Grief & Happiness

Are you hiding from the grief in your life? It’s time to stop hiding and embrace our grief in order to live again with happiness. 

In this fifteenth episode together, I am so happy to have Patricia Doucet joining me all the way from Nova Scotia. Patricia is a cancer survivor, a divorcee, an artist, a pianist, and a writer. She has experienced a variety of grief throughout her life which has taught her how to  see beauty in life with a renewed sense of gratitude, without hiding in shame, and regret. Since 2008, Patricia  has been encouraging women to never give up on the quest to show up in this world as themselves. Patricia’s story is a reminder that you can be happy, despite trauma, grief, and loss. 

Throughout this episode, Patricia talks about the five points of grief that she has experienced in her life. Each of these events have led her to grieving deeply and are still intertwined in her healing journey. Patricia has an upcoming book, Stop Hiding Start Living: Emerging from the Fog of Trauma, Loss, & Grief, with a Passion to Live that she hopes can help women along their grief and happiness journeys. 

Tune in and listen to the fifteenth episode of Grief and Happiness, and join me in learning how Patricia has learned to live with grief and happiness simultaneously. 

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• About the grief that Patricia has experienced (1:53)
• Why Patricia believes that all grief is intertwined  (10:54)
• How Patricia reminds herself to live in happiness (18:26)
• To not feel guilty about being happy (24:30)

Connect with Patricia Doucet   

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• YouTube

Let's Connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Book: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you or someone you know experienced sexual assault? Among the many emotions that healing from a sexual assault can bring up, is grief. 

In this fourteenth episode together, I am so excited to be joined by Candice Smiley. Candice is a blogger, social marketer, podcaster, mother, and a survivor of sexual assault. Twenty years ago, Candice’s life was forever changed when she survived a sexual assault from her boyfriend. Since then, Candice has been on a journey of healing and  acceptance. Through her work as a blogger, podcaster, speaker, and as a mother, Candice is determined to create a conversation around narcissistic partners, sexual assault, balancing feminine and masculine energies, setting boundaries, and recovering from grief.   

Throughout this episode, Candice tells her story of being sexually assaulted and how she has learned to process the grief and trauma caused by that event. She talks about finding therapy through writing, what happened when she stopped running from her emotions, how she creates boundaries within her life, and the patterns she has broken to turn a corner in her life. I resonate so much with Candice’s story and I am grateful for her vulnerability in sharing her story. 

Tune in and listen to the fourteenth episode of Grief and Happiness, and join me in learning how Candice has navigated the grief caused by sexual assault. 

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• About Candice’s story of grief (2:27)
• The trend that has continued in Candice’s life (10:30)
• What happened when Candice stopped running from her guilt  (15:09)
• What Candice has learned about setting boundaries during her healing (21:01)
• How Candice has turned a corner (23:34)
• That you deserve your truth  (31:19)

Connect with Candice   

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Podcast
• Blog

Let's Connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Book: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you have seniors in your life that you care for? As people age, physical touch tends to diminish but the human need for it remains the same. 

In this thirteenth episode together, I am so excited to be joined by Linda Mac Dougall. Linda is a holistic health practitioner, author, speaker, trainer/educator, and massage therapist specializing in seniors and the disabled. Through her work as a massage therapist, Linda is able to observe and assess attitudes, environments, and the special needs for each individual senior. Linda is the author of the book, The SPIRIT Method of Massage for Seniors: Raising the Bar, in which she shares the importance of senior care and how to be your best self while caring for others. Linda’s experience working with seniors has taught her that the power of touch is immense, especially for those that don’t get it anymore. 

Throughout this episode, you will learn what Linda has discovered about taking care of seniors. She explains the similarities she has found between the needs of the developmentally disabled and seniors, what causes and contributes to depression in seniors, why she wrote her book The SPIRIT Method of Massage for Seniors: Raising the Bar, what SPIRIT Method stands for, and so much more. Linda’s work is helping countless seniors feel properly loved and cared for and I’m excited for you to hear our conversation. 

Tune in and listen to the thirteenth episode of Grief and Happiness, and join me in learning from Linda how we can use the SPIRIT Method for proper senior care and connection!

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• About Linda’s background (1:26)
• The benefits of massages for seniors (3:30)
• About Linda’s book, The SPIRIT Method of Massage for Seniors: Raising the Bar (7:58)
• How medications can impact seniors (22:27)
• What the SPIRIT Method stands for (26:24)

Connect with Linda  

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Book - The SPIRIT Method of Massage for Seniors: Raising the Bar 

Let's Connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Book: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you let grief take over your life? Seeking joy and laughter amidst the grieving process is so important so you can embrace life after loss. 

In this twelfth episode together, I am so excited to be joined by Allen Klein. After his wife died at age 34 from a rare liver disease, Allen began to recognize how important it was for him to find the happiness within the grief. He has since written over 30 books including The Healing Power of Humor, The AWE Factor, and Embracing Life After Loss: A Gentle Guide for Growing Through Grief. Allen has also presented a TEDx talk on the power of intention, the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Applied Therapeutic Humor, and a Toastmasters Communication and Leadership Award winner. Allen speaks to audiences worldwide about the importance of finding the laughter and happiness within life’s not-so-funny moments. 

