Grief is heavy, exhausting, and unpredictable AF. One minute you're fine, and the next—bam—a random memory, smell, or song knocks you down. So what do you do when grief feels like it’s swallowing you whole?

In this episode of The Grief Playbook Podcast, I’m breaking down five coping strategies that actually help—without toxic positivity or fake timelines.

- - -

PSA: Kari Driskell is a certified Grief + Widow Coach, not a licensed therapist or counselor. As a remarried widow and mother of two, with experience as a middle school math teacher + a high-school football coach's wife, she brings a unique perspective to her podcast. Kari also is a recovering extrovert + a huge fan of Mexican food! This podcast reflects all of that. If you’re on board, we're thrilled to have you here! - - - ☎️ Sign up for your [FREE] Discovery Call with Kari here: https://KariDriskellLLC.as.me/discovery 💔 Get your [FREE] GRIEF SUPPORT EBOOKS: https://www.karidriskell.com/free-grief-support-guides  ❤️ Learn [THE BEST] ways to work with Kari: https://www.karidriskell.com/all-products 🚨 Sign up for The Heartwork Collective: https://www.karidriskell.com/heartwork-collective  - - - Subscribe to The Grief Playbook YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@KariDriskell-GriefWidowCoach - - - Follow Me Here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grief.coach.karidriskell  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KariDriskellLLC TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@karidriskell Website: https://www.KariDriskell.com

Grief is messy. It’s raw. And sometimes, polite language just doesn’t cut it. In this episode of The Grief Playbook Podcast, I’m getting real about why I cuss now that Eric is gone. 

I’m sharing the moment that shook something loose in me, the DM that made me snap, and why using strong language gives me back a little bit of power. Whether you cuss or not, this is about authenticity—letting yourself feel all the messy, complicated emotions of grief without censorship.

And I’m also sharing something huge I’ve been working on—the Heartwork Collective, a membership that meets you wherever you are on your grief journey and helps you take real steps forward. If you’re ready to heal and want first dibs on founding member pricing, get on the waitlist now at karidriskell.com.

So let’s talk grief, healing, and a few well-placed F-bombs. Because sometimes, life is just hard as fuck.

- - -

PSA: Kari Driskell is a certified Grief and Widow Coach, not a licensed therapist or counselor. As a remarried widow and mother of two, with experience as a middle school math teacher and a high-school football coach's wife, she brings a unique perspective to her podcast. Kari also is a recovering extrovert and a huge fan of Mexican food! This podcast reflects all of that. If you’re on board, we're thrilled to have you here! - - - ☎️ Sign up for your [FREE] Discovery Call with Kari here: https://KariDriskellLLC.as.me/discovery 💔 Get your [FREE] GRIEF SUPPORT EBOOKS: https://www.karidriskell.com/free-grief-support-guides  ❤️ Learn [THE BEST] ways to work with Kari: https://www.karidriskell.com/all-products 🚨 Sign up to get FIRST DIBS on my new membership, The Heartwork Collective here: https://www.karidriskell.com/heartwork-collective  - - - Subscribe to The Grief Playbook YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@KariDriskell-GriefWidowCoach - - - Follow Me Here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grief.coach.karidriskell  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KariDriskellLLC TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@karidriskell Website: https://www.KariDriskell.com

I know you love them. You want them to heal. You want them to feel better. But here’s the thing—grief is personal, and healing has to start with them. They have to take that first step.

I’ll explain why it’s important for grieving people to reach out on their own—and why me contacting them first just doesn’t work. Plus, I’ll share practical ways you can support them without pushing. 

If you’re struggling with how to help a grieving friend, this episode is for you. And if you are that grieving person—know this: You’re not alone. When you’re ready, I’m here.

✨ Grab your free eBook at karidriskell.com 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs it.

