In this deeply moving episode of Between Here & Heaven, host Tara Delaney—transformation coach, health and grief guide, and creator of Blue Wings Within—sits down with Registered Dietitian, educator, and mentor Brenda O’Day for an intimate conversation on grief, nourishment, and the eternal nature of love.

Both women come from lives devoted to healing through nutrition—learning how to feed the body—yet it was through profound personal loss that they discovered a deeper truth: the soul has its own hunger.

Brenda shares her journey of losing both parents within months of each other, and the unexpected moments of connection that followed—subtle, sacred reminders that love does not end when life does. Together, Tara and Brenda explore how grief reshapes the way we show up for others, how loss deepens compassion in caregiving and teaching, and how nourishment extends far beyond food into connection, presence, and spirit.

This episode gently weaves together themes of:

• Grief and the hunger for connection

• Signs from loved ones in the afterlife

• End-of-life experiences and spiritual awareness

• How loss transforms our purpose and service

• Why love may be the greatest form of nourishment we will ever receive

As a transformation coach, Tara’s work is rooted in helping others turn grief into purpose, reconnect with their inner wisdom, and create lives guided by meaning, health, and love. If this conversation resonates with you and you’re feeling called to explore your own healing journey, you’re invited to learn more at www.bluewingswithin.com.

If you are navigating loss, longing for reassurance that love continues, or seeking a more soul-centered understanding of healing, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.

Because healing isn’t just about feeding the body—it’s about remembering that love never leaves. 💙

Kim Orr

Welcome to Between Here and Heaven. I'm Tara Delaney, and I'm so grateful that you're here. This podcast episode comes from a very personal and vulnerable story. It is a place that was born from love, from loss, and from the quiet, unwavering truth that some connections never die. This podcast is a safe place for grief, for healing, for the signs from beyond, but most of all for honoring the light that lives beyond the darkness. Whether you're moving through loss or learning to live again with a broken heart, this space is for you. I don't claim to have all the answers, but I do have stories, I have received signs, and I believe in a love that never left. So let's begin Between Here and Heaven. Today, I’m joined by my new friend, Kim Orr, who shares her heartbreaking journey of losing her partner of 27 years to cancer. Kim's story is a testament to the power of love and the complexities of grief. We dive deep into the emotional rollercoaster of anticipatory grief, the challenges of watching a loved one suffer, and the bittersweet memories that linger long after they are gone. Kim and I discuss how grief is a unique journey for everyone, and how it can reshape our lives in ways we never expected. If you’ve ever felt lost in your grief or wondered how to navigate the pain of loss, this episode is for you. Join us as we explore the healing power of love, the importance of patience, and the need for understanding in our grieving process. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Let’s honor our loved ones together and find solace in the shared experience of love and loss.

#betweenhereandheaven #cancer #love #lossofrelationship

Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:58 - Introduction of Guest - Kim Orr

00:01:24 - Kim Orr's Story

00:04:56 - Tara Delaney's Story

00:06:07 - Comparing Experiences

00:06:22 - Impact of Anticipatory Grief

00:09:53 - Reflection on Sudden Loss

00:11:41 - Kim Orr's Preference for Sudden Loss

00:13:28 - Tara Delaney's Experience of Sudden Loss

00:15:33 - Contemplating Life and Death

00:16:32 - Support from Friends and Family

00:17:18 - Understanding Grief

00:18:46 - The Impact of Grief on Personality

00:20:56 - Patience and Understanding in Grief

00:23:20 - Accepting Grief and Giving Grace

00:25:12 - The Unpredictability and Individuality of Grief

00:27:28 - The Definition of Grief

00:28:49 - Love, Loss, and Reflection

00:31:01 - Need for Grief Education and Discussion

00:31:54 - Personal Experiences with Grief Groups

00:32:26 - Feeling Alone in Grief

00:33:42 - Closing Remarks and Encouragement

In this tender and uplifting episode of Between Here & Heaven, host Tara Delaney welcomes Zoey Leslie Hess, a young woman whose wisdom and heart transcend her years.

After losing her beloved Papa, Zoey channeled her grief into something extraordinary—a children’s book called The Birthday of an Angel, written to help others understand that love doesn’t end when someone leaves this world.

