Phoenix Rising With Dr Z: Conversations About Grief and Loss

Dr, Christina Zampitella
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In life. we so often avoid the experience of grief, and that avoidance makes it hard to talk about in our everyday lives. Yet it is a natural and almost universal experience- one that is complex and personal. In this podcast, we will be deconstructing and zooming in on the component parts of grief, and talking about the different ways we can process and heal through loss. About Your Host Dr Christina Zampitella- is a Dr of Clinical Psychology and a Fellow of Thanatology, with the Association for Death Education and Counseling and the founder of the Center For Grief and Trauma Therapy in Wilmington Delaware.

  1. 20H AGO

    0067: The Body’s Language of Grief: Felt Emotion and Mind-Body Healing with Dr. Jenn Rapkin (Part 1)

    In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Dr. Christina Zampitella sits down with naturopathic physician and body worker Dr. Jenn Rapkin to explore the body’s role in grief, trauma, and emotional healing. Together, they unpack the concept of “felt emotion” — the physical experience of emotions like grief, anxiety, anger, and overwhelm — and why so many people become disconnected from what their bodies are trying to communicate. Dr. Rapkin shares her personal journey from emotional numbing to deeper mind-body awareness, shaped by experiences with dance, OCD, chronic illness, and healing work. The conversation also explores how emotions can manifest physically, why grief often lives in the body, and how building tolerance for everyday feelings can strengthen resilience during more overwhelming experiences. This episode offers a thoughtful look at nervous system regulation, body awareness, emotional processing, and the importance of learning how to stay present with ourselves in difficult moments. Topics Discussed: • What “felt emotion” means • Why we disconnect from bodily sensations • Grief, anxiety, and trauma in the body • Mind-body healing and nervous system responses • The connection between emotional and physical experience • Building emotional resilience through body awareness • Safety, pacing, and staying present with difficult feelings • Dr. Rapkin’s integrative approach to healing and bodywork Purchase a copy of her book, The Feeling Muscle: https://drjennrapkin.com/ Stay tuned for part 2 dropping next week.

    45 min

  2. MAY 5

    0066: Linking Objects in Grief: Finding Comfort and Continued Bonds with Mimi Rayl (Part 2)

    Linking Objects in Grief: What to Keep, What to Let Go & How Memories Live On | Phoenix Rising with Dr. Z   Dr. Christina Zampitella hosts a conversation on “linking objects” and how personal items can comfort or overwhelm after loss. The guest shares that individual objects usually evoke positive memories, but the sheer volume of an estate can create resentment, burden, and anger—especially when handling a parent’s possessions alone and under time pressure. Dr. Z describes clearing her parents’ home after two deaths close together, the pain of choosing what to keep, and the distress of an insensitive estate-sale experience. They discuss how attachment to items can change over time, how to differentiate what mattered to the deceased versus what matters to the survivor, and how donating can be meaningful when intentional. They note linking objects should feel grounding and comforting, and that people, shared stories, and personal “imprints” can also serve as powerful links.   00:00 Welcome to Phoenix Rising 00:30 Do Objects Trigger Pain 01:36 Overwhelmed by the Estate 03:30 Dr Z Estate Sale Story 09:13 Keeping Rooms Intact 12:32 Which Items Truly Link 13:40 Mom’s Books and Connection 14:51 Jack’s Shoes and Timing 17:33 Dad’s Furniture Expectations 20:49 Defining Linking Objects 24:33 Beyond Things People Imprints 25:43 Closing Thanks and Callouts

    27 min

  3. APR 28

    0066: Linking Objects in Grief: Finding Comfort and Continued Bonds with Mimi Rayl (Part 1)

    Linking Objects in Grief: Finding Comfort and Continued Bonds with Mimi Rayl | Phoenix Rising with Dr. Z   Dr. Christina Zampitella hosts Mimi Rayl on Phoenix Rising with Dr. Z to explain “linking objects,” physical items that help maintain a healthy continued bond with someone who has died while allowing a person to move forward rather than “move on.” Mimi shares losses including her partner Jack (died in 2020 during COVID), her father (complications of dementia), her mother (2002), and other close losses, and describes how specific items anchor and comfort her: a painted portrait of Jack near a shared chair, a stuffed bear gifted by Jack that provides tactile comfort, and jewelry tied to shared experiences. She also shows Inuit bear sculptures connected to her father and a crystal cat linked to her mother, noting these artifacts reconnect her to positive memories and reduce loneliness and feeling unmoored.   00:00 Welcome to Phoenix Rising 01:17 Meet Mimi Rayl 02:47 What Are Linking Objects 05:17 Jack and the Home 06:13 Portrait That Keeps Him Close 08:29 Bear the Comfort Anchor 12:06 Jewelry as Connection 15:57 How Linking Objects Help Grief 18:12 Moving Forward Not Moving On 25:53 Dad Bear and Inuit Carvings 28:41 Mom Sadie and Reconnection 30:31 Artifacts and Mixed Emotions