- - -

PSA: Kari Driskell is a certified Grief and Widow Coach, not a licensed therapist or counselor. As a remarried widow and mother of two, with experience as a middle school math teacher and a high-school football coach's wife, she brings a unique perspective to her podcast. Kari also is a recovering extrovert and a huge fan of Mexican food! This podcast reflects all of that. If you’re on board, we're thrilled to have you here! - - - ☎️ Sign up for your [FREE] Discovery Call with Kari here: https://KariDriskellLLC.as.me/discovery 💔 Get your [FREE] GRIEF SUPPORT EBOOKS here: https://www.karidriskell.com/free-grief-support-guides  ❤️ Learn [THE BEST] ways to work with Kari: https://www.karidriskell.com/all-products - - - Subscribe to The Grief Playbook YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@KariDriskell-GriefWidowCoach - - - Follow Me Here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grief.coach.karidriskell  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KariDriskellLLC TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@karidriskell Website: https://www.KariDriskell.com

Unresolved Grief is Weighing Down Your Relationships—Here’s How to Lighten the Load

Grief isn’t just sadness—it’s a heavy, emotional pile of unsaid words, unfinished business, regrets, and pain that you might not even realize you’re carrying. And guess what? That unresolved grief doesn’t just sit quietly in the background. It bleeds into your relationships—past, present, and future.

If you’re tired of carrying grief baggage into every area of your life, let’s talk. Go to karidriskell.com and book a call. And don’t forget to grab your free Grief Support Kit while you’re there!

👉 Listen now and start lightening the emotional load that’s been holding you back. 🎧

- - - PSA: Kari Driskell is a certified Grief and Widow Coach, not a licensed therapist or counselor. As a remarried widow and mother of two, with experience as a middle school math teacher and a high-school football coach's wife, she brings a unique perspective to her podcast. Kari also is a recovering extrovert and a huge fan of Mexican food! This podcast reflects all of that. If you’re on board, we're thrilled to have you here! - - - ☎️ Sign up for your [FREE] Discovery Call with Kari here: https://KariDriskellLLC.as.me/discovery 💔 Get your [FREE] GRIEF SUPPORT KIT here: https://www.karidriskell.com/grief-support-kit ❤️ Learn [THE BEST] ways to work with Kari: https://www.karidriskell.com/all-products - - - Subscribe to The Grief Playbook YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@KariDriskell-GriefWidowCoach - - - Follow Me Here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grief.coach.karidriskell  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KariDriskellLLC TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@karidriskell Website: https://www.KariDriskell.com

In this episode of The Grief Playbook Podcast, I’m diving into something deeply personal—the weight of hitting the eight-year mark since Eric died. This milestone hit differently, especially as I realized my daughter has now lived just as long without her dad as she did with him. The unfairness of it all? It’s real, and I want to share how grief keeps evolving in ways we don’t always expect.

But today, we’re also talking about identity changes in grief—because when your person dies, you don’t just lose them. You lose the version of you that existed with them. Suddenly, your titles, roles, and even your sense of self feel completely shaken. It’s what we call secondary losses, and they add a whole new layer of pain to the grief journey.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it. 💛

- - -

PSA: Kari Driskell is a certified Grief and Widow Coach, not a licensed therapist or counselor. As a remarried widow and mother of two, with experience as a middle school math teacher and a high-school football coach's wife, she brings a unique perspective to her podcast. Kari also is a recovering extrovert and a huge fan of Mexican food! This podcast reflects all of that. If you’re on board, we're thrilled to have you here! - - - ☎️ Sign up for your [FREE] Discovery Call with Kari here: https://KariDriskellLLC.as.me/discovery 💔 Get your [FREE] GRIEF SUPPORT KIT here: https://www.karidriskell.com/grief-support-kit ❤️ Learn [THE BEST] ways to work with Kari: https://www.karidriskell.com/all-products - - - Subscribe to The Grief Playbook YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@KariDriskell-GriefWidowCoach - - - Follow Me Here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grief.coach.karidriskell  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KariDriskellLLC TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@karidriskell Website: https://www.KariDriskell.com

Grief can feel impossibly heavy, and when loneliness creeps in, it makes the weight almost unbearable. In this episode of The Grief Playbook Podcast, Kari Driskell dives deep into the connection between grief and loneliness, exploring why the two so often go hand in hand and why the loneliness that comes with grief feels so uniquely painful.

