Feel Free Again with Cole James

Cole James
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Emotional pain from the past can rob of choice in our lives, prevent us from living the life we always wanted and ultimately feel like a prison. This podcast was created to share inspiring stories and helpful information so you can feel free again.

  1. 4d ago

    053: Tasha Carroway: Air Force Veteran, EMT, and the Grief No One Saw Coming

    In this episode of Feel Free Again, host Cole James sits down with Tasha Carroway — a 20-year Air Force veteran, EMT, certified life coach, and Grief Recovery Specialist who has walked through more loss in a single year than most people face in a decade. In the same year she lost her husband of nearly 20 years to cancer, Tasha also lost her grandmother and her stepfather — on top of military retirement, relocation, and a change of churches. Underneath it all was a quieter grief almost no one names: the loss of identity, of who she was and the future she'd planned. She and Cole talk about how grief compounds, why looking "fine" can hide how much you're carrying, how military and first responder culture trains you to suppress, and why the Grief Recovery Method reaches the losses other programs miss. Whether you've looked like you were doing fine when you weren't, or you're wondering who you are after a major loss, Tasha's story is a reminder that both grieving and becoming can be true at once.

  2. Sep 15

    052: What About Me: Renee Hill Carter on Caring for the Caregiver

    On this week's episode of the Feel Free Again podcast, Cole sits down with Renee Hill Carter — a minister, author, and advanced certified Grief Recovery Specialist whose story spans the loss of her parents and sister, the sudden death of her pastor, and decades alongside her husband, a Vietnam veteran. For years, Renee cared for grieving people in her church without the right tools. When her congregation lost its leader and chose to "move on," she watched everyone walk around the same unspoken pain, Sunday after Sunday. She knew there had to be a better way. And that's where the landscape opened up. "The landscape of grief was so opened to me to realize that grief is not confined to the death of a loved one." In this conversation, Renee and Cole talk about: Why grief is so much broader than death — and what the church tends to missTelling people to forgive without ever telling them howThe hidden grief carried by the spouses and families of veteransCaring for the caregiver, and the heart behind her book What About Me?How relationship completion work can change the way we see the people we love

  3. Aug 18

    050: What happens when grief recovery actually works? Ask Johanna Stamps — or her six-year-old son.

    Johanna Stamps is a life coach and certified Grief Recovery Specialist who found her way to this work the hard way: 13 weeks pregnant, her husband left, and she had no roadmap for what came next. So she locked herself in a room, told her family she'd "come out really depressed," and started figuring it out. Fifteen months after certification, she's logged over 300 hours of grief recovery client work — and counting. In this conversation, Cole and Johanna talk about: Why readiness has nothing to do with how long ago the loss happenedHow doing your own grief recovery work deepens your intuition as a specialistWhy worry is "misplaced imagination" — and what clears itThe counter-cultural self-care rhythms that make it possible to show up fully for othersWhat a six-year-old's emotional breakthrough during a movie taught Johanna about why this work mattersFind Johanna at positivedoingcoach.com — she offers a free 30-minute exploration call.

  4. Aug 5

    049: You've Got to Do the Work: Bishop Joey Johnson on Grief Recovery and Faith

    Is the Grief Recovery Method safe for someone of deep faith? Bishop Joey Johnson's answer is warm and clear — yes, and you still have to do the work. In this episode of the Feel Free Again podcast, Cole James sits down with Bishop Joey Johnson: a pastor of more than 50 years, a Grief Recovery Specialist since 2002, and someone many call "the father of grief recovery" in eastern Ohio. Bishop Johnson founded the House of the Lord Church in Akron, growing it from four members to over 7,000, and has spent decades bringing the Grief Recovery Method into church life. Together they talk about why repentance is a process and not just an exhortation, why you start grief work with the people in your life rather than with God, the difference between getting out of "solitary confinement" and getting out of "prison," and how grief recovery builds the kind of community a church can't assign. Bishop Johnson's books, Grief: The Biblical Pathway to God (foreword by Russell Friedman) and The God Who Grieves, are available on Amazon. Find a certified Grief Recovery Specialist at griefrecoverymethod.com/find-a-specialist.

  5. Mar 26

    051: What to Say (and What Not to Say) After Someone Experiences a Loss

    Have you ever gotten the news that a friend or loved one experienced a devastating loss and felt paralyzed, unsure what to say or terrified of making it worse? In this episode, Cole James and Ed Owens sit down to walk through exactly what to say and what to avoid when someone you care about is grieving. Drawing from nearly 50 years of experience at the Grief Recovery Institute and over a million people helped, Cole and Ed break down the common phrases that unintentionally hurt grievers, why your role isn't to fix their pain, and the simple, powerful approach that makes you the safest person in someone's life during their hardest moment. This episode is the companion to the newly released "What to Say After a Loss" PDF guide, a free resource you can download and share with your family, friends, and community. Whether you've been avoiding that hard conversation or just want to be better at showing up for the people you love, this episode will change the way you think about supporting someone through grief. Download the free PDF guide and share it with someone who needs it. Visit griefrecoverymethod.com to learn more.

