Grief doesn’t pause when you arrive at work, so why do so many workplaces expect us to carry on as if nothing happened?

In this powerful episode of Grief and Light, host Nina Rodriguez is joined by Dr. Mekel Harris and Janet Gwilliam-Wright, co-founders of Bloomwell Partners, a consulting firm transforming how organizations handle grief and loss in the workplace. 

***Watch on YouTube***

Drawing from their personal experiences of loss and their expertise in psychology, leadership, and organizational development, they dive into how employees can advocate for themselves while grieving, and how leaders can meet them with compassion instead of confusion.

From navigating the emotional toll of returning to work after a death, to shaping grief-informed policies and building a workplace culture rooted in empathy, this conversation offers tangible strategies for both individuals and organizations.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to perform while grieving, or if you're a leader unsure how to support a grieving team member, this episode is for you.

Grief Support Resources for the Road:

• Grief Tending Toolkit
• Access our online community

Key Takeaways

• You have agency while grieving at work. Learning to speak up about your needs is part of healing, not a disruption.
• Grief impacts performance, presence, and decision-making. It’s not just emotional, it’s physical and cognitive too.
• Compassionate leadership is a skillset, not a personality trait. It can be learned, practiced, and integrated into team culture.
• Grieving employees often feel robotic and disconnected. Making space for real emotion helps restore connection and trust.
• Grief doesn’t follow a timeline. Long-term care and policy flexibility matter just as much as immediate support.
• Peer support and grief ambassadors can help normalize conversations around loss and reduce isolation at work.
• Organizations that support grief retain talent. Empathy and loyalty go hand-in-hand in the modern workplace.
• Emotional intelligence is essential for today’s leaders. It’s no longer optional; it’s a core competency.

Referenced in this episode:

• Janet Gwilliam-Wright on a mission to build compassionate organizations
• Grieving with Grace: Dr. Mekel Harris' Grief-Informed Approach to Relaxing into the Pain
• 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Grief-Informed Clinician

Connect with Bloomwell Partners:

• growwithbloomwell.com
• [email protected]
• IG: @bloomwellpartners

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

• IG: @griefandlight
• griefandlight.com

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In this solo, audio-only episode, host Nina Rodriguez explores the unspoken grief many of us are carrying right now—the grief of uncertainty. 

From political turmoil and climate anxiety, to the dizzying pace of technological change, we’re living in times that feel increasingly unsteady.

This isn’t just stress; it’s a kind of ambient grief. It's the ache of losing the future we thought we were heading toward.

The episode reflects on:

•  Why uncertainty feels so destabilizing to our nervous systems
•  How ambient, ongoing grief impacts our sense of safety
•  The importance of slowing down to recalibrate and feel
•  What it means to find your anchor through ritual, rhythm, or aligned action
•  How we can take meaningful action without burning out

Whether you’re doomscrolling, feeling disoriented, or just trying to catch your breath, this conversation offers gentle perspective and practical footholds for staying grounded in chaotic times.

If you’ve been quietly wondering, “Is it just me?” this episode is for you.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and subscribe to the Resting Grief Face Substack for the full written version.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Substack article: The Grief of Uncertainty in Unprecedented Times
• Podcast episode: Grief vs. Grieving
• Podcast Episode: The Liminality of Grief

Takeaways:

• Grief is not limited to the loss of loved ones.
• Uncertainty can lead to feelings of grief for lost safety and predictability.
• Slowing down is essential for processing grief.
• Finding clarity requires intentional reflection and presence.
• Grief can manifest as living loss, an ongoing and ambiguous experience.
• Anchoring ourselves in uncertainty involves returning to the body and small rituals.
• Community and connection can serve as powerful anchors during difficult times.
• Purposeful action can transform anxiety into focus and motion.
• Each person has a unique role to play in the process of transformation.
• You do not have to be okay to be worthy of love.

Grief Support Resources for the Road:

• Grief Tending Toolkit
• Access our online community

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

• IG: @griefandlight
• griefandlight.com
• 1:1 Grief Support
• Subscribe to my newsletter

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What does it mean to parent a child whose life is both a miracle and a medical emergency? 

