Grief, Gratitude & The Gray in Between

Pamela Blake, PhD, is the CEO of Utamatzi Inc, an independent publishing imprint dedicated to bringing creative, high-quality fiction to readers in the global marketplace. The initial offering is The Isaak Collection, which consists of five novels by her late husband, David Isaak.

Prior to forming Utamatzi several years ago, Dr. Blake was a Technical Fellow with The Boeing Company, from which she retired in 2020, after twenty years of employment. She is an expert in quantified performance assessment of imaging sensors and in the development and application of algorithms that exploit the underlying physics and phenomenology for automated feature and object recognition.

She holds a BA in Physics from Willamette University in Salem, OR, amd MS and PhD degrees in Geology/Geophysics from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Dr. Blake resides in Huntington Beach, California. For more information, please consult: https://utamatzi.com.

Show Highlights: 

• Navigating Grief and Legacy: Join Dr. Pamela Blake, CEO of Utamatsi Inc., as she shares her profound journey of processing grief as a loss, not a wound, following the sudden passing of her lifelong companion, David Isaak.
• From Love Story to Literary Imprint: Discover how Pamela's desire to honor David's lifelong passion for writing led her to create Utamatsi Inc., publishing his five novels as The Isaac Collection.
• The Genesis of The Isaac Collection: Learn about David's dedication to writing his novels, the challenges he faced with traditional publishing, and the emotional success of his first published work, "Tomorrow Bill," which impressively charted on Amazon.
• Enduring Connection and Shared Life: Hear about Pamela and David's extraordinary relationship that began at age 14, their shared love for music and gardening, and how Pamela continues to feel David's presence and guidance in her daily life.
• Embracing New Chapters: Explore Pamela's remarkable pivot from a distinguished career at The Boeing Company to becoming a publisher, and her future plans to write a sequel to David's novel and a guide for aspiring self-publishers.
• Powerful Takeaways: Pamela offers poignant advice: "Don't wait to tell somebody you love of them," "Don't be afraid to tell your story," and the importance of finding a "driving force" through life's deepest challenges.

Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest on the podcast or to have her on your podcast:

 https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/book-online

Lanny Vahlis, nacida y criada en Venezuela, llegó a Estados Unidos hace 15 años con el sueño de construir una nueva vida. Actualmente se desempeña como Gerente de Proyectos de Construcción e inversionista en bienes raíces, un camino profesional que ha construido con esfuerzo y determinación.

Más allá de su carrera, Lanny es madre de dos hijos, Jake y Derek, quienes representan su mayor fuente de motivación y fortaleza. Su historia de resiliencia está marcada por desafíos personales y profesionales, incluyendo su experiencia como inmigrante y su reciente proceso de sanación tras un diagnóstico de cáncer de mama.

Apasionada por las artes marciales, encuentra en el kickboxing y el jiu-jitsu su vía de escape para liberar el estrés y fortalecer tanto su cuerpo como su mente. A lo largo de los años, ha aprendido a equilibrar sus responsabilidades con su bienestar emocional y físico, estableciendo límites claros en su vida laboral y personal.

Hoy, Lanny vive con una renovada perspectiva, priorizando su salud, su familia y su crecimiento espiritual. A través de su historia, busca inspirar a otras mujeres a escuchar su cuerpo, cuidar su bienestar y vivir con propósito y equilibrio. Además, ha aprendido a trazar límites saludables en su vida, asegurando que su bienestar y el de su familia sean siempre su prioridad.

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/iamlannyvahlis/#

Resaltes de nuestra conversacion: 

• Presentación y contexto: trayectoria de Lanny como gerente de proyectos de construcción, madre de dos hijos y su experiencia como inmigrante en Estados Unidos.
• Diagnóstico y proceso médico: impacto del estrés en su salud, importancia de la prevención, diagnóstico temprano y tratamiento.
• Impacto emocional y familiar: emociones tras recibir la noticia, miedo e incertidumbre, afectación en su entorno cercano y su decisión de vivir el proceso con conciencia.
• Reconexión espiritual y mental: acercamiento a Dios, aprendizaje sobre la energía femenina y estrategias para gestionar pensamientos invasivos.
• Transformación en estilo de vida: cambios en alimentación, ejercicio, manejo del estrés y establecimiento de límites en su rutina laboral.
• Red de apoyo y conexiones: selección de personas positivas en su entorno, eliminación de relaciones que no sumaban y encuentros con amigas como fuente de apoyo.
• Aprendizajes y reflexiones finales: importancia de la prevención en la salud, gratitud por su proceso de transformación y resiliencia como herramienta de crecimiento personal

Contacta a Kendra Rinaldi para mas informacion sobre como ser invitado/a  en el podcast 

https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

I felt compelled to write a Dear Griever type letter tonight. A letter for anyone who is in the midst of grief.  This is a  short episode of me reading it.

