In this conversation, Dr. Robb Kelly shares his journey from addiction to recovery, emphasizing the role of childhood trauma in shaping behaviors and mental health. He discusses the importance of addressing the root causes of addiction rather than just the symptoms, and how nutrition and self-talk play crucial roles in recovery. 

The conversation also delves into the complexities of grief and its impact on the brain, highlighting the need for understanding and compassion in the healing process. In this conversation, Anne-Marie and Dr. Robb Kelly explore the complexities of grief, the importance of healing through feeling, and the necessity of living in the present moment. 

They discuss the societal pressures surrounding grief, the competition it creates, and how individuals often rush through their emotions. The dialogue shifts to the significance of finding one's identity beyond work and material possessions, emphasizing that true happiness comes from within. They also touch on the power of perspective and the importance of serving others as a means of fulfillment.

takeaways

• Childhood trauma is often the root cause of addiction.
• Alcoholism is not just about alcohol; it's about underlying issues.
• Nutrition plays a significant role in mental health.
• Self-talk can either hinder or help recovery.
• Grief has no set timeline and is unique to each individual.
• Healing involves addressing the subconscious mind.
• The brain's structure can change with trauma and healing.
• Identifying as an alcoholic can hinder recovery.
• Compassion and understanding are essential in the grieving process.
• Recovery is possible, and one can achieve their dreams despite past trauma. Grief is a personal journey and not a competition.
• Healing requires feeling and processing emotions.
• Living in the present is essential for mental well-being.
• Identity should not be tied solely to one's job.
• Material possessions do not define happiness.
• Perspective shapes our experiences and reactions.
• Serving others can lead to personal fulfillment.
• Worrying is often a wasted emotion that does not serve us.
• Understanding others' behaviors can help reduce conflict.
• True happiness comes from within, not from external validation.

Dr. Robb Kelly can be found online at: https://robbkelly.com/

You can find me online at www.dearpsychopomp.com

or [email protected]

I hope your weekend is gentle and full of opportunities ♡

Pope Francis, death, rituals, funerals, grief, healing, traditions, memorialization, transitions, ceremonies

In this conversation, Anne-Marie discusses the significance of rituals and ceremonies in marking transitions, particularly in the context of death and funerals. She emphasizes that funerals serve the living, providing a space for communal grieving and honoring the deceased. The discussion also explores modern methods of disposition, such as green burials and aquamation, and the importance of creating personal rituals for healing and remembrance.

takeaways

• Rituals and ceremonies provide structure and meaning during transitions.
• Funerals are primarily for the living, not the deceased.
• You are not obligated to attend a funeral if it is emotionally charged.
• There are various modern methods of disposition, including green burials and aquamation.
• Creating personal rituals can aid in the grieving process.
• Music serves as a universal language for expressing emotions.
• Daily journaling can be a helpful ritual for reflection.
• Memorial plants can keep the memory of loved ones alive.
• Rituals can be personal, cultural, or communal in nature.
• Honoring emotions through creative expression is vital for healing.

Chapters

00:00
The Importance of Rituals in Transition

08:39
Understanding Funerals and Death Rituals

12:57
Modern Disposition Methods and Their Significance

16:33
Creating Personal Rituals for Grief and Healing

You can find me online at www.dearpsychopomp.com

or [email protected]

I hope your weekend is gentle and full of opportunities ♡

guided meditation, impermanence, self-discovery, mindfulness, breathing techniques, relaxation, mental health, spirituality, personal growth, meditation

In this episode, Anne-Marie leads a guided meditation focused on embracing the present moment and reflecting on the impermanence of life. Through a series of breathing exercises and visualizations, listeners are encouraged to connect with their bodies, acknowledge their mortality, and find peace in the transient nature of existence. The meditation culminates in a journey of self-discovery, inviting participants to explore their inner selves and consider their relationships with life and death.

takeaways

• Guided meditation can serve as a distraction from the political climate.
• Being present in the moment is essential for mental well-being.
• Each breath is a reminder of our existence and vitality.
• Impermanence is a natural part of life that can bring freedom.
• Imagining a red door symbolizes opportunities for self-discovery.
• Meditation helps in connecting with one's higher self.
• Reflecting on mortality can inspire meaningful life changes.
• Living with the awareness of death can enhance appreciation for life.
• The meditation encourages forgiveness and release of burdens.
• Engaging in mindfulness practices can foster personal growth.

