Creating Space for Grief and Hope

Holly Gainsboro
  • 5.0 (11)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to Creating Space for Grief & Hope with Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist Holly Gainsboro. Here you’ll find support, wisdom, stories, and practical tools for your unique healing journey. We believe that grief and hope coexist and empowers us as we heal and grow. We invite you to subscribe and join us each month for a new episode. To learn more about our host please visit her websites at: www.goldenheartgrief.com

  1. Creating Meaning After Loss: The Story Behind "Music for a Cure"

    MAR 17

    Creating Meaning After Loss: The Story Behind "Music for a Cure"

    In this episode, Holly Gainsboro speaks with Sal Schito, founder of "Music for a Cure," about his journey after losing his wife, Karen, to glioblastoma in 2024. Sal shares how his grief led him to create a powerful fundraising event that will bring community, music, and purpose together to support the Glioblastoma Research Organization. He discusses the inspiration behind the upcoming concert in Knoxville on May 9th and his goal of making a meaningful impact through this initiative. Together, Holly and Sal also reflect on caregiving,grief, and the complex emotions, including guilt and love, that can arise at the end of life. With this episode, we are also participating in Podcasthon - UNITING PODCASTS WORLDWIDE FOR CHARITY! The first non-profit event to bring together the podcasting community. The charity we are raising awareness for is the GlioblastomaResearch Organization (GBMRO), founded by our guest from Season 3, Ep. 8 Amber Barbach. 100% of the proceeds from "Music for a Cure" will go to GBMRO.   Salvatore “Sal” Schito is the founder of "Music for a Cure," a charity concert created in memory of his late wife, Karen Harte Schito, who passed away from Glioblastoma brain cancer. Inspired by Karen’s love for community and compassion for others, Sal and his three sons, AJ (23), Sal (22), and Gabe (17), are bringing people together through music to raise awareness and funds for research. The inaugural event will take place May 9, 2026, at the Cotton Eyed Joe in Knoxville, Tennessee, benefiting the Glioblastoma Research Organization. Through this mission, Sal hopes to honor Karen’s legacy and help move closer to ending this devastating disease.   To learn more about "Music for a Cure" visit: Web: https://fundraise.gbmresearch.org/event/music-for-a-cure/e732281 Tickets: https://www.cottoneyedjoe.com/shows/E-mail: ⁠salschito@gmail.com⁠ Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach and certified grief educator. Following the death of her latehusband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com   Podcasthon https://www.instagram.com/podcasthon_enhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/podcasthon/ Produced by Cindy Ballaro with On Track Marketing – cindyballaro@yahoo.com

    59 min
  2. Charlene Lam on Curating Grief and Meaning

    FEB 24

    Charlene Lam on Curating Grief and Meaning

    In this episode, Holly Gainsboro speaks with Charlene Lam, grief coach and author of Curating Grief, about the deeply personal process of managing belongings after a loved one’s death. Drawing from her experience curating her mother’s possessions, Charlene shares a thoughtful framework to help others navigate grief through physical items. Together, they discuss the emotional weight of letting go, the importance of safe support during loss, and the role of meaning-making in healing.  Charlene Lam is a grief coach, speaker, and the author of Curating Grief: A Creative Guide to Choosing What to Keep After a Loved One Dies. She believes we are ALL curators after a major loss, and developed the Curating Grief® framework to help people process grief in a creative, accessible way. Her TEDx talk, “What Grief and Soy Sauce Taught Me About Life After Loss,” has been viewed more than 20,000 times. A proud Chinese-American New Yorker like her mom, she now lives in Lisbon, Portugal, and works with clients worldwide. You can find her here: www.charlenelam.com IG @curating_grief Monthly Gathering | Curating Grief Book   Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach andcertified grief educator. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com   Produced by Cindy Ballaro with On Track Marketing – cindyballaro@yahoo.com

