Heroes in Grief

Kristina Amelong’s powerful memoir, “What My Brother Knew” (She Writes Press, May 27, 2025) begins with a chilling prophecy — her brother Jay's precise prediction of his own tragic death — and unfolds into a profound exploration of grief, healing, self-discovery and spiritual awakening.

As a boy, Jay Amelong predicted the accident that caused his death, down to the color of the car that hit him. “I will die young, while riding my bike,” he told friends and family repeatedly. “It won’t be much longer, I want you to be prepared.” These were baffling words to hear from the mouth of a content 13-year-old — but when Kristina Amelong was only 17, her brother’s tragic death unfolded exactly as he said it would, radically changing her life.

Propelled down a self-destructive path of drug addiction and reckless sex, Kristina spent much of her young adult years wanting to die. Once or twice she came close. Always, Jay’s bizarre story and his inexplicable acceptance of his own death lived in her body.

More than 30 years after losing Jay, Kristina embarks on a journey of discovery, seeking truth about herself, her brother, and the universe. The result of her investigation is a memoir that defies belief. Charting a life path from loss and abuse to healing and spiritual awakening, “What My Brother Knew” demonstrates the transformative power of facing the mystery of death head-on and our incredible ability, as humans, to do just that.

Buy 'What My Brother Knew' here: https://amzn.to/3T1tdvq

Kristina on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristina.amelong

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

Center for World Philosophy & Religion: https://worldphilosophyandreligion.org/

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Please consider supporting the podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/heroesingrief

NEW!!! Purchase the book Tom is in 'Stories of Friends and Family Lost': https://amzn.to/3SXtG1v

Heroes in Grief: www.heroesingrief.com

Contact Tom: [email protected]

Tom's GriefTalks page (Book Tom as your Guest Speaker): https://www.facebook.com/tombendergrieftalks

Our partner 'Get Griefy Magazine': www.getgriefymagazine.com

You also can help support Heroes in Grief by using our affiliate links to wherever you do your online shopping or ordering. Message Tom at [email protected] to inquire or get a link. No extra charges or any cost to you!

Visit the Heroes in Grief shop for products discussed on the podcast & Tom's suggestions: https://linktr.ee/heroesingrief/shop

Thank you!!!

Tessa says; "I am happy to discuss my experience of losing a parent, and growing up with grief. I feel that that experience made me who I am. It made me empathetic, self sufficient and determined. Founding my business gave me a purpose and a channel to help others. Many clients have reported back that they felt a lift in their own grief, knowing that they have done something purposeful."

This Was Them website: https://www.thiswasthem.co.uk/

Tessa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bereavedchild

Tessa's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thiswasthem/

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Please consider supporting the podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/heroesingrief

NEW!!! Purchase the book Tom is in 'Stories of Friends and Family Lost': https://amzn.to/3SXtG1v

Heroes in Grief: www.heroesingrief.com

Contact Tom: [email protected]

Tom's GriefTalks page (Book Tom as your Guest Speaker): https://www.facebook.com/tombendergrieftalks

Our partner 'Get Griefy Magazine': www.getgriefymagazine.com

You also can help support Heroes in Grief by using our affiliate links to wherever you do your online shopping or ordering. Message Tom at [email protected] to inquire or get a link. No extra charges or any cost to you!

Visit the Heroes in Grief shop for products discussed on the podcast & Tom's suggestions: https://linktr.ee/heroesingrief/shop

Thank you!!!

Dr. Heather Taylor, PsyD, is a licensed counseling psychologist, grief specialist, and the founder of Grief is the New Normal Psychological Services. She is also the host of the Grief is the New Normal podcast and the creator of the Professional Grief Collective—an initiative focused on equipping clinicians with the tools and confidence to better support grieving clients.

With a blend of clinical insight, lived experience, and a direct, compassionate approach, Dr. Taylor is dedicated to reshaping how individuals and professionals understand grief. Her work centers on de-stigmatizing conversations around loss, helping people recognize that grief is not a condition to “fix,” but a natural and necessary process to be acknowledged and honored.

Through her voice, platforms, and community-based efforts, Dr. Taylor is leading a movement to normalize grief, foster healing, and elevate the quality of care across the mental health field.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist

Instagram: @grief_is_the_new_normal

YouTube: @grief_is_the_new_normal

Substack: @drheathertaylor

Website: www.griefisthenewnormal.com

Grief Journal: Authentically Unapologetic: https://a.co/d/heNccGZ

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Please consider supporting the podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/heroesingrief

NEW!!! Purchase the book Tom is in 'Stories of Friends and Family Lost': https://amzn.to/3SXtG1v

Heroes in Grief: www.heroesingrief.com

Contact Tom: [email protected]

Tom's GriefTalks page (Book Tom as your Guest Speaker): https://www.facebook.com/tombendergrieftalks

Our partner 'Get Griefy Magazine': www.getgriefymagazine.com

You also can help support Heroes in Grief by using our affiliate links to wherever you do your online shopping or ordering. Message Tom at [email protected] to inquire or get a link. No extra charges or any cost to you!

