Hope Thru Grief

Today we welcome Mr. Alan Pedersen from, Angels Across the USA Tour to our show. Alan has been on his journey of grief for over 19 years. The loss of his 18-year old daughter changed the direction of his life. Alan has spent the past 17 years helping others with their grief, writing and singing his songs and leading grief organizations. Alan has a unique message and delivery as he signs some of his “Love” songs about grief and talks about the grief journey at hundreds of small groups across the country! Alan’s van is covered with thousands of “butterflies” of our angels with their name and home city. “Our angels” travel with Alan on these cross-country trips. 

Alan offers up valuable insights into the process and journey of grief as well as valuable tools for dealing with your grief.  If you’d like to help sponsor Alan’s tour you may go here to fund your angel’s butterfly on his van: https://angelsacrosstheusa.org/Sponsor-The-Tour

We welcome your comments and questions! Send an email to [email protected] and please share our show with anyone you know that is struggling with loss and grief. You can find us on the internet to continue the conversation!

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HTGPodcast

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

Website: http://hopethrugrief.com.

Subscribe & Share: https://hope-thru-grief.captivate.fm/listen

Jordan Smelski Foundation: http://www.jordansmelskifoundation.org

Tune in for new episodes every Thursday morning wherever you listen to podcasts!

Marshall Adler and Steve Smelski, co-hosts of Hope Thru Grief are not medical, or mental health professionals, therefore we cannot and will not give any medical, or mental health advice. If you, or anyone you know needs medical, or mental health treatment, please contact a medical, or mental health professional immediately.

Thank you

Marshall Adler

Steve Smelski

Our legacy is something that we all begin to consider as life happens around us. The longer our journey gets the accumulated wisdom gives us a perspective that our lives need to be about more. About helping others. About leaving the world a better place.

Today you’ll meet someone whose intentional legacy building is something you’ve likely  heard of and maybe participated in. Meet Howard Dayton. Howard started Compass Ministries in 2009, which is now located in 80 countries, this was after starting Crown Ministries in 1985, and merging with Christian Financial Concepts in 2000 to form Crown Financial Ministries. Crown taught over 50 million people in 88 countries God’s way of handling money! All while serving as CEO for over 35 year’s with no salary!

Howard has written 8 books (working on his 9th), 4 audio books, 1 Bible, 6 Studies and 2 DVD’s. He was host of Money Matters a 20-year radio program with co-host Steve Moore. The broadcast peeked in 2007 when it was carried on 2,000 stations with about 2 million weekly listeners! 

You find out more about Howard here: https://www.excellenceingiving.com/boa-bio-howard-dayton or visit his Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-dayton-220a0baa.

We think you’ll be as excited to hear his journey through grief as well find life takeaways from his overwhelming desire to help people and finish strong!

The only thing missing from our conversation is you! We welcome your comments, suggestions and questions! Send an email to [email protected] and please share our show with anyone you know that is struggling with loss and grief. You can find us on the internet to continue the conversation!

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HTGPodcast

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

Website: http://hopethrugrief.com.

Subscribe & Share: https://hope-thru-grief.captivate.fm/listen

Jordan Smelski Foundation: http://www.jordansmelskifoundation.org

Tune in for new episodes every Thursday morning wherever you listen to podcasts!

Marshall Adler and Steve Smelski, co-hosts of Hope Thru Grief are not medical, or mental health professionals, therefore we cannot and will not give any medical, or mental health advice. If you, or anyone you know needs medical or mental health treatment, please contact a medical or mental health professional immediately. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 1-800-273-8255

Thank you

Marshall Adler

Steve Smelski

The Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 1-800-273-8255

In this Part II episode we build on the conversation of Part I in Episode 9. We are weeks further into the #COVID19 pandemic and continue our review of statistics and trends surrounding this type of loss, particularly with social distancing and isolation.  Numbers and trends only tell part of the story. Guilt is an emotional experience that accurate or not can cause a suicide survivor to bear responsibility and shame for things they have absolutely no control over. As a suicide survivor Marshall gives heartfelt insight and advice that anyone feeling the weight of guilt from the loss of a loved one should not miss.

