Grieving Gracefully with Kelly Podcast

The Grief No One Talks About: Breaking the Silence Around Loss, Love, and Healing

Title:The Grief No One Talks About: Breaking the Silence Around Loss, Love, and Healing
Description:Why do people avoid talking about grief—and what happens when we finally do?
In this episode, Kelly is joined by grief and trauma psychologist Dr. Heather Taylor for a powerful and compassionate conversation about the silence and stigma around grief. Together, they explore how grief impacts identity, the myths behind the "five stages," and the importance of allowing grief to take up space.
Whether you're grieving or supporting someone who is, this episode offers insights, encouragement, and real talk about navigating loss and finding yourself again.
🎧 Tune in to learn:
Why grief feels so isolating
How to move from surviving to truly living after loss
Simple mindset shifts that support healing
What Dr. Taylor’s personal journey taught her about love, loss, and purpose
Join the Grieving Gracefully Circle
If you’re looking for a supportive community where you can share your grief journey and connect with others who understand, join The Grieving Gracefully Circle! This space offers encouragement, resources, and a place to heal together.
👉 Join here: Grieving Gracefully Circle
About Heather:
Dr. Heather Taylor, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist in Washington state, grief specialist, and unapologetic truth-teller when it comes to loss, healing, and what it really means to move forward. As the host of the Grief is the New Normal podcast and founder of Grief is the New Normal Psychological Services, Dr. Heather is on a mission to help people stop whispering about grief—and start owning it, honoring it, and healing through it. With a powerful mix of clinical expertise, lived wisdom, and let’s-get-real energy, she helps people understand that grief isn’t a problem to fix—it’s a process to feel. Through her newest venture, the Professional Grief Collective, she’s also shaking up the mental health space by empowering clinicians, healers and coaches to better support the grieving clients they serve.
Resources & Links:
🌍 Grief is the New Normal Website🌍 Get a copy of Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal📲 Instagram: Connect with Heather on Instagram📲 LinkedIn: Connect with Heather on LinkedIn📲 YouTube: Connect with Heather on YouTube
Let’s Stay Connected!
📲 Instagram: @GrievingGracefully📲 Facebook: Grieving Gracefully Community📲 LinkedIn: Kelly Sammon

Grief at Work: Finding Balance and Support

Balancing work while grieving can feel impossible. The emotional weight of loss affects focus, energy, and motivation—but many workplaces don’t acknowledge how deeply grief impacts employees. So, how do you navigate work when you're struggling, and how can companies create a culture of support?
In this episode of Grieving Gracefully with Kelly, host Kelly sits down with Janet, founder of The Motherlove Project, to discuss the challenges of grieving while working. They explore why grief doesn’t follow a schedule, how it affects mental and physical health, and what workplaces can do to better support employees through loss.
Janet shares her personal grief journey and provides real, actionable advice for both employees and leaders. Whether you’re grieving or want to better support a coworker, this episode is filled with valuable insights on navigating grief in the workplace.
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts & Spotify!
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
🔹 The emotional and physical toll of grief on employees🔹 How to advocate for your needs at work while grieving🔹 Practical ways managers and coworkers can offer real support🔹 The role of compassionate leadership in workplace healing🔹 Strategies for balancing grief, work expectations, and self-care
Join the Grieving Gracefully Circle
If you’re looking for a supportive community where you can share your grief journey and connect with others who understand, join The Grieving Gracefully Circle! This space offers encouragement, resources, and a place to heal together.
👉 Join here: Grieving Gracefully Circle
About Janet:
Janet has spent over 20 years helping organizations manage change and tackle complex issues. After experiencing deep personal loss, she founded The Motherlove Project, a global platform for motherless daughters. She’s also the co-founder of Bloomwell Partners, which helps workplaces become more compassionate and grief-informed. Janet holds master’s degrees in Arts and Public Administration from Queen’s University. She lives in Ottawa, Ontario, with her partner Meghan and their two daughters.
Resources & Links:
🌍 Bloomwell Partners🌍 Motherlove Project
Let’s Stay Connected!
📲 Instagram: @GrievingGracefully📲 Facebook: Grieving Gracefully Community📲 LinkedIn: Kelly Sammon

