When Rachael Strauss lost her younger brother, Herschel, by suicide at 24, her world changed forever. In this candid conversation, she shares the “cushions” that helped her navigate grief, why she speaks openly to fight stigma, and how she celebrates her brother’s life while learning to walk a “new road.”

In this episode of Grief & Grit, we sit down with Lynn Handmacher Chanin, who lost her 16-year-old son Benjamin to suicide 15 years ago. With candor, strength, and grace, Lynn shares how she navigated the initial shock, the unbearable grief, and the long road toward healing.   Through Ben’s story, Lynn challenges us to change the way we talk about suicide. She discusses the importance of language — why we should say “died by suicide” instead of “committed suicide” — and emphasizes that mental illness is just that: illness. Not weakness. Not shameful. And not a crime.   We talk about how grief and joy can live side by side, how peer support saved her life, and how she found love again with someone who deeply understood her pain. Lynn is now a powerful voice in suicide prevention and mental health advocacy, working with Survivors of Suicide, AFSP, and launching culturally relevant programs like Through a Jewish Lens.   This episode is a must-listen for anyone touched by suicide or walking alongside someone who is.   In this episode, we discuss: Remembering Benjamin for who he was — not just how he died The language of suicide: why it matters The power of peer support and finding your people Surviving the aftermath of suicide loss Parenting while grieving Finding love again with someone who understands grief Creating culturally relevant resources for survivors Why silence can be dangerous — and how conversation saves lives   Resources Mentioned: The Link Counseling Center – National Resource Center for Suicide Aftercare Survivors of Suicide (SOS) American Foundation for Suicide Prevention “When Bad Things Happen to Good People” by Harold Kushner   💛 If you or someone you love is in crisis, please dial 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.   Follow Grief & Grit: Instagram TikTok Facebook Website Support Our Work on Patreon: 🎁 Get access to behind-the-scenes content, bonus mini episodes, printable grief tools, and more. 👉 https://www.patreon.com/c/griefandgrit 💛 Reminder: If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.).

Simonie and Greer sit down with Mitch Cohen, widower, rabbi, grief counselor, and co-author of Men in Grief: Stories of Growth Through Struggles with Trauma and Loss, for an intimate and vulnerable conversation about losing his wife, Suzette, by suicide. Mitch reflects on Suzette’s life, the challenges she faced as the child of Holocaust survivors, and the ways mental health, menopause, and silence around suicide shaped their family’s journey. He shares candidly about the guilt and questions that follow a suicide loss, the importance of therapy and support groups, and how he found new purpose by helping others as a facilitator for suicide survivor groups. This episode shines a light on the realities of suicide, grief, and resilience — while offering hope and community for anyone who has faced similar loss. If you or someone you love is struggling, please call or text 988 in the U.S. to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Show Notes Guest: Mitch Cohen, widower, rabbi, grief counselor, and author of Men in Grief: Stories of Growth Through Struggles with Trauma and Loss Resources mentioned: Mourning & Mitzvah by Anne Brener The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk The Link Counseling Center – National Resource Center for Suicide Aftercare American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Mitch's Book: Men in Grief: Stories of Growth Through Struggles with Trauma and Loss Mitch’s work at Compassionate Presence Follow Grief & Grit: Instagram TikTok Facebook Website Support Our Work on Patreon: 🎁 Get access to behind-the-scenes content, bonus mini episodes, printable grief tools, and more. 👉 https://www.patreon.com/c/griefandgrit 💛 Reminder: If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.).

In this powerful and heart-opening episode of Grief & Grit, Greer and Simonie sit down with Ashley Jones, photographer, author, and founder of the Momento Foundation. Ashley shares the deeply personal story of losing her daughter Skylar to SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) and how that loss led her to create an organization that offers terminal families the priceless gift of photography and remembrance. From grief and trauma to purpose and impact, Ashley walks us through her emotional journey—from sitting in painful silence with nothing but photographs of her daughter, to launching a nonprofit that trains photographers to compassionately serve families at end-of-life. You’ll hear about the healing power of legacy photos, how kids use portraits to stay connected to lost loved ones, and how Ashley’s upcoming book helps others navigate grief in a trauma-informed way. This is not just an episode about loss—it’s about legacy, presence, and the quiet ways love endures. Bring tissues, and maybe a warm blanket. This one’s tender. Resources Mentioned: Momento Foundation Website Momento on IG Momento on Facebook Ashley on IG When You Can’t See the Light (Ashley’s upcoming book) SupportNow.org Momento’s Photographer Application + Donation Opportunities Follow Ashley: LinkedIn Personal Website (coming soon): AshleyNicoleJones.com Follow Grief & Grit: Instagram TikTok Facebook Website Support Our Work on Patreon: 🎁 Get access to behind-the-scenes content, bonus mini episodes, printable grief tools, and more. 👉 https://www.patreon.com/c/griefandgrit

We’re turning one! 🥳 In this anniversary episode, co-hosts Greer and Simonie reflect on a full year of Grief & Grit — the laughs, the tears, and the behind-the-scenes chaos (yes, someone forgot to hit record… more than once).   They share how the podcast began, what they’ve learned from each other and their guests, and how grief has shaped them, and this community. Whether you’ve been here since day one or just found us crying in your car (we’ve been there), this episode is our love letter to you.   Thank you for listening, sharing, and walking this winding road with us. Here’s to more stories, more grit, and a lot more grace in year two.   In This Episode: How Grief & Grit started with a conversation in a coffee shop ☕ The power of saying “yes” to uncomfortable, meaningful things What we’ve learned from sharing our grief publicly Funny flubs, tech fails, and our gratitude for Van (the unsung hero of the pod) Why normalizing grief still matters—and what’s next   We Want to Hear From You: What topics do you want more of in year two? Solo episodes? Expert guests? More listener stories? Let us know at griefandgritpodcast@gmail.com or message us on social.   Keep Showing Up: Follow, share, and leave a review if this show has meant something to you. We see you, we love you, and we’re in this together.   Follow Grief & Grit on: Facebook, Instagram, and join the conversation on Substack

Summer is supposed to be all sunshine, pool days, and BBQs. But what happens when your grief doesn’t take a seasonal break? In this episode, Greer and Simonie talk candidly about the unexpected emotional weight summer can bring after loss. From sunscreen mishaps to solo parenting challenges, canceled travel traditions, and the haunting contrast between sunny skies and inner gloom, they unpack it all with honesty, heart, and a little humor.   Whether you’re facing an anniversary, parenting through grief, or just feeling out of sync with the summer vibes, this conversation offers validation, encouragement, and a few practical ideas for making the season a little more bearable.   In this episode, we cover: Why grief can feel even heavier in the summer Personal stories of poolside panic, July 4th parades, and parenting solo The emotional triggers of summer traditions, social media, and family vacations Strategies for surviving (and even enjoying) summer while grieving A simple, grief-friendly summer checklist to help ground you   Follow Grief & Grit on: Facebook, Instagram, and join the conversation on Substack   You’re not broken. You’re grieving. Hang in there. ☀️💛

In this episode, we sit down with Kurt Moore, a widowed dad raising two kids while navigating life after the death of his wife, Emily. With both humor and honesty, Kurt shares how his personal history of grief—including losing his own father as a teenager—shaped the way he’s parented through unimaginable loss.   We talk about how kids grieve—often saying the things adults are too afraid to admit—what it means to keep showing up even when you'd rather fall apart, and why legacy isn't just what we leave behind—it's something we live every day.   Whether you’re a grieving parent, a friend supporting one, or just trying to make sense of your own grief story, Kurt’s perspective is a powerful reminder that there’s no one way through this—and you don’t have to go it alone.   In this episode, we cover: The layers of grief across generations—and how they ripple forward Parenting while grieving (and the surprising things your kids might say) How Kurt’s wife, Emily, prepared a legacy of love for her children Blending grief with new love, and navigating community perceptions Showing up, breaking down, and starting again—imperfectly   Resources Mentioned: Book: Atomic Habits   If this episode touched you, please share it and leave us a review on Apple or Spotify 💛   Follow Grief & Grit on: Facebook, Instagram, and join the conversation on Substack

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 💛   Follow Grief & Grit on: Facebook, Instagram, and join the conversation on Substack

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 💛 Follow Grief & Grit on: Facebook, Instagram, and join the conversation on Substack

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 💛 Follow Grief & Grit on: Instagram: @griefandgritpodcast Facebook Substack: @griefandgrit

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.

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 - 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.

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.

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.  

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  

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.

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.

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.

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.