The Seasons of Life
In this episode, Kelly has a casual conversation with Bryan Piatt, MA, about how the changingseasons can activate deeper feelings in grief and/or mental health. We explore the connectionbetween the literal seasons (weather) and the metaphorical seasons of life, and how thesetransitions can influence emotional well-being. Awareness of these changes is important forprocessing emotions. A…
Deep Grief After Child Loss
In this episode, Kelly interviews Hyedi Nelson about her love and grief over the last ten years for her son Charlie who was born and died on July 3rd. We know significant loss takes a lifetime to integrate. Hyedi beautifully shares her authentic and transparent experience as a mother who has experienced child loss. She…
Deeply Grieving: Pet Loss
In this episode, Kelly sits down with her guest Karen, who recently lost her dog, Luna. Luna died suddenly, and unexpectedly, which made dealing with the grief very difficult at first. Karen beautifully shares how her deep love for Luna has also contributed to her profound grief. Animals are the most unconditional beings and they…
Average Grieving? Honor However You Are
In this episode, Bryan Piatt https://podcasts.apple.com/ye/podcast/take-what-serves-leave-the-rest/id1591101308 and I sat down with Colleen Lindstrom https://www.thebronzemedallife.com/ from The Bronze Medal Life. Colleen shares her belief about being average is amazing enough. We also talk about grief, and how society wants us to be high performers even in our sorrow. She courageously shares how she and her husband…
Love Is Medicine
In this episode, Kelly speaks about the violence we are experiencing all over the world. Thisepisode is in response to the multiple messages and notes she received from families feelingoverwhelmed in their own traumas from the mass shooting in Maine. Kelly advocates for us tocome back to love as our way of interacting with one…
No Timelines in Grieving
In this episode, Kelly talks about timelines in grief and essentially how there are none. We live in a society, however, that has set up rules and judgments about grief. There are many factors to consider that are gently addressed in this episode. Kelly speaks of the importance of allowing space for the grief to…
I’M Not Losing IT
In this episode, Kelly and Bryan Piatt speak about the way in which we shame ourselves for having natural human emotions to something that is difficult. People often refer to themselves as “losing it” when they have intense emotions. We want to try and be gentle and speak more about “being in touch with it.”…
Complicated and Disenfranchised Grief
In this episode, Kelly is joined by esteemed psychotherapist, Douglas Jensen, LICSW, BCD as they talk about complicated and disenfranchised grief.There are so many expectations placed on us around grief. We are often judged for how we grieve. We either don’t grieve enough or too much, according to society. Doug so authentically shares his grief…
The Dying Teach Us How To Live
The Dying Teach Us How To Live
You are Safe: Messages to Our Younger Self
Kelly sits down with Bryan Piatt, breathwork facilitator, mental health advocate and graduate student in Mental Health Counseling, as they discuss Bryan’s panic attack as a twelve year old and a lifelong of healing and learning. We discuss things that we would tell our younger selves that we have learned through our years of healing…
The Widowed Dancer: Experiencing All Emotions After Loss
In this episode, Kelly interviews Bryan Martin aka Sealionbryan on social media. Bryan became a widower several years ago after his partner Clayton died from liver failure. Bryan does a beautiful job of speaking from his perspective about grief. Men in this society need more space to allow their grief to breathe and be acknowledged.…
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Children and Grief
In this episode, sponsored by Brighter Days Family Grief Center, www.brighterdaysgriefcenter.org, Kelly interviews Dr. Donna Shuurman, Ed.D, F.T. from Dougy Center www.dougy.org. Dr. Shuurman shares beautiful ways to speak to children/teens about death and grief. She has a wonderful, soft approach to speaking with younger grieving hearts. We know children feel grief, regardless of age.…
The Power of Vulnerability
In this Episode, Kelly talks with Bryan Piatt, Mental Health Advocate and Podcast Host of “Take What Serves, Leave The Rest.” They have a heartfelt and real discussion about being Vulnerable and the power it has to help us heal. Kelly and Bryan share ways to open up. Bryan beautifully discussing his newer relationship with…
ALL Grief Matters
In this episode Kelly Grosklags, LICSW, your podcast host, introduces the new format for season 4 episode 1. Kelly talks about how all grief matters and that if you feel a reaction to a loss, no matter how big or small, it is valid. Society tries to lay down the rules for who can and…
