GRIEF Ladies: A Guide to What Comes Next

Karyn Arnold and Kelly Daugherty

GRIEF Ladies is a grief support podcast for anyone coping with the death of a loved one. If you're wondering how to handle overwhelming emotions, grief, anxiety, grief brain, loneliness after loss, or how to stay connected to someone who died, you're in the right place. Hosted by grief professionals Kelly Daugherty and Karyn Arnold, this podcast offers practical coping tools, grounded conversations, and guidance for navigating life after loss. Each episode explores real questions people ask: Why am I still grieving so intensely? How do I calm my nervous system when grief hits? Is it healthy to stay connected to someone who died? Why do relationships change after loss? How do I rebuild my life after someone dies? Unlike stage-based models of grief, GRIEF Ladies uses the GRIEF Framework: Grounding, Rebuilding, Interacting, Evolving, and Finding as flexible trail markers to help you take small, actionable steps forward. You'll hear: Evidence-based grief education Nervous system and coping skills tools Continuing bonds perspectives Interviews with grief experts Honest conversations about complicated emotions Whether you're grieving the loss of a parent, spouse, child, sibling, or friend, this podcast offers steady support without clichés, pressure to "move on," or unrealistic timelines. Subscribe for weekly episodes and practical tools to help you navigate grief with intention, compassion, and connection.

  1. Grief and Routine: Why Structure Matters After Loss with guest, Kat Farace

    1D AGO

    Grief and Routine: Why Structure Matters After Loss with guest, Kat Farace

    If you're wondering how to rebuild your life after someone dies, you're not alone. Loss can shatter routines, disrupt your sense of identity, and make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. In this episode (23) of The GRIEF Ladies Podcast, Karyn Arnold and Kelly Daugherty are joined by grief counselor and hospice expert Kat Farace to explore what "rebuilding" really means after loss. We talk about why routine matters in grief, how small daily structure can support your nervous system, and why rebuilding isn't about "moving on" — it's about learning how to live forward while carrying love with you. In this conversation, you'll learn: Why grief disrupts your daily rhythms How to gently reintroduce routine without pressure The role of self-care in early and ongoing grief Why community support matters when everything feels unstable Practical coping tools to help you feel more steady This episode connects to the Rebuilding trail marker in our G.R.I.E.F. Framework — focusing on structure, routine, and small steps that create stability in the midst of emotional upheaval. If you've been feeling unmoored, exhausted, or unsure how to function after loss, this episode offers validation, realistic strategies, and encouragement for wherever you are in your grief journey. Guest Bio: Kat Farace is an author, speaker, and grief coach with over 25 years of experience in hospiceand end-of-life care, walking alongside individuals and families through life's most profound moments of loss, love, and transition. Her work is grounded in compassion, honesty, and the deep belief that grief—while never chosen—can become one of our greatest teachers. Through decades of hospice service, Kat has supported thousands of people as they navigated death, dying, and bereavement, gaining rare insight into the emotional, spiritual, and relational realities of grief. Her approach blends professional expertise with heartfelt presence, offering guidance that is both practical and deeply human. Kat is the author of the upcoming book Grief the Teacher: The Teacher We Never Wanted—With the Lessons Only Love and Loss Can Teach, to be released in Spring 2026. In it, she explores grief not as something to "get over," but as an experience that reshapes us, challenges us, and ultimately invites growth, meaning, and connection. Kat creates space for real conversations about loss—conversations that honor pain while also making room for hope, resilience, and love. Whether speaking to the newly grieving or those carrying loss for a lifetime, she brings a steady, compassionate presence that reminds listeners they are not alone. Kat Farace's work continues to reach audiences through coaching, speaking engagements, and storytelling that normalizes grief, dismantles shame, and gently illuminates the path forward—one honest conversation at a time. Connect with Kat:  Website: https://www.balanceingrief.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balanceingrief/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balanceingriefcom GRIEF Ladies: Your Guide to What Comes Next If you're ready to move forward without moving on—this show is for you. 🎧 Follow and connect: https://www.griefladies.com/ Kelly Daugherty: https://www.kellydaugherty.com/ Karyn Arnold: https://www.griefincommon.com/ Stay up to date with all the latest information about The GRIEF Ladies- Sign up for our newsletter at: www.griefladies.com Join the FREE, Private Facebook GRIEF Ladies Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16WuZNsNGu/ The GRIEF Ladies podcast offers education and support for people living with grief after someone they love has died. Our content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care or crisis services. If you are in crisis or concerned about your safety, call 988 in the U.S. or contact local emergency services

