See My Grief - A Podcast from Conversations with Kelly: Recent Episodes
Kelly Grosklags, LICSW
Join the CWK community as Kelly Grosklags and her guests share uplifting conversations to help you transform grief and loss into greater insight, healing and peace.
In this episode, Kelly has a casual conversation with Bryan Piatt, MA, about how the changing
seasons can activate deeper feelings in grief and/or mental health. We explore the connection
between the literal seasons (weather) and the metaphorical seasons of life, and how these
transitions can influence emotional well-being. Awareness of these changes is important for
processing emotions.
A big thank you to Bryan for joining me for this beautiful discussion. Bryan is the host of the
“Take What Serves, Leave The Rest” Podcast. You can check out his podcast here: Take What
Serves, Leave The Rest. (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/take-what-serves-leave-the-rest/id1591101308)
Thank you for listening. Please remember to like and subscribe to the “See My Grief” podcast
to be notified of new episodes. As always, we see your grief and hold a gentle place for it
In this episode, Kelly interviews Hyedi Nelson about her love and grief over the last ten years for her son Charlie who was born and died on July 3rd. We know significant loss takes a lifetime to integrate. Hyedi beautifully shares her authentic and transparent experience as a mother who has experienced child loss. She also discusses the complex grief that can be experienced when one gets pregnant after loss. I appreciate that Hyedi speaks to the ebb and flow of grief over the years. It is evident that love and grief co-exist in the same space.
Thank you for listening to today's episode. A special thank you to Hyedi for sharing her story
and for honoring the memory of her son, Charlie, with us. If you found this episode meaningful, please subscribe and share it with anyone who might benefit from these words and support. Together, we can create a compassionate community where love and grief are embraced and understood.
Until next time, Be very gentle.
In this episode, Kelly sits down with her guest Karen, who recently lost her dog, Luna. Luna died suddenly, and unexpectedly, which made dealing with the grief very difficult at first. Karen beautifully shares how her deep love for Luna has also contributed to her profound grief. Animals are the most unconditional beings and they love us regardless. There is a special bond that is unique between the human and animal. To lose them creates a deep void and pain that can last a very long time. We will always miss them. It is important to find people in your life who will create a space for this grief that is extremely valid and not diminish or judge you. We are so grateful to Karen for sharing her beautiful love story with us. As always my friends, we see your grief.
More support can be found at https://www.lapoflove.com/our-services/pet-loss-support
In this episode, Bryan Piatt https://podcasts.apple.com/ye/podcast/take-what-serves-leave-the-rest/id1591101308 and I sat down with Colleen Lindstrom https://www.thebronzemedallife.com/ from The Bronze Medal Life. Colleen shares her belief about being average is amazing enough. We also talk about grief, and how society wants us to be high performers even in our sorrow. She courageously shares how she and her husband navigated the loss of their daughter Brady. Trauma changes us always. How we show up in life is enough. Thank you for listening. As always, we see your grief.
In this episode, Kelly speaks about the violence we are experiencing all over the world. This
episode is in response to the multiple messages and notes she received from families feeling
overwhelmed in their own traumas from the mass shooting in Maine. Kelly advocates for us to
come back to love as our way of interacting with one another. We are living in a major divide in
the human collective right now. Regardless of political or religious beliefs, may we be able to
connect and heal through loving. In this episode you will hear ways to comfort and support
yourself through these difficult times. Thank you for listening!
In this episode, Kelly talks about timelines in grief and essentially how there are none. We live in a society, however, that has set up rules and judgments about grief. There are many factors to consider that are gently addressed in this episode. Kelly speaks of the importance of allowing space for the grief to breathe an be held. It is important to note that if you are thinking of hurting yourself or another person, you will need immediate medical attention prior to “doing the grief work.” You can start by texting 988 or going to the nearest ER. Remember, your grief is your love story for the one you miss so much. Much peace my friends.
In this episode, Kelly and Bryan Piatt speak about the way in which we shame ourselves for having natural human emotions to something that is difficult. People often refer to themselves as “losing it” when they have intense emotions. We want to try and be gentle and speak more about “being in touch with it.” We get to have ALL of our emotions.
