Giving Grief Grace

Lisa Hartung
  • 5.0 (7)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Giving Grief Grace is a heartfelt podcast offering a safe space where stories of love, loss, light, and healing are shared with compassion and empathy. In each episode, honest conversations woven with nurturing insights create a safe haven, fostering a community of support where sorrow is met with kindness, and the path to healing is approached with utmost care, respect, and love.

  1. Episode 34 - The Holiday Hangover: Grief, Reflection, and Finding Joy After Christmas

    1D AGO

    Episode 34 - The Holiday Hangover: Grief, Reflection, and Finding Joy After Christmas

    After weeks of anticipation, celebration, and emotional effort, the holidays end and for those who are grieving, the quiet that follows can feel overwhelming. In this solo episode of Giving Grief Grace, Lisa reflects on the often-unspoken weight of the days between Christmas and the New Year. Lisa shares personal stories of navigating grief during the holidays, growing up with a birthday just days after Christmas, and now holding both joy and guilt as her son celebrates a December birthday of his own. Through these reflections, she names the complicated emotions that surface — sadness, longing, gratitude, exhaustion — and offers permission to feel all of it without judgment. This episode gently explores how grief can resurface when the celebrations fade, especially for those closing out a year of firsts or stepping into a year of seconds. Lisa also offers practical, compassionate tools for reflecting on the year behind you and planning for the year ahead — from cultivating meaningful relationships and setting intentions, to finding small glimmers of joy that help carry hope forward. If you’re experiencing post-holiday sadness, end-of-year grief, or simply wondering how to move forward while still honoring your loss, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone — and that joy can exist alongside grief, even in the quiet moments. Send us a text Thanks for tuning in and we'll see you next week! If you'd like to support my journey to see a world without pancreatic cancer, please consider donating to my NYC Marathon Project Purple fundraising page. Special thanks to: Podcast Editor Jacqueline van Bierk of Pink Star Music Podcast Music Good_B_Music

    17 min
  2. Episode 33 - Grieving Through the Holidays (Week 4): Gratitude & Grief

    DEC 21

    Episode 33 - Grieving Through the Holidays (Week 4): Gratitude & Grief

    As we arrive at the final week of the Grieving Through the Holidays Advent journey, we turn toward a powerful truth: gratitude can coexist with grief. In this episode, Lisa reflects on how grief is not something to “move past,” but rather to live alongside. Grief is love with no place to go. When we allow gratitude and grief to sit side by side, we begin to see how deeply we have loved and how expansive the human spirit truly is. Through sharing a personal story of hiking Bald Mountain with her mother, Lisa uses the story as a metaphor for grief. Grief is like climbing a mountain because there are moments of struggle, unexpected beauty along the way, and eventually, a view that reminds us why we kept going. The gratitude for the climb and view are ever present. Sometimes it is hard to see the forest but for the trees. When you look back, the high and low moments were all worth it.  This week's practices include: Journal Prompt: What can you be grateful for, even in the presence of loss? What is grief teaching you about love? Action: Share one story aloud at a gathering or with your loved one’s family.  Take a mindful minute to reflect on the 3 C's of grief, knowing that we have control over how we: choose, connect, and communicate each day.  Whether this season feels heavy, hopeful, or somewhere in between, this episode reminds you that you are not alone. Share your loved one's story with friends and family while also giving yourself grace. We are here for you!  To follow along with the prompts throughout Advent, join the community on Instagram and Facebook @givinggriefgrace, or email "Advent" to hello@lisahartung.com to receive the weekly reflections. Send us a text Thanks for tuning in and we'll see you next week! If you'd like to support my journey to see a world without pancreatic cancer, please consider donating to my NYC Marathon Project Purple fundraising page. Special thanks to: Podcast Editor Jacqueline van Bierk of Pink Star Music Podcast Music Good_B_Music

    15 min
  3. Episode 32 - Grieving Through the Holidays (Week 3): Legacy & Creating New Memories

    DEC 14

    Episode 32 - Grieving Through the Holidays (Week 3): Legacy & Creating New Memories

    In Week 3 of the Grieving Through the Holidays Advent series, Lisa invites the community to shift from remembrance and fully embracing emotions into a sense of renewal. After honoring our loved ones in Week 1 and holding space for our emotions in Week 2, this Week 3 episode focuses on honoring legacy while intentionally creating new memories. Lisa shares about a new tradition that she's begun with her daughter through doing daily Advent puzzles together. This daily task has become a sacred moment of connection, presence, and love. Through this reflection, she explores how grief and joy can coexist, how small moments can become meaningful rituals, and how new traditions can help carry love forward without leaving the past behind. This week's practices include: A journal or voice-memo prompt:What new memory can you begin this year that makes space for both grief and joy? A doing prompt: Capture the new memories or traditions being made this week on camera, video, or artistic medium.This episode is a reminder that even in seasons of loss, we can create something new and filled with intention as we continue healing, one small step at a time. To follow along with the prompts throughout Advent, join the community on Instagram and Facebook @givinggriefgrace, or email "Advent" to hello@lisahartung.com to receive the weekly reflections. Send us a text Thanks for tuning in and we'll see you next week! If you'd like to support my journey to see a world without pancreatic cancer, please consider donating to my NYC Marathon Project Purple fundraising page. Special thanks to: Podcast Editor Jacqueline van Bierk of Pink Star Music Podcast Music Good_B_Music