    35 min
  2. Why You Can't Sleep After Someone Dies (Grief and Insomnia Explained) with Kelly Myerson

    FEB 18

    Why You Can't Sleep After Someone Dies (Grief and Insomnia Explained) with Kelly Myerson

    If you've been wondering why you can't sleep after someone dies, you're not alone. Grief and insomnia often go hand in hand — especially in the weeks and months after a loss. In this episode (22) of The GRIEF Ladies Podcast, Kelly Daugherty and Karyn Arnold are joined by sleep expert Kelly Myerson to explore the powerful connection between grief and sleep disruption. We talk about why nights can feel harder, why your nervous system stays on high alert, and why sleep problems after loss are more common than most people realize. You'll learn: Why grief affects your sleep cycle How anxiety and loss impact the nervous system at night Practical strategies to calm your body before bed How to create a sleep-friendly environment while grieving Gentle coping tools you can experiment with right away We also discuss how staying connected to the person who died through ritual, memory, and intentional reflection — can ease some of the emotional intensity that surfaces at night. This episode connects to the Grounding trail marker in our G.R.I.E.F. Framework, focusing on stabilizing your nervous system and creating small, steady routines for sleep when everything feels disrupted. If sleep has felt impossible since your loss, this conversation offers validation, practical support, and realistic strategies you can try tonight. Guest Bio: Kelly Myerson is a Human Design–informed leadership guide, facilitator, and speaker who supports people navigating moments of transition, reorientation, and becoming. Her work lives at the intersection of Human Design synthesis, intuitive pattern recognition, somatic attunement, and reflective dialogue. Rather than teaching Human Design mechanically, Kelly approaches it with artistry and depth, helping people understand how their energy moves and how to work with it in real life. She is especially skilled at holding liminal spaces, moments when clarity is emerging but not yet fully formed. Kelly offers private Threshold Sessions as well as group facilitation for retreats, summits, and intentional communities. Her work is grounded, compassionate, and deeply human, designed to foster self-trust, meaningful leadership, and sustainable change. Connect with Kelly: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-myerson-b6217843/ Substack: https://substack.com/@kellymyersonvoiceamplifier Calendly: https://calendly.com/kellymyerson/building-the-bridge-conversation   GRIEF Ladies: Your Guide to What Comes Next If you're ready to move forward without moving on—this show is for you. 🎧 Follow and connect: https://www.griefladies.com/ Kelly Daugherty: https://www.kellydaugherty.com/ Karyn Arnold: https://www.griefincommon.com/ Stay up to date with all the latest information about The GRIEF Ladies- Sign up for our newsletter at: www.griefladies.com Join the FREE, Private Facebook GRIEF Ladies Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16WuZNsNGu/ The GRIEF Ladies podcast offers education and support for people living with grief after someone they love has died. Our content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care or crisis services. If you are in crisis or concerned about your safety, call 988 in the U.S. or contact local emergency services.