Moving Forward With Loss: Why It's More Than Just Moving On

Grief can feel like a battle between holding on and moving forward. Society often tells us to "move on," but what if that’s not the answer?
In this episode of Grieving Gracefully with Kelly, host Kelly Sammon sits down with Litsa Williams, grief therapist and co-founder of What’s Your Grief, to unpack the emotional tension between grieving and rebuilding life after loss. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “get back to normal” or guilt for finding joy again, this conversation is for you.
💙 In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ Why healing isn’t about leaving grief behind✔️ How to honor your loved one while still moving forward✔️ Practical ways to handle societal pressure to "move on"✔️ The role of self-compassion in your grief journey
If you’ve been struggling with the fear of forgetting or feel stuck between the past and the future, this episode offers reassurance, understanding, and tools to help you navigate life after loss.
🔗 Resources & Connect with Litsa Williams:🌎 whatsyourgrief.com📖 What’s Your Grief: Lists to Help You Through Any Loss
💙 You don’t have to grieve alone. Join The Grieving Gracefully Circle for a supportive community, expert guidance, and exclusive grief resources. Sign up here

Reclaiming Your Identity: Finding Strength After Loss

Grief doesn’t just change our emotions—it can reshape our entire sense of self. In this powerful episode of Grieving Gracefully with Kelly, host Kelly sits down with Dr. Natasha Trujillo, a licensed counseling and sport psychologist, to explore how loss impacts identity and how we can rebuild after deep grief.
Together, they discuss the emotional and psychological shifts that come with loss, common misconceptions about grief, and practical strategies for navigating the journey of self-discovery. Dr. Trujillo shares insights on embracing change with self-compassion, the importance of community, and how to find strength in the midst of uncertainty.
Whether you’re currently grieving or reflecting on how loss has shaped you, this episode offers valuable guidance, validation, and hope.
💙 Looking for a supportive space to navigate grief? Join The Grieving Gracefully Circle—a compassionate community where you can find connection, healing, and support. Sign up here
About Dr. Natasha Trujillo
Dr. Trujillo is a counseling and sport psychologist in private practice in Denver, CO. She specializes in working with current and former athletes and performers on issues related to grief and loss, eating disorders, trauma, life transitions, identity development, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and performance psychology.
✨ Want more from Dr. Natasha Trujillo? Connect with her here:📖 Get her book: www.aswntsa.com🌍 Website: www.npttherapy.com📲 Instagram: @npttherapy
Episode Breakdown
00:00 Welcome to Grieving Gracefully00:43 Exploring Identity After Loss00:57 Introducing Dr. Natasha Trujillo01:59 Understanding the Impact of Loss on Identity03:31 Navigating Misconceptions About Grief04:43 Coping Strategies and Self-Reflection05:17 The Importance of Communication and Connection06:00 Embracing Grief and Moving Through It06:32 Positive Self-Talk and Validation14:09 Individualized Grief Support28:53 Rebuilding Identity After Loss35:30 Final Thoughts and Resources

