Female Voices: Life and Loss

Faith, Fear & Early DetectionIn this powerful and faith-filled episode, host Wayna Berry sits down with Danielle M. Frazier, a licensed professional counselor and breast cancer survivor, to share her emotional and spiritual journey—from the shock of diagnosis to the quiet battles no one sees after the bell rings. Danielle opens up about how faith, trusted community, and a persistent doctor changed everything.Whether you’re walking through your own health journey, supporting someone you love, or simply need a reminder of resilience, this conversation will move you deeply.📌 Memorable Quotes- “Not knowing doesn’t change the facts.” — Danielle M. Frazier-“I didn’t beat cancer. God did.” — Danielle M. Frazier- “Fear almost kept me from making that call.” — Danielle M. Frazier- “You need trusted people who can hold you up.” — Danielle M. Frazier- “I was trusting the science and the supernatural.” — Danielle M. Frazier🗣️ In this episode, we talk about:- Danielle’s delayed oncologist visit and how a persistent doctor made all the difference- The emotional shock and processing of a cancer diagnosis- How faith and community became anchors during treatment- The fear of recurrence after “ringing the bell”- The power of early detection, screening, and self-advocacy- Learning to focus on healthy living instead of fear💡 Key Takeaways✅ Early screening can save your life—don’t put it off.🙌 Faith, community, and support are powerful healing tools.🫂 Emotional healing often happens after the medical treatment ends.🧠 You don’t need to fight fear alone—get support.🩷 It’s okay to take it one day at a time.🙌 Mentions & Shoutouts- Danielle M. Frazier, Licensed Professional Counselor – Find her on Psychology Today- Walter’s Walk Retreat (where Wayna and Danielle met)- Mammogram & MRI Screening Programs- Faith communities supporting women through cancer journeys- Healthcare providers advocating for early detection📲 Connect with Our GuestStay connected with Danielle M. Frazier and follow her journey:📸 Instagram: @danimfrazier💼 Facebook: Danielle Frazier📩Email: danimarsha08@gmail.com📢 Call to Action💖 Join the conversation: Follow @femalevoiceslifelosspodcast on Instagram and Facebook.🩷 Get screened: Don’t delay your mammogram or health check. Early detection matters.📩 Email us: femalevoiceslifelosspodcast@gmail.com🔔 Subscribe and leave a review to help more women find this podcast.

📢 Not everything happens for a reason. In this deeply moving episode of Female Voices: Life & Loss, Andrea Ali-Panzarella, physician, mother of three, and author opens up about her decade-long journey through infertility, miscarriage, IVF, surrogacy, and the unspoken grief that reshaped her life. Andrea’s story is raw, vulnerable, and filled with lessons about resilience, mental health, and redefining family. From the heartbreak of repeated losses to the joy of welcoming her children through gestational carriers, Andrea sheds light on what it really means to hold space for both devastation and healing. “There are no good feelings or bad feelings they’re justfeelings. And it’s healthy to make space for all of them.” – Andrea In this episode, we talk about: ✔️ Andrea’s first experience with miscarriage and how it opened a long road of infertility. ✔️ The emotional and physical challenges of IVF cycles and repeated loss. ✔️ The decision to use gestational carriers and the grief that came with it. ✔️The role of therapy, couples counseling, and support groups in healing. ✔️Andrea’s children’s book Every Family is a Tree and why representation matters.  Key Takeaways:  ✅ Infertility is not a simple “just adopt” or “just do IVF” journey it’s layered with trauma, cost, and resilience. ✅ Mental health support is essential throughout the fertility process, not just after. ✅ Grief doesn’t disappear once you have children; healing is an ongoing journey. ✅ Representation in children’s literature helps normalize diverse family stories. ✅ Giving yourself grace and allowing space for all emotions is vital to healing.  ✨ Mentions & Shoutouts: Every Family is a Tree – Andrea’s children’s book (available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble). Support groups for infertility & loss. Teresa’s earlier episodes on infertility and family journeys.  👉 Connect With Andrea:https://www.andreaali-panzarella.com/👉 Connect With Us:Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.Facebook, and Instagram: @Female Voices Life and Loss PodcastListen on YouTube:  https://shorturl.at/jjrieWebsite:⁠https://femalevoiceslifelo.wixsite.com/female-voices⁠Email: femalevoiceslifelosspodcast@gmail.com