The only thing missing from our conversation is you! We welcome your comments, suggestions and questions! Send an email to [email protected] and please share our show with anyone you know that is struggling with loss and grief. You can find us on the internet to continue the conversation!

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HTGPodcast

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

Website: http://hopethrugrief.com.

Subscribe & Share: https://hope-thru-grief.captivate.fm/listen

Jordan Smelski Foundation: http://www.jordansmelskifoundation.org

Tune in for new episodes every Thursday morning wherever you listen to podcasts!

Marshall Adler and Steve Smelski, co-hosts of Hope Thru Grief are not medical, or mental health professionals, therefore we cannot and will not give any medical, or mental health advice. If you, or anyone you know needs medical or mental health treatment, please contact a medical or mental health professional immediately. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 1-800-273-8255

Thank you

Marshall Adler

Steve Smelski

Our storyteller is back and continuing to share real life experiences of grief, the lessons learned, and finding hope for the future! Dr. Joel C. Hunter, CEO and founder of Community Resource Network, in Altamonte Springs Florida continues our conversation from last week and Episode 11. Today, in Part II, Dr. Hunter takes us through the process of dealing with unanswered questions, the worry of salvation for our lost loved ones, and surviving grief during the #COVID19 global pandemic. Dr. Hunter finishes with a discussion on his commitment to social justice as a decades long civil rights activist, the death of George Floyd. and Black Lives Matter. If like us, you needed a little hope through all of what life is throwing at us right now, you won’t want to miss Dr. Hunter’s hopeful and uplifting attitude shares his heart for humanity with us!

Please don’t miss this special episode of Hope Thru Grief and share it with your friends and family! And, as a special bonus we are providing the video recording of Part I of our conversation with Dr. Hunter on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/oRFoTdzkYG4.

To find out more about Dr. Hunters current endeavors visit his website: https://joelhunter.com, on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/drjoelchunter, and Twitter; https://twitter.com/drjoelhunter.

We welcome your comments and questions! Send an email to [email protected] and please share our show with anyone you know that is struggling with loss and grief. You can find us on the internet to continue the conversation!

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HTGPodcast

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

Website: http://hopethrugrief.com.

Subscribe & Share: https://hope-thru-grief.captivate.fm/listen

Jordan Smelski Foundation: http://www.jordansmelskifoundation.org

Tune in for new episodes every Thursday morning wherever you listen to podcasts!

Marshall Adler and Steve Smelski, co-hosts of Hope Thru Grief are not medical, or mental health professionals, therefore we cannot and will not give any medical, or mental health advice. If you, or anyone you know needs medical or mental health treatment, please contact a medical or mental health professional immediately. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 1-800-273-8255

Thank you

Marshall Adler

Steve Smelski

Have you ever wanted to listen to a renowned storyteller describe their journey of grief to you by way of a series of short stories? Please meet Dr. Joel C. Hunter, CEO and founder of Community Resource Network, in Altamonte Springs Florida. In today’s episode Dr. Hunter takes us through his earliest memories of grief and then shares the story of the loss of his granddaughter and son. Dr. Hunter describes the added pain of double grief and how he and his wife Becky have been living the past 7 years as a tribute to their son and granddaughter. Dr. Hunter finishes this Part I episode with a clear answer on the always difficult “Why” question.  His answer may not be what you expected. 

Marshall and Steve discuss these topics and more with Dr. Hunter as they find common ground in their collective grief journeys from each losing a son too soon. Please don’t miss this special episode of Hope Thru Grief and share it with your friends and family. Be sure to join us next week for Part II of the conversation with Dr. Joel C. Hunter!

Many of you may know Dr. Hunter as the Senior Pastor of Northland Church in Longwood for an amazing 32 years, you can find out more about Dr. Hunters current endeavors by visiting his website: https://joelhunter.com, and connect on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/drjoelchunter, and Twitter; https://twitter.com/drjoelhunter.

