John DeDakis had a life built on facts, working as a White House correspondent and journalist at CNN. But soon discovered the "Sixth Stage of Grief," finding meaning after experiencing two profound, life-altering losses:  his sister's suicide in 1980 and his youngest son's accidental heroin overdose in 2011.  He became a different kind of correspondent: one who explores dealing with loss  through fiction.

In this powerful conversation, John shares his deeply personal story of being on the scene of his sister's death and later discovering his son's secret struggle with addiction.

This interview is a must-listen for anyone experiencing loss, particularly due to suicide, addiction, or overdose, and for those seeking to understand how to turn tragedy into a source of enduring meaning and strength.

Guest: John DeDakis, former journalist, White House Correspondent, and author of six mystery suspense thriller novels.  Grief and loss are subtexts in all six award-winning mystery/suspense/thriller novels written by John. John is a former White House correspondent and former editor on CNN’s “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.” John is currently a writing coach, manuscript editor, podcaster, and rank amateur jazz drummer.

🕵️‍♂️ FIND John:

http://www.johndedakis.com

🌎For full links to today’s guest visit ➡️ https://thejourneyingsoul.com/2101-2

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Bullet in the Chamber (based on his son's loss)

Book: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

The Wendt Center for Loss and Healing (DC-based grief counseling)

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*****DISCLAIMER:****** 

This video reflects Helena's personal experiences and views and the views and experiences of her guest and are not a reflection of the Journeying Soul, its parent company, or any entity they represent. This video is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.  ALWAYS consult with a licensed provider.

#GriefAndLoss #SuicideAwareness #OverdoseAwareness #GriefHealing #FindingMeaningAfterLoss #Resilience #WritingTherapy #JohnDeacis #TheJourneyingSoul

In this poignant episode of The Journeying Soul, we speak with June K. Collins, author of "Momma You Don't Heal". We discuss honoring loss, child loss awareness, and child loss support as June opens up about the profound loss of her son Kaleb and how she actively keeps his legacy alive. She shares her journey of finding inspiration, rebuilding her life, and discovering new purpose in the face of unimaginable grief. June also offers her heartfelt advice to other parents navigating child loss, emphasizing that they are not alone and healing is possible. Join us for this powerful and moving conversation.👍 Like this video!🔔 Subscribe for more Earned Wisdom.💬 Leave your questions in the comments below.💌 Sign up https://thejourneyingsoul.com/#joinme 🌎For full links to today’s guest visit ➡️ https://thejourneyingsoul.com/1020-2🕵️‍♂️ FIND JuneFACEBOOK: @womensurvivingchildloss. Instagram: @authorjunekraholikLinkedin: @authorJuneKraholikTikTok: @theserenitydreamer📕Read MoreMomma You Don't Heal*****DISCLAIMER:****** This video reflects Helena's personal experiences and views and the views and experiences of her guest and are not a reflection of the Journeying Soul, its parent company, or any entity they represent. This video is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. ALWAYS consult with a licensed provider for diagnosis and treatment.

In this powerful and inspiring interview, Ray Hartjen shares his incredible journey living with multiple myeloma, six years post-diagnosis. Ray's story is more than just a medical narrative; it's a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of living each day to its fullest.Ray opens up about his treatments, including a stem cell transplant, and the daily challenges of managing a chronic illness. He emphasizes the critical need for early detection and encourages everyone to prioritize their health by getting regular check-ups. But beyond the medical details, Ray's message is one of hope, resilience, and the power of perspective.He introduces his powerful mantra, "Punch Today in the Face," a metaphor for seizing each moment and living with intention. Ray discusses the importance of a strong support system, the reality of "cancer ghosting," and the vital role caregivers play. He also shares insights from his book, "Me Myself and My Multiple Myeloma," and reflects on the life lessons he's learned from his experience.This conversation delves into deep topics, from the importance of emotional intelligence to Ray's unique perspective on the "fight" against cancer. We even touch on the nature of reality and what he hopes to discover in the afterlife.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of early detection and regular health check-ups.
• The power of a positive mindset and living each day with intention.
• The crucial role of caregivers and the need for strong support systems.
• Insights into multiple myeloma treatment and the stem cell transplant process.
• Ray's philosophy of "Punch Today in the Face" and "If Not Now, When?"
• Reflections on life, time, and the human experience.

