As I Live and Grieve®

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Imagine realizing in your 50s that the challenges you've been facing your entire life are actually symptoms of ADHD. That's exactly what happened to our guest, Carolyn Jenkins, a veteran special education teacher with more than four decades of experience. Carolyn shines a light on the often-misunderstood concept of neurodiversity, sharing her personal journey and how it intersects with both her professional and personal life. Her story not only highlights the resilience and success that come alongside a diagnosis but also emphasizes the importance of understanding that neurodiversity involves diverse brain functions, not mere behaviors.

We tackle the often-overlooked area of how neurodiverse individuals navigate grief. For women and older men, these conditions can remain hidden, complicating their grieving process. Our conversation covers the crucial role of professional guidance and the support networks that are invaluable in such situations. We recognize the unique ways neurodiverse children, especially those on the autism spectrum, experience grief. Breaking down misconceptions, we stress the importance of clear communication and the balance between routine and flexibility to support them. 

In addition, we discuss the healing power of community resources like Soaring Spirits and Camp Widow that provide spaces for connection and understanding. These initiatives support individuals and families through their grief journeys, offering comfort and a sense of belonging in shared experiences. Join us as we explore these transformative conversations and resources that aim to foster understanding and healing.

Contact:
www.asiliveandgrieve.com
[email protected]
Facebook:  As I Live and Grieve
Instagram:  @asiliveandgrieve
YouTube:  asiliveandgrieve
TikTok: @asiliveandgrieve

To Reach Carolyn:
Email:  [email protected]

Soaring Spirits International:
Website:  https://soaringspirits.org/
Camp Widow:  https://campwidow.org/

 
Credits: 
Music by Kevin MacLeod 

Copyright 2020, by As I Live and Grieve

The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

Send us some LOVE!

Discover how spirituality can be a beacon of light during times of loss with Catherine Duncan, an integrative spiritual consultant, ordained minister, and former hospice chaplain. Catherine shares her wisdom on finding meaning beyond religion, emphasizing the importance of presence and consciousness to navigate life's inevitable chaos and stress. Learn to balance joy and sorrow while making intentional choices that nurture your spirituality during grief.

Explore practical mindfulness techniques from her book "Everyday Awakening," which are designed to shift you from a busy mind to a state of calmness. These 42 exercises, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, help regulate the nervous system and foster gratitude. Dive into the spiritual aspects of dying, where connections with deceased loved ones and spiritual entities remind us that death is a transformation, not an end.

Contact:
www.asiliveandgrieve.com
[email protected]
Facebook:  As I Live and Grieve
Instagram:  @asiliveandgrieve
YouTube:  asiliveandgrieve
TikTok: @asiliveandgrieve

To Reach Catherine:
Email:  [email protected]
Website:  www.catherineduncan.org

 
Credits: 
Music by Kevin MacLeod 

Copyright 2020, by As I Live and Grieve

The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

Send us some LOVE!

Shelby Forsythia, the grief coach renowned for her compassionate wisdom, returns us for a special holiday episode of "As I Live and Grieve." She shares her personal journey into the world of grief, a journey that began amidst the chaos of what she calls her "four years of Hell" in college. Shelby unveils her G-R-I-E-F method, a comforting framework designed to help those mourning find grounding and resilience, particularly during the emotionally challenging holiday season. 

Listeners are invited to explore Shelby's enriching resources, including her books "Permission to Grieve" and "Your Grief, Your Way," which provide a structured roadmap for navigating grief's complex landscape. The "joy jar" exercise is highlighted as a tool for capturing small glimmers of happiness, encouraging a mindful approach to healing. Whether you're seeking solace, guidance, or a renewed perspective on grief, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tools to support your journey toward embracing life beyond loss, all while rediscovering joy along the way.

Contact:
www.asiliveandgrieve.com
[email protected]
Facebook:  As I Live and Grieve
Instagram:  @asiliveandgrieve
YouTube:  asiliveandgrieve
TikTok: @asiliveandgrieve

To Reach Shelby:
Shelby Forsythia (she/her)
Grief guide, author, and podcast host
Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok
Featured in O Mag, Huffington Post, and Modern Loss
Ready to grow through grief? Check out these free resources:

• Grow Through Grief Workshop—MOST POPULAR! Three easy, proven tools that help you stop feeling stuck and start moving forward.
• Dear Grief Guide: My weekly podcast where I answer anonymous letters from grievers with compassionate advice and gentle reframes.

