Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not establish a therapist-client relationship with Herdyne Mercier, Mercier Wellness & Consulting, or podcast guests. Please seek professional support for your individual mental health needs.

Episode Introduction:

In this deeply moving episode of the Redefining Grief Podcast, Herdyne Mercier sits down with licensed clinical social worker, speaker, and founder Latasha Riddick for a conversation about grief, calling, obedience, purpose, and healing.

Latasha shares the powerful story of how she once planned to become a lawyer before realizing God was calling her into healing work instead. Together, Herdyne and Latasha unpack what happens when life redirects your plans and how grief can become the doorway to discovering who you were always meant to be.

The conversation explores the emotional weight of losing a parent, identity shifts, professional purpose, Black women and burnout, rest as resistance, faith, obedience, and the importance of community in healing journeys.

Herdyne also reflects on returning to the elementary school where she once struggled to read, now standing in front of students as a published author reading her children’s book "Mommy, What’s That Feeling?" 

The episode becomes a beautiful reminder that no part of our story is wasted. This conversation is for anyone navigating transition, grief, purpose, burnout, or the fear of starting over.

Key Takeaways:

About Our Guest:

Latasha Riddick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, speaker, and founder dedicated to helping people and professionals thrive emotionally and mentally. With over 10 years of experience in the social work and mental health field, Latasha is known for translating complex emotional wellness concepts into practical, relatable tools that create real-life change.

She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh with a concentration in Direct Practice and was honored as School Social Worker of the Year in 2023. She went on to receive the Business Boss: Social Work Visionary Award and the Excellence ACEx Leading with Love Award, both in 2025.

Latasha is the Founder and CEO of Social Work Plug, a platform created to empower social workers and helping professionals through community, professional development, and sustainable self-care practices. She is also the founder of Rebuild, a mental wellness space focused on emotional wellness and whole-person healing.

A dynamic and engaging speaker, Latasha has facilitated workshops and trainings for schools, churches, professional organizations, and community groups, including the NASW North Carolina Chapter. Her work sits at the intersection of mental health, emotional intelligence, and professional sustainability, making her a trusted voice for audiences seeking both practical strategies and heartfelt encouragement.

Episode Quotes:

“What is it that you do that you love so much, that you can do it without getting paid?” — Latasha Riddick

“Maybe you weren’t called to argue cases in courtrooms because you were assigned to advocate for hearts.” — Herdyne Mercier

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom (P.O.W.) Questions:

Episode Time-Stamps:

00:00 — Welcome to Redefining Grief

02:00 — Meeting Latasha Riddick

07:00 — The Dream of Becoming a Lawyer

12:00 — Hearing God’s Redirection

15:00 — Losing Her Mother to Cancer

23:00 — Purpose, Prayer, and Obedience

31:00 — Grief Memory Recall and Healing

37:00 — Black Women, Burnout, and Rest

44:00 — Faith, Purpose, and Restoration

47:00 — Pearls of Wisdom

56:00 — Closing Reflections

Book Mentioned:

“Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” by Herdyne Mercier, LCSW - https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/

Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: [email protected]

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Connect with Latasha:

Links: https://linktr.ee/latasharriddick

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

Connect with Herdyne:

Website: www.herdyne.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier

Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not establish a therapist-client relationship with Herdyne Mercier, Mercier Wellness & Consulting, or podcast guests. Please seek professional support for your individual mental health needs.

Episode Introduction:

What if the thing your body has been begging for is not more hustle… but more rest?

In this solo episode of Redefining Grief, I’m talking about one of my favorite forms of healing: naps. Yes, naps. During Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to have an honest conversation about rest, burnout, nervous system recovery, and why so many people feel guilty slowing down.

I share how naps became one of my greatest tools for emotional wellness, why I intentionally schedule rest into my life, and how learning to listen to my body changed the way I move through grief, stress, and overwhelm. From taking naps between clients to falling asleep on benches during tours, I truly believe rest is healthcare.

We also talk about grief fog, emotional exhaustion, and the signs your body may be crying out for restoration. This episode is a reminder that burnout is not a badge of honor and you do not have to destroy yourself to earn rest.

If you’ve been mentally overloaded, emotionally drained, or struggling to slow down without guilt, let this conversation remind you that healing sometimes looks like taking the nap.

Episode Quotes:

“Rest is not a weakness.”

“The goal is not burnout.”

“Maybe the issue isn’t that you’re lazy. Maybe the issue is that you’re overloaded.”