Grief is heavy, unpredictable and deeply personal, yet I wanted to share some love and compassion to anyone of you who are in the thick of the pain right now.  

I pray this brings you a bit of comfort. You are loved, you are seen.

Love,

Kendra

Rebecca Schaper is an author, filmmaker, philanthropist, and mental health advocate. Her new book, “Roses to Rainbow – My Dog Gus in the Aferlife,” is a moving story that includes transcripts of psychic sessions Rebecca had with an animal communicator after the sudden, unexpected passing of her dog – Gus. The book also includes Rebecca’s notes from her daily journal as she responds to both earthly and spiritual guidance from Gus.

She also  co-produced and directed the award-winning documentary A Sister’s Call. The film chronicles her mission to bring her brother Call Richmond Jr. back from the depths of homelessness and schizophrenia, all while seeking ways to heal herself and her family from the past. Her memoir The Light in His Soul: Lessons from My Brother’s Schizophrenia recounts the events in the film, supplemented by her intimate personal reflections on recovering from trauma and developing spiritual insight.

Rebecca makes frequent public and media appearances as a spokesperson for mental-health awareness and spiritual development, including presentations to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Vinfen community-based services, the NYC Mental Health Film Festival, Greenville Mental Hospital, the Canadian Mental Health Association, the First Presbyterian Church in Greenville, and the American Psychiatric Association (APA). She is a supporter of NAMI, as well as benefactor of the Great Plains Foundation for African wildlife conservation, a family-assistance program in Kigali, Rwanda, a children’s school at the Drepung Gomang Monastery in Bhutan, and The Healing Center in Bali. She is also facilitating the global outreach efforts of the Last Inca Shamans Healing Association of Q'ero Nation in the Cusco region of Peru.  She helped sponsor the film Ram Dass, Going Home by Derek Peck. She makes her home with her husband Jim in Georgia.

 https://www.rebeccaschaper.com/about https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaSchaperAuthor/ https://x.com/rebecca_schaper

• A Sister’s Search for Her Lost Brother – Rebecca shares the emotional journey of finding her brother Call after 20 years.
• Navigating Mental Health & Advocacy – How Rebecca’s experience shaped her understanding of schizophrenia, trauma, and support.
• Signs & Synchronicities in Grief – The spiritual connection Rebecca felt with her late dog Gus and how signs continued to show up.
• The Unconditional Love of Pets – How Gus’s presence helped her heal and process layers of grief.
• Transforming Grief Into Purpose – Rebecca’s work in storytelling and advocacy for mental health awareness.
• Honoring Loved Ones Through Action – Turning pain into projects that inspire and educate others.

Contact Kendra Rinaldi  https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

Caren Paskel is a best-selling author, speaker, and the founder of the Self-Evolution Education (S.E.E.) Foundation. With decades of experience in spiritual education and yoga principles, Caren guides individuals on a journey of transformation, helping them reach their fullest potential. As the former owner of EnSoul Yoga, Caren navigated the challenges of managing multiple studios while caring for her husband, who was diagnosed with a terminal illness. This profound life event, coupled with the global pandemic, led Caren to reevaluate her life’s mission and create impactful programs aimed at personal evolution and empowerment.A firm believer in the power of community, Caren has inspired thousands through her Self-Evolution courses, retreats, and books, including her acclaimed work, The Power of Self-Belief. She has since expanded her mission to include self-caregiving support for caregivers, launching a program that promotes self-care practices for those caring for loved ones. Her philosophy centers on the idea that personal transformation begins with inner strength and is amplified by a supportive community.https://carenpaskel.com/

• A Life-Changing Diagnosis – Caren shares the moment David’s seizure led to his brain cancer diagnosis.
• Navigating Grief & Uncertainty – How caregiving and major life changes shaped Caren’s resilience.
• Choosing Growth Through Loss – Why grief doesn’t have to hold us back but can push us toward transformation.
• Honoring Legacy Through Action – How David’s encouragement continues to inspire Caren’s work.
• Energy, Vibration & Impact – The way our emotions influence the world around us.
• Career Shift & New Beginnings – Caren’s pivot from yoga studio owner to online educator and mentor.
• The Power of Support & Mentorship – Why embracing connection and guidance fosters true healing.

