In this first episode of Season Two, I begin with a conversation about suicide loss — one of the most stigmatized forms of grief. I'll explore common myths, the role of stigma and language, and why we now say “died by suicide” instead of “committed suicide.”

• Why language matters: the history behind “committed suicide” and the shift toward compassion.
• Myths and truths about suicide loss.
• The unbearable “if onlys” that survivors carry — and why they’re a form of self-blame.
• Anger as a natural part of grief: “How could you leave us?”
• The difference between suicide prevention and suicide loss support.
• The ripple effect: how one death impacts hundreds of lives.
• What Doctor Who and Van Gogh can teach us about love, illness, and letting go of guilt.

• David Kessler – grief.com
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – nami.org
• Mental Health America – mhanational.org
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) – afsp.org
• Alliance of Hope – Support for survivors of suicide loss (allianceofhope.org)

If you are thinking about harming yourself or ending your life, please reach out right now.

📞 In the U.S., call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

🌍 If you’re outside the U.S., find international hotlines here:

• Crisis Text Line is a global nonprofit organization providing free and confidential text-based mental health support and crisis intervention by texting HOME to 741741. The organization launched in 2013, and its services are available 24 hours a day throughout the United States, Canada, UK, and Ireland.
• International Suicide Hotlines: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/

The Don't Tell Me To Get Over It Podcast is intended for educational and reflective purposes only. Michelle is not a licensed therapist, counselor, or medical professional. The stories, reflections, and resources shared here are not a substitute for professional mental health support or medical care.

Music: Monarch by Laura Platt | Licensed and Used with Permission by Epidemic Sound

For the next 10 months, I’m pulling grief out of the shadows, breaking past the stigma

and talking about it in ways that are honest, messy, and supportive.

You’ll hear stories from people who’ve walked through fire—suicide loss. Domestic violence. Sudden disability—and learned what it takes to not just live, but thrive again after devastating loss.

So, pull up a chair and I’ll pour you some tea. Let's talk about what grief feels like – beyond the shame that silences us.  Season Two starts NOW.

Music: Absence by Sam Will; Licensed and Used with Permission by Epidemic Sound

In today’s Q&A episode, I answer a question from a listener who wasn't able to attend a funeral and wonders if it’s too late to reach out to a grieving friend.

Many of us worry about saying the wrong thing or reopening wounds, but does grief have an expiration date when it comes to offering support?

I explore the hesitation that often holds us back, the impact of belated but sincere gestures, and how to connect in a way that feels meaningful rather than awkward.

Whether you've been in this situation yourself or worry about reaching out to someone who is grieving, this episode offers insight, reassurance, and practical ways to show you care—no matter how much time has passed.

Tune in to hear:

💭 Why we sometimes hesitate to reach out after a loss.

🕰️ Does timing really matter when offering support?

📩 Simple, thoughtful ways to reconnect without feeling awkward.

This podcast is always ad-free and listener supported. I’d love to hear from you—connect with me!

• Substack: https://thegriefcurator.substack.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGriefCurator
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegriefcurator/
• Website: https://thegriefcurator.com/

Music

Intro and Outro: Eulogy | Licensed and Used with Permission of Thrumm, a division of Junius Recording Company

Bibliography

ExperienceCamps.org Founded in 2009, is a national, no-cost program for grieving children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver. Our one-week, overnight summer grief camps, year-round programs, and content help to reframe the experience of grief, and empower kids with the necessary coping skills to move forward with their lives. Through compassion, connection, and play, Experience Camps allows grieving children to embody a life full of hope and possibility.

In this episode, I explore the often overwhelming experience of the first year after losing a loved one. When grief is fresh, it can feel like you're simply muddling through, unsure of what’s normal or how to move forward. I begin by sharing an excerpt from my grief memoir, reflecting on the emotions and challenges of that first year.

From navigating milestones and daily responsibilities to understanding how grief shows up in unexpected ways, I walk through what many experience in those early months. Finally, I close with a discussion on self-care—what helped me, and what might support you or someone you love in the tender space of new grief.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

🖋️A Personal Reflection – An excerpt from my grief memoir, offering a

window into my journey.

📅The “Firsts” After Loss – How major milestones and small daily moments shift after losing someone.

💡The Day-to-Day Realities of Grief – Balancing emotions with the

practical aspects of life that don’t pause for grief.

🌿How Grief Shows Up – The unexpected ways grief manifests physically, mentally, and emotionally.

💖Self-Care in the First Year – Ways to support yourself through fresh loss, from practical strategies to emotional nourishment.

Resources & Links:

This podcast is listener supported.  I’d love to hear from you—connect with me!

