GRIEF AND LIGHT

Nina Rodriguez

This space was created for you by someone who gets it – your grief, your foundation-shattering reality, and the question of what the heck do we do with the shattered pieces of life and loss around us.It’s also for the listener who wants to better understand their grieving person, and perhaps wants to learn how to help.Now in its fourth season, the Grief and Light podcast features both solo episodes and interviews with first-hand experiencers, authors, and professionals, who shine a light on the spectrum of experiences, feelings, secondary losses, and takeaways.As a bereaved sister, I share my personal story of the sudden loss of my younger brother, only sibling, one day after we celebrated his 32nd birthday. I also delve into how that loss, trauma, and grief catapulted me into a truth-seeking journey, which ultimately led me to answer "the calling" of creating this space I now call Grief and Light.Since launching the first episode on March 30, 2023, the Grief and Light podcast and social platforms have evolved into a powerful resource for grief-informed support, including one-on-one grief guidance, monthly grief circles, community, and much more.With each episode, you can expect open and authentic conversations sharing our truth, and explorations of how to transmute the grief experience into meaning, and even joy.My hope is to make you feel less alone, and to be a beacon of light and source of information for anyone embarking on this journey."We're all just walking each other HOME." - Ram DassThank you for being here.We're in this together.Nina, Yosef's Sister--For more information, visit: griefandlight.com

  1. What if Death Wasn’t the End? Healing Through Mediumship with Karen Docherty

    HÁ 5 DIAS

    What if Death Wasn’t the End? Healing Through Mediumship with Karen Docherty

    What if death wasn’t the end of the conversation? In this episode of Grief and Light, Nina Rodriguez sits down with psychic medium and mentor Karen Docherty to explore how mediumship can become a powerful source of comfort, connection, and healing after loss. With warmth and clarity, Karen shares her own journey of discovering and embracing her calling, and how she now supports both the grieving and the departed through spirit communication. Together, they unpack what mediumship really is (and isn’t), why discernment matters when seeking a practitioner, and how the messages that come through can transform grief into moments of peace, reassurance, and even joy. Karen also opens the door to the idea that intuitive and spiritual connection isn’t just for a select few — but something we all have the capacity to cultivate. This heartfelt conversation invites you to look at grief, love, and connection in a new light — one where bonds endure, guidance continues, and healing stretches beyond the veil. 3 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode How mediumship brings healing — and why it can ease the ache of grief by affirming our continued bonds with loved ones.What to know before seeking a medium — including how to spot integrity and avoid common misconceptions.Why intuition belongs to all of us — and simple ways to begin trusting your own inner connection.Key Takeaways: Mediumship as a bridge – How mediumship connects the living and the spirit world, offering not only evidence of an afterlife but also profound comfort for the grieving.Karen’s path to her calling – From her earliest experiences with Spirit to becoming a trusted mentor, Karen shares how she came to embrace her gifts and the responsibility that comes with them.The importance of discernment – Karen emphasizes the value of seeking out practitioners who lead with integrity, compassion, and clarity.Healing through continued connection – Messages from loved ones can affirm that our bonds don’t end with death, helping us find peace, reassurance, and even moments of joy.The role of spirit guides – Karen offers insight into how guides support us, reminding us that while they walk alongside us, we still hold the power of free will.Clearing up misconceptions – Together, we explore common myths about mediumship and what genuine spirit communication really looks like.Awakening our own intuition – Karen encourages listeners to explore their own connection to Spirit, showing how tuning in can support both personal growth and a deeper sense of guidance in everyday life.Guest: Karen Docherty Medium & Mentorkarendocherty.comFacebook@karendochertyspiritmediumHosted by: Nina Rodriguez Creator of Grief and Light, Grief Guidegriefandlight.com@griefandlightResting Grief Face on SubstackGrief Support Resources for the Road: Grief Tending ToolkitAccess our online communitySupport the show Thank you for listening! Please share with someone who may need to hear this. Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

    50min
  2. Award-Winning and Grieving: A Conversation with Women Who Podcast Magazine's founder

    2 DE SET.

    Award-Winning and Grieving: A Conversation with Women Who Podcast Magazine's founder

    And just like that, we're an award-winning podcast! In this special episode, I’m sharing a replay of my conversation with Kathy Barron, founder and editor-in-chief of Women Who Podcast Magazine. We talk about the journey behind Grief and Light, the power of being recognized as an award-winning podcast, and why grief isn’t a linear process—it’s deeply personal, unpredictable, and life-changing. We dive into stories of life after loss, the sneaky ways grief shows up in everyday life, and how giving yourself permission to feel can actually deepen your connection to life and others. Whether you’re a griever, a podcaster, or simply curious about the human experience, this conversation offers insights, validation, and hope. Key Takeaways: There are no “steps” in grief—everyone experiences it differently.Grief shows up unexpectedly, even in ordinary places like grocery stores.Giving yourself permission to grieve is essential for healing and integration.Recognition and community make a difference—even in the often-lonely world of podcasting.Facing grief can deepen connection, empathy, and the richness of life itself.If you’ve ever experienced loss, or want to understand grief more deeply, tune in, follow and subscribe to Grief and Light wherever you listen to podcasts, and connect with me on social media for more conversations, resources, and support. Related Links: Award-Winning Podcast Announcement on IGLive Conversation replay on IG Grief Support Resources for the Road: Grief Tending ToolkitAccess our online community Hosted by: Nina Rodriguez Creator of Grief and Light, Grief Guidegriefandlight.com@griefandlightResting Grief Face on Substack Subscribe for more conversations that explore grief, healing, and what it means to be human. Support the show Thank you for listening! Please share with someone who may need to hear this. Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

    22min
  3. Healing Through Journaling: Grief & Joy After Addiction Loss with Shawn Dinneen

    27 DE AGO.

    Healing Through Journaling: Grief & Joy After Addiction Loss with Shawn Dinneen

    If you’ve ever wondered how to keep living, and even loving, after losing someone you can’t imagine life without, this episode is for you.  I sit down with Shawn Dinneen, creator of HeartStrings Journals, to hear her deeply personal story of grief, resilience, and rediscovering life and new love after the devastating loss of her fiancé to an overdose in 2022. ***Video version available here*** Shawn shares how journaling became a lifeline during her healing journey, inspiring her business and mission to support others navigating loss. We explore the messy middle of grief, how community, self-reflection, and courage help us carry sorrow while making room for hope and love again. This is an honest, tender conversation about loss, resilience, and the ways grief and joy can coexist. Key Takeaways: Healing after loss is personal, nonlinear, and requires compassion toward yourself.Journaling and reflection can provide a powerful outlet for processing grief.Stigma around addiction obscures the humanity of those affected.Systemic barriers make seeking help for addiction challenging.Unresolved pain and trauma frequently underlie addiction.Community and shared experiences help break the isolation of loss.Opening your heart to love again is possible, even after profound heartbreak.Grief and joy can coexist, and healing doesn’t mean forgetting.Guest: Shawn Dinneen heartstringsjournals.comSubmit your story to Paths of PurposeShop HeartStrings Journals@heart_stringsjournalsHosted by: Nina Rodriguez Creator of Grief and Light, Grief Guidegriefandlight.com@griefandlightResting Grief Face on SubstackSubscribe for more conversations that explore grief, healing, and what it means to be human. Support the show Thank you for listening! Please share with someone who may need to hear this. Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

    45min
  4. Kids' Grief & Healing: Michelle Cove on Grief-Smart Culture, Intuition and Community

    19 DE AGO.

    Kids' Grief & Healing: Michelle Cove on Grief-Smart Culture, Intuition and Community

