Creating Space for Grief and Hope

Holly Gainsboro
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Monthly

Welcome to Creating Space for Grief & Hope with Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist Holly Gainsboro. Here you’ll find support, wisdom, stories, and practical tools for your unique healing journey. We believe that grief and hope coexist and empowers us as we heal and grow. We invite you to subscribe and join us each month for a new episode. To learn more about our host please visit her websites at: www.goldenheartgrief.com

  1. Jul 15

    Dr. Annick Desjardins on Hope, Brain Tumors, and Heart-Centered Neuro-Oncology

    In this episode, Holly Gainsboro speaks with Dr. Annick Desjardins, neuro-oncologist at Duke University's Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, about the compassionate side of caring for patients with brain tumors. Dr. Desjardins shares what inspired her to pursue medicine, how she balances hope with difficult conversations, and the emotional impact of walking alongside patients and their families throughout their journeys. Together, Holly and Dr. Desjardins explore how medical professionals experience grief, the importance of human connection, and why, at Duke, hope remains at the center of every patient's care.   On this Glioblastoma Awareness Day (July 15th), we remember those who are no longer with us, and honor those who are living with this disease. We hold space for the caregivers, family members, and those who are grieving their deaths of their loved ones. Awareness is imperative! We need more funding, and we need a cure! Dr. Annick Desjardins is a Professor of Neurosurgery and Neurology and Director of Clinical Research at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University. After completing her neurology residency in Quebec, Canada, shecompleted a fellowship in neuro-oncology at Duke and joined the faculty in 2005. An internationally recognized neuro-oncologist, Dr. Desjardins has served as Principal Investigator on more than 45 clinical trials focused on advancingtreatments for malignant brain tumors. Her research emphasizes innovative therapies, including immunotherapy and novel drug delivery methods, with the goal of improving outcomes and offering hope to patients and families.   Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach andcertified grief educator. Following the death of her latehusband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com   Produced by Cindy Ballaro with On Track Marketing – cindyballaro@yahoo.com

    Dr. Annick Desjardins on Hope, Brain Tumors, and Heart-Centered Neuro-Oncology

  2. Jul 8

    Holly Gainsboro Answers Your Most Common Grief Questions

    In this first video episode of Creating Space for Grief and Hope, Holly Gainsboro answers some of the most common questions she receives from clients and workshop participants. She explains anticipatory grief, explores how relationships can change during caregiving, discusses feelings of guilt after a loved one dies, and shares why grief is not something we "finish," but something that gradually softens over time. Whether you're grieving now or supporting someone who is, this episode offers compassionate guidance,reassurance, and hope.   Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach andcertified grief educator. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com   Produced by Cindy Ballaro with On Track Marketing – cindyballaro@yahoo.com

  3. May 11

    Shannon Traphagen talks about Brain Cancer, Grief, and Rebuilding Life After Loss

    In this episode, Holly Gainsboro speaks with Shannon Traphagen, host of The Game On Glio podcast, about her journey through grief after losing her husband Mike to glioblastoma in 2020 at the age of 44. Shannon shares the story of Mike’s sudden diagnosis, their 20-year marriage, and the heartbreak of interrupted plans for parenthood. She discusses how creating her podcast became a way to honor Mike’s memory and support others in the brain cancer community, eventually growing into her media company, Write Life Media. Together, Holly and Shannon also explore widowhood, dating after loss, and finding “courageous joy” while continuing to live with grief.   This episode is in honor of Brain Tumor Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness, supporting patients and families, and advancing research for brain tumors. Donations to help fund research for brain tumors can be made through the Glioblastoma Research Organization at https://www.gbmresearch.org/donate.   Shannon Traphagen is a renowned medical media storyteller, author, and award-winning podcast host. With multiple degrees and certification in Storytelling in Modern Media from Yale University, Shannon launched her business Write Life Media after losing her husband Mike to brain cancer in 2020. Shannon travels the globe, and speaks at conferences in her expert capacity in medical storytelling with an emphasis on oncology care and widowhood. With more than 50K followers on social media, she uses her voice to help others who are navigating hard times in life. She volunteers as a cancer patient advocate. And to date has produced more than 60 episodes of Game On Glio Podcast. Shannon is also a 4.5 star author with two more books being published soon. You can learn more about Shannon at WriteLifeMediaLLC.com, on Instagram at Game On Glio Podcast or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/gameonglio.   Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach and certified grief educator. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com   Produced by Cindy Ballaro with On Track Marketing – cindyballaro@yahoo.com

