Grief, Gratitude & The Gray in Between

Kendra Rinaldi
  • 4.8 (48)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Bilingual Podcast by Kendra Rinaldi Grief, Gratitude, and the Gray in Between: Exploring grief beyond death—identity, migration, divorce, and life’s joyful transitions like motherhood, marriage, and career change. / Explorando el duelo más allá de la muerte—identidad, migración, divorcio y las transiciones alegres de la vida como la maternidad, el matrimonio y los cambios profesionales.   It is a bilingual podcast  each episode features heartfelt interviews with individuals sharing their personal grief journeys, conversations with experts offering tools and insights, and solo episodes where host Kendra Rinaldi reflects on topics that matter. Together, we honor grief in all its forms and learn tools we can use to help us navigate it. Duelo, Gratitudy todos los matices de por medio: historias de cambio, amor y resiliencia es un pódcast bilingüe, en ingles  y en español,  que explora las muchas caras del duelo—no solo por pérdidas, sino también por las transiciones de la vida. Desde cambios de identidad y migración hasta divorcio, maternidad, matrimonio y transformaciones profesionales, profundizamos en la complejidad emocional del cambio. A través de conversaciones sinceras, historias personales y perspectivas expertas, honramos el duelo en todas sus formas y celebramos el crecimiento que lo acompaña.  https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

  1. Afrontando la Muerte Repentina de tu Pareja: Intuición, Señales y El Plan del Alma con Natalia Spinel

    6d ago

    Afrontando la Muerte Repentina de tu Pareja: Intuición, Señales y El Plan del Alma con Natalia Spinel

    Episodio en Español Natalia Spinel es psicóloga, coach ejecutiva y de vida, con formación en psicología transpersonal y certificación en Danza Primal. Tras la muerte repentina de su esposo Juan Carlos en 2024, después de 18 años juntos, Natalia emprendió un profundo proceso de transformación personal y familiar. Con más de 20 años de experiencia en yoga y una práctica terapéutica constante, ha encontrado en estas herramientas un sostén fundamental para atravesar el duelo y las transiciones vitales. Actualmente vive en Colombia, donde facilita círculos de mujeres y acompaña procesos de reconexión, resiliencia y redescubrimiento personal. Conectate con Natalia por Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliaspinel_psicoach/ Conectate con Kendra Rinaldi https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/ En este episodio aprenderás sobre: Una historia de amor y una despedida premonitoria: Natalia nos lleva por el viaje de su relación con Juan Carlos, su vida como familia expatriada en Perú, y la impactante historia de cómo le escribió una hermosa carta celebrando su jubilación, la cual terminó leyendo en su funeral tan solo días después. La intuición como guía en medio del trauma: Cómo una claridad inexplicable y su propia intuición le permitieron a Natalia tomar decisiones médicas y logísticas cruciales (como negarse a prolongar artificialmente la vida de su esposo) en las horas más oscuras. Señales inexplicables y sincronicidad: El asombroso momento en que Natalia y sus hijos adivinaron los cuatro dígitos de la clave del banco de Juan Carlos al primer intento, demostrando que nuestros seres queridos siguen guiándonos. "El plan de tu alma" y los acuerdos espirituales: Natalia explica cómo logró evitar el papel de víctima frente a la tragedia. A través de su camino espiritual, comprendió la partida de su esposo como un "acuerdo entre almas", cediéndole el espacio necesario para que ella aprendiera su propia lección de vida: aprender a recibir amor a manos llenas. Herramientas para sobrevivir el día a día: El papel fundamental que jugaron la terapia psicológica y la práctica constante del yoga para darle raíz, estructura y fuerza en los momentos en que el dolor no la dejaba ni levantarse de la cama. Sostener el "gris en el medio": Una reflexión final increíblemente honesta sobre la dualidad del duelo, donde Natalia confiesa que, aunque es una experiencia dolorosa que no le desea a nadie, agradece profundamente los regalos invaluables y la transformación personal que esta pérdida le ha traído.