    How can we better support grieving kids and teens?  In this episode of the Grief and Light podcast, Nina Rodriguez sits down with Michelle Cove, award-winning media maker, communications manager of Experience Camps and Grief Sucks,  in charge of making content across multiple platforms to build a more grief-smart culture. Together, they explore how teens navigate loss, the misconceptions surrounding teen grief, and the importance of creating safe spaces where young people can both process pain and simply be kids. ***Click here to watch on YouTube*** Michelle shares powerful insights from her work at Experience Camps, where children connect, play, and heal, emphasizing that grieving teens often seek companionship over solitude. They also discuss the dual process model of grief, the role of intuition in both grief and life decisions, and how storytelling through digital platforms, pop culture, and personal experience can foster understanding and community.  This episode is a reminder that grief doesn’t have to be faced alone and that creating space for honest conversation is one of the most healing acts we can offer. Key Takeaways: Grief is universal, yet we often struggle to talk about it openly.Experience Camps provide a safe, supportive space for grieving children to connect and heal.Building a grief-smart culture involves learning how to communicate about loss effectively.The dual model of grief allows fluid movement between processing intense emotions and returning to daily life.Pop culture can be a powerful tool for starting conversations about grief with teens.Teens often seek companionship over solitude when navigating loss.Validating a grieving person’s feelings without trying to "fix" them is essential.Grief can manifest differently across various life milestones.Intuition plays a crucial role in guiding grief and life decisions.Sharing stories of grief fosters connection, understanding, and community.Guest: Michelle Cove Grief Sucks!Experience CampsFreeway Ridemichellecove.comHosted by: Nina Rodriguez Creator of Grief and Light, Grief Guidegriefandlight.com@griefandlightResting Grief Face on SubstackSubscribe for more conversations that explore grief, healing, and what it means to be human. Support the show Thank you for listening! Please share with someone who may need to hear this. Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

    48min
  5. Filmmaker Michael Flores: Grief and Healing in 'Dogs on the Sendero'

    12 DE AGO.

    Filmmaker Michael Flores: Grief and Healing in 'Dogs on the Sendero'

    Whether you’re a griever, creative, or lover of independent film (and puppies!), this conversation is a moving exploration of how film can help us navigate trauma, honor legacy, and find our way back to light. In this powerful episode of the Grief and Light podcast, acclaimed filmmaker and educator Michael Flores shares the deeply personal journey behind his award-winning feature film, Dogs on the Sendero. The film follows Sol, a grieving teacher who embarks on a transformative road trip with his dog, Rosie, after the devastating loss of his wife. Through their journey, the story explores grief, cultural identity, healing, and the quiet power of companionship. ***Click here to watch on YouTube*** Michael opens up about the emotional and creative process of making a film inspired by real-life experiences with gun violence in schools, the delicate balance of weaving humor and hope into stories of loss, and the role that pets, art, and cultural roots play in the healing process. He also discusses the challenges and serendipity of independent filmmaking during the pandemic, the importance of building a small but dedicated team, and how storytelling can foster empathy and human connection. Free Grief Support Resources: Grief Tending ToolkitAccess our online communityKey Takeaways: Storytelling can help us navigate grief and find healing.Gun violence in schools leaves long-lasting emotional ripples.Independent filmmaking requires trust, resilience, and creativity.Cultural identity can anchor and guide healing journeys.Grief is universal and can be processed and expressed through art.Pets can provide comfort, grounding, and purpose in the aftermath of loss.Humor and grief can coexist, offering balance in emotional storytelling.The creative process is often shaped by personal experiences and cultural identity.Signs and serendipity often guide creative journeys and personal healing.Empathy and emotional connection are at the heart of impactful storytelling.Guest: Michael Flores senderomovie.comIMDB@dogs_on_the_senderoHosted by: Nina Rodriguez Creator of Grief and Light, Grief Guidegriefandlight.com@griefandlightResting Grief Face on SubstackSubscribe for more conversations that explore grief, healing, and what it means to be human. Support the show Thank you for listening! Please share with someone who may need to hear this. Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

