Grief, Gratitude & The Gray in Between

Martha Hunt Handler is the award-winning author of Winter of the Wolf, a novel that tells the story of Bean, an empathic and spiritually evolved teenage girl who sets out to discover the truth about the mysterious death of her beloved brother and finds herself on a journey of healing and self-discovery.

The novel is inspired by the death of Martha's best friend's 12-year-old son and covers several important themes, including suicide, grief, spirituality, humans connection to nature, shamanism, and native Inuit culture.

It is an Amazon bestseller and was chosen as a Barnes and Noble Top Indy Pick.

Apart from being a successful author, Martha is an environmentalist and fierce wolf advocate. She serves as the Board President of the Wolf Conservation Center, where 100% of her author proceeds go to support the organization.

https://marthahunthandler.com/

https://nywolf.org/

In this heartfelt episode  I sit down with author Martha Hunt Handler to explore the intricate process of writing her novel, “Winter of the Wolf.” Martha’s journey from a sprawling rural landscape to bustling cities shaped her perspective, and her passion for environmental causes and wolf conservation adds depth to her storytelling.

Themes Explored:

• Growth Through Loss: Martha’s personal experiences and grief shaped her novel,      mirroring the healing process.
• Spirituality and Nature: The novel weaves spirituality, shamanism, and our connection to      nature into its fabric.
• Inuit Culture: Indigenous wisdom and resilience play a vital role.

In this solo episode, I discuss the important distinction between the concepts of grieving and mourning. Grief refers to the internal emotions and personal journey one experiences after a loss or major life transition. Mourning describes the external, communal expressions and rituals related to grief.

Key topics covered:

• Common misuse of "grieving" and "mourning" as interchangeable terms
• Grieving as the inner emotions of sadness, anger, etc. that occur involuntarily after a loss
• Mourning as outward rituals/practices that people can choose to participate in to express their grief
• Examples of mourning rituals based on religion or culture
• Other mourning practices: journaling, support groups, listening to meaningful songs, reading old letters
• How both grieving and mourning help us adapt to change and loss over time
• Reflection questions: What mourning practices are helpful for you? How do you see grieving and mourning show up in your life?

I offer an open invitation to share any reflections on this topic with me via email. Understanding the difference between these two related concepts can aid in processing any losses we experience.

If you or anyone you know is looking to have someone walk alongside them during ther grief journey, contact me for a Discovery call. 

https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

Shannon Spruill, a native of Brooklyn, New York, now resides in Buffalo, NY. For the past 37 years, Shannon Spruill has been happily married to Esau Spruill Jr. Together, they have been blessed with three sons named Derek, Brian, and Patrick. She has achieved academic success, graduating Suma Cum Laude from Bryant and Stratton College with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and obtaining a master's degree in Computer Information Systems from Boston University. For the past 26 years, Shannon has been an Account Executive at Ingram Micro.

Despite her successful career, Shannon felt a calling to pursue her lifelong passion for writing. Although fiction was her initial desire, she decided to share her personal journey instead. Her first book, "My Reflection in the Mirror," was released on December 1, 2010. It delves into the personal demons she had to overcome, with the hope of inspiring and empowering other women.

Tragedy struck on October 4, 2013, when Shannon lost her son Brian in a devastating automobile accident. Instead of succumbing to darkness, Shannon found solace in her faith and began helping other parents who have experienced the loss of a child. She also published her second book, "The Shattered Mirror: Picking up the Pieces," which explores her journey of coping with her son's death. Combining both books, she published a revised edition titled "Tribulation to Victory: Birth of a Queen" in April 2018. This book became a bestseller, and Shannon is currently working on her 14th book.

In addition to her writing career, Shannon is the CEO and Founder of Parents Pushing Past Their Grief Inc. Parents Pushing Past Their Grief Inc. mission is to provide support, comfort, and resources to parents who have experienced the devastating loss of a child.  Shannon wanted to create a safe and understanding community where parents can find solace, share their stories, and connect with others who have gone through similar experiences.

Shannon's journey is one of resilience, faith, and a commitment to helping others. Her accomplishments as an author, entrepreneur, and community advocate are a testament to her strength and determination.

Website: www.ppptg-inc.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghopeinthemidstofheartache

Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC0DNYXYzmvbaDm0ASs5RsJg

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/parents-pushing-past-their-grief-inc/

Mary Hayashi is an award-winning author who is among this country’s most accomplished champions for diversity and women’s rights. As a national healthcare leader, public affairs consultant, non-profit director, and former California State Assemblymember, Mary has dedicated her life to serving America and its most vulnerable citizens.

Her book, Women in Politics: Breaking Down the Barriers to Achieve True Representation. “In this book, I hope to provide insight into the many facets of my life as a girl growing up in Korea; as an Asian American immigrant; as a survivor who lost her older sister to suicide; as a national health care advocate; as an elected official; and as an advocate for women’s rights. Each of these parts of my life has provided its own challenges, lessons, successes, and struggles, and the sum of these experiences has made me who I am.”

