In this Good Grief episode, Dr. Christine Malone welcomes Elissa Kalver, founder of the world’s first nonprofit cancer gift registry We Got This, Stage IV metastatic breast cancer thriver, Good Morning America guest, and upcoming author of We Got This. Elissa shares her journey from the shock of diagnosis to finding unexpected sources of support, and how her own needs inspired the creation of a registry that brings practical help and comfort to others facing cancer. She opens up about experiencing grief not just in loss, but in illness, identity shifts, and altered life plans—while still finding ways to live fully. The conversation explores the power of community, the birth of her book, and the role of joy, humor, and hope as daily survival tools. Elissa offers heartfelt advice for friends and family of those battling illness and reflects on her evolving sense of legacy, love, and purpose, closing with her moving answer to the question, “If grief could talk, what would it say to you today?”
Elissa's non-profit, We Got This: https://wegotthis.org/
Elissa's website: https://www.elissakalver.com/we-got-this
In this episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone speaks with Kathleen Quinn, a mindset coach and certified Grief Educator through David Kessler’s program.Kathleen shares the powerful story of losing her husband just four months after his terminal cancer diagnosis and how that experience reshaped her understanding of grief, love, and resilience. Together, they explore the hidden toll of our culture’s grief illiteracy, how to support someone who is grieving or dying, and what it means to move through grief while staying open to life.Kathleen offers compassionate insights and practical wisdom for anyone navigating the long arc of loss, and she introduces her Tender Hearts program and free discovery call as resources for healing.
In this powerful episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone welcomes Rocio Aquino and Angel Orengo, the dynamic duo behind The Orchid: The Secret Code of Modern Goddesses, to explore how feminine empowerment, ancient wisdom, and intentional healing practices can guide us through the depths of grief. Together, they unpack how grief dismantles identity—and how the hidden codes of self-discovery can rebuild it. From the transformative power of intentional forgiveness and radical parenting to the role of gratitude during professional loss, Rocio and Angel offer profound insights for anyone navigating sorrow. They also challenge traditional self-care narratives and goal-setting methods, advocating instead for mindful, heart-led healing. Whether you’re grieving a person, a dream, or a version of yourself, this conversation offers tools, truth, and hope.
In this episode of Good Grief, host Dr. Christine Malone sits down with Theresa Bruno—celebrity jewelry designer, podcast host, and author of the upcoming memoir He’s Not Coming Back—to explore what it means to begin again after unimaginable loss. Following the suicide of her husband and the collapse of her business, Theresa found herself at a crossroads, grappling with sorrow, identity, and the elusive promise of healing. Through candid conversation, she shares how nature, defiant gratitude, and self-compassion became lifelines in her journey toward renewal. Together, they discuss the nonlinear path of grief, the emotional clutter that can keep us stuck, and how even in the wreckage, there’s space to rewrite your story with courage and hope.
In this deeply moving episode, host Christine Malone welcomes Nancy MacMillan, a seasoned psychotherapist and spiritual care expert, to explore the emotional and psychological landscapes of death, dying, and grief. Drawing on decades of experience, Nancy offers profound insight into the fears that arise at the end of life, the transformative potential of grief, and the power of presence in therapeutic spaces. Together, they examine how rituals, dreams, and deep attunement can support those in transition—and how confronting mortality can bring peace not just to the dying, but to all of us. Nancy shares tools for caregivers, guidance for those facing anticipatory or complicated grief, and reflections from her upcoming book, The Call to the Far Shore. The conversation closes with a compassionate reminder: in learning to face death, we learn how to truly live.
In this episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone welcomes a transformational guest, Richard Tierney who introduces a groundbreaking, spiritually inspired approach to healing trauma and grief. Centered around the belief that trauma memories carry real emotional weight—and that they can be dissolved—this conversation explores a two-part program designed to empower individuals to reclaim their lives. The first part focuses on healing the trauma memory itself through holistic practices like breathwork, grounding, and visualization, while integrating universal spiritual teachings of love, forgiveness, and renewal. The second part guides survivors through a reprogramming phase using Trauma Recovery Anonymous, an adapted 12-Step model that helps individuals break survival-based patterns and rebuild a life rooted in self-trust and personal sovereignty. With an emphasis on practical tools, spiritual empowerment, and lasting transformation, this episode offers a deeply hopeful path forward for anyone seeking freedom from the past.
