The Death Dialogues Project Podcast

Shauna is the creative founder of the Growing Up in Heaven Program for mothers who want to connect and communicate with their children on the Other Side. Shauna’s personal journey through the loss of her son Jack has paved a path for mothers to move from grief to relief as they learn to make the connection with their child in Heaven. A powerhouse in the spiritual communication realms, Shauna’s first-hand experience with loss and grief allow her to share a wealth of soulful + heart-felt tools and support on how to navigate loss and find true meaning in life again. She runs her business from her home in Canada, and is the host of The Oracle of Light Podcast. Shauna enjoys kickboxing and working out, spending time in the mountains with family and friends, and her continued quest for the perfect cup of coffee.

Bethany Harvey is a debut memoirist whose book, "Dipped In It," reached the best seller list on both Barnes & Noble and Amazon when released in July of 2021. "Dipped In It" came to life when Bethany’s "gratitude journaling" went awry. In "Dipped In It," Bethany’s daily reflections during a period of deep grief explore the question, “Can gratitude and grief coexist?”  The answer is a resounding yes, as Bethany learns that we can rage, weep, belly laugh, and ache over the beauty and fragility of life—all in one day, hour, or moment. It all gets to belong. Bethany is a deep thinker and feeler, the mother of two inspiring children, and the owner of a much sought after childcare center in her home State of Rhode Island. Her daughter is showcasing the gorgeous cover she created in the photo.

Gracelyn Bateman is an author, co-founder of Luna Peak Foundation, and a grief advocate. With a background in sociology and personal experience of the sudden loss of her father, she set out to humanize the taboo topic of grief through photography and storytelling. Her mission is to help people not feel alone in their grief. Her latest book Beyond Grief shares 80 grief photographs, mementos, and stories to show how others process and navigate their life after loss. Her work at Luna Peak uplifts multicultural survivor stories and gives survivors a safe platform to share. She was born and raised in Southern California and loves to hike and play the ukulele with her grandfather. LINKS: https://www.lunapeakfoundation.org/ (find books there) Instagram: @lunapeakfoundation ******* Thanks for being here! Please consider subscribing and rating The Death Dialogues Project Podcast to help us get these episodes in front of folks who need them. The book Death and its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons: field notes from The Death Dialogues Project is on sale everywhere you buy your books. Here's one link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9c25rt As the Kiwis say, this project runs on the smell of an oily rag (read: no income or funding)-- the purchase of the very affordable book will go towards costs for running this project. "Just finished this wonderful resource by Becky Aud-Jennison called, Death and Its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons. If you have any desire to learn the effects the death of a loved one has on us, read this book. It is one of those lovely books that combines story, science and the experience of the author to illuminate a profound topic in an understandable way." - Jennifer A. O'Brien, author of Hospice Doctor's Widow

Becky Aud-Jennison has recorded a spontaneous heartfelt episode and shares her feelings and experiences surrounding this work, current life, insights about being human just now, and some resources. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Links: all things this project, substack, interviews, and a variety of places to buy the book: https://linktr.ee/deathdialoguesproject?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=1ae0e675-e101-46b9-9731-27de9e5a8dfe Gabor Maté MD: www.Dr gabormate.com Books: “Love, Loss and Lifelines” by Dawn Picken. “Leading through Loss” by Margo Fowkes

Michele Benyo is a mom of two, a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist®, an early childhood educator and parent coach, and the founder of Good Grief Parenting. After her 6-year-old son died of cancer, her 3-year-old daughter said, “Mommy, half of me is gone.” This heartbreaking statement defined Michele’s life purpose. Her mission is twofold: to help parents through the unimaginable challenges of parenting while grieving the death of a child, and to help parents meet the unique needs of a child who has lost a sibling in the early childhood years. The desire of Michele’s heart is to see families live forward after loss toward a future bright with possibilities and even joy.  LINKS: www.goodgriefparenting.com https://www.instagram.com/goodgriefparenting/ https://www.facebook.com/goodgriefparenting/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/parentsraisingyoungsiblings  *******  Thanks for being here! Please consider subscribing and rating The Death Dialogues Project Podcast to help us get these episodes in front of folks who need them. The book Death and its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons: field notes from The Death Dialogues Project is on sale everywhere you buy your books. Here's one link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9c25rt As the Kiwis say, this project runs on the smell of an oily rag (read: no income or funding)-- the purchase of the very affordable book will go towards costs for running this project. "Just finished this wonderful resource by Becky Aud-Jennison called, Death and Its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons. If you have any desire to learn the effects the death of a loved one has on us, read this book. It is one of those lovely books that combines story, science and the experience of the author to illuminate a profound topic in an understandable way." - Jennifer A. O'Brien, author of Hospice Doctor's Widow Edit audio