If you're supporting a grieving friend, Kari also offers three essential tips to help you show up for them in meaningful ways.

You don’t have to face grief alone. Tune in for actionable advice and encouragement to navigate the lonely parts of grief. Plus, don’t forget to grab your free Grief Support Kit at www.KariDriskell.com — a resource designed to help you support yourself or someone you love through this journey.

Subscribe, share, and remember: You’re not alone, and you don’t have to do this by yourself.

- - -

PSA: Kari Driskell is a certified Grief and Widow Coach, not a licensed therapist or counselor. As a remarried widow and mother of two, with experience as a middle school math teacher and a high-school football coach's wife, she brings a unique perspective to her podcast. Kari also is a recovering extrovert and a huge fan of Mexican food! This podcast reflects all of that. If you’re on board, we're thrilled to have you here! - - - ☎️ Sign up for your [FREE] Discovery Call with Kari here: https://KariDriskellLLC.as.me/discovery 💔 Get your [FREE] GRIEF SUPPORT KIT here: https://www.karidriskell.com/grief-support-kit ❤️ Learn [THE BEST] ways to work with Kari: https://www.karidriskell.com/all-products - - - Subscribe to The Grief Playbook YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@KariDriskell-GriefWidowCoach - - - Follow Me Here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grief.coach.karidriskell  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KariDriskellLLC TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@karidriskell Website: https://www.KariDriskell.com

In this heartfelt episode of The Grief Playbook Podcast, host Kari Driskell reflects on 8 years since her husband Eric's death and shares the 8 biggest lessons she’s learned along the way. From heartbreak to healing, these lessons are all about living fully and intentionally, no matter what life throws at you.

Kari gets real about her personal journey, sharing raw moments of grief, resilience, and hope. Whether you’re navigating your own grief or looking for ways to support someone else, this episode offers powerful insights to inspire healing and remind you that life does go on—and it can be beautiful again.

💛 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

- - -

PSA: Kari Driskell is a certified Grief and Widow Coach, not a licensed therapist or counselor. As a remarried widow and mother of two, with experience as a middle school math teacher and a high-school football coach's wife, she brings a unique perspective to her podcast. Kari also is a recovering extrovert and a huge fan of Mexican food! This podcast reflects all of that. If you’re on board, we're thrilled to have you here! - - - ☎️ Sign up for your [FREE] Discovery Call with Kari here: https://KariDriskellLLC.as.me/discovery 💔 Get your [FREE] GRIEF SUPPORT KIT here: https://www.karidriskell.com/grief-support-kit ❤️ Learn [THE BEST] ways to work with Kari: https://www.karidriskell.com/all-products - - - Subscribe to The Grief Playbook YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@KariDriskell-GriefWidowCoach - - - Follow Me Here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grief.coach.karidriskell  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KariDriskellLLC TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@karidriskell Website: https://www.KariDriskell.com

In this episode of The Grief Playbook Podcast, host Kari Driskell dives into the topic of grief support groups. Are they the right fit for everyone? And how do you know when it’s time to join one—or move on?

Kari shares the benefits of grief groups - but she also explores the challenges, including why groups might not work for everyone.

You’ll learn:

• The questions to ask yourself before joining a grief group.

• How to recognize when you’ve outgrown one.

• Other ways to find support, including one-on-one connections, therapy, or self-guided healing practices.

Grief support groups can be a lifeline, but they’re not the only play in the book. Healing is about finding your rhythm, running your own plays, and stepping back into the game of life when you’re ready.

Tune in for honest insights and practical advice about navigating grief and finding what works best for you.

Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who might need it.

