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Grief is a Sneaky Bitch

Lisa Keefauver, MSW

Grief is a Sneaky Bitch creator and host Lisa Keefauver is on a mission to reimagine grief one conversation at a time, helping us to center aliveness in a world full of loss.


Yes, this is a podcast all about grief. Since 2019, Lisa and her guests have been exploring the expansiveness and pervasiveness of grief in our lives. Let's face it: 100% of us experience grief, multiple times in our lives. Lisa witnessed it time and time again in her career as a social worker and in her personal life—most significantly when she lost her husband in 2011. More recently, she experienced ambiguous grief while navigating breast cancer in 2024. And yet, individually and collectively, we're so grief-illiterate, and that's causing us all harm. So she's on a mission to reimagine grief so we can center aliveness in a world full of loss. She's so glad you're joining us.


She brings her deep curiosity, love of conversation, and knowledge of how language and culture shape our experiences of ourselves and our world (including our grief) to each unscripted conversation. From thought leaders, CEOs, and social workers to authors, educators, researchers, filmmakers, and spiritual leaders, her guests open up about the complexity, confusion, and even confidence they've gained by navigating a grief journey of their own.


About Host

Lisa Keefauver is equal parts heart & humor (with a judicious use of cussing. She's a narrative-therapy trained social worker, widow, and cancer survivor turned grief activist, podcast host and author helping you center aliveness in a world full of loss


 

If you like this series, please make sure to leave a rating and write a review TODAY on Apple Podcasts.


If you like watching podcasts, please subscribe and view on YouTube at @lisakeefauvermsw.

 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • 21 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 1 hr 11 min
  • English

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  • Tuesday · 22 min

    Where We've Been and Where We're Going

    This special episode is a reminder of where we’ve been, what we’ve learned, and where we’re going next season! Host Lisa Keefauver closes out Season 7 of the show by reflecting on the conversations, guests, and lessons that shaped the year. She reminded us of the wisdom guests Marisa Renee Lee, Michelle Hord, Sandi Serling, and Angela Schellenberg offered on navigating complex losses and emotions. Guests Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, Naila Francis, and Sara Rian taught us about the power of poetry, metaphor, and creativity. You’ll get a sense (or be reminded) of the topics and wisdom offered by the other incredible 13 guests as well. In a preview of what’s coming next, Lisa also explores the story behind her decision to have a theme for the first time in the show’s history. Launching later this month, listeners will get a glimpse of some of the special guests and topics coming next, with a strong focus on aliveness, the narratives that keep us stuck, and the power of curiosity for navigating seasons of uncertainty. About Host: Host Lisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, narrative therapy trained social worker, widow, and cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: at https://lisakeefauver.com/ ACCESS GRIEF SUPPORT: at https://lisakeefauver.com/support FOR SPEAKING INQUIRIES: Contact Bright Sight Speakers at https://www.brightsightspeakers.com/speakers-a-z/lisa-keefauver READ HER BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t& READ HER ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips LEAVE A RATING AND WRITE A REVIEW: at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch/id1474558908 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 21 · 1 hr 21 min

    J.S. Park | We Are Made of Us

    J.S. Park returns to Grief is a Sneaky Bitch for a deeply moving conversation about the themes in his forthcoming book, We Are Made of Us. Together, we explore what it means to contend with family-of-origin, family dynamics, and inherited trauma. This episode may change how you see your family, your grief, and your own capacity to heal. They pull back the curtain on intergenerational trauma, revealing how our familial patterns can be both the wound and the way forward. J.S. (who goes by Joon) shares powerful insights from his work as a chaplain, including how to recognize and reframe inherited family burdens. We also unpack the idea that cycles (whether of trauma or love) aren’t meant to be “broken” once and for all, but carried with intention—and that we can create safe circles as we heal. Along the way, they touch on some of Lisa’s favorite themes: seeing the world as both/and rather than either/or, the power of the questions we ask ourselves, and the importance of noticing evidence of our healing instead of focusing only on our broken parts. ABOUT GUEST J.S. Park is a hospital chaplain, published author, and online educator. For eleven years he has been an interfaith chaplain at a 1000+ bed hospital that is designated a Level 1 Trauma Center. His role includes grief support, attending every death, trauma, and Code Blue, and end-of-life care. J.S. has been interviewed by CNN, NPR, CBS News, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Bay News 9, and FOX13 Tampa Bay, among others, for his work in death and dying. He is the author of As Long as You Need and We Are Made of Us, an upcoming book on contending with our family-of-origin, family dynamics, and inherited trauma. J.S. served for three years as a chaplain at one of the largest nonprofit charities for the homeless on the east coast. J.S. is a board certified chaplain and has a MDiv completed in 2010 and a BA in Psychology. He also has a sixth-degree black belt. READ HIS BOOKS: As Long As You Need and pre-order We Are Made of Us READ HIS ESSAYS: J.S. Park on Substack ABOUT HOST AND SHOW Lisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, narrative therapy trained social worker, widow, assault & cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: at https://lisakeefauver.com/ ACCESS GRIEF SUPPORT: https://lisakeefauver.com/support READ HER BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t& READ HER ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • June 9 · 1 hr 11 min

