Episodes

  • Kathy Strauss shares how painting, photography, and doodling became her lifeline during grief, offering powerful hacks to lower stress and find joy.


    In this episode, I'm joined by Kathy Strauss, a visionary artist and photographer who describes herself as a "creationeer," blending her artistic eye with a passion for storytelling to create meaningful connections through her work. She has published coloring books, contributed to collaborative works, and is currently writing her solo book, Kaleidoscope: Redesigning Your Life.


    Throughout this episode, we explore the transformative power of creativity in coping with grief and enhancing happiness. Kathy shares personal stories about using creative activities to process grief and stress, particularly during her late husband's illness. She highlights her workshops and teachings, which encourage participants to explore creativity for healing and inspiration. Through anecdotes about her work with clients and personal projects, she demonstrates how creativity can transform emotional pain into meaningful expression. Her perspective underscores the importance of patience, intention, and embracing creative processes for personal growth and happiness.


    Tune in to episode 296 of Grief and Happiness as Kathy Strauss shares her journey of caregiving, loss, and healing. Learn how painting, photography, and storytelling helped her find comfort and inspire others through the transformative power of art.


    In This Episode, You Will Learn:

    Becoming a creationeer: blending creativity and connection (1:07)Photography projects and meaningful stories (2:21)Lessons in patience and perspective through wildlife photography (6:25)Kaleidoscope of creativity: connecting nature, healing, and artistic inspiration (9:07)Coping with grief and transforming stress with creativity (14:12)Capturing inspiration and embracing ideas (22:16)The power of intention and creative exploration (23:46)

    Connect with Kathy Strauss:

    WebsiteFacebookInstagramPersonal Facebook

    Let's Connect:

    WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterPinterestThe Grief and Happiness AllianceBook: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

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  • Make good decisions about the holiday season considering what will bring you joy.


    Let's Connect:

    You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking hereYou can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking hereRequest your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

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  • What if grief could inspire healing? Dive into Michael Sudman’s deeply moving story of turning daily updates during his wife’s final days into a journal of love, grace, and purpose.


    In today's episode,  I'm joined by the Family Law Attorney and Writer Michael Sudman. Michael shares his journey of navigating grief and finding healing through writing after the loss of his wife, Cheryl. He reveals his deeply personal experience of losing his wife to pancreatic cancer and how that led him to embrace writing as a way to process grief and connect with others.


    Throughout this episode, Michael recounts how his wife Cheryl's battle with cancer, which lasted just 62 days after her diagnosis, inspired him to write daily updates for family and friends—updates that ultimately formed the basis of his book, A 62 Day Journey: Love, Light, and Grace. The book documents those updates and celebrates Cheryl's grace and strength during her final days. Michael discusses how writing became a crucial part of his healing process, leading to the creation of daily poems he shares with hundreds of people. His poetry, deeply influenced by gratitude and reflections on life, has expanded into a second collection, Inside My Insides: A Collection of Thoughts. He highlights the importance of community support, particularly the Grief and Happiness Alliance, which inspired much of his creative output.


    Tune in to episode 294 of Grief and Happiness to hear Michael's heartfelt journey of transforming his grief into a daily writing practice, creating profound connections and inspiring art that celebrates love, resilience, and healing.


    In This Episode, You Will Learn:

    A life-changing diagnosis (1:29)From daily updates to a published book (4:30)Writing as healing: Creating Today’s Thought (8:36)The power of gratitude and connection (12:03)Rainbows and the meaning of life’s scars (14:31)Cheryl’s story through Michael’s words and poems (18:05)Sharing inspiration: poetry and community (23:26)Closing Reflections and Encouragement (28:05)

    Connect with Michael Sudman:

    LinkedInBook: Michael Sudman - A 62-Day Journey: Love, Light, and Grace

    Let's Connect:

    WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterPinterestThe Grief and Happiness AllianceBook: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

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  • Taking the time to thoughtfully write a handwritten note is so special.


    Let's Connect:

    You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking hereYou can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking hereRequest your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

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  • From tending to survivors to honoring the fallen, Robin Garrison’s firsthand account of Maui’s fires reveals the heartbreak and humanity behind the headlines.


    In today's episode, I'm joined by Robin Garrison,a nurse practitioner and hospice nurse on Maui, who discusses her work in street medicine and community healing. Robin shares deeply personal stories about supporting houseless individuals, especially during the aftermath of the devastating Lahaina fires. 


    Throughout this episode, Robin shares emotional stories about the people she served, including a man whose life and death profoundly impacted her. Her narrative conveys the profound grief experienced by both the victims and their caregivers. She also discusses her role in Project Vision Hawaii, which has evolved from providing vision care to offering comprehensive medical and social services. Robin highlights the significance of listening and being present with those who are grieving, stressing that true support often involves simply holding space for others. Additionally, her stories from her time as a midwife illustrate the beauty and complexity of life and death, as well as the resilience of those she has supported.


