Where to Listen

 In this powerful episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone welcomes Nicole Gruendl—life coach, speaker, and grieving mother—to share the heartbreaking story of losing her son, Korey. Nicole opens up about the devastating day he died, the long and painful wait for answers, and the emotional toll of navigating a flawed system with shifting medical narratives. She speaks candidly about the re-traumatization of new revelations, the strength it took to advocate for truth, and how journaling and writing became her lifeline. Nicole is now channeling her grief into purpose with her upcoming book and workbook, The Loss of My Sun, created to support mothers navigating the unimaginable. With grace and resilience, she reflects on carrying Korey's memory forward, finding meaning through connection, and her message to mothers still waiting in the dark for answers.

In this episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone welcomes a transformational guest, Richard Tierney who introduces a groundbreaking, spiritually inspired approach to healing trauma and grief. Centered around the belief that trauma memories carry real emotional weight—and that they can be dissolved—this conversation explores a two-part program designed to empower individuals to reclaim their lives. The first part focuses on healing the trauma memory itself through holistic practices like breathwork, grounding, and visualization, while integrating universal spiritual teachings of love, forgiveness, and renewal. The second part guides survivors through a reprogramming phase using Trauma Recovery Anonymous, an adapted 12-Step model that helps individuals break survival-based patterns and rebuild a life rooted in self-trust and personal sovereignty. With an emphasis on practical tools, spiritual empowerment, and lasting transformation, this episode offers a deeply hopeful path forward for anyone seeking freedom from the past.

In this deeply moving episode, host Christine Malone welcomes Nancy MacMillan, a seasoned psychotherapist and spiritual care expert, to explore the emotional and psychological landscapes of death, dying, and grief. Drawing on decades of experience, Nancy offers profound insight into the fears that arise at the end of life, the transformative potential of grief, and the power of presence in therapeutic spaces. Together, they examine how rituals, dreams, and deep attunement can support those in transition—and how confronting mortality can bring peace not just to the dying, but to all of us. Nancy shares tools for caregivers, guidance for those facing anticipatory or complicated grief, and reflections from her upcoming book, The Call to the Far Shore. The conversation closes with a compassionate reminder: in learning to face death, we learn how to truly live.

In this episode of Good Grief, Christine sits down with Kelly Wilk, freelance writer, performer, and author of The High-Flying Adventures of Captain Grief: A Memoir About Laughing in the Face of Death, to explore the tender and often surprising journey of grieving a spouse. Kelly shares stories of his late wife, the early days of navigating loss, and how he found himself using humor and a superhero metaphor to face the unthinkable. Together, they discuss the power of storytelling, the role of community at places like Camp Widow, and how grief evolves while maintaining a continuing bond with those we love. Kelly’s candid reflections and moments of laughter offer hope to anyone feeling stuck in grief, reminding us that it’s possible to honor our loved ones while still finding reasons to smile.

In this episode of Good Grief, Christine sits down with Samantha Bailey, Post Betrayal Transformation Coach and author of Deceptive Liaisons, to explore the raw and often hidden grief that comes with betrayal and infidelity. Samantha shares her personal story of discovering her husband’s secret life and the deep heartbreak that followed, revealing how betrayal grief is different from other losses and why it can feel like your entire identity has shattered. Through her journey, Samantha discovered the power of rebuilding self-trust, setting boundaries, and finding hope again, turning her pain into purpose to help others navigate the aftermath of betrayal. This conversation is a compassionate guide for anyone who feels lost in the wake of betrayal, reminding listeners that healing is possible and that they are stronger than they think.

In this episode of Good Grief, host Dr. Christine Malone sits down with Theresa Bruno—celebrity jewelry designer, podcast host, and author of the upcoming memoir He’s Not Coming Back—to explore what it means to begin again after unimaginable loss. Following the suicide of her husband and the collapse of her business, Theresa found herself at a crossroads, grappling with sorrow, identity, and the elusive promise of healing. Through candid conversation, she shares how nature, defiant gratitude, and self-compassion became lifelines in her journey toward renewal. Together, they discuss the nonlinear path of grief, the emotional clutter that can keep us stuck, and how even in the wreckage, there’s space to rewrite your story with courage and hope.

In this episode of Good Grief, Christine welcomes grief specialist and author Michele DeVille to discuss the often overlooked and misunderstood world of disenfranchised grief—the grief society tells us we shouldn’t have or should hide. Michele shares her personal story of losing her best friend as a teenager, navigating multiple miscarriages, the deaths of her parents, and the complicated grief of losing her ex-husband in a tragic accident shortly after she remarried. Together, they explore why grief needs validation, how societal “rules” around grief harm the grieving, and what it means to give yourself permission to grieve even when others don’t understand. Michele’s insights offer hope and practical guidance for anyone feeling unseen in their grief, reminding listeners that your loss matters, and so does your healing.

In this episode of Good Grief, Christine sits down with author and writer-director Diane Namm to discuss how we can help children navigate grief with honesty and tenderness. Inspired by personal losses and the lack of grief resources for children, Diane created What Happens After?, a beautifully illustrated picture book that guides young readers through the confusing and painful emotions that follow the death of a loved one. Together, they explore why it’s essential to talk openly with children about death, how to honor a child’s pace in grief, and practical ways parents and caregivers can support children while managing their own heartbreak. This conversation is a gentle, encouraging reminder that grief takes as long as it takes—and that with honesty, presence, and compassion, children can learn to carry their loved ones in their hearts as they continue to grow.

In this compelling episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone speaks with  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  a business dedicated to supporting older adults who wish to live independently and empowering adult children overwhelmed by caregiving. Together, they explore themes of loss, autonomy, and the emotional challenges of caring for multiple generations.