Podcast
Grief & Grit
Hosted by Greer Mendel & Simonie Levy · EN
Welcome to ”Grief & Grit: From Heartache to High-Fives with a Dash of Sass,” the podcast that turns the tables on traditional grief talks with a fresh, sassy spin. We dive into the messy, the awkward, and the downright hilarious aspects of dealing with loss because sometimes the best way to cope is with a little laughter and a lot of grit.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How to Show Up in Grief: Lessons from SupportNow CEO Jordan Arogeti
Nov 1100:57:01Tap to summarizeGreer and Simonie sit down with Jordan Arogeti, co-founder and CEO of SupportNow and host of the podcast Moms Like Me, to explore what it really means to show up for people in crisis. Jordan shares how a simple idea — born from countless “cash and casserole” moments during COVID — evolved into a platform that helps people offer meaningful, practical support during life’s hardest seasons. From organizing meal trains and errands to understanding her groundbreaking concept of Support Languages, Jordan reveals how each of us can learn to give support in ways that truly help instead of overwhelm. Together, they talk about: The psychology of decision fatigue in grief and why “How can I help?” isn’t always helpful Why small, consistent acts of kindness matter more than grand gestures How to earn a grieving friend’s trust and avoid the “vanishing friend” trap The importance of building a “village” before crisis strikes Greer and Jordan also reflect on their personal connection — how Greer’s own sudden loss helped shape the early vision for SupportNow — and the evolving language of compassion that can transform communities of care. ✨ Take the Support Languages quiz at supportlanguages.com and learn your personal support style. 🎧 And check out Jordan’s podcast, Moms Like Me, where she continues the conversation on motherhood, resilience, and the messy middle of life. Resources Mentioned: SupportNow.org supportlanguages.com Moms Like Me Podcast Follow SupportNow: SupportNow.org Instagram Facebook Follow Grief & Grit: Website Instagram TikTok Facebook Substack Support Our Work on Patreon: 🎁 Get access to behind-the-scenes content, bonus mini episodes, printable grief tools, and more. 👉 https://www.patreon.com/c/griefandgrit
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Finding Cushions After Suicide: Rachael Strauss on Sibling Loss and Stigma
Oct 600:49:42Tap to summarizeHow do you keep living after the unthinkable? In this episode of Grief & Grit, we sit down with Rachael Strauss, who shares the heartbreaking yet profoundly human story of losing her younger brother, Herschel Siegel, to suicide at just 24 years old. Rachael paints a vivid picture of Herschel’s vibrant, magnetic personality — and the painful reality of his mental health struggles, which deepened during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. She reflects on the shock and devastation of his death, and the conscious choice she made to seek out what she calls “cushions” — small mercies and silver linings hidden inside overwhelming grief. With raw honesty, Rachael talks about: Breaking the silence around suicide and challenging the stigma by being open about her family’s loss The unexpected ways her community showed up and supported her family Her personal coping strategies, from reframing anniversaries to celebrating Herschel’s life on his birthday Accepting that life after loss requires building “a new road” Now living in Toronto, Canada, Rachael, a dental hygienist and one of six siblings, has turned her personal tragedy into advocacy. By sharing her story, she encourages open conversations about mental health and suicide, offering comfort and connection to others walking a similar road. This episode is an invitation to witness one sister’s grief journey, her resilience, and her commitment to keeping her brother’s memory alive with love, honesty, and courage. 💛 If you or someone you love is in crisis, please dial 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Follow Grief & Grit: Instagram TikTok Facebook Website Support Our Work on Patreon: 🎁 Get access to behind-the-scenes content, bonus mini episodes, printable grief tools, and more. 👉 https://www.patreon.com/c/griefandgrit 💛 Reminder: If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.).