In this tender and unflinching conversation, Broadway actor and author Jody Gelb shares the story of her daughter Lueza—her first child, born with disabilities resulting from a catastrophic birth injury—whose life was defined by both relentless caregiving and radiant joy.

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Click here to watch on YouTube

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Through the lens of her micro-memoir, SHE MAY BE LYING DOWN BUT SHE MAY BE VERY HAPPY, Jody speaks to the reality of raising a medically fragile child with cerebral palsy, where hope and anticipatory grief coexisted, and where love lived in the details, even amidst exhaustion and heartbreak. She takes us inside her NICU experience, evolution, reflects on self-judgment, ritual, and resilience, and explores what it means to live close to both life and death for years at a time.

This is an episode for caregivers, grievers, artists, and anyone who knows what it’s like to live inside a contradiction, and still find meaning there.

***

Free Download: GRIEF TENDING TOOLKIT 

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***

Takeaways:

• Micro memoirs offer a powerful, distilled way to tell grief stories with clarity and emotional punch.
• Parenting a medically complex child requires living in constant contradiction: hope and heartbreak, joy and sorrow.
• The NICU experience leaves a lasting emotional imprint and is often under-discussed.
• Anticipatory grief changes how we relate to time, memory, and presence.
• Grief rituals and proximity to death can empower us to live more intentionally.
• Siblings of medically fragile children have unique emotional experiences that deserve recognition.
• Even in the most difficult circumstances, love and laughter remain possible, and necessary.

Connect with Jody Gelb:

• jodygelb.com
• Buy the book
• About Lueza

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

• @griefandlight
• griefandlight.com
• 1:1 Grief Support

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In this moving episode of Grief and Light, host Nina Rodriguez sits down with Bryan and Danielle Docobo to explore their journey through profound loss, love, and advocacy following the death of their son Ethan, who passed away from the rare genetic disorder Coats Plus Syndrome. As parents navigating complex grief while raising their surviving son Liam, who lives with the same diagnosis, Bryan and Danielle speak candidly about the emotional, spiritual, and logistical realities of their path, as they work against time to save him.

***

How you can help:

• Contact: [email protected]
• Visit: coatsplusfoundation.com
• Donate to the Coats Plus Foundation
• (June 13th) Father's Day Tournament

***

Danielle, a dedicated pediatric nurse, and Bryan, a real estate attorney and podcast host, share how they turned heartbreak into hope through the creation of the Coats Plus Foundation. Their mission includes fundraising, research, awareness, and building a supportive community for families navigating rare diseases.

This heartfelt conversation covers the duality of grief and joy, the spiritual lessons they’ve learned, the importance of vulnerability, and how taking action has become a healing force in their lives. Whether you’re a grieving parent, a rare disease advocate, or simply someone walking through loss, their story reminds us that love never ends, and neither does the impact of a life, no matter how short.

***

Click here to watch on YouTube

***

Takeaways:

• Grief is lifelong and evolves with time. It is not something to “get over,” but something we live with.
• Naming the problem (such as a diagnosis) allows families to shift into problem-solving and advocacy.
• Community is everything. Whether through foundations, peer support, or safe spaces for grief.
• Rare disease diagnoses are devastating, but can serve as a catalyst for collective action.
• Guilt is common when balancing the needs of multiple children in medical crises.
• Hope lives in action—advocacy, fundraising, and awareness-building create purpose from pain.
• Spirituality and brotherhood provide grounding during uncertain times.
• Men also need safe spaces to express grief and vulnerability.
• Special needs children contribute immense value and joy to their families.
• Presence is everything. Ethan’s life taught them to cherish every moment.
• Taking action, through storytelling, fundraising, or showing up can be a form of healing.
• You can be in grief and in joy; it’s not either/or—it’s both/and.

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

• @griefandlight
• griefandlight.com
• 1:1 Grief Support

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Pet loss is real grief — and it deserves real support.

In this heartfelt episode of Grief and Light, host Nina Rodriguez is joined by pet loss grief specialist, Grant Hazell, for an intimate conversation about the grief of losing a beloved animal companion. Together, they explore the deep bonds between humans and pets — often referred to as “soul pets” — and why losing them can be just as devastating as the loss of a human loved one.

