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.

TATIANA ZAMIR is an interdisciplinary performance artist and trauma-informed movement facilitator who has been walking a path of evolution, transformation, and deep personal inquiry her whole life. Zamir studied and performed as a dancer and choreographer in the World Arts & Cultures Department at UCLA and developed her natural skills in the healing arts at IPSB Life Energy Institute. From her base in Los Angeles, her work has taken her to Bulgaria, Argentina, Namibia, Zambia, Senegal, Mexico, Cuba, and Bali. As both a healer and an artist, Tatiana holds a uniquely compassionate space, which catalyzes transformation and aids people around the world to embody their joy and live unapologetic, creatively-fulfilled lives — whether in her Afro-Joy Dance classes, her performance art, or movement therapy-based healing arts workshops and retreats. 

To connect with Tatiana:

Website: www.tatianazamir.com

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/tatianazamir/

Instagram post of her grandmother sharing her last words: https://www.instagram.com/p/CpncxZiPR3w/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Contact Kendra if you'd like to be a guest ont he podcast: [email protected]

www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com

Topics we talk about:

· Tatiana Zamir shares her close relationship with her grandmother: Tatiana Zamir talks about how her grandmother, Lisa Montel, was her best friend , who raised her with love and exposed her to the arts. She also shares how her grandmother was a Baha'i and an actress who quit her career to serve the community.

· Tatiana Zamir reflects on how her grandmother's passing has affected her: Tatiana Zamir says that she did not feel a lot of grief or sadness after her grandmother's passing yet, but rather gratitude and joy for their relationship. She says that she feels her grandmother's presence and support even more now, and that she honors her by wearing her clothes and jewelry, and continuing her work.

· Tatiana Zamir talks about her healing arts workshops and retreats: she  explains how she uses movement therapy and a technique called vesseling to help people heal from trauma and access their intuition. She shares that she hosts healing arts workshops and retreats that are somatic-based and integrate different creative tools and themes, such as healing mother wounds.

· Tatiana Zamir shares how she healed from her divorce: she reveals that leaving her marriage of 12 years was the hardest thing she ever did in her adulthood, and that she went through a depression and a lot of fear and pain. She says that one of the things that helped her was embodying gratitude and affirming what she wanted to manifest in her life.

• Tatiana Zamir shares how her dynamics with her mom have changed since her grandmothers transition. She talks about how they've worked on their relationship for many years and how it's evolved.