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Destigmatizing Suicide: A Mother’s Journey with Lynn Handmacher Chanin on Love, Loss, and Advocacy
Sep 1700:48:28Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Grief & Grit, we sit down with Lynn Handmacher Chanin, who lost her 16-year-old son Benjamin to suicide 15 years ago. With candor, strength, and grace, Lynn shares how she navigated the initial shock, the unbearable grief, and the long road toward healing. Through Ben’s story, Lynn challenges us to change the way we talk about suicide. She discusses the importance of language — why we should say “died by suicide” instead of “committed suicide” — and emphasizes that mental illness is just that: illness. Not weakness. Not shameful. And not a crime. We talk about how grief and joy can live side by side, how peer support saved her life, and how she found love again with someone who deeply understood her pain. Lynn is now a powerful voice in suicide prevention and mental health advocacy, working with Survivors of Suicide, AFSP, and launching culturally relevant programs like Through a Jewish Lens. This episode is a must-listen for anyone touched by suicide or walking alongside someone who is. In this episode, we discuss: Remembering Benjamin for who he was — not just how he died The language of suicide: why it matters The power of peer support and finding your people Surviving the aftermath of suicide loss Parenting while grieving Finding love again with someone who understands grief Creating culturally relevant resources for survivors Why silence can be dangerous — and how conversation saves lives Resources Mentioned: The Link Counseling Center – National Resource Center for Suicide Aftercare Survivors of Suicide (SOS) American Foundation for Suicide Prevention “When Bad Things Happen to Good People” by Harold Kushner 💛 If you or someone you love is in crisis, please dial 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Follow Grief & Grit: Instagram TikTok Facebook Website Support Our Work on Patreon: 🎁 Get access to behind-the-scenes content, bonus mini episodes, printable grief tools, and more. 👉 https://www.patreon.com/c/griefandgrit 💛 Reminder: If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.).
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Living After Suicide: Mitch Cohen on Love, Loss, and Healing After His Wife’s Death
Sep 1000:58:40Tap to summarizeSimonie and Greer sit down with Mitch Cohen, widower, rabbi, grief counselor, and co-author of Men in Grief: Stories of Growth Through Struggles with Trauma and Loss, for an intimate and vulnerable conversation about losing his wife, Suzette, by suicide. Mitch reflects on Suzette’s life, the challenges she faced as the child of Holocaust survivors, and the ways mental health, menopause, and silence around suicide shaped their family’s journey. He shares candidly about the guilt and questions that follow a suicide loss, the importance of therapy and support groups, and how he found new purpose by helping others as a facilitator for suicide survivor groups. This episode shines a light on the realities of suicide, grief, and resilience — while offering hope and community for anyone who has faced similar loss. If you or someone you love is struggling, please call or text 988 in the U.S. to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Show Notes Guest: Mitch Cohen, widower, rabbi, grief counselor, and author of Men in Grief: Stories of Growth Through Struggles with Trauma and Loss Resources mentioned: Mourning & Mitzvah by Anne Brener The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk The Link Counseling Center – National Resource Center for Suicide Aftercare American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Mitch's Book: Men in Grief: Stories of Growth Through Struggles with Trauma and Loss Mitch’s work at Compassionate Presence Follow Grief & Grit: Instagram TikTok Facebook Website Support Our Work on Patreon: 🎁 Get access to behind-the-scenes content, bonus mini episodes, printable grief tools, and more. 👉 https://www.patreon.com/c/griefandgrit 💛 Reminder: If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.).