Mary has been the driving force behind meaningful reforms to expand the coverage of healthcare. She also established unprecedented partnerships in support of social causes that previously had no financial or public backing.

https://www.maryhayashi.com/about/

Episode Highlights:

• Mary shares insights from her book, "Women in Politics: Breaking Down the Barriers to Achieve True Representation."
• The book is not just about politics; it's a journey of self-discovery, inspiring women to chart their unique paths.
• Discusses her upbringing in South Korea, the loss of her older sister to suicide, and the impact on her life choices.

Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest on the podcast or to inquire about coaching with her: https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

In this unedited  episode, I share my reflections on the 27th anniversary of my sister Zorana's passing. The day brought unexpected emotions as I connected with memories, messages from loved ones, and found old writings expressing my conversations with Zorana. Join me as I navigate the complex layers of grief, gratitude, and the enduring presence of those we've lost. This episode is a raw tribute to parallel worlds, where our loved ones continue to shape our lives from beyond the veil.

Reach out if you feel called to be coached by me in your own reach journey.

https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

Stephanie Papadakis is a grief recovery specialist, holistic nutrition consultant, and autoimmune protocol coach. After experiencing her own grief, trauma, and health issues, she dedicated herself to helping others heal their broken hearts and address health issues caused by emotional stress - like poor digestive health, hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune diseases.

Through her work, Stephanie helps people deal with grief and trauma in order to heal the gut. She believes that when we honor our grief and give ourselves permission to feel all of our emotions, we can begin to restore balance in our lives and find true happiness.

In her free time, Stephanie loves to travel, eat, explore new places, and meet new people. She is always looking for her next great adventure with her wife and her dog, Bounce.

Web Links

· https://www.gutofintegrity.com/

· IG + TikTok: @gutofintegrity

· https://www.facebook.com/gutofintegrity/

·https://www.facebook.com/groups/thespacebetweengratitudeandgrief

Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest on the show or for Grief Coaching:

https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com

In this episode we talk about the following topics:

• Stephanie's personal journey  through grief and how it impacted her gut health.
• The profound connection between emotional stress, grief, and physical well-being
• Stephanie's transformative  experience with nutrition, exercise, and intentional lifestyle changes.
• The importance of addressing emotional and mental health alongside physical health

Dina Gachman is a Pulitzer Center Grantee, an award winning journalist, and a frequent contributor to The New York Times, Vox, Texas Monthly, Teen Vogue and more. She also writes a monthly movie column for The New York Times. She’s a bestselling ghostwriter, and her first book, BROKENOMICS, was published by Hachette/Seal Press. Her new book of essays about grief, SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, was published April 2023 by Union Square & Co.

She spent three years as head copywriter on Clio award winning content for UPROXX Studios.

She has appeared on ABC's 20/20, CBS We are Austin, Chicago’s WGN and Texas Standard. She’s written two comic books for Bluewater Comics, about legendary superheroes Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. She lives near Austin, Texas, with her husband and son.

Epsisode Synopsis:

In this heartfelt episode, Dina Gachman, author of "So Sorry for Your Loss," shares her journey through the profound and complex landscape of grief. From the unexpected loss of her mother to the challenges of navigating her sister's battle with addiction, Dina opens up about the unique dynamics and emotions that accompany different forms of grief. The conversation explores the impact of ambiguous loss, the business of grieving, and the unexpected gestures of comfort, such as a bucket of KFC, that can bring solace in the darkest moments.

Dina also delves into the process of writing her book and the intention behind its title. With humor and honesty, she hopes to provide comfort and understanding to those living with grief while offering insights for those who may encounter it in the future. Join us in this candid exploration of grief, where Dina's authenticity and resilience shine through, inspiring hope and connection in the face of loss.

https://www.dinagachmanwrites.com/

Cpontact Kendra Rinaldi for a complimentary Grief Coaching session ro to be a  guest on the podcast.

https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

Andrew Hall is the Co-Founder of No Story Lost. He started No Story Lost with his cousin and best pal, Jeremy. No Story Lost was born after Andrew and Jeremy recorded their Grandfather's story; they saw how important the result was for their family, but also how much hard work it was to do without a service to help. When Andrew's not working, he enjoys traveling, playing sports, and spending time with friends and family.

https://nostorylost.com/

Books Andrew mentions:

A guide to the good life 

On Death and Dying

On Grief and Grieving

CONTACT KENDRA RINALDI to be a guest on the podcast https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

More About This Episode:

