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In this episode, we are joined by Tom Braden of Marble Falls, Texas, a retired high school football coach. On September 23, 2016, Tom and his wife, Laura, received the devastating news that their son, Jeff, an F-22 Raptor pilot, had drowned while diving with friends in Guam.

Tom shares how his faith in God has carried him through his grief journey and how his and Laura’s experiences with grief have looked different. He holds onto the hope that he will one day see Jeff again in heaven. In the meantime, Tom pours into his grandchildren—and finds that they pour right back into him.

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In this episode, we are joined by Charles Mwungura, pastor of the Southeast Christian Church Multinational Campus in Louisville, Kentucky. Charles shares his journey as he recently passed the two-year anniversary of losing his 18-year-old son, Isaac, in a drowning accident.

While grief remains a constant companion, life has continued to move forward. Over the past six months, Charles and his wife, Esperance, welcomed a newborn baby in April 2026, and their oldest son is preparing to be married this September.

Charles reflects on navigating the tension of holding both joy and sorrow at the same time. He shares how he has coped through profound loss, how his faith has sustained him, and how he is learning not just to survive, but to thrive. His story is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of heartbreak, life continues, hope remains, and joy can still be found among what is missing and broken.

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In this episode, Sharon Strouse shares the heartbreaking story of losing her 17-year-old daughter, Kristin, who died by suicide on October 11, 2001, after jumping from her 15th-floor dorm room at Parsons School of Design in New York City.

As an art therapist, Sharon discusses how painting and collage became powerful tools in her own healing and have since helped countless others navigate the trauma of loss. While she affirms that traditional talk therapy is valuable and necessary, she explains that creating art allowed her to express emotions that words alone could not capture—transforming chaos into meaningful expression.

Sharon reminds us that grief is "not all darkness, but about exploring the fullness and richness of life." She shares how, in the wake of unimaginable tragedy just one month after 9/11, she was able to transform the horror of losing Kristin into a journey of healing and hope. By first embracing her own healing, Sharon has gone on to help others do the same—truly turning grief into growth.

You can learn more about Sharon at: www.artfulgrief.com

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In this episode, Don and I are joined by Andy McNiel, CEO of The Compassionate Friends. Andy shares why supporting those who are grieving isn't about having all the answers. Instead, he explains the importance of simply holding space for others and recognizing that we don't have to be experts in someone else's grief to walk alongside them. He also offers a powerful perspective on healing after loss—not as a return to who we once were, but as a transformation into someone new, forever shaped by love and loss.

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In this episode, Brett Sylver joins us to share the heartbreaking story of losing his son, Harrison, to suicide on January 13, 2024. Brett also reflects on earlier losses that shaped his life, including his father leaving when he was just five years old and the death of his brother when Brett was only nineteen.

Throughout our conversation, Brett shares how participating in a Coping After Suicide support group has been instrumental in his healing. The group has given him a safe place to speak openly about his grief, reconnect with others, and rediscover a renewed sense of purpose. His story is a powerful reminder that while the pain of loss never fully disappears, hope, healing, and meaning can emerge through community and connection.

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In this episode, Don and Greg explore the importance of effective communication—knowing not only what to say, but also when to speak and when silence may be the better choice. They discuss the value of communicating with both accuracy and clarity, recognizing that our words can either build bridges or create misunderstandings.

The conversation also emphasizes the importance of humility. When we communicate poorly or make mistakes, we should be willing to acknowledge them, apologize when necessary, and learn from the experience. At the same time, Don and Greg encourage listeners to extend grace to others who may not know the best way to communicate with someone who is grieving. Patience, understanding, and compassion can go a long way in strengthening relationships during life's most difficult seasons.

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In this episode, Greg and Don discuss the importance of putting service above self. While not everyone is at a place in their grief journey where they are ready to mentor or support others, many eventually reach that point. Companioning—walking alongside someone in their grief—can be one of the most meaningful ways to serve, but it can also be emotionally demanding. That's why modeling healthy self-care is essential before trying to care for others.

The conversation explores how sharing your own story of loss can establish credibility and build trust at the beginning of a relationship. From there, Greg and Don discuss the importance of "priming the pump" by offering pieces of your own grief journey while intentionally shifting the focus to the other person. By asking thoughtful, open-ended questions and listening well, mentors create a safe space where those they are supporting can do most of the talking, share what is on their hearts, and process what they are experiencing.

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In this episode, we are joined by Steven Karaiskos, Ph.D., an educator, psychologist, and emotion scientist with more than 25 years of experience in the field of education. He is the founder of Elpis Consulting and serves as the Director of Postvention & Community Programming at The Kita Center, where he develops grief-informed retreats, peer support initiatives, and programs for individuals and families impacted by suicide loss. His work includes Camp Kita, a free summer camp for youth ages 8–17 who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

Steven also consults with Sea Change Mentoring on culturally responsive Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programming and previously served as Senior Director of Education at Samaritans, a Boston-based suicide prevention organization.

A nationally recognized speaker, facilitator, and writer, Steven’s work focuses on fostering belonging, emotional safety, and meaningful human connection across the lifespan. By integrating research, human-centered practices, and his own lived experience as a suicide loss survivor, he brings a unique and compassionate perspective to supporting individuals, families, and communities navigating grief and loss.