Grief is the New Normal Podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

Afleveringen

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  Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S3E21 Why Am I Acting Like A Completely Different Person? Where Grief Shows Up in What You Do 25.06.2026 18min

  Behavioral Grief Reactions: Why Grief Changes What You Do, Not Just How You Feel You have been saying yes to everything because stopping feels terrifying. You have not responded to a text in two weeks. You reorganized the closet three times this month. You are on your second bottle of wine more nights than you want to admit. You got the tattoo. That is not you being impulsive, flaky, or self-destructive. That is grief taking the wheel. In episode four of the six-part Common Grief Reactions series, Dr. Heather Taylor gets into the behavioral side of grief, the part that shows up in your daily habits, your relationships, your phone, your pantry, and your couch. The part that tends to carry the most shame and gets explained away as stress or a personality change or just a weird phase, when really it is grief trying to metabolize itself through action, avoidance, or control. If you have ever looked at what you have been doing since your loss and thought "what is wrong with me," this episode is for you. Nothing is wrong with you. You are grieving, and those two things explain a lot. In this episode you will learn: Why grief changes not just how you feel but what you actually do The two ends of the behavioral grief spectrum: over-functioning and under-functioning, and why both are protective Why most grieving people cycle between both and what that cycling actually looks like The most common numbing behaviors in grief, including alcohol use, doom scrolling, impulse decisions, and perpetual busyness, and why none of them are moral failures How to tell the difference between coping and avoidance, and why that distinction matters Why staying perpetually busy is one of the most sophisticated and culturally approved numbing behaviors we have How to get curious about your grief behaviors without shaming yourself for any of them The one question to ask yourself when you want to understand what a behavior is really about Behavioral grief patterns discussed in this episode: Over-functioning, under-functioning, grief avoidance, numbing behaviors, alcohol use after loss, doom scrolling, impulse decisions, isolation, social withdrawal, grief and anger, grief and irritability, busyness as avoidance, grief coping strategies, grief behaviors, grief and control Story Time with Heather: Dr. Taylor shares what happened the week after her brother died, when she poured herself and her whole grieving family into making holiday gift card aprons for Barnes and Noble, and what it taught her about over-functioning as a grief response. She also talks about her depression slippers, the one-year anniversary, and what it looked like when the over-functioning finally gave way. STAY Framework connection: This episode works with two letters. T, Track the Loss, which means tracing a behavior back to its source and asking what loss is actually underneath it. And Y, Yield to the Moment, which means responding to what is genuinely needed right now, not what your pre-grief self would have done or what the productivity app on your phone is telling you to do. Practical tools from this episode: Replace judgment with curiosity: shift from "what is wrong with me" to "what is my grief asking for right now" Pick one small anchoring habit to create a thread of predictability in an unpredictable season Name the behavior as grief out loud: "I am not flaky, I am grieving" Ask the core question: is this behavior helping me move through grief or helping me move away from it? Series navigation: Episode 1: Physical Grief Reactions: When Loss Lives in the Body Episode 2: Emotional Grief Reactions: The Feelings Nobody Puts in a Sympathy Card Episode 3: Cognitive Grief Reactions: Grief Brain Is Real Episode 4: Behavioral Grief Reactions: Why Grief Changes What You Do (you are here) Episode 5: Spiritual and Existential Grief Reactions (coming next) Episode 6: Social Grief Reactions ------------------------------------- Grief is not a pr
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  Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S3E20 Grief, EMDR, and Disneyland: Finding Joy in the Mess with Jessica Vickers, LMFT 18.06.2026 52min

  Grief is not just about death. It lives inside fertility journeys, inside the waiting and the not knowing, inside the losses that do not come with funerals or casseroles or anyone checking in six months later. And sometimes it lives right alongside joy, which is one of the most disorienting and least talked about parts of the whole experience. In this episode, Dr. Heather Taylor sits down with Jessica Vickers, licensed marriage and family therapist, certified perinatal mental health counselor, EMDR clinician, and founder of the Happiest Healers Club. Jessica shares her own grief story, her clinical approach to perinatal and infertility loss, how EMDR supports grief integration, and why therapists need community and play just as much as their clients do. This one is warm, real, a little bit Disney-filled, and deeply human. In this episode you will learn: What ambiguous grief looks like in the context of infertility and the perinatal journey, and why it is one of the hardest grief types to hold How EMDR supports grief processing by moving the nervous system from maladaptive beliefs toward adaptive meaning-making Why the second and third pregnancy losses hit differently, and how to support clients who are still in the middle of not knowing What continuing bonds look like in practice, including how Jessica stays connected to her dad and her best friend through Disneyland, Groot ears, and tree planting Why nothing good happens when we are dysregulated, and what to do before you act on grief or rage or fear How to talk about your grief with new people in your life who never knew your person What survivor guilt sounds like in grief, and how to gently challenge it How EMDR physically calms the body before it works on the story Why therapist burnout is a grief response too, and what the Happiest Healers Club is doing about it Topics and concepts discussed in this episode: Ambiguous grief, infertility grief, perinatal loss, miscarriage, pregnancy loss, EMDR for grief, bilateral stimulation, grief integration, continuing bonds, survivor guilt, grief and joy, caregiver fatigue, anticipatory grief, disenfranchised grief, grief and the nervous system, clinician burnout, therapist self-care, meaning-making after loss, grief and community----------------------------- Jessica Vickers is a licensed marriage & family therapist, and also a certified perinatal mental health counselor. Jessica has been a therapist for over 13 years, and specializes in working with women of color and women going through the perinatal journey. Jessica utilizes EMDR in her virtual private practice. She is a Black woman, a wife, a mom, and the founder of The Happiest Healers Club. @jessicavickersmft on Instagram -------------------------------- Grief is not a problem to solve. It is a human experience to move through, and most of us were never taught how. Grief is the New Normal is hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, licensed psychologist and grief specialist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology. This show exists to change the conversation around loss by expanding what grief looks like, who it belongs to, and what it actually means to integrate it into your life. Whether you're grieving a death, a diagnosis, a relationship, an identity shift, or the world as you knew it, your grief is real, it deserves space, and you are not behind. And if you're a clinician, coach, or helper carrying your own grief while holding space for others, this show was built for you too. Dr. Taylor brings research-informed frameworks, honest clinical perspective, and the STAY framework, a grief-informed approach to living with loss that goes far beyond the five stages. Expect nuance, depth, and conversations that take grief seriously. No toxic positivity. No fixing. Just honest conversation, real validation, and a community built around grief literacy, disenfranchised grief, anticipatory grief, collective grief, and the full spectrum of hum
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  Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S3E19 Why Can't I think straight anymore? Where Grief Messes with Your Mind 15.06.2026 19min

