Parentless Podcast

Parentless Podcast Episode 76: "Grief Refuge: Soul Work"
Guest: Reid Peterson, Founder of Grief Refuge

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Reid Peterson, who has turned the profound loss of his father and stepfather into a pathway of support for others. As the founder of Grief Refuge, Reid shares his journey through sorrow and how it led him to create a sanctuary for those navigating the complexities of grief.What You'll Learn:

• How Reid's personal experiences with loss shaped his approach to grief work.
• The importance of "soul work" in the healing process.
• Practical advice for those seeking solace in times of mourning.
• The story behind Grief Refuge and its mission to provide comfort and guidance.

Resources Mentioned:

• Grief Refuge Website
• Reid Peterson's personal narrative on coping and healing.

Instagram: @griefrefugeapp
website: https://www.griefrefuge.com/

Melissa Pennel is the founder of Follow Your Fire Coaching, a mother of two, certified coach, Clarity breathwork practitioner, and a former drug addict who has been sober since May 24, 2012. She's also an author, known for the bestselling journal series "The Questions You’ll Wish You Asked." Her philosophy, "Follow Your Fire," reflects her mission to help people navigate life's challenges with meaning, connection, and purpose. Her work emphasizes self-inquiry, writing, and breathwork as tools for personal growth. Despite acknowledging her own vulnerabilities and sensitivities, she aims to live a life of courage and visibility.

Website: https://www.followyourfirecoaching.com/

Music and Production: Intro music by The Revolving Birds.

Episode editing by Stephanie and Derek.

Connect with Us: To learn more about the Parentless Podcast and other shows from Back Home Media, visit our website at backhomemedia.com.Remember, if you've found solace in our conversation or have your own story to share, reach out to us at [email protected] or follow us on our social platforms. Your journey through grief may offer light to others in their times of darkness.

Instagram: @parentlesspodcast
Voicemail: 623.396.6069

BONUS

Life Jacket Ep, Messages to Dad 2023

Thank you to everyone that participated in this project! This was NOT easy and I appreciate your willingness to share these messages.

This is a Back Home Media production, recorded and produced in Phoenix, AZ.

Like what you hear? Helped by what you heard? Have something to share?

https://www.patreon.com/parentlesspodcast

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @parentlesspodcast
Voicemail: 623.396.6069

You are not alone.

75, It's Just You and Me Now, Kid

Bryna Talamantez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in Texas. She has dealt with death and grief from a young age. Being that she was so young, she didn't realize that anything was out of the ordinary about her life. She spent a lot of time in hopsitals as her dad received care over the years, witnessed her mom giving him CPR, and experienced several instances of other people picking her up from school and whisking her off to the hospital. Bob was 52 years old when he passed away. Bryna was just 9 years old.

At age 14, Bryna experienced the death of her maternal grandmother. Bryna and her mother lost the grounding presence that helped them co-exist the most peacefully. This lead to some difficult times between mother and daughter but their love for each other never waivered. Bryna was a young 19 when her mom, Debbie, passed away unexpectedly just a month shy of turning 60.

Bryna called upon her life experiences while in college and decided to become a Family Therapist. She helps young children who are dealing with trauma and or grief. She also started her own podcast, What the Feels, where she and her guests are on a journey to unravel mental health themes of the media we consume on a daily basis.

Bryna's advice for those helping a child through grief:

"We need to listen, be honest with them, and be with them to help them."

Bryna has her own "What the Feels" playlist that she listens to when she needs to feel the feels. Samples from her list will be availabe on Instagram.

Instagram: @whatthefeelspodcast
Website: https://talamanteztherapy.com/

If you'd like to donate to Tim Harris' project of providing free therapy to at least one person for one year, please visit www.grievingisbreathing.com/donate

Instagram: @grievingisbreathing
Website: www.grievingisbreathing.com

If you'd like to help donate to Tim Harris' project while becoming a part of the Parentless Podcast Patreon crew, visit here:
https://www.patreon.com/parentlesspodcast

This is a Back Home Media production, recorded and produced in Phoenix, AZ.
Additional production and music by Ian Releford.

Music by Colen Lococo and The Revolving Birds.

Like what you hear? Helped by what you heard? Have something to share?

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @parentlesspodcast
Voicemail: 623.396.6069
You are not alone.

BONUS

Life Jacket Ep, Messages to Mom 2023

Thank you to everyone that participated in this project! This was NOT easy and I appreciate your willingness to share these messages.

This is a Back Home Media production, recorded and produced in Phoenix, AZ.

Like what you hear? Helped by what you heard? Have something to share?

https://www.patreon.com/parentlesspodcast

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @parentlesspodcast
Voicemail: 623.396.6069

You are not alone.

74, Pastor Russ

Emma's dad, Russell, a band-bus driving, blues harmonica playing farmer, died from a heart attack when she was 20. He was a young 46, very active, and his death was extremly unexpected.

Emma and her family found out after his death that his consumption of energy drinks affected his blood, which then affected his heart.

We discuss complicated grief, having friends in "the club", and the lasting effects of experiencing multiple traumatic events in a row. Emma recommends therapy for all and urges people to be kind, even on the internet!

