A Place of Yes | A Grief Podcast

Motherhood can often feel like it defines us completely—especially when navigating the complexities of raising a child with special needs. In part 1 of this raw and honest episode, Hillary shares her journey of grappling with her identity beyond being "Mom" and finding a sense of self outside of her primary caregiving role. Together, we explore the challenges of identity crises in motherhood, the emotional weight of balancing love and hardship, and the importance of rediscovering joy as a person first and a parent second. Keep up with Hillary & Esme 🤍 Website: https://www.thecutesyndrome.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/hillarysavoie/?hl=en Substack: https://hillarysavoie.com Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ APOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast/ ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a grief therapist becomes the griever? In this deeply moving episode, the Grief Girlie shares her story of losing her mom, dad, and sister in rapid succession. With unimaginable loss piling up, she found herself not just processing her own grief but also reevaluating everything she thought she knew about it. Through raw honesty and hard-earned wisdom, she reveals the lessons no textbook could teach, offering insight into how we cope, heal, and rebuild when life feels shattered. This conversation is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of truly understanding grief from the inside out. Find Shea Wingate (The Grief Girlie): Website: https://www.thegriefgirlie.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegriefgirlie TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegriefgirlie?_t=8jCXsfPgTZT&_r=1 Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ APOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast/ ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Season 1, we opened the door to conversations about grief, rare diseases, and the incredible resilience of those facing grief. Now, in Season 2, we’re diving even deeper. Get ready for untold stories of hope, love, and perseverance, with heartfelt moments and powerful connections. Join Heather Straughter as she continues her mission to build a space for growth, healing, and saying yes to life’s journey—no matter how hard it might be. Streaming December 11th, and available wherever you listen to podcasts. Let’s find our place of yes—together. Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are SO many families in need of support for their medically fragile loved ones. In this heartfelt episode, Heather shares touching letters and cards from families who’ve been supported by Jake’s Help from Heaven. These messages of gratitude reveal the profound difference Heather and her team have made in the lives of those navigating the challenges of rare disease. It’s a sweet and endearing tribute to the power of compassion and community.  Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Heather shares her eye-opening experience visiting Rifton Equipment, a company dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities.  From adaptive tricycles to life-changing gait trainers, Rifton creates tools that restore dignity, independence, and joy for those who need it most. Heather reflects on the stories behind their products, the passion driving their mission, and what she learned about the lives forever touched by their work.  Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ready to hear how A Place of Yes is changing lives? In this special episode, Heather dives into unfiltered listener feedback that reveals the true impact of the show—from sparking courage to helping others find hope in their hardest moments. Tune in to hear Heather’s reactions and reflections on the powerful ways this community is making a difference. Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever felt a connection with someone you've lost—a sign, a dream, or a moment that made you feel they were right there with you? In this episode of A Place of Yes, Heather shares a deeply personal experience of reconnecting with her son Jake through a vivid, comforting dream. For the first time, she hears his voice—a voice he never had in life but one that now brings her peace and reassurance. Heather reflects on this moving encounter and explores the signs Jake has sent her over the years, bringing hope and strength to those navigating the loss of a loved one. Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would you ask if you could ask Heather anything? In this special episode of A Place of Yes, we’ve compiled the most thought-provoking, heartfelt, and iconic questions from our Ask Heather Anything segment. From navigating life’s toughest challenges to sharing personal wisdom, Heather answers it ALL. Tune in for a collection of juicy questions you won’t want to miss! Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you continue living after unimaginable loss? In this episode of A Place of Yes, Mike opens up about losing his wife to mesothelioma and the long road to healing that followed. He shares how grief still shapes his life today and what it means to find strength amid sorrow. Join us for an honest conversation about loss, resilience, and moving forward. Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to grow as a podcaster in the delicate space of grief and rare disease? In this reflective episode, Heather shares her personal journey from season 1 — the unexpected lessons, emotional breakthroughs, and how the powerful stories from guests have shaped her both behind the mic and beyond. Join her as she dives into the transformative impact of these raw conversations and what’s in store for season 2. Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the standard support systems for people with disabilities are just not enough? In this episode, we explore how AIM is challenging the status quo by offering innovative, personalized services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and traumatic brain injury. We also discover how AIM empowers those it serves by providing more opportunities, choices, and meaningful connections, helping them shape their futures. Because at AIM, simply getting by isn’t the goal—we’re always AIMing for more. AIM Services: https://www.aimservicesinc.org/ Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to guide families through their most painful moments? In this episode of A Place of Yes, Brittany DeMarco-Furman, a fourth-generation funeral director, shares the emotional highs and lows of working with grief daily. She reveals how creating meaningful moments for families isn’t just part of the job—it’s a calling. Join us as Brittany uncovers the power of compassion, connection, and love in helping families honor their loved ones and navigate the darkest times of their lives. If you think you know what it’s like to work in the funeral industry, think again! Connect with Brittany: https://www.instagram.com/buriedinconversation/ Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s it like to raise a child with a rare disease? In this episode of A Place of Yes, Heather connects with Jeff Ames, whose daughter Tessa lives with Dravet syndrome. As rare disease parents, Heather and Jeff share the unique struggles and unexpected joys of raising a child in a world that feels so different from everyone else’s. They discuss the emotional toll, the constant challenges, and the overwhelming love that defines their journeys. It’s a conversation about resilience, community, and what it means to live a life that few others can truly understand. Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when unimaginable grief and trauma share the same emotional space? In this episode of A Place of Yes, Heather connects with Kara and Kim, hosts of Survivors Guide to True Crime. Though their experiences differ — Heather grieving the loss of her son and Kara and Kim surviving traumatic, life altering experiences — they find common ground in the overlap of their pain. They discuss the harmful clichés they’ve heard, toxic positivity, and the fear of raising children while carrying the weight of their trauma. It’s a raw, honest look at how grief and trauma are more connected than we often realize. Magic Mind: https://magicmind.com/placeofyes USE CODE placeofyes20 FOR 20% OFF Find Kim & Kara: https://www.survivorsguidetotruecrime.com Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when life hits you with loss after loss, leaving you gasping for air? Just five weeks after losing her father to a rapid four-month battle with cancer, Steph Hogan sits down with Heather to share her story. On top of losing her father, Steph has endured the heartbreak of losing her beloved dogs, Ted and Sadie and struggling through the pain of IVF and pregnancy loss. Together, they dive into the raw and messy realities of anticipatory grief, losing a parent, and how the weight of cumulative grief can feel unbearable. Steph's story is a powerful reminder that grief has no hierarchy; every loss is profound and valid. Magic Mind: https://magicmind.com/placeofyes USE CODE placeofyes20 FOR 20% OFF Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine facing your mortality before you even graduate high school. Gabe Donovan knows this reality all too well. Born with NF1, a rare and complex genetic disorder that affects every part of his body, Gabe’s journey has been filled with unimaginable challenges, from painful tumors to feeling completely isolated. In this episode of A Place of Yes, host Heather sits down with Gabe and his mother, Maureen, to discuss how this disease has shaped Gabe's life, the battles they’ve fought together, and the resilience he’s found along the way. It’s a raw, eye-opening conversation about strength, vulnerability, and the profound impact of living with a rare illness that constantly tests the limits of the human spirit. Double H Ranch: https://www.doublehranch.org Find Gabe: https://www.instagram.com/the_original_mad_gabe Find Maureen: https://www.instagram.com/maureeneobrien/ Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subrina Dhammi, a TV Journalist with WNYT, News Channel 13 in Albany, NY shares the deeply personal story of her difficult childhood and her estranged relationship with her parents. In this episode of A Place of Yes, host Heather Straughter interviews Subrina Dhammi to explore the complexities of sharing stories of grief, loss, and tragedy on the news. Together, they discuss the weight of ambiguous grief and the struggle to find closure in relationships that are still unresolved. Subrina discusses the emotional challenges of connecting with families during their darkest moments and how she strives to tell their stories with compassion and respect. Magic Mind: https://magicmind.com/placeofyes USE CODE placeofyes20 FOR 20% OFF Subrina: https://www.instagram.com/subrinadhammi/?hl=en Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ A Place of Yes Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this heartwarming episode of the “A Place of YES” podcast, we delve into the extraordinary story of Esme, a resilient child with medical needs. Her mother, Hillary, shares Esme’s journey and how she has come to learn more about supporting Ezzy’s needs and ensuring that she has an empowering community behind her daughter. Despite facing numerous medical challenges and lacking a formal diagnosis, Esme has defied all odds and achieved incredible milestones. Join us as we explore the power of resilience, the importance of community support, and the limitless potential within every child, regardless of their circumstances. Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of A Place of Yes, host Heather interviews Annie Sklaver Orenstein, a cultural researcher, writer, and storyteller whose work has touched lives around the globe. Annie shares the deeply personal story of losing her older brother, Ben, and sheds light on how sibling grief is often overlooked in society. As Heather reflects on her own family's journey after the loss of her son, Jake, she gains invaluable insights on how to support her surviving son, Ethan, better. Together, they explore the complexities of grief, the power of storytelling, and the importance of acknowledging every voice in the healing process. FIND ANNIE: https://www.annieorenstein.com/about Always a Sibling Book: https://www.amazon.com/Always-Sibling-Forgotten-Mourners-Guide/dp/030683149X FIND HEATHER & JAKE'S HELP FROM HEAVEN ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever wondered what it takes to assemble a powerful non-profit, especially after a loved one's death, this episode is for you. President and Founder of Jake's Help From Heaven, Heather Straughter sits down with four dedicated board members. They delve into the "why" behind their commitment to the cause, sharing personal stories of grief and loss that have shaped their journeys. Each story is a testament to the transformative power of turning pain into purpose, illustrating how their experiences have fueled their passion for helping others. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, community, and the profound impact of giving back. FIND HEATHER & JAKE'S HELP FROM HEAVEN ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices