The Living Loss: Navigating Life Transitions & Invisible Grief

Daiana Bernard, LMHC & Cassandra Harris-Towner, LMHC

The Living Loss Podcast is hosted by Licensed Mental Health Counselors Daiana Bernard and Cassandra Harris-Towner. This podcast focuses on non-death grief, the profound, unacknowledged losses like the fading of a dream, a difficult diagnosis, or the loss of an identity. These hidden experiences impact our mental health and relationships, yet are often minimized. Through solo episodes and diverse guest interviews, Daiana and Cassandra validate these lived experiences and offer tangible ways to move toward healing. They are creating a community where no experience is too "small" or too "wild" to talk about, from the end of a favorite show to the loss of a former self. It’s time to acknowledge the weight of what you're carrying and rediscover your purpose through values, connection, and community. Connect With UsYour stories and questions are the heartbeat of this show—they help us all feel a little more seen. We’d love to hear how these conversations are landing with you. Do you have a "Living Loss" story to share, a question about today’s topic, or a "Glimmer" that’s helping you through the week? Reach out to us at hello@livinglosspodcast.com By sharing your heart and your story, you’re helping us grow this community and reach others who need to know their grief is valid. We’re so honored to be on this journey, and in this community, with you. We read every email and can’t wait to hear from you. (Disclaimer: For educational and entertainment purposes only; not a substitute for professional therapy.)

  1. 3d ago

    22 | Living with the Hidden Grief of Hearing Loss with Vanessa Branch

    In this episode, Daiana and Cassandra dive deep into a form of disenfranchised grief that is rarely spoken about: the invisible emotional toll and identity crisis tied to hearing loss. From the daily exhaustion of listening fatigue to the isolation of feeling left out, we explore why this quiet loss cuts so deep and how we can begin to validate the pain it causes. We are joined by the incredible Vanessa Branch, founder of the National Hard of Hearing Forum and an Advanced Bionics Mentor. Vanessa vulnerably shares her journey with sensorineural hearing loss since age seven, her transition to a cochlear implant, and how she moved from a painful cycle of trying to "fit in" to fully embracing her identity and building a thriving community of advocacy. Connect with Vanessa:  Website: https://nhohforum.wixsite.com/nationalhohforum Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n.h.o.h_forum?igsh=cDI0OTNiYTdvcWxw LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nhohf-5a4269330 BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/nationalhohforum.bsky.social FREE E-BOOK: Listening & Concentration Fatigue: https://pensight.com/x/nhohf/digital-item-54d9d365-ca6d-49b0-a138-531d9e9b117d Connect With Us:Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community.  Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid. If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida. If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com serving clients throughout Florida. Disclaimer: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

    39 min
  2. Jun 4

    21 | Living with the Hidden Grief of Always Waiting for the Perfect Chapter

    This episode explores the complex nature of quiet, unacknowledged griefs and the trap of waiting for a perfect future self to find happiness. Cassandra and Daiana share personal insights and practical strategies for living in the present, releasing unrealistic expectations, and embracing self-compassion. Key Topics: The illusion of future happiness and the trap of waiting for the 'perfect' timeThe impact of comparing ourselves to future and past selvesStrategies for releasing expectations and practicing self-compassionThe importance of living in the present moment and embracing imperfectionUnderstanding grief as layered and often unacknowledged Book mentioned in the episode: Going into Pieces Without Falling Apart, By Mark Epstein https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/46790/going-to-pieces-without-falling-apart-by-mark-epstein-author-of-thoughts-without-a-thinker/ Connect With Us:Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community.  Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid. If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida. If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida. Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

    29 min
  3. May 28

    20 | Living with the Hidden Grief of Mid-Life Relationship Trauma w/ Melissa Issa

    Please Note: This episode contains discussions of domestic violence, relationship trauma, and complex grief. Our conversation is meant for educational and empowering purposes, but we understand these topics can be heavy. Please protect your peace and prioritize your well-being as you listen. In this episode of The Living Loss Podcast, host Daiana Bernard sits down with advocate Melissa Issa to expose the hidden grief of navigating relationship trauma and domestic violence in mid-life. Rebuilding your life after an abusive or toxic relationship looks different in your 30s, 40s, or 50s. Together, they unpack the unique, quiet shame of starting over later in life and the heavy feeling that you "should have known better." Melissa shares her powerful story of hitting rock bottom, shedding her survival self, and proving that circumstances don't check your age before they change. Whether you are healing from intimate partner violence or reclaiming an identity you thought was lost, this episode offers a raw, trauma-informed roadmap to resilience, self-love, and empowerment in your next chapter. Connect With Us:Melissa Issa: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissaissatampa  Break The Silence Against Domestic Violence - https://breakthesilencedv.org/ Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid. If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida. If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida. Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

    46 min
  4. May 21

    19 | Living with the Hidden Grief of Caregiving: Early-Onset Alzheimer’s with Author Suzy McNamara

