
Hosted by Susan Ways · EN
In this thoughtful and deeply grounded episode, I sit down with Gyani Richards, MA—a grief counselor, Certified Grief Educator, and lifelong student of meditation and wisdom traditions—to explore what it truly means to live with grief over a lifetime. Gyani's path into grief work began early, following the death of his father when he was just 13 years old. That loss set him on a lifelong journey of inquiry—one that led him into meditation, Eastern and Western wisdom traditions, martial arts, and ultimately the field of grief counseling. With over 40 years of personal practice and professional experience, Gyani brings a calm, compassionate, and deeply human presence to conversations about loss. In this episode, we talk about grief not as something to "get over," but as an experience that unfolds, evolves, and teaches us over time. Gyani shares how meditation, embodied awareness, and spiritual inquiry can support grievers without bypassing pain or forcing healing. Drawing from his background in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology, Aikido, and grief education, he offers insights into how grief lives in the body, how presence can soften suffering, and why meaning-making is a deeply personal process. Together, we explore themes such as: Early loss and its lifelong impact Grief as a teacher rather than a problem to solve Meditation and mindfulness in grief support The role of embodiment and movement in healing Integrating wisdom traditions with modern grief counseling Learning to meet grief with curiosity, compassion, and patience This conversation is especially meaningful for those seeking a quieter, more contemplative approach to grief—one that honors sorrow while gently opening space for growth, insight, and resilience. Whether you're newly grieving or decades into your loss, this episode offers reassurance that grief does not mean you are broken—and that wisdom, presence, and healing can emerge when we learn to walk alongside it. Episode Highlights grief counselor interview living with grief grief and mindfulness grief and meditation navigating grief and loss embodied grief healing grief as a lifelong journey grief support podcast Know Gyani Richards Website at www.ourgriefpath.com YouTube at https://youtu.be/3Y0F5IPcWO4 Substack at https://gyanirichards.substack.com/p/grief-and-aikido-relaxing-under-pressure Did you enjoy today's episode? Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being. Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!

In this episode of Tendrils of Grief, we are honored to welcome Kelly Daugherty, a seasoned social worker with over two decades of clinical experience and a Fellow in Thanatology: the study of death, dying, and bereavement. Based in Malta, NY, Kelly is the founder of Greater Life Grief Counseling and the Center for Informed Grief, LLC. Her personal journey with grief began as a teenager following the loss of her mother to breast cancer, inspiring her lifelong dedication to supporting individuals navigating the complexities of grief. Kelly's mission extends beyond individual support to creating a more grief-informed society. Through the Center for Informed Grief, she provides tools and training for educators, therapists, and communities, ensuring that no one faces their grief alone. Additionally, as co-owner of Healing Strides, LLC, Kelly combines emotional and physical well-being through a unique seven-week program that pairs therapeutic grief groups with 5K race training. She is also the co-author of several impactful books, including The Grief Experience: Tools for Acceptance, Resilience, and Connection. Join us for an insightful conversation as Kelly shares her professional expertise, personal experiences, and her innovative approach to grief support. Whether you're navigating your own grief journey or supporting someone else, this episode offers valuable tools and inspiration for healing, growth, and resilience. Tune in now to learn from Kelly's profound insights and compassionate perspective on grief and healing. Episode Highlights Grief counseling resources Thanatology expert Kelly Daugherty grief specialist Center for Informed Grief Grief-informed society Therapeutic grief programs Healing through running programs Greater Life Grief Counseling Grief support tools and techniques Navigating grief and loss Grief-informed education and training Holistic approaches to grief support Coping with the loss of a loved one Emotional and physical healing programs Grief books and resources Kelly Daugherty grief counseling books Healing Strides grief program Personal growth through grief Resilience after loss Professional grief training for therapists Connect with Kelly https://linktr.ee/kellydaugherty Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!