    1h 18m
  3. Rebecca Feinglos on Grief, Loss, and Compassionate Support

    JAN 29

    Rebecca Feinglos on Grief, Loss, and Compassionate Support

    Holly welcomes guest Rebecca Feinglos, a certified grief support specialist and founder of Grieve Leave. Rebecca shares how losing both of her parents, including her mother’s battle with glioblastoma and her father’s sudden COVID related death, shaped her understanding of grief. Together, they discuss how those experiences led Rebecca to create Grieve Leave, a movement advocating for more compassionate grief support in workplaces and healthcare, and why honest conversations and empathy matter so much when navigating loss.   Rebecca Feinglos is a certified grief support specialist, founder of Grieve Leave, and host of the podcast Grief’d Up. After losing both parents at a young age and going through a long, painful divorce, she took a year-long “grief sabbatical” that sparked a global community helping people make space for loss with honesty, humor, and practical support. Today, Grieve Leave reaches millions through education, storytelling, and workplace training. Rebecca’s work has been featured in TIME, LA Times, Fortune, Slate, and more. You can reach out to her at rebecca@grieveleave.com. Follow along on Instagram at: @grieveleave and @rfeinglos   Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support& Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach andcertified grief educator. Following the death of her latehusband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com   Produced by Cindy Ballaro with On Track Marketing – cindyballaro@yahoo.com

    1h 10m
  4. Holiday Grief: Tips and guidance for creating a space for peace

    12/09/2025

    Holiday Grief: Tips and guidance for creating a space for peace

    Elizabeth Catignani joins Holly as her guest this month as they explore what it’s like to move through the holiday season while carrying grief. They share personal stories, remind listeners that there is no “right” way to feel, and offer gentle ideas for creating pockets of peace, reducing overwhelm, and honoring your own emotional needs. This episode is a comforting companion for anyone navigating loss during a difficult time of year.   Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach andcertified grief educator. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com   Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Creative Grief Coach, and founder of the online platform Her Creative Wellness. After experiencing baby loss and young widowhood by the age of 27, Elizabeth has madeit her mission to support and empower others on their own unique path through loss and healing. She is the author of “Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick’s Path from Loss to Hope” (available on Amazon and Audible) and “The Creative Grieving Workbook” (now available on Apple Books). You can learn more on her website: https://www.hercreativewellness.com   Produced by CindyBallaro with On Track Marketing – cindyballaro@yahoo.com

    36 min
  5. Resilience and Hope: Caroline Williams on Living with Glioblastoma

    11/18/2025

    Resilience and Hope: Caroline Williams on Living with Glioblastoma

    In this episode, Holly Gainsboro speaks with Caroline Williams, a 37-year-old yoga instructor and massage therapist from Florida, about her journey living with glioblastoma. Diagnosed while 20 weeks pregnant, Caroline faced unimaginable challenges and life-changing decisions while continuing to care for her young daughter. She shares how community support, self-advocacy, and her commitment to hope have carried her through since her 2019 diagnosis. Together, Holly and Caroline discuss resilience, loss, and the importance of not letting anyone define your timeline when facing brain cancer.   Caroline Williams lives in Tampa Florida with her daughter, Lily, and husband, Jason. She was diagnosed with Glioblastoma in March 2022. Before her diagnosis, she owned a massage therapy and yoga business. Now, she dedicates her time to her family, writing, and hobbies.  Caroline's Instagram: @soulshinesss   Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach andcertified grief educator. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com   Produced by Cindy Ballaro with On Track Marketing – cindyballaro@yahoo.com

    48 min
  6. Balancing Caregiving and Fatherhood: Hank Glassner’s Story

    11/18/2025

    Balancing Caregiving and Fatherhood: Hank Glassner’s Story

    In this episode, Holly Gainsboro speaks with Hank Glassner about his experience as a husband and father caring for his wife, Jordy, who was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2023. Hank shares how their family, including their young son Brody, navigates caregiving, parenting, and anticipatory grief while focusing on quality of life. He and Holly discuss the challenges of control, self-care, and finding support through therapy and community. They also reflect on communicating with children about illness, the importance of compassion from medical professionals, and Jordy’s advocacy work through her podcast Grief Street.   Hank Glassner is a devoted husband, father and caregiver. Since Jordy Glassner’s diagnosis with glioblastoma, he has stood beside her as she courageously uses her journey to raise awareness through social media and her podcast Grief Street. As a caregiver, he balances advocacy and support while parenting their spirited three-year-old — all while trying to navigate what it means to keep life functional, healthy, and full of meaning in the midst of it all.   Grief Street Podcast: https://www.griefstreetpodcast.com Grief Street on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefstreetpod   Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach and certified grief educator. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com   Produced by Cindy Ballaro with On Track Marketing – cindyballaro@yahoo.com