    Shannon Traphagen talks about Brain Cancer, Grief, and Rebuilding Life After Loss

  4. Apr 10

    Gabby Jimenez on Hospice, Families, and End-of-Life Care

    In this episode, Holly Gainsboro speaks with Gabby Jimenez, founder of The Hospice Heart, about end-of-life care and the role of hospice. Gabby shares her journey from commercial real estate to hospice nursing and offers insight from witnessing thousands of final moments. Together, they address common misconceptions about hospice, discuss what to expect at the bedside, and explore the emotional and spiritual aspects of dying. Gabby also emphasizes theimportance of presence, energy, and giving loved ones permission at the end of life, while sharing meaningful ways families can find closure and connection.   Gabrielle Jimenez “Gabby” is a hospice and palliative care nurse, an end-of-life doula, a death and dying educator, a public speaker, and a published author. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to improving the way people are cared for both at the end oflife and in the tender seasons of grief that follow. She is known for her steady presence at the bedside and her belief that this sacred work must always be met with kindness, honesty, and compassion.  Website: www.thehospiceheart.net  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehospiceheart.net     Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach andcertified grief educator. Following the death of her latehusband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com   Produced by Cindy Ballaro with On Track Marketing – cindyballaro@yahoo.com

    Gabby Jimenez on Hospice, Families, and End-of-Life Care

  5. Mar 17

    Creating Meaning After Loss: The Story Behind "Music for a Cure"

    In this episode, Holly Gainsboro speaks with Sal Schito, founder of "Music for a Cure," about his journey after losing his wife, Karen, to glioblastoma in 2024. Sal shares how his grief led him to create a powerful fundraising event that will bring community, music, and purpose together to support the Glioblastoma Research Organization. He discusses the inspiration behind the upcoming concert in Knoxville on May 9th and his goal of making a meaningful impact through this initiative. Together, Holly and Sal also reflect on caregiving,grief, and the complex emotions, including guilt and love, that can arise at the end of life. With this episode, we are also participating in Podcasthon - UNITING PODCASTS WORLDWIDE FOR CHARITY! The first non-profit event to bring together the podcasting community. The charity we are raising awareness for is the GlioblastomaResearch Organization (GBMRO), founded by our guest from Season 3, Ep. 8 Amber Barbach. 100% of the proceeds from "Music for a Cure" will go to GBMRO.   Salvatore “Sal” Schito is the founder of "Music for a Cure," a charity concert created in memory of his late wife, Karen Harte Schito, who passed away from Glioblastoma brain cancer. Inspired by Karen’s love for community and compassion for others, Sal and his three sons, AJ (23), Sal (22), and Gabe (17), are bringing people together through music to raise awareness and funds for research. The inaugural event will take place May 9, 2026, at the Cotton Eyed Joe in Knoxville, Tennessee, benefiting the Glioblastoma Research Organization. Through this mission, Sal hopes to honor Karen’s legacy and help move closer to ending this devastating disease.   To learn more about "Music for a Cure" visit: Web: https://fundraise.gbmresearch.org/event/music-for-a-cure/e732281 Tickets: https://www.cottoneyedjoe.com/shows/E-mail: ⁠salschito@gmail.com⁠ Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach and certified grief educator. Following the death of her latehusband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com   Podcasthon https://www.instagram.com/podcasthon_enhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/podcasthon/ Produced by Cindy Ballaro with On Track Marketing – cindyballaro@yahoo.com

    Creating Meaning After Loss: The Story Behind "Music for a Cure"