Throughout this episode, you will learn about the death of Allen’s wife, what he learned along his grieving journey, his recommendations for embracing life after loss, the importance of gratitude, and so much more. Allen’s simple but profound steps will help anyone who is looking for guidance to get through the grieving process. 

Tune in and listen to the twelfth episode of Grief and Happiness, and join me in learning Allen’s story and how we can all embrace life after loss! 

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• About Allen’s background (1:04)
• How the death of his wife inspired Allen to write his book, Embracing Life After Loss (2:55)
• Allen’s steps for dealing with grief (10:09)
• Allen’s number one tip for grievers  (18:53)
• Why laughter is important while grieving (24:17)

Connect with Allen 

• Website
• TEDx Talk
• Book: Embracing Life After Loss 

Let's Connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Book: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do signs show up in your life that are sent from loved ones that you’ve lost? These symbols and messages are an amazing representation of living with grief and happiness. 

In this eleventh episode together, I am so excited to be joined by Brent Scarpo. Brent’s two passions in the life coaching and entertainment industry. He is a former casting director and has worked on iconic films such as The Shawshank Redemption, Air Force One, That Thing You Do, and Matilda. Today, Brent is an intuitive life coach specializing in helping teens, college students, and millennials transform their mindset around careers and relationships. Throughout his life, Brent says that the biggest challenge he has ever had to face is the loss of his mother. As Brent says, we prepare for life but we don’t prepare for death. Years after her passing, Brent continues to celebrate his mother’s life, living with both joy and grief. 

Throughout this episode, you will learn about the miraculous red balloon stories that have shown Brent that his mother is always with him. These stories will have you in awe and serve as a reminder that we are never without those that have transitioned. You will also learn about Brent’s upcoming books, how he continues to find joy in the difficult moments, and what his advice is for listeners. 

Tune in and listen to the eleventh episode of Grief and Happiness, and join me in learning Brent’s journey to living with grief and happiness! 

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• About Brent’s background and lessons from his career (1:30)
• Who Brent’s mother was and her passing (7:39)
• How Brent is still learning how to live without his mother (17:58)
• To discover the joy within the difficult moments (20:36)
• Brent’s stories about the red balloon (33:26)

Connect with Brent Scarpo 

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

Let's Connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Book: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you prepare for death? That’s a question that isn’t easy to think about but it’s one we can’t ignore. 

In this tenth episode together, I am excited to be joined by Amy Bishop. Amy is an End-Of-Life Doula where she works to help her clients create an end-of-life plan so that the wishes of the dying are honored and those they leave behind are supported. Amy is the founder of Cross With Care and has earned the Proficiency Badge with the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA). She is certified in the End of Life Training from Going with Grace and has completed the Intensive Grief Training with Our House Grief Support Center. Additionally, Amy is a hospice volunteer and a volunteer on The Listening Line. Amy’s mission with her work is to normalize the conversation around death and help people have a better understanding of the support needed as someone nears the end of their life. 

Throughout this episode, you will learn about the grief that Amy endured that led to her pursuing an End-Of-Life Doula profession. Amy explains how each of the different losses in her life impacted her uniquely and influenced her to help others. She describes what exactly she does as an End-Of-Life Doula, her own grief journey, and why it’s important to embrace happiness while grieving.

Tune in and listen to the tenth episode of Grief and Happiness, and join me in learning Amy’s inspiring work as an End-Of-Life Doula. 

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• What an End-of-Life Doula is  (1:08)
• What led Amy to becoming an End-Of-Life Doula (2:05)
• Amy’s perspective of how grief and happiness can coexist (11:59)
• The main thing Amy offers as an End-Of-Life Doula (16:11)
• To release feeling guilty for being happy (19:55)

Connect with Amy

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

Let's Connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Book: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you felt judged during your grieving process? There is no right way to grieve and each person’s process is completely unique. 

In this ninth episode together, I am excited to be joined by Melo Garcia. Melo is a licensed and certified grief specialist who is passionate about supporting those grieving. Within three years, Melo lost her father, her child Chloe, and her mother. Feeling isolated and alone, Melo began to build an online community called After Chloe, helping other grievers to realize that they aren’t alone. Melo brings humor and joy to her online community posting relatable grief content, truly setting an example for how you can live with both grief and joy.  

Throughout this episode, you will learn about Melo’s difficult loss of her parents and her daughter and her grief journey that followed. She talks about the importance of speaking the language of grief, why each grief journey is unique, how grieving can help you to live after loss, and to forgive those who don’t understand your grief. Melo is a vibrant soul and I am so excited for you to hear her story. 

Tune in and listen to the ninth episode of Grief and Happiness, and join me in learning Melo’s understanding of grief and happiness and how we can live with both! 