Credits: 
Music by Kevin MacLeod 

Copyright 2020, by As I Live and Grieve

The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

Send us some LOVE!

As we navigate the holiday season, I take a moment to share my personal reflections and explore how these times can stir both joy and heartache. This solo episode offers a heartfelt letter from an imagined perspective of our late loved ones, challenging the notion that the holidays must always be joyous and perfect.

Let this message be a gentle reminder that while the holidays may be tough, you're not alone. Together, we can honor our memories and embrace the possibility of creating new ones.

Bless you - and may your Holidays be full of happy memories.

Contact:
www.asiliveandgrieve.com
[email protected]
Facebook:  As I Live and Grieve
Instagram:  @asiliveandgrieve
YouTube:  asiliveandgrieve
TikTok: @asiliveandgrieve

 
Credits: 
Music by Kevin MacLeod 

Copyright 2020, by As I Live and Grieve

The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

Send us some LOVE!

Emily Thiroux Threatt's journey through loss and love offers an intense tale of resilience and renewal. From her cherished days with her first husband, Jacques Thoreau, a passionate bioethicist, to the unexpected path that led her to her second husband, whom she met through an online encounter, Emily's story is rich with life lessons.Our conversation with Emily is a heartfelt exploration of how life’s challenges can be met with grace and ingenuity.

Emily also reveals how gratitude became her guiding light amidst sorrow, thanks to a simple yet powerful practice inspired by "The Secret." You'll discover how keeping a gratitude journal helped her find joy, even during the toughest times. This episode uncovers her creative endeavors, such as the Grief and Happiness cards, designed to offer peace and reflection. Additionally, Emily shares her inspiring initiatives like the free Grief and Happiness Gathering and her role in the global summit, From Morning to Light, highlighting that joy and personal growth are indeed possible even in life's darkest moments. Whether you're seeking solace or inspiration, Emily's insights offer hope and a pathway to happiness.

Contact:
www.asiliveandgrieve.com
[email protected]
Facebook:  As I Live and Grieve
Instagram:  @asiliveandgrieve
YouTube:  asiliveandgrieve
TikTok: @asiliveandgrieve

To Reach Emily:
Website:  https://lovingandlivingyourwaythroughgrief.com/
E-mail : [email protected]

 
Credits: 
Music by Kevin MacLeod 

Copyright 2020, by As I Live and Grieve

The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

Send us some LOVE!

John Polo returns to "As I Live and Grieve," bringing with him a moving account of enduring love and transformation. Discover the compelling ways love can persist beyond loss, and how John found the courage to open his heart again to his fiancée, Allie, all while honoring the memory of Michelle.

We also touch upon the challenges of seeking connection and companionship, especially for older individuals who have lost a spouse. John shares practical wisdom on navigating the modern dating scene with authenticity while safeguarding against its potential pitfalls. We highlight the invaluable support offered by Soaring Spirits International, a community dedicated to helping widows and widowers build genuine connections. Join us in this heartfelt episode as we explore themes of love, healing, and community, offering hope and insights for those on their own grief journeys.

Contact:
www.asiliveandgrieve.com
[email protected]
Facebook:  As I Live and Grieve
Instagram:  @asiliveandgrieve
YouTube:  asiliveandgrieve
TikTok: @asiliveandgrieve

To Reach John:
Email:  [email protected]
Website:  johnpolocoaching.com

 
Credits: 
Music by Kevin MacLeod 

Copyright 2020, by As I Live and Grieve

The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

Send us some LOVE!

How do you find the strength to rebuild your life after an unexpected tragedy? Today we sit down with Clarissa Maul, a remarried widow and dedicated bereavement advocate, who opens up about her harrowing journey following the sudden death of her husband, Rob, in a 2019 hiking accident. From her days as a homeschooling mom and communications consultant to navigating the overwhelming grief with her four young children, Clarissa shares the raw and real challenges her family faced. She also speaks about the pivotal role her faith played in providing the resilience she needed to move forward. We delve into the intricacies of parenting through grief—like using concrete language to explain death to children and adapting remembrance traditions over time. Clarissa offers a glimpse into her collaborative book "Hurt Help Hope," written with her daughter Fiona, which serves as a vital resource for grieving teens. This episode shines a light on the critical importance of community support and self-care, making it an essential listen for anyone seeking comfort and understanding through difficult times.