🔎 FIND RAY:https://rayhartjen.comBuy Me, Myself, and My Multiple Myeloma 💌 Sign up at https://thejourneyingsoul.com/#join*****DISCLAIMER:****** This video reflects Helena's personal experiences and views and the views and experiences of her guest. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.#MultipleMyeloma #CancerJourney #Inspiration #Hope #Caregivers #RayHartjen #ChronicIllness #PatientStory #HealthAwareness #MentalHealth

Join Helena Strauss in this deeply insightful conversation with Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor, a leading expert in the psychology and physiology of grief. Discover the profound ways loss affects not just our emotions, but our physical health too.

In this episode, Dr. O'Connor delves into:

* The connection between grief and physical health: Learn about the increased risks of heart attack, stroke, and other illnesses after the loss of a loved one.

* Psychoneuroimmunology: Understand how our psychological states, nervous system, and immune system are intricately linked.

* Attachment theory and the "we" brain: Explore how our brains process the loss of a loved one and the impact on our identity.

* The role of inflammation in grief: Discover how grief can trigger inflammation and affect various bodily systems.

* Practical advice for navigating grief: Dr. O'Connor shares valuable insights on seeking medical care and supporting those who are grieving.

* Consciousness and the body: a discussion on where consciousness resides, and the body's role in memory and reaction.

* External pacemakers: How the loss of a loved one disrupts daily routines and physiological rhythms.

Dr. O'Connor, author of "The Grieving Brain" and her new book, "The Grieving Body," brings a unique perspective, blending scientific research with personal experience to shed light on the complex nature of grief. Whether you've experienced loss yourself or want to better understand the grieving process, this conversation offers valuable knowledge and compassionate guidance.

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on healing, loss, and the human spirit.

🌎For full links to today’s guest visit ➡️ https://thejourneyingsoul.com/1018-2

🕵️‍♂️ FIND Mary Frances O'Connor:

https://maryfrancesoconnor.org

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#grief #loss #mentalhealth #physicalhealth #psychology #MaryFrancesOConnor #TheGrievingBrain #healing #bereavement #attachmenttheory #inflammation #consciousness

Are you feeling lost, confused, or even harmed by your spiritual journey? This in-depth video with author, medium, and psychologist Katie Turner, delves into the often-unspoken dark side of spirituality, exploring the phenomenon of "toxic spirituality" and offering guidance on how to navigate its pitfalls. 

Identifying Toxic Spirituality: Learn to recognize the red flags of toxic spiritual practices, including spiritual bypassing, gaslighting, and the dangers of "good vibes only" mentalities. We'll discuss how these practices can actually hinder personal growth and healing.

• Reclaiming Your Intuition: Discover how toxic spirituality can distort your inner voice. This video offers practical tips for developing and trusting your intuition, distinguishing it from anxiety or trauma responses, and learning to understand its unique language.
• The Ego and Soul in Harmony: Explore the complex relationship between the ego and soul. We'll discuss the ego's role in spiritual growth, how to avoid its pitfalls, and how to align it with your soul's true purpose for a more balanced and fulfilling spiritual journey.
• Grief, Healing, and Acceptance: Toxic spirituality often avoids difficult emotions like grief and loss. This video emphasizes the importance of holding space for all emotions, embracing the messiness of life, and finding meaning in loss as part of the healing process. We'll also discuss spiritual perspectives on illness, disability, and death.
• Manifestation and Real-World Feedback: We'll examine the shadow side of manifestation, discussing how it can become intertwined with materialism and consumerism. Learn the importance of balancing manifestation practices with real-world feedback and self-reflection for true spiritual growth.
• Finding Your Path: This video aims to empower you to discern between genuine spiritual practices and those that may be causing harm. Whether you're just beginning your spiritual journey or have been on the path for years, this discussion will offer valuable insights and tools for navigating the complexities of spirituality and finding your own authentic truth.

This is a must-hear for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of spirituality and a path to genuine healing and self-discovery. Join us as we unpack the complexities of the spiritual world and empower you to create a more balanced and fulfilling life.

#toxicspirituality #spiritualawakening #intuition #ego #soul #grief #healing #manifestation #selfdiscovery #spiritualgrowth

🌎For full links to today’s guest visit ➡️ https://thejourneyingsoul.com/1017-2

🕵️‍♂️ FIND Katie Turner:

https://katieturnerpsychology.com/

📕Read More

F*ck Toxic Spirituality

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Disclaimer: 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Journeying Soul, its subsidiaries, or any entities they represent.

