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
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode #34-Mentorship
5d ago00:34:56Tap to summarize"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Greg and Don discuss the importance of putting service above self. While not everyone is at a place in their grief journey where they are ready to mentor or support others, many eventually reach that point. Companioning—walking alongside someone in their grief—can be one of the most meaningful ways to serve, but it can also be emotionally demanding. That's why modeling healthy self-care is essential before trying to care for others.The conversation explores how sharing your own story of loss can establish credibility and build trust at the beginning of a relationship. From there, Greg and Don discuss the importance of "priming the pump" by offering pieces of your own grief journey while intentionally shifting the focus to the other person. By asking thoughtful, open-ended questions and listening well, mentors create a safe space where those they are supporting can do most of the talking, share what is on their hearts, and process what they are experiencing.
Transcribe →Episode #33-Steve Karaiskos, PH.D
2w ago00:44:03Tap to summarize"Send us a Comment"In this episode, we are joined by Steven Karaiskos, Ph.D., an educator, psychologist, and emotion scientist with more than 25 years of experience in the field of education. He is the founder of Elpis Consulting and serves as the Director of Postvention & Community Programming at The Kita Center, where he develops grief-informed retreats, peer support initiatives, and programs for individuals and families impacted by suicide loss. His work includes Camp Kita, a free summer camp for youth ages 8–17 who have experienced the loss of a loved one.Steven also consults with Sea Change Mentoring on culturally responsive Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programming and previously served as Senior Director of Education at Samaritans, a Boston-based suicide prevention organization.A nationally recognized speaker, facilitator, and writer, Steven’s work focuses on fostering belonging, emotional safety, and meaningful human connection across the lifespan. By integrating research, human-centered practices, and his own lived experience as a suicide loss survivor, he brings a unique and compassionate perspective to supporting individuals, families, and communities navigating grief and loss.
Transcribe →Episode #32-Monique Walker
3w ago00:44:47Tap to summarize"Send us a Comment" In this episode, J. Monique Walker shares her journey of navigating the loss of a relationship with her biological mother. Although her mother is still living, Monique was raised by her grandparents, a reality that shaped much of her life and personal growth. As the founder of Pure U Coaching (Personal Unraveling Radiant Essence), Monique discusses the power of personal choice and the importance of refusing to remain stuck in grief, rejection, and past wounds. She emphasizes that healing and growth require intentional effort, self-reflection, and a commitment to becoming the best version of yourself. Her story is a powerful reminder that while we cannot always choose our circumstances, we can choose how we respond to them.
Transcribe →Episode #31-Jason Stout
4w ago00:41:40Tap to summarize"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Jason Stout shares his passion for helping people reconnect with the outdoors and discover the healing power of nature. Jason's own life has been marked by profound loss. At just four years old, he lost his five-year-old sister. Later, his grandmother was murdered, and at the age of fourteen, he lost his father to a sudden heart attack while he slept.Drawing from both his personal experiences and professional work, Jason has spent years contracting with organizations such as TAPS and Outward Bound, helping individuals and families navigate grief, trauma, and resilience. Through his organization, Stoutreach, he guides people of all ages toward healing and growth through outdoor experiences.In our conversation, Jason discusses the importance of unplugging from the constant noise of the digital age and embracing the restorative benefits of nature. He shares how time outdoors can provide space for reflection, connection, and healing, allowing the natural world to become a powerful companion on the journey through grief.
Transcribe →Episode #30-Dr. Frank Campbell
Jun 1800:46:02Tap to summarize"Send us a Comment"In this episode, we welcome back returning guest Dr. Frank Campbell, who previously joined us on Episode #14. Dr. Campbell discusses how, in America, we often experience what he calls “microwave bereavement,” where society expects us to return to normal after only a few short days away from work following the loss of a loved one.Frank also shares his powerful concept of “The Canyon of Why” and the difficult choices we face at the fork in the river of bereavement. Within this canyon, we encounter isolation, towering walls, swift rapids, and overwhelming uncertainty. He explains how important it is to have a guide—someone who has already navigated those dangerous waters and difficult decisions before us.And when someone throws you a life preserver of empathy along the way, it is always wise to grab hold.
Transcribe →Episode #29-Joanne Harpel
Jun 1100:40:31Tap to summarize"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Joanne Harpel shares part of her journey following the loss of her brother, Stephen, to suicide in 1993. Joanne is the President of Coping After Suicide (CAS).Throughout the episode, we discuss the importance of being not only reactive in grief, but also proactive. Joanne reflects on a quote from Admiral William McRaven’s book, sharing that grief, much like life, is “not one step at a time, but rather one evolution at a time.” We grow from the steps we have already taken, rather than starting over with each new one.Another powerful concept explored in this conversation is that asking “Why?” in our grief journey does not always mean there will be an answer. Sometimes the question itself becomes part of the journey toward understanding, healing, and growth.
Transcribe →Episode #28-Glen Lord
Jun 400:42:11Tap to summarize"Send us a Comment"In this episode, Glen Lord shares his personal grief journey following the loss of his son, Noah Thomas Emory Lord, on June 14, 1999, due to complications from a tonsillectomy. Glen also speaks about the heartbreaking loss of his sister to breast cancer in 2018 at the age of 39, as well as the ongoing challenges of having a son who has struggled with severe substance abuse for many years.Glen is the co-founder, co-director, and CEO of Peer Support Community Partners, and also serves as a director at SADOD (sadod.org). Since 2005, he has dedicated himself to serving others as a peer grief helper. Throughout this conversation, Glen shares openly and authentically about how grief has shaped, changed, and refined him over the 27 years since Noah’s passing. He discusses how identity evolves through loss, and how our wants, needs, and desires can shift over time.Join us for this meaningful conversation as we explore the importance of being proactive in your grief journey and the ongoing work of growth, healing, and self-discovery.
Transcribe →Episode #27-Man in the Mirror
May 2800:28:23Tap 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
May 2100:33:17Tap 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
May 1400:40:35Tap 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 →