Nothing Happens for a Reason

Claire Andrus
  • 5.0 (21)
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Nothing Happens For A Reason is a podcast offering an unfiltered look at grief, loss, and navigating life after profound heartbreak. Host Claire Andrus, a griever as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), creates a space free from empty f*cking platitudes, acknowledging the messy reality of grief and fostering connection through shared experiences. Join Claire as she challenges the societal discomfort around discussing grief through interviews with amazing guests to explore the often-lonely journey of grief. 

  1. 6 NOV

    S2 E4- Parenting in the Trenches: Grief, Neurodiversity, and Finding Grace

    In this deeply honest and illuminating episode, Claire sits down with Gail- a mother, wife, substance use counselor, and fierce advocate to talk about what it’s really like to parent neurodivergent children while navigating layers of grief, trauma, and intense personal growth. Gail shares her story, from a childhood marked by abuse and addiction to her ongoing journey of sobriety, spiritual healing, and finding healthy ways to cope. Together, they dig into the unique, often unspoken grief parents experience as they confront diagnoses and face the chronic challenges of raising children with autism and other complexities. Through raw anecdotes, Gail opens up about her daily life: the exhaustion, the sense of isolation, the struggle for understanding from family and society—and the bittersweet reality of loving her kids fiercely while mourning the expectations lost. She reflects on finding meaningful community, learning to set boundaries, and gives candid advice to parents who feel alone in their battles. Woven throughout is a message of grace: for yourself, for your children, and for other families walking a similar path. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to learn more or for those who are touched by neurodiversity, grief, or the messy, beautiful work of showing up for the people you love—especially when life doesn’t go as planned. Tune in for validation, practical insights, and gentle hope in the midst of chaos. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nothing_happens_for_a_reason/?hl=en Website + Merch + Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://nothinghappensforareason.com/

    1 h y 10 min

  2. 30 OCT

    S2 E3- The Loud Silence of Grief: Navigating Terminal Illness, Caretaking, and Estrangement

    Host Claire sits down with guest Emily to explore the messy, complicated realities of loss, family, and the painful quiet that grief brings. Emily shares the intimate story of losing her father to cancer during her teenage years, reflecting on the challenges of caretaking as a young person, handling overwhelming responsibilities, and the isolating silence that often surrounds grief. Together, Claire and Emily unpack the difficulty of finding support, and how people’s discomfort can make loss feel even lonelier. The conversation doesn't stop at death; it expands to the grief of estrangement, as Emily describes her decision to cut ties with her mother, the unresolved pain that comes with surviving toxic family dynamics, and the additional heartbreak of losing her half-brother to alcoholism. Throughout, the episode digs into themes of hyper-independence, milestones lived without loved ones, and the hidden struggles behind choosing to go no-contact with family- even when it is the right decision. Subscribe and share if you or someone you care about needs to hear that, in grief, you are not alone. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nothing_happens_for_a_reason/?hl=en Website + Merch + Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://nothinghappensforareason.com/

    56 min

  3. 23 OCT

    S2 E2- Naming Ori: Grieving the Invisible and Navigating Infertility and Pregnancy Loss

    In this deeply moving episode of Nothing Happens for a Reason, host Claire welcomes Abby, for an honest and vulnerable conversation about miscarriage, infertility, and the emotional aftermath of pregnancy loss. October is marked as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, making this episode especially timely and relevant for anyone touched by these experiences. Abby shares her story of navigating PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), infertility treatments, and the heartbreak of losing her second pregnancy. Through excerpts of her writing, listeners are invited into Abby’s raw, intimate grief—the hopes she held, the rituals she created, and the ongoing impact of loss on her sense of family and identity. The episode explores topics including: The societal silence and comparative suffering surrounding miscarriage and infertility.How grief can linger and evolve month-to-month and in life’s everyday moments.The complex intersections of motherhood, shame, and guilt.Rituals and naming as a means to honor loss, including Abby’s choice to name her miscarried baby "Ori.”The challenges faced in medical settings and the lack of emotional support after miscarriage.The extra layer of stress and fear experienced by women in states with restrictive reproductive policies post-Roe v. Wade.This conversation reminds us that although miscarriage and infertility may be common, every story and every loss is unique and worthy of acknowledgment. If you’re struggling with grief, questioning your pain, or feeling unseen—know that you are not alone. Join us for an episode full of validation, storytelling, and the honest truth that grief doesn’t require a reason to exist. Read more of Abby's writing entries here! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nothing_happens_for_a_reason/?hl=en Website + Merch + Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://nothinghappensforareason.com/

    1 h y 12 min

  4. 16 OCT

    S2 E1- The Weight of "Strong": Grief, Profound Loss, and Finding Authentic Connection