📢 What happens when joy and grief arrive at the same moment when you bring one baby home while saying goodbye to another?In this moving episode of Female Voices: Life & Loss, host LaWayna Berry sits down with KeErica Brown, a wife, mother, author, and advocate for a heartfelt conversation about loss, resilience, and faith.KeErica opens up about losing her son in the womb while carrying twins, her diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and the devastating fire that destroyed her son’s keepsakes.Through her pain, KeErica found strength in scripture and faith, leading to her first book Your Mental Health Matters to Him and her passion for supporting others through RallyUp Magazine, We Fight Foundation, and her church. She reminds us that healing is not about forgetting, but about honoring, remembering, and finding light through the shadows. KeErica’s story is a powerful reminder of how unimaginable pain can be transformed into purpose, why mental health matters to God, and how faith and community help us heal.Topics Discussed:✔️ Pregnancy and infant loss: the heartbreak of losing her son while carrying twins✔️ Parenting after loss and the bittersweet joy of raising her daughter✔️ The apartment fire that destroyed keepsakes and deepened her grief journey✔️ How scripture and faith anchored her through bipolar disorder and healing✔️ Writing her book Your Mental Health Matters to Him and her upcoming second book✔️ The role of family, faith, and advocacy in rebuilding life after loss Key Takeaways:✅   Grief never disappears it changes form, and you choose when and how to face it✅  Keepsakes may be lost, but love and memory remain powerful anchors✅  Faith and scripture can be transformative tools for both grief and mental health✅  Healing is a journey of surrender: letting God do the work within you✅  Sharing your story can inspire and encourage others walking a similar pathQuotes to Remember:💭  It’s bittersweet. I came home with one baby, but I lost another. That’s the sunshine in the rain.” – KeErica 💭  “You may bury it, but grief has a way of sprouting legs and showing up later. You will have to face it.” – KeErica 💭  “God cares about our mental health too. It’s not Jesus or therapy—it’s both.” – KeErica 💭  “If my child could face death, there is nothing under this sun I cannot face.” – Wayna ✨ Mentions & Shoutouts:Rally Up Magazine – Advocacy for mental health. We Fight Foundation – Nonprofit supporting families impacted by suicide.Illuminate – Nonprofit bridging the gap for POC in tech. Her book Your Mental Health Matters to Him (available on Amazon). Upcoming book Your Healing Journey Matters to Him (January release). 👉 Connect With KeErica:Instagram: iamkeericaLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keericabrown/ 👉 Connect With Us:Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.Facebook, and Instagram: @Female Voices Life and Loss PodcastListen on YouTube:  https://shorturl.at/jjrieWebsite:⁠https://femalevoiceslifelo.wixsite.com/female-voices⁠Email: femalevoiceslifelosspodcast@gmail.com

📢  What happens when life delivers back-to-back losses, and the weight of grief collides with burnout and identity shifts? In this episode Teresa Reiniger and LaWayna Berry sit down with Women’s Empowerment Coach, Stacey Johnson. A licensed clinical therapist for more than 20 years, Stacey’s life changed dramatically when she experienced two profound losses just weeks apart, her stepfather and her husband. Suddenly navigating grief, single parenthood, and the demands of daily life, Stacey found herself moving from survival mode into transformation.Stacey opens up about how her professional background both helped and complicated her grieving process, and why she ultimately transitioned from therapy into coaching to reach women beyond the walls of her Ohio practice. She shares insights on “silent grief,” the unspoken losses that often show up as burnout, anxiety, or physical symptoms and how women can begin to befriend their emotions instead of suppressing them.🎧 This conversation shines a light on identity, resilience, and the power of sisterhood. Stacey reminds us that you don’t have to hold it all together, and you don’t have to do it alone.Topics Discussed:✔️ Stacey’s journey from therapist to women’s empowerment coach✔️ Experiencing back-to-back losses in 2021 and how she coped✔️ The difference between therapy and coaching in supporting women✔️ Understanding “silent grief” and how it shows up in the body✔️ Learning to befriend emotions instead of suppressing them✔️ Rediscovering identity outside of roles like wife, mom, or employeeKey Takeaways:✅ Grief is not only about funerals, but it also includes the silent, hidden losses we often ignore.✅ Burnout, overwhelm, and even physical symptoms can be rooted in unprocessed grief.✅Coaching allows women to move from crisis to transformation, with greater commitment to their healing journey.✅ Befriending emotions, naming them, sitting with them, and giving them permission creates freedom.✅ Rediscovering your identity beyond the roles you play is a powerful step in healing and empowerment.Quotes to Remember: 💭 “I don’t apologize for my tears anymore. They’re a release of emotion, and that’s okay.” - Stacey💭 “I realized I had lost my own identity long before I lost my husband, I was always someone’s wife, someone’s mom, someone’s employee. Now I’m rediscovering who I really am.” - Stacey💭 “You don’t have to hold it all together, and you don’t have to do it alone.” - Stacey 👉 Connect With Stacey:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacey.v.johnsonListen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StaceyJohnsonCoaching   TikTok: tiktok.com/@staceyjohnsoncoachingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceyjohnsoncoaching/Email: stacey@staceyjohnsoncoaching.com 👉 Connect With Us:Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.Facebook, and Instagram: @Female Voices Life and Loss PodcastListen on YouTube:  https://shorturl.at/jjrieWebsite:⁠https://femalevoiceslifelo.wixsite.com/female-voices⁠Email: femalevoiceslifelosspodcast@gmail.com