In 1993 Mark's first wife, aged 27, died of metastatic breast cancer. He did what he believed was expected of him as a young man - move on. He remarried, had a daughter and many years later the grief resurfaced. Over the past 5 years through counseling and writing creatively he was able to write his memoir "Cowboys Are Not Supposed to Cry" chronicling his story of love, loss, grief, healing and “life after...” He continues to fight for others and their healing. He seeks truth, writes poetry and stories while often stumbling along the way. He has navigated the pain of loss and grief to    find hope and love again. Grief is not something you just get over and he tells his story of living a life while acknowledging and carrying grief. He has poems published in several  anthologies on the topics of love, loss, grief, healing, hope and self-discovery under the pen name Mark Wayne. He is happily remarried to a wonderful woman who he claims is the most beautiful and strongest woman he has ever known. He has been blessed with a beautiful            daughter who keeps him young in this second chapter of life that he has been granted. He enjoys horses and mountain biking when not writing. He believes in the ‘ripple  effect,’ touch one life and you may touch the world, for to share the journey, however brief, is a wonderful gift. His wish is to share the joys, the sorrows, the hope and healing to inspire others to live despite the grief we all carry because there is “life after…”. ******* Thanks for being here! Please consider subscribing and rating The Death Dialogues Project Podcast to help us get these episodes in front of folks who need them. The book Death and its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons: field notes from The Death Dialogues Project is on sale everywhere you buy your books. Here's one link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9c25rt As the Kiwis say, this project runs on the smell of an oily rag (read: no income or funding)-- the purchase of the very affordable book will go towards costs for running this project. "Just finished this wonderful resource by Becky Aud-Jennison called, Death and Its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons. If you have any desire to learn the effects the death of a loved one has on us, read this book. It is one of those lovely books that combines story, science and the experience of the author to illuminate a profound topic in an understandable way." - Jennifer A. O'Brien, author of Hospice Doctor's Widow

Dr. Robbins is the Director of Mental Health at BIÂN (Be-on) and a Clinical Psychologist in private practice for almost 20 years.  Dr. Robbins, has experience in both traditional and energy psychotherapy and spiritual intuition. She encourages people to awaken to and live their essence, using the wisdom of death in an unexpectedly positive way. After the unexpected death of her aunt at a young age and a spiritual transformative experience with “the other side,” Dr. Robbins began a long journey into spirituality that has paralleled her clinical psychology work.  Only 3 years ago, Dr. Robbins opened up to share her experiences through her podcast, Life, Death, and the Space Between, where she provides an ever-growing library of resources to explore the complex synergy between the psychological and spiritual – empowering you to know your true self and live a more fulfilling, connected life. ******* Thanks for being here! Please consider subscribing and rating The Death Dialogues Project Podcast to help us get these episodes in front of folks who need them. The book Death and its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons: field notes from The Death Dialogues Project is on sale everywhere you buy your books. Here's one link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9c25rt As the Kiwis say, this project runs on the smell of an oily rag (read: no income or funding)-- the purchase of the very affordable book will go towards costs for running this project. "Just finished this wonderful resource by Becky Aud-Jennison called, Death and Its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons. If you have any desire to learn the effects the death of a loved one has on us, read this book. It is one of those lovely books that combines story, science and the experience of the author to illuminate a profound topic in an understandable way." - Jennifer A. O'Brien, author of Hospice Doctor's Widow

David is an author, public speaker, and endurance athlete whose mission is to form more meaningful human connections through storytelling. His first book, Winning in the Middle of the Pack, discussed how to get more out of ourselves than ever imagined. With Cycle of Lives, David shares stories of people overcoming trauma and delves deeply into their emotional journeys with cancer. He continues to do Ironman triathlons and recently completed a solo 4,700-mile bike ride. You can pick up a copy of his book at https://david-richman.com/cycle-of-lives/ or on Amazon. ******* Thanks for being here! Please consider subscribing and rating The Death Dialogues Project Podcast to help us get these episodes in front of folks who need them.  The book Death and its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons: field notes from The Death Dialogues Project is on sale everywhere you buy your books. Here's one link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9c25rt As the Kiwis say, this project runs on the smell of an oily rag (read: no income or funding)-- the purchase of the very affordable book will go towards costs for running this project.   "Just finished this wonderful resource by Becky Aud-Jennison called, Death and Its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons. If you have any desire to learn the effects the death of a loved one has on us, read this book. It is one of those lovely books that combines story, science and the experience of the author to illuminate a profound topic in an understandable way." - Jennifer A. O'Brien, author of Hospice Doctor's Widow

Rachel Lewis is a foster, adoptive and birth mom. After a 5-year battle with secondary infertility and the losses of five babies during pregnancy, she now has three children in her arms and a foster son in her heart. As the founder of the Facebook support group Brave Mamas, she is passionate about helping others through their grief. She is a contributor to Still Standing Magazine, Pregnancy After Loss Support, and Filter Free Parents. Rachel holds bachelor’s degrees in Theology, Bible, and Speech Communications. Rachel wrote the book Unexpecting: Real Talk on Pregnancy Loss as a way for other parents experiencing similar loss to connect and know what to expect. You can find Rachel’s book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. My conversation with Rachel spans talking about platitudes, to paper plates, and the grief she felt as she experienced unprecedented loss.  ************** Thanks for being here! Please consider subscribing and rating The Death Dialogues Project Podcast to help us get these episodes in front of folks who need them. The book Death and its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons: field notes from The Death Dialogues Project is on sale everywhere you buy your books. Here's one link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9c25rt As the Kiwis say, this project runs on the smell of an oily rag (read: no income or funding)-- the purchase of the very affordable book will go towards costs for running this project.   "Just finished this wonderful resource by Becky Aud-Jennison called, Death and Its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons. If you have any desire to learn the effects the death of a loved one has on us, read this book. It is one of those lovely books that combines story, science and the experience of the author to illuminate a profound topic in an understandable way." - Jennifer A. O'Brien, author of Hospice Doctor's Widow

When Mike Bernhardt's wife died in 1991, he turned to writing poetry to express his grief and found it to be both cathartic and healing. Over time, he was contacted by hundreds of other people who felt the same way. Mike's book, "Voices of the Grieving Heart," is a collection of over 160 deeply authentic poems, short essays, and images contributed to him by 83 people whose loved ones died. To learn more or order the book, visit https://mikebernhardt.net. Thanks for being here! Please consider subscribing and rating The Death Dialogues Project Podcast to help us get these episodes in front of folks who need them. The book Death and its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons: field notes from The Death Dialogues Project is on sale everywhere you buy your books. Here's one link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9c25rt As the Kiwis say, this project runs on the smell of an oily rag (read: no income or funding)-- the purchase of the very affordable book will go towards costs for running this project.  "Just finished this wonderful resource by Becky Aud-Jennison called, Death and Its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons. If you have any desire to learn the effects the death of a loved one has on us, read this book. It is one of those lovely books that combines story, science and the experience of the author to illuminate a profound topic in an understandable way." - Jennifer A. O'Brien, author of Hospice Doctor's Widow