    43 min
  3. Continuing Bonds: Staying Connected After Loss with guest, Dave Roberts

    FEB 11

    Continuing Bonds: Staying Connected After Loss with guest, Dave Roberts

    Many grieving people wonder how to stay connected to someone who has died. Is it healthy to keep talking to them? To celebrate them? To include them in your life moving forward? In this episode of The GRIEF Ladies Podcast, Kelly Daugherty and Karyn Arnold are joined by Dave Roberts to explore the concept of continuing bonds — the idea that connection doesn't end with death. We discuss practical ways to maintain meaningful connection while still living forward. In this conversation, we explore: What continuing bonds theory means in grief Healthy ways to stay connected to loved ones Why grief evolves over time Shadow work and meaning-making after loss Celebrating the life of the person who died This episode connects to the Finding trail marker in our G.R.I.E.F. Framework — focusing on discovering what comes next and integrating connection into everyday life. If you've ever questioned whether staying connected is "normal" or helpful, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and practical ideas you can explore in your own grief journey. Guest Bio:   David J. Roberts, MSW, LMSW, became a parent who experienced the death of a child, when his daughter Jeannine died of cancer on March 1, 2003, at the age of 18 due to a rare and aggressive form of cancer.. He is a retired addiction professional and an adjunct professor in the psychology child life department at Utica University in Utica, New York. Dave also teaches psychology classes at Pratt Munson School of Art and Design. He is the host of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, which can be found on most podcast platforms and YouTube. Dave has presented grief workshops nationally and has been a keynote speaker as well. He has been a past HuffPost contributor and has contributed numerous articles to other online publications. Dave also co-authored a book with Reverend Patty Furino titled, When The Psychology Professor Met The Minister, which was published on March 1, 2021. Connect with Dave: Email: bootsyandangel@gmail.com Podcast Link: https://rss.com/podcasts/theteachingjourneys/ Web Links and Social Media Links: Personal Website: https://davidrobertsmsw.com/ Author Website: https://psychologyprofessorandminister.com/    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.j.roberts1/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-roberts-56690513/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daver3103/ YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@daveroberts301/podcasts GRIEF Ladies: Your Guide to What Comes Next If you're ready to move forward without moving on—this show is for you. 🎧 Follow and connect: https://www.griefladies.com/ Kelly Daugherty: https://www.kellydaugherty.com/ Karyn Arnold: https://www.griefincommon.com/ Stay up to date with all the latest information about The GRIEF Ladies- Sign up for our newsletter at: www.griefladies.com Join the FREE, Private Facebook GRIEF Ladies Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16WuZNsNGu/ The GRIEF Ladies podcast offers education and support for people living with grief after someone they love has died. Our content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care or crisis services. If you are in crisis or concerned about your safety, call 988 in the U.S. or contact local emergency services.

    41 min
  4. Grieving While Staying Sober: Coping With Loss in Recovery with guest, Amanda McKoy Flanagan

    FEB 4

    Grieving While Staying Sober: Coping With Loss in Recovery with guest, Amanda McKoy Flanagan

    Grief can feel overwhelming and for those in recovery, it can also threaten sobriety. How do you cope with loss without returning to old coping patterns? In this episode (20) of The GRIEF Ladies Podcast, Kelly Daugherty and Karyn Arnold are joined by Amanda McKoy Flanagan to explore what it means to grieve while staying sober. Amanda shares her personal experience navigating significant losses including the death of her brother while maintaining her recovery and offers insight into the intersection of grief, addiction, and resilience. In this conversation, we discuss: Why grief can trigger relapse urges Coping with loss while in addiction recovery The importance of connection and support in sobriety Practicing self-compassion during intense emotions Celebrating the lives of loved ones while continuing to heal This episode connects to the Evolving trail marker in our G.R.I.E.F. Framework, focusing on working through roadblock emotions and building internal strength during difficult seasons. If you're navigating grief in recovery or supporting someone who is this episode offers grounded insight, practical encouragement, and reassurance that you don't have to choose between honoring your grief and protecting your sobriety. Guest Bio:  Amanda McKoy Flanagan, LMSW is a certified loss + empowerment coach and energy healer, an award-winning author, writing coach, motivational speaker, and host of the Sol Rising podcast. Taking her passion to the next level, she offers 1:1 private energy-infused coaching and facilitates workshops and retreats with the intention of helping people heal, transform, and empower themselves to move into the next phase of their lives with resilience, enthusiasm, and purpose.   Connect with Amanda: https://www.amandamckoyflanagan.com/ https://www.instagram.com/amandamckoyflanagan/ https://www.facebook.com/amandamckoyflanagan https://open.spotify.com/show/0sUF9yQkEXl5j925qqM1J1?si=cbcfc3c6aff74272 GRIEF Ladies: Your Guide to What Comes Next If you're ready to move forward without moving on—this show is for you. 🎧 Follow and connect: https://www.griefladies.com/ Kelly Daugherty: https://www.kellydaugherty.com/ Karyn Arnold: https://www.griefincommon.com/ Stay up to date with all the latest information about The GRIEF Ladies- Sign up for our newsletter at: www.griefladies.com Join the FREE, Private Facebook GRIEF Ladies Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16WuZNsNGu/ The GRIEF Ladies podcast offers education and support for people living with grief after someone they love has died. Our content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care or crisis services. If you are in crisis or concerned about your safety, call 988 in the U.S. or contact local emergency services.