    Tune in and listen to episode 292 of Grief and Happiness as Robin Garrison shares her powerful experiences in street medicine, offering care to Maui’s most vulnerable, and the profound lessons she’s learned about grief, healing, and human connection.


    In This Episode, You Will Learn:

    Robin’s background and role in Maui (1:01)Street medicine: serving Maui’s most vulnerable (1:54)The Lahaina Fires: grief, loss, and community resilience (4:19)The healing power of listening (6:05)Lessons from midwifery and grief support (8:08)Inspiration to act: How we can make a difference (14:21)

    Connect with Robin Garrison:

    InstagramWebsiteFacebookLinkedInHospice MauiProject Vision Hawaii

    Let's Connect:

    WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterPinterestThe Grief and Happiness AllianceBook: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

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  • What to you receive from giving gifts?


    Let's Connect:

    You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking hereYou can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking hereRequest your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

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  • Feeling more fulfilled in life than ever before might seem impossible after profound loss. Explore how journaling, recognizing signs from loved ones, and embracing the transformative power of grief can lead to unexpected joy and purpose.


    In this episode, I'm joined by a fellow podcast host, Kathy Gleason, who started her podcast As I Live and Grieve in November 2020. She openly shares her journey of navigating grief, reflecting on the profound losses of her father, mother, husband, and infant son, each of which shaped her perspective and deepened her understanding of the grieving process. 


    Throughout this episode, Kathy recounts how her podcast, As I Live and Grieve, came to life, born out of a desire to reach a wider audience and help people openly discuss and process grief. This endeavor, inspired by her own unaddressed loss and supported by her family, has been running for four years, providing solace and insight to listeners. Kathy emphasizes the importance of acknowledging grief and seeking support, whether through bereavement groups, professional counseling, or personal practices like journaling. She shares how writing can serve as a powerful tool for emotional healing, helping individuals articulate their thoughts and create a lasting legacy of memories.


    Looking ahead, Kathy highlights her upcoming book, The Chrysalis Effect, which uses the metaphor of a caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly to illustrate the profound changes grief brings to our lives. Through her heartfelt storytelling, Kathy inspires hope, demonstrating that happiness and fulfillment are attainable even after significant loss. 


    Tune in and listen to episode 290 to hear Kathy Gleason’s heartfelt journey through loss and healing, and discover how embracing grief, sharing memories, and finding signs of love can lead to profound transformation and renewed joy.


    In This Episode, You Will Learn:

    Kathy’s podcasting background (4:12)

    Personal losses and lessons from grief (6:09)

    The healing journey and recognizing signs from loved ones (12:46)

    Journaling as a tool for grief and healing (20:51)

    Grief as transformation: The Chrysalis Effect (22:57)

    The intersection of grief and happiness (25:36)

    Feeling better than ever after loss (30:45)

    Closing thoughts and Kathy’s future projects (32:34)


    Connect with Kathy Gleason:

    LinkedIn

    YouTube

    The As I Live and Grieve podcast


    Let's Connect:

    Website

    LinkedIn

    Facebook

    Instagram

    Twitter

    Pinterest

    The Grief and Happiness Alliance


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  • What intention can you create to help you through the holidays? What will you do to take good care of yourself?


    Let's Connect:

    You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking hereYou can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking hereRequest your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.


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  • Explore how the art of poetry transforms pain into resilience and helps navigate life’s toughest moments.


    In today's episode, I'm joined by the renowned voice actor, author, and poetry therapy facilitator Bill Ratner. Bill brings a deeply personal and insightful perspective to the episode, sharing the profound impact of early losses on his emotional and creative development. He reveals intimate stories from his life, delving into themes of grief, healing, and personal growth. 


    Throughout this episode, Bill reflects on his mother’s remarkable approach to discussing her terminal illness with him as a child, the role of therapy in his life, and the complex dynamics of his family after tragedy. Bill’s stories are rich with introspection, exploring how grief influenced his relationships, career, and eventual passion for writing.


    Highlighting his work as a poetry therapy facilitator, Bill explains how writing provides a safe outlet for emotional expression, both for himself and for those he teaches. He discusses the process behind his poetry and the intention behind his new book, which blends dark humor and grief into a reflective narrative. His contributions offer a message of hope, emphasizing the value of creativity and connection in navigating loss.

    In This Episode, You Will Learn:

    A life shaped by loss (0:59)The power of early emotional support (6:14)A second mom and her struggles (15:31)Adolescence, anger, and diverging paths (20:44) The healing power of poetry therapy (29:15)The creation of Lamenting While Doing Laps in the Lake (31:10)A journey from estrangement to connection (34:11)Closing Reflections: Embracing Creativity for Healing (37:30)

    Connect with Bill Ratner:

    WebsiteInstagramLinkedInFacebookXGet Bill’s books!

