Counselor Mandy Eppley speaks with mother, widow and author Kristi Smith as she shares the story of suddenly losing her husband at the age of 48. Through her grieving process she found that she needed a “how to” book to help her navigate this loss. This led to her writing the book DREAM…a guide to grieving gracefully. Through Kristi’s experience she found there are keys to unlocking the doors that will help you to keep moving through the grief process and to heal. Mandy and Kristi discuss the “5 Keys to Unlock the Grip of Grief” which are the valuable lessons included in Kristi’s book that can help you in finding hope

Kristi Smith combines 30 years of ministry with a BS in Psychology, so she comes from a solid place of experience and knowledge. She is not shy about sharing poignant words that she knows will help grievers process the pain. She has compiled the 5 most profound lessons in her book, DREAM…a guide to grieving gracefully. You can find her at www.kristismithdreambook.com.

Counselor Mandy Eppley speaks with veterinarian and animal advocate Dr. Linda Bender about the importance of grieving our pets and how they continue to bless our lives even after they pass. Dr. Bender shares the story of losing her precious cat, Wimsey, who she considered to be her best friend for 18 years. Both Mandy and Linda emphasize how important it is to allow yourself to grieve pets, as we do for humans, and to not feel ashamed about it. Linda shares several stories from her collection (one of the largest databases of stories about animals in the world) about how beloved animals have contacted their owners after they pass. She helps people see how these experiences are “normal” and not “paranormal.” She says “grief can motivate us to show up as love in the world.”

Dr. Linda Bender’s love of the natural world began in her childhood backyard. Her innate rapport with animals inspired her to earn a doctorate in veterinary medicine. During the 14 years she spent living in England, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, Linda’s veterinary work included the rescue, rehabilitation, and protection of wildlife, often in remote areas.  In 2014 Linda wrote a book called Animal Wisdom: Learning from the Spiritual Lives of Animals (North Atlantic). This book illuminates the undeniable ability for animals to restore our ecological, emotional and spiritual balance.

Her non-profit, From the Heart, has a mission of recognizing that all creatures have lives of meaning and purpose, and provides support for animals in need and strives to help people understand the natural connection between humans and animals, and the mutual need to protect the Earth we share. To learn more visit her website, www.LindaBender.org

Counselor Mandy Eppley speaks with school social worker Barry Sherman about his story and the impact his mother’s sudden death when he was 18 years old had on the course of his life. Barry also gives a first-hand account of the inequity that is in many of the schools throughout our country. He is experiencing this at the school he currently works in, located in Charlotte, NC, as it has moved backward and is now segregated. The biggest factor that separates the children in his school from other schools is their socio economic status with the majority living in poverty. Due to this, the majority of children are struggling with multiple risk factors that they bring to school with them each day. Thus, instead of being able to teach and create an optimal learning environment, they need to spend time addressing these risk factors. He is using his grief and outrage about this situation to fuel the actions he is taking to address and change this on a systemic level. One of the messages he wants to get out is that the best learning environment can be created when diversity, especially in economic levels, is present in our schools.??

Barry Sherman - MSW, LCSW, is a school social worker with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Until 2011 he served for nearly 20 years as the Assistant Director of The Institute for Life-leadership & Coaching. He also continues his work with INTEGRA for KIDS, a leadership development program for children utilizing the creative arts. www.INTEGRAforKIDS.org.?? Barry is also taking a leadership role in changing what is happening in our schools. To find out more about what actions are being taken by the OneMECK Coalition to institute change in the Charlotte/Mecklenburg system please visit www.onemeck.org. This coalition could also serve as a model for other cities and school systems.

This episode first aired in August, 2015. It was such a powerful interview that we wanted to air it again. Counselor Mandy Eppley speaks with visual artist Gypsy Hundley about how her creative spirit is reflected in her artwork and is her passionate way of serving in the world. Gypsy shares her heart-breaking and inspirational story of having to watch a loved one be sent to prison. From this tragedy she created amazing works of art that helped her, and others, to heal.

Gypsy Hundley has been painting full time for over 10 years. Her work has been displayed in galleries throughout the nation and purchased from thousands of spirits world wide. Starting out as an outsider/folk artist, Gypsy spent years traveling the unknown roads touring art shows and seeking galleries while living out of her van. Her tenacity to evolve and pursue an art career gave her strength to move forward. Her continual changes in her style has gained respect, recognition and admiration. When she speaks of her art, it is as if she's telling a story of an ancient love she has danced through life with, hand in hand.

You can find her artwork at www.gypsyhundleygallery.com.

Counselor Mandy Eppley speaks with former talk show host and mother of 5, Kim Jacobs, about the heartbreak of losing a child as well as the hope and gifts that have come from this tragic loss. Kim sees her son as being an angel on “loan” to her for his 12 years of life. Their family has created The Gabe’s Heart Foundation and are holding a 5K Walk to raise awareness of Sudden Cardiac Arrest, as well as raising funds to be donated to local charities…all in honor of their son Gabriel Michael Jacobs. Kim’s message to all parents to have an ultrasound taken of your child’s heart. This simple procedure can detect the abnormality that Gabe had and, in most cases, can be corrected with surgery. Mandy ties these amazing acts of service into Step 6 of the 7 Steps of Grief & Hope and they talk about how giving back is one of the most transformative things to do to heal on our grief journey.

Kimberly D. Jacobs is a nationally acclaimed expert on life balance. The former talk show host and mother of 5 has spoken to groups ranging from corporate organizations to churches, rallying them to seek balance daily and to live more fully. Recently, she and her family faced their own trial through transition when her 12 year old son died of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. While she motivates others to find the strength to move forward and defy the odds, Kim finds herself now having to take her own advice. Her message, “How to Win after Losing,” encompasses the ups and downs of loss.

