In this episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, Chris Mamone speaks with Teresa Sims — founder of AscendU Coaching, award-winning author of A Century of Secrets, and host of the Powering Through Life podcast.

Teresa shares her inspiring story of survival, from childhood abuse and neglect to spousal abuse and even two near-death experiences. Through her journey, she discovered the power of breaking free from limiting beliefs, releasing emotional blocks, and stepping into a life of purpose and healing.

Together, we explore:

This conversation is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope, healing, and the chance to reclaim your power.

In this episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, I sit down with Fran Strickland, an HR leader and expat living in Switzerland, whose story of losing her mother reveals the power of resilience, faith, and self-reinvention.

Fran shares how her upbringing, career, and cultural perspective shaped her approach to grief — and how the lessons from her loss continue to guide her life today. Together, we explore what it means to grieve across cultures, how to embrace healing as a lifelong process, and why every loss carries the potential for deeper purpose and connection.

If you’ve ever felt alone in your grief, Fran’s story is a reminder that healing is not about moving on but moving forward with courage and strength.

In this episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, I sit down with Daniel Jackson — a gifted spiritual medium who connects with archangels and spirit guides to bring healing, answers, and clarity. Daniel shares how his ability to communicate with the other side has not only shaped his own journey through grief but also helped countless others discover their true purpose and inner strength.

We dive into themes of:

Whether you’re searching for meaning, comfort, or connection, Daniel’s story will remind you that you are never alone on your healing journey.

In this powerful episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone sits down with Brooke Bownes — accredited trauma coach, therapist, and global #1 best-selling author — to uncover her incredible story of resilience. From a traumatic birth and a childhood marked by abuse from a narcissistic mother, to homelessness and raising four children alone, Brooke’s journey is one of defying limitations. She shares how she rewrote the narrative that once told her she’d never walk, run, or be “normal,” transforming her pain into purpose. Today, Brooke helps ambitious women break through self-doubt, release limiting beliefs, and reclaim their confidence. This conversation is a testament to the unshakable human spirit and the freedom that comes from owning your worth.

In this heartfelt episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone sits down with Lori Sase — life coach, grief tender, and host of The Imaginable Podcast. Drawing from her own profound losses, including the passing of both parents just two months apart and the death of a beloved student shortly after, Lori opens up about navigating grief when the world offers little space to process it. Together, Chris and Lori explore the importance of slowing down, creating intentional space for mourning, and discovering the unexpected gifts and wisdom that can emerge from life’s most painful transitions. Through shared stories, rituals, and compassionate presence, this episode offers a gentle reminder that even in the heaviest moments, healing is possible.

Connect with Lori Here:

Website: https://asanctuaryforthesoul.com

Instagram: @lori_sase

Podcast: The Imaginal Podcast

In this eye-opening episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone welcomes Carrie Brauninger — a licensed clinical social worker, co-founder of the Saunders Sisterhood, and proud Great Dane mom — to share a deeply personal story that challenges society’s unspoken expectations around parenthood. Carrie opens up about being childless not by choice, the quiet grief that comes with it, and the cultural narratives that often leave little room for this reality. Together, they discuss breaking free from the “life script,” navigating unacknowledged losses, and creating new visions of purpose, connection, and fulfillment beyond parenthood.

In this deeply moving episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, host Chris Mamone speaks with Jane Johnson, founder of Bright Futures Coaching. After the sudden and devastating loss of her teenage son Leo to suicide in 2023, Jane has dedicated her life to preventing other families from experiencing the same pain. She shares her powerful story — from the shock of losing a child with no visible warning signs, to navigating the waves of grief, and finding purpose in helping parents and teens build stronger, more open relationships. Together, Chris and Jane explore the hidden realities of mental health struggles, the importance of daily emotional conversations, and the hope that can emerge even in the darkest moments.

Connect with Jane Here:

https://linktr.ee/brightfuturescoaching

In this illuminating episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, Chris sits down with Shaleem Dzon—a registered nurse, grief counselor, and author of the powerful memoir Illumination: A Griever’s Journey Through the Darkness. With over two decades of experience in healthcare and her own intimate walk through profound sorrow, Shaleem brings raw honesty, wisdom, and hope to the conversation.

She opens up about what it means to truly sit with grief, the misconceptions we carry about healing, and how writing her story became both a tool for processing loss and a guiding light for others navigating their own. Through both personal and professional lenses, Shaleem reminds us that while grief may feel like darkness, it can also become the path to profound transformation and purpose.

🕯️ A powerful listen for anyone holding space for loss—and seeking the light within it.

In this powerful episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, Chris sits down with RJ Johnson—author, speaker, and passionate believer in the transformative power of faith. RJ shares his awe-inspiring story of serving seven years of a 20-year prison sentence and how that time became a sacred ground for miracles, healing, and divine transformation.

Through his book God Doesn’t Waste a Thing, RJ invites us into the raw moments of pain, redemption, and awakening that reshaped his life. He now dedicates his journey to bringing hope and support to incarcerated communities, reminding us all that no experience—no matter how broken—is ever wasted in God’s hands.

This episode is a profound reminder that purpose can rise from the ashes of pain, and that even behind bars, miracles still move.

✝️ A must-listen for those navigating loss, faith, or seeking redemption.

In this heartfelt episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, Chris is joined by Sheila, founder of Live Out Loud Coaching, an empowerment coach who helps women lead with confidence and authenticity. Sheila shares how the devastating loss of her husband became the catalyst for profound personal transformation and a mission to help others rise through adversity.

With over 15 years of leadership experience and deep emotional insight, Sheila reveals how grief became a mirror for self-discovery—and how we can either lead from fear and limitation or choose to lead from love, trust, and self-worth.

Tune in to hear how Sheila rebuilt her life, redefined her purpose, and now empowers others to live boldly, even when life breaks them open.

✨ A powerful conversation on love, leadership, and learning to trust life again.

Sheila offers complimentary calls and can be reached through her website liveoutloudcoaching.com. Her books can be found on Amazon.

Links:

Website https://www.liveoutloudcoaching.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sheila+kamuda&crid=29F0D72AYMVIF&sprefix=sheila+kamuda%2Caps%2C125&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

Instagram handle: @liveoutloudcoach