As I Live and Grieve®

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Have you ever wondered if your pet could be more than just a furry companion, but a soulmate? Michelle Slater, author of "Soulmate Dog," joins us to share her heartwarming tale of love and connection with her German Shepherd, Brady. Together, we traverse the emotional landscape of relationships that transcend species, highlighting the extraordinary lengths to which we go for our pets and the limitless nature of love.

This episode isn't just about pet love; it's an exploration of grief, healing, and the unspoken language that binds us to our animal friends. Delving into the world of telepathic communication with animals, we uncover how Michelle's skeptic heart was transformed through her experiences with an animal communicator. 

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 stumbled across joy in the most unexpected of places, like amidst the sharp edges of grief? This episode welcomes Ross Palfreyman, a seasoned attorney turned author, who shares his profound insights on finding "Joy in the Brambles." Together, we unravel the complexities of grief that arise from life's various challenges, including family squabbles, health scares, and career shifts. Ross offers a compelling approach to embracing joy even when faced with life's prickliest obstacles, as well as a look into our spiritual understanding of joy as a covenant with a higher power.

The concept of charity within the Christian faith takes center stage as we contemplate how acts of kindness and service to others can lead to a deeper experience of joy. I recount a heartwarming story of inclusion involving a young boy in our church and discuss the legal nuances of contracts to illustrate how committing to compassionate actions can be seen as a promise, a bilateral agreement, with the divine. We consider the idea that joy from service is a gift, not a penalty, filled with acts of love and care for others, however small they might seem.

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 stood in the face of a storm and felt the resolve to push through? Our special guest, Dr. Kimberly Harms has done just that. Join us  as Kim opens up about her birth marred by thalidomide, the heartache of her mother's suicide, her own battle with depression, and the fortitude required in the wake of her husband’s liver cancer. Her story is a testament to the unwavering human spirit and the shared comfort we find in acknowledging our vulnerabilities.

Loss is a path often walked in isolation, but it doesn’t have to be. Kim shares stories that illuminate the vital role such groups play, the importance of recognizing the value of grieving children as whole individuals, and how happiness can be reclaimed in life after loss. From the intimate tale of a widow's journey to the resilience seen in the face of the Rwandan genocide, we shine a light on the unexpected paths carved from the depths of grief, leading to new life chapters and cultural connections.

How can we construct a legacy that stands the test of time? This episode offers a stirring reflection on the narratives that have the power to shape our final impressions. Kim discusses her poignant work, "Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For," and the profound concept of legacy love letters, guiding us on how to prepare for the ultimate future. Join us for an episode that will offer you empowerment to chart a course towards hope and healing.

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!

When the burdens of grief and trauma cloak the shoulders of our bravest—the police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel—we seldom grasp the depth of their silent battles. Jared Altic, a pastor and chaplain with the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department, joins me in a poignant conversation that shines a light on the hidden emotional toll experienced by first responders. With his insights, we unravel the complex layers of grief that accompany the very act of saving lives, revealing how the necessity to compartmentalize emotions in the face of mortality can give rise to secondary trauma and, if left unchecked, to grave mental health consequences.

We focus on actionable ways to uplift and support the guardians of our communities. I recount continuing my late husband's legacy of kindness to police officers, illustrating how small gestures can make a difference. We provide listeners with practical advice on engaging with and assisting local law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of simple acts of appreciation and the understanding of policies that guide their acceptance. Join us in this enriching dialogue as we spotlight the importance of creating a cascade of care that has the potential to reshape the world.

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. 

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When the unimaginable happens and we're left holding the pieces of a shattered life, where do we find the strength to rebuild? Annah Elizabeth joins us to courageously share her story. She speaks to the soul's remarkable ability to weather life's harshest storms, offering an inspiring testament to the power of hope and the multifaceted nature of our existence that each play a part in guiding us through our darkest days. Annah's journey underscores the fact that healing is not a destination, but rather a collection of moments that, when stitched together, create a tapestry of regained strength and purpose.

Through the lens of personal experiences, we examine the need to nurture and prioritize the different facets of our personality, especially those we often overlook. A holistic approach to well-being, treating the mind, body, and spirit as interconnected pieces of a larger puzzle, emerges as a critical strategy for preventing our foundation from crumbling under the weight of life's challenges. We wrap up by extending an invitation to our listeners to engage with our community, share their stories, and carry this vital conversation forward.

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

To Reach Annah:
Website: The Five Facets of Healing.com
IG: Annahelizabethheals
FB Page: AnnahElizabethHealGrief
TikTok: @annahelizabethheals
YouTube: AnnahElizabethTheFiveFacets

FREE Grief Support Events: Hump Day Healing

10th Anniversary edition of Annah's memoir: Digging for the Light: One Woman's Journey from Heartache to Hope is available where all books are sold. Here's the Amazon link. 

