If you’ve ever felt stuck in the same story of loss, episode 380 will move you. Author Michael Reed shares how, for nine years after losing his wife and daughters in the Gatlinburg wildfire, every morning felt like opening a newspaper with the same tragic headline. In this raw, hopeful conversation, he reveals how he finally rewrote that headline—turning pain into purpose through The Million Stages of Grief and showing that while we never move on, we can move forward.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

(00:59) The wildfire that changed Michael Reed’s life forever

(02:45) Why he rejected the “five stages of grief” and wrote The Million Stages of Grief

(04:43) How shared pain can connect rather than divide us

(06:07) Naming “the darkness” and learning to step out of it

(07:30) The difference between moving on and moving forward

(09:14) Living with the same headline of loss every day for nine years

(10:40) Finding signs of love in butterflies, ladybugs, and owls

(13:37) Turning grief into purpose and keeping loved ones’ memories alive

(16:27) Facing anger, survivor’s guilt, and learning to take one baby step at a time

(22:44) Grounding, creativity, and nature as pathways to healing

(26:26) Why vulnerability is the key to helping others heal

Michael Reed is an author, speaker, and grief advocate from East Tennessee whose life was forever changed by the 2016 Gatlinburg wildfire that claimed his wife and two daughters. Transforming unimaginable loss into purpose, he now helps others navigate grief with honesty and compassion. Through his book The Million Stages of Grief and his platform, he challenges the idea of five linear stages of grief, showing instead that healing is a complex, deeply personal journey. Currently pursuing a degree in Behavioral Science, Reed uses his story to remind others that while we never move on from grief, we can always move forward with love.

In this episode, Reed brings raw authenticity and hope to the conversation, sharing how he learned to live beyond the darkness of his loss. He describes grief as both chaotic and connective—a shared human experience that, when voiced, helps others heal too. From naming his sadness to finding comfort in small signs from his late family, he illustrates that our loved ones never truly leave us. Through grounding, creativity, and compassion, Reed shows listeners how to transform pain into purpose, connection, and even gratitude.

Connect with Michael Reed:

Website

Instagram

TikTok

Book: Michael Reed - The Million Stages of Grief

Let's Connect:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

The Grief and Happiness Alliance

Book: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

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Now it the time to say whatever your need to say to your loved ones. Don’t wait!

Let's Connect:

• You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking here
• You 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 here
• Request your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

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

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

What are some miracles you experience every day?

Let's Connect:

• You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking here
• You 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 here
• Request your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

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

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