When Grief Is Complicated
In this episode, Jeffrey and Kelly have a candid conversation about the grief that doesn’t often get talked about. What do we do if we are relieved the person no longer is living because they hurt us so much? Or if we are estranged? There are types of losses that have multiple layers of grief…
Sibling Loss: The Forgotten Grievers
In this episode Kelly and Jeffrey are joined by Jordan Kilber and Jess Paschke, who lost their sister Jenna suddenly to a brain tumor. It is beautiful how they talk so lovingly about Jenna. They give us helpful and practical suggestions on how to support someone who has lost a sibling. We know that often…
Anticipatory Grief
In this episode, Jeffrey & Kelly talk about the important opportunities that are present when we know the loss of someone we love is inevitable. We are invited to care for our loved one and ourselves with compassion during terminal illness and throughout the dying process itself. We can use healing mantras to provide solace…
Our Loved One‘s Belongings
In this episode Jeffrey and Kelly have a non-threatening, honest conversation about how to handle the possessions of our loved ones after a death. These are tender times that require us to assess each situation case-by-case. There are no hard and fast rules about timelines and what precisely to do. As often is the case,…
Dating After Loss
In this episode Jeffrey and Kelly talk about what to consider when dating after a loss such as a death, divorce or breakup. There is not necessarily a right or wrong way to date — or a timeline for deciding when to start dating again. Kelly shares her years of stories from others who have…
Communicating with Our Loved Ones at the End
In this episode Kelly and Jeffrey have a beautiful conversation about ways to connect and communicate when our loved ones are dying and very near the end of life. Letting go can be a very sad and scary time for many people. We hope that this episode offers suggestions to help ease the discomfort of…
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A Space to Grieve
In this episode, Kelly and Jeffrey speak about the importance of have a designated space to BE with our grief. Cemeteries are not for everyone. Listen to hear ways to honor yourself and your loved one who has died. Today, we have so many options for creating this loving space.There is no wrong way to…
Is What I’m Doing Enough?
In this episode, Jeffrey and Kelly talk about how profound moments of perspective and gratitude are for our happiness. Kelly shares a beautiful story about a woman she worked with that sheds light on what it means to truly be in the now. We often pressure ourselves to do more before ever appreciating what we…
Compassion Through Struggle
Jeffrey and Kelly welcome Bryan Piatt back for the second time to continue a conversation on how important it is to have compassion for ourselves. All too often we shame ourselves for the natural experience of being human. We must allow for grace in difficult periods and speak in a loving manner to ourselves as…
Exploring Therapy
In today’s episode, Kelly and Jeffrey talk about mental health with Josh Ward, creative designer, writer and founder of the YupItsJosh Podcast. Over the past several months, the world has experienced a greater need for telemedicine to provide mental health therapy amid a global pandemic. Josh shares his experience finding and working with a therapist…
Words to Live By
A perfect way to start off the new year of 2021! In this episode, Jeffrey and Kelly talk about the importance of the words we speak to ourselves and others. A mantra is a word or set of words that serve as reminders of what matters — to help keep you centered and create a…
Brighter Days
This episode highlights the importance of reaching out for and accepting support after the death of a loved one. Jeffrey and Kelly interviewed Carolyn Kinzel, executive director of Brighter Days Grief Center in Eden Prairie, MInnesota. Brighter Days exists to support all members of the family throughout their bereavement experience. Since our interview, the center…
Connection During a Covid Thanksgiving
A special edition of the CWK podcast for these unusual times with Covid amid Thanksgiving and the holidays. These days can be extremely isolating. While we may be physically apart, we can still find ways to connect psychologically and socially. We are meant to connect as humans. It only takes one person to change our…
The Physical Experience of Grief
In this episode, Jeffrey and Kelly discuss the way grief can manifest in our physical body. Grief can surface as physical symptoms such as pain, muscle aches and discomfort. It is always important to be seen by your medical provider to rule out more advanced disease, however. Hear Kelly share how her grief often manifests…
Wishing for More Time