You can follow Kelly on:
Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/seemygrief/?hl=bg FB-https://www.facebook.com/CWKHEALS/ Website. www.Conversationswithkelly.com
And Bryan Piatt on:
Bryan Piatt- Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bryanpiatt/?hl=en FB-https://www.facebook.com/bryanmpiatt Podcast-https://podcasts.apple.com/ye/podcast/take-what-serves-leave-the-rest/id1591101308
Please be very gentle with yourself and others.
In this episode, Kelly is joined by esteemed psychotherapist, Douglas Jensen, LICSW, BCD as they talk about complicated and disenfranchised grief.There are so many expectations placed on us around grief. We are often judged for how we grieve. We either don’t grieve enough or too much, according to society. Doug so authentically shares his grief around his mother’s recent death. He is transparent in the way he expresses that it was not necessarily the death that makes him grieve, rather the loss is correlated to his mother’s mental illness and their complicated relationship. It was such a gift to hold this space with Doug. Thank you for your time and absolutely beautiful shares. Visit Doug and Talia’s podcast at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/were-not-fine/id1638990740
As always, I see your grief. Be gentle, dear community.
Kelly sits down with Bryan Piatt, breathwork facilitator, mental health advocate and graduate student in Mental Health Counseling, as they discuss Bryan’s panic attack as a twelve year old and a lifelong of healing and learning. We discuss things that we would tell our younger selves that we have learned through our years of healing and evolving. As Bryan shares his vulnerable experiences, he also talks about ways to be more gentle with ourselves. If we would only speak to ourselves as adults as we do to a child, life would feel more gentle. One of the most tender messages Bryan shares is to remind ourselves “We are Safe.” Thank you, Bryan, for this amazing, heartfelt and connected interview.
Please visit Bryan’s Podcast on any of the podcast platforms:
Mental Health - Take What Serves. Leave the Rest - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tools-that-help-me-manage-my-mental-health/id1591101308?i=1000540526505
As Always, be gentle with yourself. We see your grief and hold it gently.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
In this episode, Kelly and Jeffrey speak about the importance of have a designated space to BE with our grief. Cemeteries are not for everyone. Listen to hear ways to honor yourself and your loved one who has died. Today, we have so many options for creating this loving space.There is no wrong way to do this.
In this episode, Jeffrey and Kelly talk about how profound moments of perspective and gratitude are for our happiness. Kelly shares a beautiful story about a woman she worked with that sheds light on what it means to truly be in the now. We often pressure ourselves to do more before ever appreciating what we have already done.
Jeffrey and Kelly welcome Bryan Piatt back for the second time to continue a conversation on how important it is to have compassion for ourselves. All too often we shame ourselves for the natural experience of being human. We must allow for grace in difficult periods and speak in a loving manner to ourselves as we would to a child. Bryan shares ways he practices self compassion and why these rituals are essential to quality of life.
If you like what you've heard today, please subscribe to Conversations with Kelly wherever you get your podcasts...and share this episode with those you love. Thank you!
In today’s episode, Kelly and Jeffrey talk about mental health with Josh Ward, creative designer, writer and founder of the YupItsJosh Podcast. Over the past several months, the world has experienced a greater need for telemedicine to provide mental health therapy amid a global pandemic. Josh shares his experience finding and working with a therapist in a virtual setting, and Kelly discusses some important considerations for making therapy decisions wherever the venue. We are grateful to Josh for taking the time to share his story!
A perfect way to start off the new year of 2021! In this episode, Jeffrey and Kelly talk about the importance of the words we speak to ourselves and others. A mantra is a word or set of words that serve as reminders of what matters -- to help keep you centered and create a sense of peace. We encourage you to practice using a mantra as a grounding tool in your life.
Please keep our community growing by liking and sharing this episode. As always, thank you for joining the CWK community and Happy New Year!
In this episode, Kelly and Jeffrey chat with Mike O’Connell, Licensed Funeral Director & owner of O’Connell Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services in Hudson, Wisconsin. We discuss the importance of the goodbye ritual. Mike shares his experiences with families as he walks with them after a death occurs.
We are grateful to Mike for taking time to have this important conversation with us -- and hope this episode inspires you to plan for yourself and others for when it's time to say goodbye.
For more information, visit https://oconnellfuneralhomes.com/
This episode highlights the importance of reaching out for and accepting support after the death of a loved one. Jeffrey and Kelly interviewed Carolyn Kinzel, executive director of Brighter Days Grief Center in Eden Prairie, MInnesota. Brighter Days exists to support all members of the family throughout their bereavement experience.