You'll hear about:

• The unique types of human–pet relationships and what makes them so significant
• How society often invalidates or overlooks pet loss grief
• The role pets play in the lives of seniors, children, and people with disabilities
• Navigating anticipatory grief and the complexities of euthanasia decisions
• How to continue the bond with your pet through rituals, memories, and honoring their legacy

Click Here to watch on YouTube

Whether you're grieving the loss of a dog, cat, service animal or any cherished companion animal, this episode offers compassionate insight and validation.

🐾 You’re not alone — your grief is real, and your soul pet mattered.

Free Download: GRIEF TENDING TOOLKIT 

ACCESS OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY

Takeaways:

• Pet loss is a significant form of grief that is often overlooked.
• The bond between humans and pets can be profound and life-altering.
• Disenfranchised grief refers to grief that is not socially acknowledged.
• Understanding the human-pet bond can help validate feelings of loss.
• Grief is a personal journey that cannot be fixed or rushed.
• The grief of losing a pet can be as severe as losing a human loved one.
• Older individuals may experience deeper grief due to pet loss as companions.
• The categories of human-pet bonds help explain the depth of grief.
• Pets often fulfill emotional needs that may not be met elsewhere. 
• The bond between humans and pets can help alleviate feelings of isolation.
• Anticipatory grief is a valid and often overlooked aspect of pet loss.
• Pet loss encompasses more than just death; it includes separation and surrender.
• Euthanasia decisions can lead to significant guilt and remorse for pet owners.
• Grief rituals can help maintain a connection with deceased pets.
• Love for pets continues beyond their physical presence.
• It's important to approach pet loss with compassion and understanding.
• People who surrender pets often face stigma and judgment from others.

Connect with Grant Hazell:

• @thepetlosscounsellor
• More than 'Just a Dog' - The Pet Loss Podcast
• thepetlosscounsellor.com

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

• @griefandlight
• griefandlight.com
• 1:1 Grief Support

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In this deeply moving episode Nina is joined by Liz Quinn — grief advocate, and host of the Healing Hearts Podcast. Liz opens up about her personal journey through layered loss, including the death of her daughter Alivia, and both of her parents. With tenderness and clarity, she shares what it means to grieve as a mother, how guilt and love can coexist, and how the relationship with a child in spirit continues to evolve.

// Click here to watch on YouTube //

The conversation also explores the experience of pregnancy after loss, the secondary grief felt by surviving children, and the often unseen labor of tending to grief while parenting. Liz also shares her journey through anticipatory and ambiguous grief as she lost her mother to Alzheimer’s and dementia, followed by the death of her father to esophageal cancer.

Nina and Liz offer insights into how one's healing journey can evolve into a purpose-driven mission, and emphasize the importance of storytelling and community in the grief process. This episode is a poignant reminder that grief is not something to fix — it’s something to honor, carry, and live with love.

Free Download: GRIEF TENDING TOOLKIT 

// ACCESS OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY //

Takeaways:

• You don't necessarily feel like a mother when you don't have a child physically.
• The love for a child begins the moment you know they are yours.
• Grief is a journey that shapes who you are.
• Honoring lost children is a vital part of healing.
• It's okay to not want to hold a baby after loss.
• You either know or you just do it when it comes to having more children.
• Building a relationship with a child in spirit takes time.
• There is no right or wrong way to navigate grief.
• Sometimes, mothers know best when it comes to healing traditions.
• Support groups can be both helpful and challenging.
• Siblings can experience grief for a sibling they never met.
• The loss of a child reshapes family dynamics and identities.
• Transforming grief into purpose can lead to personal growth.
• Shared stories can initiate healing for both the storyteller and the listener.
• Grief is a lifelong journey that evolves over time.
• Life after loss can still be beautiful despite its challenges.

Connect with Liz Quinn:

• @healing_hearts_podcast
• Healing Hearts Podcast

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

• IG: @griefandlight
• griefandlight.com
• 1:1 Grief Support

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

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We often use the words grief and grieving interchangeably—but did you know they’re not quite the same?

