Redefining Grief with Herdyne Mercier, LCSW

Herdyne Mercier, LCSW
  • 5.0 (39)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

The mission of this podcast is to explore all areas of grief by educating through stories and experiences. This podcast is for grievers and those wanting to learn how to support grievers.

  1. 2d ago

    The Truth About Grief, Divorce & Starting Over with Kelly Davis | PART 01 | Real Men. Real Grief. Real Healing.

    Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not establish a therapist-client relationship with Herdyne Mercier, Mercier Wellness & Consulting, or podcast guests. Please seek professional support for your individual mental health needs.   Episode Introduction: In Part 1 of this heartfelt conversation, Herdyne Mercier welcomes longtime friend, radio personality, DJ, speaker, and community advocate Kelly Davis, better known to many as Big Man Kelly. Together they explore the often-unspoken realities of grief, divorce, emotional healing, masculinity, community and what it means to rebuild after life's most difficult transitions.   Kelly shares how years in radio taught him the importance of authenticity, why vulnerability became a strength rather than a weakness and how supporting others through tragedy often meant carrying pieces of their pain with him long after the microphone was turned off. He also opens up about navigating divorce, confronting difficult truths, seeking therapy, leaning on faith and finding hope through the examples set by the people closest to him.   This episode is a powerful reminder that grief isn't limited to death. Sometimes grief arrives through broken relationships, changing identities, unmet expectations and major life transitions. Healing begins when we stop running from those experiences and start telling the truth about them.   And this is only the beginning!   Part 2 continues the conversation as Kelly shares how his current marriage became part of his healing journey, what restoration looks like today and the lessons he's learned about love, growth, and moving forward. Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss it.   Key Takeaways: Vulnerability is not weakness; it creates connection and healing. Community plays a vital role in helping people navigate difficult seasons. Healing requires taking ownership of your part in the story without drowning in guilt. Children benefit when adults choose healing over conflict. Healthy relationships can still exist after a marriage ends. Restoration often happens through connection, not isolation. Understanding how you learn can help you understand how you heal.   About Our Guest: Kelly Davis, widely known as Big Man Kelly, is a respected DJ, radio personality, speaker, father, and community advocate. Through his work in media, music, and public service, Kelly has spent decades connecting with audiences across South Florida while using his platform to inspire, encourage, and uplift others.   Known for his authenticity and heart for people, Kelly continues to use his experiences to spark conversations around healing, resilience, family, faith and personal growth.   Episode Quotes:   "It was a safe place for me to be vulnerable, even on the number one radio show in Miami." — Kelly Davis   "I was so in my grief space that I couldn't see the healthy relationship that was coming down the road." — Kelly Davis   "Restoring looks like going to therapy, anchoring in your faith, and allowing people to help you heal." — Herdyne Mercier   "Healing is not meant to be done in isolation." — Herdyne Mercier   Episode Time-Stamps: 00:00 Welcome to the Redefining Grief Podcast 03:45 The pressure of being a public figure while carrying pain 06:00 Carrying other people's grief and stories 09:15 The importance of community and having people in your corner 13:15 Learning from parents who celebrated 60 years of marriage 15:30 Divorce, grief, and confronting difficult truths 16:00 Taking responsibility without carrying guilt 18:00 Anger, betrayal, and the emotions underneath divorce 20:45 Therapy, healing, and rebuilding relationships after divorce 23:00 What restoration actually looks like 25:30 How you learn is how you heal 27:00 Road trips, reflection, and finding peace   Book Mentioned:   “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” by Herdyne Mercier, LCSW - https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/   “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” Kindle Edition: https://a.co/d/0gHo5xw3   RESTORED: A 21-Day Prayer, Worship, and Journaling Experience: https://a.co/d/0cCEeEtd   [COMING SOON] RELEASE: A 30-Day Guided Journey to Healing, Letting Go, and Embracing the Person You Were Always Meant to Be: www.herdyne.com   Resources:   Grief Assessment for Adults: https://griefpattern.lovable.app/   Grief Assessment for Children: https://childgriefmap.lovable.app/   Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: creoleadventures@gmail.com   This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader   Connect with Kelly Davis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dj_big_man_kelly/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigmankelly/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-davis-7a049626/   Connect with Herdyne:   Website: www.herdyne.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier Email: connect@herdyne.com

    33 min

  2. Jun 9

    The Legacy You Leave Behind with Reginald Bourdeau | Real Men. Real Grief. Real Healing.

    Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not establish a therapist-client relationship with Herdyne Mercier, Mercier Wellness & Consulting, or podcast guests. Please seek professional support for your individual mental health needs.   Episode Introduction: What does healing look like when you're carrying the weight of divorce, fatherhood, entrepreneurship and the expectations placed on Black men?   In this powerful opening episode of our Men's Mental Health Awareness Month series, Herdyne Mercier sits down with entrepreneur, brand strategist, and community builder Reginald Bourdeau for an honest conversation about grief, resilience, relationships and restoration.   Reginald shares his journey through divorce, rebuilding his life, navigating custody challenges, learning to love again and creating a new chapter rooted in faith, purpose and intentionality. Together, Herdyne and Reginald explore the importance of accountability, therapy, healthy relationships, emotional healing and the legacy we leave behind for future generations.   This conversation is a reminder that grief isn't limited to death. Sometimes grief shows up through broken relationships, identity shifts, disappointment, unmet expectations and difficult life transitions. Healing begins when we acknowledge the pain, learn from it and choose to move forward.   Whether you're a father, husband, entrepreneur, community leader or simply someone trying to navigate life's challenges, this episode offers wisdom, perspective and encouragement for the journey ahead.   Key Takeaways: Healing begins with accountability and honest self-reflection. Strong relationships require intentional communication and continuous investment. Forgiveness is often more about freeing yourself than freeing someone else. Legacy is built through daily actions, not just accomplishments. Children learn more from what they observe than from what they are told. Failure is not the end of the story. It is an opportunity to learn, pivot, and grow. Gratitude creates perspective during difficult seasons. Restoration begins when we stop sitting in pain and start moving forward with purpose.   About Our Guest: Reginald Bourdeau is a Miami-based entrepreneur, brand strategist, and marketing professional known for building impactful brands, launching innovative business concepts, and creating experiences that connect culture, community and commerce.   With more than a decade of experience spanning fashion, branding, retail, and business development, Reginald has developed a reputation for transforming creative ideas into scalable businesses. He currently co-leads the launch of 3 Beans Play Cafe, an innovative family-focused indoor play and hospitality concept coming to Miami Gardens,FL.   Passionate about family, fatherhood, legacy, and community impact, Reginald is committed to creating opportunities that strengthen families while inspiring the next generation.   Episode Quotes: "Relationships that are fed survive." — Herdyne Mercier   "So many times people are chasing financial wealth when they should be chasing mental wealth." — Herdyne Mercier   "You have to forgive the other party. Not for them, it's really for yourself." — Reginald Bourdeau   "Children follow your actions more than they follow your words." — Reginald Bourdeau   "Just start. Stop trying to make everything perfect before you begin." — Reginald Bourdeau   "The most important decision that any man can make is who he chooses to spend the rest of his life with." — Reginald Bourdeau   "Relationships require nurturing. They're not something that just happens." — Reginald Bourdeau   "We would be doing our parents a disservice if we didn't make the most of the head start they gave us." — Reginald Bourdeau   "The biggest weight off your shoulders comes when you forgive yourself." — Reginald Bourdeau   "Failure is actually a good thing, as long as you learn from it." — Reginald Bourdeau   "Legacy is built by how you carry your name when nobody is watching." — Reginald Bourdeau   "Sometimes people are stuck not because they're broken, but because they're carrying things they never released." — Herdyne Mercier   "The hardest thing about healing is learning to release what no longer serves you." — Herdyne Mercier   Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom (P.O.W.) Questions:   If today was your last day on Earth, what would be last words you would like people to remember you by? "Reginald Bourdeau came into this world and was very intentional about making an impact."   When life gets to life-ing, and as you know grief comes in many forms, what song carries you through? Best of Me by Anthony Hamilton   What have you learned about yourself since redefining the grief in your life?  “I've learned to not be so hard on myself.”   Episode Time-Stamps: 00:00 Welcome to the Redefining Grief Podcast 05:00 The importance of partnership and support systems 11:00 Accountability, therapy, and personal healing 15:00 Marriage, communication, and intentional relationships 19:00 Entrepreneurship, presence, and balancing life 26:00 Grief Anchors and turning losses into lessons 31:00 Learning to forgive yourself after heartbreak 35:00 Fatherhood, custody, and creating a better future 40:00 Restoration, gratitude, and mental wealth 46:00 Pearls of Wisdom Questions 51:00 Final reflections on healing and purpose   Book Mentioned:   “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” by Herdyne Mercier, LCSW - https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/   “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” Kindle Edition: https://a.co/d/0gHo5xw3   RESTORED: A 21-Day Prayer, Worship, and Journaling Experience: https://a.co/d/0cCEeEtd   [COMING SOON] RELEASE: A 30-Day Guided Journey to Healing, Letting Go, and Embracing the Person You Were Always Meant to Be: www.herdyne.com   Love & Respect by Emerson Eggerichs: https://a.co/d/0h1MbWc3   Resources:   Grief Assessment for Adults: https://griefpattern.lovable.app/   Grief Assessment for Children: https://childgriefmap.lovable.app/   Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: creoleadventures@gmail.com   This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader   Connect with Reginald Bourdeau:   Website: https://3beansplaycafe.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reginaldbourdeau/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginaldbourdeau/   Connect with Herdyne:   Website: www.herdyne.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier Email: connect@herdyne.com