Navigating Unexpected Waves of Grief with Lisa from Reimagining Grief

Episode Overview
In this episode of Grieving Gracefully with Kelly, host Kelly Sammon speaks with Lisa, grief activist and founder of Reimagining Grief, about the unpredictable nature of grief waves. They explore how these waves affect us emotionally, physically, and mentally, while sharing practical tools for managing them with self-compassion and awareness.
Kelly and Lisa discuss the role of breath work, emotional expression, and vulnerability in healing. They also provide guidance on preparing for grief triggers and shifting societal perceptions of grief. Through personal stories and expert insights, this episode offers meaningful advice for those navigating loss.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Introduction to Grieving Gracefully with Kelly00:43 – Understanding sudden waves of grief01:11 – Meet Lisa: A grief activist’s journey05:23 – Defining grief waves09:26 – Navigating unexpected grief waves18:13 – Communicating your grief needs28:46 – The importance of emotional expression32:33 – Embracing emotions as part of healing33:01 – Introducing the Grieving Gracefully Circle33:54 – Practical tools for managing grief waves36:47 – Personal stories of grief and healing38:54 – The power of breath and mindfulness40:52 – Elizabeth Gilbert’s insight on grief43:30 – Shifting our mindset towards grief52:30 – Final advice and practical tips57:43 – Conclusion and support resources
About Lisa Keefauver
Lisa Keefauver, MSW is a Grief Activist who transformed her personal and professional experiences with loss into a mission to reimagine grief. As host of a top-rated grief podcast, TEDx and keynote speaker, adjunct professor, and author of Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss, she is expanding our collective story of grief.
Connect with Lisa Keefauver
Click here to connect with Lisa
Follow Lisa on Instagram
Join the Grieving Gracefully Community
Join The Grieving Gracefully Circle for support, community, and exclusive grief resources: Click Here to Join!
Follow Grieving Gracefully on Instagram: Click Here
Subscribe to the Podcast for more heartfelt conversations on grief and healing.
Contact Us
For inquiries, collaborations, or support, reach out to us at:📩 Click Here to Email Us🌐 Click Here to Visit Our Website

Messages from Beyond: Navigating Grief with Hope

Messages from Beyond: Navigating Grief with Hope
🎙 Episode of the Grieving Gracefully with Kelly Podcast
Episode Overview
In this insightful episode of Grieving Gracefully with Kelly, host Kelly Sammon, a certified grief educator, sits down with Jessica Lynn, a renowned psychic medium, to explore the mysteries of the afterlife and how we can continue our connection with loved ones beyond this physical world.
Jessica shares her personal journey into mediumship, which began after the loss of her beloved Nana. She opens up about her experiences receiving messages from the spirit world, what happens after we pass, and the concept of a life review. Throughout this heartfelt discussion, Jessica provides practical tools to help those grieving recognize signs from their loved ones, raise their vibration, and embrace the presence of spirit in their daily lives.
If you've ever wondered about life after death, how to feel closer to a loved one who has passed, or how spirit communicates with us, this episode is filled with comfort, clarity, and hope for your grief journey.
Episode Breakdown & Key Takeaways
🔹 00:00 | Introduction to Grieving GracefullyKelly introduces the mission of Grieving Gracefully and sets the tone for today’s powerful conversation.
🔹 00:45 | Exploring the Afterlife with Jessica LynnJessica Lynn shares her expertise as a psychic medium and how she connects with spirits beyond the physical world.
🔹 01:16 | Jessica's Journey to MediumshipJessica recounts her deeply personal story of losing her Nana, the event that led her to discover her intuitive gifts.
🔹 06:22 | Messages from the Other SideWhat do spirits want us to know? Jessica reveals the common messages that loved ones share from the afterlife.
🔹 11:07 | Understanding Life After DeathJessica explains the concept of a life review—what happens when we transition from the physical to the spiritual realm.
🔹 16:48 | Connecting with Spirits and Recognizing SignsJessica discusses the different ways spirits communicate—through dreams, symbols, and synchronicities—and how we can become more aware of their presence.
🔹 29:21 | Daily Practices for Peace and ConnectionPractical steps to raise your vibration, stay open to messages from loved ones, and find comfort in grief.
🔹 34:05 | Final Thoughts and FarewellKelly and Jessica reflect on the importance of maintaining a connection with those who have passed and embracing healing.
Connect with Jessica Lynn
✨ Follow Jessica on Instagram: @jessicalynnemediumship✨ Visit her website: www.jessicalynnemediumship.com✨ Listen to her podcast Talk Spirit To Me, ranked #1 on the Apple Charts for Spirituality:🔹 Spotify🔹 Apple Podcasts
Jessica has read for celebrities, professional athletes, musicians, and business owners. Her incredible work has been featured on The Morning Show on Channel 7, 7News, The Australian, Marie Claire, Mamamia, and Body+Soul. She conducts her readings online to connect with people all over the world.
Join the Grieving Gracefully Community
Looking for deeper support on your grief journey? Join the Grieving Gracefully Circle, a compassionate community designed to help you find healing and connection. Inside, you'll gain access to:
✔️ Monthly events & guest speakers✔️ Exclusive grief support resources✔️ Private community discussions✔️ 1:1 coaching with Grief Coach Kelly
💙 Join today: Grieving Gracefully Circle
Stay Connected with Kelly
💌 Instagram: @GrievingGracefully💌 Website: www.grievinggracefully.com💌 Podcast: Grieving Gracefully with Kelly (available on all streaming platforms)
🎧 If you found this episode meaningful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use this message today.
 