    40 min
  5. Interacting: Grief Allies- Building Supportive Relationships with Shelby Forsythia

    JAN 28

    Interacting: Grief Allies- Building Supportive Relationships with Shelby Forsythia

    In this episode of the GRIEF Ladies podcast, hosts Karyn Arnold and Kelly Daugherty are joined by grief coach and author Shelby Forsythia. Together, they explore the complexities of grief and relationships, focusing on the challenges of communication during times of loss. Shelby shares insights from her Life After Loss Academy, discussing the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing supportive allies in one's grief journey. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with practical advice and personal stories that illuminate the path to healing. Guest Bio: 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 My book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now can be found here: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now   All other links can be found here: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Connect with Shelby: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/ GRIEF Ladies: Your Guide to What Comes Next If you're ready to move forward without moving on—this show is for you. 🎧 Follow and connect: https://www.griefladies.com/ Kelly Daugherty: https://www.kellydaugherty.com/ Karyn Arnold: https://www.griefincommon.com/ Stay up to date with all the latest information about The GRIEF Ladies- Sign up for our newsletter at: www.griefladies.com Join the FREE, Private Facebook GRIEF Ladies Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16WuZNsNGu/ The GRIEF Ladies podcast offers education and support for people living with grief after someone they love has died. Our content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care or crisis services. If you are in crisis or concerned about your safety, call 988 in the U.S. or contact local emergency services.

    53 min
  6. Rebuilding After Loss: Larisa Makuch's Guide to Routine and Resilience

    JAN 21

    Rebuilding After Loss: Larisa Makuch's Guide to Routine and Resilience

    In this episode of the Grief Ladies podcast, Kelly Daugherty and Karyn Arnold welcome Larisa Makuch, a transformational coach and founder of Abundance Academy. Together, they explore the journey of rebuilding after loss, emphasizing the importance of routine, motivation, and overcoming subconscious blocks. Larisa shares practical strategies for creating structure and finding purpose amidst grief, offering insights on how to transform challenges into opportunities for healing and empowerment. Guest Bio: Larisa Makuch is a transformational coach, speaker, and author of Stop Procrastinating Your Life Away. As CEO of Abundance Academy, she helps ambitious, heart-centered women overcome subconscious blocks and create success on their own terms. Drawing from her expertise in NLP, hypnotherapy, and mindset mastery, Larisa blends science with soul to foster clarity, confidence, and sustainable growth—without burnout. Connect with Larisa:  Website: https://myabundanceacademy.ca/  https://resources.myabundanceacademy.ca/elevation-playbook IG: https://www.instagram.com/myabundanceacademy/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larisa-makuch/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyAbundanceAcademy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larisa.makuch GRIEF Ladies: Your Guide to What Comes Next If you're ready to move forward without moving on—this show is for you. 🎧 Follow and connect: https://www.griefladies.com/ Kelly Daugherty: https://www.kellydaugherty.com/ Karyn Arnold: https://www.griefincommon.com/ Stay up to date with all the latest information about The GRIEF Ladies- Sign up for our newsletter at: www.griefladies.com Join the FREE, Private Facebook GRIEF Ladies Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16WuZNsNGu/ The GRIEF Ladies podcast offers education and support for people living with grief after someone they love has died. Our content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care or crisis services. If you are in crisis or concerned about your safety, call 988 in the U.S. or contact local emergency services.