    54 min

  3. Jun 2

    The Voice Behind the Voice with Rick Party | Real Men. Real Grief. Real Healing.

    Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not establish a therapist-client relationship with Herdyne Mercier, Mercier Wellness & Consulting, or podcast guests. Please seek professional support for your individual mental health needs.   Episode Introduction: What happens when the voice that has entertained millions is also carrying grief, loss, love, faith, and life lessons of its own?   In this episode of Redefining Grief, Herdyne Mercier sits down with legendary radio personality, voice actor, mentor, and broadcaster Rick Party. Known as the iconic voice behind BET, SportsCenter, The Quiet Storm, and countless radio stations across the country, Rick shares the deeply personal story behind the microphone.   Together, they explore fatherhood, overcoming learning disabilities, stuttering, grief, faith, purpose, community, and the people who helped shape the man he is today. Rick opens up about losing his mother, navigating career transitions, raising seven children, mentoring others, and discovering that true success is measured not by fame but by how you love and serve people.   This conversation is filled with wisdom, laughter, vulnerability, and powerful reminders that pain does not last forever, community matters, and every challenge we face can become part of our purpose.   Key Takeaways: Your greatest challenges do not disqualify you from success. Fatherhood is not about perfection. It is about presence, growth, accountability, and showing up for your children through every season of life. Faith often grows strongest during uncertainty. Trusting God through career losses, disappointments, and unexpected life transitions can create space for new purpose and opportunities. Pain can become part of your purpose. The experiences that hurt us most often teach us the lessons we are later called to share with others. Restoration requires intentionality. Creating space for peace, stillness, nature, and reflection allows us to reconnect with ourselves and what matters most. Grief changes us, but it does not have to define us. Healing involves learning how to carry loss while continuing to live, love, and move forward. Legacy is built through service. Success is not measured by titles, awards, or recognition, but by the impact we have on the lives of others.   About Our Guest: Rick Party has spent more than 40 years behind the microphone, building a career that reaches millions while never losing the simple love of radio and the people who listen every night.   Originally from Chicago with strong roots throughout Michigan, Rick’s voice has traveled far beyond the Midwest. In the voiceover world he has become one of the most recognized voices in media. He has been the voice of BET for many years, the voice heard on SportsCenter, and has worked with major television networks including ABC. Even with all of that success, radio has always been home.   Rick has always believed in serving people and helping others find their way. Rick Party is proud to serve the community and keep you soft and warm with the best in R and B and slow jams on The Quiet Storm.   Episode Quotes:   "If you believe that you can't do it, you're right." — Rick Party   "Sons and daughters need fathers in their lives no matter how old they get." — Rick Party   "Pain doesn't last always." — Rick Party   "Healing is not meant to be done in isolation." — Herdyne Mercier   "Everything you went through was not pain. It was credentialing." — Herdyne Mercier   Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom (P.O.W.) Questions:   Q.If today was your last day on Earth, what would be last words you would like people to remember you by? A. Trust God always and forever.   Q. When life gets to life-ing, and as you know grief comes in many forms, what song carries you through? A. “Tomorrow” by The Winans   Q. What have you learned about yourself since redefining the grief in your life? A. Pain doesn't last always.   Episode Time-Stamps: [00:00] Welcome to Redefining Grief   [05:20] Herdyne shares how meeting Rick Party changed her professional journey   [13:15] Fatherhood and raising seven children   [17:45] Lessons learned from parenting and relationships   [20:30] The truth anchor and revealing difficult realities   [25:00] Community, mentorship, and the importance of support systems   [32:30] Trusting God through career transitions   [34:20] What restoration looks like today   [37:10] Pearls of Wisdom Questions   [44:15] Why mindset matters more than talent   Book Mentioned: “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” by Herdyne Mercier, LCSW - https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/   “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” Kindle Edition: https://a.co/d/0gHo5xw3   RESTORED: A 21-Day Prayer, Worship, and Journaling Experience: https://a.co/d/0cCEeEtd   [COMING SOON] RELEASE: A 30-Day Guided Journey to Healing, Letting Go, and Embracing the Person You Were Always Meant to Be: www.herdyne.com   Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: creoleadventures@gmail.com   This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader   Connect with Rick Party:   Website: https://solo.to/rickparty Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickparty.live/   Connect with Herdyne:   Website: www.herdyne.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier Email: connect@herdyne.com

