In this heartfelt episode of Lifted, Tembi Locke is joined by actress, dancer, author, and television host Amanda Kloots for an honest conversation about surviving loss, choosing joy, and redefining what it means to move forward with grief. Amanda opens up about the devastating loss of her husband, Broadway actor Nick Cordero, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic – a time marked by uncertainty, heartbreak, and visibility in the public eye. She reflects on how she leaned into movement, routine, motherhood, and creativity to stay grounded during unimaginable sorrow. Together, Amanda and Tembi explore what it means to hold grief and gratitude in the same breath, how community became an unexpected source of support and connection throughout her caregiving experience, and how, sometimes, life grants miracles in radically unexpected ways. Her story is a testament to the unpredictable shape of healing and the quiet bravery of showing up after everything has changed.

Key themes: grief and public mourning, solo parenting, movement and healing, resilience, fitness, hope, caregiving, motherhood after loss, creative expression, dreams unfolding in unexpected ways

Mentioned: Live Your Life (book), Nick Cordero, The Talk (TV show), AK!

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