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From Child Loss to Lifelong Legacy: How Ashley Jones Created the Momento Foundation
Aug 2900:44:26Tap to summarizeIn this powerful and heart-opening episode of Grief & Grit, Greer and Simonie sit down with Ashley Jones, photographer, author, and founder of the Momento Foundation. Ashley shares the deeply personal story of losing her daughter Skylar to SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) and how that loss led her to create an organization that offers terminal families the priceless gift of photography and remembrance. From grief and trauma to purpose and impact, Ashley walks us through her emotional journey—from sitting in painful silence with nothing but photographs of her daughter, to launching a nonprofit that trains photographers to compassionately serve families at end-of-life. You’ll hear about the healing power of legacy photos, how kids use portraits to stay connected to lost loved ones, and how Ashley’s upcoming book helps others navigate grief in a trauma-informed way. This is not just an episode about loss—it’s about legacy, presence, and the quiet ways love endures. Bring tissues, and maybe a warm blanket. This one’s tender. Resources Mentioned: Momento Foundation Website Momento on IG Momento on Facebook Ashley on IG When You Can’t See the Light (Ashley’s upcoming book) SupportNow.org Momento’s Photographer Application + Donation Opportunities Follow Ashley: LinkedIn Personal Website (coming soon): AshleyNicoleJones.com Follow Grief & Grit: Instagram TikTok Facebook Website Support Our Work on Patreon: 🎁 Get access to behind-the-scenes content, bonus mini episodes, printable grief tools, and more. 👉 https://www.patreon.com/c/griefandgrit
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One Year of Grief & Grit: From Heartache to Healing
Jul 2300:18:55Tap to summarizeWe’re turning one! 🥳 In this anniversary episode, co-hosts Greer and Simonie reflect on a full year of Grief & Grit — the laughs, the tears, and the behind-the-scenes chaos (yes, someone forgot to hit record… more than once). They share how the podcast began, what they’ve learned from each other and their guests, and how grief has shaped them, and this community. Whether you’ve been here since day one or just found us crying in your car (we’ve been there), this episode is our love letter to you. Thank you for listening, sharing, and walking this winding road with us. Here’s to more stories, more grit, and a lot more grace in year two. In This Episode: How Grief & Grit started with a conversation in a coffee shop ☕ The power of saying “yes” to uncomfortable, meaningful things What we’ve learned from sharing our grief publicly Funny flubs, tech fails, and our gratitude for Van (the unsung hero of the pod) Why normalizing grief still matters—and what’s next We Want to Hear From You: What topics do you want more of in year two? Solo episodes? Expert guests? More listener stories? Let us know at griefandgritpodcast@gmail.com or message us on social. Keep Showing Up: Follow, share, and leave a review if this show has meant something to you. We see you, we love you, and we’re in this together. Follow Grief & Grit on: Facebook, Instagram, and join the conversation on Substack
Transcribe →Summer Blues: Because Grief Doesn’t Take a Vacation
Jun 2500:34:50Tap to summarizeSummer is supposed to be all sunshine, pool days, and BBQs. But what happens when your grief doesn’t take a seasonal break? In this episode, Greer and Simonie talk candidly about the unexpected emotional weight summer can bring after loss. From sunscreen mishaps to solo parenting challenges, canceled travel traditions, and the haunting contrast between sunny skies and inner gloom, they unpack it all with honesty, heart, and a little humor. Whether you’re facing an anniversary, parenting through grief, or just feeling out of sync with the summer vibes, this conversation offers validation, encouragement, and a few practical ideas for making the season a little more bearable. In this episode, we cover: Why grief can feel even heavier in the summer Personal stories of poolside panic, July 4th parades, and parenting solo The emotional triggers of summer traditions, social media, and family vacations Strategies for surviving (and even enjoying) summer while grieving A simple, grief-friendly summer checklist to help ground you Follow Grief & Grit on: Facebook, Instagram, and join the conversation on Substack You’re not broken. You’re grieving. Hang in there. ☀️💛
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Grieving as a Dad: Kurt Moore on Loss, Parenting, and Legacy
