In this episode of Growing Up Grieving, Cait and Alyssa sit down with Laz Becerra, host of The Real Talk Laz Podcast, for a conversation that’s equal parts heartfelt and hilarious.
We dive into the world of pet loss—a kind of grief that’s often dismissed or misunderstood—and Laz shares the story of losing his first dog, the one who started it all. Together, we talk about disenfranchised grief, coping mechanisms, and why mourning a pet can hit just as hard as any other kind of loss.
And don’t worry—between the tears and truths, there were plenty of laughs. Because sometimes the best way to talk about grief… is to laugh right through it!
Tune in for a real, raw, and unexpectedly funny conversation about love, loss, and the paw prints they leave behind.
In this episode of Growing Up Grieving, host Cait Medugno and co-host Alyssa Shepard talk with friend and former coworker Sara Tomaselli about the realities of being a primary caregiver for her father before his passing. Sara opens up about what happens after caregiving ends—the mountain of paperwork, the endless phone calls with corporations that show little empathy, and why something as simple as getting enough death certificates can make all the difference.
This conversation goes beyond the emotional weight of grief to highlight the practical side of loss—the to-do list no one prepares you for.
Sara shares her honest experiences navigating financial and legal responsibilities, and learning how to advocate for herself during an overwhelming time.
If you’ve ever been a caregiver, or know you may be one in the future, this episode offers validation, guidance, and hard-earned insights about what it really takes to support a loved one at the end of life—and how to care for yourself in the process.
In this episode of Growing Up Grieving, we sit down with Paula Garrant, MSW, LICSW — a seasoned therapist with over 20 years of experience in psychology, social work, and grief support. Paula’s career has spanned mental health, trauma recovery, crisis intervention, family systems, and leadership in hospital psychiatry and emergency services.
But her story is also deeply personal. After the sudden loss of her son Reid to a rare leukemia, Paula founded The Reid Landry Garrant Foundation (Reid’s Rebels) just one month later. Through this nonprofit, she has turned unimaginable grief into purpose — supporting families facing treatment financially, raising grief awareness, and fostering community healing.
Paula shares her journey of navigating both professional expertise and personal heartbreak, what it means to channel grief into action, and how Reid’s legacy continues to inspire hope for years to come.
Reids Rebels - Home of RLG Foundation. Let’s stop Leukemia!
Seascape Therapeutic Counseling & Therapy | Seascape Therapy | United States
In this episode of Growing Up Grieving, Cait Medugno and co-host Alyssa Shepard sit down with Queen Poole aka QueenAvius—kinship mom, grief educator, and “glow-up strategist.” Queen shares her powerful story of losing her mother, grandmother, and sister—the three foundational women in her life—and how those losses shaped her journey through grief, faith, and unexpected motherhood.
From the compounded heartbreak of losing 15 loved ones in a single year to the life-altering responsibility of becoming a “mom-tee” overnight, Queen opens up about what it means to hold on when everything feels like it’s falling apart. She talks about navigating court battles for custody, the weight of making end-of-life decisions, and how her faith and community continue to carry her forward.
This conversation is raw, moving, and filled with resilience. Queen reminds us that while grief can completely change who we are, it can also strengthen our hope, reshape our identity, and open us to unexpected love in the most beautiful of ways.
In this episode of Growing Up Grieving, we sit down with Stephanie Swanson Chang — a writer, mother, and advocate who is not afraid to speak her mind about grief. She shares bold and poignant insights into navigating child loss on TikTok and social media, often breaking the silence around a topic so many find too heavy to talk about.
Stephanie opens up about losing her son Joshua, and explains how her grief journey has reshaped her life. She shares what’s helped her through the hardest moments, including the power of grief journaling — a practice she now teaches in workshops to help other bereaved parents process their loss.
What makes Stephanie’s voice so powerful is the way she balances raw honesty with hope. She doesn’t shy away from the hardest truths of grief, but she also offers practical ways of coping and moving forward — reminding us there can still be connection, meaning, and small moments of healing.
Even in the heaviness of grief, Stephanie brings honesty, warmth, and a little bit of laughter…
And for the first time, we play Speak Your Griefy Truth — a new segment where guests draw two random grief-related questions and share candid reflections about their grief.
Growing Up Grieving Podcast - a place where grief is complicated, humor is necessary, and speaking your griefy truth is always encouraged!
In this episode of Growing Up Grieving, we’re traveling the globe (without ever leaving our microphones) to explore five fascinating and sometimes surprising grief and burial customs from different corners of the world.
From the sky-high mystery of hanging coffins to the soulful rhythms of New Orleans jazz funerals, the ritual of consuming one’s bones in endocannibalism, the joyful bone-turning tradition of Famadihana, and the eerie elegance of seated burials, we’re diving into practices that challenge how we think about honoring the dead.
We’re not anthropologists, historians, or world travelers (unless Google Street View counts), but we did our research on the internet—so you know… it’s at least 78% accurate.
Join us for a mix of curiosity, respect, and just enough awkward laughter to remind you this is still your favorite show Growing Up Grieving.
Growing Up Grieving - a place where grief is complicated, humor is necessary, and speaking your griefy truth is always encouraged!
When someone we love is grieving, we often want to say the “right” thing—but what we say can either comfort or unintentionally cause more pain.
In this episode, we unpack the well-meaning but harmful phrases grievers hear all too often—and explore better, more supportive alternatives.
From avoiding clichés to offering real presence, we talk about what actually helps in moments of deep loss.
We also share personal stories, listener insights, and close out with a griefy round of your favorite silly grief game: “Would You Rather. - Grief Edition.”
Whether you’re grieving or supporting someone who is, this one’s for you.
Growing Up Grieving Podcast – a place where grief is complicated, humor is necessary, and speaking your griefy truth is always encouraged!
Grief doesn’t just change you—it changes the way you relate to everyone around you.
In this episode of Growing Up Grieving, we unpack how loss reshapes our relationships—romantic partners, close friends, and even family dynamics.
Sometimes grief brings people closer, and sometimes it creates distance or fractures that feel impossible to mend.
We explore why some people show up, others disappear, and how grief can stretch even the strongest connections.
This episode is messy, honest, and deeply human—because relationships in grief aren’t always what we want them to be…
But sometimes, they become what we need them to be.
If today’s episode resonates with you, share it with someone who could use a little understanding. Until next time—keep it griefy.
Growing Up Grieving Podcast – a place where grief is complicated, humor is necessary, and speaking your griefy truth is always encouraged!
Welcome back to Growing Up Grieving!
In this episode, it’s Cait’s turn to revisit her grief story—which, as she often says, is really just her life story.🤷🏻♀️
From growing up with a mother who was chronically ill to navigating the aftermath of her passing and her fathers, Cait opens up about how grief has been a constant thread throughout her life as long as she can remember. She also reflects on how her relationship with grief has evolved over time, and why starting this podcast was such a personal calling.
Whether you’re carrying lifelong grief or just beginning your journey, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that you’re not alone—and that grief doesn’t have a timeline.
If today’s episode resonates with you, share it with someone who could use a little understanding. Until next time—keep it griefy.
Growing Up Grieving Podcast – a place where grief is complicated, humor is necessary, and speaking your griefy truth is always encouraged!
Welcome back to Growing Up Grieving!
Season 2 is here, and host Cait Medugno is joined by a brand-new cohost—her cousin, Alyssa Shepard.
In this episode, Alyssa shares her powerful grief story, including the tragic loss of her older brother and her mother’s battle with Parkinson’s.
You’ll also hear about some exciting changes to the shows format, new segments like Listener Feedback, Would You Rather: Grief Edition, & Grief Wins.
Whether you’re deep in grief or walking alongside someone who is, this episode reminds us that sharing our stories helps us all feel a little less alone.
If today’s episode moved you, share it with someone who needs it. Until next time—keep it griefy.
Growing Up Grieving Podcast - a place where grief is complicated, humor is necessary, and speaking your griefy truth is always encouraged!
In the final episode of Season 1 of Growing Up Grieving, we’re taking a heartfelt journey through the conversations and connections that shaped this season.
Join me as I revisit some of my favorite moments and audio clips from my incredible guests, sharing their wisdom, stories, and insights on navigating life and loss.
I’ll also reflect on the lessons I’ve learned in 2024, and because no season finale is complete without a personal touch, I’m sharing my 2024 music playlist—a collection of songs that carried me through the highs, the lows, and the “I’m not crying, you’re crying” moments.
Thank you for listening, growing, and laughing (hopefully?) with me this season.
Let’s celebrate the journey and look forward to Season 2!
S1E2 – Define “normal” (Part 1)
S1E3 – How is this “the moment?” – Part 2 with Meg
S1E4 – “Blubbering Mess” – Part 3 with Meg
S1E5 – “Breaking the cycle” with Heather Martin S1E6 – Make Grief your B*tch
S1E7 – Holiday Grief with Moira Khan, founder of Grief Span Education
S1E8 – The Kindness Concierge, with Tiffany Wachtler
S1E9 – Exploring the Supernatural, with Tiffany Rice – Spirit Medium
S1E10 – Beyond the Veil: Personal Paranormal Stories
S1E11 – Lost and Found: Healing through Grief & Addiction with Janice V. Johnson Dowd, LMSW
S1E12 – The Griefy Side of the Funeral Business, with Anthony O’Donnell
S1E13 – Griefy Talk with the ladies from 2 Girls with Grief
LINKS
Contact: info@growingupgrieving.com
Website: www.growingupgrieving.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/growingupgrievingpodcast/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/CLpq1bxLPD3hFR74/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@growingupgrievingpodcast
YoutTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC0N0NP9bLLl_C-sW49W4auw
In this episode, I am joined by Rachel Dwyer and Kendel Rogers from the 2 Girls with Grief Podcast.
Like me, they started their grief podcast this year, and they joined me to share their personal grief stories and journey’s to becoming podcasters.
Rachel and Kendel met through a grief support group, where they quickly bonded over their shared experiences of loss.
Their connection grew, and they eventually decided to create a podcast together.
We discuss their unique friendship, their podcasting adventures, and the community they’ve built, including their grief-inspired book club.
This episode is full of laughs, laid-back vibes, and plenty of real talk.
From the challenges of starting a podcast to bonding over grief, it’s a fun and honest chat that feels like hanging out with friends.
LINKS for RACHEL and KENDEL
Https://beacons.ai/2girlswithgriefpod
www.instagram.com/2girlswithgriefpod
www.instagram.com/griefygirlsbookclub
LINKS
Contact: info@growingupgrieving.com
Website: www.growingupgrieving.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/growingupgrievingpodcast/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/CLpq1bxLPD3hFR74/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@growingupgrievingpodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC0N0NP9bLLl_C-sW49W4auw
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Anthony O’Donnell, the lead director and fourth-generation owner of O’Donnell Cremations Funerals & Celebrations in Massachusetts.
Drawing from decades of experience guiding families through some of their most challenging moments, Anthony offers a deeply personal perspective on grief.
He reflects on how this has shaped his approach to running his family business, especially after the loss of his father and mentor in 2019.
We explore the evolving role of funeral professionals, including how they are often the first to acknowledge a family’s grief, and emphasize the importance of honoring what feels right when planning a funeral or celebration of life.
Together, we challenge the stigma surrounding grief and loss, highlighting how embracing uncomfortable conversations can foster healing, maturity, and growth.
By creating a space for open dialogue, we can work toward making grief a less isolating and more supportive experience for all.
Tune in and join the conversation—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
LINKS
www.odonnellfuneralservice.com
Contact: info@growingupgrieving.com
Website: www.growingupgrieving.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/growingupgrievingpodcast/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/CLpq1bxLPD3hFR74/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@growingupgrievingpodcast
YoutTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC0N0NP9bLLl_C-sW49W4auw
In this episode, I sit down with Janice V. Johnson Dowd, LMSW, to discuss her powerful journey through grief, alcoholism, and recovery.
Janice opens up about how grief shaped her struggles with alcoholism and the pivotal moments that led her to reclaim her life through AA and grief recovery programs.
She also shares how her experiences impacted her role as a parent, offering insights into rebuilding family bonds and supporting others on their path to healing.
We also talk about her upcoming book, Rebuilding Relationships in Recovery, set to release in March 2025, which delves deeper into her story and provides tangible tools for repairing connections with loved ones after finding sobriety.
Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, redemption, and the transformative power of recovery.
LINKS TO CONNECT WITH JANICE:
www.janicejohnsondowd.com
www.janicejohnsondowd.com/blog
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rebuilding-relationships-in-recovery-janice-v-johnson-dowd-lmsw/1146275116?ean=9798889841852
www.instagram.com/parenting_in_recovery/
www.instagram.com/janicejohnsondowd/
LINKS:
Contact: info@growingupgrieving.com
Website: www.growingupgrieving.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/growingupgrievingpodcast/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/CLpq1bxLPD3hFR74/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@growingupgrievingpodcast
YoutTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC0N0NP9bLLl_C-sW49W4auw
In this solo episode, I delve into my personal paranormal experiences, sharing stories of childhood spiritual connections, ghostly encounters, and even the unforgettable moment of hearing my mother call my name… after she died.
I also provide insights into the incredible reading I received from medium Tiffany Rice during her appearance on my previous show.
My belief in life after death and our lasting connection to the other side has helped me continue my relationships with my parents and loved ones who have passed.
This belief brings me comfort and greatly supports me in my journey through grief.
What do you believe? Listen to find out!
LINKS
Contact: info@growingupgrieving.com
Website: www.growingupgrieving.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/growingupgrievingpodcast/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/CLpq1bxLPD3hFR74/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@growingupgrievingpodcast
YoutTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC0N0NP9bLLl_C-sW49W4auw
In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by renowned spirit medium Tiffany Rice, also known as “Spirit Tiff”!
