Growth through Grief

In this episode we interview John Polo. He is a fellow widower, losing his wife, Michelle to cancer in January of 2016.From these experiences, John has found purpose, as a coach, best-selling author, podcaster and keynote speaker.His 4 books on grief and loss are well worth the read, including:Widowed. Rants, Raves & RandomsWidowed 2. Now I LiveHow to Date a Widow 101 The Stupid Sh*t People Say to GrieversJohn has also worked with clients on nearly 5,000 coaching sessions.In this episode we discuss several topics: from grief to dating, self-growth and everything in between, John offers experience and advice that helps healing and growth, and this interview taps that experience and insight.

A wife that passed away from cancer, a career in transition, and a young daughter to raise on your own ... how do you not just move forward but thrive despite this hand you have been dealt?In this interview we discuss this scenario with AJ Coleman, who lived it and documented his experience as the author of the book "Keep Those Feet Moving: A Widower’s 8-Step Guide to Coping with Grief and Thriving Against All Odds”.We discuss AJ's grief journey, from losing his wife Cory to brain cancer when she was just 33 and the trials he faced not just in the grief, but now as a single parent to his daughter Zoey, managing his career as a certified anti-money laundering specialist (CAMS) and fraud examiner (CFE), and so much more.The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health or spiritual advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health counselor, spiritual advisor or other qualified health-care , mental health or spiritual provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, mental or spiritual challenges or treatment. Before making any changes to your health-care, diet, exercise or other aspects of your life, please seek professional advice, and never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on this podcast or through other Growth through Grief resources.

One day you are a successful entrepreneur, husband and father, and then you lose a son, and not too long after, lose your bride too?This is the story of Jeff Johnston’s life, and in this interview we explore how his life was forever changed five years ago when he got the call that his eldest son died of fentanyl poisoning, and then two years ago when Jeff experienced another loss, losing his wife Prudence to alcoholism a he joined our collective experience, our widower brotherhood.Since these losses Jeff has dedicated his life to Living Undeterred. This included creating a mental health charity, writing the book “This One’s For You – an Inspirational Journey Through Addiction, Death and Meaning”, creating the Living Undeterred Podcast, and so much more.To learn more, checkout: https://www.livingundeterred.com/The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health or spiritual advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health counselor, spiritual advisor or other qualified health-care , mental health or spiritual provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, mental or spiritual challenges or treatment. Before making any changes to your health-care, diet, exercise or other aspects of your life, please seek professional advice, and never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on this podcast or through other Growth through Grief resources.

This quote struck me: “An in-between place that trauma escorts you to. The gap between my life the day before—the me who was living her dream life, preparing to launch her first book and new program into the world—and the me now, whose beloved husband had just committed suicide”, from the book You Make Your Path by Walking.In this interview we visit with the author of these words and widow Suzanne Anderson. We discuss losing her husband suddenly, the immediate aftermath, and her healing process through walking, spirituality and purpose.For resources, checkout: https://mysterialwoman.com/The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health or spiritual advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health counselor, spiritual advisor or other qualified health-care , mental health or spiritual provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, mental or spiritual challenges or treatment. Before making any changes to your health-care, diet, exercise or other aspects of your life, please seek professional advice, and never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on this podcast or through other Growth through Grief resources.

What are some of the most common financial challenges for widowers, and how to best avoid and mitigate?This interview with retired Financial Advisor Chris Bentley will provide some of the answers you need to be aware of, avoid and handle some of the most common issues we face in dealing with finances and financial planning after the loss of our spouse.Chris is the founder and now CEO of Wings for Widows, providing 1:1 personalized financial coaching to the newly widowed since 2018. After nearly 15 years as a financial advisor with an advisory and wealth management practice in the Twin Cities, he retired to support his new mission of helping widows and widowers handle and plan their finances post loss.The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health or spiritual advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health counselor, spiritual advisor or other qualified health-care , mental health or spiritual provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, mental or spiritual challenges or treatment. Before making any changes to your health-care, diet, exercise or other aspects of your life, please seek professional advice, and never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on this podcast or through other Growth through Grief resources.

How can you accelerate your grief healing? One widower finds that a service mission and renewed purpose could do just that.In this interview we explore Alex Hamlow's love story and grief journey to learn how to better cope and heal.Important Note: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health or spiritual advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health counselor, spiritual advisor or other qualified health-care , mental health or spiritual provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, mental or spiritual challenges or treatment. Before making any changes to your health-care, diet, exercise or other aspects of your life, please seek professional advice, and never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on this podcast or through other Growth through Grief resources.

