From Grief To Purpose with Nina

Minnina Smith - Grief & Purpose Empowerment Coach

From Grief to Purpose with Nina is a lifestyle and real-life journey — not just a podcast.Hosted by Minnina Smith, an ABA Master’s student, trauma-informed practitioner, Certified Life & Grief Coach, and a child of God, this channel documents what it looks like to grow, heal, and rebuild in real time.This space blends faith, lifestyle, and purpose-driven living while sharing my current journey as an Applied Behavior Analysis graduate student, navigating career pivots, healing seasons, and everyday life.Here, we explore:✨ Faith-rooted reflections and encouragement✨ Honest conversations about identity, grief, trauma, and life transitions✨ Lifestyle content and real-life experiences✨ The behind-the-scenes reality of my ABA Master’s student journeyExpect a mix of vlog-style content, everyday reflections, and podcast-style conversations woven in naturally as the journey unfolds.This is a space for growth, grace, and becoming — one season at a time.Please follow me on my Youtube channel. This is where the majority of the podcast recordings will be.

  1. 2D AGO

    The Stories We Must Continue To Tell | Growing Up in Milwaukee During the Civil Rights Movement (1967–1968)

    In this engaging conversation, Dr. Shirley R. (Berry) Butler-Derge shares her profound experiences growing up in Milwaukee during the civil rights movement. She reflects on her childhood, the impact of racism on her family, and her journey into activism. Dr. Shirley discusses her role in founding the NAACP Youth Council and the challenges she faced as one of the few Black students in her high school. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, education, and the ongoing fight for equality. In this conversation, Dr. Shirley R. (Berry) Butler-Derge shares her experiences growing up in a racially diverse environment and the challenges she faced during the civil rights movement. She discusses the dynamics of friendship among different races in school, her involvement in protests for civil rights, and the generational trauma that continues to affect the African American community. Dr. Butler-Derge reflects on her identity struggles and the impact of racism on her mental health, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing these issues. In this conversation, Dr. Shirley R. Butler-Derge shares her experiences navigating racial identity within educational environments, the impact of media representation on self-perception, and the importance of love and self-acceptance. She reflects on her journey through predominantly white schools, the challenges of feeling excluded, and the need for cultural relevance in education. Dr. Butler-Derge emphasizes the significance of seeing oneself positively represented in history and media, and she encourages young people to embrace their identity and love themselves despite societal negativity. Links To Dr. Shirley R. Butler-Derge's Books & Social Media Platforms:  Asante Sana, “Thank You” Father James E. Groppi - https://amzn.to/4tNjI3Z Civil Rights: Biographies of the Milwaukee NAACP Youth Council/Commandoes from the 1960s - https://amzn.to/4c8Psub Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nzingh49 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nzingh49/ *** Visit The Link Below To Connect With Me & For More Helpful Resources 🔗 Visit my Linktree for all links, resources, and my books below. https://linktr.ee/minninasmith_ Get in contact with us. Please be sure to include your name and an email to contact you back and we will respond back as soon as possible. Thank you for tuning in! Support the show

    1h 41m
  2. 10/29/2025

    We Made It! End-of-Season Reflections

    In this episode, host Minnina Smith reflects on the journey of the podcast 'From Grief to Purpose,' celebrating the completion of over a hundred episodes. She expresses gratitude to her guests and listeners, sharing insights from various conversations about grief, healing, and personal growth. Minnina emphasizes the importance of community support and encourages listeners to seek help during difficult times. As the podcast takes a season break, she looks forward to future episodes filled with transformative discussions. Takeaways Gratitude is essential in the journey of healing. The podcast has covered a wide range of topics related to grief. Healing conversations are crucial for personal growth. Grief can manifest in many forms and affect various aspects of life. Community support plays a vital role in healing. It's important to seek help from professionals when needed. The podcast aims to provide a safe space for sharing stories. Faith and spirituality are integral to the healing process. Listeners are encouraged to connect with others during tough times. The next season promises to bring even more impactful conversations. 🎙 Affiliate Resources Below: I use Riverside for all my YouTube recordings and also to download the audio for my podcast. Here’s my link if you’d like to check it out: https://riverside.sjv.io/Vx3JL3 The podcast is also available in audio on all major streaming platforms. If you’re thinking about starting your own podcast, try Buzzsprout using my referral link—you’ll get a $20 credit when you upgrade to any paid plan, and I’ll receive one too. There’s no limit to how many credits you can earn. Visit this link - https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_... 🤝 Guest Pipeline – PodMatch Hosts, level up your guest pipeline with PodMatch — vetted experts, easy scheduling. 👉 Join PodMatch using my affiliate link, https://www.joinpodmatch.com/coachnina 📩 Stay connected and Be a Guest on From Grief to Purpose! If you’d like to share your story or expertise on the podcast, email me at minninasmith@thatdoseofencouragement.com with your topic idea and a short bio. (As an Amazon Associate I earn fr Get in contact with us. Please be sure to include your name and an email to contact you back and we will respond back as soon as possible. Thank you for tuning in! Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launStart for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    17 min
  3. 10/22/2025

    New to Podcasting? Here’s Where to Begin!