Emma made a TikTok that gathered a lot of attention, which has helped Emma spread awareness regarding energy drink consumption.

Emma's advice to her younger self about grief:

"It does not go away. People always tell you that it gets easier with time. I feel like that phrasing is wrong, because I don't know if it gets easier, it just gets less condensed."

TikTok: @emmatwolegs

https://www.tiktok.com/@emmatwolegs/video/7129625096565591338?q=emmatwolegs&t=1683098687419

Instagram: @emma_._90

Emily's brothers band, Ghost Dinner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgaFlmglTaE

If you'd like to donate to Tim Harris' project of providing free therapy to at least one person for one year, please visit www.grievingisbreathing.com/donate

Instagram: @grievingisbreathing
Website: www.grievingisbreathing.com

If you'd like to help donate to Tim Harris' project while becoming a part of the Parentless Podcast Patreon crew, visit here:
https://www.patreon.com/parentlesspodcast

This is a Back Home Media production, recorded and produced in Phoenix, AZ.
Additional production and music by Ian Releford.

Music by Colen Lococo and The Revolving Birds.

Like what you hear? Helped by what you heard? Have something to share?

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @parentlesspodcast
Voicemail: 623.396.6069
You are not alone.

73, Copenhagen Snuff

Valerie's dad died from an overdose when she was 14. Her parents were divorced and she had just been dropped off from a visit with her dad not long before she got the call, finding the police on the other end of the phone instead of her father.

Valerie spent years battling addiction following the loss of her father. She has traveled a rough path, but counts her blessings today as she celebrates 3+ years of sobriety. She attributes her sobriety to the Grace of God and the support and love of her family.

Valerie now knows it's important for her to do things that keep her mind busy and to preform selfcare, such as meditating, prayer, a long shower, or excercise.

Valerie invites anyone that may have struggled with something similar to her to approach her for advice and friendship, as that's what she needed when she was younger.

Valerie's advice to her younger self:

There could always be a worse situation, so just be grateful for what you have.

If you'd like to donate to Tim Harris' project of providing free therapy to at least one person for one year, please visit www.grievingisbreathing.com/donate

Instagram: @grievingisbreathing
Website: www.grievingisbreathing.com

If you'd like to help donate to Tim Harris' project while becoming a part of the Parentless Podcast Patreon crew, visit here:
https://www.patreon.com/parentlesspodcast

This is a Back Home Media production, recorded and produced in Phoenix, AZ.
Additional production and music by Ian Releford.

Music by Colen Lococo and The Revolving Birds.

Like what you hear? Helped by what you heard? Have something to share?

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @parentlesspodcast
Voicemail: 623.396.6069
You are not alone.

72, I Mother Myself

Melissa is a licensed mental health counselor and is on a mission to help others. Melissa's mother, Julie, passed away in October 2010 from ocular melanoma, something which the family knew she had beaten previously, and they didn't expect to come back.

Melissa discusses how her releationship with her mother changed from that of parent/child to patient/caregiver. Melissa was there for her mother and is appreciative of that, however she grieves the loss of the parent/child relationship as she knew it. Melissa was 24 when her life changed forever. This left Melissa to be an example to her younger siblings, and to go through her remaining life milestones without her mom.

From the unique viewpoint of a therapist and a griever, Melissa recounts her coping mechanisms and the years of therapy that have helped her personally. As a mother herself, Melissa has had to learn how to be a mom without her own mom. We discuss this experience for Melissa and she shares how she copes each day and what she has learned so far.

Melissa is also grieving the loss of her father, although he is still living. Grief effects everyone differently, and Melissa has seen first hand some of the devestation that can be caused by others.

Melissa's advice on mothering one's self:

"Tell yourself what you would tell a good friend."

Instagram: @melissanlav

If you'd like to donate to Tim Harris' project of providing free therapy to at least one person for one year, please visit www.grievingisbreathing.com/donate

Instagram: @grievingisbreathing
Website: www.grievingisbreathing.com

If you'd like to help donate to Tim Harris' project while becoming a part of the Parentless Podcast Patreon crew, visit here:
https://www.patreon.com/parentlesspodcast

This is a Back Home Media production, recorded and produced in Phoenix, AZ.
Additional production and music by Ian Releford.

Music by Colen Lococo and The Revolving Birds.

Like what you hear? Helped by what you heard? Have something to share?

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @parentlesspodcast
Voicemail: 623.396.6069
You are not alone.

71, Widows Aren't Invited Out on Saturday Nights

Susan Kendal comes to us from Canada.She has experienced many deaths in her own family in a short amount of time. Susan's father suffered from heart disease for over 10 years. He was then diagnosed with chronic lymphoma, but was often unable to receive the needed treatments and medications due to his heart disease. Susan's husband passed away in 2014 while she was helping her father attend to his health. Just 2 years later, her father passed away. In her own words, "I've lost my husband, my father, my brothers." Susan explores being a widow, fatherless, and navigating life as it is now.

Susan is now a grief advocate. She wants to help others learn about death, grief, and everything in between. Susan has helped host Death Cafes online, and has started Evolve Beyond Grief to help shatter death taboo.