Since our interview, the center has acquired the Youth Grief Services from Fairview Health Services. Please check out their website as they offer extensive services. Grief is not meant to be experienced alone. We are grateful for this beautiful resource!
www.brighterdaysgriefcenter.org
A special edition of the CWK podcast for these unusual times with Covid amid Thanksgiving and the holidays. These days can be extremely isolating. While we may be physically apart, we can still find ways to connect psychologically and socially. We are meant to connect as humans. It only takes one person to change our day for the better.
We wish all of our listeners the best of the season, filled with gratitude and love for you and your loved ones.
In this episode, Jeffrey and Kelly discuss the way grief can manifest in our physical body. Grief can surface as physical symptoms such as pain, muscle aches and discomfort. It is always important to be seen by your medical provider to rule out disease, however. Hear Kelly share how her grief often manifests in her chest and heart which is common given her mom died from a heart attack.
As always, thank you for listening. Please share this Conversations with Kelly podcast with all who may need to hear our healing message.
In this episode, Jeffrey and Kelly have a conversation about the gift of time beyond it being a cliché. From years of working in end of life care, Kelly shares some of her insights to instill within us that each moment is what we have. No matter the length of our life, these moments are meaningful. It is beautiful to realize how truly profound even the simplest experiences can be.
In this episode Jeffrey and Kelly talk about the conversations Kelly has had with hundreds of dying people at the end of their lives. Because so many common themes have been presented by the dying, we feel they can apply to the majority of situations whether an expected or unexpected death occurred. We are each worthy of our grief...and even moments of joy. Our loved ones want us to continue living in their honor.
A note on our production: We mentioned our new podcast recording equipment, so here it is -- the RodeCaster Pro. Here's Jeffrey with the setup at Studio B in Chicago.
In this episode, Jeffrey and Kelly have a conversation about the way to healing is to travel through and with all emotions. It is common that we judge ourselves for emotions we have, even the positive ones. Rather than judge, we encourage you to drop into your heart space and feel. What if we embraced our emotions like we do a small child who is hurting? In our individual worlds we are allowed to feel what we feel. Our emotions guide us into the space that calls us for healing. Each of us deserves this healing. Peace to all as you navigate your way through. Remember, you do not need to do this alone.
Please remember to subscribe and share our CWK podcasts! Thank you.
In this episode Jeffrey and Kelly speak with their guest, Bryan Piatt, co-founder of Refresh Network, about his mental health story and what he encourages us all to to consider when opening up about our struggles. Because we are more alike than different, likely someone in your life can identify with your story. We are meant to be connected as humans in our struggles and our joys. Thank you for this insightful conversation, Bryan!
Refresh Network is a space for real conversations about mental health. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/refreshnetworktv/. Learn more about Bryan in this interview courtesy KARE11.
In this episode Jeffrey and Kelly talk about how loss upon loss impacts us. With COVID-19 and the unrest in our country, we are all experiencing grief overload. We come into these times with our own stories and losses. These must be honored as well. We are wishing each person the chance to be heard and validated.
Wishing you safety and peace, always.
In this follow-up episode about caregiving in times of crisis, Kelly and Jeffrey invite Dan back to the studio to hear how time has helped shape his perspectives. Whatever our situation during challenge or loss, we become aware that our emotions are fluid and ever-changing. We realize we are different today than we were before. Our response to being a caregiver can surprise us and those we love, in powerful and meaningful ways.
If you haven't done so already, listen to part 1 which was originally published in April 2020.
This episode was recorded as the coronavirus was emerging as a worldwide threat. As we strive to cope with the present reality of COVID-19, we hope you find this content timely and relatable.
Today Jeffrey and Kelly welcome their guest, Dan, to the studio. Dan shares his experience caregiving for his father who became seriously ill while out of the country. The uncertainty, fear, anger and guilt that accompanied Dan as a caregiver may be very relatable to how many of us are feeling right now.
As we allow our emotions to surface, we can acknowledge them, name them, and use them to help bring us validation and support. Thank you to Dan for his honesty, vulnerability and presence in sharing his experience with the CWK community. We are reminded through Dan’s story that love truly is what matters most.
In this episode, Kelly and Jeffrey explore what it means to be present as a caregiver when someone is ill. Jeffrey shares a personal story about his own chronic illness -- and his experience with the caregivers who showed up at the time of diagnosis.