    051: What to Say (and What Not to Say) After Someone Experiences a Loss

  6. Mar 23

    048: How One Mother Lost Her Son, Sister, and Marriage, But Turned Tragedy Into Purpose

    In this episode, I sit down with Judy Giovangelo, a grief recovery specialist who has experienced unimaginable loss. After losing her son to suicide, followed by multiple family tragedies, Judy shares how she navigated overwhelming grief and discovered tools that truly helped her heal. This conversation goes beyond surface-level advice and dives into what actually moves people forward. We unpack the myths surrounding grief, including the idea that time alone heals and why staying busy can actually keep people stuck. Judy opens up about how even meaningful work, like starting a nonprofit, can sometimes act as a distraction from processing pain. Together, we explore the concept of short-term energy relieving behaviors, unresolved grief, and how unprocessed emotions can impact relationships, mental health, and even the body. If you’ve ever felt stuck in grief, overwhelmed by loss, or unsure how to move forward, this episode offers hope and clarity. I truly believe this conversation can change how you see grief and what’s possible for your healing. If this resonates, share it with someone who needs it and help us get this message out. ⏱️ Chapters:  00:00 – Welcome to the Feel Free Again Podcast 05:03 – Judy’s Story: Loss, Trauma, and Nonprofit Beginnings 10:06 – The Truth About “Sturbs” and Avoiding Grief 15:09 – How Grief Impacts Relationships and Family Dynamics 20:12 – Ben Speaks: Turning Pain Into Purpose 25:15 – Grief Recovery Training and Real Transformation 30:18 – Misdiagnosed Grief and Mental Health Confusion 35:21 – Why Support Groups Don’t Always Work 40:24 – Guilt vs Regret: A Major Breakthrough 45:27 – Final Thoughts: Tools for Healing and Moving Forward Connect with Judy: Website: https://www.benspeaks.org/ Email: judygiovangelo@benspeaks.org About the Host: Cole James, President of the Grief Recovery Institute, shares about the Power of Grief Recovery! Cole is dedicating his life to help people with grief. Now, grief is much more than just losing someone. Did you know that? You've probably heard of the Five Stages of Grief, right? Well, this goes much deeper than you think. Let me explain. Everyone has some type of grief in their lives, some haven't yet, but it's part of life. We can't escape it, BUT we can work through it. And you don't have to do it alone. Let's talk about it. We have trained Grief Recovery Method Specialists, who help heartbroken people, in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East, Central America, South America, and North America. The Grief Recovery Method Certification Program is taught and available in multiple languages including: English, Spanish, Swedish, Hungarian, Ukrainian, and Russian. Our home office is in the United States and serves English-speaking nations and populations around the world, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Commonwealth Nations. In addition, we have international affiliate offices in Sweden, Australia, Mexico, and Hungary. Our goal is to help as many people as possible, which is why our books have been translated into over 30 languages including: Spanish, French, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, Ukrainian, Russian, and many more. For more information visit: https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/

  7. Mar 9

    047: Retirement as a Grief Event: How to Navigate One of Life’s Most Major Transitions

    In this episode of the Feel Free Again podcast, grief recovery specialist Joe Dubowski shares his transformative journey from tech professional to marriage and family therapist. After experiencing the unimaginable loss of his daughter in a shooting, Joe turned to grief recovery methods, which not only helped him process his emotions but also led him to dedicate his life to helping others navigate grief. With over 15 years of experience, Joe offers valuable insights into the often overlooked stages of grief and how we can find healing through focused emotional work. During the conversation, Joe reveals how retirement can be a powerful grief event that often goes unaddressed, leaving people with unresolved emotions. He shares his own personal experience in approaching this life transition with the tools of grief recovery, showing how completing emotional work allowed him to retire on his terms, with peace and clarity. This episode is an eye-opening discussion for anyone facing a major life change, whether it be retirement, loss, or other significant life shifts. Tune in as Joe emphasizes the importance of recognizing grief in all aspects of life, even in places where society doesn’t typically acknowledge it. From career changes to personal losses, Joe’s story highlights how grief recovery tools can help individuals complete unfinished emotional business and embrace new chapters in life. If you’re ready to dive deeper into your own grief and learn how to process it effectively, this episode is a must-listen. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:04 - Introduction to Joe Dowski and His Background 02:52 - Joe Reflects on the Loss of His Daughter 06:37 - Transition from Tech to Grief Recovery and Therapy 09:03 - The Impact of Losing a Child and Joe’s Grief Journey 12:11 - How Joe Discovered the Grief Recovery Handbook 15:09 - Joe’s First Experience with the Grief Recovery Method 18:22 - Joe’s Transition into Grief Recovery Work as a Profession 21:48 - Recognizing Grief Beyond the Obvious Losses 25:31 - Joe Talks About Retirement as a Grief Event 28:44 - The Role of Grief in Retirement and Life Transitions 32:15 - How Grief Recovery Tools Helped Joe Complete His Career 36:01 - The Importance of Getting Complete with Past Grief 49:21 - Final Thoughts on Grief, Transition, and the Power of Emotional Healing About the Host: Cole James, President of the Grief Recovery Institute, shares about the Power of Grief Recovery! Cole is dedicating his life to help people with grief. Now, grief is much more than just losing someone. Did you know that? You've probably heard of the Five Stages of Grief, right? Well, this goes much deeper than you think. Let me explain. Everyone has some type of grief in their lives, some haven't yet, but it's part of life. We can't escape it, BUT we can work through it. And you don't have to do it alone. Let's talk about it. We have trained Grief Recovery Method Specialists, who help heartbroken people, in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East, Central America, South America, and North America. The Grief Recovery Method Certification Program is taught and available in multiple languages including: English, Spanish, Swedish, Hungarian, Ukrainian, and Russian. Our home office is in the United States and serves English-speaking nations and populations around the world, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Commonwealth Nations. In addition, we have international affiliate offices in Sweden, Australia, Mexico, and Hungary. Our goal is to help as many people as possible, which is why our books have been translated into over 30 languages including: Spanish, French, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, Ukrainian, Russian, and many more. For more information visit: https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/