  Grief Brain Is Real: The Neuroscience of Cognitive Grief Reactions You have reread that email four times and still cannot tell anyone what it said. You walked into a room and have no idea why you are there. You used to read a book a week and now you cannot get through a chapter. You feel like you are failing at being a functional adult. You are not failing. You are grieving. And your brain is in the middle of one of the most demanding neurological processes it will ever be asked to do. In episode three of the six-part Common Grief Reactions series, Dr. Heather Taylor goes upstairs into the mind to explain what is actually happening in the grieving brain, why it happens, and what to do about it with compassion instead of shame. In this episode you will learn: What grief brain actually is and what the neuroscience says about why it happens Why your prefrontal cortex basically goes offline during grief and what that costs you functionally How grief disrupts memory, concentration, decision-making, and executive function What the "year two ambush" is and why the second year of grief often hits harder than the first Why grief warps your sense of time and what that means for your autobiographical memory How to tell the difference between grief-related cognitive changes and something that needs clinical attention What "bare minimum mode" means and why it is not giving up, it is working with your brain Practical, compassion-first strategies for functioning during grief without shaming yourself into the ground Cognitive grief symptoms discussed in this episode: Memory loss and forgetfulness, concentration difficulties, decision fatigue, time distortion, intrusive thoughts and looping memories, dissociation, executive dysfunction, task initiation problems, neurofatigue, grief fog, brain fog after loss Story Time with Heather: Dr. Taylor shares what happened to her own reading life after her brother died, how the one escape that had carried her since childhood suddenly stopped working, and how she and her clients have found ways to adapt rather than just wait for the fog to lift. She also shares a sneak peek at her new spinoff podcast, Grief Between the Pages, exploring grief through the lens of romantasy and fiction. STAY Framework connection: This episode works with the S in STAY: Slow Down. Dr. Taylor breaks down why trying to out-discipline or out-willpower grief brain makes it worse, and what it actually looks like to reduce cognitive load as an act of care rather than surrender. Practical tools from this episode: Bare minimum mode: giving yourself permission to function at a reduced capacity because that is what is actually happening External scaffolding: sticky notes, phone alarms, calendar reminders for things your working memory cannot hold right now Breaking tasks into micro-steps to lower the initiation cost Talking to yourself like someone you love when you freeze, forget, or fall short Using the fog as information: cognitive heaviness often signals an emotional wave is coming Research and references: Mary-Frances O'Connor, neuroscientist and author, on the grieving brain and predictive modeling The prefrontal cortex and limbic system in grief Executive function and emotional load Autobiographical memory and temporal disorientation in grief Series navigation: Episode 1: Physical Grief Reactions: When Loss Lives in the Body Episode 2: Emotional Grief Reactions: The Feelings Nobody Puts in a Sympathy Card Episode 3: Cognitive Grief Reactions: Grief Brain Is Real (you are here) Episode 4: Behavioral Grief Reactions: The Weird Things We Do When We Are Hurting (coming next) Episode 5: Spiritual and Existential Grief Reactions Episode 6: Social Grief Reactions ------------------------ Grief is not a problem to solve. It is a human experience to move through, and most of us were never taught how. Grief is the New Normal is hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, licensed psychologist and grief specialist with over a decade
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  Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S3E18 What Grief Reveals: Liberation Psychology, Emotional Suppression, and the Power of Story with Dr. Rohit Agrawal 11.06.2026 1u 5min

  What Grief Reveals: Liberation Psychology, Emotional Suppression, and the Power of Story with Dr. Rohit Agrawal Grief does not exist in a vacuum. It lives inside systems, inside bodies, inside communities that have been taught to look away from pain. In this episode, Dr. Heather Taylor sits down with Dr. Rohit Agrawal, licensed clinical psychologist and liberation psychology practitioner, to explore what grief reveals when we actually stop running from it. This conversation goes deep. From why men are emotionally robbed by cultural norms around masculinity, to how Dungeons and Dragons can be a vehicle for grief processing, to what radical extremism and substance use have in common at their root, Dr. Rohit brings a framework that expands what grief-informed care can actually look like. If you have ever wondered why grief can feel both devastating and clarifying, or why so many people are in pain even as access to mental health care increases, this episode will shift how you think about both. In this episode you will learn: What liberation psychology is and why it matters for grief-informed care How emotional suppression in men links to loneliness, substance use, family conflict, and extremism Why the grief of cultural disconnection and internalized oppression is real and requires naming How storytelling, gaming, and media help people access emotions that are otherwise locked away What "follow the fear" means as a clinical tool and how it leads back to grief every time Why grief reveals what matters to us, and how that can be liberating rather than only painful How to help someone reconnect with emotion when they have spent years pushing feelings down What it means to be therapeutic with one another without being each other's therapist Concepts and frameworks discussed in this episode: Liberation psychology, internalized oppression, systemic grief, disenfranchised grief, existential grief, memento mori, values clarification, somatic grounding, bibliotherapy, tabletop role-playing games as therapeutic modality, D&D therapy, masculinity and emotional restriction, shame and suicide risk in men, continuing bonds, the dual process of meaning-making, grief as catalyst, the Bechdel test and non-toxic masculinity in storytelling About Dr. Rohit Agrawal: Dr. Rohit Agrawal is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and practitioner at Center Focused Therapy in Chicago, IL. In his work with clients, Rohit challenges the impact of systemic oppressions on individuals and communities. He is passionate about demystifying mental healthcare and combating internalized presumptions of power, privilege, and normalcy that have a profound impact on community health. Rohit co-facilitates a weekly interpersonal Men of Color process group, destigmatizing the conditioning men have received around emotional vulnerability and relationship-building. Outside of his clinical work, Rohit engages in professional and community education and consultation to depathologize suffering and promote forms of sustainable community care. His outlook is informed by bell hooks, Irvin Yalom, Lillian Comas-Diaz, Carl Rogers, Thích Nhất Hạnh, and R.D Laing. Outside of his involvement in the psychology field, Rohit is an avid Dungeons & Dragons player and Game Master, and deeply believes in the power of tabletop gaming as a vehicle for storytelling, creative expression, and community connection. He is currently building up his social media channel and presence to combine gaming, storytelling, and liberation psychology. Check out Free Action when it goes live in Winter 2025. ------------------------------- Grief is not a problem to solve. It is a human experience to move through, and most of us were never taught how. Grief is the New Normal is hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, licensed psychologist and grief specialist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology. This show exists to change the conversation around loss by expanding wh
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  Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S3E17 Why Do I feel Everything at Once? Where Grief Gets Messy 08.06.2026 24min