Get in touch with Kendra Rinaldi if you'd like to be a guest on the Podcast 

https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

Welcome to a very special episode of Grief, Gratitude, and the Gray In Between. Today, we celebrate a milestone—our 200th episode! Over the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with nearly 200 incredible individuals, each sharing their unique experiences and perspectives on grief.

Grief is complex. It’s not just about loss—it’s about transitions, expectations, healing, and everything in between. In honor of this journey, we’re revisiting some of the most profound moments from past conversations—voices that have shaped this space, challenged misconceptions, and offered wisdom on navigating grief and finding light through the darkness.

Join me as we reflect, honor, and learn from the many voices that have guided us over the years. I’m so grateful for this community. If you feel you resonate with any of the insights shared by my guests, I invite you to look for the full interview I've done with them. 

• Episode Timeline:
• Jana DeCristofaro – The layered emotions of grief, relief, and guilt.
• Kendra Rinaldi – Reframing grief as transition through Baha’i teachings.
• Carol Schneberg – How we grieve the way we live, shaped by hospice insights.
• Tawny Platis – Finding comfort in metaphysical views on time and connection.
• Sophie Mills – How loss led her to question lifelong atheist beliefs.
• Jenny Robinson – Surrendering to a loved one’s journey and finding peace.
• Daniel Rinaldi – Honoring his mother’s passing through music and reflection.
• Aijia Grammar – The isolation of grief when it’s unacknowledged.
• Colin Campbell – Confronting denial and choosing to live with purpose.
• Bevin Mugford – Learning from hardship and finding wisdom in pain.
• Rabbi Steve Leder – Rejecting grief “stages” and embracing waves of emotion.
• Edy Nathan – Grief as a dance—fluid, messy, and deeply personal.
• Nathan Peterson – Floating through grief when pushing forward feels impossible.
• Pixie Lighthorse – The power of permission to fully experience grief.
• Grant Garry – Letting grief express itself instead of suppressing it.
• Tatiana Zamir – Processing grief through unfinished business and peace.
• Stephanie Matos – Using grief as a catalyst for personal growth.

For more information about the different services I offer (Speking, Grief Education, Grief Coach)  Or to be a guest on the Podcast reach out: [email protected]  or on my website. https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

Brittni Cosgrove is a Transformational Life & Business Coach. She helps ambitious souls become their most magnetic, authentic, and confident self so they can create a bigger impact doing what they love. Whether you’re scaling your business, starting a nonprofit, or deepening your relationships, Brittni will help you overcome subconscious set points and master your mindset so you can stop self-sabotaging and see the results you crave. Brittni is a certified Mastery Coach, breathwork facilitator, and speaker. Additionally, Brittni sits on the board of the nonprofit Travel Through Trauma and is the organization's resident Life Coach.
Brittni uses her voice to help humanity break free from self-imposed limitations, shatter glass ceilings, leap into the unknown, and collectively uplevel to shift the world into one of more passion, purpose, and peace.

Links:

IG: @brittni.cosgrove

Website: brittnicosgrove.com

Show Highlights:

• Why subconscious blocks often stem from unexpected past experiences—and how identifying them leads to breakthrough moments.
• The power of curiosity and trust in self-discovery, allowing emotions and sensations to be witnessed rather than resisted.
• Brittni’s philosophy of working with emotions like a compassionate observer, helping them settle rather than suppressing them.
• The ripple effect of healing—how personal transformation impacts families, communities, and even the world.
• Navigating growth through coaching, whether in business, confidence, or life alignment.
• The unique impact of the nonprofit Travel Through Trauma, which combines self-work with solo travel as a healing experience.
• Encouragement to embrace life as it unfolds—understanding that every step, even moments of uncertainty, are exactly as they should be.

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

Jaya Saxena is a devoted mother of two spirited girls, a champion of inclusion, and an aspiring death doula. Her journey through grief began in 2002 with the profound loss of her mother, a pivotal moment that shaped her understanding of life after loss.

In recent years, particularly during the Covid pandemic, Jaya’s view on grief has deepened. She recognizes that loss transcends the death of loved ones; it encompasses the loss of friendships, health, livelihoods, and even the versions of ourselves we leave behind. This broader perspective has informed her approach to navigating life’s challenges.