    Casey Mulligan Walsh | The Full Catastrophe

    Casey Mulligan Walsh, author of The Full Catastrophe, joined host Lisa Keefauver for a profound conversation on how much loss shapes us more deeply than we realize—especially when it's modeled by those we'd turn to for guidance. In this raw and insightful conversation, Casey reveals how early trauma and unspoken grief patterns silently influence our lives. From surviving the sudden death of her parents as a child to navigating the chaos of divorce and the heartbreak of losing her son, Casey shares her journey toward reclaiming agency, understanding her parts, and finding peace in the liminal spaces of life. Discover how early grief beliefs—built on myths, avoidance, and emotional suppression—can trap us in survival mode and obscure our true selves. Casey shares concrete frameworks like parts therapy and Viktor Frankl’s tragic optimism that help us embrace life's uncertainties without losing hope. You'll learn how resilience isn’t about denying pain but about developing a muscle of hope, presence, and acceptance in the face of ongoing tragedy. We break down: the importance of curiosity and compassion in rewriting our stories; the way early loss robs us of roots and stability—and how to rebuild both through choice; and the role of reflective practices in unveiling the narratives driving our behavior. Casey’s story challenges us to see that even in the darkest times, a shift in perspective can foster peace, purpose, and aliveness. ABOUT GUEST Casey Mulligan Walsh writes about life at the intersection of grief and joy, embracing uncertainty, and the nature of true belonging. Her award-winning memoir, The Full Catastrophe: All I Ever Wanted, Everything I Feared, was released from Motina Books in February 2025. She has written for The New York Times, HuffPost, Next Avenue, Modern Loss, The Manifest-Station, Hippocampus, Barren Magazine, and numerous other literary magazines; her essay, “Still,” published in Split Lip, was nominated for Best of the Net. She is a founding editor of In a Flash literary magazine and serves as an ambassador and Board member for the Family Heart Foundation. Casey lives in upstate New York with her husband, Kevin, and too many books to count. When not traveling, they enjoy visits from their four children and ten grandchildren—the very definition of “the full catastrophe.” LEARN MORE ABOUT CASEY: www.caseymulliganwalsh.com. Substack newsletter Embracing the Full Catastrophe; Facebook @Casey Mulligan Walsh, Casey Mulligan Walsh, Author; Instagram @caseymulliganwalsh, LinkedIn @Casey Mulligan Walsh, BlueSky @caseymulliganwalsh; Threads @Casey Mulligan Walsh READ BOOK: The Full Catastrophe https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-full-catastrophe-all-i-ever-wanted-everything-i-feared-casey-mulligan-walsh/c0cbe91f9be3317d ABOUT HOST AND SHOW Lisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, narrative therapy trained social worker, widow, assault & cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: at https://lisakeefauver.com/ ACCESS GRIEF SUPPORT: https://lisakeefauver.com/support READ BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t& READ ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • June 2 · 1 hr 12 min

    Mae Yoshikawa | Surprising Capacity of the Heart

    Mae Yoshikawa, author, TEDx speaker, and the creator of Kizuki Journaling, joins host Lisa Keefauver to explore her profound journey through grief, culture, and embodiment. Her reflections challenge us to see grief not as a problem to fix, but as an integral part of human experience that deepens our capacity to love and live fully. Key topics: Cultural differences in grieving: Japanese vs. American approaches to death The importance of acknowledging and expressing emotion, rather than suppressing it Ambiguous loss: navigating the slow deterioration of her mother’s Alzheimer’s Widowhood and what she hopes her children will understand about grief The transformative power of yoga, meditation, and embodied practices in healing How cultural norms shape our grief narratives and emotional responses The role of storytelling, mindfulness, and observation in expanding emotional capacity Practical tools for holding space for grief in ourselves and others The shift from seeking certainty to embracing what is through mindful presence ABOUT GUEST Mae Yoshikawa is an author, TEDx speaker, and the creator of Kizuki Journaling, a self-awareness practice rooted in the Japanese concept of kizuki—a moment of deep realization that changes how we relate to ourselves and our lives. Trained in yoga and mindfulness, and recognized by platforms such as Yoga Journal and adidas, Mae brings decades of embodied practice to her work. After the sudden loss of her husband, her path became a living exploration of grief, presence, and meaning beyond fixing or “moving on.” Bridging Eastern philosophy with lived experience, she guides people to meet loss, identity shifts, and life transitions with clarity, compassion, and truth. LEARN MORE ABOUT MAE: https://maey.live KIZUKI JOURNALING: https://kizukijournaling.com KIZUKI the PODCAST: https://open.spotify.com/show/7KKMi7W9VOC8ZbNgroJGBW? si=1be426519a3642c9 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/maeyoshikawa ABOUT THE SHOW & HOST Lisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, narrative therapy trained social worker, widow, assault & cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: at https://lisakeefauver.com/ ACCESS GRIEF SUPPORT: https://lisakeefauver.com/support READ BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t& READ ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • May 26 · 1 hr 14 min