  Grief is not just sadness. It is rage, relief, guilt, numbness, joy, and everything in between, often all in the same afternoon. In this episode, Dr. Heather Taylor continues her six-part series on common grief reactions by unpacking the emotional chaos of grief and why it is not only normal, it is expected. If you have ever cried in the car and then laughed twenty minutes later and felt terrible about it, or waited for the "real" feelings to arrive and felt scared when nothing came, this episode gives you language for what is actually happening and permission to stop judging yourself for it. In this episode you will learn: Why grief is not an emotion but a container for all of your emotions Why joy, laughter, and relief during grief are not betrayal, they are adaptive How Stroebe and Schut's dual process model explains the emotional whiplash of grief Why some feelings arrive months or years late, and what that actually means The taboo grief feelings nobody talks about: relief, anger, guilt, numbness, and joy How to use the STAY framework to track specific losses and allow emotional complexity Why moving emotions through the body matters as much as processing them mentally How to find the right witnesses for your grief and why that changes everything Feelings and concepts discussed: Sadness, rage, guilt, relief, numbness, joy, emotional whiplash, delayed grief, disenfranchised grief, grief as a container, affect labeling, completion cycles, grief witnesses. Story Time with Heather: Dr. Taylor shares a personal story about training for a half marathon after her heart failure diagnosis and the unexpected emotional release that came with crossing the finish line, a powerful example of delayed grief finding its moment. Resources and concepts mentioned: George Bonanno: variability in bereavement and emotional trajectories Stroebe and Schut: dual process model of bereavement Kenneth Doka: disenfranchised grief Daniel Siegel: affect labeling and the prefrontal cortex The Dougy Center: grief is contextual The STAY Framework: Track the Loss, Allow Complexity This is Part 2 of 6 in the Grief Reactions Series: Part 1: Physical | Part 2: Emotional | Part 3: Cognitive | Part 4: Behavioral | Part 5: Spiritual and Existential | Part 6: Social Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Grief Is the New Normal 00:54 Emotional Chaos Explained 02:09 The Myth That Grief Should Look Like Sadness 03:58 Joy, Guilt, and the Emotional Waves 06:29 Numbness and Delayed Grief Reactions 08:43 Story Time with Heather: The Half Marathon 13:32 Taboo Feelings: Relief, Anger, Guilt, and More 17:26 What To Do With Your Grief Feelings 19:40 Practical Anchors and Finding Your Witnesses 21:25 Weekly Reflection and Invitation 23:31 Next Episode and Wrap Up ----------------- Grief is not a problem to solve. It is a human experience to move through, and most of us were never taught how. Grief is the New Normal is hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, licensed psychologist and grief specialist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology. This show exists to change the conversation around loss by expanding what grief looks like, who it belongs to, and what it actually means to integrate it into your life. Whether you're grieving a death, a diagnosis, a relationship, an identity shift, or the world as you knew it, your grief is real, it deserves space, and you are not behind. And if you're a clinician, coach, or helper carrying your own grief while holding space for others, this show was built for you too. Dr. Taylor brings research-informed frameworks, honest clinical perspective, and the STAY framework, a grief-informed approach to living with loss that goes far beyond the five stages. Expect nuance, depth, and conversations that take grief seriously. No toxic positivity. No fixing. Just honest conversation, real validation, and a community built around grief literacy, disenfranchised grief, anticipatory grief, collective grief, and the full
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  Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S3E16 Healing Hearts: Liz Quinn's Journey Through Grief 05.06.2026 40min

  Grief Integration, Parenting After Loss, and the Healing Power of Story with Liz Quinn Grief doesn't disappear. It changes shape, and over time, it becomes part of who you are. In this episode, Dr. Heather Taylor sits down with Liz Quinn, host of the Healing Hearts Podcast, for an honest and deeply human conversation about what it means to carry loss across years, across identities, and across generations. Liz has navigated three profound losses: her daughter Alivia in 2008, her father in 2018, and her mother in 2020. What began as a search for community in a space with few resources became a mission to create one. The Healing Hearts Podcast exists because Liz knows what it feels like to be searching and find nothing that fits. In this conversation, Liz and Dr. Taylor explore what grief integration actually looks like in practice, not as a finish line but as a living, evolving relationship with the people we love and have lost. What you'll hear in this episode: How grief shifts over 17 years and what "lighter" actually means when you're a loss parent The beautiful and complicated work of parenting after loss, including open conversations with children, the Alivia angel tree, and why her daughter carried an eight-pound teddy bear everywhere at eighteen months Why identity loss after losing a parent hits differently, and how Liz's mother's death became the pivot point for a 100-pound wellness journey, a master's degree in library science, and a full career shift into grief advocacy The role of ritual in grief, and why some years call for a botanical garden and some years call for letting the kids camp in the backyard while you stay inside What Liz would tell herself in those early days after losing Alivia, and why "keep moving forward" means something entirely different when you understand that they come with you Liz's new pregnancy and infant loss book, written by loss moms for loss moms, designed to land in hospital memory boxes so families have what they need before they even know to look for it Resources and links mentioned: Healing Hearts Podcast: Instagram at healing_hearts_podcast Phoenix Bears (weighted bears for bereaved families) Touch of Teddy (loss teddy bear ornaments, free in October for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month) October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month Chapter Markers: 00:00 Intro 00:25 Meet Liz Quinn 00:40 Healing Hearts Origin Story 02:30 What Grief Feels Like After 17 Years 06:13 Parenting After Loss 12:31 Rituals, Symbols, and Honoring Alivia 13:51 The Alivia Teddy Bear 17:23 Losing Both Parents 21:46 Identity Shifts and Life After Loss 25:07 Grief Training and Education Study 26:00 About the Healing Hearts Podcast 29:44 Seasonal Grief and Anniversary Rituals 34:30 What She Would Tell Her Early Self 37:06 Key Takeaways 38:08 Connect with Liz and Upcoming Projects 39:53 Outro -------------------- Liz Quinn is the host of the Healing Hearts Podcast, an author, and a grief advocate. After losing her firstborn daughter, Alivia, and both of her parents, Liz began sharing stories of love, loss, and hope to remind others they are not alone in their grief --------------------- Grief is not a problem to solve. It is a human experience to move through, and most of us were never taught how. Grief is the New Normal is hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, licensed psychologist and grief specialist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology. This show exists to change the conversation around loss by expanding what grief looks like, who it belongs to, and what it actually means to integrate it into your life. Whether you're grieving a death, a diagnosis, a relationship, an identity shift, or the world as you knew it, your grief is real, it deserves space, and you are not behind. And if you're a clinician, coach, or helper carrying your own grief while holding space for others, this show was built for you too. Dr. Taylor brings research-informed frameworks,
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  Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S3E15 Why Does My Body Feel Like This? Grief Starts Here 03.06.2026 18min

  Physical Grief Reactions: When Loss Lives in the Body Grief isn't just emotional. It lives in your chest, your gut, your sleep, and your nervous system. In this episode, Dr. Heather Taylor kicks off a six-part series on the six categories of grief reactions by exploring one of the most overlooked: the physical symptoms of grief. If you've been exhausted for no clear reason, dealing with unexplained aches, chest tightness, or stomach issues since a loss, this episode is for you. Your body isn't broken. It's grieving. In this episode you'll learn: Why grief is a whole-body experience, not just an emotional one The most common physical symptoms of grief and why they're completely normal How your nervous system responds to loss (polyvagal theory explained simply) Why grief shows up in the body in certain cultural and family contexts Why children often express grief through physical complaints and behavior changes What "griefiversaries" are and why your body braces before you consciously remember Practical ways to support your body through physical grief, including grounding rituals, nervous system regulation tools, and daily body check-ins Physical grief symptoms discussed: Fatigue, chest tightness, heart palpitations, takotsubo cardiomyopathy (broken heart syndrome), appetite changes, GI disruption, headaches, muscle tension, sleep disruption, panic-like sensations, unexplained aches, and dissociation. Resources and concepts mentioned: Polyvagal theory (Stephen Porges) "Name it to tame it" (Daniel Siegel) The Dougy Center's 10 Core Principles of Grief-Informed Practice This is Part 1 of 6 in the Grief Reactions Series: Part 1: Physical | Part 2: Emotional | Part 3: Cognitive | Part 4: Behavioral | Part 5: Spiritual and Existential | Part 6: Social Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Series Introduction 01:58 Why Grief Hits the Body First 03:09 Cultural Context and Children's Body Signals 04:15 Common Physical Symptoms of Grief 07:21 Griefiversaries and Why the Body Braces 10:15 Your Nervous System in Grief Mode 12:02 Practical Body Care Tools 14:59 Guided Body Check-In 16:06 Key Takeaways and Next Episode Grief is not a problem to solve. It is a human experience to move through, and most of us were never taught how. Grief is the New Normal is hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, licensed psychologist and grief specialist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology. This show exists to change the conversation around loss by expanding what grief looks like, who it belongs to, and what it actually means to integrate it into your life. Whether you're grieving a death, a diagnosis, a relationship, an identity shift, or the world as you knew it, your grief is real, it deserves space, and you are not behind. And if you're a clinician, coach, or helper carrying your own grief while holding space for others, this show was built for you too. Dr. Taylor brings research-informed frameworks, honest clinical perspective, and the STAY framework, a grief-informed approach to living with loss that goes far beyond the five stages. Expect nuance, depth, and conversations that take grief seriously. No toxic positivity. No fixing. Just honest conversation, real validation, and a community built around grief literacy, disenfranchised grief, anticipatory grief, collective grief, and the full spectrum of human loss. grief support podcast · disenfranchised grief · anticipatory grief · grief after loss · grief for clinicians · grief-informed care · grief literacy · coping with grief · grief and identity · mental health and grief · reproductive grief · pet loss grief · collective trauma and grief ·  grief integration · STAY framework New episodes dropping regularly Connect with Dr. Heather Taylor: Website: griefisthenewnormal.com Instagram: @grief_is_the_new_normal Substack: How We STAY with Grief https://drheathertaylor.substack.com/ Newsletter: Bridging the Grief Gap on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/
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  Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S3E14 The Hidden Cost of Grief at Work: A Conversation with Judi Johnson 07.05.2026 52min

  What happens when grief walks into the office and no one knows what to do with it? In this episode of Grief is the New Normal, Dr. Heather Taylor sits down with Judi Johnson, grief coach and workplace grief educator from New Zealand, to talk about one of the most underaddressed intersections in professional life: grief in the workplace. From construction sites to corporate boardrooms, grief doesn't clock out when we do, and the cost of ignoring it is higher than most organizations realize. Judi brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this conversation, including her own journey through childlessness not by choice, the compression of multiple grief events, and working in high-risk environments without the support or language to name what she was carrying. In this episode, Judi and Dr. Taylor cover: - Grief literacy in the workplace and why most organizations are starting from zero - How grief symptoms mimic mental health conditions and why that distinction matters for job performance and safety - Spatial awareness, decision making, delayed reactions, and the real cognitive impact of grief on the job - Why childless not by choice grief is one of the most invisible and disenfranchised losses in professional settings - The compounding effect of grief for marginalized groups including expats, LGBTQIA+ employees, and those navigating infertility - How people pleasing and masking keep grieving employees stuck in silence - Practical, low-barrier steps leaders and HR teams can take today to build grief-informed workplaces - Why bereavement leave policies often fail grieving employees before the grief has even begun - Buddy systems, honest one-on-ones, and the small shifts that create cultures of compassionate support About Judi Johnson: Judi is a certified coach and ICF-accredited grief practitioner based in Auckland, New Zealand. She works privately with clients who are childless not by choice (CNBC), helping them navigate grief and build a fulfilling, joyful life. In addition to 1-1 coaching, she delivers grief education to workplaces, particularly in high-risk industries such as construction, highlighting how grief impacts cognitive function, safety, and productivity. Her mission is to work with businesses to create compassionate, grief informed workplace cultures. https://linktr.ee/embraceyourfuture.judi Two handouts- coping mechanisms and breaking free from people pleasing https://www.embraceyourfuture.net/copingmechanisms https://www.embraceyourfuture.net/breakingfree Keywords this episode speaks to: grief in the workplace, workplace grief support, childless not by choice grief, disenfranchised grief, grief-informed workplaces, employee wellbeing, bereavement leave, grief and job performance, HR grief training, grief and safety, grief coach, anticipatory grief, grief literacy, childless grief, infertility grief, marginalized grief, compassionate workplace culture, grief and mental health Resources mentioned: The Grieving Brain by Mary-Frances O'Connor Embrace Your Future: embraceyourfuture.net World Childless Week ------------------------------ Grief is not a problem to solve. It is a human experience to move through, and most of us were never taught how. Grief is the New Normal is hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, licensed psychologist and grief specialist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology. This show exists to change the conversation around loss by expanding what grief looks like, who it belongs to, and what it actually means to integrate it into your life. Whether you're grieving a death, a diagnosis, a relationship, an identity shift, or the world as you knew it, your grief is real, it deserves space, and you are not behind. And if you're a clinician, coach, or helper carrying your own grief while holding space for others, this show was built for you too. Dr. Taylor brings research-informed frameworks, honest clinical perspective, and the STAY framework, a
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  Grief is the New Normal Podcast S3E13: Changing the Narrative: Grief in Clinical Work (Part 4) 05.05.2026 14min

  What does it look like to build a sustainable, grief-informed clinical practice, not after grief ends, but while you are still living with it? In this mini-series finale of Grief is the New Normal, Dr. Heather Taylor closes her four-part miniseries for clinicians, coaches, and helpers by tackling one of the most overlooked realities in the helping professions: grief does not end. It changes. And for clinicians who are grieving, that shift can reshape your professional identity, your clinical work, and the way you show up for the people you serve. Drawing on her own experience of losing her brother nearly 17 years ago and completing her PsyD dissertation while actively grieving, Dr. Taylor challenges the narrative that you must wait for grief to resolve before you can thrive. You don't owe anyone a performance of healing. In this episode, Dr. Taylor covers: Grief integration vs. acceptance, and why the distinction matters clinically The waves metaphor and how grief seasons shape your capacity over time Sustainable practice strategies for the long haul, including realistic scheduling, clinical variety, and preventing burnout Why clinician wellbeing is an ethical issue, not a personal luxury How grief can redefine professionalism rather than undermine it Reflection questions to help you examine how grief has reshaped your work and release "good enough" narratives that no longer serve you Whether you are a therapist, counselor, coach, or helper who is personally navigating loss while supporting others, this episode meets you where you are. Keywords this episode speaks to: grief-informed practice, clinician grief, therapist burnout, sustainable therapy practice, grief integration, disenfranchised grief, grief and professional identity, grief for helpers, grief-informed care, secondary grief, anticipatory grief, clinician wellbeing, ethics and self-care, grief literacy Timestamps: 00:00 Thriving While Grieving 00:27 Welcome and Series Finale 01:42 Grief Changes the Clinician 02:52 My Brother and Becoming Grief Informed 04:16 Integration Over Acceptance 04:56 Sustainable Practice for the Long Haul 05:43 Waves and Seasonal Cadence 07:28 Scheduling Variety and Burnout Reset 09:29 Ethics Include Your Wellbeing 10:29 Redefining Professionalism Through Grief 11:04 Closing Takeaways and Reflections 13:22 Outro and Resources ----------------------- Grief is not a problem to solve. It is a human experience to move through, and most of us were never taught how. Grief is the New Normal is hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, licensed psychologist and grief specialist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology. This show exists to change the conversation around loss by expanding what grief looks like, who it belongs to, and what it actually means to integrate it into your life. Whether you're grieving a death, a diagnosis, a relationship, an identity shift, or the world as you knew it, your grief is real, it deserves space, and you are not behind. And if you're a clinician, coach, or helper carrying your own grief while holding space for others, this show was built for you too. Dr. Taylor brings research-informed frameworks, honest clinical perspective, and the STAY framework, a grief-informed approach to living with loss that goes far beyond the five stages. Expect nuance, depth, and conversations that take grief seriously. No toxic positivity. No fixing. Just honest conversation, real validation, and a community built around grief literacy, disenfranchised grief, anticipatory grief, collective grief, and the full spectrum of human loss. grief support podcast · disenfranchised grief · anticipatory grief · grief after loss · grief for clinicians · grief-informed care · grief literacy · coping with grief · grief and identity · mental health and grief · reproductive grief · pet loss grief · collective trauma and grief · moral injury · grief integration · STAY framework New episodes dropping regularly Sub
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  Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S3E12 Life Interrupted: The Impact of Sibling Grief with Dr. Parul Dua Makkar 11.04.2026 37min