We welcome your comments and questions! Send an email to [email protected] and please share our show with anyone you know that is struggling with loss and grief. You can find us on the internet to continue the conversation!

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HTGPodcast

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

Website: http://hopethrugrief.com.

Subscribe & Share: https://hope-thru-grief.captivate.fm/listen

Jordan Smelski Foundation: http://www.jordansmelskifoundation.org

Tune in for new episodes every Thursday morning wherever you listen to podcasts!

Marshall Adler and Steve Smelski, co-hosts of Hope Thru Grief are not medical, or mental health professionals, therefore we cannot and will not give any medical, or mental health advice. If you, or anyone you know needs medical or mental health treatment, please contact a medical or mental health professional immediately. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 1-800-273-8255

Thank you

Marshall Adler

Steve Smelski

What if your job and your talents were immersed in grief? Meet Pastor Harvey Carpenter of Journey Christian Church in Apopka Florida (https://journeychristian.com/).  Harvey has a heart of empathy that has equipped him to walk alongside those in the grief. Having been called to do over fifteen hundred funerals in the last 12 years for people and families from all walks of faith, Harvey has a unique perspective and insights into the grief process. Join this candid conversation with Marshall and Steve and find the insights and takeaways from a pastors perspective.

We welcome your comments and questions! Send an email to [email protected] and please share our show with anyone you know that is struggling with loss and grief. You can find us on the internet to continue the conversation at the links below!

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HTGPodcast

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

Website: http://hopethrugrief.com.

Subscribe & Share: https://hope-thru-grief.captivate.fm/listen

Jordan Smelski Foundation: http://www.jordansmelskifoundation.org

Tune in for new episodes every Thursday morning wherever you listen to podcasts!

Marshall Adler and Steve Smelski, co-hosts of Hope Thru Grief are not medical, or mental health professionals, therefore we cannot and will not give any medical, or mental health advice. If you, or anyone you know needs medical or mental health treatment, please contact a medical or mental health professional immediately. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 1-800-273-8255

Thank you

Marshall Adler

Steve Smelski

Because suicide is such a unique loss, for both the loved one and the suicide survivors, we have decided to break this into several episodes over the next few months In this Part I episode we review some of the many statistics surrounding this type of loss.  Reviewing the numbers helps us set a baseline for understanding the scope and reach of this type of loss, as well as to understand the increasing need for medical intervention and education. In the past 20 years the numbers of suicides increased by 30%! This also means there is an ever-increasing number of suicide survivors that need help in their journeys of grief.  Dissecting topics like “no common component”, the iceberg analogy and reviewing the large number of “famous celebrities committing suicide”.   Marshall and Steve discuss these topics, as well as a few more in this episode of Hope Thru Grief.

We welcome your comments and questions! Send an email to [email protected] and please share our show with anyone you know that is struggling with loss and grief. You can find us on the internet to continue the conversation!

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HTGPodcast

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

Website: http://hopethrugrief.com.

Subscribe & Share: https://hope-thru-grief.captivate.fm/listen

Jordan Smelski Foundation: http://www.jordansmelskifoundation.org

Tune in for new episodes every Thursday morning wherever you listen to podcasts!

Marshall Adler and Steve Smelski, co-hosts of Hope Thru Grief are not medical, or mental health professionals, therefore we cannot and will not give any medical, or mental health advice. If you, or anyone you know needs medical or mental health treatment, please contact a medical or mental health professional immediately. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 1-800-273-8255

Thank you

Marshall Adler

Steve Smelski

Dealing with grief while leaning into a support network of family and friends to get us through is hard enough. Enter the global pandemic of 2020, #COVID19.  In an instant everything has become new and more difficult. Most of the available support is now done through technology and isolation. Socially distancing ourselves to stay safe is something our minds understand. Our hearts, not so much. 

Today Marshall and Steve breakdown the effects that a global pandemic has on those that have or will find themselves in grief during and because of #COVID19. 

How has the pandemic affected you and/or your family and loved ones? Do you have questions or maybe a tip to help make it through? We welcome your comments and questions. Send an email to [email protected] and we might read your response on the next episode!