Jun 1101:01:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with Kurt Moore, a widowed dad raising two kids while navigating life after the death of his wife, Emily. With both humor and honesty, Kurt shares how his personal history of grief—including losing his own father as a teenager—shaped the way he’s parented through unimaginable loss. We talk about how kids grieve—often saying the things adults are too afraid to admit—what it means to keep showing up even when you'd rather fall apart, and why legacy isn't just what we leave behind—it's something we live every day. Whether you’re a grieving parent, a friend supporting one, or just trying to make sense of your own grief story, Kurt’s perspective is a powerful reminder that there’s no one way through this—and you don’t have to go it alone. In this episode, we cover: The layers of grief across generations—and how they ripple forward Parenting while grieving (and the surprising things your kids might say) How Kurt’s wife, Emily, prepared a legacy of love for her children Blending grief with new love, and navigating community perceptions Showing up, breaking down, and starting again—imperfectly Resources Mentioned: Book: Atomic Habits If this episode touched you, please share it and leave us a review on Apple or Spotify 💛 Follow Grief & Grit on: Facebook, Instagram, and join the conversation on Substack
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What NOT to Say to a Griever (Navigating Words That Hurt and Help)
May 13, 202500:38:04Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Grief & Grit, Greer and Simonie dive into a topic that every griever has faced: the well-meaning but hurtful things people say after a loss. They discuss why some common phrases — like “everything happens for a reason” or “they’re in a better place” — can feel dismissive and painful. Greer and Simonie share personal stories, including Greer’s reflections on the fourth anniversary of Jarrod’s passing. They also address the challenge of balancing grief with life’s ongoing changes and how sometimes just being present is more powerful than saying the “right” thing. Listeners will gain insight into: Why some phrases meant to comfort can feel hurtful How to be more supportive to someone experiencing loss Practical ways to “show up” without overwhelming a griever Tips for allowing space and following the lead of the person grieving Whether you’ve been on the receiving end of thoughtless comments or want to support someone going through a loss, this episode offers practical guidance and a compassionate perspective on navigating these sensitive interactions. Resources Mentioned: Book: The Rabbit Listened Movie: Coco If this episode touched you, please share it and leave us a review on Apple or Spotify 💛 Follow Grief & Grit on: Facebook, Instagram, and join the conversation on Substack
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Reclaim & Reboot: Divorce, Identity, and Moving Forward with Justin Milrad
Apr 30, 202500:52:29Tap to summarizeGrief doesn’t always stem from death. Sometimes, it’s the end of a marriage, the loss of a dream, or the shift in your identity that brings you to your knees. In this episode of Grief & Grit, we sit down with Justin Milrad, a divorce coach, father, and someone who has experienced the pain of divorce firsthand. Divorce is a kind of grief that isn’t often talked about in the same way as other losses, but it’s no less real. It's the loss of a shared dream, a future once envisioned, and a way of life that no longer exists. Justin shares his personal journey through the end of his marriage, the emotional fallout, and the ways grief showed up in his day-to-day life—from identity loss to parenting challenges. But this isn’t just a story of heartbreak. It’s a story of rebuilding. Of choosing growth, bit by bit. Of finding your footing after the foundation shifts. And of helping others do the same. Whether you’re in the thick of a breakup, standing on the other side of it, or supporting someone who’s navigating divorce, this conversation is a reminder that healing is possible—even if it’s messy, nonlinear, and full of unexpected detours. You’ll hear about practical tools, the power of perspective, and the grit it takes to reclaim joy, one tiny choice at a time. Highlighted Topics: How divorce grief mirrors death-related grief Loss of identity and family unit post-divorce Ambiguous loss: grieving a person who’s still physically present The role of radical acceptance and choosing joy Why divorce coaching is different from therapy—and why both matter Daily practices to shift from grief brain to growth brain Justin’s “3-2-1” exercise for healing and accountability Music as a surprising tool for emotional release The power of community and finding “your people” Supporting friends through divorce—what to say (and what not to) How to know when you’re ready to date again Reclaiming your story and identity after divorce Resources Mentioned: Website: reclaimandreboot.me Facebook: @ReclaimAndReboot Instagram: @reclaimandreboot.me LinkedIn: Reclaim & Reboot Divorce Coaching Learn more about Justin’s work and his upcoming book (May 2025), You 2.0 – https://reclaimandreboot.me/ If this episode touched you, please share it and leave us a review on Apple or Spotify 💛 Follow Grief & Grit on: Facebook, Instagram, and join the conversation on Substack
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