Professionally, Jaya serves as an inclusion strategist, leveraging nearly 20 years of advocacy and professional development experience. She is passionate about the intersection of grief and identity, believing that it can lead to feelings of marginalization. Jaya advocates for greater empathy and compassion in both personal and professional realms, emphasizing the need to create space for grief in our conversations at work and in everyday life.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayasaxena/

Instagram: @being.jaya

Show Highlights:

• Exploring Grief Through Conversation: Jaya reflects on her reluctance yet yearning to share her experience with grief and the importance of creating spaces for open dialogue.
• Family and Cultural Legacy: Jaya recounts her parents' immigrant journey to the U.S., navigating dual cultures, and the values she strives to instill in her daughters while honoring her mother’s memory.
• The Impact of Illness and Loss: Jaya shares memories of her mother, who lived with ulcerative colitis, and the transformative year she spent with her during her health's decline, leading up to her passing in 2002.
• Marking Milestones After Loss: Jaya discusses the emotional weight of milestones without her mother present and how these moments, including becoming a mother, continue to shape her grief journey.
• Transitions and Identity: Reflecting on motherhood and life changes, Jaya speaks about the shedding of one identity for another and the evolving nature of grief through life’s transitions.
• Curiosity About Death and Becoming a Death Doula: Jaya shares her deep fascination with death, her journey toward understanding it, and her inspiration to train as a death doula, finding beauty in the process of transitioning out of life.
• Broader Perspectives on Grief: Jaya broadens the lens on grief, discussing its manifestation beyond the loss of loved ones to include identity shifts, workplace changes, and friendships, encouraging empathy and support for shared experiences.

Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest on the podccast or for infroamtion about coaching with her. 

https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

Reshma Kearney is a trauma-informed mindfulness and healing guide dedicated to empowering individuals navigating grief and mental health challenges. After losing her husband to suicide in 2022, Reshma became a solo parent to three young children and turned to mindfulness as a grounding tool to help her family move forward with resilience. Drawing from her personal journey, she now guides others through loss and emotional challenges with compassion and practical mindfulness tools. Through her mindful healing circles, 1:1 support, and advocacy work, Reshma creates space for healing, connection, and growth. Her mission is to remind others to give themselves grace, ask for help, and to just keep going.

Instagram: reshmakearney

www.reshmakearney.com

Show Highlights:

• Reshma's Journey Through Grief: Reshma Kearney reflects on becoming a solo parent after the loss of her husband, Sean, to suicide in 2022, and her courageous path of healing and resilience.
• Leaning on Family and Staying Grounded: A moving account of how her parents and brother became her backbone of support, and her decision to prioritize her children's stability by staying in Washington for the school year despite challenges.
• Mindfulness as a Healing Tool: Insight into how Reshma and her children naturally turned to mindfulness practices developed during COVID, which became essential in their grief journey.
• Reconnecting Through Shared Activities: How Reshma and her children stay connected to Sean by continuing the outdoor activities and routines he loved, including their emotional journey back to skiing as a family.
• Advocacy and Awareness: Reshma’s decision to return to social media during May Mental Health Awareness Month to share her family’s story, raising compassion for those navigating mental health struggles, and honoring Sean's memory.
• Messages of Grace and Self-Care: Reshma encourages others to treat themselves with kindness, seek support, and embrace self-care, emphasizing that these are essential for a journey of healing and hope.

Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest on the podcast 

https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/book-online

Jeanette Koncikowski has dedicated her career to helping survivors of trauma heal and thrive while teaching others how to support them best. With a background in psychology, education, and community development, and working now as a consultant and grief coach, Koncikowski has empowered countless people to tell their stories. She is the founder of Widowed Parent Project, an online resource for widowed parents. She has written and spoken extensively on parenting, complicated grief, family bereavement, and recovery from trauma.

Website: widowedparentproject.com

Instagram: @widowedparentproject

https://store.bookbaby.com/book/shipwrecked2

Show Highlights:

• From Harvard to Home: Jeanette reflects on her journey as a mom, therapist, and Harvard graduate balancing career ambitions and family life.
• A Love and Loss: Her 21-year relationship with her high school sweetheart, Mark, and the mental health struggles they shared.
• The Shipwreck Metaphor: Jeanette describes grief as a shipwreck—navigating drowning emotions, dragging herself and her kids to shore, and rebuilding life from the wreckage.
• Prioritizing Mental Health: The critical decision to focus on counseling for her children and herself early on, and her advocacy for therapy as a universal tool.
• Evolving Grief: How her children’s grief transformed over time, and the role of therapy and support networks in their healing.
• Writing Through Grief: Inspired by her own experiences and the absence of resources for young widowed parents, Jeanette created the Widow Parent Project and wrote Shipwrecked, with a second book, Stronger Than the Storm, on the way.
• Lessons and Legacy: Jeanette’s journey to recognize the value of her story and how it offers hope, guidance, and resilience to others facing profound loss.

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