  On Grief is the New Normal, host Dr. Heather Taylor interviews Long Island dentist and grief coach Dr. Parul Dua Makkar about sibling grief after her younger brother, Dr. Manu Dua, died from canver of the tongue in 2021 during COVID restrictions, leaving her to say goodbye by video call. They discuss how sibling loss can feel invisible and uniquely alters identity, future plans, and family dynamics, especially as Parul later lost her father suddenly. Parul shares Manu’s posthumously published book, Life Interrupted, and her tribute platform “Dua Good Job,” focused on doing good, oral cancer education, and grief support. They explore how grief shifts empathy in healthcare, the importance of boundaries and support, and why grieving people value others saying the sibling’s name and sharing memories. 00:00 Say Their Name 00:25 Podcast Welcome 00:48 Meet Dr Parul 01:18 Losing Manu in COVID 03:16 His Cancer Lessons 05:09 Life Interrupted 07:32 Why Sibling Grief Hurts 11:55 Talk About Our Siblings 13:17 Keeping Memories for Kids 14:27 Second Loss Losing Dad 18:22 Finding Peace After Loss 18:49 Grief Held in the Body 20:03 Micro Griefs in Dentistry 22:01 Empathy Gaps in Care 25:08 Choosing Meaning After Trauma 26:56 Do a Good Job Legacy 29:39 Identity and Boundaries 33:48 Advice for Sibling Grievers 35:35 Where to Connect 36:13 Closing and Resources ------------------------------------ Dr. Parul Dua Makkar is a general dentist, speaker, author, and grief coach for healthcare providers. After losing her only sibling, Dr. Manu Dua, to oral cancer, she turned her personal loss into a powerful mission. Through her initiative Dua Good Job, she educates healthcare professionals on early oral cancer detection, treatment navigation, and the emotional toll of caregiving and loss. Dr. Makkar is also dedicated to supporting clinicians facing burnout, grief, and moral injury, offering compassionate tools and coaching to help them heal while continuing to serve. Based in Long Island, NY, she blends clinical expertise with heartfelt advocacy to create space for wellness, awareness, and purpose in healthcare. Guide to Oral Cancer Free eBook: https://www.duagoodjob.com/freeoralcancerguide Books https://www.duagoodjob.com/offers/3oeb648R Book a support call. https://www.duagoodjob.com/schedulecall ---------------------- Grief is not a problem to solve. It is a human experience to move through, and most of us were never taught how. Grief is the New Normal is hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, licensed psychologist and grief specialist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology. This show exists to change the conversation around loss by expanding what grief looks like, who it belongs to, and what it actually means to integrate it into your life. Whether you're grieving a death, a diagnosis, a relationship, an identity shift, or the world as you knew it, your grief is real, it deserves space, and you are not behind. And if you're a clinician, coach, or helper carrying your own grief while holding space for others, this show was built for you too. Dr. Taylor brings research-informed frameworks, honest clinical perspective, and the STAY framework, a grief-informed approach to living with loss that goes far beyond the five stages. Expect nuance, depth, and conversations that take grief seriously. No toxic positivity. No fixing. Just honest conversation, real validation, and a community built around grief literacy, disenfranchised grief, anticipatory grief, collective grief, and the full spectrum of human loss. grief support podcast · disenfranchised grief · anticipatory grief · grief after loss · grief for clinicians · grief-informed care · grief literacy · coping with grief · grief and identity · mental health and grief · reproductive grief · pet loss grief · collective trauma and grief · moral injury · grief integration · STAY framework New episodes dropping regularly Subscribe to the Bridging the Grief Gap newsl
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  Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S3E11 Burnout Is a Word. What You're Feeling Is Grief. (Part 3) 07.04.2026 16min

  We’re Not Okay Either: Clinician Grief, Moral Injury, and Micro-Moves for Survival Dr. Heather Taylor introduces part three of a series for clinicians, coaches, and helpers, addresses collective grief and the current political moment’s impact on helpers’ capacity, safety, and motivation. She names grief over broken systems, client and clinician safety, compassion fatigue, and working within structures that demand productivity and “move on,” framing much of this as moral injury and systemic grief that can feel like fog, apathy, and loss of meaning. Taylor emphasizes helpers are not machines, AI, or martyrs, and normalizes boundaries such as saying no to new clients, taking grief or political action days, and stepping back when needed. She recommends practical “micro moves” for nervous system regulation (brief grounding, cold air, water breaks, audiobooks, vagal holds) and intentional scheduling gaps. She closes with reflection questions and a call to seek community and support. 00:00 Collective Grief Reality 01:09 Series Intro And Focus 01:43 Clinician Grief Today 04:09 Burnout And Moral Injury 04:55 Permission For Boundaries 06:34 Micro Moves For Regulation 09:43 Green Yellow Zone Map 12:42 Wrap Up And Community 13:52 Reflection Questions Next Part 14:58 Outro And Resources ---------------------------- Grief is not a problem to solve. It is a human experience to move through, and most of us were never taught how. Grief is the New Normal is hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, licensed psychologist and grief specialist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology. This show exists to change the conversation around loss by expanding what grief looks like, who it belongs to, and what it actually means to integrate it into your life. Whether you're grieving a death, a diagnosis, a relationship, an identity shift, or the world as you knew it, your grief is real, it deserves space, and you are not behind. And if you're a clinician, coach, or helper carrying your own grief while holding space for others, this show was built for you too. Dr. Taylor brings research-informed frameworks, honest clinical perspective, and the STAY framework, a grief-informed approach to living with loss that goes far beyond the five stages. Expect nuance, depth, and conversations that take grief seriously. No toxic positivity. No fixing. Just honest conversation, real validation, and a community built around grief literacy, disenfranchised grief, anticipatory grief, collective grief, and the full spectrum of human loss. grief support podcast · disenfranchised grief · anticipatory grief · grief after loss · grief for clinicians · grief-informed care · grief literacy · coping with grief · grief and identity · mental health and grief · reproductive grief · pet loss grief · collective trauma and grief · moral injury · grief integration · STAY framework New episodes dropping regularly Subscribe to the Bridging the Grief Gap newsletter on LinkedIn for deeper dives, resources, and grief-literate tools LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist Grab the Authentically Unapologetic Grief Journal → https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX www.griefisthenewnormal.com · hello@griefisthenewnormal.com Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief education, mental health content, and yes, a little sass and dark humor too.   -------------------------------------Opening and closing music by The DadicornsCopyright 2026 Grief is the New Normal: A Podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor. All Rights Reserved.This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy.
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  Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S3E10 Butterflies and Halos: Creativity in Mourning with Angie Hanson 02.04.2026 35min

  Butterflies, Halos, and Carrying Their Light Forward: Angie Hanson on Compounding Grief, Parenting, and Creative Healing Dr. Heather Taylor welcomes Angie Hanson (author, certified grief coach, and creator of Butterflies and Halos) to discuss layered loss, parenting through grief, and creative ways to support grievers. Angie shares losing her son Garrett (2006), husband Jack (stage four ocular melanoma; 2009), and brother Seth (brain tumor; 2009) within about two and a half years, while raising her daughter Gracie. They talk about compounding grief and practical coping, including journaling, naming what you’re carrying, grieving “one breath, one cry, one choice at a time,” and separating grief for each person. Angie explains her snarky, heartfelt grief cards that “speak to feel, not to fix,” plus boundaries and community support in grief work. She highlights storytelling and creativity as tools, her memoir Chapters of a Resilient Heart, and reframing loss as “carrying their light forward,” including acts of kindness in Garrett’s honor. 00:00 Grief Avalanche Wisdom 00:28 Podcast Welcome Guest 01:11 Angie Loss Story 03:04 Butterflies And Halos 04:24 Dark Humor Cards 07:00 Parenting Through Grief 09:45 Talking About Loss 10:58 Compounding Grief 11:46 Journaling To Untangle 14:28 Boundaries In Grief Work 16:17 Anniversary Season Planning 17:13 Grief Over Time 18:07 Milestones Hit Hard 18:18 Lois Tonkin Visual 19:01 Memoir and Storytelling 21:07 Creativity as Toolkit 23:38 Restarting Creativity 26:42 Carrying Their Light 29:18 Key Takeaways 30:37 Connect and Projects 31:41 Holiday Cards for Grievers 34:31 Closing and Resources --------------------- Angie Hanson is a certified grief coach, author, and founder of Butterflies + Halos, a grief-centered stationery and support brand that helps people feel seen, supported, and a little less alone after loss. After losing her son, husband, and brother in a short span of time, Angie turned her pain into purpose—creating honest, hope-filled resources including empathy cards, her memoir Chapters of a Resilient Heart, and her grief coaching programs. Angie blends grace, grit, and even humor to reimagine the grief journey and empower others to heal with heart. Follow her work at: https://butterfliesandhalos.com Connect on Instagram: https://instagram.com/butterfliesandhalos Facebook: https://facebook.com/butterfliesandhalos Amazon Author Page: https://author.amazon.com/books Learn about coaching:https://butterfliesandhalos.com/pages/new-grief-coaching-with-angie --------------------------------- Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss, because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives. Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed, this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone. No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through. https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com hello@griefisthenewnormal.com www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist Follow @dr.heathertaylor on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language. Wanting more grief spe
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  Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S3E9 When a Client Dies: Navigating Grief, Ethics, and the Aftermath 30.03.2026 11min

  When a Client Dies: Grief, Ethics, and Practical Next Steps for Helping Professionals Dr. Heather Taylor continues her “Grief in the Helping Professions” series by addressing what happens when a client dies, covering emotional, logistical, legal, and relational concerns that clinicians are often not trained to navigate. She emphasizes that the death is a personal loss regardless of length of treatment or cause of death, and that grief does not make a clinician unprofessional. Key guidance includes seeking supervision/consultation, remembering HIPAA protections continue after death, considering whether and how to contact family, navigating funeral attendance with clear boundaries, and documenting the death and related communications appropriately. She outlines common reactions such as shock, guilt, anger, numbness, relief, compassion fatigue, and resurfaced prior grief, and recommends supports like telling trusted colleagues, taking time off when possible, avoiding isolation, creating a goodbye ritual, and assessing capacity with the rest of one’s caseload. She closes with reflection questions and previews an upcoming episode on burnout and the emotional toll of current realities. 00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup 01:51 Why Client Death Hits Hard 02:56 HIPAA and Practical Logistics 04:39 Emotional Aftermath and Reactions 05:47 Support and Time Off 07:18 Rituals and Caseload Check-In 08:59 Closing Thoughts and Reflections 10:05 Next Episode Burnout Preview 10:25 Final Sendoff ------------------------- Grief is not a problem to solve. It is a human experience to move through, and most of us were never taught how. Grief is the New Normal is hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, licensed psychologist and grief specialist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology. This show exists to change the conversation around loss by expanding what grief looks like, who it belongs to, and what it actually means to integrate it into your life. Whether you're grieving a death, a diagnosis, a relationship, an identity shift, or the world as you knew it, your grief is real, it deserves space, and you are not behind. And if you're a clinician, coach, or helper carrying your own grief while holding space for others, this show was built for you too. Dr. Taylor brings research-informed frameworks, honest clinical perspective, and the STAY framework, a grief-informed approach to living with loss that goes far beyond the five stages. Expect nuance, depth, and conversations that take grief seriously. No toxic positivity. No fixing. Just honest conversation, real validation, and a community built around grief literacy, disenfranchised grief, anticipatory grief, collective grief, and the full spectrum of human loss. grief support podcast · disenfranchised grief · anticipatory grief · grief after loss · grief for clinicians · grief-informed care · grief literacy · coping with grief · grief and identity · mental health and grief · reproductive grief · pet loss grief · collective trauma and grief · moral injury · grief integration · STAY framework New episodes dropping regularly Subscribe to the Bridging the Grief Gap newsletter on LinkedIn for deeper dives, resources, and grief-literate tools LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist Grab the Authentically Unapologetic Grief Journal → https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX www.griefisthenewnormal.com · hello@griefisthenewnormal.com Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief education, mental health content, and yes, a little sass and dark humor too.   -------------------------------------Opening and closing music by The DadicornsCopyright 2026 Grief is the New Normal: A Podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor. All Rights Reserved.This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy.
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  Grief is the New Normal Podcast S3E8: The Somatic Experience of Grief with Wendy Stern 26.03.2026 47min

  Dr. Heather Taylor hosts Wendy Stern, founder of the Center for Somatic Grieving, to discuss how grief lives in the body and why somatic approaches can help people metabolize what can’t be fully processed in the moment of loss. Wendy shares how losing her son Noah at nine months old led her and her husband to seek grief-supportive cultures abroad, and how yoga, breath, and mindfulness became a container for feeling and healing. They explore capacity, numbness as protection, and practices like timed “containers” to safely feel grief followed by a planned reorientation activity. Wendy explains how yoga supports regulation, embodiment, resilience, and connection to inner wisdom, and why being witnessed—especially in groups with clear guidelines like no crosstalk—reduces “shoulds,” validates grief, and keeps loved ones remembered. Wendy offers a gentle starting point: grounded posture and intentional breathing. 00:00 Show Intro 00:25 Meet Wendy Stern 01:24 Loss And Pilgrimage 04:06 Yoga As Healing 06:55 Somatic Grief Explained 10:15 Metabolizing Grief Safely 14:17 Timer Container Practice 17:43 Yoga Therapy Benefits 23:51 EMDR And Beliefs 24:48 Grief Illuminates Self Love 26:42 Loss as Growth Catalyst 28:36 What You Do With Time 29:15 Healing Through Witnessing 34:02 Remembering Their Names 37:16 Training Grief Facilitators 41:03 Breath to Reconnect 43:33 Key Takeaways and Closing 46:05 Episode Outro Resources -------------------------------- Wendy Black Stern is a pioneer in the field of somatic grief work and the founder of the Center for Somatic Grieving. She came to this work after the heartbreaking loss of her son, Noah, and has spent over 25 years as a yoga therapist, grief guide, group facilitator and educator supporting individuals and professionals to meet loss with compassion, presence, and embodied wisdom. Through her Mindful Grieving Yoga Teacher Training, she has helped cultivate a growing community of nearly 100 Mindful Grieving Facilitators across 9 countries who now share this work in their own communities. Wendy offers Mindful Grieving Programs, individual Somatic Grieving Sessions, and somatic grief retreats — including upcoming retreats on Maui (April 2026) and Bali (May 2026). Her next Mindful Grieving Yoga Teacher Training begins February 2026, and The Art of Sacred Listening Professional Training launches November 2025. Learn more at www.somaticgrieving.org Follow @somaticgrieving on Instagram and Facebook ---------------------------------------------- Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss, because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives. Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed, this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone. No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through. https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com hello@griefisthenewnormal.com www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language. Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentic
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  Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S3E7 Therapists Are Not Grief Proof: Supporting Clients While Navigating Your Own Grief 23.03.2026 16min

  Holding Space for Client Grief While Grieving Yourself (Front-Line Helpers Mini Series, Part 1) Dr. Heather Taylor introduces a four-part mini series for front-line helpers (therapists, coaches, clinicians, social workers, birth workers) and addresses how to hold space for client grief while grieving personally. She challenges the myth that professionals should be “grief proof,” emphasizing that attunement doesn’t require detachment and containment doesn’t mean absence, while also avoiding overdisclosure, enmeshment, or “trauma dumping.” She describes how nervous system activation can affect energy and emotional availability, and shares in-session micro-regulation strategies such as using a fidget, grounding feet, vagal holds with clients, TIPP skills (e.g., cold water), note-taking or doodling, and tracking themes to process later in therapy or consultation. She highlights supervision, boundaries, self-compassion, rest, and community as essential for sustainability, offers reflection questions, and previews part two on what happens when a client dies, including HIPAA, memorials, funerals, and emotional impact. 00:00 Grounding In Session 00:33 Podcast Welcome 00:59 Mini Series Overview 02:38 We Are Not Grief Proof 03:44 When Client Grief Hits Home 05:04 Attunement Not Detachment 06:50 Micro Regulation Tools 09:50 Supervision And Community 11:27 Real And Responsible 13:27 Closing Reflections 15:09 Next Episode Preview 15:34 Outro And Resources ----------------------------------------- Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss, because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives. Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed, this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone. No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through. https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com hello@griefisthenewnormal.com www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language. Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX ------------------------------------- Opening & Closing Music by The Dadicorns Copyright 2026 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor All Rights Reserved. This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.  
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  Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S3E6 Life With Grief: Micro-Moves That Change Everything with Tara Accardo 25.09.2025 50min

  Navigating Life with Grief: An Interview with Tara Accardo In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor welcomes Tara Accardo, a grief and transformational life coach and host of the 'Life with Grief' podcast. Tara shares her deeply personal journey of loss, including the deaths of both parents and her beloved dog, and how these experiences inspired her to help others navigate their grief. The conversation covers the impact of grieving on mental health, the importance of rituals and self-care, and how Tara channels her experiences into her work as a grief coach. The episode also emphasizes the significance of normalizing and discussing grief, providing listeners with insights and tools for healing and transformation. 00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal 00:26 Meet Tara Accardo: Grief and Transformational Life Coach 00:48 Tara's Personal Journey with Grief 01:30 Losing Both Parents: A Deep Dive into Tara's Story 04:31 Navigating Life After Loss 07:18 Rekindling Relationships Amidst Grief 12:23 From Personal Loss to Professional Calling 12:52 The Work of a Grief and Transformational Life Coach 19:41 Compounding Grief: Coping Mechanisms and Healing 25:54 The Importance of Daily Rituals 26:58 Finding Comfort in Predictability 29:20 Living with Grief: A Personal Journey 31:16 The Power of Sharing Stories 42:56 Micro Moments for Transformation 47:47 Final Thoughts and Resources ---------------------------------------------- Tara Accardo is a Grief and Transformational life Coach and host of the Life With Grief Podcast. After losing her parents to cancer within six months of each other and a traumatic birth experience, her journey of grieving led her to create Losses Become Gains—a community for fellow grievers that serves tools, resources, inspiration, and guidance on how to navigate grief, loss, and moving forward in life with both in tow.  Through her podcast, one-on-one coaching and other modalities of support, Tara’s passion, calling, and commitment to uplifting and empowering fellow grievers runs deep. https://lossesbecomegains.com/ https://lossesbecomegains.com/work-with-tara https://lossesbecomegains.com/free-tools https://lossesbecomegains.com/journal https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-with-grief-podcast/id1688812587 https://www.instagram.com/lossesbecomegains https://www.instagram.com/lifewithgriefpodcast/ ---------------------------------------------- Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss, because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives. Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed, this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone. No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through. https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com hello@griefisthenewnormal.com www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language. Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link:
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  Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S3E5: K-Pop Demon Hunters & The Grief We Hide: When Connection Feels Dangerous 22.09.2025 16min