📢 From the villages of Kenya to the stages of Miss Senior Missouri, Flossie’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and transformation. In this inspiring episode of Female Voices: Life and Loss, host Teresa Reiniger welcomes Flossie, critical care nurse with over 30 years of experience, best-selling author of Village Vibes, wellness coach, and founder of Flossie’s Turmeric Tea.Flossie opens up about her early years in Kenya, the challenges of immigrating to the United States, and the struggles she faced as a young mother determined to build a better life. She shares candidly about the stress, loss, and health battles that led to her autoimmune diagnosis and how she reversed her illness naturally through research, faith, and her now-beloved turmeric tea.Beyond her health journey, Flossie reflects on her divorce after nearly three decades of marriage, learning to put herself first for the very first time, and embracing new opportunities that pushed her far outside her comfort zone, including competing in the Miss Senior Missouri Pageant at 63.🎧 This conversation is about so much more than illness and healing, it’s about courage, mindset, and creating a new life after loss. Flossie’s journey reminds us that no matter your age or circumstances, it is never too late to choose health, embrace change, and step boldly into your true identity.Topics Discussed:✔️ Growing up in Kenya and the challenges of transitioning to life in the U.S.✔️ Coping with stress, divorce, and loss while holding onto resilience.✔️ How Flossie reversed her autoimmune diagnosis through natural remedies and mindset shifts.✔️ The creation of Flossie’s Turmeric Tea and the growth of her health and wellness business.✔️ Embracing self-discovery and bold new challenges, including Miss Senior Missouri. Key Takeaways:✅ Healing is possible when you combine natural remedies, mindset work, and consistency.✅ Resilience often grows in the face of challenges—from immigration struggles to divorce.✅ Putting yourself on the “front burner” is not selfish—it’s essential for living fully.✅ Faith, family, health, and community can serve as guiding values through difficult times.✅ It’s never too late to start over, try something new, or redefine who you are.Quotes to Remember:💭 “I call myself unstoppable because nothing is impossible. It only looks impossible until it’s done.” – Flossie💭 “Your health is everything before anything.” – Flossie💭 “I became my own guinea pig and reversed my autoimmune disease. Either the disease was going to kill me or the remedies were but I wasn’t going to stop trying.” – Flossie✨ Mentions:  (links for all of the following are on her website)Flossie’s Books: Village Vibes: Shockingly Simple Ways To Stop Autoimmune Disease– her story of resilience and reversing autoimmune disease. Choice, Commitment & Consistency Journal Flossie’s Turmeric Tea – natural wellness product born from her healing journey. GPS to a Healthier You Program – her coaching program focused on mindset, consistency, and lifestyle. 👉 Connect with Flossie:Website: https://www.simplelifehealthieryou.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16fp2AFcka/?mibextid=wwXIfrLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/flossie-njama-75a0281a4👉 Connect With Us:Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.Facebook, and Instagram: @Female Voices Life and Loss PodcastListen on YouTube:  https://shorturl.at/jjrieWebsite:⁠https://femalevoiceslifelo.wixsite.com/female-voices⁠Email: femalevoiceslifelosspodcast@gmail.com