Please share our show with anyone you know that is struggling with loss and grief. You can find us on the internet to continue the conversation!

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HTGPodcast

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

Website: http://hopethrugrief.com.

Subscribe & Share: https://hope-thru-grief.captivate.fm/listen

Jordan Smelski Foundation: http://www.jordansmelskifoundation.org

Tune in for new episodes every Thursday morning wherever you listen to podcasts!

Marshall Adler and Steve Smelski, co-hosts of Hope Thru Grief are not medical, or mental health professionals, therefore we cannot and will not give any medical, or mental health advice. If you, or anyone you know needs medical or mental health treatment, please contact a medical or mental health professional immediately.

Thank you

Marshall Adler

Steve Smelski

This week Marshall and Steve welcome special guest Brian Mahon. Brian’s daughter Amy died on April 5, 2018 from bowel cancer at age 32. Receiving a terminal diagnosis and knowing that you are going to die can create an extended grieving process that puts you face to face with the inevitable each and every day. Is it possible to do more than simply live and get by post diagnosis, or can life be lived in service and in hope that inspire others? Amy’s story will leave you both inspired and hopeful. 

To find out more about Amy’s journey and dedication to sharing her journey to help others go to her website: http://www.catslovepeanutbutter.com.

We welcome your comments and questions! Send an email to [email protected] and please share our show with anyone you know that is struggling with loss and grief. You can find us on the internet to continue the conversation!

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HTGPodcast

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

Website: http://hopethrugrief.com.

Subscribe & Share: https://hope-thru-grief.captivate.fm/listen

Jordan Smelski Foundation: http://www.jordansmelskifoundation.org

Tune in for new episodes every Thursday morning wherever you listen to podcasts!

Marshall Adler and Steve Smelski, co-hosts of Hope Thru Grief are not medical, or mental health professionals, therefore we cannot and will not give any medical, or mental health advice. If you, or anyone you know needs medical or mental health treatment, please contact a medical or mental health professional immediately.

Thank you

Marshall Adler

Steve Smelski

Everyone tries to break grief down into a list of neat little stages. However, grief doesn’t always work, or feel that way. Everyone may experience the emotions of grief differently and in a much different order. 

Today we will examine and discuss in detail Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’ model of the Five Stages of Grief*. Dr. Kubler-Ross developed this model in 1969. The model includes the stages of:

• (2:05) Overiew Kubler-Ross model
• (4:14) Denial*
• (8:31) Anger*
• (13:01) [Guilt]
• (16:53) Bargaining*
• (19:53) Depression*
• (25:51) Acceptance*
• (31:40) [Control]
• (37:32) [Additional Clinical Lists for Another Time]

While Dr. Kubler-Ross identified 5 particular stages or parts, it is important to realize there are many subsets and emotions for each of these. It is also important to realize grief “is not linear” so you may not experience these in this order, or only once. Because Dr. Kubler-Ross developed this model from observing patients experiencing grief, rather than from a personal experience, we don’t necessarily experience grief in this order. 

There are many links to different pages discussing this model, here are two of them: https://grief.com/the-five-stages-of-grief/ and https://psychcentral.com/lib/the-5-stages-of-loss-and-grief/   Marshall and Steve discuss these topics, as well as a couple more in this episode of Hope Thru Grief. 

We welcome your comments and questions! Send an email to [email protected] and please share our show with anyone you know that is struggling with loss and grief. You can find us on the internet to continue the conversation!

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HTGPodcast

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

Website: http://hopethrugrief.com.

Subscribe & Share: https://hope-thru-grief.captivate.fm/listen

Jordan Smelski Foundation: http://www.jordansmelskifoundation.org

Tune in for new episodes every Thursday morning wherever you listen to podcasts!

Marshall Adler and Steve Smelski, co-hosts of Hope Thru Grief are not medical, or mental health professionals, therefore we cannot and will not give any medical, or mental health advice. If you, or anyone you know needs medical or mental health treatment, please contact a medical or mental health professional immediately.

Thank you

Marshall Adler

Steve Smelski