Grief & Grit

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.

Grief and Anxiety: Navigating the Overlap with Anxiety Slayer Shann Vander Leek

In this episode of Grief & Grit, Greer and Simonie explore the intersection of grief and anxiety with special guest Shann Vander Leek from the Anxiety Slayer podcast. Shann shares her insights on how grief-related anxiety manifests, from panic attacks and hyper-awareness of mortality to the overwhelming fear of an uncertain future.
Greer and Simonie open up about their personal experiences with anxiety after the loss of their spouses, including moments of emotional overload and the challenges of solo parenting. Together, they discuss how anxiety can impact sleep, decision-making and day-to-day functioning during grief.
Shann offers practical strategies for managing anxiety, such as EFT tapping, guided meditations, journaling and the importance of sticking to routines. Whether it’s finding relief through movement or using simple grounding techniques, this episode is packed with actionable tools to ease the burden of grief and anxiety.
If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by grief-related anxiety or wondered how to calm the racing thoughts, this conversation will remind you that you're not alone. Tune in to learn how to give yourself grace, support your healing journey, and find moments of calm amidst the chaos.
Join us as we navigate this difficult yet relatable topic and offer hope, tools, and a little bit of grit along the way.

Finding Light: Navigating Grief During the Holiday Season

The holiday season can be one of the most challenging times for those grieving the loss of a loved one. In this episode of Grief & Grit, co-hosts Greer Mendel and Simonie Levy share their personal stories of navigating winter holidays after losing their spouses. They offer compassionate guidance, from letting go of painful traditions to creating new ones that honor your loved one's memory.
Discover practical tips like setting boundaries, crafting an exit plan for events, and embracing the unexpected moments of joy that may arise. Whether it's lighting a candle, sharing stories, or simply allowing yourself space to grieve, this episode is a comforting reminder that you're not alone.
Tune in as Greer and Simonie discuss the importance of self-care, honoring your emotions, and finding peace in the midst of the season's chaos.

Grief & Gratitude: Finding Hope and Resilience Amid Loss

As Thanksgiving approaches, Greer and Simonie dive into the complex relationship between grief and gratitude in this episode of Grief & Grit. They share personal stories about transforming the holiday into a time of remembrance and thanks. Greer reflects on her struggles with Thanksgiving after Jarrod’s passing, while Simonie talks about the impact of her late husband Mark’s leukemia diagnosis during the holiday.
They explore how small acts, like keeping a gratitude journal or embracing moments of peace, can foster healing. With insights on resilience and finding joy amid sorrow, they offer practical ways to navigate the holiday season and discover moments of hope.