Together, Tara and Zoey open a gentle, healing conversation about:
💫 Turning loss into purpose through creativity and story
💫 The belief that our loved ones send us signs—like red cardinals—reminding us they’re still near
💫 How we can honor those we’ve lost by choosing to keep living fully
💫 The sacred act of remembering, not through tears alone, but through the love and joy we continue to share
💫 How even the youngest hearts can hold the deepest truths about life, loss, and connection

This episode is for anyone who has ever loved and lost, and for those who believe that the bond between souls never truly breaks.

Between Here & Heaven is a safe space for grief, healing, and honoring the light that lives beyond the darkness.

Join us as we remember, reflect, and celebrate the eternal thread of love that weaves this world to the next.

Because love doesn’t end — it only changes form. ❤️

#BetweenHereAndHeaven #GriefHealing #LoveNeverDies #ZoeLeslieHess #TheBirthdayOfAnAngel #SpiritualConnection #LifeAfterLoss #SignsFromHeaven #RedCardinals #HealingThroughStory #TaraDelaney #GriefAndGrace #LoveBeyondDeath #LossAndLight

Connect with Tara:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taradelaney777/

Email: [email protected]

Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:49 - Zoe's Story

00:01:04 - Zoe's Childhood Memories and Loss

00:02:46 - The Birthday of an Angel

00:03:01 - Zoe's Relationship with Her Grandfather

00:03:01 - The Publishing Journey

00:06:05 - The Cardinal Sign

00:07:48 - The Inspiration Behind the Book

00:11:32 - The Love Stamp Collection

00:14:09 - The Bedbugs Tradition

00:16:32 - Zoe's Career Path and Nonprofit Work

00:19:16 - Zoe's Belief System and Connection with Signs

00:24:29 - Zoe's Connection with Her Grandfather

00:25:00 - The Impact of The Birthday of an Angel

00:26:25 - Where to Find The Birthday of an Angel

00:27:06 - Closing Thoughts

In this powerful and tender episode of Between Here & Heaven, host Tara Delaney sits down with Mindie, a compassionate nurse who has spent years holding space for patients and their families during life’s most sacred and heartbreaking moments.

Together, they explore the realities of caregiving—the beauty, the exhaustion, the heartbreak, and the grace that lives within it all.

Mindie opens her heart and shares:
💫 Stories of profound moments from her years as a nurse, walking alongside patients in their final days
💫 The lessons she’s learned about love, loss, and what it truly means to be present
💫 How her work with others in grief led her to face her own pain and discover deep transformation
💫 The importance of self-care for those who care for everyone else
💫 Her journey of rebirth through her new podcast, Call the Nurse, and how storytelling became her path to healing

This episode isn’t just about grief—it’s about resilience, compassion, and the courage to begin again.

Whether you’re a caregiver, a nurse, a mother, or someone navigating your own dark night of the soul, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone—and that even in moments of loss, there is always light waiting to return.

Join Tara and Mindie as they explore the sacred space between loss and love, and the quiet miracles that happen when we choose to keep our hearts open.

🌤 Listen to Mindie’s podcast, Call the Nurse, for more stories of hope, healing, and humanity.

#BetweenHereAndHeaven #CallTheNurse #GriefHealing #CaregiverStories #NurseLife #CompassionFatigue #HealingJourney #LoveNeverDies #SpiritualConnection #LifeAfterLoss #TaraDelaney #Mindie #HopeAfterGrief #SelfCareForCaregivers #HealingThroughStory