You can find me online at www.dearpsychopomp.com

or [email protected]

I hope your weekend is gentle and full of opportunities ♡

Becky Robison (she/her) is a writer living in Louisville, Kentucky. A graduate of UNLV’s Creative Writing MFA program, her work has appeared in Salon, Slate, Business Insider, and elsewhere. She’s also the mind behind My Parents Are Dead: What Now?—a project that aims to help people navigate the dizzying labyrinth of post-death bureaucracy based on her own experience. Her book My Parents Are Dead: What Now? A Practical Guide to Your Life After Their Death is forthcoming from Quirk Books in 2026

You can find me online at www.dearpsychopomp.com

or [email protected]

I hope your weekend is gentle and full of opportunities ♡

In this week's solo episode, we dive into what you can reasonably expect from life, from yourself, from others, and from loss.

Then I ramble for a bit about things I'm passionate about because I don't want anyone to feel like they're alone.

You can find me online at www.dearpsychopomp.com

or [email protected]

I hope your weekend is gentle and full of opportunities ♡

In this episode, I have the opportunity to sit down with Joél Simone Maldonado and squee in her presence.  We talk about her career, her story, her opinions, and so much more.  

Joél Simone Maldonado, affectionately known as The Grave Woman, brings over a decade of groundbreaking expertise and innovation to the fields of end-of-life, death and grief care. As a sacred grief care practitioner, licensed funeral director and embalmer, award-winning educator and speaker, Joél is dedicated to empowering professionals, organizations and governmental agencies to create and implement culturally sensitive protocols and inclusive practices that honor diverse cultures and traditions. She serves on the Board of Directors for Compassion & Choices, is the co-chair of the organizations DEIB committee and volunteers with the African American Leadership Council and is the host of The Death & Grief Talk Podcast. 

Joél is most proud of being the founder and lead instructor of The Multicultural Death & Grief Care Academy which specializes in providing culturally sensitive continuing education resources and training for professionals, leaders and teams; empowering them to navigate end of life, death and grief care with compassion and competence. The Multicultural Death & Grief Care Academy is the go to resource and training ground for those in the health, death and grief care industry seeking a meaningful professional change of pace.  

Joél’s insights have been featured in numerous media outlets, including both the New York & LA Times, NPR, Inside Edition, Glamour Magazine, Good Housekeeping and many others where she has shared key perspectives on the importance of cultural competency in funeral service. Additionally, Joél has a robust speaking history, having presented at prestigious industry events such as the American Society on Aging Annual Conference (2025), Teracon (2025),  the National Funeral Directors Association International Convention & Expo (2024), the Super Death Care Conference (2024), The Green Burial Conference (2021), and many other prominent gatherings in the death care industry.

You can find her online by searching for "The Grave Woman"

You can find me online at www.dearpsychopomp.com

or [email protected]

I hope your weekend is gentle and full of opportunities ♡

Sit down with Lou and I as we talk about being the Glass Child, loss of a sibling, and recreating ourselves one day at a time.

Lou Bowers  is an award-winning marketer. She has been published in a variety of newspapers and magazines, including She Owns It And Get Griefy magazine. 
Lou was recently featured on a billboard in Times Square during the launch of a book she co-authored Resilient AF stories of resilience Volume 2. She loves thrift shopping, hanging out with her kids, hiking and paddle boarding, and she'll never turn down an oat milk latte.

Find Anne-Marie online at www.dearpsychopomp.com or [email protected]

You can find me online at www.dearpsychopomp.com

or [email protected]

I hope your weekend is gentle and full of opportunities ♡

This day, I really felt like I needed a parent. 

We also go over creating a foundational belief system to help with not being afraid of death.

You can find me online at www.dearpsychopomp.com

or [email protected]

I hope your weekend is gentle and full of opportunities ♡

Paula Jane Newman sits down with me to talk about using humor through grief, and why laughter is the best medicine.

Paula can be found online at paulajanenewman.com

You can find me online at www.dearpsychopomp.com

or [email protected]

I hope your weekend is gentle and full of opportunities ♡

Come with me on a journey to help remember what is really important to you, and what you can let go of.

You can find me online at www.dearpsychopomp.com

or [email protected]

I hope your weekend is gentle and full of opportunities ♡