    50 min

  4. May 26

    How You Learn Is How You Heal

    Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not establish a therapist-client relationship with Herdyne Mercier, Mercier Wellness & Consulting, or podcast guests. Please seek professional support for your individual mental health needs.   Episode Introduction: How do you learn best?   It might seem like an unusual question for a therapist to ask, but what if the way you learn is also the way you heal?   In this solo episode of Redefining Grief, Herdyne Mercier explores the powerful connection between learning styles and healing styles. Drawing from her background as an educator, therapist, and grief coach, Herdyne explains why understanding how you naturally process information can unlock new pathways for healing, growth, and restoration.   Whether you learn through seeing, hearing, moving, writing, or experiencing, your healing journey may be more effective when it aligns with the way you were designed to process the world around you. Through the lens of the Grief Anchors Framework, Herdyne breaks down how truth, heart, connection, faith, and restoration can each be experienced differently based on your unique learning style.   She also shares personal stories about her own healing journey, the role of music, journaling, affirmations, vision boards, movement, and faith practices, along with insights from her books.   This episode is a reminder that grief is not something to fix. It is something to understand. And when you begin to understand how you learn, you unlock how you heal.   Episode Quotes:   “Healing begins when you see or name what's real.”    “Healing is not meant to be done in isolation.”    “What you feed your mind shapes how you process your pain.”    “You don't need more effort. You need alignment.”    “Your grief is not something to fix. It is something to understand.”    “When you begin to understand how you learn, you unlock how you heal.”   Episode Time-Stamps:   [02:00] Why learning styles matter in healing   [04:15] Understanding healing styles through grief   [04:45] The Truth Anchor and naming what is real   [06:00] The Heart Anchor and processing emotions   [08:00] The Connection Anchor and community support   [09:45] The Faith Anchor and spiritual practices   [11:30] Vision boards and planting seeds for the future   [14:00] The Restoration Anchor and becoming who you're meant to be   [17:00] How grief often hides inside life transitions   [18:00] The story behind Mommy, What's That Feeling?   [22:00] Matching healing practices to your learning style   [24:00] Why healing doesn't happen in isolation   [25:00] Closing encouragement and final reflections   Resources & Links:   Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (United States): Call or text 988 | Available 24/7, free, and confidential.   Get Your Copy Of “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?”: https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/   Visit The Restored Store: https://herdyne.com/the-restored-store/   Shop on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0bcOUDWc   Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: creoleadventures@gmail.com   This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader   Connect with Herdyne:   Website: www.herdyne.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier Email: connect@herdyne.com