  Rumi's Grief: Unmasking Pain in K-Pop Demon Hunters In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor dives into the multi-layered grief of Rumi, the main character in Netflix's animated special 'K-Pop Demon Hunters.' Through Rumi’s story, Dr. Taylor examines the various aspects of hidden grief—losing a loved one, hiding parts of oneself, the illusion of strength, and the isolation that comes with leadership. She offers practical, science-backed tools to navigate this silent pain and emphasizes the importance of creating space for one's truth. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion on grief, identity, and connection. 00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal 00:10 Meet Dr. Heather Taylor 00:39 Grief Secrets and K-Pop Demon Hunters 01:35 Rumi's Layers of Grief 02:16 The Grief of Losing Her Mom 03:13 The Grief of Hiding Her True Self 05:43 The Grief of Disconnection in Community 06:38 The Grief of Performance 07:32 The Grief of Responsibility 09:57 Reflection Questions and Practical Tools 14:18 Conclusion and Resources -------------------------------- Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss, because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives. Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed, this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone. No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through. https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com hello@griefisthenewnormal.com www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language. Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX Dive deeper into your grief support skills with the Professional Grief Collective. This exclusive membership offers targeted training and resources for clinicians and coaches who are ready to elevate their practice. Don’t miss out! Join our community today and start transforming the way you support those in grief. Check out the details in our show notes or visit https://clinicians.griefisthenewnormal.com/privategriefcoaching ------------------------------------- Opening & Closing Music by The Dadicorns Copyright 2025 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor All Rights Reserved. This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.
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  Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S3E4 The G.R.I.E.F. Framework: Building Resilience Through Loss with Blair Kaplan Venables 29.08.2025 29min

  Building Resilience Through Grief: An Interview with Blair Kaplan Venables In this episode, Dr. Heather Taylor interviews Blair Kaplan Venables, a grief and resilience expert and founder of the Global Resilience Project. Blair shares her personal journey through multiple layers of grief, including family losses and personal challenges. She explains how these experiences led her to create the Global Resilience Project, which started as a book but evolved into a global movement and community. Blair discusses her Navigating Grief framework, a toolkit designed to help individuals build emotional resilience using neuroscience and practical strategies. The conversation highlights the importance of feeling emotions to heal and underscores actionable steps to navigate grief effectively. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:45 Blair's Journey into Grief and Resilience 02:08 The Birth of the Global Resilience Project 02:35 Navigating Personal Traumas 06:32 Framework for Navigating Grief 13:38 The Importance of Resilience 16:52 Blair's Personal Insights and Reflections 27:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts -------------------------------- Blair Kaplan Venables is a British Columbia-based grief and resilience expert and coach, motivational speaker and the Founder of The Global Resilience Project. Her expertise has been featured on media platforms like Forbes, TEDx, CBC Radio, Entrepreneur, and Thrive Global. She is named the Top Grief and Resilience Expert of the Year 2024 by IAOTP. USA Today listed Blair as one of the top 10 conscious female leaders to watch, and she empowers others to be resilient from stages around the world. 'MyStory,’ which is a television show available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ and Google Play, showcases Blair's life story. She is the cohost of the RESILIENT A.F. with Blair and Alana podcast and specializes in helping people strengthen their resilience muscle using scientifically proven methods and guides grieving high performers with her Navigating Grief Framework. The Global Resilience Project’s award-winning books are international bestsellers. In her free time, you can find Blair writing, in nature, traveling the world and helping people to strengthen their resilience muscles. ------------------------ Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss, because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives. Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed, this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone. No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through. https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com hello@griefisthenewnormal.com www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language. I partner with organizations to increase grief literacy and embed grief-informed care into workplace culture, reducing stigma and helping teams navigate loss with resilience. Grief at work isn’t only about death; it shows up in leadership changes, layoffs, and other major transitions too. Bring me in to help your workplace m
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  Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S3E3 When Desire Ghosts You: Sex in the Wake of Loss 27.08.2025 14min

  Navigating Grief and Sexuality with Dr. Heather Taylor In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a grief psychologist, explores the often uncomfortable topic of how grief impacts sexuality. She discusses the physiological aspects of grief, including its impact on the nervous system and sexual desire, and shares insights on how to reconnect with one's body and sense of intimacy post-loss. Dr. Taylor also draws from Emily Nagoski's research, highlights different grief responses through TV show characters, and offers practical advice for those grieving and navigating changes in their sexual life. 00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal 00:26 Exploring Grief and Sexuality 01:23 The Nuances of Grief and Physical Connection 02:47 Story Time: Grief Responses in TV Characters 05:47 Research Insights on Grief and Desire 10:55 Practical Tips for Reconnecting with Your Body 12:11 Final Thoughts and Invitation 13:21 Conclusion and Resources ---------------------------------- Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss, because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives. Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed, this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone. No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through. https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com hello@griefisthenewnormal.com www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language. Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX Dive deeper into your grief support skills with the Professional Grief Collective. This exclusive membership offers targeted training and resources for clinicians and coaches who are ready to elevate their practice. Don’t miss out! Join our community today and start transforming the way you support those in grief. Check out the details in our show notes or visit https://clinicians.griefisthenewnormal.com/privategriefcoaching ------------------------------------- Opening & Closing Music by The Dadicorns Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor All Rights Reserved. This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.
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  Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S3E2 The Hidden Intersection of Grief & ADHD with Hannah Allen, LMHC 24.08.2025 59min

  Navigating Grief and Neurodiversity: A Conversation with Hannah Allen, LMHC, ADHD-CCSP In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, welcomes Hannah Allen, a licensed therapist and ADHD coach. They discuss their long-standing friendship and delve into Hannah's journey through late-stage ADHD diagnosis and its impact on her life and practice. The conversation explores the multifaceted nature of grief, particularly for individuals with ADHD, and the importance of understanding non-death related losses. They also talk about the role of masking, the complexities of people-pleasing, and the importance of realigning one's life values. With personal anecdotes and professional insights, this episode offers valuable perspectives for anyone navigating grief and neurodiversity. 00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal 00:26 Meet Hannah Allen: Licensed Therapist and ADHD Coach 03:48 Hannah's Journey with ADHD and Grief 08:28 Understanding Non-Death Related Losses 13:59 Navigating Grief with ADHD 25:32 The Impact of Masking and Unmasking 29:04 Coping Strategies for Grief 30:21 The Role of Brain Chemistry in Grief 31:43 The Performative Aspect of Masking 33:26 Time as a Resource in Grief 34:21 Introduction to Her Aligned Mind 34:29 Ad Break 35:31 Supporting Women in Midlife 37:06 Values and Priorities in Midlife 46:20 Navigating People Pleasing and Grief 51:23 Final Takeaways and Resources ------------------------------------------------- Hannah Allen, LMHC, ADHD-CCSP, is a Certified ADHD Specialist, coach, and licensed mental health therapist who has supported hundreds of high-performing professionals with build lives of clarity, confidence, and composure. A sought-after speaker, educator, and consultant, she provides ADHD education and practical strategies through trainings, classes, coaching, and customized corporate programs. Frequently featured on podcasts and panels, Hannah is recognized for her expertise on the social and emotional challenges of ADHD and for bridging cutting-edge research with real-world application. Hannah is also the founder of Her Aligned Mind, a membership collective and mentorship platform empowering professional women toward an intentional, meaning-filled, and values-aligned second act.   Follow or contact Hannah at: allentherapeutics.com or heralignedmind.com; Instagram: @heralignedmind; @allen_therapeutics ------------------------------------ Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss, because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives. Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed, this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone. No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through. https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com hello@griefisthenewnormal.com www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language. Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal availa