Join us for a magical conversation with Danielle Catherine Baker, a dedicated mother, women's health mentor, doula and female yoga teacher.

She lives nomadically with her family, hosts Women's Circle Online, and women's circles wherever she lands.

Danielle is also the host of the Depths of Motherhood Podcast, where she welcomes guests to raise awareness for undisturbed birth and conscious parenting.

Last month, Danielle released her book,  “Reclaiming Circle: A Guide to Holding Women’s Circles”. 

In this episode, she also shares her grief story following her brother’s death by suicide earlier this year, to create awareness, and share how her own practices of nervous system regulation, women's circles, and biomagnetic practices have supported her through the waves of grief.

Danielle Catherine Website & Social:

• Website: danielle-catherine.com
• Instagram: @daniellecatherinebaker

Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:

• Instagram: @griefandlight
• Threads: @griefandlight
• Website: griefandlight.com
• Ways to Work with Me
• Subscribe to my newsletter

Disclaimer: https://www.griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast

Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via [email protected].

Support the show

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

Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

Handle with care. 

My intention is always to honor my guests’ truths, stories, their loved ones’ stories, and to deliver these heart-felt stories to you as a listener with care.

Some stories are more layered than others. In this episode, we hear from a brave sister, Brittany Merz, doing everything in her power to honor her beloved sister, Samantha, who, as of this recording, passed a mere 10 weeks ago.

You will hear an honest recount of the early grief days, in all of its heaviness and fogginess.

You will also hear details in this story that are not apt for everyone. So if you have children around, I encourage you to save this episode for another time when you can listen more privately. If you’re in the grips of early grief or are feeling generally overwhelmed and feel the need to pause, please do so.

I am not here to tell you when you’ve reached your capacity.

But I want to give a gentle warning that in doing my best to honor the painful truth of this story, parts of the recount can feel overwhelming as a listener.

The purpose of this podcast is to explore grief honestly and authentically, and sometimes that means sharing raw, uncomfortable, and painful truths.

So as always, listen with care and honor your thresholds.

As a grieving sister, I deeply empathized with Brittany’s story and completely understand her heart’s desire to share Samantha's story, create awareness about the reality of fentanyl poisonings ("Sonoma County's Silent Killer"), and share her truth as a grieving sister.

I hope you feel the unconditional love through the pain.

• Brittany can be reached on IG @asistersgrief_siblingloss
• "Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe" by Laura Lynne Jackson

Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:

• Instagram: @griefandlight
• Threads: @griefandlight
• Website: griefandlight.com
• Ways to Work with Me
• Subscribe to my newsletter

Disclaimer: https://www.griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast

Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via [email protected].

--

Support the show

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

Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

"I never understood why when someone dies the bereaved post quotes with photos of nature — waves, sunsets, clouds, rain … and then my brother died. My only sibling. 

And I found myself living somewhere between the earth and the sky, crying into the sunset, because I finally understood that nature is the only force capable of holding the magnitude of my grief. " - Nina Rodriguez

In the early years, I found that only nature had the capacity to hold the magnitude of my grief.  So I leaned into it.

In this episode, I share a reflection about the power of grief to nurture and transmute our pain, and how moving forward requires us to surrender, slow down, and take tiny steps as we regain our footing around the shattered pieces of loss. 

Join me in this exploration of grief and nature. 

Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:

• Instagram: @griefandlight
• Threads: @griefandlight
• Website: griefandlight.com
• Ways to Work with Me
• Subscribe to my newsletter

Disclaimer: https://www.griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast

Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via [email protected].

Support the show

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

Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

Meet Andrianna, a remarkable young woman who experienced the heartbreaking loss of her brother, Christopher, just three years ago. This devastating loss, along with having to navigate a complex relationship with her mother, shaped her path and mission to create a community of support and understanding. 

Andrianna is a certified family life educator, holds a B.S in Human Development & Family Studies, and is working on her masters degree in Social Work. She has worked in child advocacy, food banking, nurturing parenting, and in a hospital, where she focused on preventing burnout among staff. Currently, she's interning at a non-profit specializing in helping grieving children.

As part of this mission and her own grieving process, Andrianna founded and hosts the "A Path to Helping Others" podcast, sharing stories about grief, mental health, and moving forward to inspire and remind others that they're not alone.

Click to access the links mentioned in the episode:

• apathtohelpingothers.com
• The Christopher John Ehring Esq. Scholarship
• Instagram @apathto_helpingothers
• TikTok

Her commitment to making a positive impact is nothing short of inspiring, and we're excited for you to dive into her story, where we discuss adult sibling loss, complex family dynamics, ambiguous grief, holiday grief, and so much more!

Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:

• Instagram: @griefandlight
• Threads: @griefandlight
• Website: griefandlight.com
• Ways to Work with Me
• Subscribe to my newsletter

Disclaimer: https://www.griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast

Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via [email protected].

Support the show

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

Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

In this heartfelt conversation, my husband, Cesar, and I delve into the complex dynamics of adult sibling loss, and how it has tested, strengthened, and reshaped our relationship.

You will hear a candid exploration of the grief journey from a husband's perspective, providing unique insights into the challenges and triumphs of grieving as a couple. We share our experiences, discussing the initial shock and aftermath of the first three years of grief.

This episode offers a rarely-discussed perspective for those navigating similar journeys of grief and marriage, reminding us all that even in the most challenging times, love and support can be our guiding lights.

Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:

• Instagram: @griefandlight
• Threads: @griefandlight
• Website: griefandlight.com
• Ways to Work with Me
• Subscribe to my newsletter

Disclaimer: https://www.griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast

Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via [email protected].

Support the show

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

Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

In this episode, we explore how grief can transform and redefine our personal boundaries, either drawing them closer or pushing them further away, as well as how grief triggers, such as anger or sadness, can serve as indicators of these shifting boundaries.

The episode also highlights the challenge of communicating these changing boundaries to others, and emphasizes the importance of honoring them as another part of the grief journey without judgment.

Ultimately, the message is to embrace personal truths, and to honor our natural human reactions to grief with self-compassion.

There's a reference to the difference between pain and suffering, which I delve deeper into in "EP. 6 - The Pain is Real, but the Suffering is Optional".

Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:

• Instagram: @griefandlight
• Threads: @griefandlight
• Website: griefandlight.com
• Ways to Work with Me
• Subscribe to my newsletter

Disclaimer: https://www.griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast

Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via [email protected].

Support the show

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

Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

Watch the video on YouTube

***

This episode is dedicated to our brothers and sisters in Lāhainā, Maui, who suffered the tremendous loss of their lives, loved ones, homes, and life as they knew it as a result of the catastrophic wildfires on August 2023.

We encourage you to support the ongoing rescue and relief efforts. Here are some organizations making a difference:

• The Maui Strong Fund from the Hawai'i Community Foundation
• Maui Humane Society
• Maui Rapid Response
• Global Empowerment Mission

***

Melinda Chinen is a grief and life coach based in San Diego, California. Her beautiful energy, her work, and her art reveal much about her story and philosophy about life, death, and life after life.

We delve into her experience with loss after witnessing the decline and death of her best friend, Paige, due to cancer, her work with the terminally ill, her grief and life coaching experience, her art, and what it means to live, love and grieve meaningfully.

Takeaways:

• Grief coaching helps individuals navigate their grief journey and rebuild a future they didn't know was possible.
• Acknowledging and honoring grief is essential, but society often avoids it, making it challenging to mourn meaningfully.
• Grief is a present experience that arises to teach us something and should be witnessed rather than fixed.
• Living by one's values and trusting the natural flow of life can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic life.
• Art can be a powerful tool for healing and self-expression.
• Spirituality plays a significant role in the grief process, and individuals closer to their transition often experience heightened spiritual experiences.
• Community support and group programs can provide a safe space for individuals to navigate their grief and find support and understanding.

Melinda may be reached via:

• Melinda Chinen Coaching website
• Instagram @melindachinen
• "Share Your Grief" Virtual Grief Support Group

"When you stop doing things by the struggle of your individual will, and you fall into your nature, the power of nature itself has intentions and a design for you, and it will pick you up like a river." - Martha Beck

Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:

• Instagram: @griefandlight
• Threads: @griefandlight
• Website: griefandlight.com
• Ways to Work with Me
• Subscribe to my newsletter

Disclaimer: https://www.griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

Support the show

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

Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C4M137BJ

I have the honor of introducing a remarkable guest whose life story is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, healing generational trauma, and the power of love.

Her name is Amanda McKoy Flanagan, and she is an author, podcast co-host, a mother, wife, and a life-long spiritual seeker.

In this episode, we’re talking spirituality, personal growth, and inspiring journeys of transformation.

Originally from New York, she now resides in beautiful Colorado. She is co-founder of the nonprofit organization, Castle Rock Clubhouse, a recovery sanctuary, and she is co-host of the Sol Rising Podcast, along with her soul friend Ginny.

She holds a bachelor's degree in English and journalism, and a master's degree in social work.

Today, we celebrate the release of her inspirational memoir, "Trust Yourself to Be All In: Safe to Love and Let Go," quite literally an open-book perspective on generational trauma and healing, sibling loss, love, multiple losses, addiction and recovery, spirituality and healing.