Reid Peterson is the Creator of Grief Refuge, a mobile app that is a daily companion to people in grief. Reid's biological father died in 2006 and his stepfather died in 2016. After losing both father figures in his life, he sought support through community grief counseling and support groups. After realizing comfort and solace could be provided to grievers more consistently, he made the Grief Refuge app to provide support on a daily basis. Reid lives with his wife, Jessica, in Santa Barbara, California. Reid often shares his story of losing both father figures in his life and the grief that comes with living without those important people. Although he was not close to his biological father the way he hoped, Reid still grieves the relationship that he wished he had with him. After his loss, Reid found support through grief groups but wanted more consistent support. This led him to create a grief support app that offers daily audio messages to comfort grieving hearts, soothe anxious minds, and validate people on their difficult journey. Reid has created an open space for his clients to grieve through his companioning support model. This allows them to grieve in the way that’s open for them without criticism or judgment. The process gives them the validation they need to work through the hard things and the tools they need to heal. You can find Grief Refuge by searching the name in your mobile app store. Thanks for being here! Please consider subscribing and rating The Death Dialogues Project Podcast to help us get these episodes in front of folks who need them. The book Death and its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons: field notes from The Death Dialogues Project is on sale everywhere you buy your books. Here's one link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9c25rt As the Kiwis say, this project runs on the smell of an oily rag (read: no income or funding)-- the purchase of the very affordable book will go towards costs for running this project. "Just finished this wonderful resource by Becky Aud-Jennison called, Death and Its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons. If you have any desire to learn the effects the death of a loved one has on us, read this book. It is one of those lovely books that combines story, science and the experience of the author to illuminate a profound topic in an understandable way." - Jennifer A. O'Brien, author of Hospice Doctor's Widow

An update from Becky from over three weeks into her 12 week post-pandemic connection with loved ones tour. Life, love, connection, death, stress, mind-body-spirit balance, pandemic, and no promises …. www.deathdialogues.net

Kristine Carlson is a New York Times bestselling author and renowned speaker recognized worldwide for the global success of The Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff book series she co-authored with her late husband Dr. Richard Carlson. Her latest book, Heartbroken Open, a life-changing memoir, has become a Lifetime Television biopic starring Heather Locklear called Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: The Kristine Carlson Story. With over 30 million books in print, Carlson has emerged as a leading mindfulness expert and transformational guide who has been featured on national radio and television broadcasts, including The Today Show, The View, and The Oprah Winfrey Show. In 2010, she was awarded the Kennedy Laureate Award by John F. Kennedy University alongside the iconic chef Alice Waters and CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta. In addition to her books Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Women, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff in Love, and Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms, Carlson’s other titles include An Hour to Live, An Hour to Love (a tribute to her husband), and her seminal self-help book for leading readers out of the pain of loss and into a new future — From Heartbreak to Wholeness: The Hero’s Journey to Joy. Through her beloved women’s retreats, including her signature What Now? program, Carlson serves as a guide for women navigating transition and change of all kinds — showing them how to live their most vibrant, joyous, and fulfilling life in their next chapter. Through her popular podcast Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, Live the Big Stuff, Carlson’s depth, realness, and ever-present humor shine through each memorable episode. Her popular video-based, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Happiness Training Courses (on Dontsweat.com) teach people how to find inspiration and direction right in the midst of life’s uncertainties — helping individuals around the world to move from overwhelming anxiety to an abiding optimism and trust in life. These courses feature exclusive video footage of her late husband, Dr. Richard Carlson.  She is on the advisory board of Modern Widows Club and on the Global Leadership Council of Challenge Day. Carlson has two daughters and five grandchildren. In her spare time, she loves to exercise – boot camp fitness classes, yoga or hiking. She also is an inspirational speaker and leads women’s retreats all over the world. Her mission is to show people that it is possible to love your life again after profound loss and major change — and to discover that more laughter, love, and happiness await you. To learn more about Kristine Carlson, visit her website www.kristinecarlson.com. Please remember to rate and subscribe to The Death Dialogues Project Podcast. Thank you! Don't forget our book, Death and its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons: field notes from The Death Dialogues Project  for your personal reading and gift giving needs. Available wherever books are sold. Whangarei Paper Plus is selling it nationwide in New Zealand.

A. Olivia Nelson is a two-time widow in her twenties who, in the span of five years, said goodbye to family and friends alongside major non-death losses. Having to face grief in a variety of situations, she gained deep insight into our broken grief culture: grieving people lack support and those who want to help don't know how. To heal this gap, Nelson formed Learning About Grief, a website on which she shares personal stories, coping resources, and hosts a virtual grief group. Her vision is to change how we perceive grief. "We'll all bury a loved one," said Nelson. "Educating ourselves on what that's like helps us embrace grief as a human experience." You can find A. Olivia Nelson on Instagram @LearningAboutGrief, Twitter @LearnAboutGrief, or learningaboutgrief.com. Please leave a rating and subscribe to The Death Dialogues Project Podcast. Thank you! Don't forget to check out the recently released book Death and its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons: field notes from The Death Dialogues Project. We are getting lovely feedback from folks who are reading if for self-reflection as well as many who are giving it for gifts. Available where books are sold. Kindle/e-book super affordable if you'd like to check it out. Most seem to be buying paperbacks, I'm sure the lovely cover has something to do with that. It's a great gift for when there are no words ...