    27 min

  5. May 19

    When Purpose Interrupts the Plan with Latasha Riddick

    Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not establish a therapist-client relationship with Herdyne Mercier, Mercier Wellness & Consulting, or podcast guests. Please seek professional support for your individual mental health needs.   Episode Introduction: In this deeply moving episode of the Redefining Grief Podcast, Herdyne Mercier sits down with licensed clinical social worker, speaker, and founder Latasha Riddick for a conversation about grief, calling, obedience, purpose, and healing.   Latasha shares the powerful story of how she once planned to become a lawyer before realizing God was calling her into healing work instead. Together, Herdyne and Latasha unpack what happens when life redirects your plans and how grief can become the doorway to discovering who you were always meant to be.   The conversation explores the emotional weight of losing a parent, identity shifts, professional purpose, Black women and burnout, rest as resistance, faith, obedience, and the importance of community in healing journeys.   Herdyne also reflects on returning to the elementary school where she once struggled to read, now standing in front of students as a published author reading her children’s book "Mommy, What’s That Feeling?"    The episode becomes a beautiful reminder that no part of our story is wasted. This conversation is for anyone navigating transition, grief, purpose, burnout, or the fear of starting over.   Key Takeaways: Grief is bigger than death and includes identity shifts, career changes, and interrupted dreams. Obedience often requires letting go of prestige to pursue purpose. Community and supportive family systems help shape healing journeys. Faith requires stillness, expectation, and trust. Purpose often reveals itself through the gifts we naturally carry. Healing begins when we stop pretending we are unaffected. Rest is necessary, not earned. Your story still matters even after life reroutes your plans.   About Our Guest: Latasha Riddick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, speaker, and founder dedicated to helping people and professionals thrive emotionally and mentally. With over 10 years of experience in the social work and mental health field, Latasha is known for translating complex emotional wellness concepts into practical, relatable tools that create real-life change.   She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh with a concentration in Direct Practice and was honored as School Social Worker of the Year in 2023. She went on to receive the Business Boss: Social Work Visionary Award and the Excellence ACEx Leading with Love Award, both in 2025.   Latasha is the Founder and CEO of Social Work Plug, a platform created to empower social workers and helping professionals through community, professional development, and sustainable self-care practices. She is also the founder of Rebuild, a mental wellness space focused on emotional wellness and whole-person healing.   A dynamic and engaging speaker, Latasha has facilitated workshops and trainings for schools, churches, professional organizations, and community groups, including the NASW North Carolina Chapter. Her work sits at the intersection of mental health, emotional intelligence, and professional sustainability, making her a trusted voice for audiences seeking both practical strategies and heartfelt encouragement.   Episode Quotes: “What is it that you do that you love so much, that you can do it without getting paid?” — Latasha Riddick   “Maybe you weren’t called to argue cases in courtrooms because you were assigned to advocate for hearts.” — Herdyne Mercier   Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom (P.O.W.) Questions:   If today was your last day on Earth, what would be last words you would like people to remember you by? “I left footprints here, and now it’s their turn to continue.”   When life gets to life-ing, and as you know grief comes in many forms, what song carries you through? He Knows My Name by Tasha Cobbs Leonard   What have you learned about yourself since redefining the grief in your life?  I found out I was strong.   Episode Time-Stamps: 00:00 — Welcome to Redefining Grief 02:00 — Meeting Latasha Riddick 07:00 — The Dream of Becoming a Lawyer 12:00 — Hearing God’s Redirection 15:00 — Losing Her Mother to Cancer 23:00 — Purpose, Prayer, and Obedience 31:00 — Grief Memory Recall and Healing 37:00 — Black Women, Burnout, and Rest 44:00 — Faith, Purpose, and Restoration 47:00 — Pearls of Wisdom 56:00 — Closing Reflections   Book Mentioned: “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” by Herdyne Mercier, LCSW - https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/   Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: creoleadventures@gmail.com   This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader   Connect with Latasha:   Links: https://linktr.ee/latasharriddick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latasharriddick   Connect with Herdyne:   Website: www.herdyne.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier Email: connect@herdyne.com