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In this episode, the Journeying Soul welcomes Marie Alessi.  In 2018 Marie's husband Rob died unexpectedly, leaving Marie in shock and with 2 young boys to raise.  But Marie was saved by a promise made and a question Rob often asked her.  That question became her lodestone enabling her to find joy in grief’s shadow, focus on the positive and create the happiest life possible for her children. 

Listen in to hear how she did it, how she learned to navigate the  societal expectations put on a young widow, and how she helps people like you to do the same after loss.   

🌎For full links to today’s guest visit ➡️ https://thejourneyingsoul.com/1016-2

🕵️‍♂️ FIND MARIE:

https://www.mariealessi.com/

📕Books by Marie

Loving Life after Loss

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Subscribe to TJS Podcast     /@thejourneyingsoulpodcast

https://www.youtube.com/@TheJourneyingSoulPodcast

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Are you struggling to come to terms with a painful past experience? Do you feel like grief and bereavement are holding you back from living the life you deserve? In this powerful episode, with grief recovery specialist Victoria Volk, we'll explore the transformative power of healing and how it can help you break free from the shackles of your past.

By embracing grief awareness and learning effective bereavement tips, you can begin to heal and move forward. Self-help and personal growth are within your reach - take the first step towards a brighter future today. Discover how to transform your life and unlock a path towards healing, growth, and freedom.

🗣⁠Things We Discuss Byron Katie The Work⁠

🕵️‍♂️ FIND Victoria Volk:

The Grieving Voices Podcast

In this episode, the Journeying Soul welcomes Elizabeth Fried, an evidential medium who proves that just as there are mediums born with the gift, there are mediums who are made. 

After an accidental out of body experience in her 20s, Elizabeth shied away from pursuing a life working with spirit.  But it proved to her beyond any doubt that there is a field of spirit and non-physical information that a person can access while on this Earth.  

Later, after a full career and many worldly adventures, she began studying at the famous Monroe Institute with all the fervor of a post-college grad eager to get a Masters.   Listen in as we discuss how she successfully developed her ability to communicate with guides, loved ones, and pets on the other side.   

🌎For full links to today’s guest visit ➡️ https://thejourneyingsoul.com/1014-2

🕵️‍♂️ FIND ELIZABETH:

https://www.elizabethfried.com/medium

📕Read More

Books on Learning Mediumship

Subscribe to TJS Podcast     @thejourneyingsoulpodcast

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#mediumship #MonroeInstitute

In this episode, the Journeying Soul welcomes Thomas Brown. Thomas is the author of 2012 a Bicycle Odyssey, an entertaining & extraordinary book about his journey to spread his brothers ashes across the country.   

Thomas journeys both like a hero out of Joseph Campbells Hero with a Thousand faces and like an every day man with doubts and anxieties as he works through both the obstacles life has put in front of  him and those he’s put in front of himself.  

Join us as we discuss our individual efforts at making meaning from our grief and the physical and artistic journeys that grief has taken us on - as well as the importance of knowing thyself.  Or at least trying.

🌎For full links to today’s guest visit ➡️ https://thejourneyingsoul.com/1013-2

🕵️‍♂️ Find Thomas:

RISE (revolution inspired by self evolution)

📚📕Read Thomas’ Book

2012 A Bicycle Odyssey: A 7,000 Mile Bicycle Journey For Suicide Awareness and the Healing Power of Art

🗣Things We Discuss

the Hero with a Thousand Faces

the Grief Monomyth

Chapel of Sacred Mirrors

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In this episode, the Journeying Soul welcomes Jan Canty. Jan is a beautiful soul who survived the unraveling of life as she knew it when her husband of 11 years, Al, a PhD with a thriving psychotherapy practice disappeared. It started with strange phone calls and suspect drive-bys and ended when Al was found dismembered and his secret double-life amongst the drug users and prostitutes in their local red district was fully revealed. 

Jan is now the author of several books including her latest:  What Now? Navigating the Aftermath of Homicide and Suicide. 

We discuss what happens when private people become the unwilling subjects of the press and public curiosity and how their souls process emotional trauma when it is used for entertainment -  whether classified as news or docudrama.  

🌎For full links to today’s guest visit ➡️ https://thejourneyingsoul.com/1012-2

🕵️‍♂️ FIND JAN:

https://www.jancantyphd.com/

📕Read Jan’s Books

What Now?  Navigating the Aftermath of Homicide and Suicide

A Life Divided: A psychologist's memoir about the double life and murder of her husband - and her road to recovery

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Subscribe to TJS Podcast  on YouTube  /@thejourneyingsoulpodcast

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