• Substack: https://thegriefcurator.substack.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGriefCurator
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegriefcurator/ 
• Website: https://thegriefcurator.com/

Music

Intro and Outro: Eulogy | Licensed and Used with Permission of Thrumm, a division of Junius Recording Company.

Podcast Disclaimer

Michelle is not a licensed therapist.  This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. If at any moment in today’s discussion, you feel triggered, or not ready to face these big feelings, take a break, drink some water or tea, and come back to the podcast when you are ready.

If you do find that your everyday tasks are becoming impossible, or if you find you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call 988 or your local emergency number, and reach out to your therapist.

In this special episode, I answer listener questions or share YOUR stories about grief and loss.

Today's question comes from listener who has a friend who is dealing with both fresh grief and multiple losses and they want to know: is it too soon to refer their friend to the podcast?

if YOU have a question, dear friends, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. You can choose to be anonymous, or you can have your first name or initial and city or state or province read out loud. 

This podcast is listener supported. I’d love to hear from you—connect with me!

1. Substack: https://thegriefcurator.substack.com/
2. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGriefCurator
3. IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegriefcurator/
4. Website: https://thegriefcurator.com/

Music

Intro and Outro: Nylon String Theory by Candelion | Licensed and Used with Permission of Epidemic Sound

Welcome to the first episode of 2025! Today, I’m shifting gears and inviting you to get to know me a little better. In this cozy, reflective episode, I share my thoughts on embracing joy and romance (with a capital R) after loss, and why I’m ditching resolutions for something more meaningful.

From navigating the bittersweetness of turning 50 to intentionally choosing Romance, I reflect on the choices, regrets, and new opportunities that shape my life and relationships. Together, we explore what it means to rediscover beauty, and live with curiosity and open-heartedness.

So, grab a mug (hot chocolate optional), and let’s take this journey together—holding space for grief and joy, one step at a time.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Why I’ve renamed my home office “the study” and how language shapes our mindset
• The significance of embracing romance with a capital R
• Reflections on grief, heartbreak, and turning 50
• How my father’s life inspired me to believe it’s never too late
• The importance of relationships and curiosity in navigating life’s challenges

Connect with me!

• Substack: https://thegriefcurator.substack.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGriefCurator
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegriefcurator/ 
• Website: https://thegriefcurator.com/
• Ask the Grief Curator: Got a question or story to share? Send me an email at [email protected] for a chance to be featured in a future episode.
• Support the Podcast: If you love this show, consider leaving a review or sharing it with someone who might need it.

Music

Intro and Outro: Eulogy | Licensed and Used with Permission of Thrumm, a division of Junius Recording Company

Bibliography

Do Not Go Gentle Into that Good Night by Dylan Thomas: https://poets.org/poem/do-not-go-gentle-good-night

This year, let’s embrace the beauty, the mess, the joy, and the pain. Together, we can rediscover what makes life worth living—even in its hardest moments.

Don’t forget your coffee and hot chocolate moment of sweetness! See you next time.

In this episode, I talk about facing the holidays, especially Thanksgiving, while grieving. Drawing from my own experiences, I explore the challenges grievers face with family expectations, the pressure to feel grateful amidst loss, and our own internal guilt.

But there's hope and practical strategies, like acknowledging emotions, setting boundaries, and honoring loved ones in meaningful ways.

I also touch briefly on collective grief, highlighting the historical trauma faced by Indigenous peoples in the U.S., and providing links to learn more about their history.

In the end, it’s okay to feel sadness during the holidays, and perfectly normal to not be in the mood for gratitude.

Episode Highlights

• Navigating Grief During Thanksgiving
• Personal Reflections on Grief
• Practical Strategies for Coping
• Acknowledge and validate your feelings
• Honor lost loved ones
• Addressing Collective Indigenous Grief
• Permission to Feel Sadness
• Acts of Compassion

Connect with me!

• Substack: https://thegriefcurator.substack.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGriefCurator
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegriefcurator/ 
• Website: https://thegriefcurator.com/
• Ask The Grief Curator: [email protected]

Music

Intro and Outro: Eulogy | Licensed and Used with Permission of Thrumm, a

division of Junius Recording Company

During Story: Waiting at 54th by Vincent and A

Secret | Licensed and Used with Permission of Epidemic Sound

Bibliography

Tocabe: https://www.tocabe.com/

Four Directions Cuisine: https://fourdirectionscuisine.com/

National Indian School System Digital Archive: https://boardingschoolhealing.org/nibsda/

Podcast Disclaimer: Michelle is not a licensed therapist.  This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. If at any moment in today’s discussion, you feel triggered, or not ready to face these big feelings, take a break, drink some water or tea, and come back to the podcast when you are ready.

If you do find that your everyday tasks are becoming impossible, or if you find you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call 988 or your local emergency number, and reach out to your therapist.