 
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!

Nick Gaylord found an unexpected beacon of hope in the form of podcasting. His journey, one that traverses the grief of losing a father and the unexpected solace found in dark humor, is the focal point of our latest episode. Nick shares his intimate story of coping with a complicated paternal relationship, infused with the bittersweet relief that followed his father's passing. This dance of emotions is one many of us know too well, yet often struggle to voice. Together, we peel back the layers of sorrow and laughter that define our healing processes.

The power of a good story lies in its ability to evoke strong emotions and offer an escape. Nick and I reflect on how these passions have been a backdrop to our own life stories, influencing our capacity to love in the shadow of complex family dynamics. We dissect the therapeutic process of creating "Our Dead Dads," a podcast which promises to be a refuge for men to express emotions that society often discourages.

Our conversation extends an invitation to listeners to be a part of this community, to share, connect, and collectively honor the memories of those we've lost. Through candid discussions and heartfelt narratives, Nick's podcast aims to create a tapestry of support, emphasizing the enduring nature of love and the shared journey of life and loss. Join us, all the while remembering that while our stories are unique, the emotions that drive them are universal.

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. 

Send us some LOVE!

Have you ever received a message that felt like it was sent from heaven? Our heartfelt discussion with Dave Roberts delves into this new world of AI and Grief Tech, where the bereaved find solace in AI-generated messages from those they've lost. We navigate the complexities and comforts of these services, balancing the poignant act of memorializing loved ones with the authenticity of such connections.

As Dave and I wade through the ethical landscape of AI, we ponder the implications for those who seek solace in technology due to isolation or bereavement. The conversation touches on topics like the importance of consent and the introduction timing of Grief Tech. We provide guidance, discussing the delicate balance of integrating technology with traditional coping mechanisms and the significance of cybersecurity in protecting the sacred memories of our loved ones.

NOTE:
An article was mentioned in the podcast with perspective from Dr. Spiegel of Stanford. Here is the link to that article:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/11/technology/ai-chatbots-dead-relatives.html

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

To Reach Dave:
Website:  http://bootsyandangel.com
E-mail : [email protected]
Book Website: http://psychologyprofessorandminister.com
Book Purchasing Information: When The Psychology Professor Met The Minister
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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 grieve, we frequently encounter the shadow of who we used to be. Grief coach and author, Shelby Forsythia, joins me to share her deeply personal narrative of navigating the aftermath of her mother's death, revealing these intricate layers. Our conversation invites listeners to sit with the poignant truth that our old lives are forever altered, and our grieving reflects this transformation.

While discussing the  value of rituals, Shelby and I offer up ways to honor the past selves we've bid farewell, embracing our healing. We invite you to consider how personalized acts of remembrance can carve a path toward acceptance, making space for who we are becoming.

We hope to guide you through the tender process of redefining yourself in the wake of loss. Our episode is an open invitation to find solace in shared experiences, and a gentle reminder that self-care is paramount as you walk the delicate path of grief.

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 delicate terrain of grief, Susie Taylor joins us to share her powerful story of love, loss, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Through the memory of her son Evan, who bravely faced significant medical challenges since birth, we uncover the raw emotions and the unspoken bonds that form in the wake of such an incomparable loss. Susie's candid recollections shine a light on the joy and laughter her son brought into their lives, while also exploring the significance of honoring our loved ones and the personal journeys that follow our deepest sorrows.

Embracing the legacy left by those we've cherished is a profound testament to their impact on our lives and the world. In our conversation, we delve into how Evan's life led to remarkable advancements in neonatal care, illustrating the profound influence one individual's journey can have on medical progress. Susie's involvement with the County Board of Developmental Disabilities and her dedication to honoring the memory of consumers who have passed resonates deeply, offering solace to those navigating the intricate paths of healing. Together, we reflect on the uniqueness of grief and love, acknowledging that each story is as distinct as the memories we hold dear.

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

To Reach Susie:

Credits: 
Music by Kevin MacLeod 

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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!

Today's guest is a kindred spirit, Vicki Paris Goodman, whose memoir "To Sam With Love" captures the essence of anticipatory grief. Our conversation covers that unexpected optimism and spiritual guidance that reach us in our depths of sorrow.

We talk about both engaging in life and embracing solitude. We examine the unique experiences of anticipatory grief, the surprising intersections of humor and healing, and how we discovered a renewed sense of purpose through the pain. Vicki's poignant stories and our mutual reflections offer hope and inspiration for anyone on this journey. Join us...

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

To Reach Vicki:
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/vickiparisgoodman/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/vickiparisgoodman
Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/vicki-paris-goodman
Author Central:  https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BNJZ9XVF
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23019683.Vicki_Paris_Goodman

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.