    58 min

  6. May 12

    Naps Are My Superpower: Rest as Resistance, Restoration, and Mental Health

    Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not establish a therapist-client relationship with Herdyne Mercier, Mercier Wellness & Consulting, or podcast guests. Please seek professional support for your individual mental health needs.   Episode Introduction:   What if the thing your body has been begging for is not more hustle… but more rest?   In this solo episode of Redefining Grief, I’m talking about one of my favorite forms of healing: naps. Yes, naps. During Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to have an honest conversation about rest, burnout, nervous system recovery, and why so many people feel guilty slowing down.   I share how naps became one of my greatest tools for emotional wellness, why I intentionally schedule rest into my life, and how learning to listen to my body changed the way I move through grief, stress, and overwhelm. From taking naps between clients to falling asleep on benches during tours, I truly believe rest is healthcare.   We also talk about grief fog, emotional exhaustion, and the signs your body may be crying out for restoration. This episode is a reminder that burnout is not a badge of honor and you do not have to destroy yourself to earn rest.   If you’ve been mentally overloaded, emotionally drained, or struggling to slow down without guilt, let this conversation remind you that healing sometimes looks like taking the nap.   Episode Quotes:   “Rest is not a weakness.”   “The goal is not burnout.”   “Maybe the issue isn’t that you’re lazy. Maybe the issue is that you’re overloaded.”   “Rest is not something you earn after destroying yourself.”   Episode Time-Stamps:   [02:00] Why naps became Herdyne’s “superpower” [05:00] The truth about overworking and exhaustion [07:00] The science behind naps, brain health, and stress reduction [12:00] Signs your body is asking for rest [14:00] Grief fog and how grief impacts the brain [18:00] Healthy boundaries, saying no, and protecting your peace [19:00] Practical ways to schedule and prioritize rest [22:00] Biblical perspectives on rest and restoration   Resources & Links:   Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (United States): Call or text 988 | Available 24/7, free, and confidential.   Get Your Copy Of “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?”: https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/   Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: creoleadventures@gmail.com   This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader   Connect with Herdyne:   Website: www.herdyne.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier Email: connect@herdyne.com

    25 min

  7. May 6

    All Things EPIC Using the Grief Anchors Framework with Bree Carroll

    Episode Introduction: What happens when the version of you that the world applauded no longer feels aligned with who you truly are?   In this episode of Redefining Grief, I sit down with Bree Carroll, civil engineer, author, strategist, military spouse, podcaster, and founder of the CARE Blueprint. This conversation is honest, reflective, faith-filled, and deeply necessary for anyone navigating grief connected to identity, disappointment, burnout, friendship loss, or major life transitions.   Bree opens up about stepping away from visibility during a season where she found herself grieving friendships, grieving business relationships, grieving expectations, and ultimately grieving versions of herself that no longer aligned with her values. What makes this conversation so powerful is that Bree does not only speak about loss, she speaks about rebuilding from the inside out.   We talk about the importance of slowing down long enough to evaluate whether the life you are building is actually aligned with your values. Bree shares how she realized she was using intentional strategy and planning in her engineering career while allowing her personal life to operate on autopilot. That realization became the foundation for her book, All Things Epic.   Throughout this conversation, we unpack the grief that comes with betrayal, the pain of questioning your identity, and the loneliness that can happen when you step away from spaces that once defined you. Bree beautifully reminds us that grief is not always connected to death. Sometimes grief is tied to the realization that a version of yourself can no longer continue.   This episode also highlights the healing power of community, therapy, faith, and rest. We discuss how isolating yourself during difficult seasons can deepen emotional wounds, while safe community can help remind you who you are when you forget. Bree shares the importance of giving yourself permission to grieve, permission to heal, permission to dream again, and permission to trust yourself.   If you are in a season where you feel disconnected from yourself, uncertain about your next step, or emotionally exhausted from carrying too much for too long, this episode will remind you that healing is possible, purpose still exists, and you are allowed to rebuild your life intentionally.   This conversation is full of wisdom, honesty, restoration, and hope.   About Our Guest: Bree Carroll is a civil engineer, founder, podcaster, military spouse, and mother whose perspective has been shaped by responsibility, faith, and intentional living. Her professional background includes years of leading complex engineering projects while navigating seasons of uncertainty personally and professionally.   Rather than reinventing herself, Bree chose to build from who she already was. Through that journey, she developed the CARE Blueprint, a practical framework designed to help individuals evaluate decisions, align with their values, and move forward intentionally.   Bree is also the author of All Things EPIC, a book that encourages readers to live purposefully, process grief honestly, and design a life rooted in alignment, faith, and authenticity. Her work centers around helping people move beyond passive living and step into intentional healing and growth.   Episode Quotes: “It’s easy when you’re hurting to point the finger at other people. Instead, I took several steps back to look at myself.” – Bree C.   “You can say your values are your values, but they’re only true if you’re living them out.” – Bree C.   “You cannot be intentional and create a blueprint for your life until you address those things.” – Bree C.   “Most women don’t lack clarity. They lack permission from themselves.” – Bree C.   “You are blaming an old version of yourself and wanting them to pay for something they had no capacity to pay for at that time.” – Bree C.    Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom (P.O.W.) Questions:   Q. If today was your last day on Earth, what would be three words you would like people to remember you by? A. I love you.   Q. When life gets to life-ing, and as you know grief comes in many forms, what song carries you through? A. Anchored by Transformation Worship   Q. What have you learned about yourself since redefining the grief in your life? A. I learned that I am stronger than I thought I was.   Episode Time-Stamps: [02:01] Introduction to Bree Carroll and her background [05:00] Bree shares why she stepped away during a difficult season [08:15] Faith, obscurity, and healing through stillness [11:10] Being reminded who you are through safe community [14:00] Why women need permission to rest [21:00] Bree explains the CARE Blueprint framework [25:00] The emotions readers must allow themselves to feel [28:00] Why hope matters during rebuilding seasons [33:20] Restoration, healing, and becoming a new version of yourself [38:00] Obedience, surrender, and trusting the process [45:10] Bree shares the worship song that anchored her through grief [47:00] How to connect with Bree and purchase All Things EPIC   Book Mentioned: “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” by Herdyne Mercier, LCSW - https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/   “All Things EPIC” by Bree Carroll - https://books.by/itsbreecarroll   Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: creoleadventures@gmail.com   This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader   Connect with Bree:   Website: https://breecarroll.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbreecarroll/ Substack: https://substack.com/@itsbreecarroll YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Everyday.E.P.I.C   Connect with Herdyne:   Website: www.herdyne.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier Email: connect@herdyne.com