    Let's Connect:

    WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterPinterestThe Grief and Happiness AllianceBook: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

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  • What have you always wanted to learn about?


    Let's Connect:

    You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking hereYou can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking hereRequest your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.


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  • Could setting boundaries and saying 'yes' to yourself be the key to transforming grief? 


    In this episode, I'm joined by transformational coach Vickie Menendez, who shares her deeply personal journey through profound loss and the powerful ways she has learned to heal. Drawing from her 35 years in self-care and trauma healing, Vickie discusses the importance of tuning into the body’s physical responses to grief and using intentional self-care practices to support emotional healing.


    Throughout this episode, Vickie speaks about the personal transformation that occurs when one commits to raising their vibration to connect with lost loved ones. She shares insights from her Mind, Body, Soul, and Sacred Spaces approach, which emphasizes the ripple effect of healing and nurturing on ourselves and our environment. Through setting boundaries and embracing self-care, Vickie illustrates how grief can be transformed into a path of growth and connection, offering listeners wisdom on how to find peace and even joy after loss.


    Tune in and listen to episode 286 of Grief and Happiness with Vickie Menendez to explore how listening to the body’s signals and setting boundaries can transform grief into healing and reconnection with loved ones.


    In This Episode, You Will Learn:

    Vickie finding her mission through loss (0:54)Writing her upcoming book as a healing process (3:06)The healing power of mandala art (7:06)Listening to the body’s grief signals (11:32)Breaking generational patterns of self-neglect (14:43)A visualization journey for grief (23:36)

    Connect with Vickie Menendez:

    WebsiteMother of All Memoirs websiteLinkedInYouTube

    Let's Connect:

    WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterPinterestThe Grief and Happiness AllianceBook: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

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  • Episode 285 Rhythm Reminders


    The constant rhythms of your lives remind us of the preciousness of life.


    Let's Connect:

    You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking hereYou can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking hereRequest your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.


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  • Have you ever felt grief physically? This episode reveals why and how somatic practices can help you cope.


    In today's episode, I'm joined by Grief Psychotherapist and Nonprofit Founder Amy Pickett-Williams. Amy shares her personal and professional journey as a grief psychotherapist and her motivation behind founding the LIGHT Movement. Drawing from her experience working with diverse types of loss, she explains how her father's unexpected death and her own near-fatal accident prompted her to embrace her father’s legacy of advocacy. 


    Throughout this episode, Amy speaks passionately about the power of somatic tools for grief healing, including the significance of polyvagal theory and the window of tolerance, which guide people in managing grief through body-based techniques. She describes practical methods like breathwork, movement, and sensory practices to stimulate the vagus nerve and aid in emotional regulation. Amy’s nonprofit aims to provide safe spaces for people to connect, grow through grief, and find purpose, emphasizing community and cross-cultural support through workshops, retreats, and an annual solstice event.


    Tune in and listen to episode 284 of Grief and Happiness, to hear Amy Pickett-Williams’ inspiring journey of resilience and discover transformative ways to navigate grief and find healing through body-based practices.


    In This Episode, You Will Learn:

    The loss of Amy’s father and its impact (1:12)A life-changing accident and a cancer diagnosis (4:59)Founding the LIGHT Movement: Mission and goals (11:20)Somatic healing and the science behind it (15:25)Practical somatic techniques for grief (17:32)Closing thoughts and how to get involved (23:45)

    Connect with Amy Pickett-Williams:

    WebsiteLinkedInFacebookThe LIGHT Movement

    Let's Connect:

    WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterPinterestThe Grief and Happiness AllianceBook: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

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  • Do you find yourself complaining about your grief? Discover how you can fix this situation!


    Let's Connect:

    You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking hereYou can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking hereRequest your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.


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  • Behind every war hero lies an untold story of pain and resilience—join Becky Ellis as she breaks decades of silence in her unforgettable memoir.


    In this episode, I'm joined by the author Becky Ellis who talks about her memoir, Little Avalanches. A daughter of a highly decorated combat veteran, Becky refers to herself as a “veteran of the war fought at home.” Her work highlights the often-overlooked impact of war trauma on veterans’ families, capturing the silent struggles and resilience required to navigate life alongside a loved one carrying deep, unspoken scars. 


    Throughout this episode, Becky describes her book Little Avalanches as a deeply personal account of living with a war-scarred father who carried a lifetime of unspoken trauma. She shares her journey of breaking through his silence to reveal his harrowing experiences and how, at the end of his life, open conversations helped them both heal. Her father, who never spoke about his past, finally relayed memories with fresh intensity and pain, showing the persistent psychological scars of war. Becky also provides practical advice on having empathetic conversations with veterans, emphasizing a personal approach and understanding the complexities of their experiences. Her unique perspective and advocacy offer a voice to families touched by trauma and a bridge to understanding for those seeking to connect more deeply with the experiences of veterans.