In this deeply grounding episode of Tendrils of Grief, I'm joined by Sheena Nancy Sarles—lifelong student of well-being, certified yoga teacher, author, and creator of Yoga for Living with Loss™—for a powerful conversation about grief as an embodied experience and the wisdom of learning to live with loss rather than trying to heal or fix it. After the profound losses of her parents, sister, and best friend, Sheena began to notice what many grievers intuitively feel but rarely hear validated: grief doesn't only live in the heart or mind—it congests in the body. Through years of personal practice, teaching, and grief-centered workshops, she integrated yoga, chakra-based awareness, and somatic presence into a compassionate approach that honors grief as a lifelong companion. In this episode, Sheena shares how Yoga for Living with Loss™ was born—not as a method to "move on," but as a way to gently reconnect with the body, breath, and spirit when grief overwhelms the nervous system. We explore how traditional grief narratives often bypass the body, why stillness can feel unsafe for the bereaved, and how intentional movement can create moments of grounding, safety, and self-trust. Together, we reflect on themes including: Why grief is not something to heal, but something to live alongside How trauma and loss are stored in the body The role of chakras and energy centers in grief awareness Yoga as a non-verbal language for sorrow Creating space for grief without spiritual bypassing Reclaiming connection to the body after profound loss Sheena also speaks about sharing this work globally—from BaliSpirit Festival to grief centers, healthcare conferences, and studios—along with her journey as an author, former communications and fundraising professional, and creator of holistic wellness offerings. This episode is an invitation to slow down, soften, and listen inward—to recognize that even in grief, the body holds wisdom, memory, and the quiet possibility of presence. Whether you are newly bereaved or years into your loss, this conversation offers permission to stop striving, to stop fixing, and to begin living gently alongside your grief. Episode Highlights yoga for grief grief in the body embodied grief healing somatic grief support living with loss grief and the nervous system yoga for loss and trauma grief yoga practice grief support through movement Know Sheena Nancy Sarles More information is available at www.yogaforlivingwithloss.com Did you enjoy today's episode? Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being. Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!

In this deeply moving episode of Tendrils of Grief, I sit down with Ksenia Merck—artist, architect, and creative storyteller—to explore how love, creativity, and spiritual connection continue long after loss. Ksenia shares her powerful grief journey following the death of her husband, William F. Merck II, and how honoring his final wish led her to bring his genre-blending science fiction novel, Ghost Flower, to life through posthumous publication and her own original illustrations. What unfolds is an intimate conversation about enduring bonds, creative healing, and the unseen ways our loved ones remain present. Together, Ksenia and I reflect on caregiving, compounded loss, spiritual communication, and how grief reshapes purpose over time. She opens up about caring for her mother until age 102, navigating trauma within the hospital system, and discovering that creativity became both her refuge and her bridge to continued connection with her husband. In this episode, we gently explore themes such as: Continuing bonds after death Spiritual signs and intuitive communication with loved ones Grief as a lifelong companion, not something to "get over" Creative expression as a path to healing Trusting inner guidance and making meaning after loss With compassion, honesty, and hope, this conversation is a reminder that grief does not end love—and that connection, creativity, and faith can help illuminate a path forward, even in the darkest seasons. Whether you're early in your grief journey or years into it, this episode offers reassurance that you're not imagining your connection, you're not grieving wrong, and you are not alone. Know Ksenia J. Merck Website : https://www.merckiipress.com/ LinkedIn : Ksenia Merck Facebook : Merck II Press Instagram: merck2press Did you enjoy today's episode? Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being. Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!

In today's episode with Karen Roldan, a licensed funeral director, embalmer, and the creator of Behind the Funeral, to pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood industries in our lives — death care. With nearly twenty years of experience and a deep respect for the families she serves, Karen brings honesty, compassion, and clarity to conversations many of us avoid until we're forced to have them. As a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science and a licensed professional in funeral services, cremation, pre-need planning, and cemetery property, Karen offers a rare insider perspective on what really happens behind the scenes after a death. Through Behind the Funeral, Karen is changing how we talk about grief, funerals, and end-of-life planning — dismantling myths, answering hard questions, and humanizing a profession often surrounded by fear and silence. In our conversation, we explore what families should know before making arrangements, why transparency matters in death care, and how understanding the process can bring peace during some of life's most difficult moments. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating loss, planning ahead, or simply wanting a more honest and informed relationship with death — because the conversations we avoid are often the ones that heal us most. Episode Highlights The Death-Positive Movement Transparency in the Funeral Industry End-of-Life Planning for Millennials & Gen X Normalizing Conversations About Death Grief Education vs Grief Avoidance Ethical Funeral Practices Pre-Planning Funerals & Cremation Humanizing the Death-Care Profession Funeral Industry Myths Debunked Emotional Support During Funeral Planning Death Literacy & Public Education Digital Memorials & Modern Grief Rituals Consumer Advocacy in Funeral Services Trauma-Informed Death Care Cultural Shifts in How We Honor the Dead funeral director insights death care industry explained behind the funeral process funeral planning guide cremation vs burial explained end-of-life planning education funeral myths and truths grief and funeral services death care transparency licensed funeral director advice pre-need funeral planning what happens after death funeral costs explained compassionate funeral care talking about death and grief modern funeral practices behind the scenes funeral home death positive movement understanding cremation process how funerals really work Know Karen Roldan Visit behindthefuneral.com to learn more. karen@behindthefuneral.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenroldanaasfsp/ Did you enjoy today's episode? Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being. Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!

