What happens when three grief podcasters sit down to talk about the happiest–saddest time of the year?

In this special Grief Awareness Week episode, three grief storytellers and space-holders — Nina Rodriguez (Grief and Light), Liz Quinn (Healing Hearts Podcast), and Tara Accardo (Life with Grief podcast) — come together for a conversation that’s equal parts honest, tender, and deeply human.

***

The video version is available here.

***

What unfolds is a spacious, story-rich dialogue about the many faces of grief: the way it evolves over time, the way it reshapes who we are, and the way the holidays often magnify both the ache and the sweetness. Together, the three share how their losses — Nina’s 32-year-old brother, Liz’s newborn daughter and both parents, and Tara’s parents and beloved 19-year-old dog — continue to ripple through their lives in ways that are both painful and illuminating.

They explore the early fog of grief, the physicality of sorrow, the rituals and traditions that tether us to our people, and the power of setting boundaries when the world expects more than we can give. They reflect on identity, envy, unexpected joy, and the healing that happens when we speak our stories out loud and are met with understanding instead of silence.

This episode feels like sitting with friends who get it. Three women navigating grief personally and professionally, carving out space for truth, connection, and the radical permission to feel it all.

It will air on all three podcasts.

Key Takeaways

• Grief evolves constantly, shifting shape over time but never disappearing.
• Storytelling creates connection, offering validation, healing, and community.
• The first year of loss is disorienting, full of numbness and overwhelm.
• Rituals and traditions can honor loved ones, especially during the holidays.
• Clear boundaries are essential — it’s okay to opt out, slow down, or protect your energy.
• Grief impacts the body, not just the heart and mind.
• Community support softens the edges, reminding us we’re not alone.
• Every grief journey is unique, and there’s no one “right” way to move through it.
• Joy can coexist with grief, even when it feels fragile or unexpected.
• All emotions are valid, especially during tender seasons like the holidays.

The Grief and Light podcast is hosted by: Nina Rodriguez

• Creator of Grief and Light, Grief Guide
• griefandlight.com
• @griefandlight
• Resting Grief Face on Substack

Grief Support Resources for the Road:

• Grief Tending Toolkit
• Access our online community

Support the show

Thank you for listening! Please share with someone who may need to hear this.

Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers