Grief & Grit

What NOT to Say to a Griever (Navigating Words That Hurt and Help)

In this episode of Grief & Grit, Greer and Simonie dive into a topic that every griever has faced: the well-meaning but hurtful things people say after a loss. They discuss why some common phrases — like “everything happens for a reason” or “they’re in a better place” — can feel dismissive and painful.
 
Greer and Simonie share personal stories, including Greer’s reflections on the fourth anniversary of Jarrod’s passing. They also address the challenge of balancing grief with life’s ongoing changes and how sometimes just being present is more powerful than saying the “right” thing.
 
Listeners will gain insight into:
Why some phrases meant to comfort can feel hurtful
How to be more supportive to someone experiencing loss
Practical ways to “show up” without overwhelming a griever
Tips for allowing space and following the lead of the person grieving
 
Whether you’ve been on the receiving end of thoughtless comments or want to support someone going through a loss, this episode offers practical guidance and a compassionate perspective on navigating these sensitive interactions.
 
Resources Mentioned:
Book: The Rabbit Listened
Movie: Coco
 
If this episode touched you, please share it and leave us a review on Apple or Spotify 💛
 
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Reclaim & Reboot: Divorce, Identity, and Moving Forward with Justin Milrad

Grief doesn’t always stem from death. Sometimes, it’s the end of a marriage, the loss of a dream, or the shift in your identity that brings you to your knees. In this episode of Grief & Grit, we sit down with Justin Milrad, a divorce coach, father, and someone who has experienced the pain of divorce firsthand. Divorce is a kind of grief that isn’t often talked about in the same way as other losses, but it’s no less real. It's the loss of a shared dream, a future once envisioned, and a way of life that no longer exists.
Justin shares his personal journey through the end of his marriage, the emotional fallout, and the ways grief showed up in his day-to-day life—from identity loss to parenting challenges. But this isn’t just a story of heartbreak. It’s a story of rebuilding. Of choosing growth, bit by bit. Of finding your footing after the foundation shifts. And of helping others do the same.
Whether you’re in the thick of a breakup, standing on the other side of it, or supporting someone who’s navigating divorce, this conversation is a reminder that healing is possible—even if it’s messy, nonlinear, and full of unexpected detours. You’ll hear about practical tools, the power of perspective, and the grit it takes to reclaim joy, one tiny choice at a time.
Highlighted Topics:
How divorce grief mirrors death-related grief
Loss of identity and family unit post-divorce
Ambiguous loss: grieving a person who’s still physically present
The role of radical acceptance and choosing joy
Why divorce coaching is different from therapy—and why both matter
Daily practices to shift from grief brain to growth brain
Justin’s “3-2-1” exercise for healing and accountability
Music as a surprising tool for emotional release
The power of community and finding “your people”
Supporting friends through divorce—what to say (and what not to)
How to know when you’re ready to date again
Reclaiming your story and identity after divorce
Resources Mentioned:
Website: reclaimandreboot.me
Facebook: @ReclaimAndReboot
Instagram: @reclaimandreboot.me
LinkedIn: Reclaim & Reboot Divorce Coaching
Learn more about Justin’s work and his upcoming book (May 2025), You 2.0 – https://reclaimandreboot.me/
If this episode touched you, please share it and leave us a review on Apple or Spotify 💛
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Nashira—We Will Sing: Remembering Ashira with Her Parents

In this poignant episode of Grief & Grit, we sit down with Debbie Derby and Barry Rabinowitz, parents of Ashira—a vibrant, fearless, and joy-filled young woman whose sudden passing left an unimaginable void, but also a powerful legacy.
Ashira, whose name means I will sing, was a force of light. She danced through life—literally and metaphorically—lifting others with her humor, confidence, and magnetic spirit. After her death, Debbie and Barry were overwhelmed by stories from Ashira’s vast circle of friends, many of whom described her as their best friend, mentor, or chosen family.
Together, we explore the rawness of their grief, the rituals that bring them comfort, and the creation of Nashira, a nonprofit rooted in Ashira’s memory that helps teenage girls lead with joy, strength, and friendship.
This is a conversation about the ache of absence—and the beauty of continuing someone’s song.
Learn more about Nashira, the nonprofit founded in Ashira’s memory.
Quote of the episode: “Tell your friends you love them.”
If this episode resonated, please share it and leave us a review on Apple or Spotify 💛
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Substack: @griefandgrit

Decluttering Grief with Put It There Organizer Michelle Cooper

When grief hits, the last thing many of us feel ready to face is “the stuff” left behind—clothing, toiletries, papers, and memory-soaked objects that now carry the weight of absence. In this heart-opening episode, we sit down with Michelle Cooper, Certified Professional Organizer and founder of Put It There, to explore the emotional and logistical layers of decluttering after loss.
 
Michelle shares her compassionate approach to helping clients sort through a loved one’s belongings—from the practical (where to start, what to keep, and what to release) to the deeply emotional (what it means to hold on, let go, and create space for healing). We talk about the power of control in the midst of chaos, how grief shows up in unexpected places (like a stick of deodorant), and why not every decision has to be made right away.
 
Whether you’re facing a sudden loss, living with grief years later, or supporting someone through it, this episode offers gentle guidance, insight, and even a few laughs along the way. Decluttering isn’t just about letting go—it’s about making space for what still matters.
 
📦 Topics include:
Where to begin when everything feels overwhelming
The emotional landmines of organizing after loss
Why grief isn’t linear—and neither is decluttering
Sentimental items vs. everyday memories
Honoring loved ones while moving forward
 
📍Learn more about Michelle’s work at put-it-there.com or follow her:
Instagram: @put_it_there_atl
Facebook
 
💛 If this episode resonates, please share it with someone walking through grief. Subscribe to Grief & Grit on your favorite podcast platform, follow us on Instagram or Facebook, and join the conversation on Substack.

A Father’s Grief: David Pritchard on Losing His Son to Suicide

In this episode of Grief & Grit, we sit down with David Pritchard, a devoted father who lost his 17-year-old son, Nick, to suicide nearly 13 years ago. David bravely shares his heartbreaking yet inspiring journey through grief, reflecting on the shock, devastation, and lingering questions that come with losing a child in such an unexpected way.
 
David opens up about the overwhelming guilt, the societal stigma around suicide, and how he found the strength to keep going. Through grief support groups like The Compassionate Friends and Survivors of Suicide, as well as therapy and community, David found ways to process his pain, honor Nick’s life, and help others walking a similar path. He also shares how this loss shaped his relationship with his surviving children and what he wishes more parents knew about mental health.
 
Together, we discuss the importance of open conversations, recognizing warning signs (or the lack thereof), and how we can create a world where asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness. Whether you’ve lost someone to suicide or want to be a better support system for those who have, this conversation is an important one.
 
Resources mentioned in this episode:
The Compassionate Friends – Support for parents who have lost a child
Survivors of Suicide – Support for those grieving a suicide loss
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Suicide prevention, research, and support
 
🎧 Listen now and join us in normalizing grief, one conversation at a time.

Getting Back Up Again: Resilience in the Face of Grief

Getting Back Up - Resilience in the Face of Grief 🌟
 
In this Grief & Grit episode, Greer and Simonie explore the emotional rollercoaster of physical and emotional falls. When Greer unexpectedly sprains her ankle, the incident triggers past traumas and reignites deep-seated grief. 🚑💔 Listen as they share how such moments demand both physical recovery and emotional resilience, offering personal stories and strategies for navigating these sudden life setbacks.
 
Join Greer and Simonie for a heartfelt discussion that intertwines the pains of physical injuries with the ongoing journey of emotional healing, reminding us that every setback gives us the strength to rise again. 🌈👣 This episode promises humor, hope, and healing, helping us find the courage to stand back up and continue our path through grief.
 
Links:
Visit GriefandGritPodcast.com for more episodes and follow us on social media for updates and resources.
Subscribe to Grief & Grit's Substack.

The Dreaded "D" Word: Dating After Loss

Dating after loss—whether from death, divorce, or the end of a significant relationship—can feel like stepping into a whole new world. In this episode of Grief & Grit, Greer and Simonie get real about navigating the dating scene post-loss. From hilarious mishaps (hello, water guy and the man who wouldn’t board a plane!) to the emotional complexities of finding love again, they share their experiences, lessons learned, and the importance of knowing your worth.
 
Whether you’re actively dating, considering it, or happy solo, this candid conversation is full of laughs, real talk, and insights into what it means to seek love after loss.
 
Have your own dating-after-loss story? We’d love to hear from you!
 
Links:
💫 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or visit griefandgritpodcast.com.
 
Follow Grief & Grit on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack and stay tuned for more conversations that bring resilience, laughter, and honesty to the grief journey.

The Healing Power of Rituals: Honoring Loved Ones w/ Carol Shutley, Momento Foundation

Rituals provide structure, comfort, and connection in the midst of grief. In this episode of Grief & Grit, Greer and Simonie explore the profound role rituals play in honoring and remembering loved ones after loss. They are joined by grief expert Carol Shutley from the Momento Foundation, who shares insights into how rituals—both small and large—can offer grounding and healing.
 
Carol discusses cultural traditions surrounding grief, the power of remembrance rituals, and how simple acts—like lighting a candle, looking at a cherished photograph, or continuing a loved one’s traditions—can help keep their memory alive. Greer shares personal experiences of creating rituals with her children after losing her husband, while Simonie reflects on how rituals can evolve over time.
 
Whether you’re looking to start a new ritual or refine existing ones, this episode offers thoughtful guidance on using rituals as a tool for healing. Tune in for an enlightening and heartwarming conversation on grief, remembrance, and resilience.
 
💫 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or visit griefandgritpodcast.com.
 

Signs, Mediumship & Staying Connected Beyond Grief w/ The Intuitive Therapist

In this insightful and moving episode of Grief & Grit, we dive deep into signs, mediumship, and the unseen connections that bring comfort to those who are grieving. Greer and Simonie are joined by The Intuitive Therapist, Janis R. Cohen, a gifted psychic medium and therapist who shares her journey of embracing her intuitive gifts and helping others find healing and closure.
Janis explains how connecting with loved ones who have passed can aid the grieving process and provides examples of common signs, including coins, songs, animals and more. The conversation touches on personal stories of grief, skepticism and the ways our loved ones send messages when we least expect them.
If you've ever wondered whether your loved ones are still with you, or you're curious about how mediumship works, this episode offers guidance, hope and validation. Tune in to learn how to stay open to signs and recognize the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways the departed continue to show up for us.
Topics Discussed:
The role of mediumship in grief
Recognizing signs from loved ones
How to prepare for a reading
Staying open to connection
Personal stories of signs and synchronicity
Listen and connect with your heart — signs are everywhere if you're open to them.
Janis R. Cohen: The Intuitive Therapist  is a Master Therapist, Psychic & Medium. Janis is a trailblazer in the field of psychotherapy and coaching and is known around the world for her ability to help her clients in record time using her psychic gifts and clinical expertise.Follow Janis R. Cohen
Website
Podcast
Instagram
 

Setting Intentions, Not Resolutions, with Heather Markle

As we step into 2025, Greer Mendel and Simonie Levy welcome special guest Heather Markle, certified resilience coach and educator, to discuss a refreshing approach to the new year: setting intentions instead of resolutions. In this candid and empowering conversation, Heather shares her journey of resilience through grief and how practices like choosing a word of the year and the transformative “Burn Bowl” ritual can help us embrace growth and healing.
 
Together, the hosts and Heather explore:
The power of intention-setting for widows, grievers, and anyone navigating life transitions.
How to align your goals with an intentional word that inspires both action and emotion.
Practical tips for letting go of what no longer serves you and welcoming renewal.
The personal stories behind their own words for the year, including Heather’s poignant evolution from “Joyful” to “Survival” to “Peaceful.”
 
Whether you’re looking to heal, grow, or simply approach the year ahead with a bit more grace, this episode offers thoughtful tools and perspectives to guide your journey.
 
Resources Mentioned:
Heather Markle’s website: MourningCoffeeCoaching.com
Word of the Year Generator
Worksheet for setting your word of the year: Grief & Grit's Substack
 
Let’s move forward together. Listen in and start 2025 with clarity, intention, and hope.
 
Links:
Visit GriefandGritPodcast.com for more episodes and follow us on social media for updates and resources.
Subscribe to Grief & Grit's Substack.