    Angela Schellenberg | Attachment, Trauma, and Grief

    In a world overwhelmed by collective trauma and personal grief, how can we rebuild trust, safety, and connection—starting from within? Angela Schellenberg, trauma therapist and expert in attachment and somatic healing joins host Lisa Keefauver as she unpacks how early wounds shape our current relationships with ourselves and others—and reveals transformative tools to rewire that deep wiring. This episode shatters the myth that grief is linear or predictable. Angela shares her powerful journey through childhood loss, from her father's violent death to her mother's mental illness, illustrating how unprocessed trauma embeds itself in our nervous system, often surfacing as shame, frozen grief, and disconnection. She illustrates how these early attachment wounds generate patterns—seeking the familiar, recreating dysfunctional dynamics, and feeling unsafe in our own bodies—often without conscious awareness. You'll discover: how healing attachment wounds through relationship and community is not just possible but essential; why trauma lives in the body—and how somatic therapies like EMDR and equine therapy mobilize profound change; the importance of moving beyond intellectual understanding to embodied trust; and practical ways to cultivate self-compassion, discernment, and inner safety. Angela emphasizes that attachment wounds are always healable—when we have a safe container, mindful movement, and compassionate community—and urges us to reclaim our innate wisdom. This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating grief, trauma, or relational wounds, especially in turbulent times. If you’re yearning to shed the shame, unlock your inner resilience, and forge authentic connections—Angela’s insights will change the way you see healing. ABOUT GUEST Angela Schellenberg is a licensed trauma and grief therapist, Equine Therapist, Attachment-Focused EMDR specialist, and certified Mother Hunger® Facilitator based in LA County. Licensed in California, Washington, and Arizona, Angela specializes in helping women in grief recognize how their early attachment wounds may be showing up in their grief. She lost both parents by the age of 22 and brings deep personal and clinical insight to her work. Angela created the Healing with Horses Somatic Grief Retreat in Malibu, co-leads early mother loss retreats with Hope Edelman, and has taught at the Omega Institute. She is also the founder and host of the Grief, Trauma & Your Mama podcast. LEARN MORE ABOUT ANGELA at: www.angelaschellenberg.com ABOUT THE SHOW & HOST Lisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, narrative therapy trained social worker, widow, assault & cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: https://lisakeefauver.com/ ACCESS GRIEF SUPPORT: https://lisakeefauver.com/support READ BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t& READ ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • May 12 · 1 hr 8 min

    Sandi Serling | Fear Unzipped

    Sandi Serling, creator and host of Fear Unzipped, joins host Lisa Keefauver to explore the profound connection between grief, love, and spiritual healing. Sandi shares her wisdom on how fear shapes the nervous system, perception, and identity. Together, they explore the role of fear and how we can reshape our relationship with it. Through awareness, we can learn to elevate our frequency to connect with loved ones who have passed. This episode is for anyone carrying fear or anxiety in their grief, and for those hoping to find more ease and feel their loved ones’ presence in their lives. ABOUT GUEST Sandi Serling is the creator and host of FEAR UNZIPPED®, a podcast where neuroscience and metaphysics intersect to explore how fear shapes the nervous system, perception, and identity. Her work is rooted in the understanding that fear is not something broken within us, but a learned response that can be reshaped through awareness. For much of her life, Sandi experienced shyness and anxiety without realizing that her intuitive sensitivity was absorbing the emotional and energetic states of others. Fear became a quiet but persistent presence, subtly influencing her choices and sense of self. She spent over 30 years in public relations and marketing, founding Serling Media Relations and working with respected individuals across entertainment, television, and emerging brands. Despite outward success, deeper questions remained. What is my purpose? And what is fear asking of me? A decade-long immersion in neuroscience and metaphysical practices, compounded by the loss of both her parents within four months, marked a profound turning point. Through neuroplasticity and conscious awareness, Sandi came to see fear not as an adversary, but as a messenger. As its grip loosened, clarity, agency, and self-trust emerged. She says FEAR UNZIPPED® didn’t come from her but through her. Sandi hosts the show as a fellow explorer. Her work invites attention to signs and the courage to trust what is unfolding. FREE GUIDE: MEET YOUR GUIDES AND LOVED ONES https://fearunzipped.com/meet-your-guides. ABOUT THE SHOW & HOST Lisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, narrative therapy trained social worker, widow, assault & cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: at https://lisakeefauver.com/ ACCESS GRIEF SUPPORT: https://lisakeefauver.com/support READ BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t& READ ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • May 5 · 1 hr 13 min

    Sara Rian | Complexity of Love and Loss

    Sara Rian joins host Lisa Keefauver for an honest, courageous, and vulnerable conversation exploring the both/and of living, loving, and the devastating grief and trauma we experience in the wake of death by suicide. She has been drawn to grief poetry ever since her mother Susan’s death in 2018. Sara offers deep compassion for her mothers choice to end her life, speaks about the complexity of being a clinician who also works with people experiencing thoughts of suicide, and she shares how and what she did to metabolize her mother’s death - including producing 7 extraordinary books of poetry. She reflects on what allows her to be present and love authentically, not out of fear, but because of the preciousness of this life. ABOUT THE GUEST Sara Rian is an accomplished poet, author, mother, wife, licensed therapist, and griever living in Metro Detroit. She has been drawn to grief poetry ever since her mother died in 2018. As a mental health professional, suicide loss survivor, and grieving human, Sara shares her work with others to let them know that they are not alone in their love or grief. MORE ABOUT SARA AND HER BOOKS: To learn more about Sara or pick up one of her extraordinary books of poetry, including, As A Waterfall head to www.sararianbooks.com ABOUT THE SHOW & HOST Lisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, narrative therapy trained social worker, widow, assault & cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: at https://lisakeefauver.com/ ACCESS GRIEF SUPPORT: https://lisakeefauver.com/support READ BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t& READ ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • April 16 · 1 hr 1 min