    1h 17m

  2. Jun 3

    Finding Purpose After Retirement: The T.R.U.E. Method to Happiness with Former CEO Joe Elphick

    Joe Elphick is a lifelong entrepreneur and retired CEO whose book, TRUE Fulfillment, offers a pragmatic formula for creating lasting happiness in a world obsessed with temporary pleasure. Drawing on four decades building and selling a successful manufacturing company, Joe brings real-world experience to concepts scientifically studied and proven. He provides a modern, accessible path by translating longstanding truths into actionable practices. Joe’s journey began from an urge to unpack the 10 Commandments for a new generation, wanting his family and others to find true happiness. The turning point came when he realized the Commandments primarily focused on what not to do, inspiring him to create a positive, actionable framework for lasting fulfillment. Through this journey, Joe developed a unique approach to help individuals seeking deeper joy through what he calls the 10 Commitments to TRUE Happiness, explored using his signature TRUE method (Test, Reframe, Understand, Embrace). Contact Joe Elphink on LinkedIn Get in touch with Kendra Rinaldi, crator and host of the podcast Show highlights: From Blue-Collar to CEO: Joe discusses his journey of growing a packaging business from a $600 piece of equipment into a $60 million company, and the unexpected void he felt upon retiring. A Playbook for Life: Why Joe wrote his book, True Fulfillment, as a legacy guide for his five grandchildren rather than to become a famous author. The T.R.U.E. Method: How to reframe negative rules, like the Ten Commandments, into positive, actionable commitments (such as turning "don't steal" into "be generous"). The Moral Obligation to be Happy: How Joe navigated the devastating loss of his brother by actively choosing gratitude and focusing on the good times they shared. Building "Mental Muscles": Joe's practical daily habit of putting one specific virtue (like "Honesty") on his Google Calendar for an entire week so he can intentionally practice it. Giving Back: A note that all proceeds from his book go to the Children's Flight of Hope, a charity that flies sick children to receive medical care.

    23 min
  3. The Silent Grief of Babyloss: Navigating Life Transitions and the Myth of "Moving On" with Shruti Trivedi

    May 29

    The Silent Grief of Babyloss: Navigating Life Transitions and the Myth of "Moving On" with Shruti Trivedi

    Shruti Trivedi is a transformation coach and speaker specializing in supporting mothers and professionals as they heal, reset, and thrive. She creates a compassionate space for navigating grief, pregnancy loss, burnout, and significant life transitions, ensuring her clients feel seen, supported, and safe to grow. Get in Touch with Shruti Trivedi https://blinq.me/AAcAILQ5QK3kxylXUp3S?bs=icl Get in Touch with Kendra Rinaldi for more information about being a guest or Grief Coaching https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/ Show Highlights: Navigating Cultural Life Transitions: Shruti opens up about immigrating to the U.S. from India at age 22, and the unique identity shifts that occur when you realize you have lived abroad longer than in your home country. The Heartbreak of Pregnancy Loss: Shruti bravely shares her journey of losing three babies, detailing a heartbreaking nine-week miscarriage and the tragic delivery of her twin boys, Yash and Raj, at 23 weeks on her oldest daughter's seventh birthday. The Pressure to "Move On": We discuss how society and loved ones often urge grieving mothers to hide their pain. Shruti describes how she suppressed her grief for years, running to the bathroom to cry between corporate IT meetings before putting a brave face back on. A Beautiful Birthday Legacy: A deeply moving story about how Shruti began secretly honoring her twin boys by etching "Y" and "R" onto her daughter's birthday cake every year, and the beautiful way her daughter eventually took over this tradition. The Power of Therapy: Shruti reveals the major turning point she experienced in 2022 when she finally sought professional help, realizing that the goal of grief isn't to "move on," but rather to move forward while continuing to honor your babies. The 3 ACE Framework: Now a transformation coach, Shruti breaks down her simple but highly effective framework for dealing with grief and life transitions: Acknowledge, Accept, and Address. Upgrading Your Emotional Health: Shruti explains why we are so quick to "upgrade" our physical fitness or financial status, but rarely invest in upgrading our mental and emotional well-being. Self-Care Isn't Selfish: We discuss the heavy burden of "mom guilt" and why setting boundaries—like taking a few minutes to finish your coffee or having a "no cooking" day—is vital for your family's overall well-being.