We discuss how to harness the power of various modalities like Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT), EMDR, meditation, spirituality, Imago Therapy, and more, to heal oneself, marriage, family, and how that healing ripples out to the community and beyond.

Amanda shares what it means to be "all in" and "let go".

She is available for speaking engagements, podcast and blog interviews, workshops, book clubs, and collaborations:

• Follow on Instagram: @amandamckoyflanagan
• Website: amandamckoyflanagan.com
• Email: [email protected] 
• Purchase the Book on Amazon (paperback or Kindle)

“Allow yourself to be loved when you hurt. Then allow yourself to become love. Then go love others.” — From Trust Yourself to Be All In

Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:

• Instagram: @griefandlight
• Threads: @griefandlight
• Website: griefandlight.com
• Ways to Work with Me
• Subscribe to my newsletter

Disclaimer: https://www.griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast

Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via [email protected].

Support the show

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

Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

The Ripple Effect: Conversations For Change Series

EP.8 Breaking the Silence on Preventable Stillbirth with Domenique Rice, TJ's Mom

In this moving episode, we have the honor of sitting down with Domenique Rice, a remarkable woman, friend, and Director of Operations for Push for Empowered Pregnancy, who unapologetically shares her story of enduring the devastating birth and stillbirth of her beloved son, TJ, and life thereafter as a mother to her children Heaven- and earth-side.

During this powerful interview, Domenique sheds light on the challenges that birthing parents often face within the U.S. healthcare system. She shares her own experiences and the ways in which she has sought to bring attention to the need for better support, empathy, and resources for parents who have experienced stillbirth.

We delve into Domenique's advocacy work with Push for Empowered Pregnancy, and the initiatives she has undertaken to raise awareness and promote empowered care for birthing parents and their support partners.

From collaborating with healthcare professionals to working with support groups and nonprofit organizations, she has become a driving force for change and a beacon of light for others facing similar journeys.

Links to Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Push for Empowered Pregnancy
• Count the Kicks
• Download the Count the Kicks App (free)
• Measure the Placenta
• Measure the Placenta Printout
• Contact Domenice Rice at @stillbirthmamafightingforlight on Instagram and Threads

--

Disclaimer: This episode contains sensitive content related to stillbirth and infant loss. Listener discretion is advised.
The information discussed in this episode does not constitute medical or legal advice. Always consult your qualified medical care team or attorney for advice.

--

Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:

• Instagram: @griefandlight
• Threads: @griefandlight
• Website: griefandlight.com
• Ways to Work with Me
• Subscribe to my newsletter

Disclaimer: https://www.griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast

Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via [email protected].

Support the show

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

Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

Welcome to the first of a series of episodes called, "The Ripple Effect: Conversations for Change," where we explore pressing issues, and highlight inspiring individuals making a difference.

In this powerful episode, we delve into the critical topics of fentanyl, overdose prevention, harm reduction, recovery and hope.

Shining a light on these topics and addressing them openly and honestly is a step towards making a positive difference, unshaming, destigmatizing, and ultimately saving lives.

“Fentanyl is the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered. Fentanyl is everywhere. From large metropolitan areas to rural America, no community is safe from this poison. We must take every opportunity to spread the word to prevent fentanyl-related overdose death and poisonings for claiming scores of American lives everyday." - DEA.gov

Join us as we delve into the depths of this crisis with our special guest, Thomas Guerra, MS, CEO and Founder of f-fent.org, a Miami-based organization dedicated to lessening the risk of substance use through harm reduction and providing recovery support to individuals who ask for assistance.

He is also available for public speaking engagements.

Thomas may be reached via email at [email protected], or by phone at 786-387-5000.

Visit the following links for:

• Training: https://www.f-fent.org/training
• Harm Reduction: https://www.f-fent.org/harm-reduction
• Family Support: https://www.f-fent.org/family-support
• Recovery Support: https://www.f-fent.org/recovery-support
• Overdose Awareness Day: https://www.f-fent.org/overdoseawareness
• Support F-Fent: https://www.f-fent.org/donate
• Florida Resources: https://isavefl.com/

Enjoy an eye-opening conversation that explores the F-factor behind fentanyl and unveils strategies for raising awareness and fostering hope in the face of adversity.

---

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is not medical or legal advice. Please contact your local licensed professional for professional advice.

---

Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:

• Instagram: @griefandlight
• Threads: @griefandlight
• Website: griefandlight.com
• Ways to Work with Me
• Subscribe to my newsletter

Disclaimer: https://www.griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcast

Want to sponsor an episode? Contact us via [email protected].

Support the show

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

Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers