See My Grief - A Podcast from Conversations with Kelly

The Widowed Dancer: Experiencing All Emotions After Loss

In this episode, Kelly interviews Bryan Martin aka Sealionbryan on social media. Bryan became a widower several years ago after his partner Clayton died from liver failure. Bryan does a beautiful job of speaking from his perspective about grief. Men in this society need more space to allow their grief to breathe and be acknowledged. Bryan is the widowed dancer on social media and finds gratitude daily amongst the grief. Is love possible after loss? Tune in to hear his experience with this. He is a beautiful writer and recently published a heartfelt book of his daily blogs. You can find his book on Amazon Amazon.com: The Widowed Dancer: Growing Through Grief With Gratitude. Also find him on Instagram @sealionbryan Facebook: Bryan Martin. Thank you for listening. As always, I see your grief. Be Gentle.

Children and Grief

In this episode, sponsored by Brighter Days Family Grief Center, www.brighterdaysgriefcenter.org, Kelly interviews Dr. Donna Shuurman, Ed.D, F.T. from Dougy Center www.dougy.org. Dr. Shuurman shares beautiful ways to speak to children/teens about death and grief. She has a wonderful, soft approach to speaking with younger grieving hearts. We know children feel grief, regardless of age. Many concerned adults have asked us over the years how to help grieving children, we hope this episode helps! Thank you, Dr. Shuurman for the incredible work you and your colleagues do everyday at the center.

The Power of Vulnerability

In this Episode, Kelly talks with Bryan Piatt, Mental Health Advocate and Podcast Host of “Take What Serves, Leave The Rest.” They have a heartfelt and real discussion about being Vulnerable and the power it has to help us heal. Kelly and Bryan share ways to open up. Bryan beautifully discussing his newer relationship with allowing others in. As Bryan poignantly expressed, “When one person has the courage to say life is hard and things are intense-and is really honest about the human experience, It gives everyone around them an opportunity to exhale.” We hope this episode helps you feel less alone.

ALL Grief Matters

In this episode Kelly Grosklags, LICSW, your podcast host, introduces the new format for season 4 episode 1. Kelly talks about how all grief matters and that if you feel a reaction to a loss, no matter how big or small, it is valid. Society tries to lay down the rules for who can and how long one should grieve. Listen to this episode as Kelly validates us all on our own experiences. As always, your grief is seen and held.

When Grief Is Complicated

In this episode, Jeffrey and Kelly have a candid conversation about the grief that doesn’t often get talked about. What do we do if we are relieved the person no longer is living because they hurt us so much? Or if we are estranged? There are types of losses that have multiple layers of grief attached. It’s important to acknowledge and honor this unique and deep pain as well. As always, thank you for listening. Peace.

Sibling Loss: The Forgotten Grievers

In this episode Kelly and Jeffrey are joined by Jordan Kilber and Jess Paschke, who lost their sister Jenna suddenly to a brain tumor. It is beautiful how they talk so lovingly about Jenna. They give us helpful and practical suggestions on how to support someone who has lost a sibling.

We know that often this type of loss isn’t honored as it should be. We are releasing this episode in November as it is Sibling Grief Awareness Month. Jordan and Jess welcome listeners to email them if they'd like to talk about sibling loss and other resources available to help.

Thank you Jordan & Jess! 

Anticipatory Grief

In this episode, Jeffrey & Kelly talk about the important opportunities that are present when we know the loss of someone we love is inevitable. We are invited to care for our loved one and ourselves with compassion during terminal illness and throughout the dying process itself.

We can use healing mantras to provide solace and support. Learn about Dr. Ira Byock’s work and the Hawaiian healing prayer, Hoʻoponopono -- and how focusing on what matters most can ease our suffering in times of grief and loss.

Our Loved One‘s Belongings

In this episode Jeffrey and Kelly have a non-threatening, honest conversation about how to handle the possessions of our loved ones after a death. These are tender times that require us to assess each situation case-by-case. There are no hard and fast rules about timelines and what precisely to do. As often is the case, there are many things, emotions and feelings to consider. Nevertheless, taking time to evaluate how you feel will help empower you to make the best decision to honor your needs and the life of your loved one. Take a listen!

Dating After Loss

In this episode Jeffrey and Kelly talk about what to consider when dating after a loss such as a death, divorce or breakup.

There is not necessarily a right or wrong way to date -- or a timeline for deciding when to start dating again. Kelly shares her years of stories from others who have taken the risk to date.

For those who are widowed, groups like Soaring Spirits International may offer some needed support, especially in times of isolation.

Thank you all for joining us for this important conversation! 

Communicating with Our Loved Ones at the End

In this episode Kelly and Jeffrey have a beautiful conversation about ways to connect and communicate when our loved ones are dying and very near the end of life. Letting go can be a very sad and scary time for many people. We hope that this episode offers suggestions to help ease the discomfort of saying goodbye.