- - -

PSA: Kari Driskell is a certified Grief and Widow Coach, not a licensed therapist or counselor. As a remarried widow and mother of two, with experience as a middle school math teacher and a high-school football coach's wife, she brings a unique perspective to her podcast. Kari also is a recovering extrovert and a huge fan of Mexican food! This podcast reflects all of that. If you’re on board, we're thrilled to have you here! - - - ☎️ Sign up for your [FREE] Discovery Call with Kari here: https://KariDriskellLLC.as.me/discovery 💔 Get your [FREE] GRIEF SUPPORT KIT here: https://www.karidriskell.com/grief-support-kit ❤️ Learn [THE BEST] ways to work with Kari: https://www.karidriskell.com/all-products - - - Subscribe to The Grief Playbook YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@KariDriskell-GriefWidowCoach - - - Follow Me Here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grief.coach.karidriskell  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KariDriskellLLC TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@karidriskell Website: https://www.KariDriskell.com

In this episode of The Grief Playbook Podcast, host Kari Driskell dives into a topic that often doesn’t get enough attention: grieving the loss of a pet. Pets aren’t just animals—they’re family, companions, and a source of unconditional love. When we lose them, the grief can cut just as deep as losing a human loved one.

If you’re grieving the loss of a beloved pet, this episode is for you. Remember, you don’t have to walk this journey alone.

Subscribe to The Grief Playbook Podcast and join Kari as she guides you through the messy and painful parts of grief, helping you find healing and hope.

Listen now and take the next step in your healing journey.

- - -

PSA: Kari Driskell is a certified Grief and Widow Coach, not a licensed therapist or counselor. As a remarried widow and mother of two, with experience as a middle school math teacher and a high-school football coach's wife, she brings a unique perspective to her podcast. Kari also is a recovering extrovert and a huge fan of Mexican food! This podcast reflects all of that. If you’re on board, we're thrilled to have you here! - - - ☎️ Sign up for your [FREE] Discovery Call with Kari here: https://KariDriskellLLC.as.me/discovery 💔 Get your [FREE] GRIEF SUPPORT KIT here: https://www.karidriskell.com/grief-support-kit ❤️ Learn [THE BEST] ways to work with Kari: https://www.karidriskell.com/all-products - - - Subscribe to The Grief Playbook YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@KariDriskell-GriefWidowCoach - - - Follow Me Here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grief.coach.karidriskell  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KariDriskellLLC TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@karidriskell Website: https://www.KariDriskell.com

In this episode of The Grief Playbook Podcast, host Kari Driskell dives into the essential role of self-care during grief. Grief takes a toll on your heart, mind, and body, making self-care not a luxury but a necessity for survival.

Kari shares personal stories, including her first massage after her husband Eric's passing, and how small acts of care—like massages, saying no, or reducing responsibilities—helped her reclaim her strength. She emphasizes listening to your body, setting boundaries, and allowing others to help as ways to navigate the storm of grief.

Whether it's finding comfort in routines or working with a professional, Kari reminds us that self-care is an act of love for yourself. Tune in to learn practical tips and heartfelt insights to make self-care a priority on your healing journey.

Ready to take the next step? Visit karidriskell.com to connect with Kari and explore working with her.

- - - - - - PSA: Kari Driskell is a certified Grief and Widow Coach, not a licensed therapist or counselor. As a remarried widow and mother of two, with experience as a middle school math teacher and a high-school football coach's wife, she brings a unique perspective to her podcast. Kari also is a recovering extrovert and a huge fan of Mexican food! This podcast reflects all of that. If you’re on board, we're thrilled to have you here! - - - ☎️ Sign up for your [FREE] Discovery Call with Kari here: https://KariDriskellLLC.as.me/discovery 💔 Get your [FREE] GRIEF SUPPORT KIT here: https://www.karidriskell.com/grief-support-kit ❤️ Learn [THE BEST] ways to work with Kari: https://www.karidriskell.com/all-products - - -

ASK Kari: https://www.karidriskell.com/askkari - - - Follow Me Here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Grief.Coach.KariDriskell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KariDriskellLLC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karidriskell Website: https://www.KariDriskell.com