  6. Feb 24

    Charlene Lam on Curating Grief and Meaning

    In this episode, Holly Gainsboro speaks with Charlene Lam, grief coach and author of Curating Grief, about the deeply personal process of managing belongings after a loved one’s death. Drawing from her experience curating her mother’s possessions, Charlene shares a thoughtful framework to help others navigate grief through physical items. Together, they discuss the emotional weight of letting go, the importance of safe support during loss, and the role of meaning-making in healing.  Charlene Lam is a grief coach, speaker, and the author of Curating Grief: A Creative Guide to Choosing What to Keep After a Loved One Dies. She believes we are ALL curators after a major loss, and developed the Curating Grief® framework to help people process grief in a creative, accessible way. Her TEDx talk, “What Grief and Soy Sauce Taught Me About Life After Loss,” has been viewed more than 20,000 times. A proud Chinese-American New Yorker like her mom, she now lives in Lisbon, Portugal, and works with clients worldwide. You can find her here: www.charlenelam.com IG @curating_grief Monthly Gathering | Curating Grief Book   Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach andcertified grief educator. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com   Produced by Cindy Ballaro with On Track Marketing – cindyballaro@yahoo.com

    Charlene Lam on Curating Grief and Meaning

  7. Jan 29

    Rebecca Feinglos on Grief, Loss, and Compassionate Support

    Holly welcomes guest Rebecca Feinglos, a certified grief support specialist and founder of Grieve Leave. Rebecca shares how losing both of her parents, including her mother’s battle with glioblastoma and her father’s sudden COVID related death, shaped her understanding of grief. Together, they discuss how those experiences led Rebecca to create Grieve Leave, a movement advocating for more compassionate grief support in workplaces and healthcare, and why honest conversations and empathy matter so much when navigating loss.   Rebecca Feinglos is a certified grief support specialist, founder of Grieve Leave, and host of the podcast Grief’d Up. After losing both parents at a young age and going through a long, painful divorce, she took a year-long “grief sabbatical” that sparked a global community helping people make space for loss with honesty, humor, and practical support. Today, Grieve Leave reaches millions through education, storytelling, and workplace training. Rebecca’s work has been featured in TIME, LA Times, Fortune, Slate, and more. You can reach out to her at rebecca@grieveleave.com. Follow along on Instagram at: @grieveleave and @rfeinglos   Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support& Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach andcertified grief educator. Following the death of her latehusband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com   Produced by Cindy Ballaro with On Track Marketing – cindyballaro@yahoo.com

    Rebecca Feinglos on Grief, Loss, and Compassionate Support

  8. 12/09/2025

    Holiday Grief: Tips and guidance for creating a space for peace

    Elizabeth Catignani joins Holly as her guest this month as they explore what it’s like to move through the holiday season while carrying grief. They share personal stories, remind listeners that there is no “right” way to feel, and offer gentle ideas for creating pockets of peace, reducing overwhelm, and honoring your own emotional needs. This episode is a comforting companion for anyone navigating loss during a difficult time of year.   Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach andcertified grief educator. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com   Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Creative Grief Coach, and founder of the online platform Her Creative Wellness. After experiencing baby loss and young widowhood by the age of 27, Elizabeth has madeit her mission to support and empower others on their own unique path through loss and healing. She is the author of “Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick’s Path from Loss to Hope” (available on Amazon and Audible) and “The Creative Grieving Workbook” (now available on Apple Books). You can learn more on her website: https://www.hercreativewellness.com   Produced by CindyBallaro with On Track Marketing – cindyballaro@yahoo.com

    Holiday Grief: Tips and guidance for creating a space for peace
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About

Welcome to Creating Space for Grief & Hope with Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist Holly Gainsboro. Here you’ll find support, wisdom, stories, and practical tools for your unique healing journey. We believe that grief and hope coexist and empowers us as we heal and grow. We invite you to subscribe and join us each month for a new episode. To learn more about our host please visit her websites at: www.goldenheartgrief.com

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