    55 min
  4. From Heartbreak to Helping 1 Million Families: Karen Olson on Founding Family Promise

    May 14

    From Heartbreak to Helping 1 Million Families: Karen Olson on Founding Family Promise

    Karen Olson, the founder and CEO emeritus of Family Promise , and author of Meant for More , whose work continues to shape how communities address family homelessness. has dedicated her life to transforming the present and futures of homeless and low-income families. Karen has rallied more than a million volunteers nationwide, fostering an extensive network of support for the vulnerable. Also, because of all the efforts of the volunteers, the organization has been able to assist over a million people experiencing homelessness.Before her remarkable transition into the realm of social advocacy, Karen demonstrated her leadership prowess as a manager at Warner-Lambert. However, her leap into the world of nonprofits truly underscored her compassionate spirit and steadfast determination. Karen’s efforts have been duly recognized, and she has received numerous awards. Some of them include President George H.W. Bush honoring her with the prestigious Annual Points of Light Award, and the New Jersey Governor’s Pride Award recognizing Karen’s remarkable social-service contributions. The American Institute of Public Service also bestowed upon her the Jefferson Award, acknowledging her tireless public-service efforts.In 2019, Karen experienced a freak accident that left her in a wheelchair. While it has changed her life, Karen continues to be involved. https://www.karenolsonauthor.com/ https://familypromise.org/ Contact Kendra Rinaldi to  be a guest or to be added to the Newsletter Show Highlights: Unspoken Suicide Loss: Karen recounts the tragic loss of her mother to suicide at age 12, and how she had to navigate her grief completely alone when her family refused to speak about it. A Fateful Sandwich: How a simple act of buying lunch for a homeless woman named Millie shifted Karen's trajectory from a corporate career to a life of service. Founding Family Promise: Turning her childhood pain into empathy by creating a nonprofit that has helped over one million homeless men, women, and children. The Hidden Homeless: Karen breaks down the difference between the chronically homeless and the often-invisible population of homeless families who live in cars, shelters, or doubled-up with friends. Meant for More: Discussing her book, Karen explains why true fulfillment is found in going outside of yourself to serve others rather than acquiring material things. Radical Resilience: How Karen adapted after a severe spinal cord injury from a cryotherapy accident left her in a wheelchair, including how she learned to become a left-handed impressionist painter. The Power of Receiving: The vulnerability required to accept help after a lifetime of serving others, and how Karen now views her physical therapists and aides as extended family

    53 min
  5. Why Closure is a Myth: The Philosophy of Grief and Relearning How to Live with Thomas Attig

    May 7

    Why Closure is a Myth: The Philosophy of Grief and Relearning How to Live with Thomas Attig

    THOMAS ATTIG holds BA and PhD degrees from Northwestern University and Washington University in St. Louis. At Bowling Green State University, while Chair, he and his colleagues established the world’s first PhD Program in Applied Philosophy.  A Fellow of the International Work Group on Death, Dying, and Bereavement, he has received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Death Education from the International Network on Personal Meaning, Death Educator and Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Association for Death Education and Counseling, and the Robert Fulton Founder’s Award from the Center for Death Education and Bioethics at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. Get in touch with Thomas Attig https://griefsheart.com/?i=1 Contact Kendra Rinaldi and sign up for the newsletter  https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/ Show Highlights An Early Exposure to Death: Thomas shares how growing up in a large family in Illinois, where his mother actively read letters detailing the passing of relatives and took him to sit with dying family members in the hospital, uniquely set him up to be comfortable with the uncomfortable reality of death. Becoming a "One-Man Band" in Grief Studies: How Thomas shifted from studying math to applied philosophy, ultimately creating and teaching a comprehensive university course on death and dying that went beyond mere clinical or ethical issues. Grieving as "Relearning the World": Thomas reveals why traditional models like the "stages of grief" often fall short for the bereaved, proposing instead that grieving is an active, ongoing process of relearning how to live in a world that is completely changed by loss. Wisdom vs. Science: Discussing his 2025 book, Seeking Wisdom in Death's Shadows, Thomas explains why caregiving for grieving souls should focus on seeking individual wisdom rather than relying solely on "evidence-based" scientific predictability, because every soul and every loss is entirely unique. The Myth of Closure: We discuss why treating grief as a "problem to be solved" is a mistake, and why aspiring for closure is silly because relearning how to live is a lifelong, ongoing project. Defining the Vocabulary of Loss: Thomas breaks down the distinct differences between bereavement (the state of being deprived), grieving (the involuntary reactions and our deliberate responses), and mourning (traditional or culturally defined practices). Embracing "Sorrow-Friendly Practices": Exploring his book Catching Your Breath in Grief, Thomas encourages grievers to stop suppressing their emotions. He shares practical ways to attend to your soul’s pain, including journaling, exploring the arts, leaning into faith, and taking extraordinary experiences—like feeling a loved one speak to you—seriously. The Price of Love: Thomas beautifully reads a passage from his book reminding us that the pain of missing someone is the inevitable companion to the joy of sharing life with them, and that avoiding love out of fear of sorrow would cost us everything.

    1 hr
  6. Navigating Spousal Loss and Solo Parenting with Samina Bari

    Apr 30

    Navigating Spousal Loss and Solo Parenting with Samina Bari

    Samina Bari is a corporate leader, 2x best-selling author, and advocate whose life and work explores how we navigate loss with courage and grace. A trusted advisor to CEOs and boards with over $40 billion in M&A transactions to her credit, she brings the same clarity and strength that defines her corporate career to her deeply personal mission of helping others rebuild after loss. After losing her husband suddenly in 2023, she began speaking and writing openly about the life-altering impact of spousal loss and the process of rebuilding after it. Her second book, Don’t Call Me Widow, offers a first-hand guide for supporting those who’ve lost a spouse, and her podcast After Life continues that mission, helping others show up with compassion in life’s hardest moments. This follows her first book, I Can, I Will, & I Did: Lessons on Life, Love, and Leadership, which shares her insights on perseverance and renewal. Through both her professional and personal journeys, Samina brings rare depth to conversations about grief, growth, and human resilience. https://saminabari.com/ Contact Kendra Rinaldi https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/ Episode themes: The Power of a Curated Community: Samina discusses the importance of having a reliable support system after the sudden loss of her husband, Doug, and how her friends naturally coordinated tasks—from writing the obituary to helping in the kitchen—so she could simply grieve. Practical Grief Support: Samina shares the inspiration behind her book, Don't Call Me a Widow, which serves as a firsthand guide for people who want to support grieving loved ones but don't know what to say or do. She advises against vague offers like "Is there anything I can do for you?" and suggests specific, thoughtful gestures like bringing tea, checking the mail, or just sitting in silence. The Problem with the Word "Widow": Samina explains her visceral reaction to being called a widow, noting the word's ancient origins implying someone who is useless or lacks purpose. She shares how she reframes her identity, emphasizing that she is still a wife and her husband is still her husband, he just died. Solo Parenting vs. Single Parenting: Samina clarifies the crucial distinction between single parenting (which is often by choice or circumstance, such as divorce) and solo parenting, where a surviving spouse bears 100% of the emotional burden and decision-making for their children without a sounding board. Children Are Not "Resilient" to Trauma: Samina debunks the common societal myth that grieving children are naturally resilient, highlighting that children lack the emotional maturity to process such massive loss and often manifest grief through anger, nightmares, or behavioral changes. She also shares a heartbreaking example of "parentification," where her seven-year-old daughter tried to suppress her own grief to take care of the household. Why Year Two is Harder: Samina notes that while support is heavy in the first year as you navigate administrative tasks and the initial shock, the second year can often feel more difficult because the reality sets in that the loss is forever.

    1h 1m

  7. Apr 23

    Healing Modalities: Reiki, Family Constellation Therapy, and Karma Yoga Healing with Edit B. Kiss