They have created The Gabe’s Heart Foundation and are holding a 5K Walk on November 21, 2015 in Concord, NC. To register or donate visit www.gabesheart.org. All proceeds will be distributed to local charities and nursing homes during “Gabe’s Random Acts of Kindness Week.”

Counselor Mandy Eppley speaks with pioneer, author and international speaker Dr. Dorothy Martin-Neville about the importance of not allowing our “stories” to be who we are. It is so important to respect our losses by taking the energy of the loss and using it in our lives for good. One way that Dr. Dorothy used the energy of being orphaned until the age of 3, and then living in an abusive household after that, was to pioneer a method of energy medicine that she taught worldwide. They speak about using our stories for fuel in our journey, and how important it is to respond to our losses as opposed to reacting to them. This leads us to finding hope!

Dorothy A. Martin-Neville, PhD, international keynote speaker, author, mentor/coach, and frequent radio and television guest, has been featured on OWN Network as well as in numerous magazines and newspapers including the New York Times, and the Huffington Post. Dr. Dorothy is President of the National Speakers Association - CT.

Dr. Dorothy, a psychotherapist, was in practice for over 25 years. As a motivational speaker who lived in an orphanage, was adopted and raised in the housing projects of South Boston in a violent alcoholic home, Dr. Dorothy later became a Catholic nun, an international airline stewardess and so much more. www.askdrdorothy.com.

Counselor Mandy Eppley speaks with author and coach Chris Saade about the importance of supporting the authentic nature of our children. Every child is born with a particular “genius” intelligence and personality. They discuss how a parent’s role is to nuture this genius and to help children learn about themselves. This, in turn, also helps adults learn about their own authenticity. The root of depression is fighting against our authentic nature. What we want to strive for, in our children and in ourselves, is harmony with our authenticity. They also talk about supporting our children’s feelings AND failures. This episode will give you tips for creating harmony and hope!

Chris Saâde is the co-director of The Olive Branch Center with his wife, Jessie Thompson, where he teaches courses on engaged spirituality. He has lead more than 200 psychological and spiritual retreats, and continues to serve as a personal Coach for individuals and couples. Chris worked as a licensed psychotherapist for 11 years in private practice specializing in depression and life transitions before migrating into the world of coaching, writing and teaching. He has written 2 books, 2nd Wave Spirituality: Passion for Peace, Passion for Justice and Prayers for Peace and Justice and 2 recordings with Andrew Harvey. Find out more at: http://theolivebranchcenter.net/

Counselor Mandy Eppley speaks with marketing/branding specialist and philanthropist Charlie Elberson as he shares the story of how the sudden death of a colleague, who was a young mother, was a pivotal moment in his life that made him ask “am I living from my heart?” This caused a shift in his life as he started using this mantra of “living from the heart” as a compass on his journey. They also talk about how courageous it is to keep your heart open and tie this into Step 2 “Open Your Heart” from the Model of Heart-Centered Grief. During the latter part of the show they also discuss the importance of service and how giving creates and strengthens the human connection.

Charlie Elberson has the best life ever. A 30-year ad agency veteran, he helps Wray Ward’s clients create brilliant marketing and branding strategies. On top of that for seven years he’s been the Trustee of Reemprise Fund, making game-changing grants for visionary non-profits using a venture philanthropy model. In his free time Charlie plays in a middle-aged cover band, writes and cooks and keeps active at in church. He wears increasingly stronger-but-still-interesting glasses.

Counselor Mandy Eppley speaks with psychologist and coach Dr. Mindy Magrane as she shares her story of getting divorced in her late 20s and how this led her to her “calling” of becoming an psychologist. Mandy and Mindy connect this to Step 3 of the Model of Heart-Centered Grief which is “Initiation.” They also talk about how we can bring ALL of ourselves to our work and our lives. Currently Mindy is in a time in her life of holding the mystery of what is her next calling and she speaks candidly about being in this space and the importance of listening.

Dr. Mindy Magrane is a psychologist, coach and organizational consultant.  She has over 20 years of experience guiding individuals and organizations towards greater leadership, consciousness, relationships and well-being.  As an executive coach, she empowers leaders to discover and express their authentic leadership voice.  She blends her background in psychology, business and spirituality to help people find and take steps toward opportunities for transformation.  Mindy is a lifelong adventurer into her own wholeness and grateful midwife to the soul.  Her greatest joy is to help others know themselves, bring themselves more fully into being, and make the contributions they are here to make in the world. Mindy can be reached at [email protected].

Counselor Mandy Eppley speaks with Unity Minister Nancy Ennis as she shares her story of losing her father from a chronic disease and how as a result of that loss, and others, she had the realization that there is a “force” (which she calls God) she can connect with so that she is never alone. Her grief process also led her to becoming first a Registered Nurse and later an Ordained Minister. Mandy and Nancy connect this to Step 5 of the Model of Heart-Centered Grief which is “Spiritual Fortitude.” This discussion honors all religious and philosophical beliefs around spirituality.

Nancy Ennis’ passion is the awakening of a better world where love prevails.  This is the passion that has guided and directed her journey and provided her personal and professional life. She is a Registered Nurse with a MS degree from Northern Illinois University. Her nursing career was focused on patient education with a specialty of Diabetes self-management.  This soon led her into the exploration of the Spiritual realm and into teachings related to self-empowerment, authenticity, holistic health and eventually into ministry.  She is an Ordained Minister currently serving as the Senior Minister for Unity of Charlotte, a spiritual community that holds the vision of a better world for all through love in action.