When you are called upon to be a caregiver, there isn't a guide on how to do it. Will you say the right thing? What exactly should you do? How can you help? Communication is key. Listen to understand what your friend or family member needs. It is only by being present that you can truly give the kind of compassionate care your loved one deserves and desires.
For more information on caregiving and other insightful stories about grief, loss and hope, check out Kelly's book A Comforted Heart, available on Amazon.
In this episode Kelly and Jeffrey have a meaningful discussion about the elements of loss often left unsaid. As an individual in this society we are conditioned about how and what is legitimate to grieve -- and what we should share with others. Kelly walks us through all grief reactions. Sometimes when we lose someone, we are not grieving for a beautiful connection, rather a connection we never had. All loss has a grief associated it, and grief has many faces. As you listen, take comfort in knowing we honor ALL of your feelings related to loss. The complexity of grief is something we can seek to understand as we find helpful and healthy ways to experience its many facets.
In this episode, Jeffrey and Kelly discuss some ideas on how we can honor those who have died. Our love shows up in many ways as we travel through the weeks, months and years trying to navigate life without our loved ones.
Kelly shares how saying the name of the one you miss is a powerful way to honor them. Our loved ones both want us to always remember them and continue living our lives. Grief is a profound experience and honoring the deceased has a beautiful way of keeping us connected.
In this episode Kelly and Jeffrey have a meaningful discussion about the many poignant lessons Kelly has learned from many years working with people who are terminally ill. There are many beautiful ways to look at life when your lens is more focused on what matters the most. We get to choose how we spend our energy each day. Find your simple joys each day.
In this episode Kelly talks with Jeffrey about his experiences visiting two different people who were at the end of their life. We know this is a sacred time in someone’s life, therefore, we can pressure ourselves to act or be a certain way. Jeffrey and Kelly discuss some beautiful ways that may help in finding a more comfortable approach to the visit. Hear Jeffrey transparently share his fears and ways he allowed for it all -- and how he changed in the process.
To all who are saying goodbye, or visiting a loved one at the end of their life, let the visit unfold as it is meant to.
In this episode Jeffrey starts off reading a beautiful passage on gratitude written by a dear friend of CWK, Judy E. Judy wrote this for Kelly’s book, A Comforted Heart.
In this podcast we learn that moments change with gratitude. Although we are not expected to be grateful all the time, we can each have moments in our days that, if present, we can appreciate. Kelly discusses a practice that can allow us to step into more gratitude daily.
Thank you for listening! It is our hope you will be inspired throughout this episode regardless of where you are in your life.
In this episode we learn hope is something available to all of us regardless of where we are in life. We discuss how hope can be thought of a something that is unattainable and not realistic. Rather, hope is a mental break from negativity and fear. It is available to each of us until the end of life.----more----Hope changes over time; it does not end. We all have access to hope even in the darkest of times. Allow yourself to entertain moments of hope each day. There is no hope too small.
Publication referenced: Coping with Cancer, November/December 2017.
In this episode of Conversations with Kelly you will discover that when we invest intensely in a relationship we will naturally grieve deeply when the relationship changes or is lost. Grief is a reaction to a loss while the loss is the event itself. This is an important distinction because when we view grief as an event, we naturally expect it to have a beginning, a middle and an end. Grief, however, does not know these markers; it is a lifetime reaction to a loss. Grief hurts our body physically and our soul emotionally. Listen in to learn and affirm what you can expect when you lose something or someone of significance. In time you can find comfort in knowing that eventually you will tell your grief, “It is okay to stay.”
In this, our inaugural episode of the Conversations with Kelly podcast, you will learn how healing is possible for all of us no matter what struggles we are experiencing or what stage of life we are in. Healing comes in the form of forgiveness of self and of others, gratitude, apologies and love. Love is an antidote for much of what we suffer from. Forgiveness is not about condoning the hurt of another or self; it is about setting oneself free from the agony of holding onto the pain. The love is for self. Loving yourself is enough to surrender this angst. It is never too late to heal the wounds of our lives. The Hawaiian healing practice ho’oponopono was developed by Mormah Nalamaku Simeona. Listen to learn how four powerful phrases can change your life for the better. As you practice, you will heal -- and you will add to your quality of living.