Understanding Grief Dreams: A Journey with Dr. Joshua Black

Episode Overview
In this episode of Grieving Gracefully with Kelly, host Kelly sits down with Dr. Joshua Black, a leading expert in grief dreams, to explore the role dreams play in the grieving process. Josh shares his personal journey of loss and how a profound dream about his late father transformed his healing.
Together, they discuss different types of grief dreams, their meanings, and how they reflect our emotions. They also address common concerns, such as why some people don’t remember dreams of their loved ones, and share practical tips for processing and interpreting these experiences.
Whether you’ve had a vivid dream of a lost loved one or are longing for one, this episode offers hope, insights, and comfort.
About Dr. Joshua Black
Joshua Black, PhD, is a grief and bereavement researcher, speaker, educator, and host of the Grief Dreams Podcast. His research focuses on grief dreams and continuing bonds after loss, as well as bereavement in the context of homelessness. As one of the leading academic experts in grief dreams—dreams of the deceased—Dr. Black is dedicated to raising awareness about this fascinating phenomenon and its impact on the grieving process.
Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to Grieving Gracefully with Kelly00:49 – Exploring Grief Dreams with Josh01:29 – Josh’s Personal Journey with Grief Dreams06:22 – Understanding Different Types of Grief Dreams08:03 – Interpreting and Processing Grief Dreams11:12 – Grief Dreams in Different Cultures27:55 – Helping Children Understand Grief Dreams33:18 – Why Some People Don’t Dream of the Deceased39:31 – Final Thoughts and Resources
Connect with Dr. Joshua Black
Click Here to Learn More About Grief Dreams
Follow Joshua on Instagram
Join the Grieving Gracefully Community
Join The Grieving Gracefully Circle for support, community, and exclusive grief resources: Click Here to Join!
Follow Grieving Gracefully on Instagram: Click Here
Subscribe to the Podcast for more heartfelt conversations on grief and healing.
Contact Us
For inquiries, collaborations, or support, reach out to us at:📩 Click Here to Email Us🌐 Click Here to Visit Our Website

Coping with Loneliness in Grief: A Conversation with Brooke Carlock

Episode Summary
In this episode of Grieving Gracefully with Kelly, I sit down with grief expert and author Brooke Carlock to discuss the loneliness that often comes with grief. Brooke shares her personal journey and how it led her to support others navigating loss.
We explore:
The difference between solitude and loneliness
Practical ways to cope with loneliness
How stepping outside of your comfort zone can support healing
The physical and emotional impact of grief
Creating new routines and meaningful connections
This conversation offers support and guidance for anyone struggling with grief or supporting a loved one through loss.
Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to Grieving Gracefully with Kelly
00:43 – Coping with Loneliness in Grief
01:06 – Brooke's Personal Grief Journey
03:45 – Understanding Loneliness in Grief
09:51 – Coping Mechanisms for Loneliness
12:38 – The Healing Power of Volunteering
16:41 – Navigating Holidays and Special Dates
25:19 – Physical and Emotional Impact of Grief
28:41 – Dealing with Guilt in Grief
35:08 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement
36:34 – Closing Remarks
Join the Grieving Gracefully Circle
If you're looking for a supportive community, click here to join the Grieving Gracefully Circle.
Connect with Brooke Carlock
Visit Brooke's Website
Connect with Brooke on Instagram
Order Grief Sucks (But Your Life Doesn't Have To)
Connect with Me
Website: grievinggracefully.ca
Follow Us On Instagram
Join the Community