    Marisa Renee Lee | Waiting For Dawn

    Marisa Renee Lee returns for a second conversation with host Lisa Keefauver to discuss her powerful new book, Waiting for Dawn, which delves deeply into the nuanced experience of living with ongoing uncertainty, particularly in the context of grief, chronic illness, and systemic challenges. As always, Marisa is candid, warm, and witty - offering insights that empower listeners to navigate life's unpredictable moments with resilience, honesty, and hope. Key Topics: The concept of gray grief and navigating ambiguous, non-death losses How chronic illness like long COVID reshapes our understanding of identity and community The importance of acceptance and honest acknowledgment of pain as a pathway to healing Practical frameworks like the spoon theory for managing energy and emotional resources Building hope through honest assessment, action, and flexible pivoting Recognizing systemic barriers, especially internalized ableism, in our journey of acceptance The active practice of healing as ongoing rather than a fixed destination ABOUT GUEST Marisa Renee Lee is the award-winning and bestselling author of Grief is Love. For her work on grief and healing, she has been featured on Good Morning America and NPR, in Vogue and The Atlantic, among other outlets. Her new book Waiting For Dawn (out in April 2026) reflects on her experiences with chronic illness and grief, offering solace to folks living with all kinds of uncertainty. A longtime rabble-rouser of social healing and equity, Lee previously served as a deputy director in the Obama White House and is now CEO of Beacon Advisors, a social-impact consulting firm. She is a graduate of Harvard College and lives with her husband Matt and son, Bennett, in New York. Website: www.marisareneelee.com Instagram: @marisareneelee Substack: https://marisareneelee.substack.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marisareneelee LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisareneelee/ The Book: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/marisa-renee-lee/waiting-for-dawn/9781538770191/ ABOUT THE SHOW & HOST Lisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, narrative therapy trained social worker, widow, assault & cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: at https://lisakeefauver.com/ ACCESS GRIEF SUPPORT: https://lisakeefauver.com/support READ BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t& READ ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • April 1 · 1 hr 17 min

    Shelby Forsythia | Of Course I'm Here Right Now

    Shelby Forsythia, Grief Educator and Author joins host Lisa Keefauver for a second time on the show, this time to explore the wisdom she offers about grief support in her brand new book, Of Course I’m Here Right Now. 100% of us will be grievers and grief supporters, yet so often we rely on outdated ideas of grief and harmful platitudes. In Shelby’s book, and in this gorgeous conversation, we explored three unspoken stories grieving people tell themselves, three phrases that offer meaningful support without trying to fix or diminish the grievers lived experience, and how these apply no matter the type of loss - from the big 3 D’s - Death, divorce, and diagnosis, to the everyday disappointments and frustrations we experience. Get ready to feel seen, understood, and to learn, because Shelby offers it all. ABOUT GUEST Shelby Forsythia (she/her) is a grief coach, author, and podcast host. In 2020, she founded Life After Loss Academy, an online course and community that has helped dozens of grievers grow and find their way after death, divorce, diagnosis, and other major life transitions. Following her mother’s death in 2013, Shelby began calling herself a “student of grief” and now devotes her days to reading, writing, and speaking about loss. Through a combination of mindfulness tools and intuitive, open-ended questions, she guides her clients to welcome grief as a teacher and create meaningful lives that honor and include the heartbreaks they’ve faced. Her work has been featured in Huffington Post, Bustle, and The Oprah Magazine. READ BOOK: Of Course I’m Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/of-course-i-m-here-right-now-three-actually-helpful-things-to-say-to-someone-grieving-shelby-forsythia/7a4f382c95067f21?ean=9798889837152&next=t&next=t ABOUT THE SHOW & HOST Lisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, social worker, widow, assault & cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: at https://lisakeefauver.com/ ACCESS GRIEF SUPPORT: https://lisakeefauver.com/support READ BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t& READ ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • March 11 · 1 hr 13 min

    Lizzie Pickering | When Grief Equals Love

    Lizzie Pickering, grief educator and author of When Grief Equals Love joins host Lisa Keefauver sharing profound insights on how grief evolves over time and how maintaining bonds with loved ones keeps love alive long after loss. Her own story of the death of her son Harry along with interviews she did with grievers help challenge the myths of closure, emphasizing that grief and love coexist in a journey of ongoing relationship and growth. Some of the themes explored in this episode include: The long-term perspective on grief and why it’s not linear The importance of continuing bonds and evolving relationships with the deceased How cultural stories shape our expectations about the duration and process of grief Practical strategies for cultivating curiosity and balance in grief over years The power of “for now” as a gentle acknowledgment of where we are in our grief The role of community and support systems in sustaining long-term grief work This episode embraces the reality that grief is lifelong, continuously shaping and reshaping our relationship with love, memories, and ourselves. Remember, grief is a journey not a destination—it's an ongoing act of love and connection. ABOUT GUEST Lizzie is a Grief Educator, Author and bereaved mum. She offers Grief Guidance to organisations and individuals, educating people about grief and helping them back to life and work following major losses, from bereavement, to diagnosis, divorce and workplace change. Her book When Grief Equals Love is available from bookshops, plus Kindle, Audible and other listening platforms.Connect with Lizzie Pickering at https://lizziepickering.com/ to learn more about her book, When Grief Equals Love, her work as a grief educator and grief supporter. You can also follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn at lizzie.pickering. ABOUT THE SHOW & HOST Lisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, social worker, widow, assault & cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: at https://lisakeefauver.com/ ACCESS GRIEF SUPPORT: https://lisakeefauver.com/support READ BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t& READ ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • February 28 · 1 hr 6 min

