Grief 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/

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Reclaim & Reboot: Divorce, Identity, and Moving Forward with Justin Milrad