In this powerful episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone welcomes Nicole Gruendl—life coach, speaker, and grieving mother—to share the heartbreaking story of losing her son, Korey. Nicole opens up about the devastating day he died, the long and painful wait for answers, and the emotional toll of navigating a flawed system with shifting medical narratives. She speaks candidly about the re-traumatization of new revelations, the strength it took to advocate for truth, and how journaling and writing became her lifeline. Nicole is now channeling her grief into purpose with her upcoming book and workbook, The Loss of My Sun, created to support mothers navigating the unimaginable. With grace and resilience, she reflects on carrying Korey's memory forward, finding meaning through connection, and her message to mothers still waiting in the dark for answers.
In this episode, we welcome historian and former tech CEO Ron Gruner to discuss his forthcoming book, COVID WARS: America’s Struggle Over Public Health and Personal Freedom. Gruner offers a data-rich and thought-provoking exploration of how the United States, despite its global leadership in science and medicine, suffered one of the highest death tolls and economic collapses during the COVID-19 pandemic. We dive into the origins of the virus, the country’s polarized response, the consequences of disinformation, and how historical context helps us understand what went wrong—and what we must do better next time.
In this gripping episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone welcomes Brenda Coffee, author of Maya Blue, to share her extraordinary journey of surviving love, betrayal, danger, and profound loss. Brenda recounts how a fairy-tale marriage to a technology pioneer spiraled into a life marked by addiction, high-stakes risks, and personal abandonment. From navigating the eerie "Spy House on the Hill" to surviving a terrifying encounter with Guatemalan soldiers, Brenda’s story is a breathtaking testament to resilience and self-reclamation. Together, Christine and Brenda explore the emotional tipping points that led to reclaiming her voice, grieving unimaginable losses, enduring breast cancer, and finding the courage to live fully again. This conversation reminds us that true survival is not just about escaping darkness, but about rediscovering the light within.
Website: https://www.brenda-coffee.com/
Blog: https://1010parkplace.com/
Book: https://a.co/d/3BhssRp
In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone interviews Kim Cantin, author of Where Yellow Flowers Bloom, to share her extraordinary story of loss, resilience, and hope.Kim recounts the night of the devastating Montecito mudflows of 2018, which claimed the lives of her husband and son and left her and her daughter forever changed. She opens up about her relentless search for her son, the unexpected signs that kept her going, and the profound ways in which love endures beyond loss. Through grief, Kim found purpose in storytelling, healing, and honoring the memory of those she lost. Listeners will hear about the power of signs, the strength of community, and the ways we can rebuild after profound tragedy. Join us for a conversation filled with raw honesty, hope, and the enduring beauty of love that never fades.
https://a.co/d/emVtSUQ
https://www.audible.com/author/Kim-Cantin/B0BZZSV1H9
In this refreshingly unconventional episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone sets the stage for a soulful, humorous, and deeply transformative conversation with Justin L. Shaw—mystical comedian, stand-up philosopher, and author of Sourcery 101: 13 Rungs to a Higher Elevation of Consciousness. Christine opens with a heartfelt welcome and acknowledgment of the profound layers of grief Justin has experienced, including the loss of his mother, sister, childhood friend, and son in just four years. As they dive in, listeners are introduced to Justin’s journey through trauma, addiction, and spiritual awakening—and how humor, Source energy, and radical self-honesty became his tools for healing. Get ready for an episode that blends grief, consciousness, and comedy in ways you’ve never heard before.
www.awkenthesourcerer.com
https://www.instagram.com/sourcerer_13/
In this episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone speaks with Pamela Blake, publisher of The Isaak Collection, a five-novel series written by her late husband, David. After David's sudden passing at the age of 67 from a massive stroke, Pamela made the courageous decision to publish his work—not only as a tribute to his life but as a way to navigate her own grief.What started as an intimate act of remembrance has since evolved into something much greater, garnering hundreds of reader reviews and critical acclaim. Pamela shares the emotional journey of bringing her husband's words to the world, how storytelling can be a powerful tool for healing, and the profound ways in which we can honor loved ones who have passed.
In this episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone speaks with Hugh Flynn, author of SOMETHING SPECIAL BE, about the devastating family conflict that erupted when he sought conservatorship of his disabled brother, Aaron. What began as an effort to protect his brother’s well-being quickly turned into a bitter legal and emotional battle, exposing deep fractures within his family. Through writing his memoir, Hugh navigated the grief of losing not only his brother’s legal guardianship but also his trust in family. In this conversation, he reflects on the emotional toll of conservatorship battles, the unexpected grief of family estrangement, and the journey toward healing, while offering insights for those facing similar struggles. This powerful episode explores the cost of doing the right thing when it comes at a heartbreaking price.