📢 Suicide is a topic we often shy away from, yet it touches countless families, communities, and lives every single day. In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Female Voices: Life and Loss, hosts Teresa Reiniger and Wayna Berry open up an honest conversation about suicide awareness, prevention, and the deep emotional struggles that often go unseen.From heartbreaking stories of children as young as 11 who felt unseen and unheard, to the pressures faced by college freshmen adjusting to independence, to the overwhelming expectations placed on adults in their 30s, 40s, and beyond this episode, suicide across all stages of life. Teresa and Wayna highlight the importance of paying attention to red flags: sudden withdrawal, giving away belongings, self-harm, or even subtle phrases like “I’m just tired.”They also take on the complex role of parenting, safe spaces, and cultural dynamics in prevention. Together, they stress how open communication, consistent presence, and creating a “safe place to land” can make all the difference for children, teens, and adults struggling with mental health.The conversation doesn’t shy away from tough realities like the dangers of turning to AI for mental health support, or the lingering guilt survivors often feel after losing a loved one to suicide. The message throughout is one of hope and healing: that support is available, that safe spaces can be built, and that every life has value and worth.🎧  Listeners are reminded that if they or someone they love is struggling, they are not alone. Whether it’s reaching out to a therapist, a grief coach, or calling 988, help and understanding are within reach.Topics Discussed:✔️ The impact of suicide on children, teens, and adults✔️ Warning signs and red flags to look for in loved ones✔️ The role of parenting, safe spaces, and communication in prevention✔️ The dangers of relying on AI for mental health support✔️ Breaking the stigma around talking about suicide and seeking helpKey Takeaways:✅ Suicide is often tied to unrelenting emotional pain and the belief that there’s no other way out.✅ Warning signs include isolation, giving away belongings, self-harm, sudden withdrawal, or subtle phrases like “I’m just tired.”✅ Open, consistent communication with children and young adults builds resilience and trust.✅ Seeking professional support is vital don’t stop at the first “no-fit” therapist or coach.✅ Release guilt and practice self-compassion; it is not your fault.Quotes to Remember:💭“Kids are going to go through hard stuff, and if they have a safe place to land, they’re going to be okay.” – Wayna💭 “They are suffering, and they just don’t know any other way to get rid of that pain.” – Teresa💭 “Don’t stop with the first therapist. Keep going you will find the right person.” – Wayna  ✨ Mentions988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text for immediate support👉 Connect With Us:Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.Facebook, and Instagram: @Female Voices Life and Loss PodcastListen on YouTube:  https://shorturl.at/jjrieWebsite:⁠https://femalevoiceslifelo.wixsite.com/female-voices⁠Email: femalevoiceslifelosspodcast@gmail.com

📢 Caregiving can be the greatest gift and the heaviest load.In this tender and powerful episode, senior care advocate Annie Eads joins host Teresa Reiniger to share the sacred, emotional, and often unseen world of elder care. Annie’s compassion and wisdom come from years of walking families through some of life’s hardest transitions from home care to hospice. With heartfelt stories, honest reflections, and practical advice, Annie offers support to anyone navigating aging, caregiving, or anticipatory grief.Whether you’re supporting aging parents, facing tough decisions, or simply needing a reminder that you're not alone this episode is filled with guidance and grace.Topics Discussed:✔️ The emotional toll and rewards of working in senior care and end-of-life spaces.✔️ Home care vs. assisted living vs. nursing homes: what families need to know.✔️ Real-life stories that illustrate the deep connections formed in elder care.✔️ Caregiver burnout, guilt, and the importance of self-care and boundaries.✔️ Planning ahead: the value of long-term care insurance and veteran benefits.Key Takeaways:✅ Grief in caregiving is real and recurring. Professionals like Annie often lose “family” repeatedly and must learn how to navigate emotional waves with resilience.✅ Caregiver burnout is dangerous and under-discussed. Self-care is not optional it's essential for both professionals and family members.✅ Education is empowerment. Many people fear hospice or nursing homes due to outdated beliefs, but these services can provide immense comfort and support.✅ Support is out there. Whether it's support groups, home care professionals, or long-term care policies, help exists and you just have to ask.✅ Boundaries are healing. Annie’s own journey of learning to say “no” is a reminder that sometimes the most loving thing we can do is prioritize ourselves.Quotes to Remember:💭 "We’re there for them when their families can’t be and that is a sacred responsibility.” – Annie 💭 “Caregiver burnout is so real — 40% of caregivers die before the person they care for.” – Annie 💭 “It’s okay to ask for help. Don’t feel guilty. Let yourself live too.” – Annie 💭 “When you hire help, you give your family the chance to just be family again.” – Annie ✨ Mentions:Books Recommended:How to Say It to Seniors by David SolieMoving Miss Peggy by Robert Benson👉 Connect With Us:Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.Facebook, and Instagram: @Female Voices Life and Loss PodcastListen on YouTube:  https://shorturl.at/jjrieWebsite:⁠https://femalevoiceslifelo.wixsite.com/female-voices⁠Email: femalevoiceslifelosspodcast@gmail.com