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• About the losses that Melo has gone through  (1:15)
• Melo’s view on grief and happiness (11:03)
• That each grief journey is unique (19:29)
• How grief can help you to live after loss (26:35)
• To forgive those that are judging your grief (33:38)

Connect with Melo

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Let's Connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Book: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s never a good time for illness or loss. If you have lost someone or are providing support towards a sick loved one all while still juggling other responsibilities, don’t forget to take the time that you need  to grieve. 

In this eighth episode together, I am excited to be joined by Phyllis Johnson. Phyllis is the founder and owner of PKJ Consulting where she provides clients with her accounting services. In March of 2019, Phyllis’ mother was diagnosed with kidney failure. This was the beginning of a cycle of health problems and eventually doctors discovered that Phyllis’ mother had ovarian cancer. For the next year and a half, Phyllis dedicated herself to taking care of her mother while running her business and parenting her daughter. In August of 2020, Phyllis’ mother passed away. 

Throughout this episode, you will learn about Phyllis’ grief and happiness journey, specifically surrounding the health decline and loss of her mother. Phylliss talks about the ways she balanced her work and parenting responsibilities while supporting her mother  and where she is today with grief. With the holidays around the corner, grief may resurface with the absence of transitioned family members and Phyllis’ story is a reminder that we can still be happy while we are grieving. 

Tune in and listen to the eighth episode of Grief and Happiness, and join me in learning Phyllis’ journey of grief and happiness. 

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• About Phyllis’ grief from the  loss of her mother (2:30)
• Where Phyllis is at today in her grief recovery (6:23)
• How loss has deepend Phyllis’ bond with her daughter (9:48)
• Why Phyllis calls her mom her ‘butterfly’ (21:23)
• What loss has taught Phyllis  (28:25)

Connect with Phyllis

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

Let's Connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Book: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you found yourself ‘stuck’ in life after experiencing grief? Many people don’t know how to move forward after they have lost someone and it’s important to seek out tools and resources to gain clarity. 

In this seventh episode together, I am excited to be joined by Deborah Atella. Deborah is an international best selling author, certified life coach, Reiki master & meditation guide. Deborah hosts the aTELLa LIKE IT IS podcast & created the Sisterhood of What Next Facebook Group to help women find clarity and confidence. Whether it’s navigating grief or discovering a new career, Deborah loves helping people uncover new ways to live their best lives and provides her personal frameworks in her book, Is This Job My Jam? When Deborah was just 7 months old, her mother’s 19 year old brother passed away. Deborah spent the first few years of her life going to the cemetery every day with her grandmother, who showed her that you can live with both grief and happiness. Having also had a near death experience and additional loss in her life, Deborah knows first-hand that life is too short and continues to live each day with joy. 

Throughout this episode, you will learn about Deborah’s experience growing up surrounded by grief, the details of her near death experience, the beneficial frameworks that she provides in her book, Is This Job My Jam?, her advice for someone grieving, and more. Though Deborah’s story of grief and happiness is unique, there are pieces that we can all relate to and learn from. 

Tune in and listen to the seventh episode of Grief and Happiness, and join me in learning how Deborah lives with grief and happiness. 

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Deborah’s experience growing up with grief (1:49)
• About Deborah’s near death experience (5:07)
• How Deborah’s book can help you (18:51)
• Deborah’s advice for someone grieving (26:25)

Connect with Deborah Atella

• Book - Is This Job My Jam?
• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• FREE PDF
• Podcast - aTELLa LIKE IT 

Let's Connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you or a loved one live with depression, grief, or both? When navigating these painful emotions individually or together, it’s important to understand that we are not suffering from our feelings, rather we are living with them. 

In this sixth episode together, I am excited to be joined by Rev Rachel Hollander. Rachel is a speaker, teacher, writer, performer, podcaster, singer/song-writer, officiate, performance interpreter, and an InterFaith/InterSpiritual minister. Having lived with depression for the majority of her life, Rachel’s understanding of her painful emotions became hard to distinguish after her father passed away. On a mission to share an insider’s guide, Rachel wrote the book, From There to Here, a memoir that brings light to what it can be like living with depression.

Throughout this episode, you will learn about Rachel’s experience with both grief and depression. Rachel tells the story of her father’s passing, her experience living with depression, how gratitude has saved her life, why it’s possible to be happy while living with both depression and grief, and more. I highly encourage you to check out Rachel’s book, From There to Here, to learn more about depression from someone who has lived with it themselves. 

Tune in and listen to the sixth episode of Grief and Happiness, and join me in learning Rachel’s journey navigating and living with both grief and depression. 

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• About Rachel’s background (1:55)
• Rachel’s reflection of her father’s passing (9:40)
• The dynamic between grief and depression (16:48)
• How gratitude has saved Rachel’s life (22:16)
• The power of living in the present moment (36:23)

Connect with Rev Rachel Hollander

• Website
• Facebook
• Email
• Rachel’s Book - From There to Here 
• Rachel’s Podcast 

Let's Connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Book: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.