Groove with Portia

Grief carves a space in our hearts that only love can fill.

On this episode of Groove with Portia, I sit down with three extraordinary mothers—Dawn Huie, Valarie Allyn, and Anastasia Brown (hosts of There Are No Words, but we have a few Podcast)—who open up about losing their sons to suicide and addiction. Each story carries the raw truth of what it means to live in the aftermath of unimaginable pain—and the strength it takes to keep going.

Dawn shares about Ryan’s sudden mental health decline and death by suicide. Valarie remembers her son Z, an artistic soul who struggled with heroin addiction. Anastasia reflects on her son Wilson, a passionate advocate who helped build detox centers before losing his own battle with mental health.

We talk openly about the stigma that surrounds these kinds of deaths, especially for boys. We discuss spiritual signs, finding connection beyond the physical, and how photos, memories, and even dogs help us feel our loved ones near. Valarie speaks about being selfless in grief—allowing others to grieve in their way—and Dawn shares how grief transforms us, like sand becoming a pearl.

This episode is a sacred space for storytelling, remembering, and reflecting. Whether you’ve experienced child loss or are simply walking alongside someone who has, this conversation will expand your heart.

Connect with Anastasia, Valerie and Dawn: https://www.therearenowordsbutwehaveafew.com/

Grief doesn’t disappear after three days of bereavement leave—and for many of us, it lingers quietly in the workplace, where conversations about emotional pain are often avoided. On this powerful episode of Groove with Portia, I’m joined by Dr. Jennifer Levin, a nationally recognized grief expert specializing in sudden and unexpected loss, including suicide, traumatic death, and illness.

We talk about the emotional realities employees face when returning to work after losing a loved one. Jennifer explains how 25 percent of the workforce is grieving at any given time and how that grief often looks like anxiety, burnout, lack of focus, or quiet withdrawal. We also talk about why grief needs to be integrated—not managed—and how company leaders can create compassionate, grief-informed spaces without waiting for tragedy to strike.

Jennifer shares the framework behind her company, Traumatic Grief Solutions, and the five steps she teaches organizations to prepare for, respond to, and support employees navigating grief. We also reflect on what not to say to someone grieving and how offering specific help can make all the difference.

She also gives insight into her workbook and online course designed to help individuals heal from traumatic loss, currently available at 50 percent off using the promo code EARLYBIRD.

If you’re a grieving professional, a leader in the workplace, or someone who just wants to do better by those who are hurting, this episode will shift how you see grief—and how you support others through it.

Connect with Jennifer Levin: https://therapyheals.com/

On this powerful episode of Groove with Portia, I sit down with Tess Padmore—an incredible survivor, author, and innovator who has turned pain into purpose. Tess shares her journey of surviving a brain aneurysm that ruptured twice within just one month. From being misdiagnosed to navigating the harsh realities of long-term disability, Tess walks us through the mental and emotional toll of her recovery.

We talk about the grief that comes with identity loss—the version of you that no longer exists after trauma—and how Tess found her voice again through music, writing, and reinvention. She opens up about the breakdown of her marriage, the end of her career in education, and the moment she chose to fight for something more.

Tess did not just recover—she reimagined herself. She created her own line of soft, empowering headwear, published two children’s books, and is now working on a memoir and newsletter aimed at health literacy and patient advocacy. Her story is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and the healing power of storytelling.

We also talk about her desire to speak with medical communities, highlighting the urgent need to include patient voices in how care is delivered. Whether you’ve faced medical trauma, grief, or unexpected life transitions, Tess's story will remind you that there is still something within you worth sharing—and someone out there waiting to hear it.

Connect with Tess: https://eggheadsoques.com/

On this episode of Groove with Portia, I am joined by health and wellness practitioner Katy Gilberston for a heartfelt conversation about grief, gratitude, and the enduring presence of our loved ones. We begin by talking about relationships and how life transitions are often the backdrop for deeper emotional reflection.

Katy opens up about her late son Jaxon, who would have turned 21 this year. She shares how his memory lives on through photos, fridge magnets, and the uncanny way her youngest son, Fox, recognizes him. As the seasons change and the veil between worlds feels thinner, Katy and I talk about how fall, Halloween, and full moons bring up both emotional and energetic shifts. Katy explains how the body remembers, especially around dates like Jaxon’s birthday and angelversary, and how our grief often manifests physically.