Chapter timestamps

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:58 - Guest Introduction

00:02:04 - Mindy's Nursing Experience

00:04:51 - Mindy's Profound Experiences - Linda's Story

00:11:00 - Mindy's Profound Experiences - Chuck's Story

00:17:05 - Mindy's Personal Struggles and Self-Care Journey

00:20:47 - Mindy's Reflections on Grief

00:25:45 - Introduction to Mindy's Podcast - Call the Nurse

00:25:58 - Mindy's Hope for Her Podcast

00:28:58 - The Therapeutic Value of Podcasting

00:30:34 - Mindy's Dark Days and Learning to Live Again

00:32:31 - Mindy's Advice for Women in Dark Times

00:32:48 - Mindy's Personal Growth and Lessons from Grief

00:41:37 - Mindy's Thoughts on Choice and Control in Life

00:42:48 - Mindy's Conversation on Acceptance and Moving Forward

00:45:41 - Mindy's Encounter and Connection with a Grieving Mother

00:46:23 - Reflections on the Journey and Affirmations

00:46:44 - The Importance of Support and Validation

00:47:08 - Mindy's Thoughts on Dark Moments and Hope

00:47:37 - Closing Remarks and Appreciation for Mindy

00:47:51 - Promotion of Mindy's Podcast - Call the Nurse

00:48:22 - Closing Message and Reflections on Healing and Grief

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Welcome to Between Here and Heaven. I'm Tara Delaney and I'm so grateful that you're here. This podcast episode comes from a very personal and vulnerable story. It is a place that was born from love, from loss, and from the quiet unwavering truth that some connections never die. This podcast is a safe place for grief, for healing, for the signs from beyond, but most of all for honoring the light that lives beyond the darkness. Whether you're moving through loss or learning to live again with a broken heart, this space is for you. I don't claim to have all the answers, but I do have stories, I have received signs, and I believe in a love that never left. So let's begin Between Here and Heaven. Today, I’m joined by Dr. Wendy Walsh, a clinical psychology professor and expert in attachment theory. Together, we explore the profound human experience of death and loss, not through the lens of religion or philosophy, but through psychology and emotional understanding. Dr. Walsh shares insights on how our earliest attachments shape our grief and how we can navigate loss. We discuss the importance of coping mechanisms and how our experiences can lead to resilience and healing. This conversation is not just about understanding grief; it’s about finding meaning and purpose in the aftermath of loss. If you’ve ever felt the presence of a loved one after they’ve passed, or if you’re struggling to make sense of your grief, this episode is for you. Join us as we bridge the gap between science and spirit, and discover how love transcends even the darkest moments. Remember, healing doesn’t mean forgetting; it means remembering in a way that brings peace.

#betweenhereandheaven #healing #grief #attachmentstyles #grieving #lossandtrauma

Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:00 - Guest Introduction and Topic Preview

00:02:29 - Understanding Death from a Psychological Perspective

00:03:40 - Interpreting Signs and Experiences After Loss

00:05:11 - Discussion on Faith and Science

00:05:53 - Exploring Personal Beliefs and Experiences

00:10:42 - Understanding Loss and Creating Meaning

00:11:27 - Resilience and Healing After Loss

00:15:06 - Personal Story of Loss and Trauma

00:16:01 - Discussion on Therapy and Its Benefits

00:16:48 - Continuing Life After Losing Someone

00:21:50 - Attachment Styles and Grieving

00:24:07 - The Power of Thoughts and Healing

00:26:34 - The Concept of Afterlife

Welcome to Between Here and Heaven. I'm Tara Delaney, and I'm so grateful that you're here. This podcast episode comes from a very personal and vulnerable story. It is a place that was born from love, from loss, and from the quiet, unwavering truth that some connections never die. This podcast is a safe place for grief, for healing, for signs from beyond, but most of all for honoring the light that lives beyond the darkness. Whether you're moving through loss or learning to live again with a broken heart, this space is for you. I don't claim to have all the answers, but I do have stories, I have received signs, and I believe in a love that never left. So let's begin Between Here and Heaven. The holidays can be a tough time, especially when you're missing someone you love. I know this all too well, as Christmas holds a sacred tenderness for me, being the last time I saw my son, Sloan, before he passed away. In this episode, I share my journey through grief during the holiday season, the importance of giving yourself permission to feel, and how to create new traditions that honor your loved ones. I talk about the power of connection, whether it's reaching out to a friend or connecting in spirit with those we've lost. Remember, love is the thread that binds us, even in our deepest grief. Join me as we explore ways to navigate this tender time, focusing on gentleness and the love that still surrounds us. If you're feeling the weight of loss this holiday season, know that you're not alone. Together, we can find peace in the pauses and strength in the love that never leaves us. Thank you for being here for this sacred conversation.

