog/death-divorce-and-dating-my-top-ten-tips-for-grievers-looking-for-lovehttps://www.grieveleave.com/podcasts/grief-d-up/episodes/2148923175https://www.grieveleave.com/blog/death-dating-a-conversation-with-love-is-blind-s-zanab-jaffrey-and-julian-torres

In this episode of 2 Girls with Grief, Nikki Spoelstra shares her powerful story of navigating grief, motherhood, and sobriety through some of life’s hardest moments—losing her mother, her child’s cancer diagnosis, and divorce. She opens up about: The ‘mother wound’ and how it shaped her healing journey. The grief of losing oneself and finding identity again. The power of service, self-compassion, and community in overcoming pain. Breaking stigmas around sobriety, co-parenting, and mental health. Through raw honesty and deep reflection, Nikki inspires us to embrace healing, faith, and the strength in asking for support. Find all things Nikki here

In this episode, Carm shares her journey of creating Girls Gotta Heal, inspired by her own experiences with grief and loss. Together, we explore the complexities of navigating grief, the importance of mental health, and the power of affirmations. Carm introduces her unique card deck designed to spark conversations about grief and emphasizes creating safe spaces for emotional healing. We also discuss anticipatory grief, the challenges of vulnerability, and the healing power of community, offering insights and support for anyone on their grief journey. Check out more about Girls Gotta Heal here

In this episode, Rachel, Jessica, and Tripp tackle the emotional and logistical challenges that come with losing a loved one. They share deeply personal stories of loss and emphasize the importance of planning ahead to ease the burden on those left behind. Key highlights include: The inspiration behind The Dead Book—a comprehensive resource designed to simplify end-of-life planning and manage the administrative tasks that follow a death. How grief impacts both the heart and the mind, and why support systems are crucial during these times. Practical steps for organizing important documents and wishes to reduce stress for loved ones. Breaking down the stigma around death and encouraging more open, honest conversations about end-of-life planning. Personal insights on how preparedness can bring a sense of control and peace amidst the chaos of loss. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of how planning ahead can not only ease logistical challenges but also allow us to honor our loved ones in meaningful ways. Don’t miss this important conversation on changing how we approach grief, death, and planning for the future. Find them here: https://thedeadbook.co/