Podcast
Turning Grief into Growth: The Journey of Transformation
Hosted by Greg Jacobs and Don Lipstein · EN
Come join Greg Jacobs and Don Lipstein on this journey of transformation as we explore what it truly means to turn grief into growth. Both Greg and Don are fathers who have lost sons, and together they share the realities of their paths—both the deep pitfalls and the unexpected triumphs.
This podcast walks alongside anyone experiencing grief, no matter what your relationship to the one you’ve lost or the circumstances of their passing. Our hope is that as you journey with us, you’ll find space to heal, to grow, and to feel the strength of shared companionship along the way.
You can email us with feedback at: TurningGriefIntoGrowth@Gmail.com
Discover more about who we are by visiting our websites:
Greg Jacobs: www.yourdadforever.com
Don Lipstein: www.imaginefamilyrecovery.net
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode #27-Man in the Mirror
6d ago00:28:23Tap to summarize"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Don and Greg explore what it means to engage in self-reflection and attempt to define what progress truly looks like throughout one’s grief journey. They share how vulnerability and authenticity are absolutely essential in determining the path forward, fostering growth, and recognizing when it is necessary to ask for help.Grief is not a linear path; it often zigzags in unexpected directions. At times, it may feel like two steps forward and one step back. However, when evaluating yourself in the mirror, do not simply focus on the person staring back at you today compared to yesterday. Instead, take a journey back in time to recognize how far you have already come, while also considering how much further you hope to grow and heal along the way.
Transcribe →Episode #26-Choices
2w ago00:33:17Tap to summarize"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Greg and Don discuss what it means to make choices throughout the grief journey. Some choices may lead toward healing and long-term growth, while others can prove unsustainable over time. While they avoid taking a one-size-fits-all approach to grief, they explore several foundational principles that can help guide healthier decisions along the way. They also discuss how choosing to pause, avoid, or remain stuck in grief is, in itself, a choice. Although life is filled with decisions, the grief journey often confronts us with some of the heaviest and most difficult choices we will ever face.
Transcribe →Episode #25-Robyn Houston-Bean
3w ago00:40:35Tap to summarize"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Robyn Houston-Bean shares the growth she has experienced throughout her grief journey following the loss of her son, Nick, who passed away from an overdose on May 23, 2015. Robyn is the founder of The Sun Will Rise in Massachusetts, an organization dedicated to creating and facilitating safe spaces for peer support groups for individuals experiencing various types of loss.Robyn reflects on how, prior to Nick’s passing, she had never truly experienced grief. Encouraged by her sister, she took the first step off the couch and attended a peer support group—an experience that would become foundational in her healing. As she puts it, “I didn’t need fixing; I needed someone to listen.”To learn more about Robyn and the impactful work she is doing, visit www.thesunwillrise.org.
Transcribe →Episode #24-Franklin Cook
4w ago00:42:35Tap to summarize"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Franklin Cook shares the story of losing his father to suicide in November 1978, following a lifetime struggle with daily alcohol use. He reflects on his own journey with substance use, including years spent in and out of rehab, and the limited attention given to grief as part of the recovery process.Recognizing this gap, Franklin went on to found SADOD (Support After Death by Overdose), an organization dedicated to supporting those navigating loss and recovery. You can learn more about this work at www.recoveryandgrief-ma.org.
Transcribe →Episode #23-Larry Carlat
Apr 3000:38:17Tap to summarize"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Larry Carlat joins us to share his story and discuss his book, A Space in the Heart: A Survival Guide for Grieving Parents. Larry opens up about the loss of his son, Robbie, who died by suicide on February 6, 2019—over seven years ago. Robbie faced struggles with alcoholism, bipolar disorder, and complex emotions surrounding his adoption.Through his journey, Larry offers a powerful perspective: “Life is about choice. We can choose to be happy and have joy. There is always hope—we just have to look for it, embrace it, and never let go.”Larry also shares that while he has been a guest on more than 50 podcasts, Don and I are the only two fathers he knows who host a podcast dedicated specifically to grief.
Transcribe →Episode #22-Putting The Work In
Apr 2300:35:52Tap to summarize"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Greg and Don explore what it truly means to “put the work in” on a grief journey. They acknowledge that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach—grief is deeply personal, and the path forward looks different for everyone. Still, they highlight several practices that many have found helpful in fostering growth: staying connected to one’s emotions, engaging with others who have experienced similar loss or trauma, and prioritizing self-care through exercise, healthy eating, and meditation or prayer.They also reflect on the meaningful ways people choose to honor and remember their loved ones—whether through visiting a gravesite or urn, creating foundations or scholarship funds, advocating for legislative change, mentoring others, or finding other personal expressions of remembrance.
Transcribe →Episode #21-Rebecca Mullaney
Apr 1600:44:29Tap to summarize"Send us a Comment"In this episode, we are joined by Rebecca Mullaney, a licensed psychotherapist from North Carolina. Rebecca shares her deeply personal grief journey following the loss of her husband, Captain Ian Morrison, who died by suicide on March 21, 2012. At the time, Rebecca was just 24, and Ian was 26.She opens up about the early days of her loss—pouring her love and energy into her dog, Daisy, and committing to daily counseling and group therapy throughout the first year. Rebecca speaks candidly about the depth of her depression and the intentional work it took to begin climbing out of that dark place—work she continues to this day, 14 years later.Rebecca also shares how life has grown around her grief. She is now remarried to Brennan, and together they have a three-year-old son, Harrison Samuel.She leaves us with a powerful reminder: the importance of setting “loose goals” in grief—allowing space for flexibility, while taking small, steady steps forward. Rebecca encourages listeners to discover what truly helps them on their own path and to honor that journey in their own way.
Transcribe →Episode #20-Ben Harris
Apr 900:44:13Tap to summarize"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Ben Harris joins us to share his complex and compounding journey through grief. He reflects on the loss of his father, Phil, to a heart attack on 11/10/01; his younger brother Christopher, who died from a drug overdose on 11/17/05; and his brother Michael, who died by suicide on 02/06/12 after struggling with mental health challenges following his service as a Marine in Afghanistan.Ben speaks candidly about the habits and coping mechanisms we develop in grief—some that sustain us, and others that ultimately do not. He reminds us that while grief requires us to feel it in order to heal, it is not meant to be endless suffering. Through intentional practices like gratitude and serving others, we can begin to find purpose and healing along the way.To learn more about Ben and his work, visit www.siblingstrong.online
Transcribe →Episode #19-Capacity
Apr 200:32:30Tap to summarize"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Don and Greg discuss the concept of capacity and the impact that taking on too many obligations can have on our lives in a negative way. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a reserve in order to serve, recognizing that we cannot effectively care for others if we are running on empty ourselves. The conversation also explores the role of mental hygiene and self-care as essential practices for staying whole, healthy, and capable of supporting the people in our lives.
Transcribe →Episode #18-Chaplain Col William R. Spencer
Mar 2600:50:21Tap to summarize"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Chaplain Colonel William R. Spencer, Director of Staff and Chief, Space Religious Affairs, Headquarters United States Air Force, Office of the Chief of Chaplains, stationed at the Pentagon, reflects on his 27 years of service as a military chaplain. He emphasizes the vital role of community and self-care for both those who are grieving and those tasked with delivering traumatic news. “Spence” also speaks about the importance of protecting religious freedom within the military ranks and maintaining the strict confidentiality that comes with conversations with service members. Throughout the discussion, he shares the deeply personal nature of his calling and the profound seriousness with which he approaches his role.
Transcribe →