    1h 1m
  7. Amber Barbach on Hope, Healing, and Glioblastoma Awareness

    09/17/2025

    Amber Barbach on Hope, Healing, and Glioblastoma Awareness

    In this episode, Holly Gainsboro interviews Amber Barbach, founder of the Glioblastoma Research Organization (GBMRO), about her journey after losing her father to glioblastoma in 2018. Amber shares how her grief inspired her to launch GBMRO, which has since raised over $2.7 million for research and awareness initiatives, including podcasts and a documentary. She reflects on her father’s life, their family’s caregiving experience, and the different ways she and her mother processed loss. Amber also discusses nonprofit leadership, the challenges of this work, and the upcoming second annual Glioblastoma Summit in Miami this November.   In 2018, after losing her father to glioblastoma, Amber Barbach founded the Glioblastom Research Organization, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and funding research to find a cure. Since then, she has raised over $2.7 million, supported thirteen fully funded projects at top U.S. cancer centers, and built the largest active digital community in the brain cancer space. As founder and director, Amber oversees strategy, funding, and brand partnerships, while also hosting the podcast Glioblastoma AKA GBM. Recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, Worthy 100, and other honors, she continues driving global impact in glioblastoma research and advocacy. You can learn more about Amber and GBMRO here: Website: https://www.gbmresearch.org/ Podcast: https://www.gbmresearch.org/the-podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/glioblastomaresearch/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/glioblastomaresearch   Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach and certified grief educator. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com     Produced by Cindy Ballaro with On Track Marketing – cindyballaro@yahoo.com

    44 min
  8. Fascinating Insights into Grief Dreams with Dr. Joshua Black

    08/21/2025

    Fascinating Insights into Grief Dreams with Dr. Joshua Black

    In this episode, Holly welcomes Dr. Joshua Black, a leading grief and bereavement researcher, for a fascinating conversation about the role of dreams and grief. Joshua explains the different types of grief dreams - those with or without the deceased - and how they reflect a person’s emotional state. He shares how dreams can bring comfort, highlight unresolved pain, or surface as distressing nightmares, along with strategies for working through them. Holly and Joshua also discuss cultural perspectives, dream recall, and his grief dreams worksheet, offering meaningful insights into how dreams can support healing after loss. Joshua Black, PhD, is a grief and bereavement researcher, speaker, educator, and host of the Grief Dreams Podcast. He holds a master’s degree in psychology from Trent University and a PhD in psychology from Brock University. His research has focused on dreams and waking experiences of the deceased, continuing bonds, bereavement during the COVID-19 pandemic, and bereavement in the context of homelessness. As a leading academic expert in grief dreams, which can involve dreams of the deceased, Joshua has dedicated his efforts to raising awareness about this intriguing phenomenon through his website, podcast (with over 230 episodes), social media (link), and media interviews. He is dedicated to raising awareness of those who are bereaved who are not being provided with the necessary bereavement support. Currently, Joshua works as the Bereavement Initiative Manager at the BC Centre for Palliative Care, where he leads bereavement-related research. You can learn more about Joshue here: Website: https://www.griefdreams.ca Podcast: https://www.griefdreams.ca/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefdreams Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support& Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach and certified grief educator. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

    46 min
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About

Welcome to Creating Space for Grief & Hope with Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist Holly Gainsboro. Here you’ll find support, wisdom, stories, and practical tools for your unique healing journey. We believe that grief and hope coexist and empowers us as we heal and grow. We invite you to subscribe and join us each month for a new episode. To learn more about our host please visit her websites at: www.goldenheartgrief.com

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