How to Navigate Grief During the Holidays: Tips for Finding Comfort and Healing

The holiday season can be especially challenging for those who are grieving. In this episode, Alyssa Rose Ackerman and I explore the complexities of grieving during this emotionally charged time and share practical tips to help you find comfort, healing, and balance. Whether it’s adjusting traditions, managing triggers, or allowing yourself moments of joy, we discuss strategies to help you cope during the holidays while honouring your grief.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
1. Understanding Holiday GriefWhy do the holidays amplify grief for so many? We explore how the festive season, associated with joy and family, can feel particularly heavy when you’re grieving.
2. Addressing Emotional NeedsIt’s important to give yourself permission to feel. We share tips on how to embrace your emotions fully without judgment and why this is a crucial part of healing during the holidays.
3. Adjusting TraditionsHoliday traditions can become painful after a loss. We offer advice on how to modify or step away from traditions that no longer serve you during this time, helping you create a new path forward.
4. Handling Holiday TriggersHoliday music, decorations, and family gatherings can trigger unexpected emotions. We discuss strategies to manage these triggers and honour your grief in a healthy way.
5. Seeking SupportIf you’re feeling isolated during the holidays, this part of the conversation is for you. We provide guidance on how to seek the support you need from friends, family, or a community who understands.
6. Helping Others Who GrieveSupporting a grieving loved one during the holidays can be challenging. We share tips on how to offer meaningful comfort without overstepping or making them feel uncomfortable.
7. Creating MeaningFor those looking to honour their loved ones, we share ideas on how to create meaningful ways to remember them during the holiday season.
8. Finding Moments of JoyIt’s possible to find joy and gratitude during the holidays without feeling like you’re dishonouring your grief. We explore how to allow yourself these moments of peace and healing.
9. Managing Social ExpectationsWith all the social obligations during the holidays, it can be overwhelming to manage expectations while grieving. We offer advice on how to navigate social events and protect your emotional well-being.
10. Building ResilienceFor those facing their first or another holiday season without a loved one, we offer messages of hope and encouragement to help you build resilience during this difficult time.
Why You’ll Want to Join The Grieving Gracefully CircleIf you're looking for support, understanding, and a community of like-minded individuals who are navigating grief, The Grieving Gracefully Circle is here for you. In the Circle, you’ll have access to personalized grief resources, live events, a supportive network, and tools to help you heal and find comfort during difficult times, including the holidays. We’re here to walk with you on this journey, providing encouragement and hope every step of the way.
How to JoinTo become part of The Grieving Gracefully Circle, simply click here to join, and sign up today to access all the resources and support you need to navigate your grief with grace and community.
Listen Now for Tips on How to Navigate Grief with Compassion and Understanding this Holiday Season.
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who may benefit from these tips.

Connecting Beyond the Physical: Signs from Loved Ones

Are you noticing signs from loved ones who’ve passed? On this episode, we dive deep into the ways they might be reaching out to us and how these moments can bring comfort and healing.
✨ Discover common signs like songs, numbers, and dreams.✨ Hear heartfelt personal stories of connection.✨ Explore the science, mystery, and spiritual perspectives behind these experiences.✨ Learn practical ways to open your heart to receiving signs.
Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or just curious, this episode offers meaningful insights and real-life stories to help you feel connected to those you miss. Let’s explore how these signs can redefine relationships and bring hope during tough times.
🎙️ Tune in for comfort, connection, and inspiration on your grief journey.