Author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0F66S6JW5/about?ccs_id=07f8f55c-6104-4b7b-89b4-d4a751676e84
In this heartfelt episode of Good Grief, host Dr. Christine Malone sits down with AJ Coleman—widower, single father, and author of Keep Those Feet Moving—to explore his powerful journey through love, loss, and healing. After losing his wife Cory to brain cancer at just 33, AJ was left to raise their infant daughter while grappling with profound grief, anxiety, and life’s unpredictable setbacks. AJ shares how he transformed pain into purpose, offering practical guidance and emotional insight for anyone navigating deep personal loss. This episode is a moving reflection on resilience, fatherhood, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going.
In this deeply personal solo episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone shares reflections on Mother’s Day — a day that can bring joy, pain, longing, and silence. While it's often filled with celebration, Christine explores a side of the holiday we don't talk about enough: the grief of mothers who do not have children. Whether due to infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, medical conditions, adoption barriers, estrangement, or life circumstances, this grief is real, valid, and often invisible. Christine also opens up about her own journey through infertility before becoming a mother, and invites listeners into a compassionate space for reflection and acknowledgment.
In this episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone met with Sarah Birnbach, award-winning author of A Daughter’s Kaddish: My Year of Grief, Devotion, and Healing, to discuss her deeply personal journey through loss, faith, and perseverance. After the passing of her beloved father, Sarah embarked on a year-long commitment to reciting the Mourner’s Kaddish twice a day in synagogue—a Jewish mourning ritual traditionally reserved for men. Through our conversation, we’ll explore how religious rituals can provide comfort in grief, the importance of community in healing, and how ancient traditions can still hold meaning in modern life. Sarah’s journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the universal nature of mourning, reminding us that grief is deeply personal yet universally shared.
Learn more at: sarahbirnbach.com
In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone interviews Jenny Leavitt, a grief recovery coach, author, and speaker dedicated to helping others process loss while staying connected to their values and personal growth. After experiencing profound grief herself, Jenny has made it her mission to provide resources and guidance for those struggling with loneliness, relationship challenges, and the emotional weight of loss.
Through heartfelt conversations, expert insights, and practical strategies, Jenny shares ways to overcome isolation, rebuild life after grief, and challenge common misconceptions about healing. Whether you’re looking for tools to navigate your grief journey or simply a reminder that you’re not alone, this episode offers support, encouragement, and hope.
In this episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone sits down with Holly Peppe, a leading authority and literary executor for the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, to explore the profound connection between poetry and grief. Holly shares her deeply personal journey of loss, reflecting on how poetry became a defining force in her healing process. Drawing from both her own experiences and Millay’s evocative works, she discusses how poetry gives voice to the unspoken emotions of sorrow, love, and remembrance, offering solace and understanding in the wake of loss. This heartfelt conversation is a must-listen for anyone who has turned to words for comfort, struggled to articulate their grief, or simply seeks to understand how poetry can illuminate the path to healing.
An Absence of Fear: https://www.amazon.com/Absence-Fear-Holly-Peppe/dp/B0DJPXFDPC
Sophie and the Swans: https://www.amazon.com/Sophie-Swans-Holly-Peppe/dp/1947187147
In this week’s episode, we explore the unique challenges of navigating loss later in life with our guest Susan, a retired individual who recently experienced the profound loss of both parents. Susan shares her journey through grief, the emotional impact of losing loved ones in later years, and the unexpected challenges of adjusting to life without them. As time has passed, she has discovered the “gifts” that loss has revealed—lessons in resilience, deeper connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. Through reflections on aging, relationships, and personal growth, she offers wisdom and hope to others facing similar experiences, reminding us that even in profound loss, there can be moments of light, transformation, and meaning.
In this episode, Dr. Christine Malone interviews Jennifer Newberg, founder of It’s Lifey, shares her deeply personal journey of loss after losing her husband, Jack, almost 10 months ago. She discusses how her experience of widowhood led her to create a transformative retreat for young widows (ages 35-60)—a space designed for deep connection, shared understanding, and personal healing. We’ll explore why support systems are vital, the unique challenges of losing a spouse young, and how retreats like this can be life-changing.