    In this heartfelt interview, Suzy McNamara shares her profound journey through the grief of losing her husband to early onset Alzheimer's and her sister unexpectedly. She explores the nuances of ambiguous loss, caregiver burden, and finding love and purpose amidst profound grief, offering valuable insights and hope for those navigating similar paths. Connect With Us:Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid. If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida. If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida. The Silkworm, the Magician, and the Sister Tree Book by Suzy McNamara Pre-Sale now and everywhere books are sold June 2, 2026 Connect with Suzy: Suzy McNamara: suzymcnamara.com Instagram: mcnamara.suzy , LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/suzymcnamara  Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

    57 min
  5. May 17

    12 | Living with the Hidden Grief of Family Estrangement with Lee Horton-Carter

    Daiana and Cassandra, with special guest Lee Horton-Carter, retired psychotherapist, explore the concept of ambiguous loss and family estrangement, shedding light on the psychological and emotional impact of living with estrangement. We would like to mention that today’s conversation does touch on the subject of sexual abuse and could be triggering to some listeners. It is not the overall focus but we wanted to be mindful of everyone’s experiences.  The conversation delves into the experience of estrangement, the impact on identity, and the journey of finding belonging and healing outside of the family system. The conversation delves into the complexities of estrangement and its impact on relationships, identity, and resilience. Lee shares personal experiences and insights, highlighting the challenges and growth associated with estrangement from family. Connect With Us:Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. Lee would also love to hear from you if her story resonated with you! Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid. If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida. If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida. Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

    40 min
  6. May 14

    18 | Living with the Hidden Grief of the Second Year Slump and Holiday Triggers

    If you've ever wondered why the second year of grief feels harder than the first, or how to survive the holidays after a loss, this episode is for you. Daiana and Cassandra reunite to explore the complex grief tied to holidays, traditions, and milestones. They dive into the "quiet losses" we often overlook and offer a guide to supporting yourself and others through these heavy transitions. In this episode, we discuss: The "first holiday" myth and how shock protects us initially, versus the reality of the second-year slump. We also explore how to process anticipatory grief and the necessity of creating new traditions when old ones evoke pain. Finally, we break down the difference between acute and disenfranchised grief while learning the art of holding space for others without trying to "fix" the pain. Healing requires patience, grace, and the permission to redefine your journey. Remember: Grief is a journey with no fixed timeline. Be gentle with yourself and seek support when needed.  Connect With Us:Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid. If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida. If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida. Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

    33 min
  7. May 7

    17 | Living with the Hidden Grief of Pet Loss with Adam Greenbaum

    In this heartfelt episode, Cassandra Harris-Towner and guest Adam Greenbaum explore the profound grief of losing beloved pets, the societal minimization of pet loss, and the importance of infrastructure and support for pet owners. They share personal stories, insights on disenfranchised grief, and practical lessons on honoring pet memories and supporting others through loss. Adam Greenbaum the founder of Love, Baxter, a mission-driven platform born from the profound loss of his dog, Baxter. Adam is dedicated to ensuring no one has to navigate the heartbreak of losing an animal alone.  Website: lovebaxter.com Pet Professional Directory; https://app.lovebaxter.com/ Pet Loss Memorial Store: https://shop.lovebaxter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovebaxterco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovebaxterco LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/love-baxter/  Connect With Us:Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid. If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida. If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida. Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

    43 min
  8. Apr 30

    16 | Living with the Hidden Grief of Miscarriage with Shruti Trivedi

    In this heartfelt episode, Cassandra Harris-Towner interviews Shruti Trivedi about living with the complex grief of pregnancy and baby loss. They explore the nuances of ambiguous loss, delayed grief, and practical frameworks for healing, emphasizing the importance of validation, self-care, and community support. Connect With Us: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.Connect with Shruti TrivediTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tulsihealslifecoachingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tulsiheals_life_coaching/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shruzee Substack: https://substack.com/@tulsihealslifecoaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEuJzTER4Lz2u42KQIg2X9w LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shruti-trivedi-pmp-acc-8793671a Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/tulsiheals_lifecoaching Blinq: https://blinq.me/AAcAILQ5QK3kxylXUp3S?bs=icl Complimentary 60 mins breakthrough call: https://calendly.com/shruzee/60min  If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out: Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

    35 min
5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

The Living Loss Podcast is hosted by Licensed Mental Health Counselors Daiana Bernard and Cassandra Harris-Towner. This podcast focuses on non-death grief, the profound, unacknowledged losses like the fading of a dream, a difficult diagnosis, or the loss of an identity. These hidden experiences impact our mental health and relationships, yet are often minimized. Through solo episodes and diverse guest interviews, Daiana and Cassandra validate these lived experiences and offer tangible ways to move toward healing. They are creating a community where no experience is too "small" or too "wild" to talk about, from the end of a favorite show to the loss of a former self. It’s time to acknowledge the weight of what you're carrying and rediscover your purpose through values, connection, and community. Connect With UsYour stories and questions are the heartbeat of this show—they help us all feel a little more seen. We’d love to hear how these conversations are landing with you. Do you have a "Living Loss" story to share, a question about today’s topic, or a "Glimmer" that’s helping you through the week? Reach out to us at hello@livinglosspodcast.com By sharing your heart and your story, you’re helping us grow this community and reach others who need to know their grief is valid. We’re so honored to be on this journey, and in this community, with you. We read every email and can’t wait to hear from you. (Disclaimer: For educational and entertainment purposes only; not a substitute for professional therapy.)

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