“Rest is not something you earn after destroying yourself.”

Episode Time-Stamps:

[02:00] Why naps became Herdyne’s “superpower”

[05:00] The truth about overworking and exhaustion

[07:00] The science behind naps, brain health, and stress reduction

[12:00] Signs your body is asking for rest

[14:00] Grief fog and how grief impacts the brain

[18:00] Healthy boundaries, saying no, and protecting your peace

[19:00] Practical ways to schedule and prioritize rest

[22:00] Biblical perspectives on rest and restoration

Resources & Links:

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (United States): Call or text 988 | Available 24/7, free, and confidential.

Get Your Copy Of “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?”: https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/

Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: [email protected]

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Connect with Herdyne:

Website: www.herdyne.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier

Email: [email protected]

Episode Introduction:

What happens when the version of you that the world applauded no longer feels aligned with who you truly are?

In this episode of Redefining Grief, I sit down with Bree Carroll, civil engineer, author, strategist, military spouse, podcaster, and founder of the CARE Blueprint. This conversation is honest, reflective, faith-filled, and deeply necessary for anyone navigating grief connected to identity, disappointment, burnout, friendship loss, or major life transitions.

Bree opens up about stepping away from visibility during a season where she found herself grieving friendships, grieving business relationships, grieving expectations, and ultimately grieving versions of herself that no longer aligned with her values. What makes this conversation so powerful is that Bree does not only speak about loss, she speaks about rebuilding from the inside out.

We talk about the importance of slowing down long enough to evaluate whether the life you are building is actually aligned with your values. Bree shares how she realized she was using intentional strategy and planning in her engineering career while allowing her personal life to operate on autopilot. That realization became the foundation for her book, All Things Epic.

Throughout this conversation, we unpack the grief that comes with betrayal, the pain of questioning your identity, and the loneliness that can happen when you step away from spaces that once defined you. Bree beautifully reminds us that grief is not always connected to death. Sometimes grief is tied to the realization that a version of yourself can no longer continue.

This episode also highlights the healing power of community, therapy, faith, and rest. We discuss how isolating yourself during difficult seasons can deepen emotional wounds, while safe community can help remind you who you are when you forget. Bree shares the importance of giving yourself permission to grieve, permission to heal, permission to dream again, and permission to trust yourself.

If you are in a season where you feel disconnected from yourself, uncertain about your next step, or emotionally exhausted from carrying too much for too long, this episode will remind you that healing is possible, purpose still exists, and you are allowed to rebuild your life intentionally.

This conversation is full of wisdom, honesty, restoration, and hope.

About Our Guest:

Bree Carroll is a civil engineer, founder, podcaster, military spouse, and mother whose perspective has been shaped by responsibility, faith, and intentional living. Her professional background includes years of leading complex engineering projects while navigating seasons of uncertainty personally and professionally.

Rather than reinventing herself, Bree chose to build from who she already was. Through that journey, she developed the CARE Blueprint, a practical framework designed to help individuals evaluate decisions, align with their values, and move forward intentionally.

Bree is also the author of All Things EPIC, a book that encourages readers to live purposefully, process grief honestly, and design a life rooted in alignment, faith, and authenticity. Her work centers around helping people move beyond passive living and step into intentional healing and growth.

Episode Quotes:

“It’s easy when you’re hurting to point the finger at other people. Instead, I took several steps back to look at myself.” – Bree C.

“You can say your values are your values, but they’re only true if you’re living them out.” – Bree C.

“You cannot be intentional and create a blueprint for your life until you address those things.” – Bree C.

“Most women don’t lack clarity. They lack permission from themselves.” – Bree C.

“You are blaming an old version of yourself and wanting them to pay for something they had no capacity to pay for at that time.” – Bree C. 

