Podcast Summary: A Place of Yes | A Grief Podcast

Episode: Gratitude, Grief, and What’s Ahead on A Place of Yes

Host: Heather Straughter (Jake's Help From Heaven)
Date: November 26, 2025

Episode Overview

This special episode, released the day before Thanksgiving, pauses the regular schedule for a heartfelt solo reflection by host Heather Straughter. Recognizing the heightened emotions that can come with the holiday season, Heather expresses gratitude for her listeners while candidly acknowledging the complexity of balancing gratitude with ongoing grief. The episode offers comfort, solidarity, and a glimpse at what's ahead for the podcast, including future guests and meaningful topics.

Key Themes & Discussion Points

Navigating Holidays with Grief

• Heather opens up about the challenges of the holiday season for those grieving, speaking candidly about her personal experience and emotional dissonance.
  • "This time of year is always hard. And as much as I try to stay grounded in gratitude, it's hard when grief is always right next to me." (00:44)
  • She emphasizes the legitimacy of mixed emotions during the holidays, reminding listeners: "I can be excited for Thanksgiving and still miss Jake. I can be grateful to be here with my family and be all together and still notice that he's missing. It all is true." (01:10)

Validation & Compassion

• Heather reassures listeners that it’s normal for feelings to be "messy" and sometimes conflicting around the holidays.
  • "If this week feels heavy for you, you're not alone. I totally get it. Make sure you take the time to rest, give yourself grace..." (01:26)
  • She also encourages those who are feeling good to "enjoy it guilt free." (01:33)

Looking Ahead: A Sneak Peek at Upcoming Episodes

• Heather shares her enthusiasm for the forthcoming conversations, specifically highlighting an upcoming episode featuring her close friend and recurring guest, Brian.
  • "I'm super excited about next week's episode. Brian's back. ...this one is so much fun. We take turns asking each other questions. ...The conversation's super honest. It's super tender." (01:38)
  • The next episode coincides with the 15th anniversary of Jake's passing, adding further poignancy.

Sneak Peek: Brian Reflects on Jake’s Influence

• Brief audio from the upcoming episode features Brian discussing how Jake’s legacy continues through the foundation Jake’s Help From Heaven:
  • Brian: "When I share how much we've been able to support members of our community and, you know, we're doing it in Jake's name, it is astonishing, the fact that we have been able to give." (02:14)
  • Heather: "Away close to $1.8 million." (02:28)
  • Brian: "A lot of our donations are smaller donations. And, you know, it's because people care about the work that we're doing, and we're able to do it, you know, to help individuals that were like Jake." (02:31)

Upcoming Season Highlights

• Heather teases a diverse range of future guests and heartfelt conversations:
  • A grief counselor
  • A veterinarian specializing in pet euthanasia
  • A grieving father who started Ainslie's Angels
  • A mother who facilitates grief retreats
• She reflects on the learning and growth these conversations bring to herself and the show, saying:
  • "I have learned something from every guest...things that help me both as a grieving mom, but also to make this show better." (03:01)

Listener Connection & Community

• Heather invites feedback, ideas, and guest suggestions from listeners, reinforcing a sense of community and shared purpose.
  • "If you listen to this show, whether you've listened to all or just a few, I would love to hear from you. ...If you have ideas for future guests, if there's something you'd like us to focus on...I'd love to hear it." (03:30)
  • She ends with: "Thanks for being here. I'm grateful for you." (03:48)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “This time of year is always hard. And as much as I try to stay grounded in gratitude, it's hard when grief is always right next to me.”
  — Heather Straughter (00:44)
• "I can be excited for Thanksgiving and still miss Jake. ...It all is true."
  — Heather Straughter (01:10)
• “When I share how much we've been able to support members of our community and, you know, we're doing it in Jake's name, it is astonishing, the fact that we have been able to give.”
  — Brian (02:14)
• "Away close to $1.8 million."
  — Heather Straughter (02:28)
• "If this week feels heavy for you, you're not alone. I totally get it. Make sure you take the time to rest, give yourself grace..."
  — Heather Straughter (01:26)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:44 – 01:26: Coping with grief and gratitude during the holidays
• 01:38 – 02:50: Sneak peek of next week’s guest episode with Brian; reflecting on Jake’s legacy
• 02:50 – 03:30: Preview of upcoming guests and meaningful lessons from recent conversations
• 03:30 – 03:48: Invitation for listener engagement and gratitude

Tone & Takeaway

With warmth, vulnerability, and honesty, Heather gently guides listeners through the emotional landscape of holiday grief, offering validation for all feelings while highlighting hope and ongoing connection. The episode mirrors the podcast’s mission: to create a place of yes—a space where pain and gratitude can coexist and healing can begin, together.