Kate Manser is a spiritual leader whose work is to help people live more alive in their everyday life. Her work as a meditation guide, author, and artist has touched millions of people around the world. Her book, YOU MIGHT DIE TOMORROW, was lauded as “illuminating the beauty of being alive” by NYT Bestselling author Brad Montague. Kate is currently on tour leading her Kaleidoscope Meditation Walks around the United States. Find Kate's meditations to help you live more alive in your everyday life on katemanser.com, YouTube, and Insight Timer. Find her in IG @thealivekate.  Please follow The Death Dialogues Project and learn more about this project at www.deathdialogues.net where you will find links to podcast platforms and our social media. Instagram is our fave social media home @deathdialoguesproject Don't forget to find out new book "Death and its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons: field notes from The Death Dialogues Project" wherever books are sold.

Margaret was born and raised in Aotearoa New Zealand. She has lived there, in various corners of the country, apart from ten years in the UK. Her interests and areas of work have shifted over the decades, but a strong underlying theme is always a passion for the growth or evolution of people of any age. This includes people who are dying. Margaret has a deep interest in death and dying, especially in opening people to the gifts in dying, gifts which she feels are often not experienced in Western society because of a cultural resistance to death, even so-called ‘timely’ death. Margaret has three adult children and four precious young grandsons who bring her much joy.  Find Margaret at https://www.margaretmccallum.com/ Please follow The Death Dialogues Project and learn more about this project at www.deathdialogues.net where you will find links to podcast platforms and our social media. Instagram is our fave social media home @deathdialoguesproject Read our new book Death and its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons: field notes from The Death Dialogues Project. Available as e-book, hard cover, paperbacks and audio book. Find it where books have sold. Have you tried this indie online offering? https://bookshop.org/books/death-and-its-terrible-horrible-no-good-very-beautiful-lessons-field-notes-from-the-death-dialogues-project/9781945060359 Find the audio book here: https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/death-and-its-terrible-horrible-no-good-very-beautiful-lessons Thanks for being here!

Our new co-host, Kate Burns and project creator Becky Aud-Jennison have a casual chat about the upcoming book, Death and its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons: field notes from The Death Dialogues Project which will be released on 2/22/22 (US date).  Join us for a peek inside the book's why, the writing process, and thoughts about what you will find held in that gorgeous cover. How can you help? Buy the book, leave a review online at Amazon and on Goodreads. Recommend the book to those you feel may benefit from and/or appreciate it. Please share the book's one sheet with your local bookstores and ask them to stock the book. All resources here: https://linktr.ee/deathdialoguesproject This project is 100% grassroots and the profits from the sale of these books will enable this project to continue. (((thank you))) As always, a huge thank you to our story tellers: this is YOUR book. And to our listeners. We deeply appreciate you all.

A successful professional artist, Claudia, a single mom, supported her children by painting tiles for peoples' houses. It allowed her to be home with her children. At the age of 53 Claudia experienced the unimaginable. She answered a knock at the door and a policeman was standing there. He told her every parent's worst nightmare, her son Ben, the first love of her life was gone. After Ben's death, she fell into a dark and lonely place. She gave up painting. Over the next 13 years, Claudia slowly learned to live with her pain and grief. She began to paint again. Her work had no special meaning to her at the time. Parents who have experienced the death of their children began to seek her out for advice, comfort and hope. Over time she realized that she was saying the same words repeatedly. She decided to write them down. It wasn't until she began writing this book that the art, she thought had no meaning, served to be perfect illustrations. The book was initially written as a gift for a mother whose son had recently died. Other's wanted copies to send to friends who were suffering the same losses. She started making copies. She discovered that helping other grieving parents gave both her grief and her art a purpose. Claudia lives in Baltimore, Maryland with her loving husband Richard and close to her daughter Jessica, son-in-law Michael and two grandchildren, Olive and Gus. Her loves also include her two dogs and two birds. Find Claudia: @artoflivingwithgrief https://claudiachappel.com Please follow The Death Dialogues Project and learn more about this project at www.deathdialogues.net where you will find links to podcast platforms and our social media. Instagram is our fave social media home @deathdialoguesproject