We explore the power of presence after physical death. Katy shares the experience of feeling her son’s hand in hers, and I talk about sensing my mother’s embrace and scent. These stories aren’t just about memory; they are about connection. They are about knowing, deep in our bones, that love does not end. Katy also opens up about raising a child with Down syndrome and how becoming a parent transformed her in ways she never expected. She shares how her son’s five-year battle with cancer prepared her to support others in their transitions—including her grandparents.

This episode is a soulful reminder that grief is not the end of our story. It is often the beginning of rediscovery, of reconnecting with our inner child, our purpose, and our ability to feel joy again. Katy offers insight into the importance of asking for support, even when it is hard. From her husband’s cancer journey to her son’s heart surgery, she learned that vulnerability opens the door to healing.

We also talk about Katy’s upcoming book and her work with Hauora Wellness, Kalina Movement, and her monthly sound healing events. She is creating a transformation mentorship program to help others move through grief, illness, and identity loss. Katy embodies what it means to groove through adversity, and I cannot wait to have her back on the show when her book is released.

Connect with Katy: https://www.hauorawellness.com/

What does it mean to lose everything and still lead with love? On this episode of Groove with Portia, I sit down with Ron Ladner, a Hurricane Katrina survivor who transformed deep loss into a lifelong mission of healing. After losing his home and nearly all of his possessions, Ron and his wife made a powerful choice to stay in their community and serve. That decision birthed Shaggys, a waterfront restaurant built not for profit but to offer comfort and connection in the wake of devastation.

Ron opens up about the spiritual and emotional lessons he learned in the storm’s aftermath. He shares his belief that while God gives us tools and resources, it is our responsibility to make the plan. We explore how this mindset helped him rebuild not only his life but an entire company culture centered on people, not just profits.

With over 450 employees across five locations, Shaggys thrives by putting employee well being first. Ron talks about creating a home environment for staff, reducing turnover, and improving guest experiences through kindness and culture. He shares how his background in software startups influenced his leadership style, allowing him to simplify training and empower his team to serve with intention.

We also dive into the story behind his new book, Shaggys Cheeseburgers. The name pays homage to a restaurant from the 1940s that defied segregation, and today it symbolizes healing and unity. Ron explains how the cheeseburger became more than a meal. It became a metaphor for warmth, community, and comfort that brings people together, no matter their background.

Our conversation touches on the emotional weight of helping others when not everyone says thank you. Ron draws on the biblical story of Jesus healing ten lepers to reflect on grace, gratitude, and the importance of continuing to serve even when recognition does not come. We both talk candidly about the complexity of loving your neighbor while navigating the challenges that come with human relationships.

This is more than a story about survival. It is about creating a ripple effect of goodness in the world, starting with your corner of it. If you are a leader, a dreamer, or someone trying to rebuild after loss, this conversation will feed your soul.

You can learn more about Ron at ronladner.com and purchase his book Shaggys Cheeseburgers on Amazon.

In this episode of Groove with Portia, I sit down with powerhouse Lateshia Pearson, Certified Life Coach and breakout star of OWN’s Bell Collective. Lateshia opens up about her road to television, the inner work that got her there, and how community has helped her rise above limiting beliefs.

Together, we explore the impact of ambiguous grief, especially for women of color, and the healing power of aligning with your inner child. Lateshia shares her personal journey with PCOS, her struggles with infertility, and the moments of pain that led to purpose. We also talk about the real behind-the-scenes of building a brand, choosing collaboration over competition, and redefining what success looks like after grief.

Lateshia reminds us that manifestation is more than vision boards. It’s about trusting the process, surrendering control, and giving yourself permission to evolve. I share my own growth around love and loss and how I manifested my partner by getting clear on the qualities that truly matter.

This episode is a call to action for every woman who has grieved silently, for those battling PCOS with little support, and for those ready to build community instead of sitting in the background.

Connect with Lateshia: https://www.lateshiapearson.com/

When someone you love struggles with addiction, the entire family feels the weight, but what if recovery could run parallel?

On this episode of Groove with Portia, I’m joined by Lisa Katona-Smith, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and founder of Parallel Recovery. Lisa opens up about her personal journey through addiction as a mother, and how her family’s experience with ambiguous grief and emotional fatigue inspired her to create a new path toward healing.