Today I sit down with Kyle Kittleson, the on-camera host for MedCircle, known for making complex mental health topics accessible through thoughtful, compassionate conversations. Kyle opens up about his personal grief journey after losing his mother as a teenager and how unprocessed loss shaped his emotional world for years. Drawing from both lived experience and thousands of interviews with leading mental health experts, Kyle shares powerful insights on grief, trauma, emotional healing, and rebuilding life after loss. We talk about why there's no "right" way to grieve, how avoidance quietly impacts healing, and what it truly means to work with grief rather than against it. This conversation offers grounded wisdom, hope, and practical tools for anyone navigating bereavement, supporting a loved one, or seeking a deeper understanding of mental health and grief. Episode Highlights Kyle Kittleson MedCircle grief and mental health podcast losing a parent as a teenager childhood grief and trauma unprocessed grief healing navigating grief after loss grief and emotional avoidance mental health education podcast understanding grief and trauma healing after loss journey how grief affects mental health coping with grief after losing a mother grief recovery without timelines working with grief instead of avoiding it emotional healing after bereavement grief conversations with mental health experts making sense of loss and trauma grief support through mental health education Know Kyle Kittleson About MedCircle: While treatment, medication, and therapy are all crucial components to mental wellness, the often forgotten step to optimal mental health is preventative mental health care – for you and others. MedCircle believes that people who become highly educated about mental health can improve both their lives and the lives of the people around them. MedCircle provides access to the world's greatest minds in mental health through engaging interview-style video series, virtual live Workshops, and in-depth articles on important mental health topics. MedCircle's award-winning video library gives you "behind-the-scenes" insight from the most sought after psychologists and psychiatrists. You'll learn what certain diagnoses entail and get unprecedented insight into the processes experienced doctors use to diagnose them. You'll also understand treatment options along with the risks and benefits each doctor considers, and how they go about prescribing a treatment, therapy and/or medication. Become a MedCircle Member today: https://medcircle.com/ Did you enjoy today's episode? Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being. Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!

In today's episode of the Tendrils of Grief podcast, we are joined by David Woods Bartley, a man who has faced both incredible successes and profound challenges. David's journey has taken him from leading a nationally recognized nonprofit to battling severe depression and surviving a suicide attempt. Through his own recovery, David has become a passionate advocate for mental health, shining a light on issues like suicide, male sexual trauma, and mental illness. With certifications in Mental Health First Aid, SafeTALK, and QPR suicide prevention, David is committed to moving these critical conversations from the shadows into the public eye. David has delivered over 800 presentations worldwide, including TED talks, where he shares his message of hope and resilience. Join us as David discusses his journey from "mental hellness" to wellness, and his ongoing mission to help others find healing and strength in the face of adversity. Episode Highlights · Suicide Prevention · Male Sexual Trauma Awareness · Clinical Depression Recovery · Mental Health First Aid · TED Talks on Mental Health · SafeTALK Certification · QPR Suicide Prevention · Resilience in Mental Health · Servant Leadership in Mental Wellness · Overcoming Childhood Trauma · Suicide Awareness and Support · Mental Wellness Journey · Public Speaking on Mental Health · Trauma-Informed Care · Breaking Mental Health Stigmas · Mental Health in 2024: Emerging Trends and Strategies · The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in Male Populations · Suicide Prevention Initiatives and their Impact · The Role of Resilience in Mental Health Recovery · The Global Mental Health Crisis: What Can Be Done? · From Darkness to Light: Inspiring Stories of Overcoming Mental Illness · How Trauma Affects Mental Health and Recovery Processes · The Future of Mental Health Advocacy: Moving Conversations Forward · Effective Tools and Techniques for Suicide Prevention · The Power of Storytelling in Healing from Trauma Know more About David Woods Bartley FACEBOOK : https://www.facebook.com/david.w.bartley.5 LIKEDIN : https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-woods-bartley-96325512/ INSTAGRAM : https://www.instagram.com/davidwoodsbartley/ CHECK HIM OUT https://www.ted.com/talks/david_woods_bartley_how_connection_saved_my_life?trigger=5s https://www.ted.com/talks/david_woods_bartley_how_to_save_a_life_by_sitting_down?trigger=5s Did you enjoy today’s episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don’t forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss To subscribe and review use one links of the...