    10 min
  4. Episode 31 - Grieving Through the Holidays (Week 2): Feel & Hold Space

    DEC 7

    Episode 31 - Grieving Through the Holidays (Week 2): Feel & Hold Space

    In Week 2 of our Grieving Through the Holidays Advent Series, we move from honoring memories to fully feeling what is bubbling up inside. Our focus is about feeling the feelings and holding space for where you are right now. In a season full of busyness, expectations, and emotional triggers, grief tends to be ever present. When we give our grief room to breathe, we also make space for healing, relief, and even unexpected moments of gratitude. Without grief, it would be tough to feel joy.  Lisa shares how emotions surface for her during the holidays, why crying can be deeply cathartic, and how sitting in the glow of Christmas tree lights or sipping hot chocolate can offer grounding warmth. She invites listeners to identify the emotion bubbling up for them this week, feel it fully, and then choose a comforting practice to support themselves afterward. This week’s practices include: A journal or voice-memo prompt: What emotion is surfacing for you right now, and how can you allow yourself to feel it?A doing prompt: Cook a recipe that reminds you of your loved one—and capture the story behind it. Lisa shares a meaningful (and funny!) chicken pot pie story from her mom that still brings comfort today.Whether you're grieving, caregiving, missing someone deeply, or simply navigating a tough season, this episode is an invitation to slow down, feel what needs to be felt, and give yourself grace. To follow along with the prompts throughout Advent, join the community on Instagram and Facebook @givinggriefgrace, or email "Advent" to hello@lisahartung.com to receive the weekly reflections. Send us a text Thanks for tuning in and we'll see you next week! If you'd like to support my journey to see a world without pancreatic cancer, please consider donating to my NYC Marathon Project Purple fundraising page. Special thanks to: Podcast Editor Jacqueline van Bierk of Pink Star Music Podcast Music Good_B_Music

    13 min
  5. Episode 30 - Grieving Through the Holidays (Week 1): Honor & Remember

    NOV 30

    Episode 30 - Grieving Through the Holidays (Week 1): Honor & Remember

    The holidays are tough. Add grief to the mix and life can get a bit complicated. We get it - we're there too, sitting alongside you on this grief journey.  Welcome to Giving Grief Grace's "Grieving Through the Holidays" Advent series. This is Week 1 where we focus on the theme of honoring and remembering our loved ones by carrying memories forward with grace and intention.  Lisa shares her own real-life holiday grief experience—crying the night before Thanksgiving, waking up physically shaking with grief and anxiety, and turning to healing rituals like baking her Grammie’s molasses cookies and going for a run. She includes an important Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month PSA, sharing her family’s journey of recognizing subtle yet persistent symptoms and advocating for early scans. Her message to listeners: Trust your intuition. You are your own best advocate. Join Giving Grief Grace throughout this holiday season as we explore our grief together through weekly check-ins and journal prompts.  To get the journal prompts delivered to your inbox, email hello@lisahartung.com with the subject line "Advent." Week 1 Theme: Honor & Remember Journal Prompt: What is a memory that still feels close to your heart? How did it change you? Action:Add a “memory ornament” to a tree or keepsake box and either journal or tell someone about its significance and share the story behind the object.  We hope this series provides a comforting and empowering message for those navigating anticipatory grief, long-held loss, and everything in between. We understand the complexity of finding both sorrow and joy during the holidays. You are not alone. Come join us.  Follow @givinggriefgrace on Instagram or Facebook for updates.  Send us a text Thanks for tuning in and we'll see you next week! If you'd like to support my journey to see a world without pancreatic cancer, please consider donating to my NYC Marathon Project Purple fundraising page. Special thanks to: Podcast Editor Jacqueline van Bierk of Pink Star Music Podcast Music Good_B_Music

    22 min
  6. Episode 29 - Finding Support Through Grief: Navigating Work, Parenting, and Identity After Loss

    NOV 23

    Episode 29 - Finding Support Through Grief: Navigating Work, Parenting, and Identity After Loss