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom (P.O.W.) Questions:

Q. If today was your last day on Earth, what would be three words you would like people to remember you by?

A. I love you.

Q. When life gets to life-ing, and as you know grief comes in many forms, what song carries you through?

A. Anchored by Transformation Worship

Q. What have you learned about yourself since redefining the grief in your life?

A. I learned that I am stronger than I thought I was.

Episode Time-Stamps:

[02:01] Introduction to Bree Carroll and her background

[05:00] Bree shares why she stepped away during a difficult season

[08:15] Faith, obscurity, and healing through stillness

[11:10] Being reminded who you are through safe community

[14:00] Why women need permission to rest

[21:00] Bree explains the CARE Blueprint framework

[25:00] The emotions readers must allow themselves to feel

[28:00] Why hope matters during rebuilding seasons

[33:20] Restoration, healing, and becoming a new version of yourself

[38:00] Obedience, surrender, and trusting the process

[45:10] Bree shares the worship song that anchored her through grief

[47:00] How to connect with Bree and purchase All Things EPIC

Book Mentioned:

“Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” by Herdyne Mercier, LCSW - https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/

“All Things EPIC” by Bree Carroll - https://books.by/itsbreecarroll

Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: [email protected]

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Connect with Bree:

Website: https://breecarroll.com/

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

Substack: https://substack.com/@itsbreecarroll

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Everyday.E.P.I.C

Connect with Herdyne:

Website: www.herdyne.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier

Email: [email protected]

Episode Introduction:

What does it look like to pause long enough to realize that you are actually living the life you once prayed for?

In this solo episode of Redefining Grief, I come back with a full heart, reflecting on a powerful season of stillness, celebration, and answered prayers. After taking time to reset, reconnect, and truly be present, I share what it means to receive what flows through your heart and how gratitude can shift your entire perspective.

This episode is deeply personal. I open up about the journey of self-publishing my children’s book "Mommy, What’s That Feeling?" and the overwhelming support that followed.

I also reflect on celebrating 19 years of marriage and what it truly takes to build, grow, and sustain love over time. Love is not perfect. It requires communication, patience, and the willingness to evolve. I share what it has meant to grow into a new version of myself and how healing, therapy, and intentional growth have shaped the woman I am today.

This conversation expands beyond celebration. It becomes an invitation to examine your own life. Are you living, or are you just working? Are you creating space to rest, reset, and reconnect with yourself?

From the importance of nervous system regulation to the healing power of water, travel, and stillness, I walk you through why intentional rest is not a luxury but a necessity.

This episode is a reminder that nothing in your life is wasted. Every experience, every relationship, every challenge is preparing you for purpose. Even the pain becomes part of your credential.

If you have been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from yourself, this episode will gently call you back to what matters most. You are worthy of rest. You are worthy of healing. You are worthy of living fully.

Episode Quotes:

“What flows through your heart is what you receive in life.”

“When you enjoy what you are called to do, it does not feel like work.”

“You are worthy of the pause. You are worthy of healing. You are worthy of living.”

“Life is not perfect, but there is a requirement to live.”

Episode Time-Stamps:

[02:00] Herdyne returns and reflects on a weekend of clarity and gratitude

[04:00] The importance of rekindling relationships and honoring connections

[09:00] Growth, healing, and becoming a new version of yourself

[11:00] Why living intentionally matters beyond just working

[16:00] The healing power of water, rest, and travel

[18:00] Nervous system reset and emotional healing practices

[22:00] Childhood struggles with reading and healing past experiences

[24:00] Turning pain into purpose and honoring your journey

[26:30] Family reflections and upcoming celebrations

Reference Links:

Get Your Copy Of “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?”: https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/

Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: [email protected]

Hope is Not a Plan with Dr. Jameson Mercier: https://open.spotify.com/episode/445TXzrvEFYYIEBmzD18Kx?si=3a5e03f9e1a547b8

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Connect with Herdyne:

Website: www.herdyne.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier

Email: [email protected]

Episode Introduction:

What happens when grief, purpose, faith, and creativity come together to birth something bigger than both pain and legacy? Sometimes, the very thing we carry in our hearts is meant to become a healing tool for others.

In this episode of Redefining Grief, I sit down with my dear sister and childhood friend, Belina Buisson Wright, a Florida-based artist, illustrator, teacher, and creative visionary of Haitian-American descent. Together, we share the powerful story behind our new children’s book, “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” and how this project became a meaningful expression of grief, healing, culture, and purpose.

Belina and I go way back, all the way to childhood, and this conversation is deeply personal. What makes this episode so special is that it is not simply about launching a book. It is about honoring history, family, faith, community, and the God-given gifts that have been inside of us since we were children. While I found my voice through talking, Belina discovered her purpose through drawing, and now years later, those very gifts have come together to create something that will help children and families talk about grief in a gentle, honest, and healing way.

Belina opens up about what illustrating this book taught her about grief in her own life. She shares how the story helped her understand that grief is not only connected to death. Grief can also come from dreams deferred, disappointment, change, and the things in life that do not happen the way we hoped they would. She explains why leaning into difficult emotions matters and how healing begins when we stop avoiding what we feel.