    50 min

  8. Apr 21

    The Version of You That’s Tired Needs This Conversation

    Episode Introduction:   What does it look like to pause long enough to realize that you are actually living the life you once prayed for?   In this solo episode of Redefining Grief, I come back with a full heart, reflecting on a powerful season of stillness, celebration, and answered prayers. After taking time to reset, reconnect, and truly be present, I share what it means to receive what flows through your heart and how gratitude can shift your entire perspective.   This episode is deeply personal. I open up about the journey of self-publishing my children’s book "Mommy, What’s That Feeling?" and the overwhelming support that followed.   I also reflect on celebrating 19 years of marriage and what it truly takes to build, grow, and sustain love over time. Love is not perfect. It requires communication, patience, and the willingness to evolve. I share what it has meant to grow into a new version of myself and how healing, therapy, and intentional growth have shaped the woman I am today.   This conversation expands beyond celebration. It becomes an invitation to examine your own life. Are you living, or are you just working? Are you creating space to rest, reset, and reconnect with yourself?   From the importance of nervous system regulation to the healing power of water, travel, and stillness, I walk you through why intentional rest is not a luxury but a necessity.   This episode is a reminder that nothing in your life is wasted. Every experience, every relationship, every challenge is preparing you for purpose. Even the pain becomes part of your credential.   If you have been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from yourself, this episode will gently call you back to what matters most. You are worthy of rest. You are worthy of healing. You are worthy of living fully.   Episode Quotes:   “What flows through your heart is what you receive in life.”   “When you enjoy what you are called to do, it does not feel like work.”   “You are worthy of the pause. You are worthy of healing. You are worthy of living.”   “Life is not perfect, but there is a requirement to live.”   Episode Time-Stamps:   [02:00] Herdyne returns and reflects on a weekend of clarity and gratitude   [04:00] The importance of rekindling relationships and honoring connections   [09:00] Growth, healing, and becoming a new version of yourself   [11:00] Why living intentionally matters beyond just working   [16:00] The healing power of water, rest, and travel   [18:00] Nervous system reset and emotional healing practices   [22:00] Childhood struggles with reading and healing past experiences   [24:00] Turning pain into purpose and honoring your journey   [26:30] Family reflections and upcoming celebrations   Reference Links:   Get Your Copy Of “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?”: https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/   Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: creoleadventures@gmail.com   Hope is Not a Plan with Dr. Jameson Mercier: https://open.spotify.com/episode/445TXzrvEFYYIEBmzD18Kx?si=3a5e03f9e1a547b8   This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader   Connect with Herdyne:   Website: www.herdyne.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier Email: connect@herdyne.com

    31 min
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5
out of 5
39 Ratings

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The mission of this podcast is to explore all areas of grief by educating through stories and experiences. This podcast is for grievers and those wanting to learn how to support grievers.

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