  8. Feb 23

    046: Overcoming Emotional Roadblocks from 18 Years of Unresolved Grief feat. Rhys Kiaaina

    In this episode of the Feel Free Again podcast, I am joined by Rhys Kiaaina, a grief recovery specialist, who shares his profound personal journey with the Grief Recovery Method. Rhys opens up about his experience with unresolved grief from the loss of his grandmother, the church split that impacted his community, and how the grief recovery process helped him find healing after 18 years of emotional turmoil. He dives into the powerful and transformative process of identifying grief, embracing it, and working through it to find peace. Rhys explains how the Grief Recovery Method not only helped him recover emotionally from the significant loss of his grandmother but also opened his eyes to the power of healing unresolved grief in other areas of his life. His story of transformation emphasizes the importance of addressing the emotional pain we carry, especially when it remains unresolved for years. We also explore the profound impact of the method on communities, highlighting how it helped Rhys navigate his own grief while also aiding others in their healing journey. In this candid conversation, Rhys offers advice to those struggling with grief, encouraging them to take action and seek help. Whether it’s grief from personal loss, church splits, or other emotional wounds, this episode provides hope and practical insights for overcoming the emotional pain that can sometimes feel insurmountable. If you’re ready to heal from past hurt and emotional loss, tune in for Rhys' powerful message on how the Grief Recovery Method can help transform your life. ⏱️ Chapters:  00:00 - Introduction to Rhys Kiaaina and the Grief Recovery Method 00:43 - Rhys' Journey into Grief Recovery 02:05 - Impact of Church Split on Rhys and His Community 03:18 - Introduction of Grief Recovery Specialist at Rhys' Church 04:50 - Emotional Struggles After Church Split and Unresolved Grief 05:36 - Reflecting on the Loss of a Dear Family Friend 06:10 - Role of Grief Recovery Specialist in Helping the Church Heal 07:42 - Unresolved Childhood Grief and Its Lasting Impact 09:22 - Uncovering Unresolved Grief from the Loss of His Grandmother 12:02 - How Grief Recovery Helps Navigate Emotional Healing 14:50 - The Guilt Rhys Felt After Recommending Chemotherapy for His Grandmother 16:39 - Realizing the Importance of Feeling Emotions to Heal 19:15 - Rhys' Breakthrough: Visiting His Grandmother’s Grave 24:30 - The Power of Emotional Connection in Grief Recovery 58:00 - Rhys' Path to Becoming a Grief Recovery Specialist Connect with Rhys: Website 1: https://www.peacewithrhys.com/ Website 2: https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/grms/rhys-kiaaina LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhys-kiaaina-795b9793/ Email: rhys@peacewithrhys.com About the Host: Cole James, President of the Grief Recovery Institute, shares about the Power of Grief Recovery! Cole is dedicating his life to help people with grief. Now, grief is much more than just losing someone. Did you know that? You've probably heard of the Five Stages of Grief, right? Well, this goes much deeper than you think. Let me explain. Everyone has some type of grief in their lives, some haven't yet, but it's part of life. We can't escape it, BUT we can work through it. And you don't have to do it alone. Let's talk about it. We have trained Grief Recovery Method Specialists, who help heartbroken people, in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East, Central America, South America, and North America. The Grief Recovery Method Certification Program is taught and available in multiple languages including: English, Spanish, Swedish, Hungarian, Ukrainian, and Russian. Our home office is in the United States and serves English-speaking nations and populations around the world, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Commonwealth Nations. In addition, we have international affiliate offices in Sweden, Australia, Mexico, and Hungary. Our goal is to help as many people as possible, which is why our books have been translated into over 30 languages including: Spanish, French, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, Ukrainian, Russian, and many more. For more information visit: https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/

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Emotional pain from the past can rob of choice in our lives, prevent us from living the life we always wanted and ultimately feel like a prison. This podcast was created to share inspiring stories and helpful information so you can feel free again.

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