We also talk about the deeper intention behind “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” This book was created not only for children, but also for adults, educators, parents, caregivers, and professionals who support young people through life’s many losses. It gives language to emotions, creates space for honest conversations, and reminds us that children’s feelings deserve to be seen, heard, validated, and processed in safe spaces.

This conversation is rich with legacy. We reflect on the people who poured into us growing up, the power of honoring our ancestors, and the beauty of creating work that will outlive us. This episode is a reminder that sometimes grief can be transformed into something meaningful, educational, and life-giving. Join us as we talk about art, healing, Haitian heritage, faith, and what it means to use your gift to serve others.

About Our Guest:

Belina Buisson Wright is a Florida-based artist, illustrator, and teacher of Haitian-American descent who loves creating colorful art inspired by different cultures and everyday life. A self-taught artist, Belina believes her artistic talent is a God-given gift. She enjoys telling stories through paintings and books that help children learn, imagine, feel connected, and express themselves in their own unique way.

Over the years, Belina has grown into a creative force whose work is rooted in culture, heart, and purpose. Through illustration, visual storytelling, and community-centered artistic expression, she uses her gift to inspire others and make meaningful impact. Belina is also passionate about helping young creators honor their individuality and embrace the talents placed inside of them.

In this episode, Belina shares her journey into art, how she discovered illustration as part of her purpose, and what it meant to collaborate on Mommy, What’s That Feeling? a children’s book created to help children and adults better understand grief and emotions.

Episode Quotes:

“I was really surprised that grief is not only death.” - Belina W.

“I learned that I will be okay.” - Belina W.

“Healing is not about forgetting. It's about learning how to carry love, loss, and hope together.” - Herdyne M.

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom (P.O.W.) Questions:

Q. If today was your last day on Earth, what would be three words you would like people to remember you by?

A. She was genuine.

Q. When life gets to lifing, and as you know grief comes in many forms, what song carries you through?

A. A worship song about how if God watches over the lilies of the field and the sparrows, how much more will He care for you.

Q. What have you learned about yourself since redefining the grief in your life?

A. I learned that I will be okay. I can still make it. I can still endure, and it’s okay to let things go. I’ll be okay because God’s got me.

Episode Time-Stamps:

[03:16] Introduction to Belina Wright and her creative background

[05:19] The story behind Mommy, What’s That Feeling?

[07:49] What the book taught Belina about grief

[08:47] Realizing that grief is more than death

[10:27] Herdyne reflects on childhood struggles, reading, and legacy

[11:49] Belina shares how she discovered her gift for art

[14:10] The beauty of collaborating with people you love and trust

[20:32] Why the book is also a teaching guide for adults and educators

[22:09] What families can expect inside the book

[23:16] Honoring ancestors, literacy, and generational legacy

[25:17] Why the launch date holds deep personal meaning

[26:25] Belina reflects on the responsibility of using her God-given gift

[28:19] Belina answers the Pearls of Wisdom questions

[31:12] How to connect with Belina and support her work

[34:03] Herdyne’s closing message on healing, hope, and purpose

Reference Links:

Book Mentioned:

Mommy, What’s That Feeling? - https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/

Event Mentioned:

Cultures Around Us

May 3

Leesburg, Florida

3:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: [email protected]

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Connect with Belina:

Website: www.bwrightart.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/bwrightart

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Herdyne:

Website: www.herdyne.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier

Email: [email protected]

Welcome to a heartfelt episode of the Redefining Grief Podcast with Herdyne Mercier, LCSW. Join us as Herdyne, your favorite grief advocate, shares her enlightening journey and discusses the profound impact of funerals and the life lessons they provided her. 

In this episode, Herdyne welcomes her first podcast guest, funeral director, Patricia Gumbs Oscar, who brings over a decade of compassionate service within the funeral industry.

Discover the personal story behind Herdyne's respect with funerals and the life lessons she learned from attending them since childhood. Herdyne and Patricia share their experiences and explore the emotional complexities surrounding funerals, family dynamics, and the unexpected drama that often unfolds.

Learn about Patricia's journey into the profession, her dedication to helping families with dignity and respect, and her personal grieving process over the loss of her father. This episode offers an intimate conversation about embracing emotions, the importance of community support, and the role of faith in navigating grief.