Speaking isn't the only way Susan is giving back to the community. She is an author and has several pieces available, linked below. Her most recent collaborative work is found in the 3rd link, a book called Gathering at the Doorway: An Anthology of Signs, Visits, and Messages from the Afterlife. You'll find Susan's story in Chapter 25, 'Our Shared Love,' about her journey after the transition of her husband Neil.

https://hopeforwidows.org/author/skendal/

https://nowtoronto.com/lifestyle/its-an-important-time-to-talk-about-death/

https://www.amazon.com/Gathering-Doorway-Anthology-Messages-Afterlife-ebook/dp/B09ZRSPXBC

Instagram: @evolvebeyondgrief
Website: https://www.evolvebeyondgrief.com/

Susan's recommendation for grievers:

Death Cafe
Website: https://deathcafe.com/

If you'd like to donate to Tim Harris' project of providing free therapy to at least one person for one year, please visit www.grievingisbreathing.com/donate

Instagram: @grievingisbreathing
Website: www.grievingisbreathing.com

If you'd like to help donate to Tim Harris' project while becoming a part of the Parentless Podcast Patreon crew, visit here:
https://www.patreon.com/parentlesspodcast

This is a Back Home Media production, recorded and produced in Phoenix, AZ.
Additional production and music by Ian Releford.

Music by Colen Lococo and The Revolving Birds.

Like what you hear? Helped by what you heard? Have something to share?

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @parentlesspodcast
Voicemail: 623.396.6069
You are not alone.

70, Just Tell Joe

Elizabeth "Liz" Entin shares about the loss of her father, Richard. She lost him later in his life several months after a stroke, but it was still a shock when he died. Liz's life did a complete 180 in some aspects, as she started to explore exactly what happens after we die.

Liz hosts her own podcast and has written a book based on her experiences of her exploration into the afterlife so far. Liz shares about her father, touches on some of the things she has experienced in regards to signs, and her visits to mediums.

Liz's book is called WTF Just Happened?!: A sciencey-skeptic explores grief, healing and evidence of an afterlife. Liz, a logical atheist, delved into exploring if there was any valid reason to think there could be an afterlife after her dad died.

Liz is the host of WTF Just Happened?! The Podcast. Visit Liz and listen to her work on many different podcast platforms. She gets the scoop on near death experiences, and digs deep to find more evidence of an afterlife.

Instagram: @wtf_just_happened_
Website: https://www.wtfjusthappened.net/

Liz's recommendation for grievers:

The Dinner Party
Website: https://www.thedinnerparty.org/

If you'd like to donate to Tim Harris' project of providing free therapy to at least one person for one year, please visit www.grievingisbreathing.com/donate

Instagram: @grievingisbreathing
Website: www.grievingisbreathing.com

If you'd like to help donate to Tim Harris' project while becoming a part of the Parentless Podcast Patreon crew, visit here:

https://www.patreon.com/parentlesspodcast

This is a Back Home Media production, recorded and produced in Phoenix, AZ.

Additional production and music by Ian Releford.

Music by Colen Lococo and The Revolving Birds.

Like what you hear? Helped by what you heard? Have something to share?

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @parentlesspodcast
Voicemail: 623.396.6069
You are not alone.

69, I Did the Best I Could

As an only child who was born on her dad's 40th birthday, Dani spent 9 years with her best friend. Dani fondly recalls her dad, Bob, pulling her out of Kindergarten to watch track practice for the Indianapolis 500. Now, the race is a family staple and Dani looks forward to gathering with her uncles each May to watch.

After Bob passed, Dani had 3 more years with her mom, Linda. They spent most of those years battling Linda's cancer while grieving. Dani was by her mothers side when she left this Earth. She was then forced to navigate life as a Parentless twelve year old.

As a byproduct of being Parentless, Dani went to live with her Uncle Dick and Aunt Lila. As if losing one set of parents isn't enough, Dani would eventually experience the loss of her aunt and uncle by the time she was 27.

Dani discusses her family, kissing the bricks, divorce, heavy lifting, her job as a health coach, not having an emergency contact, and so much more.

Dani's Advice to her younger self:

"Sit in the sadness. It's not going to last forever, but it will feel a lot longer if you don't do it now."

Instagram: @lovexodani

Book Recommendation by Dani:

Codependent No More by Melody Beattie

This conversation was recorded in February 2022.

If you'd like to donate to Tim Harris' project of providing free therapy to at least one person for one year, please visit www.grievingisbreathing.com/donate

Instagram: @grievingisbreathing
Website: www.grievingisbreathing.com

If you'd like to help donate to Tim Harris' project while becoming a part of the Parentless Podcast Patreon crew, visit here:

https://www.patreon.com/parentlesspodcast

This is a Back Home Media production, recorded and produced in Phoenix, AZ.

Additional production and music by Ian Releford.

Music by Colen Lococo and The Revolving Birds.

Like what you hear? Helped by what you heard? Have something to share?

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @parentlesspodcast
Voicemail: 623.396.6069
You are not alone.