    31 min

  4. APR 14

    0065: Supporting Student Athletes After Suicide Loss with Chris Warren (Part 2)

    Supporting Student Athletes After Suicide Loss with Chris Warren (Part 2)   In this episode of Phoenix Rising with Dr. Z, Dr. Christina Zampitella continues her conversation with Chris Warren, exploring the ongoing impact of losing student athletes to suicide. This part of the conversation focuses on what happens after the initial loss and how grief is processed in groups, the role of community in healing, and the lasting effects of navigating tragedy both within and outside of that support system. Chris shares his experience of losing a second student athlete while being physically removed from his team, highlighting the isolation, guilt, and coping challenges that followed. Together, they discuss the importance of connection, the impact of stigma, and why avoiding conversations about suicide can make healing more difficult. This episode also explores: The role of group support in traumatic grief The impact of stigma and silence around suicide The difference between grieving with support vs. alone And the importance of self-care for those in helping roles     ************ If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you are not alone. Support is available. You can call or text 988 in the United States to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat support. If you are outside the U.S., please reach out to local emergency services or a trusted support resource in your area.   Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction  00:45 – Group Grief and Shared Experience  02:00 – The Power of “Me Too” in Healing  03:15 – Team Dynamics and Collective Grief  04:30 – How Students Supported Each Other  05:30 – School Response and Gaps in Support  06:45 – Memorialization and Controversy  08:00 – Stigma and Fear Around Suicide  09:15 – Changes After a Second Loss  10:30 – Losing a Second Student Athlete  11:45 – Grieving Without a Support System  13:00 – Isolation and Distance from the Team  13:45 – Coping Alone and Turning to Numbing  15:00 – The Importance of Community in Grief  16:15 – Guilt and Feeling Like You Left  17:30 – Helping Others While Running on Empty  18:30 – The Challenge of Self-Care in Caretaking Roles  19:45 – When Self-Care Feels Selfish  20:45 – Reconnecting with Personal Identity  22:00 – Finding Regulation and Stability  23:15 – Why Group Support Matters  24:30 – The Impact of Stigma on Healing  25:30 – Why We Avoid Talking About Suicide  26:30 – The Importance of Open Conversations  27:30 – Suicide Prevention and Awareness  28:30 – Final Reflections on Grief and Healing

    31 min

  5. APR 7

    0065: Supporting Student Athletes After Suicide Loss with Chris Warren (Part 1)

    Supporting Student Athletes After Suicide Loss with Chris Warren (Part 1)   In this episode of Phoenix Rising with Dr. Z, Dr. Christina Zampitella sits down with Chris Warren, LPCMH (Licensed Professional Counselor at the Center for Grief and Trauma Therapy) to talk about the loss of student athletes to suicide and the impact of that loss from the perspective of a coach and mentor. Chris shares his experience working closely with two high school athletes who died by suicide, and what it was like to receive that news, support other students through the loss, and navigate his own grief at the same time. This conversation explores the complexity of grief in leadership roles, including: • Supporting adolescents after a peer’s death • The pressure to “hold it together” while grieving • The loss of control that comes with suicide • And the weight of “what if” and “if only” thoughts that can follow This episode offers an honest look at grief, responsibility, and the lasting impact of loss — both personally and professionally.   This is part 1 of a two-part series. Tune in next week for part 2. **********   If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you are not alone. Support is available. You can call or text 988 in the United States to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat support. If you are outside the U.S., please reach out to local emergency services or a trusted support resource in your area. Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:40 – Meet Chris Warren 01:30 – Coaching and Mentorship Background 02:30 – First Loss: Gabby’s Story 03:30 – Learning About the Loss 05:30 – Receiving the News 07:00 – Shock, Disbelief, and Emotional Response 08:30 – Immediate Reactions and Coping 10:00 – Problem-Solving Mode vs. Grief 11:30 – Navigating Uncertainty and Lack of Protocol 12:45 – Supporting Student Athletes 13:45 – Creating Space for Grief in a Team Setting 15:00 – The Role of Choice and Autonomy 16:30 – Coaching Skills in Crisis 18:00 – Individual vs. Group Grief 19:30 – Identity and Loss in Adolescence 21:00 – Impact on Teammates 22:30 – Difficulty Talking About Suicide 23:30 – Loss of Control 24:30 – Prior Conversations About Mental Health 25:30 – “I Missed Something” 26:30 – Guilt and Responsibility 27:30 – Navigating “If Only” Thoughts 28:30 – Self-Forgiveness and Reflection 29:30 – Understanding Grief Over Time

    31 min

  6. MAR 31

    0064: Becoming a Widow: Kelsey Jagger on Trauma, Faith, and Looking for the Light (Part 2)