    Darnell Lamont Walker | Never Can Say Goodbye

    Death doula and storyteller Darnell Lamont Walker joins host Lisa Keefauver for the second time on the show. Since their last conversation, Darnell has reflected on the stories of his work and his life, offering them up in his poignant and powerful new book, Never Can Say Goodbye. They explore how curiosity, storytelling, and deep compassion are at the core of what it takes to accompany someone at the end of life; and to help those left behind find a meaningful way forward. From grieving complex relationships to the often misunderstood expressions of grief and the gift of stories, Darnell brings his heart, his humor, and his wisdom to this very special conversation. ABOUT GUEST: Darnell Lamont Walker is a death doula, Emmy-nominated writer, and cultural anthropologist whose work lives at the intersection of grief, culture, and storytelling. His voice shows up in children’s television, writing for Karma’s World, Work It Out Wombats!, Blue’s Clues & You, and more, as well as in books and in the quiet, sacred rooms where people take their last breaths. Across the world, from Johannesburg and Saigon to London, Amsterdam, Ghana, and beyond, Darnell has helped individuals and communities find spaces where their stories could be shared safely and held with care. In his legacy work with dying clients, this often looks like preserving favorite recipes, ensuring that long after someone is gone, families can still gather, cook, eat, and remember the love that once lived at the table. His book, Never Can Say Goodbye (HarperOne), reflects on his journey as a death doula and the lessons learned from walking alongside the dying. At the heart of all his work is a simple mission: to help people tell the truth of their lives, tend to one another through transition, and leave behind something nourishing, whether that’s a story, a ritual, or a meal that keeps them close. LEARN MORE ABOUT DARNELL: https://darnellwalker.com/ READ BOOK: Never Can Say Goodbye: https://bookshop.org/p/books/never-can-say-goodbye-the-life-of-a-death-doula-and-the-art-of-a-peaceful-end-darnell-lamont-walker/c3eec4285f0215dd FOLLOW DARNELL ON SOCIALS: @hello.darnell on IG ABOUT THE SHOW & HOST Lisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, social worker, widow, assault & cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: at https://lisakeefauver.com/ ACCESS GRIEF SUPPORT: https://lisakeefauver.com/support READ BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t& READ ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • February 18 · 1 hr 16 min

    Naila Francis | Hallowed Nature of Grief

    Naila Francis joins host Lisa Keefauver for a tender and magical conversation on the sacred nature of grief. Naila begins by acknowledging an experience of grief too often ignored—the anger that arises when the person who died was someone with whom you had a complicated or problematic relationship. For Naila, that was her dad. Together they explore their shared interest in centering aliveness in a world full of loss, the power of nature as a container for grief, and the way writing, poetry, and creativity allow us to metabolize and move our grief. Naila shares how nature, singing, and even animals have the power to hold our grief and help us see the beauty that exists alongside it. They touch on loss when the relationship was complicated, how new loss opens us back up to teachings still waiting to be learned from old grief, and so much more. ABOUT GUEST: Naila Francis is a certified grief coach and death midwife, an ordained interfaith minister, a poet, and an accomplished writer. As the founder of This Hallowed Wilderness, she helps people transform their relationship to grief and loss through one-on-one coaching, workshops, presentations, rituals and community grief tending. Naila is also a co-founder of Salt Trails, a Philadelphia collective normalizing grief through community rituals, and was on the steering committee that launched the four-day inaugural Philadelphia Death & Arts Festival in 2024. For many years, she worked as a journalist, interviewing artists from all backgrounds, before finding her way to the vocations of companioning others through grief and dying after suffering several personal losses in her own life, including the death of her father. An ardent joy enthusiast, Naila believes in grieving well as a fundamental human skill that ultimately deepens our capacity for pleasure, connection and compassion. LEARN MORE ABOUT NAILA: www.thishallowedwilderness.com FOLLOW NAILA ON SOCIALS: @thishallowedwilderness on IG and FB. ABOUT THE SHOW & HOST Lisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, social worker, widow, assault & cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: at https://lisakeefauver.com/ ACCESS GRIEF SUPPORT: https://lisakeefauver.com/support READ BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t& READ ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • February 11 · 1 hr 13 min

    Charlene Lam | Curating Grief

    Charlene Lam joins host Lisa Keefauver for an in-depth and intimate conversation about the aspects of grief we long to explore but so rarely do in our daily life. Just as she does in her gorgeous book, Curating Grief: A Creative Guide to Choosing What to Keep After a Loved One Dies, Charlene explores what it means to curate the tangible and intangible left behind in the wake of loss. Sometimes we're working through the objects that help us access memories. She explains how decision-making about belongings often involves emotional processing and that the act of letting go can be as meaningful as holding on. Themes of bringing intention to what you’re paying attention to, the cultural context of naming and remembering, and the deep self-compassion necessary in the grieving process emerge throughout our time together. Charlene offers so much wisdom, care, and curiosity in this episode. ABOUT GUEST: Charlene is a grief coach, curator, and speaker who helps grieving people engage with and curate the things that hold meaning — the belongings, stories, and symbols that connect us to those they’ve lost. Through creativity and reflection, she guides people to work tenderly with what remains, turning the stuff of loss into the stuff of meaning. Charlene is a proud Chinese-American New Yorker now based in Lisbon, helping people worldwide to make space for connection, healing, and meaning through creativity and curation. LEARN MORE ABOUT CHARLENE: https://curatinggrief.com/ READ CURATING GRIEF: https://bookshop.org/p/books/curating-grief-a-creative-guide-to-choosing-what-to-keep-after-a-loved-one-dies-charlene-lam/dd45350a514f1c37?ean=9798991986212&next=t FOLLOW CHARLENE ON SOCIALS: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/curating_grief/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@thegriefgallery LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/charclam/ ABOUT THE SHOW & HOST Lisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, social worker, widow, assault & cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: at https://lisakeefauver.com/ ACCESS GRIEF SUPPORT: https://lisakeefauver.com/support READ BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t& READ ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • January 27 · 1 hr 8 min