    42 min
  7. Grounding Techniques for Grief Recovery with Guest, Melissa Armstrong

    JAN 14

    Grounding Techniques for Grief Recovery with Guest, Melissa Armstrong

    In this episode of the Grief Ladies podcast, Kelly Daugherty and Karyn Arnold welcome Melissa Armstrong, a trauma-informed functional health practitioner. They discuss the importance of grounding in the grief process, exploring practical strategies for healing after loss. Melissa shares her personal journey through trauma and grief, emphasizing the mind-body connection and the significance of nervous system regulation. The conversation highlights common misconceptions about grief, the physical symptoms associated with it, and practical steps for healing, including the power of breath and self-care. Melissa's story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that healing is always possible, and she encourages listeners to honor their loved ones through purposeful action. Guest Bio:  From a very young age, Melissa experienced more trauma and abuse than any one person should have to endure, including surviving a school shooting at age 15 and witnessing the death of her brother at age 18. She experienced many physical and emotional ailments as a result of this trauma and stress on her system. Ultimately, she dedicated her life to helping people and became a nurse but after years of being failed by the traditional medical system both personally and professionally, Melissa shifted her career. Now, as a Holistic Trauma and Anxiety coach and owner of Holistic Health, she helps women break the cycle of survival mode and overcome anxiety and stubborn physical symptoms without pills and protocols.   Links:  https://holistichealthbymelissa.com (lots of free resources) https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/masterclass-access https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop (Next one starts Jan 12, but I offer every couple months) https://www.instagram.com/holistichealthbymelissa/ https://www.facebook.com/HolisticNurseMelissa/ https://open.spotify.com/show/19gMYYnYWO2m5QfZPX9aje?si=82d4658eacb4433e GRIEF Ladies: Your Guide to What Comes Next If you're ready to move forward without moving on—this show is for you. 🎧 Follow and connect: https://www.griefladies.com/ Kelly Daugherty: https://www.kellydaugherty.com/ Karyn Arnold: https://www.griefincommon.com/ Stay up to date with all the latest information about The GRIEF Ladies- Sign up for our newsletter at: www.griefladies.com Join the FREE, Private GRIEF Ladies Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18B8qpVeqv/ The GRIEF Ladies podcast offers education and support for people living with grief after someone they love has died. Our content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care or crisis services. If you are in crisis or concerned about your safety, call 988 in the U.S. or contact local emergency services.

    36 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

GRIEF Ladies is a grief support podcast for anyone coping with the death of a loved one. If you're wondering how to handle overwhelming emotions, grief, anxiety, grief brain, loneliness after loss, or how to stay connected to someone who died, you're in the right place. Hosted by grief professionals Kelly Daugherty and Karyn Arnold, this podcast offers practical coping tools, grounded conversations, and guidance for navigating life after loss. Each episode explores real questions people ask: Why am I still grieving so intensely? How do I calm my nervous system when grief hits? Is it healthy to stay connected to someone who died? Why do relationships change after loss? How do I rebuild my life after someone dies? Unlike stage-based models of grief, GRIEF Ladies uses the GRIEF Framework: Grounding, Rebuilding, Interacting, Evolving, and Finding as flexible trail markers to help you take small, actionable steps forward. You'll hear: Evidence-based grief education Nervous system and coping skills tools Continuing bonds perspectives Interviews with grief experts Honest conversations about complicated emotions Whether you're grieving the loss of a parent, spouse, child, sibling, or friend, this podcast offers steady support without clichés, pressure to "move on," or unrealistic timelines. Subscribe for weekly episodes and practical tools to help you navigate grief with intention, compassion, and connection.