Where to Listen

In this episode, we sit down with Narene Stokes Crosby, Sheila Albers, and Susan Berardi to discuss their powerful book, Mothers in Arms. This book tells the heartbreaking yet inspiring story of two mothers—one Black, one white—who formed a deep friendship after their sons, Ryan Stokes and John Albers, were killed by police. Despite coming from different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, their shared grief led them to take on a corrupt system and demand justice for their sons.

This conversation will explore their grief, resilience, activism, and the power of allyship, while also shedding light on the realities of police violence, systemic cover-ups, and the emotional toll on families left behind.

In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone sits down with Christina Dent, author of Curious: A Foster Mom's Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction. Christina shares her journey as a foster mom and how it led her to explore the deep connection between grief, pain, and addiction. The conversation dives into how addiction often develops as a coping mechanism for unresolved grief and trauma, and Christina reveals the surprising solutions she discovered along the way. Together, they discuss compassion-based approaches to addiction, the importance of community support, and finding hope and healing after loss.

    In this episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone speaks with Pamela Blake, publisher of The Isaak Collection, a five-novel series written by her late husband, David. After David's sudden passing at the age of 67 from a massive stroke, Pamela made the courageous decision to publish his work—not only as a tribute to his life but as a way to navigate her own grief.

What started as an intimate act of remembrance has since evolved into something much greater, garnering hundreds of reader reviews and critical acclaim. Pamela shares the emotional journey of bringing her husband's words to the world, how storytelling can be a powerful tool for healing, and the profound ways in which we can honor loved ones who have passed.

In this deeply moving episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone sits down with Steve Gamlin, a professional speaker whose love story once captivated audiences—including multiple appearances on Oprah’s XM Radio network. But on December 9, 2024, Steve’s life took an unexpected turn when he lost the love of his life suddenly and tragically, leaving him shattered and 3,000 miles from home.

For 17+ years, Steve shared the story of how he and his partner reconnected, inspiring countless people with their journey of love. Now, he’s navigating a painful new chapter—one of grief, resilience, and finding meaning after loss. Through honest reflection, humor, acts of kindness, and grief counseling, he shares how he is learning to heal while continuing to inspire others.

In this week’s episode, we explore the unique challenges of navigating loss later in life with our guest Susan, a retired individual who recently experienced the profound loss of both parents. Susan shares her journey through grief, the emotional impact of losing loved ones in later years, and the unexpected challenges of adjusting to life without them. As time has passed, she has discovered the “gifts” that loss has revealed—lessons in resilience, deeper connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. Through reflections on aging, relationships, and personal growth, she offers wisdom and hope to others facing similar experiences, reminding us that even in profound loss, there can be moments of light, transformation, and meaning.

In this episode, Dr. Christine Malone interviews Jennifer Newberg, founder of It’s Lifey, shares her deeply personal journey of loss after losing her husband, Jack, almost 10 months ago. She discusses how her experience of widowhood led her to create a transformative retreat for young widows (ages 35-60)—a space designed for deep connection, shared understanding, and personal healing. We’ll explore why support systems are vital, the unique challenges of losing a spouse young, and how retreats like this can be life-changing.

In this episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone sits down with Holly Peppe, a leading authority and literary executor for the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, to explore the profound connection between poetry and grief. Holly shares her deeply personal journey of loss, reflecting on how poetry became a defining force in her healing process. Drawing from both her own experiences and Millay’s evocative works, she discusses how poetry gives voice to the unspoken emotions of sorrow, love, and remembrance, offering solace and understanding in the wake of loss. Together, they examine the power of language to transform pain into beauty, the role of poetry in navigating life’s darkest moments, and how creative expression can bridge the gap between grief and hope. This heartfelt conversation is a must-listen for anyone who has turned to words for comfort, struggled to articulate their grief, or simply seeks to understand how poetry can illuminate the path to healing.

In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone interviews Jenny Leavitt, a grief recovery coach, author, and speaker dedicated to helping others process loss while staying connected to their values and personal growth. After experiencing profound grief herself, Jenny has made it her mission to provide resources and guidance for those struggling with loneliness, relationship challenges, and the emotional weight of loss.

Through heartfelt conversations, expert insights, and practical strategies, Jenny shares ways to overcome isolation, rebuild life after grief, and challenge common misconceptions about healing. Whether you’re looking for tools to navigate your grief journey or simply a reminder that you’re not alone, this episode offers support, encouragement, and hope.

In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone interviews Jennifer Cain Birkmose, a caregiver caught between raising a troubled child and caring for an elderly parent in decline. Jennifer describes grief as a "greedy lover"—unpredictable and relentless—highlighting the unique grief experienced by sandwich generation caregivers. Feeling powerless to help loved ones inspired her to co-found her company, a business dedicated to supporting older adults who wish to live independently and empowering adult children overwhelmed by care giving. Together, they explore themes of loss, autonomy, and the emotional challenges of caring for multiple generations.

In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone interviews Kim Cantin, author of Where Yellow Flowers Bloom, to share her extraordinary story of loss, resilience, and hope.

Kim recounts the night of the devastating Montecito mudflows of 2018, which claimed the lives of her husband and son and left her and her daughter forever changed. She opens up about her relentless search for her son, the unexpected signs that kept her going, and the profound ways in which love endures beyond loss.

Through grief, Kim found purpose in storytelling, healing, and honoring the memory of those she lost. Listeners will hear about the power of signs, the strength of community, and the ways we can rebuild after profound tragedy. Join us for a conversation filled with raw honesty, hope, and the enduring beauty of love that never fades.

In this episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone met with Sarah Birnbach, award-winning author of A Daughter’s Kaddish: My Year of Grief, Devotion, and Healing, to discuss her deeply personal journey through loss, faith, and perseverance. After the passing of her beloved father, Sarah embarked on a year-long commitment to reciting the Mourner’s Kaddish twice a day in synagogue—a Jewish mourning ritual traditionally reserved for men. As a novice worshipper and single working mother, she faced gender-based resistance, personal struggles, and profound moments of transformation, all while navigating an intense period of grief.

Through our conversation, we’ll explore how religious rituals can provide comfort in grief, the importance of community in healing, and how ancient traditions can still hold meaning in modern life. Sarah’s journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the universal nature of mourning, reminding us that grief is deeply personal yet universally shared.