In this episode of the After Life Podcast, Samina Bari is joined by Abby Reyes, a powerhouse communications executive and a longtime friend of both Samina and her late husband, Doug. Abby shares the extraordinary and tender role she played in supporting Samina during the immediate aftermath of Doug's sudden passing - including managing the countless details that weigh heavily on those left behind.

Together, they explore themes of shock, grief, and the immense challenge of stepping up for someone while navigating their own emotions. Abby's cultural perspective - rooted in Filipino traditions that openly acknowledge and celebrate death - shaped her approach to support, allowing her to hold space for Samina's grief without overwhelming her with her own feelings.

Keeping open conversations about the deceased and creating lasting remembrances are crucial for long-term emotional well-being.

Personalizing memorials with favorite music, cocktails, and memories helps celebrate a loved one's life and fosters healing.

Including children in remembrance activities allows them to participate and keeps their connection to the lost parent alive.

Grief is personal and different for everyone, so it's important to honor and respect each person's unique way of feeling and processing loss without judgment.

If the stories and insights from these episodes have touched you, I warmly invite you to continue the conversation with me at saminabari.com. There, you'll discover meaningful ways to share this work - whether by ordering copies for your office or community, gifting the book to someone in need, or inviting me to speak and ignite more of these essential conversations together.

On the site, you'll also find the latest updates about my book Don't Call Me Widow: How to Support Someone Who Has Lost Their Spouse.

Additionally, you can download a free resource I created, What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do.

In the premiere episode of the After Life Podcast, host Samina Bari opens her heart and shares the deeply personal story that inspired her to create this show. With honesty and vulnerability, she talks about the sudden death of her husband, Doug, how that loss transformed her world as a wife, mom, now solo parent, and as a person, and why she is committed to changing how we support grieving spouses.

Drawing from decades of leadership experience, personal struggles through religious and cultural pressures, otherness, infertility, and the devastating loss of her life partner, Samina offers a meaningful exploration of grief, discomfort, and community. This episode sets the stage for honest conversations around the unspoken realities of grief while offering hope, compassion, and practical lessons for those grieving—or those walking alongside them.

The loss of a spouse is unlike any other kind of grief. It reshapes identity, family, and the future overnight.

Talking about grief makes us uncomfortable. Avoiding it doesn't make it go away—healing begins when we're willing to break the silence.

Not all support feels helpful. Well‑meaning words or actions sometimes miss the mark, but genuine kindness is always remembered.

Support matters more than words. Small, thoughtful gestures can help lift a grieving person during their darkest days.

If the stories and insights from these episodes have touched you, I warmly invite you to continue the conversation with me at saminabari.com. There, you'll discover meaningful ways to share this work - whether by ordering copies for your friends, office or community, gifting the book to someone in need, or inviting me to speak to ignite more of these essential conversations together.

On the site, you'll also find the latest updates about my book Don't Call Me Widow: How to Support Someone Who Has Lost Their Spouse.

Additionally, you can download a free resource I created, What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do.

In this episode of the After Life Podcast, Samina Bari is joined by her lifelong friend, Stephanie Koze, who shares a deeply personal account of the moments surrounding the loss of Samina's husband, Doug. From the first 3 a.m. phone call from the hospital to rushing cross-country to be by Samina's side, Stephanie reveals the realities and raw emotions of showing up for someone in the darkest times.

Together, they explore what true support looks like beyond words - offering presence, compassion, and practical help without overwhelming the grieving person. Stephanie's thoughtful reflections illustrate the delicate balance of managing her own emotions while focusing fully on being there for Samina and her family.

Supporting someone in grief involves putting your own emotions aside, truly listening, and showing up with empathy and practical help.

Friends and chosen family form a crucial support network. Having them step in with different strengths will lift the burden from the grieving person.

Grieving children need special care and attention, as their experiences and ways of coping are unique and often overlooked.

Self-care for supporters matters too - it's okay to grieve alongside your loved one in private to sustain the strength needed to be present.

If the stories and insights from these episodes have touched you, I warmly invite you to continue the conversation with me at saminabari.com. There, you'll discover meaningful ways to share this work - whether by ordering copies for your office or community, gifting the book to someone in need, or inviting me to speak and ignite more of these essential conversations together.

On the site, you'll also find the latest updates about my book Don't Call Me Widow: How to Support Someone Who Has Lost Their Spouse.

Additionally, you can download a free resource I created, What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do.