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Dr. Kimberly Harms—a woman of extraordinary resilience and wisdom. From a distinguished 30-year career in dentistry to navigating unimaginable personal losses, Dr. Harms shares her remarkable journey of transformation, healing, and hope. After losing her ability to practice dentistry due to nerve damage, Kim pivoted her life’s work to support others through grief and major life transitions. With grace and compassion, she reflects on the suicides of her mother and son, and the death of her beloved husband—losses that reshaped her purpose and fueled her calling as a grief counselor, death doula, and international speaker. Dr. Harms also shares how her son's legacy lives on through the 65 Eric Harms Memorial Libraries in Rwanda—built in partnership with Books for Africa—creating lasting change through education and hope. Whether you're navigating your own grief or supporting someone through theirs, this episode offers powerful lessons in resilience, faith, and turning pain into purpose. Episode Highlights grief transformation stories grief support for widows overcoming loss and trauma death doula experiences Dr. Kimberly Harms grief healing after suicide loss legacy after loss widow support groups grief coaching for Baby Boomers Books for Africa libraries faith-based grief healing female grief speakers life after loss inspiration grief and legacy planning turning pain into purpose Know Dr. Kim Harms More Website https://www.drkimberlyharms.com/ Did you enjoy today’s episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don’t forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!

In today’s solo episode, I open up about the ongoing evolution of my grief journey after losing my husband, Paul. I reflect on how my grief has shifted over time—from a gaping wound to a quiet, ever-present companion. It hasn’t been easy. The emotional challenges, the deep inner work, and the conscious choices I’ve had to make are all part of this path toward finding moments of peace and even joy. I share from the heart about how grief transforms as life moves forward, how healing doesn’t mean forgetting, and why it’s so important to honor your own unique process. Whether you’re just beginning your grief journey or have been walking it for years, I hope this episode brings you comfort, understanding, and a reminder that healing is possible—even when it feels out of reach. Episode Highlights Long-term effects of grief and trauma Mindfulness and emotional healing Grief and personal transformation Solo reflections in mental health podcasts Neuroplasticity and grief recovery Grief narratives and storytelling Mental wellness in widowhood Sustainable self-care in emotional healing Creating meaning after loss Podcasting as a healing platform Top Alternatives to Talk Therapy for Trauma Recovery grief healing journey 2025 how grief changes over time evolving through grief solo podcast on grief grief after losing a spouse long-term grief support emotional resilience in grief grief transformation podcast mindful grief practices living with loss hope after loss processing grief in 2025 solo grieving podcast episode grief podcast for widows personal stories of grief Did you enjoy today’s episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don’t forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!

In this powerful episode of the Tendrils of Grief podcast, we are joined by Todd and Gina Goodwin, board-certified members of the National Guild of Hypnotists and the dynamic duo behind Goodwin Hypnosis. With over 15 years of experience, Todd and Gina have helped thousands of people overcome emotional and behavioral struggles stemming from unresolved trauma. Specializing in trauma-informed care, the Goodwins utilize evidence-based, neuroscience-aligned hypnosis techniques to help clients break free from negative patterns, unwanted habits, and lingering emotional pain. Through private sessions and online programs like The Liberated Mind Project and Break the Chains of Smoking, they empower individuals to regain control of their mental and emotional well-being. Join us as Todd and Gina share their unique approach to healing, discuss the science behind hypnosis, and offer hope to those who feel stuck in their grief or trauma. If you're seeking practical tools for transformation outside of traditional therapy, this conversation is for you. Episode Highlights trauma-informed hypnosis healing trauma without therapy neuroscience-based hypnosis emotional healing techniques 2025 alternative trauma recovery hypnotic healing for grief evidence-based hypnosis methods stop smoking with hypnosis 2025 trauma release hypnosis programs digital healing programs for mental health subconscious mind healing grief and trauma transformation online hypnosis for anxiety non-therapy emotional support hypnosis for habit change Neuroscience Meets Hypnosis: The Future of Trauma Healing The Rise of Digital Hypnosis Therapy Programs Breaking Free from Trauma Without Traditional Therapy How Hypnosis Is Reshaping Mental Health Care Trauma-Informed Coaching: A New Path to Emotional Wellness Rewiring the Brain for Healing: The Science Behind Hypnosis Quitting Smoking Through Subconscious Reprogramming The Role of Hypnosis in Grief and Habit Recovery Healing Emotional Pain Without Reliving Trauma Top Alternatives to Talk Therapy for Trauma Recovery Connect with Todd and Gina Website : https://goodwinhypnosis.com/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@GoodwinHypnosis/about Todd's LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddgoodwinhypnotist/ Did you enjoy today’s episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don’t forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!