📢 Grief doesn’t look the same for everyone and for many men, it’s invisible.In this powerful episode of Female Voices: Life and Loss, we welcome back licensed clinical social worker and mental health advocate Derrick Howell for a crucial conversation around Bereaved Fathers Day and the often-overlooked journey of fathers grieving the loss of a child.With compassion, expertise, and lived experience, Derrick explores the emotional complexities of male grief, how societal expectations shape the way men express (or suppress) their pain, and what families, partners, and communities can do to truly support the men in their lives after loss.Whether you’re a grieving dad, a partner seeking to understand, or a friend wanting to do better, this episode offers deep insight and practical tools to create healing spaces where fathers are no longer forgotten in grief. Key Topics Discussed:✔️ The unique grief experience of bereaved fathers✔️ Why men’s grief is often minimized or overlooked✔️ The societal expectations that hinder male vulnerability✔️ How to honor Bereaved Fathers Day without emotional pressure✔️ Tools for grieving dads who may not feel ready for therapy Key Takeaways:✅  Grieving fathers need space to feel without pressure to perform sometimes, simply asking what they need makes all the difference.✅  Men often return to work quickly after loss, not because they’re ready, but because it feels like the only socially acceptable outlet.✅  Creative tools like journaling, voice memos, or art can help men process grief in nontraditional ways, especially if they’re hesitant to seek therapy.✅  Peer support and professional support can complement each other, group connection offers community, while one on-one work can accelerate healing.✅  Active listening, avoiding assumptions, and not minimizing pain are key when supporting a bereaved father. Quotes to Remember:💭 “Men are often expected to provide and protect and when loss happens, it can shake their entire identity.” Derrick Howell💭 “Care is usually reserved for the mother. Credibility is expected from the father.” Derrick Howell💭 “Sometimes asking, ‘What do you need?’ is the most respectful and supportive thing you can do.” Derrick Howell 👉 Connect With Us:Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.Facebook, and Instagram: @Female Voices Life and Loss PodcastListen on YouTube:  https://shorturl.at/jjrieWebsite:⁠https://femalevoiceslifelo.wixsite.com/female-voices⁠Email: femalevoiceslifelosspodcast@gmail.com

📢 Nobody told me the second year would be harder than the first.In this deeply vulnerable and heartfelt episode, Teresa Reiniger and co-host LaWayna Berry reunite for an honest conversation about what grief really looks like after the first year, when the world expects you to be "doing better," and your heart still aches deeply.LaWayna opens up about life in the second year following the loss of her son, Joshie. She shares how the initial fog of shock gave way to a heavier emotional reality where anniversaries sting deeper, marriage is tested, and loneliness can feel even more isolating. Together, Teresa and LaWayna explore the complexities of long-term grief, the differences in how people grieve (especially within a marriage), and the unexpected shifts in support systems that come with time.From honoring her son through tattoos and taco traditions to navigating marriage challenges and finding her true tribe, LaWayna’s honesty is both gut-wrenching and life-giving. This episode offers a powerful reminder that grief evolves and so do we.🎧 "The second year? I wasn’t ready for it. It caught me off guard." — Wayna BerryKey Topics Discussed:✔️The Unexpected Weight of Year Two in Grief: How the second year can feel lonelier, more emotionally intense, and physically draining as the shock wears off.✔️Grieving Differently in Relationships:  Navigating grief within marriage, including communication breakdowns, emotional disconnection, and finding common ground.✔️Shifting Support Systems and “Holding Space”:  How friendships and family dynamics change, and what it truly means to hold space for someone who is grieving.✔️Honoring a Child Through Rituals and Memorials: Personal ways of remembering a lost child, including tattoos, traditions, and intentional moments.✔️The Role of Faith, Mental Health, and Physical Wellness: The intersection of spiritual growth, therapy, and chronic illness in the grieving process.Key Takeaways:✅ The second year of grief can feel even harder than the first, the fog lifts, but the pain often deepens when the world assumes you’ve “moved on.”✅  People grieve differently even in the same household and clear, compassionate communication is essential to stay connected.✅  Your support circle may change after a loss. Be open to unexpected people who show up, and let go of those who can’t.✅  Self-advocacy matters. Use your voice to ask for what you need emotionally, physically, and spiritually.✅  Healing doesn’t come from time alone, it comes from awareness, rest, connection, and sharing where it hurts. Quotes to Remember:💭 “The second year I was out of shock and reality sank in that I’m never going to see my son again.” LaWayna Berry💭 “We were both grieving, just in totally different lanes. I needed mental health support. He wanted to read books. We were saying the same thing but couldn’t hear each other.” LaWayna Berry💭 “People assume because I’m not crying, I’m okay. And what they call ‘anger’ is me using my voice. Directness doesn’t mean I’m not hurting.” LaWayna Berry👉 Connect With Us:Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.Facebook, and Instagram: @Female Voices Life and Loss PodcastListen on YouTube:  https://shorturl.at/jjrieWebsite:⁠https://femalevoiceslifelo.wixsite.com/female-voices⁠Email: femalevoiceslifelosspodcast@gmail.com

