In this raw and candid conversation, Christine speaks with Joan, an IT professional and oldest of three siblings, about the painful and complex grief following the unexpected and tragic death of her sister. Joan’s story explores a side of grief that’s rarely spoken about—the absence of sadness, the presence of anger, and the burden of responsibility. Together, they examine what happens when the person we’ve lost was deeply troubled, when shame and secrecy surround the loss, and when the grief itself refuses to show up.

In this episode of Good Grief, Christine sits down with author and writer-director Diane Namm to discuss how we can help children navigate grief with honesty and tenderness. Inspired by personal losses and the lack of grief resources for children, Diane created What Happens After?, a beautifully illustrated picture book that guides young readers through the confusing and painful emotions that follow the death of a loved one. Together, they explore why it’s essential to talk openly with children about death, how to honor a child’s pace in grief, and practical ways parents and caregivers can support children while managing their own heartbreak. This conversation is a gentle, encouraging reminder that grief takes as long as it takes—and that with honesty, presence, and compassion, children can learn to carry their loved ones in their hearts as they continue to grow.

https://www.dianenamm.com 

Amazon purchasing link https://a.co/d/2VmXIxR

 https://www. whathappensafter.store

In this powerful episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone sits down with Adriene Caldwell, author of Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines, to explore the profound grief of a lost childhood, the pain of losing both her grandmother and mother, and the enduring strength it takes to reclaim one’s voice after trauma. Adriene shares her journey through abuse, foster care, and unimaginable hardship—and how writing became her path to healing. With courage and clarity, she reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is a light that refuses to dim.

www.UnbrokenCaldwell.com

In this Good Grief episode, Dr. Christine Malone speaks with leadership expert, spiritual teacher, and author Cynthia Rivard about how grief—whether personal or collective—can be transformed into a source of strength, compassion, and action. Drawing from her upcoming book A New Breed of Leader, Cynthia shares how understanding emotions as energy can help move us through the heaviness of loss, how small acts of “micro-leadership” can restore agency in times of trauma, and why cultivating inner peace is essential for both personal healing and positive community change. Together, they explore how leading from the heart, even in the midst of grief, can ripple outward to heal relationships, inspire others, and spark a peaceful revolution toward a more compassionate world.

Website: https://www.cynthiarivard.com/  

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@globalrisingtide 

Facebook: @cj.rivard https://www.facebook.com/cj.rivard/ 

Instagram: @cjrivard https://www.instagram.com/cjrivard/ 

In this Good Grief episode, Dr. Christine Malone welcomes Elissa Kalver, founder of the world’s first nonprofit cancer gift registry We Got This, Stage IV metastatic breast cancer thriver, Good Morning America guest, and upcoming author of We Got This. Elissa shares her journey from the shock of diagnosis to finding unexpected sources of support, and how her own needs inspired the creation of a registry that brings practical help and comfort to others facing cancer. She opens up about experiencing grief not just in loss, but in illness, identity shifts, and altered life plans—while still finding ways to live fully. The conversation explores the power of community, the birth of her book, and the role of joy, humor, and hope as daily survival tools. Elissa offers heartfelt advice for friends and family of those battling illness and reflects on her evolving sense of legacy, love, and purpose, closing with her moving answer to the question, “If grief could talk, what would it say to you today?”

Elissa's non-profit, We Got This: https://wegotthis.org/

Elissa's website: https://www.elissakalver.com/we-got-this

In this episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone speaks with Kathleen Quinn, a mindset coach and certified Grief Educator through David Kessler’s program.Kathleen shares the powerful story of losing her husband just four months after his terminal cancer diagnosis and how that experience reshaped her understanding of grief, love, and resilience. Together, they explore the hidden toll of our culture’s grief illiteracy, how to support someone who is grieving or dying, and what it means to move through grief while staying open to life.Kathleen offers compassionate insights and practical wisdom for anyone navigating the long arc of loss, and she introduces her Tender Hearts program and free discovery call as resources for healing.

In this powerful episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone welcomes Rocio Aquino and Angel Orengo, the dynamic duo behind The Orchid: The Secret Code of Modern Goddesses, to explore how feminine empowerment, ancient wisdom, and intentional healing practices can guide us through the depths of grief. Together, they unpack how grief dismantles identity—and how the hidden codes of self-discovery can rebuild it. From the transformative power of intentional forgiveness and radical parenting to the role of gratitude during professional loss, Rocio and Angel offer profound insights for anyone navigating sorrow. They also challenge traditional self-care narratives and goal-setting methods, advocating instead for mindful, heart-led healing. Whether you’re grieving a person, a dream, or a version of yourself, this conversation offers tools, truth, and hope.

In this episode of Good Grief, host Dr. Christine Malone sits down with Theresa Bruno—celebrity jewelry designer, podcast host, and author of the upcoming memoir He’s Not Coming Back—to explore what it means to begin again after unimaginable loss. Following the suicide of her husband and the collapse of her business, Theresa found herself at a crossroads, grappling with sorrow, identity, and the elusive promise of healing. Through candid conversation, she shares how nature, defiant gratitude, and self-compassion became lifelines in her journey toward renewal. Together, they discuss the nonlinear path of grief, the emotional clutter that can keep us stuck, and how even in the wreckage, there’s space to rewrite your story with courage and hope.

In this deeply moving episode, host Christine Malone welcomes Nancy MacMillan, a seasoned psychotherapist and spiritual care expert, to explore the emotional and psychological landscapes of death, dying, and grief. Drawing on decades of experience, Nancy offers profound insight into the fears that arise at the end of life, the transformative potential of grief, and the power of presence in therapeutic spaces. Together, they examine how rituals, dreams, and deep attunement can support those in transition—and how confronting mortality can bring peace not just to the dying, but to all of us. Nancy shares tools for caregivers, guidance for those facing anticipatory or complicated grief, and reflections from her upcoming book, The Call to the Far Shore. The conversation closes with a compassionate reminder: in learning to face death, we learn how to truly live.

In this episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone welcomes a transformational guest, Richard Tierney who introduces a groundbreaking, spiritually inspired approach to healing trauma and grief. Centered around the belief that trauma memories carry real emotional weight—and that they can be dissolved—this conversation explores a two-part program designed to empower individuals to reclaim their lives. The first part focuses on healing the trauma memory itself through holistic practices like breathwork, grounding, and visualization, while integrating universal spiritual teachings of love, forgiveness, and renewal. The second part guides survivors through a reprogramming phase using Trauma Recovery Anonymous, an adapted 12-Step model that helps individuals break survival-based patterns and rebuild a life rooted in self-trust and personal sovereignty. With an emphasis on practical tools, spiritual empowerment, and lasting transformation, this episode offers a deeply hopeful path forward for anyone seeking freedom from the past.