In this episode of Not Your Average Grief, I chat with my beautiful friend and guest Portia Barton. Portia is a mother of seven and a passionate advocate for food allergies. She shares with us her profound journey of grief following the loss of her daughter Charlotte, who suffered from severe food allergies. This conversation delves into the challenges of navigating grief, the importance of self-care, and the power of community support. Portia emphasizes the significance of sharing stories and advocating for food allergy awareness as a way to honor her daughter's memory. The episode offers insights into coping with loss, the duality of happiness and sadness, and the importance of finding inspiration in everyday life.

Takeaways

• Portia is a mother of seven and a food allergy advocate.
• Charlotte, Portia's daughter, had severe food allergies and tragically passed away.
• Grief is a journey that comes in waves and can be overwhelming.
• Self-care is essential in navigating grief, including journaling and honoring loved ones.
• Community support is vital for those experiencing grief.
• There is no timeline for grief; it is a personal journey.
• Portia aims to raise awareness about food allergies to honor Charlotte's memory.
• The duality of happiness and sadness is a part of the grieving process.
• Finding inspiration in everyday life can help in the healing journey.
• Sharing stories can foster connection and understanding among those grieving.

You can find, follow, and reach out to Portia on Instragram @iamportiabarton and also @livelikechar

If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.

https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here

https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

In this episode of Not Your Average Grief Podcast, I speak with Dr. Lynn Banis, who specializes in helping widows transform their grief into connection and joy. Dr. Lynn shares her personal journey through profound loss, including the deaths of her husband, brother, and mother. She discusses the importance of acknowledging grief, creating meaningful remembrances, and the role of community in healing. Our conversation also touches on societal attitudes towards grief, overcoming limiting beliefs, and the significance of coaching in navigating the grieving process. Dr. Lynn emphasizes the need for open discussions about grief and offers practical tools for transformation.

Takeaways

• Dr. Lynn helps widows transform loneliness into connection.
• Grief can be compounded by multiple losses.
• It's essential to acknowledge and process grief.
• Creating new traditions can help in healing.
• Community support is crucial during grief.
• Societal norms often make discussing grief uncomfortable.
• Limiting beliefs can hinder the healing process.
• Practical support for grieving individuals is vital.
• Coaching can provide a structured path through grief.
• Values may shift after a significant loss.

To find out more about Dr. Lynn and the work she does you can visit her website by clicking the link below.

Lynn Banis's Website

If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.

https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here

https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

In this episode I speak with Anne Hintz, who shares her profound journey of healing from grief and trauma through the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).

Anne recounts her experience of finding her mother deceased at a young age and how it impacted her life. She discusses the importance of emotional release and self-awareness, explaining how EFT helped her process her grief and transform her life.

The conversation delves into practical steps for tapping, the significance of recognizing emotions, and the deeper understanding of life that comes from healing. Anne also shares insights from her book, 'The Pathway to Insight,' and her mission to help others navigate their grief and emotional challenges.

Takeaways

• Anne Hintz developed the ability to sense and release physical tension in her body.
• Her mother's death was a significant trauma that influenced her life.
• EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) helped Anne process her grief.
• Emotions are energy that can be released from the body.
• Self-awareness is crucial in recognizing and addressing emotions.
• Tapping can be a practical tool for emotional release.
• Meditation and EFT serve different purposes in healing.
• Anne's journey led her to teach others about emotional healing.
• The body holds memories and emotions physically.
• Life can be deeper and richer once we process our grief.

You can find Anne, learn more from her and follow her journeyby clicking this link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9vDqooYE6w

If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.

https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here

https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

In this episode I speak with Roman Fischer, an actor, model, and high-performance coach.

Roman shares his personal journey from struggling with mental health issues and a lack of fitness to transforming his life through nutrition and exercise. He emphasizes the importance of clean eating, mental health, and motivation strategies, particularly in the context of grief and personal challenges. The conversation highlights the significance of gratitude, perspective, and consistency in achieving personal growth and resilience.

Takeaways

• Health is wealth; without it, nothing else matters.
• You can overcome mental health challenges through lifestyle changes.
• Gratitude can shift your perspective and improve your mindset.
• Clean eating is essential for physical and mental health.
• Motivation is important, but consistency is key to growth.
• Your mindset can significantly impact your overall well-being.
• Writing down your challenges can help you process and overcome them.
• Every experience, good or bad, is a learning opportunity.
• Surround yourself with positive influences and information.
• Use your past struggles as fuel for your future success.

You can find Roman and learn more about his coaching by visiting his website below.

http://romanfischerofficial.com

If you are grieving right now, you are not alone.

You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.

https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here

https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

In this episode of Not Your Average Grief Podcast, my guest is Angela Clement, a certified grief coach & healer. She shares her personal journey through grief after losing her husband to colon cancer. Angela also shares her experiences of early grief, the emotions that overwhelmed her, and her search for hope and healing. She discusses the importance of embracing grief as a natural process and how it can lead to transformation and personal growth. She also highlights the tools and resources that have helped her and others navigate their grief journeys, emphasizing the power of community support and the potential for joy even after profound loss.