We explore the concept of parallel recovery support, a family-centered approach to addiction recovery that empowers parents and loved ones to heal alongside the person struggling with substance use disorder. Lisa explains why the traditional recovery system often overlooks families, and how sustainable practices like boundary-setting, emotional detachment, and self-compassion are essential for long-term recovery and mental wellness.

If you’ve ever wrestled with questions like “How do I support a loved one with addiction without losing myself?” or “Can I feel hopeful again after years of grief and emotional exhaustion?”—this episode will give you the tools and inspiration to begin healing, for both your loved one and yourself.

Lisa also shares insights from her new book Parallel Recovery: A Guide for Those Who Love Someone with Substance Use Disorder.

Connect with Lisa: https://lisakatonasmith.com/

On this episode of Groove with Portia, I welcome Gayle Petrillo, a burn survivor, speaker, and author who lived in the shadows of her scars for most of her life. Burned as a toddler, Gayle spent over 60 years covering mirrors, hiding behind clothing, and sitting on her hands to avoid being seen. For decades, she believed her scars made her invisible—until she chose to become visible.

Gayle opens up about how releasing her secret at age 68 unlocked a new chapter of self-love and advocacy. She shares the pivotal moment at a Beads of Courage fundraiser when she finally spoke aloud the words she had long buried. That night changed everything.

We explore the power of storytelling, the emotional toll of imposter syndrome, and how society’s ideals around beauty can make women feel ashamed of their truth. Gayle shares how writing her first children’s book became the doorway to healing, and how her smile became her power—braces and all.

She reminds us that our scars are not our shame. They are part of the roadmap to becoming who we were meant to be.

Whether you’re grieving a version of yourself you once knew or learning how to be seen in your wholeness, Gayle’s story is a testament to transformation, grace, and the courage to speak your truth.

Connect with Gayle: https://www.firstimpressions1.com/

When was the last time you gave yourself permission to evolve?

In this episode of Groove with Portia, I’m joined by Coach Eve. Together, we talk about transformation—not just the outer changes people see, but the internal shifts that demand courage, community, and clarity. Coach Eve opens up about the importance of surrounding yourself with aligned people who hold space when life feels heavy.

We touch on team support, spiritual guidance, and the mindset needed to lead others while tending to your own growth. Coach Eve reminds us that healing isn’t always about doing more—it’s about learning to listen to the wisdom already within.

She also shares her excitement for the upcoming Inner Transformation Summit, a virtual gathering designed to help participants move through pain, overthinking, and uncertainty. With 12 powerhouse speakers, movement, and community, this event is for anyone ready to reclaim their energy and live aligned.

Sometimes, the greatest transformation begins when you stop hiding the parts of you that hurt.
This is your reminder that you’re not alone—and that healing is possible in every season.

Register at openhandsinstitute.com

Special Offer for Groove with Portia Listeners: Use the promo code “CoachEve50” to receive 50% off your ticket.

Welcome back to Groove with Portia.Today, I sit down with Maggie Inrig, the Vice President of Innovation and Operations at Peer On Call, a digital mental wellness platform built around the power of peer connection.

We open by sharing what we’re both grateful for—me, for the gift of life after a near-death experience, and Maggie, for her health. The episode takes a thoughtful turn as we talk about grief—not just personal loss, but the hidden griefs that build up over time in high-pressure workplaces.

I open up about the third anniversary of my mother’s passing and how grief continues to be my greatest teacher. Maggie shares how Peer On Call was developed to support people in the workplace, especially those in high-stress professions like first responders and journalists. We discuss the importance of having options when it comes to mental wellness—because one size doesn’t fit all.

From anonymous peer support to educational resources, Peer On Call allows people to connect with others who’ve walked a similar path. Whether it’s watching a short video or having a conversation with a trained peer, Maggie emphasizes the power of choice and the importance of removing barriers to help.

We reflect on how traditional therapy isn’t always the answer for everyone. Sometimes, you just need someone who gets it. Someone who’s been there.

Maggie also talks about how her team is using data to help organizations understand the trends in their workforce’s mental wellness. And for those struggling with grief or burnout, she reminds us that healing can happen through the smallest moments—like a walk outside or sharing a story.

We wrap the episode with a nod to our shared grief journeys, the power of storytelling, and the importance of creating spaces where people can show up as they are.

This episode is for anyone navigating loss, burnout, or invisible weight at work.You’re not alone—and there are people and platforms ready to meet you where you are.

Learn about Peer On Call: https://steppedcaresolutions.com/peer-on-call/