Visit the Heroes in Grief shop for products discussed on the podcast & Tom's suggestions: https://linktr.ee/heroesingrief/shop

Thank you!!!

Annah is creator of The Five Facets® Philosophy on Healing, a revolutionary program that helps you live your best life, even in the face of adversity. She is a transformation and spiritual coach; a published author, TEDx, keynote and community speaker; an energy medicine practitioner and teacher, and an international medium. Annah’s coaching, workshops, and training programs include academic and alternative modalities designed to meet your unique and preferred needs. Her writings and work have been featured in numerous magazines, radio and TV programs, and live events, such as NC-NASW conferences.

Annah's book 'Digging for the Light: One Woman's Journey from Heartache to Hope': https://amzn.to/3SvK1KL

Annah's LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefivefacetsofhealing

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnahElizabethHealGrief/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AnnahElizabethTheFiveFacets

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annah-elizabeth-244b2ab0/

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Please consider supporting the podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/heroesingrief

NEW!!! Purchase the book Tom is in 'Stories of Friends and Family Lost': https://amzn.to/3SXtG1v

Heroes in Grief: www.heroesingrief.com

Contact Tom: [email protected]

Tom's GriefTalks page (Book Tom as your Guest Speaker): https://www.facebook.com/tombendergrieftalks

Our partner 'Get Griefy Magazine': www.getgriefymagazine.com

You also can help support Heroes in Grief by using our affiliate links to wherever you do your online shopping or ordering. Message Tom at [email protected] to inquire or get a link. No extra charges or any cost to you!

Visit the Heroes in Grief shop for products discussed on the podcast & Tom's suggestions: https://linktr.ee/heroesingrief/shop

Thank you!!!

An episode you shouldn't miss!

Omar Perez is a regular guy who has suffered one of life's greatest losses but has also had one of lifes most remarkable experiences.

This is the most genuine testimony that I have ever heard of a near-death experience. Check it out to see if you agree.

Helping Fathers Heal: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HelpingFathersHeal

Helping Parents Heal: www.helpingparentsheal.org

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Please consider supporting the podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/heroesingrief

NEW!!! Purchase the book Tom is in 'Stories of Friends and Family Lost': https://amzn.to/3SXtG1v

Heroes in Grief: www.heroesingrief.com

Contact Tom: [email protected]

Tom's GriefTalks page (Book Tom as your Guest Speaker): https://www.facebook.com/tombendergrieftalks

Our partner 'Get Griefy Magazine': www.getgriefymagazine.com

You also can help support Heroes in Grief by using our affiliate links to wherever you do your online shopping or ordering. Message Tom at [email protected] to inquire or get a link. No extra charges or any cost to you!

Visit the Heroes in Grief shop for products discussed on the podcast & Tom's suggestions: https://linktr.ee/heroesingrief/shop

Thank you!!!

Jeff M. Abbott lives with his wife, daughter and rescue dog in southern California, and is the author of Signs Dreams and Bullets. A transformational story of healing and discovering hidden in grief are great gifts of change and growth. An expansion of love I didn't know existed. Your relationship with your loved one isn’t over; it can become even deeper now. 

Signs Dreams and Bullets book: https://amzn.to/3FdsMuD

Jeff's website: https://jeffmabbott.com/

Jeff's email: [email protected]

Jeff's daughter Jen's song: https://youtu.be/UmyYy7oqXjA?si=paYi496dcEUs90oJ

Helping Fathers Heal: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HelpingFathersHeal

Helping Parents Heal: www.helpingparentsheal.org

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Please consider supporting the podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/heroesingrief

Heroes in Grief: www.heroesingrief.com

Contact Tom: [email protected]

Tom's GriefTalks page (Book Tom as your Guest Speaker): https://www.facebook.com/tombendergrieftalks

Our partner 'Get Griefy Magazine': www.getgriefymagazine.com

You also can help support Heroes in Grief by using our affiliate links to wherever you do your online shopping or ordering. Message Tom at [email protected] to inquire or get a link. No extra charges or any cost to you!

Visit the Heroes in Grief shop for products discussed on the podcast & Tom's suggestions: https://linktr.ee/heroesingrief/shop

Thank you!!!

Tom discusses our humanness and how to better be there for someone experiencing grief and loss.

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Please consider supporting the podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/heroesingrief

Heroes in Grief: www.heroesingrief.com

Contact Tom: [email protected]

Tom's GriefTalks page (Book Tom as your Guest Speaker): https://www.facebook.com/tombendergrieftalks

Our partner 'Get Griefy Magazine': www.getgriefymagazine.com

You also can help support Heroes in Grief by using our affiliate links to wherever you do your online shopping or ordering. Message Tom at [email protected] to inquire or get a link. No extra charges or any cost to you!