    Nina Rodriguez | Sibling Loss Into the Light

    Nina Rodriguez joins host Lisa Keefauver to explore aspects of grief too often ignored, particularly focusing on sibling loss and the the societal stigmas surrounding addiction-related deaths. Nina shares the impact of unexpected loss, the importance of savoring life's little pleasures, her journey of reclaiming narratives and the ongoing process of living with wonderment. One of the things you won’t hear in her bio, though you will get to know about her in our conversation today, is the way she carries her grief with such care. Honoring the love she still holds for her brother Yosef, even in a world that often dismisses or diminishes deaths that result from addiction. ABOUT GUEST Nina Rodriguez is a grief-informed guide, indie podcaster, host and founder of Grief and Light, a platform and podcast dedicated to fostering a more grief-informed, hopeful world through honest conversations about life after loss. Following the sudden passing of her only sibling in 2019, Nina launched the Grief and Light podcast to shine a truthful light on grief as a lived experience to honor, tend, and integrate, rather than something to 'fix'. Now in its fourth season, the show has earned a 2025 Women Who Podcast Magazine award and ranks #18 of 100 on Goodpods in the Grief category. Nina speaks nationally on grief, grief literacy, and post-traumatic growth, with recent engagements at the University of Miami, the 2025 Latinas in Podcasting Summit, and multiple Reimagine events. She writes the Substack 'Resting Grief Face', contributes to Get Griefy Magazine, co-authored Resilient A.F.: Stories of Resilience, Vol. 2, and completed a Grief Care Professional Certificate Program. Based in South Florida, Nina welcomes aligned collaborations, speaking engagements, and opportunities to create spaces where grief, resilience, and humanity can be met with honesty and care. Follow her work at Grief and Light on all platforms. LEARN MORE ABOUT NINA: https://www.griefandlight.com/ LISTEN TO HER PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-and-light/id1680003901 ABOUT THE SHOW & HOST Lisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, social worker, widow, assault & cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: at https://lisakeefauver.com/ ACCESS GRIEF SUPPORT: https://lisakeefauver.com/support READ BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t& READ ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • January 21 · 1 hr 19 min

    Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer | Poetic Response to Loss

    Poet Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer joins host Lisa Keefauver for a heartfelt conversation exploring the complexities of grief, the power of poetry, and the importance of self-compassion in the grieving process. They dive deep into the role of metaphor as a way to metabolize grief, and how writing can serve as a vehicle for self-compassion. Rosemerry is in a deep and expansive relationship with grief after the death of her son Finn by suicide in 2021 followed shortly afterwards by the death of her dad. In her work, just as she does in this conversation, she offers a tender voice, big heart, appetite for play, willingness to plum the depths of love and loss, and an insistence to be honest in her use of words. She emphasizes the duality of love and loss, and the significance of community in navigating grief. The conversation culminates in a powerful reading of Rosemerry's poetry, highlighting the beauty and pain intertwined in the human experience of love and loss. ABOUT GUEST Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer has been writing and sharing a poem a day since 2006—a practice that especially nourished her after the death of her teenage son in 2021. Her daily poems can be found on her blog, A Hundred Falling Veils, or a curated version (with optional prompts) on her daily audio series, The Poetic Path, available with the Ritual app. She is the author of Exploring Poetry of Presence II: Prompts to Deepen Your Writing Practice. Her spoken-word albums include Dark Praise, which explores “endarkenment,” and Risking Love, which explores loving even when it seems impossible. Both are available anywhere you listen to music. LEARN MORE ABOUT ROSEMERRY at www.wordwoman.com READ HER BOOKS: Unfolding, All The Honey, and more at https://bookshop.org/beta-search?keywords=rosemerry+wahtola+trommer SIGN UP FOR HER POETRY WORKSHOPS: at www.wordoman.com ABOUT THE SHOW & HOST Lisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, social worker, widow, assault & cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: at https://lisakeefauver.com/ ACCESS GRIEF SUPPORT: https://lisakeefauver.com/support READ BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t& READ ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips EPISODE THEMES: grief, grief support, child loss, suicide, grieving, grieving parent, community, poet, poetry, writing, healing, unfolding, podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • January 15 · 1 hr 7 min