Always fascinated with stories surrounding connection into the beyond, after reading the account Tina Fluharty had written surrounding her daughter, Rebecca's untimely, tragic death, she was immediately contacted to be on the podcast. Not only have we shared her story here, but it is also featured in our upcoming book: Death and its Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Beautiful Lessons: field notes from The Death Dialogues Project.  Sometimes we are fortunate enough to be exposed to a story of connection that is so detailed and complex, it is impossible to deny the fact that there are deep and beautiful mysteries surrounding death and life that, if we are lucky enough, teach us there so much more to our existence than what is visible to the human eye.  Our hope is when you hear this true account of what Tina experienced, you will find yourself a bit more open to the depths of the great mysteries of life and death. B-word does live on and you can find her amazing work in a variety of places. You can find Rebecca's Instagram account and see her gorgeous photos at @_bword You can read Tina's written version of her account of what happened on the day of Rebecca's death here: https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/something-awful-has-happened-my-family-looked-at-me-confused-my-daughter-was-somewhere-being-swept-away-by-raging-flood-waters-mom-loses-daughter-to-tragic-flood-drowning-accident-afte/  Here is the link to Rebecca's staggering memorial video: https://youtu.be/m84c243krOU You can find Rebecca's work, documentation of life celebration and art for sale here: https://www.abandonedcentral.com/ Please follow The Death Dialogues Project and learn more about this project at www.deathdialogues.net where you will find links to podcast platforms and our social media. Instagram is our fave social media home @deathdialoguesproject

Hi! I’m the real Lisa Bain, the blogger behind The Wandering Widow and author of Heart of a Kingdom.  A few years ago, I was just like everyone else I knew. I was on the corporate career track at a company I loved, caring for my aging parents, and taking life’s adventures one day at a time with my soul mate at my side. I had a plan. I knew where I was going, how long it would take to get there, and had the action items to propel me towards my life goals.  All that came screeching to a halt in 2016, when my husband died of a very aggressive and rare form of cancer, just nine months after my dad died of Advanced Parkinson’s Disease. I couldn’t hold it together and watched in horror as my carefully crafted life imploded. The loss of the two men I loved most in the world ripped off the cover on every other loss I’d buried deep inside, forcing me to face them all. I couldn’t function, and the people in my life didn’t know how to help me.  With THE WANDERING WIDOW I started writing to work through my grief. I had been in corporate sales and marketing. Creative writing had been on my radar but became a saving grace as I tried to figure out who I was in this new widow life. I started my blog The Wandering Widow as a way to express the feelings I couldn’t verbalize amid my raw pain. I always wrote for myself, but the feedback I received from other widows encouraged me to share my blog to a wider audience. I committed to share all the ugly and beautiful bits of my grief journey as a way to both stay on track for my healing and also to help others. We live in a grief phobic society. If my snarky accounts of my story can help shed light on the needs of the grieving, help the bereaved feel less alone, and help family and friends with suggestions on how to help, then I’m in 100%. And a journey it became. I left that corporate job, my home, and my friends and family and set out to travel the world by myself for a year. (That year never ended, in case you were wondering.) By this point, I’d added short stories and angsty poetry to my journaling but never planned to write a book. Traveling alone had its lonely moments, and I often took my laptop to a coffee shop and just wrote what I saw. I didn’t want to be a travel blogger but did want to share the things I learned on my travels as The Wandering Widow. And everywhere I went, I encountered my fellow bereaved. I learned that most countries struggle with providing adequate grief support. I connected with widows and widowers who were desperate to share their stories and say aloud the names of the ones they lost. I’m grateful to now call many of them friends.  While my grief will always be her cornerstone of my writing, I've moved further afield and am now and internationally published poet and working on my second novel. Find Lisa on social media @thereallisabain and @lisanainwrites and her website www.thereallisabain.com.  Please follow The Death Dialogues Project and learn more about this project at www.deathdialogues.net where you will find links to podcast platforms and our social media. Instagram is our fave social media home @deathdialoguesproject