Visit the Heroes in Grief shop for products discussed on the podcast & Tom's suggestions: https://linktr.ee/heroesingrief/shop

Thank you!!!

Your host Tom Bender shares some updates and a couple Spirit stories.

Links mentioned on the episode:

Dougy Center: https://www.dougy.org/

WNY Compassion Connection: https://wnycompassionconnection.org/

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Please consider supporting the podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/heroesingrief

Heroes in Grief: www.heroesingrief.com

Contact Tom: [email protected]

Tom's GriefTalks page (Book Tom as your Guest Speaker): https://www.facebook.com/tombendergrieftalks

Our partner 'Get Griefy Magazine': www.getgriefymagazine.com

You also can help support Heroes in Grief by using our affiliate links to wherever you do your online shopping or ordering. Message Tom at [email protected] to inquire or get a link. No extra charges or any cost to you!

Visit the Heroes in Grief shop for products discussed on the podcast & Tom's suggestions: https://linktr.ee/heroesingrief/shop

Thank you!!!

Erin Blechman is an author, speaker, and Certified Grief Educator whose mission is to elevate the conversation around grief and loss, mental illness, and suicide.

Her book, My Unexpected Journey: Reflections After Losing My Son to Suicide, chronicles the eighteen months following the devastating loss of her own beloved son, Max to suicide after his long battle with mental illness. She offers grief support to bereaved parents through online groups and community talks that seek to build greater understanding of mental illness, suicide, loss and grief.

Erin lives part-time in both Pennsylvania and Florida with her husband, Bill and Max’s former dog, Emmylou. Their son, Sam, and his wife, Julia, reside in Pa. My Unexpected Journey is her first book.

Follow Erin on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/erin.blechman/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/erin.blechmanauthor), and LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-blechman-1b45b42b0/) @erin.blechman and on her website at https://erinblechman.com/.

Erin's book 'My Unexpected Journey: Reflections After Losing My Son to Suicide': https://amzn.to/4hSARm1

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Please consider supporting the podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/heroesingrief

Heroes in Grief: www.heroesingrief.com

Contact Tom: [email protected]

Tom's GriefTalks page (Book Tom as your Guest Speaker): https://www.facebook.com/tombendergrieftalks

Our partner 'Get Griefy Magazine': www.getgriefymagazine.com

You also can help support Heroes in Grief by using our affiliate links to wherever you do your online shopping or ordering. Message Tom at [email protected] to inquire or get a link. No extra charges or any cost to you!

Visit the Heroes in Grief shop for products discussed on the podcast & Tom's suggestions: https://linktr.ee/heroesingrief/shop

Thank you!!!

LeAnn Hull was born and raised in Phoenix Arizona where she married Clay Hull and together raised four children. While raising their kids, she and Clay owned and operated a construction company named Arizona Window Center for 30 years. Being self-employed allowed them the time to invest in their children’s lives and in the community in which they lived.

After the tragic loss of her 16-year-old son in 2012, Andy to suicide, LeAnn founded a non-profit organization called Andy Hull’s Sunshine Foundation. The mission of this group is to raise awareness of the high rate of suicide while providing coping skills to deal with life’s challenges. With a “You Matter!” approach, we offer education, support and encouragement which will lead to lives being saved.

LeAnn continues to impact the lives of people all over the world through her “What’s In Your Tool Box?” talk which teaches healthy coping skills using her first hand experience, her certification as a Grief Educator and Mental Health First Aid.

In 2019, LeAnn published her book titled, “How To Live When You Want To Die”, which details her journey of survival and trauma leading to a place of hope and healing. In addition, she writes for several monthly newsletters mentoring parents who have lost children in hopes of helping them achieve healing.

In 2014 and 2019, LeAnn worked on legislation in Arizona which led to two new laws, signed by the current Governors, mandating suicide education in all the school districts. She continues to be interviewed by various news and radio stations, as a resource on suicide prevention and mental health.

LeAnn’s background in construction, as well as her OSHA certifications, lends itself to incorporating her “Toolbox’ talk into the safety programs, workshops and talks.

Currently, LeAnn is working on a new book, recording podcasts, writing blogs and is a sought-after trainer for schools and businesses all over the Country.

Andy Hull's Sunshine Foundation:

Website: https://andyssunshine.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andyhullsunshine

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

Book 'How To Live When You Want To Die': https://amzn.to/43NyrBu

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Please consider supporting the podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/heroesingrief

Heroes in Grief: www.heroesingrief.com

Contact Tom: [email protected]

Tom's GriefTalks page (Book Tom as your Guest Speaker): https://www.facebook.com/tombendergrieftalks

Our partner 'Get Griefy Magazine': www.getgriefymagazine.com

You also can help support Heroes in Grief by using our affiliate links to wherever you do your online shopping or ordering. Message Tom at [email protected] to inquire or get a link. No extra charges or any cost to you!

Visit the Heroes in Grief shop for products discussed on the podcast & Tom's suggestions: https://linktr.ee/heroesingrief/shop

Thank you!!!