Who would think that cooking could provide a path to your grief healing?In this podcast we interview widower, growth coach and author John Lewis, who found that the simple task of cooking for his youngest daughter provided a catalyst for his entire healing process. Getting uncomfortable and finding a new purpose were two ways John believes that his new hobby helped, and he has several more tips and hacks to help you in your own, personal grief journey and healing process.

Can a nature hike help in your healing process?Absolutely, as both the act of walking and connecting with green space can both bring about spiritual, mental and physical changes. In this podcast we talk with Helen Keeling-Neal, mental health professional and widow, about our own personal "walk in the woods" experiences, how these have provided release and much needed answers and go-forward directions.Important Note: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health or spiritual advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health counselor, spiritual advisor or other qualified health-care , mental health or spiritual provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, mental or spiritual challenges or treatment. Before making any changes to your health-care, diet, exercise or other aspects of your life, please seek professional advice, and never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on this podcast or through other Growth through Grief resources.

How important is community and faith in the healing process?In this podcast interview, we talk with James Thornber, author of the book - Better with Every Breath: The Journey from Loss to Living Again.James is a Pastor who lost his wife of 26 years Barbara in 2020 and in this podcast we discuss his journey of faith and healing in the aftermath of that loss.Important Note: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health or spiritual advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health counselor, spiritual advisor or other qualified health-care , mental health or spiritual provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, mental or spiritual challenges or treatment. Before making any changes to your health-care, diet, exercise or other aspects of your life, please seek professional advice, and never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on this podcast or through other Growth through Grief resources.

How do you best turn your loss into renewed purpose, peace and joy? In this podcast I interview Rob Swymer the author of the book Surrender to Your Adversity. Rob is a sales executive who lost his wife Bonnie a few years ago, and through this loss and several other rounds with adversity prior, he shows us how fighting through each experience with resilience, humility and surrender, can indeed deliver renewed purpose and joy.Important Note: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health or spiritual advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health counselor, spiritual advisor or other qualified health-care , mental health or spiritual provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, mental or spiritual challenges or treatment. Before making any changes to your health-care, diet, exercise or other aspects of your life, please seek professional advice, and never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on this podcast or through other Growth through Grief resources.

Husband, Partner, Joint Parent. These are just a few of the identities that are shattered by your loss. And then there are the new identities you have to handle, piling on: Sole parent, cook, cleaner, comforter and much more.In this episode we chat with mental health expert Helen Keeling-Neal, as we discuss the challenges with losing your old identity, adding many more identities, and trying to find out who you are moving forward.Important Note: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health or spiritual advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health counselor, spiritual advisor or other qualified health-care , mental health or spiritual provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, mental or spiritual challenges or treatment. Before making any changes to your health-care, diet, exercise or other aspects of your life, please seek professional advice, and never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on this podcast or through other Growth through Grief resources.

What does the research reveal about the loss of a spouse and your health?In this podcast we interview Carolyn Moor, a widow and the founder of the Modern Widows Club. Through her community they have compiled some incredible research on loss and health, and she shares those findings with us here, along with her own experiences with loss and her creation of the largest women’s health group focused on widows (which we can leverage as a model to help us men heal too!).

How can you best navigate your widowers journey, not just one or two years in, but beyond as well?In this podcast episode we interview Herb Knoll, author of the book Widower’s Journey. We discuss the common issues we see widowers face, the perils of getting remarried too soon, and so much more.

What can you do to help your children with their grief, when you are trying to cope with your own?I pose important questions about our children and grief to mental health counselor Helen Keeling – Neal to get her professional advice and personal insights (as a widow herself, with young children). We discuss some of the issues your children will face without their Mom, how you can ask the right questions, have the right conversations , and get the support you need to help.Important Note: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health or spiritual advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health counselor, spiritual advisor or other qualified health-care , mental health or spiritual provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, mental or spiritual challenges or treatment. Before making any changes to your health-care, diet, exercise or other aspects of your life, please seek professional advice, and never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on this podcast or through other Growth through Grief resources.