Show

Summary

In this episode, I discuss my experiences with grief and some of the secondary losses that followed the death of my father.  My father's passing has impacted my life, especially losses like my sense of identity, security, and dreams I shared with my dad.

Even now, I grapple with these changes; however, I’ve learned to adapt, reframe, and even found ways to celebrate new ways of living without my father.

You may not be ready yet, and that's okay; I encourage you to reflect on YOUR own experiences with secondary losses and email me to connect and share your thoughts.

Episode Highlights

• Secondary Losses
• Loss of Identity
• Loss of Security
• Loss of Shared Dreams
• Loss of Freedom
• Ways to Adapt

Connect with me!

• Sign Up for the Quarterly Newsletter: https://thegriefcurator.substack.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGriefCurator
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegriefcurator/ 
• Website: https://thegriefcurator.com/
• Contact: [email protected]

Music

Intro and Outro: Eulogy | Licensed and Used with Permission of Thrumm, a division of Junius Recording Company

Bibliography

Follow me on Substack to access 7 Secondary Losses & How to Cope when it's released.

Show Summary

In this ghostly episode, I talk about “war, skeletons, cemeteries, and things that go bump in the night.” 

Halloween can often seem garish to grievers—a mockery of their pain.  I felt that way too, and it took me a couple of years to reach a point where it didn’t bother me as much.

I also share a story about my father and an encounter he had with his mother during WWII. In part, I believe this story shaped how I saw Halloween and even my own grief.

Everyone’s grief journey is unique. With time, meditation, and a willingness to heal, I encourage you to discover new ways of honoring and enjoying this season, perhaps in ways that look different than before.

Episode Highlights

• Halloween Triggers
• A Personal Ghost Story
• The Impact of Grief
• Holding Space for Grievers
• Healing Through Time and Meditation
• Reclaiming Halloween After Loss

Connect with me!

• Sign Up for the Quarterly Newsletter: https://thegriefcurator.substack.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGriefCurator
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegriefcurator/ 
• Website: https://thegriefcurator.com/

Music

Intro and Outro: Eulogy | Licensed and Used with Permission of Thrumm, a division of Junius Recording Company

During Story: Waiting at 54th by Vincent and A Secret | Licensed and Used with Permission of Epidemic Sound

Bibliography

Nothing that’s out yet!  You can read the “ghost” story and more about my father and his experience during WWII in my upcoming memoir: Don’t Tell Me to Get Over It!

Podcast Disclaimer

Michelle is not a licensed therapist.  This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. If at any moment in today’s discussion, you feel triggered, or not ready to face these big feelings, take a break, drink some water or tea, and come back to the podcast when you are ready.

If you do find that your everyday tasks are becoming impossible, or if you find you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call 988 or your local emergency number, and reach out to your therapist.

Sending you love, light, and peace!

Episode Title: Hurricane Helene: Holding Space for Collective

Grief

Brief Show Summary: Hurricane Helene was a catastrophic storm that brought death and destruction to areas unprepared for her wrath.  In this episode, we invite you to talk about collective grief through the lens of Hurricane Helene, which devastated mountain communities in North Carolina and Tennessee, as well as coastal areas in Florida.

Together, we explore the resilience of the survivors who have come together to rebuild, despite tragedy, and contrast this with the harsh judgment online from those far removed from the on-the-ground efforts.

Reflect on the importance of holding space for others in times of collective grief, drawing on Heather Plett’s The Art of Holding Space. The power of creating a safe, compassionate space for people to process their pain without judgment or the urge to fix things is emphasized.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that in both individual and collective grief, empathy and connection are what are most important in grief.

Episode Highlights

1. Devastation in the middle of the night
2. Resilience of survivors
3. Reality vs. Online Trolls
4. Distancing Ourselves from Tragedy
5. Holding space
6. The Connection between Imagination & Empathy
7. Personal insights
8. Practice empathy and holding space

Connect with me!

Sign Up for the Quarterly Newsletter: https://thegriefcurator.substack.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGriefCurator

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegriefcurator/ 

Website: https://thegriefcurator.com/

Music: Eulogy | Licensed and Used with Permission of

Thrumm, a division of Junius Recording Company

Bibliography

"Collective Grief happens affects an entire community or large group. It's common during times of war and after major natural disasters that can have long lasting impacts." (An article on Talkspace.com by Liz Kelly)

Podcast Disclaimer: Michelle is not a licensed therapist.  This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. If at any moment in today’s discussion, you feel triggered, or not ready to face these big feelings, take a break, drink some water or tea, and come back to the podcast when you are ready.

If you do find that your everyday tasks are becoming impossible, or if you find you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call 988 or your local emergency number, and reach out to your therapist.