Since childhood, I’ve felt a profound link between grief and the supernatural, and Tiffany brings a unique perspective to this connection, offering comfort and validation to those in mourning.
Together, we dive into topics like the supernatural, energy frequencies, reincarnation, and recognizing signs from spirit.
Tiffany also shares guidance on strengthening our own spiritual connections and reassures us that spirit is always near, supporting us from beyond.
GET IN TOUCH WITH TIFFANY:
www.tiffanyrice.com
www.instagram.com/spirittiff
www.tiktok.com/@spirittiff
LINKS:
Contact: info@growingupgrieving.com
Website: www.growingupgrieving.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/growingupgrievingpodcast/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/CLpq1bxLPD3hFR74/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@growingupgrievingpodcast
YoutTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC0N0NP9bLLl_C-sW49W4auw
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tiffany Wachtler, the Founder and CEO of The Kindness Concierge. Tiffany launched her business after experiencing the profound loss of her mother and recognizing a gap in how people often support those in grief. Her mission centers on surrounding grieving individuals with genuine kindness—a gesture many of us aspire to but often struggle to execute in a meaningful way.
Through her unique, customizable concierge service, Tiffany offers a compassionate approach, empowering you to show support and care to loved ones in times of sorrow with thoughtfulness and sensitivity.
How can you extend kindness today? Ready for a starting point?
Check out her LINKS below to get started:
www.thekindnessconcierge.com
www.instagram.com/the_kindess_concierge
Contact: info@growingupgrieving.com
Website: www.growingupgrieving.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/growingupgrievingpodcast/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/CLpq1bxLPD3hFR74/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@growingupgrievingpodcast
YoutTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC0N0NP9bLLl_C-sW49W4auw
In today’s holiday-inspired episode, I had the chance to sit down with Moira Khan, founder of GriefSpan Education in Madrid, Spain, to talk about navigating grief during the holiday season.
Moira opens up about her personal journey of loss, sharing the impact of losing both her parents and brother. We explore how their absence reshaped the holidays for her, and the profound changes that grief brings to these special times.
We also dive into holiday traditions, discussing how they evolve after a loss, and the importance of openly communicating our emotions with loved ones; You don’t need to be the life of the party.
Tune in for valuable tips on how to best support those you care about through this holiday season.
LINKS for GRIEFSPAN
www.griefspan.com
www.instagram.com/griefspaneducation
LINKS
Contact: info@growingupgrieving.com
Website: www.growingupgrieving.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/growingupgrievingpodcast/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/CLpq1bxLPD3hFR74/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@growingupgrievingpodcast
YoutTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC0N0NP9bLLl_C-sW49W4auw
In this episode of Growing Up Grieving, Cait opens up about the intense emotions that come with grief. She talks about her experience with feeling drained and defeated in one moment, to finding moments of clarity and motivation in the next. She talks about the intense emotions that often come with grief, and how society's discomfort with them can make the process even harder.
Cait reflects on the challenges of grief, the impact of major life changes, and how grief can extend beyond losing loved ones, including friendship fallouts and family estrangement. Throughout the episode, Cait emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these feelings, taking control of your grief, and ultimately finding ways to navigate through it.
She offers listeners some practical ways to manage grief, such as changing daily routines, embracing emotional expression, and finding moments of gratitude in the pain. This solo episode is full of relatable analogies, humor, and raw honesty, as Cait continues to explore how to make use of her own grief.
Tune in to hear more about Cait's journey, her reflections on healing, and her encouragement to listeners to "make grief your b*tch."
Contact: info@growingupgrieving.com
Website: www.growingupgrieving.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/growingupgrievingpodcast/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/CLpq1bxLPD3hFR74/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@growingupgrievingpodcast
YoutTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC0N0NP9bLLl_C-sW49W4auw
Trigger Warning: Death by suicide and substance abuse are mentioned in this episode.
National Suicide Prevention (USA): Dial 988
Maternal Mental Health hotline (USA): 1-833-TLC-MAMA
In this episode I speak with Heather Martin, RMA and Maternal Mental Health advocate from New Hampshire who has dedicated her career to helping support moms in need of critical mental health resources.
Fifteen years ago, Heather experienced the devastating loss of her sister, who died by suicide when she was three weeks postpartum.
She opens up about her journey through grief, her advocacy for maternal mental health, and her vision to create a center where mothers in need can go to and easily access the support they need.
LINKS
Contact: info@growingupgrieving.com
Website: www.growingupgrieving.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/growingupgrievingpodcast/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/CLpq1bxLPD3hFR74/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@growingupgrievingpodcast
YoutTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC0N0NP9bLLl_C-sW49W4auw