Karen Johnson’s fast-paced professional life came to an abrupt halt when she lost her 27-year-old son to a heroin overdose. Rather than grieve in a way that made people around her comfortable, she did the unexpected: she retired, sold her house and all of her household goods, and went on a two-and-a-half-year journey that took her all over the world, finding a spiritual practice along the way. She is the author of Living Grieving.

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Kelsey is joined by Michael Govier, who, along with Will McCormack, wrote and directed the Oscar winning animated short film If Anything Happens I Love You. This short film portrays grief in the most raw and beautiful way as the grieving process is portrayed from all perspectives—not just the ones left behind. 

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Both of Claire Bidwell Smith's charismatic parents were diagnosed with cancer when she was just 14 (and an only child). By the time she was 25, they were gone.  Claire shares wisdom, advice, and hope about life after loss and how we survive the hardest times. She is the author of Rules of Inheritance, Anxiety—The Missing Stage of Grief, and After Life. 

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Complicated grief is a subject that is hard to talk about and even harder to experience. In these situations, there are few words that will comfort those who are left behind. Because of this unique type of loss, Kelsey knew she needed to start with someone she knew intimately. This conversation is between Kelsey and her childhood best friend, Lise Davis. They speak with honesty, love, and deep trust about the loss of Lise’s father. This episode is about learning how to listen, how to support people, and what it means to have the tough discussions with those who need a place to share the most.   

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Nathalie Himmelrich is a holistic counselor and coach who accompanies people therapeutically through the challenges presented by life and death. She walks this path with her clients as she, too, understands loss in a very personal way. Her insights, the way she looks at grief, and the advice she has around healing is so important to hear. She is an author of many books about grief and healing which you can find on her website . 

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“Grief is a complex topic. It is an emotional, logistical, and existential nightmare.” This week's guests and What's Your Grief co-founders Eleanor Haley and Litsa Wiliam talk with Kelsey about why grieving in your own particular way, having support, and doing the work is so important. They share what has helped them, and so many other people, walk this path with dignity, community, and grace. “What’s Your Grief” website and book are two of the best resources you can find if you or a loved one is experiencing grief.

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Tembi Locke knows grief intimately. In this powerful podcast, she shares her story and her healing. Her perspective and her advice is important to hear. Tembi is the New York Times bestselling author of her memoir From Scratch, and an actor, producer, and screenwriter with a passion for connecting with an audience. From Scratch is a Reese’s Book Club pick, an Audie Awards Best Audiobook finalist, and a Goodreads Best Books finalist. 

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In this conversation, Michele Neff Hernandez shares how she has changed the way we speak about and experience grief. She is a leader in grief work and a pioneer of how best to bring grieving people together in a supportive and healing way. She is the founder of Soaring Spirits International — a non-profit organization which has served over four million widowed people and is for anyone who has experienced the death of a spouse or partner. Michele is also the creator and director of the Camp Widow® Program; a first-of-its-kind event bringing together widowed people from all walks of life.

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