Takeaways

• Grief is often misunderstood and can be a pathway to transformation.
• It's important to embrace emotions rather than suppress them during grief.
• Finding hope and support is crucial in the healing process.
• Community support can significantly aid in navigating grief.
• Reframing grief can help individuals see potential for new beginnings.
• Energy healing modalities can provide comfort and understanding during grief.
• Personal growth often follows the journey through grief.
• Mindset plays a critical role in healing from grief.
• Sharing stories and experiences can foster connection and healing.

You can find out all things Anegla including her podcast & book by visiting her website. https://www.healingenergy.world/

If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.

https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here

https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

In this episode of Not Your Average Grief, I speak with Laura Walton, a grief expert and coach, about her personal journey through loss and the tools she developed to cope with grief. Laura shares her experiences with significant losses in her life, including the death of her father and her partner, and how these experiences shaped her career in grief counseling. The conversation delves into the importance of self-care, navigating grief during the holidays, and the necessity of being kind to oneself during the grieving process.

Takeaways

• Grief can be a catalyst for personal growth.
• It's important to find tools to cope with grief.
• Self-care is crucial during the grieving process.
• Grief is a personal journey that varies for everyone.
• It's okay to say no to social events during grief.
• Practicing yoga can help in processing grief.
• Creating rituals can honor both your grief and your loved ones.
• Grief changes over time; it doesn't disappear.
• Be kind to yourself during the grieving process.
• Life can still be beautiful despite profound loss.

Laura is a Clini-Coach, After Loss Professional, and End Of Life Coach, a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, Clinical Surpervisor, and personal & professional grief expert.

Laura is also the founder of lovelew, an online grief coaching program for women ages 20-40 who suddenly lost their partner to death. lovelew aims to help women integrate their grief as a catalyst for a more purposeful and meanigful life.

You can find all things Laura Walton at www.withlovelew.com

If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.

https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here

https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

In this episode Gina Economopoulos shares her personal journey through loss, addiction, and a crisis of faith. She explores how to navigate feelings of hopelessness and despair, offering practical advice on finding hope and a sense of purpose. Audiences will be inspired by her resilience and guided by her insights on embracing faith and perseverance to overcome life's darkest moments.

Takeaways

• Grief can become a constant companion in life.
• Experiencing loss can lead to profound personal transformation.
• Faith can be a source of strength during difficult times.
• Life in the convent provided Gina with a unique perspective on service and sacrifice.
• Transitioning from a life of service to personal healing can be challenging.
• Love can bring both joy and pain, especially in relationships affected by addiction.
• Complicated grief requires understanding and support from others.
• Sobriety can open the door to healing and self-discovery.
• Finding a higher power can help in overcoming personal struggles.
• Grief is a lifelong journey, but it can lead to deeper understanding and peace.
• Grief is a complex and non-linear journey.
• Crying is a natural and important part of healing.
• Sharing stories can inspire vulnerability and healing in others.
• Being present for those who are grieving is a profound gift.

Gina Economopoulos was born in Syosset, NY, to a strong Italian and Greek-loving family. She graduated from Eastern CT State University and bartended before embarking on a 12-year convent journey after her mother's passing. Settled on the Jersey Shore, Gina now works as an End-of-Life Doula, extending her compassionate heart to those in their final chapter. She found solace in sobriety as a proud Alcoholics Anonymous member, and her story of resilience through tragedy and faith inspires others to face life's challenges.

You can find all things Gina by clicking the link below.

https://www.ginaecon.com/

If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.

https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here

https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

In this episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with ER nurse Jennifer Johnson about the complexities of grief in the nursing profession. She explores the emotional toll of caring for patients and their families, the lack of education on grief in nursing, and the importance of vulnerability and support in processing these experiences. Jennifer shares her personal stories, coping mechanisms, and insights on how to navigate grief while maintaining professionalism in a high-stress environment. In this conversation, we explore the profound themes of community, grief, healing and the importance of having a support system during difficult times, the sacredness of grief, and the need to celebrate life and death. Jenn shares her insights on the role of intuition in nursing and the significance of rituals in honoring those who have passed.

Takeaways

• Grief is a significant part of nursing that is often overlooked.
• Nurses experience grief not just for patients but also for families.
• Vulnerability allows for healing and creates safe spaces for others.
• Education on grief and palliative care is crucial for nurses.
• Crying at work is a natural response and should be accepted.
• Personal experiences with grief can deeply affect a nurse's emotional state.
• Support systems are essential for nurses dealing with grief.
• The impact of pediatric cases can be particularly challenging for nurses.
• Reaching out for help is vital in managing grief and trauma.
• Normalizing conversations about death and grief can benefit the nursing community.
• Community is the number one indicator of resilience post-trauma.
• Grief is a sacred part of the human experience.
• Rituals can help honor and remember those who have passed.
• Talking about death can alleviate future trauma for families.
• Grief can feel isolating, but support is available.
• It's important to normalize conversations about death.
• Healing is a journey that often requires community involvement.

Jenn is waiting for her book, Nursing Intuition, to be published this fall. In the book, she will discuss the science behind using intuition and how she incorporates it into her patient care. Jenn has a wealth of information to share, and I cannot wait to read her book when it comes out. You can find Jenn at www.rforgrowth.com You can pre-order her book and find her nursing support materials here. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jennifer-A-Johnson-RN/author/B0D1NBF18K

If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.

https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here

https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

Shauna, XO