#grief  

#healing  

#love  

#memories  

#holidays

#betweenhereandheaven

Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:48 - Personal Story and Experience

00:01:03 - Coping with Loss During Holidays

00:04:04 - Creating New Traditions

00:04:38 - Connecting in Spirit and Silence

00:05:07 - Focusing on Gentleness

00:05:29 - Love is the Thread

00:06:05 - Conclusion

Welcome to the second episode of Between Here & Heaven, a sacred space where grief meets grace, and love never dies. 🕊

In this deeply moving conversation, Tara Delaney sits down with Eric De La Cruz, one of her son Sloan’s closest friends- the young man who was with Sloan on the day of the motorcycle accident that took his life.

This isn’t just a story about loss. It’s a story about love that continues, about the power of friendship, and about how spirit finds its way back to us in unexpected ways.

Together, Tara and Eric reflect on:
💫 The friendship between Sloan and Eric—filled with laughter, loyalty, and light
💫 The sacredness of Sloan’s final moments and the bond that remains unbroken
💫 How Eric has honored his promise to “take care of Sloan’s family” in every possible way.
💫 The unseen signs, synchronicities, and moments of connection that remind us love still lives on
💫 The lessons of grief, healing, and finding meaning in the aftermath of unimaginable loss

This episode is a tender and raw beginning to the Between Here & Heaven series—an invitation to anyone who’s ever lost someone they love, and wondered if their spirit is still near.

They are.
And sometimes, the ones they loved most become the messengers that help us heal.

🌤 Listen now and step into this sacred space of remembrance, truth, and love that never ends.

🎧 Between Here & Heaven is a podcast by Tara Delaney—a mother, writer, and storyteller walking the bridge between worlds, helping others find peace, connection, and grace through grief.

To watch a video of Eric dropping of flowers to Sloan click the link below:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFoFxM3ORqD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Connect with Tara:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taradelaney777/

Email: [email protected]

#BetweenHereAndHeaven #GriefHealing #LoveNeverDies #SpiritualConnection #LifeAfterLoss #SloanDelaney #EricDeLaCruz #TaraDelaney #HealingThroughStory #SignsFromHeaven #GriefToGrace #FriendshipBeyondDeath #LossAndLove

What if grief isn’t the end of the story—but the doorway to something more?

Between Here and Heaven is a sacred, hope-filled space for anyone who has lost someone they love and is searching for meaning, connection, and the possibility that love never dies.

After the sudden passing of her only son, Sloan, in 2023, grief expert and mother Tara Delaney found herself in the space between worlds—where signs, miracles, and moments of deep knowing began to unfold.

This podcast is for anyone navigating the ache of loss… and sensing there’s more beyond the veil.

Through raw reflections and soulful conversations with spiritual teachers, first responders, organ recipients, and those who’ve had profound encounters with the beyond, Tara explores the tender questions of the heart:

✨ Where do our loved ones go?
✨ Can we still connect with them?
✨ How do we live with both sorrow and hope?

This isn’t a podcast about “getting over it.”
It’s about living with it—with grace, with presence, and with the love that never left.

Connect with Tara:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taradelaney777/

Email: [email protected]

#grief #lettinggo #loss #spirtualguidance #spiritual #loveandloss #personaldevelopment #death #heaven #god

What if grief isn’t the end of the story—but the doorway to something more?

Between Here and Heaven is a sacred, hope-filled space for anyone who has lost someone they love and is searching for meaning, connection, and the possibility that love never dies. After the sudden passing of her only son, Sloan, in 2023, grief expert and mother Tara Delaney found herself in the space between worlds—where signs, miracles, and moments of deep knowing began to unfold.

This podcast is for anyone navigating the ache of loss… and sensing there’s more beyond the veil.

Through raw reflections and soulful conversations with spiritual teachers, first responders, organ recipients, and those who’ve had profound encounters with the beyond, Tara explores the tender questions of the heart: ✨ Where do our loved ones go? ✨ Can we still connect with them? ✨ How do we live with both sorrow and hope?

This is not a podcast about “getting over” grief—it’s about discovering how to live with it, while staying open to the mystery, magic, and healing that can emerge.

Whether you’re deep in grief, spiritually curious, or just longing to feel less alone, Between Here and Heaven offers a gentle, powerful reminder: Love doesn’t end. And neither does the story.

Connect with Tara:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taradelaney777/

Email: [email protected]

#grief #lettinggo #loss #spirtualguidance #spiritual #loveandloss #personaldevelopment #death #heaven #god