    This week, we explore what it means to navigate grief while juggling work, caregiving, motherhood, and identity shifts. Sarah Kagan of Keriah Grief Coaching shares the story of losing her mother to pancreatic cancer, how returning to work without acknowledgment magnified her pain, and the moment she realized her life no longer aligned with who she was becoming. Together, we talk about the “double loss” that comes with caregiving, how grief support in the workplace could improve, and how questioning your purpose after loss is actually a natural part of healing. Sarah also introduces the Jewish mourning ritual of Keriah, symbolizing both the tearing open of the heart and the invitation for community support, and how it inspired her to create Keriah Grief Coaching. This episode is for anyone navigating loss, feeling unseen in their workplace, wondering who they are now, or seeking meaningful grief support in community. You’ll leave with validation, perspective, and the reminder that you don’t have to grieve alone. If you'd like to work with Sarah, she's here for you for 1:1, community, or corporate support at www.keriahcoaching.com.  She's hosting a Grief Reframe on December 8, 2025.  Join her 6-week In Conversation grief cohort to discover the grief archetypes (the Philosopher, Storyteller, Builder, Guardian, and Performer), and discover the healing way community supports and uplifts. The next session kicks off on January 15, 2026!  Instagram: @griefcoachsarah LinkedIn: Sarah Kagan Send us a text Thanks for tuning in and we'll see you next week! If you'd like to support my journey to see a world without pancreatic cancer, please consider donating to my NYC Marathon Project Purple fundraising page. Special thanks to: Podcast Editor Jacqueline van Bierk of Pink Star Music Podcast Music Good_B_Music

    42 min
  7. Episode 28 - Grief Through the Holidays: Ideas, Rituals, and Support for the Hard Days

    NOV 16

    Episode 28 - Grief Through the Holidays: Ideas, Rituals, and Support for the Hard Days

    The holidays can feel overwhelming when you’re grieving. In this episode, we are joined by Walker Posey, a fourth-generation funeral director at Posey Funeral Directors and National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) spokesperson known for blending tradition with meaningful, modern ways to honor life and support families. Together, we explore grief through the holidays with practical ideas, gentle rituals, and compassionate guidance for navigating a season that brings both love and heartache. Walker shares insights from decades of serving families through some of their most tender moments, including how personalized remembrance, community connection, and even small, creative rituals can bring comfort during the holidays. Whether this is your first holiday without someone you love, or you’re supporting someone who is grieving, this conversation offers understanding, tools, and hope. Learn more at PoseyCares.com and explore the grief and healing resources here [https://www.poseyfuneraldirectors.com/grief-and-healing/] including Hope for the Holidays and Daily Affirmations. You are not alone.  Additional resources for families and professionals can be found on the National Funeral Directors Association's website. [www.NFDA.org] Send us a text Thanks for tuning in and we'll see you next week! If you'd like to support my journey to see a world without pancreatic cancer, please consider donating to my NYC Marathon Project Purple fundraising page. Special thanks to: Podcast Editor Jacqueline van Bierk of Pink Star Music Podcast Music Good_B_Music

    47 min
  8. Episode 27 - Running with Purpose: My NYC Marathon with Project Purple and the Power of Community

    NOV 9

    Episode 27 - Running with Purpose: My NYC Marathon with Project Purple and the Power of Community

    In this solo episode, Lisa shares her experience of training for and running the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon with Project Purple. At ten months postpartum, she took to the streets of NYC on a perfect marathon day, raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research. From the hours of training to the electric energy of the cheering crowds and thoughtful race-day details like lactation support for moms, Lisa reflects on how every step of the race was fueled by purpose and community. Always remember your WHY! The Project Purple cheer zone was unparalleled and running through purple confetti and dancing along the course were highlights for Lisa. Tune in for an honest look at the mental, emotional, and physical journey behind 26.2 miles, how community made every step possible, and why raising awareness for pancreatic cancer truly takes a village. Whether you're a seasoned runner, a charity supporter, or simply someone seeking purpose through action, this episode will leave you inspired to go the distance for something bigger than yourself. There is still time to donate to Lisa's Project Purple fundraising page. Link below! Every bit counts and helps make someone else's day better. Thank you!  Lisa wants to share her gratitude for family, friends, colleagues, near and far for the support and encouragement through her grief journey. It means the world.  Send us a text Thanks for tuning in and we'll see you next week! If you'd like to support my journey to see a world without pancreatic cancer, please consider donating to my NYC Marathon Project Purple fundraising page. Special thanks to: Podcast Editor Jacqueline van Bierk of Pink Star Music Podcast Music Good_B_Music

    24 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Giving Grief Grace is a heartfelt podcast offering a safe space where stories of love, loss, light, and healing are shared with compassion and empathy. In each episode, honest conversations woven with nurturing insights create a safe haven, fostering a community of support where sorrow is met with kindness, and the path to healing is approached with utmost care, respect, and love.

Information

  • Creator
    Lisa Hartung
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Giving Grief Grace
  • Show Website
    Giving Grief Grace