• Andrew's journey with co-founding "No Story Lost" inspired by the realization of the importance of capturing family legacies.
• The genesis of the company rooted in recording Andrew's grandfather's stories and the profound impact it had on their family.
• nitiating Legacy Conversations:
• Insight into initiating conversations about capturing legacies with loved ones.
• Andrew's advice on approaching the conversation with sensitivity, emphasizing the shared benefits for both the storyteller and the family.
• Navigating the No Story Lost Process:
• Overview of the process, from the initial conversation to the design and printing of the personalized legacy book.
• Timeframes for completion and potential factors that may influence the timeline.
• Partnerships and Future Collaborations:
• Exploring potential collaborations with funeral homes, pre-planning companies, and estate planners.
• Recognizing the opportunity to work with individuals in the 60 to 90 age range who are contemplating their legacies.
• Reflections on Grief and Regret:
• Andrew's reflections on grief and the role of regret in the mourning process.
• The significance of having no regrets in the passing of his grandparents, allowing for a more positive reflection on their lives.
• Tools for Grieving:
• Andrew shares insights into his grief journey, drawing a comparison between losing his first grandparent in his 20s and subsequent losses.
• The impact of living with grandparents and experiencing the echoes of their presence after their passing.
• Legacy Lessons and Fragility of Life:
• Lessons learned from the fragility of life, emphasizing the importance of cherishing every moment.
• The unexpected nature of loss, even when dealing with elderly family members.
• Documenting Living Grandparents:
• Andrew's experience in recording stories with his living grandmother and the editing process.
• The challenges and joys of documenting stories, especially with family members dealing with dementia.
• Conclusion:
• Encouragement to start documenting legacies at any stage in life, emphasizing the everlasting impact of preserving family stories.
• This episode dives into the heart of family, memories, and the profound impact of storytelling, encouraging listeners to embark on their journey of capturing legacies.

Melissa Beth is the host and producer of the Mile Marker Miracles podcast. Initially created as a space to hear people’s mile marker stories of how they became who they are today, the podcast took on an unplanned grief focus when Melissa’s mom Linda passed away from breast cancer. As she processed through the immense loss of her mom, her best friend, and her biggest inspiration all in one, it became clear that others also needed a space to understand grief and how to support each other in loss. With her masters degree in special education and years of experience as a teacher, Melissa brings a unique perspective to these conversations and lessons. In addition, Melissa is a children’s book author with her book about Down Syndrome “The Ups and Downs of a Very Special Superhero” inspired by her brother Josh. She works as a project administrator for an architectural firm and volunteers with a faith-based non-profit that plans events and conferences all around the country. She loves iced coffee, cuddling with her puppy, and soaking up blue skies and warm weather.

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/milemarkermiracles

SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3uSNA2z

APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3pwbiy0

WEBSITE: www.milemarkermiracles.com

Book: www.specialupsanddowns.com

Melissa Beth's Podcasts with her mom and when she talks about her grief journey:

Episode 16

Spotify - https://spotify.link/xdafiIkTrDb

Apple Podcasts -

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mile-marker-miracles/id1546694006?i=1000536038147

Episode 2

Spotify - https://spotify.link/NnYs0ZoTrDb

Apple Podcasts -

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mile-marker-miracles/id1546694006?i=1000505684946

Episode Highlights:

• Explore the profound connection between Melissa and her mom, unveiling the beautiful moments and insights that define their journey.
• Overcoming Victim Mentality: Discover the power of resisting a victim mentality and embracing strength in the face of adversity. Melissa shares personal experiences and insights on cultivating resilience
• Honoring Loved Ones Through Honest Conversations: Learn about the importance of open conversations about grief.
• Being Honest About Your Needs: Melissa emphasizes the significance of being honest about your needs during grief. Whether it's conversations about the departed loved one or practical support, expressing your needs is a crucial aspect of healing.
• Navigating Loss Within Faith Communities: Melissa discusses the role of faith in her grief journey and how faith communities can provide support and understanding during challenging times.
•  Special Ups and Downs - Children's Book:  the inspiration behind Melissa's children's book, "Special Ups and Downs," and how it fosters understanding, kindness, and inclusivity for children without disabilities.

Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest on the podcast: 

https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

AIJIA, is a songwriter, vocal producer and mom. For years she has dominated the music scene as a writer for some of today’s biggest acts. She lent her ear as Talent Producer for NBC’s hit show SONGLAND. She uses her platform to advocate for women’s equality and growth - a theme in her original music. She is heading into her 11th year as ambassador for Rock Camp For Girls and is an ambassador for The HER Foundation, providing resources and research into the serious pregnancy complication, Hyperemesis Gravidarum, of which she experienced.  Most days you can find her in a recording studio or playing with her two daughters.

Connect with AIJIA https://www.instagram.com/aijiaofficial/

https://aijiamusic.com/

Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest on the show: https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:

• Aijia's mantra of "This is temporary" and her daily countdown to cope with the challenging moments of hyperemesis gravidarum during her pregnancies.

• The importance of having a support system that understands and doesn't try to fix the situation, but simply holds space and offers love and energy

• The power of companionship and empathy in helping someone going through a difficult medical experience like hyperemesis gravidarum.

• Aijia's determination to raise awareness about the condition and support other women facing similar challenges.

• The significance of recognizing that medical conditions like hyperemesis gravidarum are not related to one's outlook or emotional state but require proper medical attention and understanding.

• Other of  her personal experiences with grief and transformation

· We talk about the lively personality of AIJIA's grandmother, nicknamed Hurricane Millie and the close and energetic relationship AIJIA shared with her. Including some funny stories about their relationship.

· The importance of support through groups or therapy, normalizing the grieving process.

 The powerful and spiritual experience AIJIA had while assisting her grandmother in her final moments.

· The connection between AIJIA's background in birth support and her unique approach to her grandmother's passing.