    Lisa Pahl | Talking About Death

    Lisa Pahl joins host Lisa Keefauver to explore themes they're both passionate about—the sacred thresholds of life: dying, dementia, death, and grief. As a deeply experienced hospice social worker, she shares her wisdom on creating lasting memories with loved ones facing end-of-life, the role of hospice in grief support, and the dynamics that influence decision-making around hospice care. She discusses the importance of centering the wishes of the dying and offers tools to help us have the meaningful conversations we're often too afraid to start. KEY MOMENTS: 06:29 Understanding Grief Through Family Stories 11:56 Cultural Beliefs About Grief 14:33 Professional Insights on Grief and Loss 17:00 The Role of Hospice in Grief Support 20:01 Navigating Myths About Hospice Care 23:49 Personal Stories of Caregiving and Loss 34:51 Navigating End-of-Life Conversations 37:48 The Importance of Being Present 40:13 The Delicate Dance of Grief 44:43 Tools for Meaningful Conversations 53:47 Introducing the Dementia Deck 01:00:53 Right-Sizing Our Relationship with Death 01:05:55 Introduction to Grief Conversations 01:06:49 Exploring the Death Deck and Conversation Starters ABOUT GUEST: Lisa Pahl is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Advanced Practice Hospice and Palliative Social Worker, with over eighteen years in hospice and seven in emergency medicine. She’s passionate about increasing death literacy and helping people face illness, dying, and grief with courage and clarity. Whether it’s hosting a Death Deck Game Night or speaking to a community or professional group, she guides individuals and families to engage in meaningful conversations about end-of-life preferences—so that when the time comes, they are prepared and empowered. LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: https://thedeathdeck.com/ FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thedeathdeck/?hl=en GET DECKS AT A DISCOUNT: Lisa is offering our listeners a special discount code, so visit thedeathdeck.com and enter GSB20 at checkout to get 20% off your order. That's GSB20 when you visit thedeathdeck.com. ABOUT THE SHOW & HOST Lisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, social worker, widow, assault & cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: at https://lisakeefauver.com/ ACCESS GRIEF SUPPORT: https://lisakeefauver.com/support READ BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t& READ ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips EPISODE THEMES: grief, grief support, legacy, connection, family, communication, intentions, emotional support, death, dying, dementia, hospice, social worker, Lisa Pahl, The Death Deck, Lisa Keefauver, Grief is a Sneaky Bitch, podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • January 8 · 1 hr 23 min

    Sah D'Simone | Dancing with Grief

    Having met first in 2024 when they both spoke at End Well, Sah D’Simone joined host Lisa Keefauver for a live in-studio conversation. Together they explore a wide range of topics - the death of his mother, our tendencies to escape the pain even in the name of healing, the power of somatic embodiment, what helping without hope looks like and so much more. With heart and sometimes humor, Sah shares personal stories of loss, healing, and his varied path from supporting orphans in Indonesia, bringing hope to formerly enslaved individuals in India, educating recovering addicts in Nepal, providing spiritual care to the sick and dying at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, and empowering homeless youth in Los Angeles. ABOUT GUEST: Sah D'Simone is a humanitarian, spiritual innovator, and grief educator whose work integrates Buddhism, somatic dance, art, and social justice to facilitate personal and collective healing. As founder of the Somatic Dance Institute, Sah developed the Somatic Activated Healing (SAH) Method, uniting dance, social justice, and spirituality to train instructors worldwide. His bestselling books, highly rated podcast, extensive membership platform, and transformative training programs have earned international recognition—from the cover of Sweden's Human Shift magazine to features in British Vogue, The Guardian, and Forbes. LEARN MORE ABOUT SAH: https://michelledhord.com/ MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY: https://practice.sahdsimone.com/membership INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sahdsimone/ INSIGHT TIMER: https://insighttimer.com/sahdsimone ABOUT THE SHOW & HOST: Lisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, social worker, widow, assault & cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: at https://lisakeefauver.com/ READ BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t& READ ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips EPISODE THEMES: grief, grief support, healing, emotions, healer, grief support, loss, transformation, dance, somatic embodiment, Sah D’Simone, Lisa Keefauver, Grief is a Sneaky Bitch, podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Dec 30, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min

    Michelle Hord | What We Owe The Grieving

    Guest Michelle Hord joined host Lisa Keefauver to kick off Season 7 of Grief is a Sneaky Bitch podcast. Michelle knows that behind every tragic headline are real people experiencing real pain from catastrophic loss. As she shared in our Season 5 conversation on Grief is a Sneaky Bitch podcast, soon after she filed for divorce, her husband murdered their 7-year-old daughter, Gabrielle. She faced the unbearable pain of being a bereaved mother while grappling with the shocking actions of someone she once loved. As a producer for Good Morning America, she endured it all in the public eye. In this episode, we explore her latest O Magazine essay, There Are No Words—But Here's What We Owe the Grieving Anyway, inspired by the tragic murder of Rob and Michelle Reiner. KEY MOMENTS: 02:24 Harmful Grief Beliefs in Society 05:05 The Myth of Fixing Grief 09:34 Invasive Questions and Grief Thieves 12:57 The Othering Effect in Grief 14:30 Protecting Your Heart in Grief 18:10 The Power of Presence 26:57 Understanding the Complexity of Grief 30:03 The Impact of Speculation on Grief 32:00 Complexity of Loss and Grief 34:44 Self-Care for Supporters of the Grieving 38:39 Understanding Resilience and Joy 44:44 Finding Joy in Art and Service 49:23 Grief in the Workplace and Organizational Culture 58:04 The Interconnectedness of Grief and Healing ABOUT GUEST: Michelle Hord is a consultant, facilitator, and keynote speaker who helps leaders navigate change, strengthen psychological safety, and build resilient, inclusive workplace cultures. With more than 30 years in media leadership and corporate talent development, she brings a storyteller’s lens and an operator’s discipline to the way organizations communicate, lead, and care for their people. Her book, The Other Side of Yet, is a recipient of the 2023 Christopher Award and the 2023 Memoir Magazine Grand Prize. Michelle is the founder of Gabrielle’s Wings, a nonprofit serving elementary-aged children in historically underserved communities named in her daughter's memory. LEARN MORE ABOUT MICHELLE: https://michelledhord.com/ READ BOOK: The Other Side of Yet https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-other-side-of-yet-finding-light-in-the-midst-of-darkness-michelle-d-hord/42ad0b5d5d0bdb6f READ ESSAY: There are No Words - But Here's What We Owe The Grieving Anyway https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/a69822675/rob-reiner-unthinkable-tragedy/ ABOUT THE SHOW & HOST: Lisa Keefauver is an author, keynote speaker, social worker, widow, assault & cancer survivor turned grief activist on a mission to help us center aliveness in a world full of loss by reimagining the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA: at https://lisakeefauver.com/ READ BOOK: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/ffd73d6b6921e6b5?ean=9781477329306&next=t& READ ESSAYS: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips EPISODE THEMES: #grief #loss #resilience #joy #presence #trauma #healing #community #workplace #compassion #griefsupport #griefandloss #tragedy #murder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Nov 20, 2025 · 1 hr 53 min