    Welcome back for the Season 2 opener! This week, Claire sits down with Chelsea Quint for a raw and moving conversation about a lifetime of navigating tragedy. From the early loss of her brother to the devastating suicide of her father (and a lot of other losses along the way), Chelsea shares how these profound events shaped her entire understanding of life and death. She opens up about the survival mechanism of adopting the mindset that "everything happens for a reason," and the eventual freedom of shedding that belief to find true healing. Claire and Chelsea dive deep into the emotional burden of being constantly perceived as 'strong' and why embracing vulnerability—and the discomfort it brings—is the only path to genuine connection. A powerful episode on the life-saving significance of support systems, therapy, and giving yourself permission to grieve exactly as you are. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nothing_happens_for_a_reason/?hl=en Website + Merch + Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://nothinghappensforareason.com/

    58 min

  5. 3 JUL

    S1 E10- Death Days, Birthdays, And The Dogs & Tattoos That Saved Us

    Navigating grief means confronting difficult dates. This episode with NHFAR host and counselor, Maya, dives into the unspoken truths of grief anniversaries and birthdays after losses. We explore the immense pressure to "do it right," the phenomenon of "grief math," and how our bodies often react before our minds. We share about the misconception that things "get better" after the first year, and the new waves of grief that emerge when loved ones are no longer present. Join us to explore the complexities of grief, its non-linear nature, and the vital role of community. We discuss coping mechanisms, from "soul dogs" to tattoos, and emphasize the need for open conversations and shared understanding. If the calendar feels like a challenge, this episode offers a space to connect and reflect. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nothing_happens_for_a_reason/?hl=en Website + Merch + Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://nothinghappensforareason.com/

    1 h y 3 min

  6. 26 JUN

    S1 E9- Waiting for Death: A Chronic State of Anticipatory Grief

    **Please disregard the audio disturbances; some equipment failed on me. My music guy fixed it to the best of his ability but it is not perfect. But I did not want to lose the vulnerability that was present in this episode by re-recording it. Thanks for the support as we navigate these issues 3  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This episode dives into the emotional challenges of anticipatory grief when a loved one has a progressive illness. Join me, your NHFAR host, and my good friend and fellow therapist, Kelly, as we explore the impact and emotional toll of witnessing their decline. We'll open up about the anxiety, guilt, and shame often involved in this under-discussed and frequently misunderstood topic. We'll highlight the crucial need for support and open communication, as well as how to navigate those incredibly difficult decisions about care. A key point we emphasize is the importance of finding a grief therapist, as not all therapists specialize in this unique area and might overlook its complexities. Finally, we'll touch on perhaps the hardest question of all: How do we say goodbye when we don't know if it's the last time? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nothing_happens_for_a_reason/?hl=en Website + Merch + Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://nothinghappensforareason.com/

    53 min

  7. 19 JUN

    S1 E8- How To Best Help Those We Leave Behind: End-of-Life Planning

    BONUS EPISODE!  This conversation delves into the critical aspects of estate planning, emphasizing its necessity for individuals of all ages and wealth levels. Estate Planning Attorney, Samantha Baker,  discusses the importance of planning for guardianship, incapacity, and the various legal documents involved, including wills and trusts. She debunks common myths surrounding estate planning and the significance of healthcare directives and powers of attorney, providing a comprehensive overview of how to prepare for the future and how to best help those that we leave behind.  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nothing_happens_for_a_reason/?hl=en Website + Merch + Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://nothinghappensforareason.com/

    50 min

  8. 19 JUN

    S1 E7- The Impact of a Grief Avoidant Culture on who is Left Behind

    In this conversation, Claire hosts friend and fellow therapist Brandi, to discuss the impact of grief and loss on their lives, particularly in the context of family dynamics and personal relationships. Brandi shares her experiences of losing significant caregivers shortly after turning 40, which forced her to confront her own mortality and the complexities of grief. The discussion delves into the emotional responses to loss, the challenges of navigating family relationships during times of grief, and the importance of communication in end-of-life planning. Brandi also reflects on her role as the executor of her father's estate, highlighting the emotional and logistical burdens that come with such responsibilities. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the necessity of having difficult conversations about death and grief, and the importance of recognizing and processing one's own emotions in the midst of loss. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nothing_happens_for_a_reason/?hl=en Website + Merch + Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://nothinghappensforareason.com/

    1 h y 3 min
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Nothing Happens For A Reason is a podcast offering an unfiltered look at grief, loss, and navigating life after profound heartbreak. Host Claire Andrus, a griever as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), creates a space free from empty f*cking platitudes, acknowledging the messy reality of grief and fostering connection through shared experiences. Join Claire as she challenges the societal discomfort around discussing grief through interviews with amazing guests to explore the often-lonely journey of grief. 

Información

  • Creador
    Claire Andrus
  • Años de actividad
    2 k
  • Episodios
    15
  • Clasificación
    Explícito
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Nothing Happens for a Reason
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    Nothing Happens for a Reason

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