In this thoughtful solo episode of Grief and Light, host Nina Rodriguez invites listeners into a powerful reframe: grief is the natural response to loss, but grieving is how we live with and in relation to our grief. With tenderness and clarity, Nina explores how understanding the distinction between these two terms can transform our experience with loss—softening unrealistic expectations, reducing pressure to "move on," and opening up a path toward self-compassion and emotional expansion.

*** FREE DOWNLOAD: GRIEF TENDING TOOLKIT  ***

Drawing from her personal experiences and professional grief support work, Nina illustrates how grief is a universal, often involuntary response—raw, physical, and immediate—while grieving is a dynamic and deeply personal relationship with what’s missing. She emphasizes that grieving is not something to get over but something we tend to, like a garden or a living relationship, over time.

*** CLICK HERE TO WATCH ON YOUTUBE ***

This episode is a balm for anyone who’s ever asked themselves, “Why am I still like this?” and offers a more empowering, spacious question instead: “What kind of care do I need today?”

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Key Takeaways:

• Grief is the event—the natural response to loss and life-altering change.
• Grieving is the process—our evolving relationship with that loss over time.
• There is no timeline for grieving and no single "right" way to do it.
• Cultural, familial, and societal influences shape how we perceive grief.
• Grieving is a practice in patience and self-compassion, not perfection.
• Honoring your own process means also allowing others to move at their pace.
• The metaphor of the grief jar illustrates how our capacity expands—not that the grief shrinks.
• Tending to grief honestly is what brings meaning, integration, and even unexpected joy.

Mentioned in this episode: Grief vs. Grieving post

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

• IG: @griefandlight
• griefandlight.com
• 1:1 Grief Support
• Hire Nina as a guest speaker
• Subscribe to my newsletter
• View upcoming events

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How does grief intersect with race and identity when growing up in a multi-ethnic family?

In this powerful episode, host Nina Rodriguez sits down with historian and author Nico Slate to explore the layered experience of sibling loss through the lens of race, identity, and love.

Nico shares the deeply personal story behind his memoir Brothers: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Race, which honors the life and legacy of his late brother, Peter. Raised in a multi-ethnic family, Nico reflects on Peter’s experiences as a Black man in America, the traumatic events that shaped their lives, and how writing became a path toward healing and understanding. Together, they discuss the evolving nature of grief, the power of storytelling, and how we continue our relationships with those who have passed.

***

Click here to watch on YouTube

***

This episode offers an intimate look at the grief of losing a sibling, the emotional complexities of family dynamics, and the profound impact of racial identity on mourning and memory. Whether you're navigating your own loss, reflecting on race and family, or seeking a heartfelt conversation about healing, this episode offers insight, vulnerability, and hope.

Key Takeaways:

• Grief often feels abstract—until it becomes personal.
• Sibling loss can profoundly shape one’s identity and worldview.
• Writing a memoir can be a powerful tool for healing and reflection.
• Love and grief transcend racial and cultural boundaries.
• Navigating grief within a multi-racial family brings unique challenges and insights.
• Processing loss through storytelling helps preserve memories and deepen understanding.
• You can't separate the beauty and pain of life—they often coexist.
• Grief evolves over time and may include struggles with identity and belonging.
• Relationships with the deceased don’t end—they shift and continue.
• Historical figures and family legacy can serve as anchors of hope in grief.
• Self-compassion is essential on the grieving journey.
• Complex or unresolved relationships may carry their own form of grief.
• Being kind to yourself is not optional—it's a necessity.
• Honoring grief publicly can invite connection and community.
• Racial grief is real and deeply entwined with personal and societal loss.

***
Join THE COMMUNITY | A virtual home for grievers. Access support anytime, anywhere.
***

Connect with Nico Slate:

• nicoslate.com
• Buy his Books

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

• @griefandlight
• griefandlight.com
• 1:1 Grief Support

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What if grief holds its own wisdom, guiding us towards healing and understanding?

In this episode, host Nina Rodriguez speaks with Paula Sager, writer and teacher of embodied contemplative practices, about the wisdom found in grief and the power of presence in times of loss. 