📢 What if your greatest pain became your greatest purpose?In this powerful episode, Sofia Carpenter shares her extraordinary journey of surviving a tragic accident as a child, navigating the foster care system, and ultimately becoming a fierce coach dedicated to helping others heal and rise. Her story is a testament to the unshakable strength of the human spirit and the healing power of faith, love, and inner work.Sofia opens up about the layers of loss, trauma, and redemption that shaped her, and how she reclaimed her identity and calling. This is a must-listen for anyone seeking hope, healing, and a reminder that your story isn’t over, it’s just being rewritten.Key Topics Discussed:✔️ Surviving a tragic car accident and its long-term impact✔️ Sofia’s experience navigating the foster care system✔️ How loss, grief, and identity intersect childhood trauma✔️ Rebuilding a life through faith, forgiveness, and fierce self-belief✔️ Becoming a coach to help others process pain and find purpose  Key Takeaways:✅ Grief doesn’t define you and healing can refine you.✅ Your voice matters, especially when it was once silenced.✅ Foster care is a chapter, not the whole book.✅ Faith and inner work can coexist and together, they empower.✅ Your past pain can be the platform for someone else’s breakthrough.  Quotes to Remember:💭  "Good things are birthed in the dark times like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly."💭  "Even in foster care, I knew I had a purpose, I just didn’t know what it was yet."  ✨ MentionsThe Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.🎧 Tune in If you’ve ever felt stuck in your loss or questioned your strength, this episode will meet you right where you are. 👉 Connect with Sofia Carpenterhttps://www.facebook.com/sofia.carpenter.9?mibextid=kFxxJDMind Mastery: Hidden Secret to Become Powerful Release, Reclaim, Rise. FREE Gift- Ready to schedule your FREE 45 minute Breakthrough Session today.👉 Connect With Us:Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.Facebook, and Instagram: @Female Voices Life and Loss PodcastListen on YouTube:  https://shorturl.at/jjrieWebsite:⁠https://femalevoiceslifelo.wixsite.com/female-voices⁠Email: femalevoiceslifelosspodcast@gmail.com

📢  What do you do when life throws you grief, chaos, and change over and over again?In this powerful episode of Female Voices, Life and Loss, Teresa Reiniger sits down with certified life and mindset coach Cindy Richardson to explore her deeply personal story of loss, growth, and reinvention. Cindy opens up about her childhood experience growing up with a mother who battled bipolar disorder and depression, and the heartbreak of eventually losing her to suicide. She shares the emotional toll of divorce, the grief of letting go of her identity after a 30 year teaching career, and how each loss became a catalyst for self-discovery and meaningful change.Now, as a coach, Cindy helps women in midlife navigate their own transitions by focusing on mindset, self-care, and the power of personal reinvention. She’s the co-creator of the Your Midlife BFFs community and podcast, a space designed to support women who feel stuck and are ready to reclaim their voice, purpose, and potential.This conversation is a powerful reminder that even in life’s hardest moments, we can choose to rewrite our story and design a life we truly love.Key Topics Discussed:✔️ Growing up with parents who faced mental health struggles and how it shaped her outlook on life.✔️ The emotional impact of losing her mother to suicide and seeking counseling for support.✔️ Navigating two divorces, the grief of lost dreams, and co parenting with intention.✔️ Identity loss after retiring from a 30-year teaching career and the challenges of starting over.✔️ Moving into life coaching, helping women in midlife envision new possibilities.✔️ Mindset shifts and thought work to move from feeling stuck to feeling hopeful.Key Takeaways:✅ Childhood experiences shape us, but they don’t have to define our future.✅ Suicide loss creates layered grief that requires compassion, support, and healing over time.✅ Divorce is more than a breakup; it’s grieving the future you imagined.✅ Career changes, especially after decades, bring identity loss that needs to be acknowledged and processed.✅ Your mindset and the meaning you give to life events can either keep you stuck or move you toward growth. Quotes to Remember:💭  “Growing up, I knew my life was different. I could see it when I went to other homes, and I promised myself I wanted something different for my future.”💭  “Retiring after 30 years of teaching was a huge identity shift. I had to grieve the safety of that career before I could step into something new.”💭  “You can’t always change what happens to you, but you can change how you see it and that changes everything.” ✨ Mentions:Quote by Wayne Dyer: “Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.”  👉 Connect with Cindy Richardson:https://www.instagram.com/cindyrichardsoncoaching/https://www.instagram.com/yourmidlifebffs/https://www.facebook.com/groups/cindyrichardsoncoachinghttps://cindyrichardsoncoaching.com/ 👉 Connect With Us:Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.Facebook, and Instagram: @Female Voices Life and Loss PodcastListen on YouTube:  https://shorturl.at/jjrieWebsite:⁠https://femalevoiceslifelo.wixsite.com/female-voices⁠Email: femalevoiceslifelosspodcast@gmail.com