    In this episode, host Minnina Smith shares her personal journey and tips on how to start your own podcast. She walks you through a simple, step-by-step guide for beginners — from defining your message to choosing the right tools, recording, and promoting your show. Minnina also encourages you to share your story and offers a free guide to help you get started. 🎥 Watch the video and get the links to the tools I recommend on the From Grief To Purpose Podcast YouTube channel. 🎙 Affiliate Resources Below: I use Riverside for all my YouTube recordings and also to download the audio for my podcast. Here’s my link if you’d like to check it out: https://riverside.sjv.io/Vx3JL3 The podcast is also available in audio on all major streaming platforms. If you’re thinking about starting your own podcast, try Buzzsprout using my referral link—you’ll get a $20 credit when you upgrade to any paid plan, and I’ll receive one too. There’s no limit to how many credits you can earn. Visit this link - https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_... 🤝 Guest Pipeline – PodMatch Hosts, level up your guest pipeline with PodMatch — vetted experts, easy scheduling. 👉 Join PodMatch using my affiliate link, https://www.joinpodmatch.com/coachnina 📩 Stay connected and Be a Guest on From Grief to Purpose! If you’d like to share your story or expertise on the podcast, email me at minninasmith@thatdoseofencouragement.com with your topic idea and a short bio. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.) 📖 Shop My Book Collection: Grief Looked Like Me: A Daughter's Journey Through the Loss of Both Parents - https://amzn.to/4g7b1ez 365 Days of Empowerment: Your Daily Dose of Encouragement - Get in contact with us. Please be sure to include your name and an email to contact you back and we will respond back as soon as possible. Thank you for tuning in! Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launStart for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    18 min
  4. 10/15/2025

    From Homelessness to Hope: Brittany's Journey

    In this episode of the From Grief to Purpose podcast, host Minnina Smith interviews Brittany Slater, a motivational speaker and author who shares her inspiring journey of overcoming adversity. Brittany discusses her experiences with homelessness, financial struggles, and the challenges of being a single mother while pursuing her education. She emphasizes the importance of support systems, the continuous nature of healing, and the power of storytelling in personal growth. Brittany's message is one of hope, resilience, and the belief that one's past does not define their future. Takeaways: Brittany's journey showcases the power of resilience. Overcoming homelessness and financial struggles is possible. Education can be a pathway to a better life. Support systems are crucial during tough times. Healing is a continuous journey, not a destination. Parenting while pursuing education presents unique challenges. Family dynamics can significantly impact personal growth. Finding motivation in difficult circumstances is essential. Storytelling can be a powerful tool for healing. Encouragement can come from unexpected places. You can follow Brittany at the website and her social accounts below: Time For It Productions website: https://timeforitproductions.my.canva... Purchase a copy of her book: https://amzn.to/3J0N9x8 Follow Brittany on her IG: https://www.instagram.com/defined.e.p... 🎙 Affiliate Resources Below: I use Riverside for all my YouTube recordings and also to download the audio for my podcast. Here’s my link if you’d like to check it out: https://riverside.sjv.io/Vx3JL3 The podcast is also available in audio on all major streaming platforms. If you’re thinking about starting your own podcast, try Buzzsprout using my referral link—you’ll get a $20 credit when you upgrade to any paid plan, and I’ll receive one too. There’s no limit to how many credits you can earn. Visit this link - Get in contact with us. Please be sure to include your name and an email to contact you back and we will respond back as soon as possible. Thank you for tuning in! Support the show

    1h 8m
  5. 10/13/2025

    You Belong Here: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Embracing Your Value

    In this episode, Minnina Smith and Tine Zekis discuss the challenges of imposter syndrome, particularly for Black women navigating career changes. Tine shares her journey from being a high school math teacher to a tech strategist, emphasizing the importance of community, mentorship, and self-advocacy. They explore strategies for overcoming feelings of inadequacy, negotiating salaries, and the significance of investing in oneself. Tine also introduces her book, which provides practical tools for recognizing and combating imposter syndrome, and offers a free resource for aspiring entrepreneurs. You can follow 'Tine Zekis at the below: FB:   / tinezekis  YouTube:    / @gettingblackwomenpaid  IG:   / tinezekis  LinkedIn:   / tinezekis  Order 'Tine's book, "Overcoming Imposter Syndrome At Work": https://impostersyndromebook.com/ 🎙 Affiliate Resources Below: I use Riverside for all my YouTube recordings and also to download the audio for my podcast. Here’s my link if you’d like to check it out: https://riverside.sjv.io/Vx3JL3 The podcast is also available in audio on all major streaming platforms. If you’re thinking about starting your own podcast, try Buzzsprout using my referral link—you’ll get a $20 credit when you upgrade to any paid plan, and I’ll receive one too. There’s no limit to how many credits you can earn. Visit this link - Get in contact with us. Please be sure to include your name and an email to contact you back and we will respond back as soon as possible. Thank you for tuning in! Support the show

    59 min
5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

From Grief to Purpose with Nina is a lifestyle and real-life journey — not just a podcast.Hosted by Minnina Smith, an ABA Master’s student, trauma-informed practitioner, Certified Life & Grief Coach, and a child of God, this channel documents what it looks like to grow, heal, and rebuild in real time.This space blends faith, lifestyle, and purpose-driven living while sharing my current journey as an Applied Behavior Analysis graduate student, navigating career pivots, healing seasons, and everyday life.Here, we explore:✨ Faith-rooted reflections and encouragement✨ Honest conversations about identity, grief, trauma, and life transitions✨ Lifestyle content and real-life experiences✨ The behind-the-scenes reality of my ABA Master’s student journeyExpect a mix of vlog-style content, everyday reflections, and podcast-style conversations woven in naturally as the journey unfolds.This is a space for growth, grace, and becoming — one season at a time.Please follow me on my Youtube channel. This is where the majority of the podcast recordings will be.