Join us for this insightful episode as we redefine the understanding of grief and the significance of compassion in the funeral profession. Don't miss this powerful and enlightening discussion.

Mr. Gumbs was truly honored by his beautiful daughter, Patrica. 

Welcome to the Redefining Grief podcast with your host, Herdyne Mercier, as she embarks on a transformative journey back to her roots. In this heartfelt episode, Herdyne discusses the significance of names, heritage, and identity with her special guest, Nkem Ekwukoma, a renowned UK business lawyer and founder of The Legal Storyteller. Together, they explore the power of names, the stories they carry, and their impact on our life's purpose.

Dive into the rich conversation to discover the personal stories behind their names, how their meanings shape their paths, and the importance of embracing one's heritage. This episode not only delves into the historical and cultural significance of names but also empowers listeners to honor their histories.

Join Herdyne and Ekwukoma as they redefine grief through candid discussions, laughter, and an undeniable sense of pride in their identities. This episode invites you to reflect on your own name's legacy and how it influences your life's journey.

Join Herdyne Mercier, LCSW, your dedicated grief counselor and advocator, as she returns refreshed and invigorated after navigating life's challenges.

In this episode, she shares her heartfelt journey of restoration, the empowering communities she built, and the strength found in faith.

Discover how she transformed her trials into triumphs and learn about her exciting new ventures, including her upcoming LIVE conference and book releases. Embrace the power of wisdom and resilience, and be inspired to find your own path to healing and growth.

Welcome back to the Grief Crusaders community!

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier   #MercierWellness #Grief 

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

Rho Thomas: The Power Of Self Love

Episode Introduction

When was the last time you thought to yourself that you were more important than anybody else, that it was only when you took care of yourself that you could take care of others and be fully functional? If you've been missing out on prioritizing yourself, this episode is for you.

Today, I speak with Rho Thomas, an attorney and financial coach who believes that true wealth is having control of your time. I describe Rho as a woman who is not only self-anchored but truly loves herself.

Rho talks about her naïve shift to motherhood and how she lost herself to parenting and responsibilities. By the time she had her second child, she had understood that she needed to go to therapy. One question from her therapist changed her way of thinking completely- "What do you want to be?". While she was explaining how she was failing as a mother, a wife, and a lawyer, her therapist made her realize that she couldn't be any of the above without making time for herself. Rho started to spend time in the morning by reading the Bible, praying, and just being herself, which made all the difference, especially during the pandemic.

Rho talks about her truth in life. She did not value herself the way that she valued everyone else in her life. It was when things were falling that she realized she had to put herself first.

Rho says that her therapist and her husband were the two most essential connections she had in life. She also discusses the importance of being financially independent. Rho explains that financial freedom to her is in control, staying flexible with her finances and having time in life. Towards the end, she tells how our mindset is everything. She also talks about the financial bondage we put ourselves into due to our entitlement mentality and comparing tendencies with others' lives.

Tune in to the episode to learn Rho's incredible transformative journey in life.

About Our Guest 

Rho Thomas is a trademark lawyer and financial coach who helps lawyers regain control of their time, build wealth, and live the lives of freedom and choice they deserve. She is also the host of the Wealthyesque podcast.

Episode Quotes

• “Telling the truth truly liberates the soul.”- Herdyne [00:58]

•  “Our mindset is everything. “- Rho [33:11]

• “The story that you tell yourself is optional.” - Rho [33:47]

• “Trying to like comparison just never leads to good things.” -  Rho [33:47]

• “Your life is unique to you.” - Herdyne [37:50]

• “Being able to have that control to take back control of your life is so important.” - Rho [39:20]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

• What have you learned about yourself? [40:24]

I've learned that I am the most important person in my life, like if I'm not okay, I can't show up for other people to make sure that they're okay. And then the second thing is, I've learned that I can do hard things, like, going through and really facing that debt.

• If today was your last day on earth, and you had five words or less, what would they be? [41:17]

Don't forget to live.

• During your hard times what song gets you through? [42:59]

Hezekiah walker - Grateful

Episode Time-Stamps

• [07:58] – Herdyne describes Rho Thomas

Reference Links

• YouTube link to Rho’s favorite song: 

Hezekiah Walker – Grateful 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE0W-kQyz6A

Connect with Rho

• Website: https://www.rhothomas.com/

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

• To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief    #TheChiefGriefCrusader    #HerdyneMercier   #MercierWellness    #Grief  

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/