    Power of Narratives and Grief in Healthcare

    Guests Hui-Wen Sato, Lisa Pahl, and Dr. Sunita Puri join host Lisa Keefauver for a special episode of Grief is a Sneaky Bitch Podcast produced with nonprofits ‪@medicinalmediaorg‬ and ‪@unlikelycollaborators‬ One doctor, one nurse, and two social workers walked into a podcast studio to explore what does it really mean to live honestly with grief, caregiving, and the hard decisions we’re never taught to navigate? Earlier this year, Lisa brought together three extraordinary voices who have spent their lives at the intersection of healing, meaning-making, and end-of-life care: ✨ Hui-wen Sato — pediatric ICU nurse, writer, and advocate for courageous conversations ✨ Lisa Pahl — hospice social worker, co-creator of The Death Deck, and champion for compassionate dialogue ✨ Dr. Sunita Puri — palliative care physician, author of That Good Night—and so much more than what she does Together, they unpack the emotional labor behind caregiving, the barriers that keep us from talking openly about death, and the unexpected ways grief can shape us into more connected, more alive humans. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by caregiving, uncertain about end-of-life choices, or simply hungry for a more compassionate world, this conversation is for you. Brand new season, Season 7, will begin in December 2025, so make sure you’re subscribed on Apple Podcast so you’re notified when the episode drops! ▶️ Learn more about our host: Website - https://lisakeefauver.com/ Substack - https://afgowithlisakeefauver.substack.com/ ▶️ Learn more about our guests: Hui-Wen Sato - https://heartofnursing.blog/ Dr. Sunita Puri - https://sunitapuri.com/ Lisa Pahl - https://thedeathdeck.com ▶️ Learn more about our non-profit collaborators for this special episode here: Medicinal Media - https://www.medicinalmedia.com/ Unlikely Collaborators - https://www.unlikelycollaborators.com/ ➡️ Themes: narrative therapy, grief, storytelling, healthcare, identity, palliative care, uncertainty, empathy, mental health, loss, end-of-life care, emotional toll, family dynamics, good death, healing, hospice, compassion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Jun 3, 2025 · 1 hr 11 min

    Penny Smith | Reframing Dying for Better Living

    Hospice Nurse Penny as she’s known to millions on Tik Tok and Instagram joins host Lisa Keefauver for this episode of Grief is a Sneaky Bitch podcast. They explore Penny’s journey into hospice care, the myths surrounding hospice, and the importance of reframing our understanding of grief and death. Penny emphasizes that hospice care is about enhancing the quality of life for patients and dispelling misconceptions about the dying process. In this conversation, Penny and Lisa explore the complexities of end-of-life care, emphasizing the importance of centering the patient, advocating for honest communication, and addressing death anxiety. They share personal stories and insights on how to navigate difficult conversations about dying, the significance of understanding cultural differences, and the need for medical professionals to engage in meaningful discussions about hospice and palliative care. The dialogue highlights the emotional challenges faced by families and caregivers while also offering hope and strategies for finding meaning in the dying process. MORE ABOUT GUEST Penny Smith, BSN, RN is a (US) nationally certified hospice and palliative care nurse, social media influencer and author of Influencing Death, Reframing Dying for Better Living. For 20 years, Penny has worked in a variety of care settings and roles within hospice and is currently working as a hospice quality assurance nurse for an organization in Washington state. Penny is a passionate advocate for hospice education with a mission to normalize the end-of-life process to remove the stigma and fear around hospice care, death and dying. During the pandemic she found her way to social media and discovered a unique way to utilize her death care expertise to provide education to a worldwide audience at a grassroots level. Using a variety of teaching styles including TikTok trends, dark humor, dancing and storytelling, Penny has gathered over 2 million followers across her social media platforms as @hospicenursepenny. ABOUT THE SHOW & HOST Lisa Keefauver is a social worker, widow, and grief activist on a mission to reimagine the narratives of grief, one conversation at a time. Learn more at www.lisakeefauver.com. Follow @lisakeefauvermsw on Instagram. Listen to Grief is a Sneaky Bitch Podcast - Available on all podcast platforms. Read Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss. Available in bookstores and on your favorite online booksellers, including Bookshop.Org. Watch her TEDx talk, Why Knowing More About Grief Can Make it Suck Less here Subscribe AFGO with Lisa Keefauver on Substack here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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