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Click here to watch on YouTube

***

Paula reflects on her father's illness, passing, and the ongoing connection that unfolded afterward. They discuss how mindfulness, movement, and authentic movement practices can support grief by fostering inner listening and honoring the body’s response to loss.

This conversation explores themes of love, letting go, and the mystical moments that can emerge during grief. 

Paula shares insights from her book, The Watch: Time to Witness the Beauty of It All, and invites listeners to embrace unanswered questions with curiosity and compassion. 

Tune in for a heartfelt discussion on finding beauty, connection, and meaning in the midst of sorrow.

***
Join THE COMMUNITY | A virtual home for grievers. Access support anytime, anywhere.
***

Takeaways:

• Grief can guide us toward wisdom and understanding.
• Being present in grief is essential for healing.
• Personal loss often leads to profound questions about life and time.
• Movement can help reconnect the mind and body during grief.
• The Discipline of Authentic Movement encourages inner listening and self-awareness.
• Grief is a physical experience that can manifest in the body.
• Creating space for emotions is crucial in the grieving process.
• Navigating grief requires patience and curiosity about our inner world. 
• Grief has its own wisdom that guides us.
• Listening to our bodies can help navigate grief.
• Practices of mindfulness are essential for life and grief.
• The process of writing can be a form of healing.
• Letting go is a complex and personal journey.
• Presence is the most important gift we can offer.
• Unanswered questions are a part of the grieving process.
• Mystical experiences can provide comfort during loss.
• Love remains a powerful force in the face of grief.
• Paying attention to small moments can lead to healing.

Connect with Paula Sager:

• Website & Book: paulasager.com
• The Watch on Bookshop
• Befriending the Unknown: A Simple Practice
• IG: @body.and.word

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

• IG: @griefandlight
• griefandlight.com
• 1:1 Grief Support
• Subscribe to my newsletter

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How can we center aliveness in a world full of loss?

In this heartfelt conversation, host Nina Rodriguez and grief activist, TEDx speaker, podcast host, and author, Lisa Keefauver, MSW dive into the complexities of grief, offering insights on grief literacy and the personal experiences that shape how we process loss. They explore the emotional impact of grief, highlighting the gap between learning about grief and living through it.

The discussion unpacks the nuances of emotions, feelings, and moods, shedding light on how understanding these distinctions can support healing. Lisa shares powerful tools from narrative therapy, emphasizing the importance of reframing our grief stories. Together, they explore how self-compassion, mindfulness, and community can help us navigate grief — while still finding moments of joy and connection.

The episode offers practical strategies for cultivating aliveness, delivering delight to others, and embracing our shared humanity in the face of loss.

*** Click here to watch on YouTube ***

Takeaways:

• Grief is a universal experience that affects everyone uniquely.
• Grief literacy is essential to reduce unnecessary suffering during grief.
• Grief is not just sadness; it encompasses a wide range of emotions and experiences.
• Anticipatory grief can be just as profound as the grief experienced after a loss.
• There is no timeline for grief; it is a nonlinear process.
• Seeking support for grief should not be limited to crisis moments.
• Understanding the difference between emotions, feelings, and moods can aid in processing grief.
• Narrative therapy can help individuals articulate their grief experiences.
• All forms of loss are valid and deserve recognition and support.
• Grief is a language that requires learning and understanding. 
• Reframing narratives around grief can transform our experiences.
• Self-compassion is essential in dealing with difficult emotions.
• Mindfulness practices help create space between experience and story.
• Finding joy in small moments can counteract feelings of sadness.
• Delivering delight to others fosters connection and joy.
• We are all interconnected, and our suffering is shared.
• Happiness is not a destination but a fleeting state.
• Starting close in can help manage feelings of overwhelm.
• Community support is vital in times of grief.
• Practicing gratitude and beauty-seeking can enhance our aliveness.

Connect with Lisa Keefauver:

• lisakeefauver.com
• AFGO Substack
• Get the Book
• Listen to Grief is a Sneaky Bitch Podcast
• @lisakeefauvermsw

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

• IG: @griefandlight
• griefandlight.com
• 1:1 Grief Support
• Join Grief and Light: The Community

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