📢  What happens when a child raised in chaos grows into a woman who leads with purpose, love, and vision?In this gripping and soul-stirring episode of Female Voices: Life and Loss, we welcome Newoka LaShelle an advocate, author, speaker, and Executive Director of Senior Services of Eastern Missouri, LLC. From surviving childhood abuse, rape, and homelessness, to founding her own non-medical in home care agency that specializes in memory care management, respite care, and hospice support, Newoka’s journey is one of extraordinary courage and purpose.She also speaks openly about her work as a mental health advocate with NAMI’s “In Our Own Voice” program and Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for law enforcement, helping to break the stigma around trauma and mental illness.🎧  If you’ve ever felt lost in the darkness, her voice will be a spark of light. This conversation is a reminder that healing is possible, purpose is powerful, and generational pain can be rewritten.Key Topics Discussed:✔️ Newoka’s harrowing childhood and journey through trauma, abuse, and abandonment✔️ Her determination to survive: working at 13, creating fake birth certificates just to get a job✔️ The impact of community, mentors, and those who saw her potential✔️ Her healing work through poetry, spoken word, radio, and entrepreneurship✔️ Self-care and setting boundaries in caregiver burnoutKey Takeaways:✅ Generational trauma can be broken with intention, healing, and relentless self-empowerment✅ Mentors and small kindnesses matter they can change a life✅ Creative expression can be a vital path to healing poetry, music, and storytelling are medicine✅ Boundaries are sacred, especially for survivors turned caregivers✅ Survival isn’t the end goal thriving and giving back isQuotes to Remember:💭  “Do whatever you can to get out of that abusive situation.” 💭  “My story is about practicing the elements of self: self discipline, self-esteem, self-love.”💭  “I wrote my book for closure. It ruffled feathers and it needed to.” ✨ Mentions & Shoutouts:Senior Services of Eastern Missouri, LLC – Newoka’s private duty in-home care agencyNAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – where Newoka and Wayna connectedNewoka’s Books:Karma’s Dirty Secrets   (Newoka’s memoir)Ode Poet Valley 👉Connect With Us:Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.Facebook, and Instagram: @Female Voices Life and Loss PodcastListen on YouTube:  https://shorturl.at/jjrieWebsite: ⁠https://femalevoiceslifelo.wixsite.com/female-voices⁠Email: femalevoiceslifelosspodcast@gmail.com

📢  What happens when a mother loses her only child and discovers that love, connection, and even communication don't end with death?In this week’s deeply powerful episode of Female Voices, Life and Loss, Teresa Reiniger sits down with Tara Blevins a bereaved mother navigating life after the devastating loss of her son, Keith.Through raw emotion and radiant strength, Tara opens up about the pain of addiction, the burden of guilt, and the extraordinary healing that unfolded when she began to see and feel her son’s spirit all around her.🎧  Whether you're grieving or holding space for someone who is, Tara’s story will remind you that healing is possible, connection never dies, and you're never alone in your grief.Key Topics Discussed:✔️ Tara’s story of losing her only child, Keith, and the emotional aftermath✔️ Signs from loved ones after death: energy, music, physical sensations, and intuitive communication✔️ Guilt, helplessness, and learning to forgive yourself and others✔️ The power of grounding, nature, and creativity in grief recovery✔️ The transformational journey through grief coaching, retreats, and support networksKey Takeaways:✅ Grief and healing are deeply personal and spiritual signs can bring profound comfort✅ Emotional healing requires intentional action: journaling, grounding, water intake, affirmations, and connection✅ Grief is not just about one loss, it often uncovers a lifetime of unprocessed pain✅ Finding community and creating meaning from your loss can transform your journey✅ Forgiveness, including self-forgiveness, is a foundational part of healingQuotes to remember:💭  “Music is my therapy – Tara 💭  “I wasn't the best version of me, but I did the best I could. And I'm OK with that.” – Tara💭  “You don’t need to do this alone. Maybe you can but you don’t have to.” – Tara ✨ Shoutouts & Mentions:The book Signs, The Secret Language of the Universe  by Laura Lynne JacksonThe Living After Grief Retreat that supports bereaved mothersWell-building fundraiser in Uganda in honor of Keith’s compassionate spirit👉 Connect With Us:Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.Facebook, and Instagram: @Female Voices Life and Loss PodcastListen on YouTube:  https://shorturl.at/jjrieWebsite:⁠https://femalevoiceslifelo.wixsite.com/female-voices⁠Email: femalevoiceslifelosspodcast@gmail.com