In this episode, Jeffrey and Kelly have a conversation about the gift of time beyond it being a cliché. From years of working in end of life care, Kelly shares some of her insights to instill within us that each moment is what we have. No matter the length of our life, these moments are…
Suffer Alone No More: A Conversation About Mental Health with Bryan Piatt
In this episode Jeffrey and Kelly speak with their guest, Bryan Piatt, co-founder of Refresh Network, about his mental health story and what he encourages us all to to consider when opening up about our struggles. Because we are more alike than different, likely someone in your life can identify with your story. We are meant…
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Every Loss Matters: A Conversation About Cumulative Grief
In this episode Jeffrey and Kelly talk about how loss upon loss impacts us. With COVID-19 and the unrest in our country, we are all experiencing grief overload. We come into these times with our own stories and losses. These must be honored as well. We are wishing each person the chance to be heard…
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Part 2: The Unexpected Journey: Caring During and Beyond the Crisis
In this follow-up episode about caregiving in times of crisis, Kelly and Jeffrey invite Dan back to the studio to hear how time has helped shape his perspectives. Whatever our situation during challenge or loss, we become aware that our emotions are fluid and ever-changing. We realize we are different today than we were before.…
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The Unexpected Journey: Caring During and Beyond the Crisis
This episode was recorded as the coronavirus was emerging as a worldwide threat. As we strive to cope with the present reality of COVID-19, we hope you find this content timely and relatable.Today Jeffrey and Kelly welcome their guest, Dan, to the studio. Dan shares his experience caregiving for his father who became seriously ill…
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Being Present to Others’ Illness
In this episode, Kelly and Jeffrey explore what it means to be present as a caregiver when someone is ill. Jeffrey shares a personal story about his own chronic illness — and his experience with the caregivers who showed up at the time of diagnosis.When you are called upon to be a caregiver, there isn’t…
The Grief We Don’t Talk About
In this episode Kelly and Jeffrey have a meaningful discussion about the elements of loss often left unsaid. As an individual in this society we are conditioned about how and what is legitimate to grieve — and what we should share with others. Kelly walks us through all grief reactions. Sometimes when we lose someone,…
Honoring Those Who Have Died
In this episode, Jeffrey and Kelly discuss some ideas on how we can honor those who have died. Our love shows up in many ways as we travel through the weeks, months and years trying to navigate life without our loved ones. Kelly shares how saying the name of the one you miss is a…
The Dying Teach Us How to Live
In this episode Kelly and Jeffrey have a meaningful discussion about the many poignant lessons Kelly has learned from many years working with people who are terminally ill. There are many beautiful ways to look at life when your lens is more focused on what matters the most. We get to choose how we spend…
The Courage to Be You
In this episode Kelly talks with Jeffrey about his experiences visiting two different people who were at the end of their life. We know this is a sacred time in someone’s life, therefore, we can pressure ourselves to act or be a certain way. Jeffrey and Kelly discuss some beautiful ways that may help in…
The Heart of Gratitude
In this episode Jeffrey starts off reading a beautiful passage on gratitude written by a dear friend of CWK, Judy E. Judy wrote this for Kelly’s book, A Comforted Heart.In this podcast we learn that moments change with gratitude. Although we are not expected to be grateful all the time, we can each have moments…
The Courage to Hope
In this episode we learn hope is something available to all of us regardless of where we are in life. We discuss how hope can be thought of a something that is unattainable and not realistic. Rather, hope is a mental break from negativity and fear. It is available to each of us until the…
Loving Deeply Is Grieving Deeply
In this episode of Conversations with Kelly you will discover that when we invest intensely in a relationship we will naturally grieve deeply when the relationship changes or is lost. Grief is a reaction to a loss while the loss is the event itself. This is an important distinction because when we view grief as an…
Curing vs. Healing
In this, our inaugural episode of the Conversations with Kelly podcast, you will learn how healing is possible for all of us no matter what struggles we are experiencing or what stage of life we are in. Healing comes in the form of forgiveness of self and of others, gratitude, apologies and love. Love is an antidote…