    Edit B Kiss is a holistic mentor, success habit coach, #1 best-selling author, Humanitarian Award winner, and international speaker. She specializes in guiding individuals from misery to peace within 30 days by integrating ancient healing techniques with neuroscience. Her journey from a 15-year career in petroleum engineering to holistic healing exemplifies her commitment to transformation and personal growth. https://editbkiss.com https://www.youtube.com/@MagicalKarmaPriestess https://www.instagram.com/editbkiss https://www.linkedin.com/in/editbkiss/ https://www.facebook.com/bkissedit Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest or for coaching: https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/ Show Highlights From Engineering to Healing: Edit shares her journey of growing up in communist Hungary, becoming a petroleum engineer to travel the world, and how experiencing severe panic attacks led her to seek natural, spiritual healing. Healing Modalities Explained: An easy-to-understand breakdown of what Edit practices, including Reiki (cleansing energy and raising vibration), Family Constellation Therapy (healing the family's unconscious pain), and Karma Yoga Healing (transcendental meditation). Multidimensional Trauma: Why someone might experience anxiety or triggers despite having a "perfect" childhood, and how our deep-rooted emotions can actually be tied to past lives or our ancestors' struggles. Navigating Life Transitions: Edit discusses her work with clients—often in their 40s and 50s—who are navigating divorces, grief, depression, or the heavy feeling of being lost in life. The Illusion of Control: The fascinating story of how getting let go from her corporate contracting job was a massive manifestation that pushed her into her true calling. Body, Mind, and Spirit Alignment: Practical advice for raising your vibration, including starting a Samadhi meditation practice, using nutritional supplements, and understanding why cutting out sugar, alcohol, and caffeine is vital for mental health. Edit's Books: A look into her published works, including On the Healer's Journey (a guide for lightworkers in their "cocoon phase") and her latest release, The Gap Filler Success, which combines grounded strategic action with spiritual tools like manifestation and numerology

    50 min

  8. Apr 15

    Alzheimer's and End-of-Life Choices with Author Erica Baccus

    ERICA BACCUS started her professional career in the suburbs of Chicago as an 8th grade English teacher. She went on to San Francisco to become a high-tech marketing, advertising, and research executive. She and her beloved husband John were married for 41 years. Together they lived an active and adventurous life—skiing, golfing, hiking and traveling around the world. Erica enjoys spending time with her son, stepson, stepdaughter and grandkids. Now she helps advocate and educate people about end-of-life decisions exploring the moral and ethical perils so many face. Erica is a caregiver, widow, and lived-experience expert on end-of-life autonomy for dementia. Erica’s new memoir, A PROMISE KEPT: Honoring His Wishes, Embracing Our Love [Soul Spark Press | September 30, 2025], is a clear-eyed account of honoring her husband John’s self-determined end while navigating the legal maze that forced their hand.Get in touch with Erica Baccus and order her book:EricaBaccus.comInstagramFacebook  Linkedin Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be odded to the newsletter, to find out about coaching or to be a guest on the show. https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/ Show Themes and highlights: A 41-Year Love Story: Erica details her magical 41-year marriage to John, which was filled with deep connection, independent passions, and a cherished tradition of surprise anniversary trips. The Alzheimer's Diagnosis: We trace John's 2020 early-stage Alzheimer's diagnosis and his firm declaration that his "brain is his person" and he did not want to live in a "vegetative state". Navigating End-of-Life Laws: Erica explains why U.S. assisted dying laws fail dementia patients, leading them to seek help from Dignitas in Switzerland where the focus is solely on mental competency. The Burden of Secrecy: The couple's difficult decision to keep their end-of-life plan hidden from their wider circle to protect John's dignity and avoid defending his choice. A Final Farewell: How their family rallied to support John's final wishes, including a beautiful last weekend spent playing poker and creating memories with his children and grandchildren. Planning While Healthy: Erica’s powerful plea for listeners to make and discuss their end-of-life plans while they are still healthy, rather than during a medical crisis

    55 min
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4.8
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

Bilingual Podcast by Kendra Rinaldi Grief, Gratitude, and the Gray in Between: Exploring grief beyond death—identity, migration, divorce, and life’s joyful transitions like motherhood, marriage, and career change. / Explorando el duelo más allá de la muerte—identidad, migración, divorcio y las transiciones alegres de la vida como la maternidad, el matrimonio y los cambios profesionales.   It is a bilingual podcast  each episode features heartfelt interviews with individuals sharing their personal grief journeys, conversations with experts offering tools and insights, and solo episodes where host Kendra Rinaldi reflects on topics that matter. Together, we honor grief in all its forms and learn tools we can use to help us navigate it. Duelo, Gratitudy todos los matices de por medio: historias de cambio, amor y resiliencia es un pódcast bilingüe, en ingles  y en español,  que explora las muchas caras del duelo—no solo por pérdidas, sino también por las transiciones de la vida. Desde cambios de identidad y migración hasta divorcio, maternidad, matrimonio y transformaciones profesionales, profundizamos en la complejidad emocional del cambio. A través de conversaciones sinceras, historias personales y perspectivas expertas, honramos el duelo en todas sus formas y celebramos el crecimiento que lo acompaña.  https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

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