    Tune in and listen to episode 282 of Grief and Happiness to explore the hidden impact of war trauma on families and discover how compassionate conversations can open pathways to healing and understanding.


    In This Episode, You Will Learn:

    The legacy of war trauma on families (1:58)Breaking through silence and the power of healing conversations (4:11)Understanding war and childhood trauma: A personal and emotional account (6:26)Connecting with veterans: Tips for a meaningful conversations (17:18)Encouragement to Confront Painful Histories and Cultivate Compassion (23:39)

    Connect with Becky Ellis:

    WebsiteInstagramGet Becky Ellis’ book!

    Let's Connect:

    WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterPinterestThe Grief and Happiness AllianceBook: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

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  • What are your memories of celebrating the lives of your loved ones? How would you like to be remembered?


    Let's Connect:

    You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking hereYou can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking hereRequest your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.


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  • Could the lessons from a rescue dog transform how we handle grief and gratitude?


    In this episode, I'm joined by the Author, Speaker, and Consultant Leslie Yerkes. Leslie is a best-selling business book author with six books translated into dozens of languages and worldwide sales. In recent years her journey of rescuing and caring for dogs led her to write children's books that address themes of love, commitment, and grief.


    Throughout this episode, Leslie recounts her story of rescuing a South African Mastiff, how the dog transformed her life, and the grief she faced when she lost both her dog and her mother in a short span of time. She speaks about how these experiences inspired her to write books aimed at helping children and families understand loss, especially the loss of pets. Leslie advocates for using stories to teach children about grief, love, and the importance of keeping promises. Her message highlights the power of animals as healers and companions, the importance of staying open to love even in the face of loss, and the role of grief as a natural and essential part of life.


    Tune in and listen to episode 280 of Grief and Happiness, and discover Leslie Yerkes’ deeply personal experiences with grief, love, and healing through her relationships with animals. 


    In This Episode, You Will Learn:

    From business to children's books (1:10)A dog rescue that changed everything (2:37)Finding peace after loss (7:36)Navigating grief through writing (12:04)Lessons from animals on grief and love (15:02)Revisit the love that the sorrow reflects (19:01)Advocating for rescue (23:27)

    Connect with Leslie Yerkes:

    WebsiteLinkedInFacebookGet Leslie’s books!

    Let's Connect:

    WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterPinterestThe Grief and Happiness AllianceBook: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

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  • You never know when your last conversation will be with a loved one, so be sure in each conversation you have to make it filled with love.


    Let's Connect:

    You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking hereYou can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking hereRequest your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.


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  • What if grief was more than just sadness—what if it was a spectrum of emotions as rich and varied as a 152-color crayon box?


    In this episode, I'm joined by the Poet, Biographer, and Memoirist Molly Peacock. Molly shares her experiences of how her husband’s long illness and widowhood have informed her work, particularly in her new book The Widow’s Crayon Box. After her husband’s death, she realized she was not living the received idea of a widow’s mauve existence but instead was experiencing life with all 152 colors of the crayon box.


    Throughout this episode, Molly Peacock reflects on the societal expectations of grief being limited to a few emotions like sadness, but for her, it has been a complex and lively process. She highlights the transformative aspect of grief, where the mourner is not just in a state of loss but also in a state of personal evolution and rediscovering parts of themselves. She also reads a short excerpt from her poetry, illustrating how emotions in grief can be contradictory yet colorful. Finally, Molly touches on the importance of storytelling in the grieving process, both for processing one’s own emotions and for connecting with others who share similar experiences.


    Tune in and listen to episode 278 of Grief and Happiness, and learn how Molly challenges the conventional view of grief, showing how it can lead to a deeper understanding of life, self, and the richness of human emotions.


    In This Episode, You Will Learn:

    Introduction to Molly and the metaphor of using a 152-color crayon box to represent the emotions of grief (01:19)Finding vibrancy in loss (05:42)The grieving person’s transformation and the reclamation of the self (10:12)The structure and content of "The Widow's Crayon Box" (20:06)The importance of storytelling and listening to the grief journeys of others (27:35)

    Connect with Molly Peacock:

    WebsiteInstagramFacebookGet Molly Peacock’s Poetry on Amazon!Molly featured on CBC’s The Current in a documentary, What Can A Widow Be?

    Let's Connect:

    WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterPinterestThe Grief and Happiness AllianceBook: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • How you can help.


    Let's Connect:

    You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking hereYou can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking hereRequest your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.


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