📢 When a child dies, two hearts break and they don’t have to break apart. In this deeply moving episode of Female Voices: Life & Loss, Teresa Reiniger sits down with LaWayna and Josh Berry, devoted parents who open their hearts about the devastating loss of their three-year-old son, Joshie. With grace, honesty, and deep vulnerability, they share how grief has reshaped their relationship, their faith, and their everyday lives.Together, the Berry’s explore the raw and often unspoken complexities of grieving not only as individuals, but also as a couple. They speak candidly about how their different grieving styles have required compassion, communication, and patience, and how they continue to choose connection over isolation. From the comforting rituals that ground them to the support systems that carry them, they reflect on the painful but powerful path toward healing.🎧Whether you’re a parent walking through loss, a partner trying to hold space for someone’s sorrow, or simply someone seeking hope in the midst of heartbreak—this episode offers tenderness, wisdom, and the gentle reminder that you are not alone.Key Topics Discussed:✔️ Understanding grief as a couple: grieving together separately✔️ The role of community, support groups, and faith in processing loss✔️ Grieving differently as partners and the importance of honoring those differences✔️ Daily rituals: check-ins, gratitude practices, time for grief✔️ Healing practices for parents: prayer, meditation, therapy, group participationKey Takeaways:✅ Support Matters: Lean on faith, friends, or groups, grief is too heavy to bear alone.✅ Honor Differences: Recognize grief might look different for each partner and that's ok.✅ Ritual and Routine: Set daily time to connect, reflect, and remember.✅ Practice Faith & Gratitude: Simple morning routines can stabilize emotions.✅ Stay in Community: Healing is often found through shared stories and walking alongside others who've been there. Quotes to Remember:💭 “Grief is not being okay with what has been lost…but allowing it to come and then letting it go.” Josh Berry💭 “As long as he was working on his ‘areas of improvement,’ I was willing to stay and walk beside him.” LaWayna Berry💭 “Men and women grieve differently—not wrong, just different.” Teresa👉 Connect With Us:Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.Facebook, and Instagram: @Female Voices Life and Loss PodcastListen on YouTube:  https://shorturl.at/jjrieWebsite:⁠https://femalevoiceslifelo.wixsite.com/female-voices⁠Email: femalevoiceslifelosspodcast@gmail.com

📢 What happens when the weight of survival becomes too much to bear?Join LaWayna Berry and Teresa Reiniger as they unpack Tyler Perry’s emotionally raw film Straw. It’s a story of a mother's silent suffering, survival in the face of crushing sacrifice, and the last straw that breaks her. This episode is a journey through heartbreaking scenes, systemic injustice, and hopeful redemption in the most unexpected places.In this episode, LaWayna Berry and Teresa Reiniger delve into Tyler Perry’s emotionally charged film Straw, exploring the deeply personal and systemic layers of grief, motherhood, and survival. Through raw conversation and thoughtful reflection, they unpack the silent suffering of Janiyah Wilkinson a mother pushed beyond her limits by relentless sacrifice, financial hardship, and emotional isolation.LaWayna and Teresa draw powerful connections between the film’s most gut-wrenching scenes and the real-life struggles many women face when grief goes unspoken and support systems fall short. They examine how racial and gender injustice, generational trauma, and the pressure to “hold it all together” lead to a breaking point that feels all too familiar.With empathy and spiritual insight, they also illuminate the quiet moments of redemption where community, compassion, and hope begin to surface even in the aftermath of pain. This episode isn’t just a review it’s a conversation on how grief shapes identity, how silence can fracture the soul, and how healing begins with being seen and heard.Trigger Warning: The film includes the loss of a child and may be emotionally activating for some listeners. Key Topics Discussed:✔️ Motherhood in Crisis: The emotional, physical, and financial toll of survival mode and the pivotal moment that reveals the weight of it all.✔️ Systemic Grief: How racism, gender bias, and daily microaggressions compound invisible wounds and erode trust in institutions.✔️ When It All Breaks: Understanding the explosive breaking point as a human response to prolonged, layered grief not a failure.✔️ The Power of Presence: How being witnessed, supported, and held in community can become a lifeline to healing.✔️ Pathways to Healing: Simple, trauma-informed tools breathwork, grounding, and visioning a life beyond just getting by. Key Takeaways:✅ We carry emotional overload quietly and eventually; grief finds a way out.✅ Systemic injustices, medical, racial, financial add layers to personal suffering.✅ Compassion from strangers can be a turning point, empathy matters.✅ Healing starts in a community: breathwork, journaling, grounding with care.✅ Visualization gives permission to dream again even from the ashes.Quotes to Remember:💭 “That officer… what a jerk. Just beat someone while they're already down.”💭 “If you keep suppressing those emotions, you will have a last straw—an explosion.”💭 “Slowing down. Nothing’s gonna happen while you're rushing.” ✨ Mention:Book; It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine📩 Connect with Us:Email us to receive journal prompts for you to reflect on after you watch the movie and share how it landed with you and your insights. 👉 Connect With Us:Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support?  DM us on social media or send an email.Facebook, and Instagram: @Female Voices Life and Loss PodcastListen on YouTube:  https://shorturl.at/jjrieWebsite:⁠https://femalevoiceslifelo.wixsite.com/female-voices⁠Email: femalevoiceslifelosspodcast@gmail.com