After tragically losing her husband Mark at the World Trade Center on 9/11, Juliette Brisman has successfully navigated her grief, raised her children, returned to school to become a licensed mental health counselor, and wrote an amazing book, A Heart Returned, recounting her love story, tragedy, healing and the miracle after which the book is named.In this interview, we explore her amazing life story, leveraging her challenges as a widow and experiences as a licensed mental health counselor to inspire you in your own healing process and grief journey.Important Note: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health or spiritual advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health counselor, spiritual advisor or other qualified health-care , mental health or spiritual provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, mental or spiritual challenges or treatment. Before making any changes to your health-care, diet, exercise or other aspects of your life, please seek professional advice, and never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on this podcast or through other Growth through Grief resources.

When we experience grief, it's easy to get down on ourselves, feel guilty and have regrets, be angry with God and so much more. With so much weighing on you, your loss, helplessness and sadness, how can you possibly maintain a growth mindset?In this interview we tackle how to maintain a growth mindset despite these challenges, leveraging the wisdom and insight of Dr. Nicole Bradford, author of 1 Step at a Time, and creator of the Maintain the Flame framework.We discuss eight specific things you can do today to help with your own grieving process and grief journey, and ways to overcome the lies, labels and limitations that just might be holding you back.Important Note: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health or spiritual advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health counselor, spiritual advisor or other qualified health-care , mental health or spiritual provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, mental or spiritual challenges or treatment. Before making any changes to your health-care, diet, exercise or other aspects of your life, please seek professional advice, and never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on this podcast or through other Growth through Grief resources.

What happens to your body when experiencing grief? What are the impacts on your health and wellness in the short and long term?to learn the answers, we interview Dr. Kirsten Carter MD, the co-founder and Internal Medicine Physician of Grace Medical Home, a care facility for the uninsured in Orange County Florida, providing healing for mind, body and spirit.From her experiences at Grace Medical Home, and her extensive experience in primary care and functional medicine, Dr. Carter is here to talk with us about the stress of grief - how this impacts our bodies as widowers, and how we can leverage the right mindset, diet, activities and faith to dramatically advance our healing and growth.The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health or spiritual advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health counselor, spiritual advisor or other qualified health-care , mental health or spiritual provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, mental or spiritual challenges or treatment. Before making any changes to your health-care, diet, exercise or other aspects of your life, please seek professional advice, and never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on this podcast or through other Growth through Grief resources.

What is the root cause of our grief and the trauma we experience from the loss of our wives? Is it loss and loneliness? Is it feeling helpless?My guest today is Tim Ohai a strategic effectiveness expert and coach, who I met in the business world, but got to know deeply as a fellow widower. Tim lost his wife Diana in 2020 and is now a single father of two, with a son 22 and a daughter 20.Tim is a man of strong faith and purpose, along with having an educational background in behavioral science and psychology, and we had plenty to talk about: discussing Tim’s journey from grief to growth, exploring the challenges he faced and how mind, body and especially spirit helped him on his way.Important Note: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health or spiritual advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health counselor, spiritual advisor or other qualified health-care , mental health or spiritual provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, mental or spiritual challenges or treatment. Before making any changes to your health-care, diet, exercise or other aspects of your life, please seek professional advice, and never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on this podcast or through other Growth through Grief resources.

When we begin to date again, many of us have faced a point where our new partners may not be comfortable with the grief, and the spirits of our lives past. How do you balance moving forward, while still honoring your past life and late wife?In this interview, we tap the expertise of mental health expert Helen Keeling-Neal to understand the feelings involved, potential pitfalls, and get key go-forward advice.Important Note: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health or spiritual advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health counselor, spiritual advisor or other qualified health-care , mental health or spiritual provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, mental or spiritual challenges or treatment. Before making any changes to your health-care, diet, exercise or other aspects of your life, please seek professional advice, and never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on this podcast or through other Growth through Grief resources.

How does your brain process, handle and heal from grief?In this interview with Mary-Frances O’Connor author of a new and important book: The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss, we explore her research and seek the scientific answer to this question.Mary-Frances is a researcher and Associate Professor at the University of Arizona, where she studies how the mind, brain and body react to and adapt to grief. In this insightful episode, we explore her research and new book, to learn what happens to the brain on grief, and how you can leverage this knowledge to better mentally handle your grieving process.Important Note: The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health or spiritual advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health counselor, spiritual advisor or other qualified health-care , mental health or spiritual provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, mental or spiritual challenges or treatment. Before making any changes to your health-care, diet, exercise or other aspects of your life, please seek professional advice, and never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on this podcast or through other Growth through Grief resources.