    In this episode, Dr. Christina Zampitella continues her conversation with grief coach, author, and widow Kelci Jager. While Part 1 focused on the story of loss, this episode explores what comes after — the reality of living as a widow and navigating life after everything changes. Kelci shares what it has been like to continue forward after her husband’s death, including parenting, rebuilding daily life, and learning how to live with grief rather than trying to move past it. This conversation also dives into how grief evolves over time, why it isn’t linear, and what it actually means to “carry” loss. They also discuss common misconceptions about grief, the difference between grief and depression, and practical ways to process emotions without avoiding them. From learning how to sit with pain to finding moments of connection and meaning, this episode offers a deeper understanding of what healing can look like after profound loss. Learn more about Kelci and Rise With Grief: https://risewithgrief.com/ Purchase a copy of her book: https://www.amazon.com/Million-Miracles-That-Never-Came/dp/1068683848

    42 min

  7. MAR 24

    0064: Becoming a Widow: Kelsey Jagger on Trauma, Faith, and Looking for the Light (Part 1)

    Becoming a Widow: Kelsey Jagger on Trauma, Faith, and Looking for the Light   Dr. Christina Zampitella introduces Phoenix Rising with Dr. Z and interviews grief coach and author Kelci Jager, founder of Rise With Grief, about becoming a widow after her husband Colin died of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in July 2022. Kelci shares a series of traumatic events after moving to Florida, including a 2020 car accident involving her two oldest sons that led to the discovery and successful removal of a benign brain tumor, followed by her husband’s sudden hospitalization and leukemia diagnosis in early 2021 during COVID. She describes severe shock, despair, and a crisis of faith, then shifting to self-compassion and a practice of “looking for the light” while caregiving through 559 days of illness. Kelsey recounts recognizing the end was near, bringing Colin home from the ICU, his peaceful death in her arms, and experiencing both devastation and peace afterward.   00:00 Show Intro 00:33 Meet Kelci Jager 02:04 Life Before Loss 02:52 Boys Crash Discovery 04:49 Tumor Surgery Recovery 06:18 New Year New Crisis 06:38 Leukemia Diagnosis Shock 08:39 Faith Despair Trauma 12:38 Finding Hope Compassion 17:45 Parenting Through Illness 20:30 Kids See The Struggle 22:23 Control What You Can 23:15 Looking for the Light 25:13 Duality Not Positivity 26:02 Colin’s Optimism Practice 28:37 Caregiver Grief in Private 31:53 The Chemo Rollercoaster 33:50 Day 557 Realization 35:00 Beach Break and Knowing 37:46 ICU Validation and Goodbye 38:56 Home for Final Hours 40:10 Relief and Devastation 42:24 Signs of Life After

    44 min

  8. MAR 10

    0063: The Impact of Loss on Couples and Families

    The Impact of Loss on Couples and Families | Phoenix Rising with Dr. Z ft. Perlyn Severe   Dr. Christina Zampitella hosts Phoenix Rising with Dr. Z and welcomes Perlyn Severe, a licensed marriage and family therapist at the Center for Grief and Trauma Therapy with advanced substance abuse certification, to discuss how grief and trauma impact couples and family systems. Sever shares her background and explains how loss can intensify existing relationship patterns, from closeness that becomes insular and ruminative to distance, imbalance, resentment, and conflict, including how codependency and enabling can emerge when substances are involved. They describe signs that outside support may be needed when problems surface through work, children’s behavior, or worsening functioning. The conversation also highlights healthy grieving in families—open communication, flexibility, and tolerance for each other’s pain—and notes differences in grieving styles, including intuitive versus instrumental grieving, and how expanding emotional vocabulary and coping skills can help couples adapt.   00:00 Welcome to Phoenix Rising 00:41 Meet the Guest Therapist 01:33 Why Grief Hits Couples 03:36 Training in Family Therapy 04:35 Family Trauma and Attachment 06:05 Career Shift to Addiction Work 07:41 Personal Path to Grief Work 09:56 How Loss Exposes Patterns 12:11 Cocooning and Rumination 15:01 Secure Team vs Us Against World 15:54 Codependency After Trauma 16:56 Couple Culture and Systems 17:48 What Enabling Provides 18:37 Gendered Protection Patterns 20:26 Grief Creates Imbalance 22:12 Resentment and Distancing 23:30 Healthy Family Grieving 23:57 Flexibility and Tolerance 25:28 Building Resilience in Therapy 27:53 Different Grieving Styles 29:16 Expanding Coping Repertoire

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

In life. we so often avoid the experience of grief, and that avoidance makes it hard to talk about in our everyday lives. Yet it is a natural and almost universal experience- one that is complex and personal. In this podcast, we will be deconstructing and zooming in on the component parts of grief, and talking about the different ways we can process and heal through loss. About Your Host Dr Christina Zampitella- is a Dr of Clinical Psychology and a Fellow of Thanatology, with the Association for Death Education and Counseling and the founder of the Center For Grief and Trauma Therapy in Wilmington Delaware.

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