Grief & Grit

Children's Grief Awareness Day with Kate's Club

In this impactful episode of Grief & Grit, we welcome Lane Pease, Director of Education & Innovative Programming at Kate’s Club. Lane shares her personal grief journey and explains how Kate’s Club supports children and teens who have lost a caregiver or sibling.
As we recognize National Children’s Grief Awareness Day, observed every year on the Thursday before Thanksgiving, we dive into the unique ways children process grief, common misconceptions, and how grief evolves as kids grow. Lane offers practical advice for families and discusses how to support grieving children, especially during the holiday season. We also highlight the critical work and programs Kate’s Club provides, creating a vital community for young people in need.
Join us for this meaningful conversation and learn how you can help ensure no child grieves alone.

Grieving a Challenging Relationship with Shann Vander Leek

In this Grief & Grit episode, Greer and Simonie welcome Shann Vander Leek, co-host of Anxiety Slayer and their podcast coach. Shann opens up about her journey of grieving a complicated relationship with her father. She shares the difficult decision to take a decade-long break to heal, the boundaries she needed to set, and the personal growth that led to a renewed bond before his passing.
Greer and Simonie lead a powerful discussion on the stigma of grieving imperfect relationships, the work of self-forgiveness, and the unexpected gifts of healing. Shann’s story offers hope and insight to anyone navigating the complexities of loss. 
Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. Join us and explore the grit behind grief.

The Mask of Grief

In this special Halloween-themed episode of Grief & Grit, Greer and Simonie dive into the idea of the "mask" we wear in grief. Just as people wear costumes to conceal their true identity on Halloween, we often hide our true emotions behind a mask when dealing with grief. The discussion covers the different masks we put on—from the strong, happy, or busy personas to the deep disconnect from our feelings.
The conversation touches on personal stories and explores the toll that masking grief can have on both emotional and physical health. The hosts reflect on the importance of removing these masks, facing emotions head-on, and creating a safe space to heal.
Whether you’re someone who wears your emotions openly or keeps them hidden, this episode encourages listeners to acknowledge and process grief in a way that feels authentic and healing.
Tune in to discover the different masks of grief, how they affect our healing journey, and ways to begin the difficult task of removing them, one layer at a time.

Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness: Sarah

In this touching episode of Grief & Grit, we continue our series for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month with a very special guest, Sarah Jarvis. Sarah shares her deeply personal and emotional journey through infertility, the grief of unmet expectations, and the transformative experience of building her family through surrogacy and adoption.
Sarah’s story is one of resilience, love, and surrender—learning to let go of the image of how life "should" be and embracing the miracles that come in unexpected ways. She opens up about the challenges of infertility, the emotional rollercoaster of surrogacy, and the bittersweet joy of adoption, offering hope and comfort to others navigating similar paths.
With vulnerability and grace, Sarah reminds us that while grief can feel isolating, community and shared experiences can lighten the burden. Tune in for an honest conversation on love, loss, and the beauty of surrendering to the journey.
Don’t miss this powerful episode as we aim to normalize these sensitive topics and support those in their grieving process.
 
Trigger warning: This episode is part of a series focusing on different experiences related to pregnancy and infant loss. This story touches on sensitive subjects related to miscarriage, pregnancy complications and loss.

Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness: Carly

In this episode of Grief & Grit, co-hosts Greer and Simonie delve into a deeply personal and delicate topic: pregnancy loss. Joined by special guest Carly Sonenshine, LCSW, the conversation explores Carly’s own journey through the heartbreaking challenges of miscarriage and the rollercoaster of emotions that accompany trying to build a family amidst uncertainty. Carly opens up about her experiences with IVF and the journey she and her husband faced after learning they were both carriers of a rare genetic condition.
Listeners will hear raw reflections on grief, hope and the unique pressures of navigating such intense loss. Carly shares how faith, connection and her family helped her through the most painful periods, offering guidance for others walking a similar path. This episode serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, we are not alone—and that resilience can emerge through shared stories and support.
Trigger warning: This episode is part of a series focusing on different experiences related to pregnancy and infant loss. This story touches on sensitive subjects related to miscarriage, pregnancy complications and loss.

Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness: Barbara

In this episode of Grief & Grit, Barbara Leahy joins hosts Greer Mendel and Simonie Levy to share her powerful story of giving birth to premature twin daughters and enduring the devastating loss of one. Barbara opens up about navigating grief while raising her surviving daughter, and how she’s learned to hold both joy and sorrow throughout her journey.
The conversation explores the messy, complex nature of grief—living in “liminal space,” dealing with unexpected grief triggers, and the importance of finding and embracing your support village. Barbara’s story sheds light on the bittersweetness of milestones and how grief evolves over time, inspiring others to find strength in vulnerability.
Tune in for a heartfelt discussion dedicated to those experiencing pregnancy and infant loss in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.
This episode is part of a series focusing on different experiences related to pregnancy and infant loss.

Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness: Greer

In this special episode, hosts Simonie and Greer delve into the difficult but essential topic of pregnancy and infant loss. October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and Greer shares her deeply personal story of grief, love and healing.* From her journey with pregnancy loss to the challenges and decisions she and her late husband, Jarrod, faced, Greer opens up about the impact of loss and the road to finding support. She discusses the importance of talking openly about such experiences to reduce the isolation that often accompanies grief. Listen as they explore the nuances of loss, the power of community, and the ways in which grief prepares us for life’s many challenges.
This episode is part of a series focusing on different experiences related to pregnancy and infant loss.
*This episode shares a story involving abortion. We know this can be a very triggering and polarizing topic and want to honor and respect this real life experience.

Navigating the Layers of Secondary Losses

In this episode of Grief & Grit, Greer Mendel and Simonie Levy explore the concept of secondary losses, the unexpected changes that follow the death of a loved one. Beyond the immediate grief, these losses—like the loss of future dreams, financial security, and support systems—can quietly reshape your life.
Greer and Simonie share personal stories about the challenges they faced, from losing the vision of a shared future to navigating the sudden burden of financial responsibilities. They also touch on how a profound loss can shift your identity as a parent or spouse, and shatter hopes for the future, adding new layers of grief. These secondary losses can feel overwhelming, whether it’s the loss of your emotional rock or your sense of self. 
The hosts offer guidance on recognizing and coping with these layered losses. They encourage listeners to lean on support systems, rebuild dreams, and focus on emotional well-being. Whether you’ve lost a spouse, a child, a friend, or even a job, this conversation reminds us that secondary losses deserve recognition and healing.  

Seasons Change: Grief, Growth and Finding New Traditions

As the seasons change, so do our emotions, especially when navigating grief. In this episode of Grief & Grit, hosts Greer Mendel and Simonie Levy reflect on how each season stirs memories of their late husbands while offering insight on coping with the emotions that accompany these transitions.
Greer shares how fall, once filled with excitement over football and family traditions, now feels different without Jarrod. Simonie discusses how winter, once a season of joy, became marked by the memory of Mark’s cancer diagnosis and passing. Through their personal experiences, they offer advice for others facing the changing seasons while grieving.
Topics covered include: 
Creating new traditions to replace painful memories
Practicing self-care during emotionally heavy seasons
Embracing small joys and moments of comfort
Finding ways to grow and heal through grief
This heartfelt conversation reminds listeners that grief, like the seasons, evolves. With time, new traditions and moments of joy can emerge, helping us move forward even while we continue to honor our loved ones.
🎧 Listen in for an honest discussion on finding balance, resilience, and healing through each season of grief.  Visit us at @griefandgritpodcast and www.GriefandGritPodcast.com.

Surviving the First "Firsts" & Milestones that Follow: Greer

In this moving episode of "Grief & Grit," hosts Greer Mendel and Simonie Levy continue their exploration of navigating the first year of loss and the significant milestones that follow. Greer recounts her journey after the sudden passing of her husband, Jarrod, detailing the emotional challenges of holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries. 
 
Greer and Simonie offer tips for those at the beginning of their grief journey, emphasizing the importance of self-care, creating new traditions, and allowing oneself to feel and express emotions. Their conversation underscores that there are no rules for grieving—everyone’s journey is unique, and it’s okay to navigate it in your way.
 
Join us for an honest and supportive discussion about surviving the first year of loss and the ongoing milestones that shape the journey.