Contact:
www.asiliveandgrieve.com
[email protected]
Facebook:  As I Live and Grieve
Instagram:  @asiliveandgrieve
YouTube:  asiliveandgrieve
TikTok: @asiliveandgrieve

To Reach Clarissa:
Website:  www.clarissamoll.com

 
Credits: 
Music by Kevin MacLeod 

Copyright 2020, by As I Live and Grieve

The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

Send us some LOVE!

Have you ever felt that silence holds more than just the absence of sound? In this heartfelt episode, Gina Gale Gray opens up about her astonishing journey with her son, Spencer, who taught her the unique language of telepathic communication. Despite living without the ability to speak or move independently for 23 years, Spencer communicated profound insights that transformed Gina’s understanding of love and connection. Gina shares her expertise on the extraordinary senses known as the clairs—clairaudience, clairsentience, and clairvoyance—and how these senses facilitate communication with the spirit world. With real-life examples and intuitive guidance, Gina explains how she helps those grieving to connect with their departed loved ones. Listen in as Gina recounts how specific music or environmental observations can serve as intuitive prompts, enabling us to tune into higher vibrations for messages of hope and healing.

Contact:
www.asiliveandgrieve.com
[email protected]
Facebook:  As I Live and Grieve
Instagram:  @asiliveandgrieve
YouTube:  asiliveandgrieve
TikTok: @asiliveandgrieve

To Reach Gina:
Website: https://www.anywheremindbodysoul.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/people/Gina-Gayle-Gray/

Credits: 
Music by Kevin MacLeod 

Copyright 2020, by As I Live and Grieve

The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

Send us some LOVE!

Ever wondered how to effectively support children and teens through the unimaginable pain of traumatic loss? Join us as we sit down with Jennifer Levin, a licensed therapist who specializes in traumatic grief, to uncover the essential steps needed for crisis support and stabilization. Jennifer enlightens us on the particular needs of young individuals facing sudden and unexpected deaths, especially within school environments.

How do you distinguish between grief and depression when both share similar symptoms like sadness and changes in sleep or appetite? This episode clarifies these crucial differences with Jennifer's expert insights. We tackle the controversial topic of prolonged grief disorder's inclusion in the DSM, discussing its implications for accessing care. Additionally, we explore how children's understanding of death evolves, especially around the ages of seven to eight, when they begin to grasp its universality, cessation, and irreversibility. This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice for anyone navigating the complex terrain of traumatic grief.

Contact:
www.asiliveandgrieve.com
[email protected]
Facebook:  As I Live and Grieve
Instagram:  @asiliveandgrieve
YouTube:  asiliveandgrieve
TikTok: @asiliveandgrieve

To Reach Jennifer:
Website: www.traumaticgriefsolutions.com
Email:  [email protected]

Credits: 
Music by Kevin MacLeod 

Copyright 2020, by As I Live and Grieve

The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

Send us some LOVE!

Imagine starting a podcast from a light-hearted joke among friends, only to find it transforming into a deeply meaningful project. That's exactly what happened to Nick Gaylord, the creator of "Our Dead Dads." Join us as we welcome Nick back to share the deeply personal story behind his podcast, which began with humorous banter among his brothers and friends who, like Nick, have lost their fathers. In this episode, Nick delves into the bittersweet memories of his father and his journey that spans across various states and a fascinating career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Grief is a multifaceted experience, particularly when it involves complex relationships with the deceased. Kathy opens up about her mix of relief and guilt following her husband's death from a brain tumor. We discuss the critical need to address grief in all its forms to prevent long-term emotional strain, reminding listeners that all emotions during grief are valid.

Contact:
www.asiliveandgrieve.com
[email protected]
Facebook:  As I Live and Grieve
Instagram:  @asiliveandgrieve
YouTube:  asiliveandgrieve
TikTok: @asiliveandgrieve

To Reach Nick:
Website:  http://www.ourdeaddads.com
E-mail : [email protected]

 
Credits: 
Music by Kevin MacLeod 

Copyright 2020, by As I Live and Grieve

The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.