    1h1min
  6. Healing the Father Wound and Sacred Lessons with Mike de la Rocha

    5 DE AGO.

    Healing the Father Wound and Sacred Lessons with Mike de la Rocha

    In this powerful episode, strategist, musician, and author Mike de la Rocha opens up about healing generational trauma, redefining masculinity, and reconnecting with his father through emotional truth-telling. ***Click here to watch on YouTube*** Drawing from his debut book Sacred Lessons: Teaching My Father How to Love, Mike explores how grief, silence, and inherited definitions of manhood shaped his early life—and how choosing vulnerability, mentorship, and collective healing became transformative. This intimate conversation unpacks the emotional cost of disconnection, the ancestral wisdom that guides us, and why healing the masculine lineage is essential for future generations. From the power of Ubuntu to the ongoing presence of loved ones beyond the veil, Mike reminds us that true healing is never solitary—it’s sacred, relational, and deeply human. Whether you're navigating your own father wound, unpacking what it means to be a man in today’s world, or seeking connection with those you've lost, this episode offers insight, hope, and a path toward repair. Grief Support Resources for the Road: Grief Tending ToolkitAccess our online communityKey Takeaways: Healing yourself can create ripple effects across your family, including your father.Sacred Lessons is both personal memoir and a collective call to interrupt cycles of silence and disconnection.True healing is communal—it requires community, mentors, and intergenerational support.Redefining masculinity starts with emotional honesty, not suppression.Nature, ancestral practices, and rituals can anchor us during times of grief and transformation.The philosophy of Ubuntu ("I am because we are") underscores our collective healing journey.We remain connected to those we’ve lost through continued bonds and spiritual presence.Societal norms around manhood are shifting—and there is real hope in that change.Listening with openness is the first step toward breaking inherited patterns.Healing the masculine is healing the world.Guest: Mike de la Rocha sacredlessons.comGet the bookInstagram: @mrmikedelarochaPhoto Credit: Wade BrandsHosted by: Nina Rodriguez Creator of Grief and Light, Grief GuideLearn more: griefandlight.comInstagram: @griefandlightSubscribe for more conversations that explore grief, healing, and what it means to be human. Support the show Thank you for listening! Please share with someone who may need to hear this. Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

    47min
  7. The Gift of Life: Organ Donation, Food Allergy Awareness, Child Loss & Legacy with Maryam De Groef

    22 DE JUL.

    The Gift of Life: Organ Donation, Food Allergy Awareness, Child Loss & Legacy with Maryam De Groef

    Maryam De Groef on child and sibling loss, organ donation, food allergy awareness, faith, and the many ways her daughter, Zeynah, lives on. In this heartfelt and powerful episode of the Grief and Light podcast, host Nina Rodriguez speaks with grief educator, somatic practitioner, and mother Maryam De Groef about the unimaginable: the sudden loss of her 9-year-old daughter, Zeynah, to an anaphylactic reaction caused by a severe food allergy in 2023. *** Watch on YouTube *** Maryam shares the deeply personal journey of navigating profound grief, witnessing her surviving child process sibling loss, and the life-affirming decision her family made opting for organ donation—a decision that has saved and transformed the lives of others, with ripple effects that may span generations. Together, they explore the urgent need for greater awareness around food allergies and anaphylaxis, especially in children, as well as the power of cultural sensitivity in medical care, and the often-overlooked grief of siblings left behind.  Maryam also speaks to the role of faith, nervous system healing, and her work guiding others through trauma with somatic tools like breathwork, reiki, grounding, and emotional regulation practices. This conversation is a tender and inspiring reminder that legacy isn’t just what we leave behind, it’s also what we give forward. Key Takeaways: Food allergies can be fatal—awareness, preparedness, and education save lives.Grief affects the whole family, including siblings, who often go unseen in their pain.Organ donation is an act of profound love, capable of impacting dozens of lives now and in the future.Cultural and spiritual sensitivity in how loss is communicated matters deeply in trauma-informed care.Embodied healing practices like breathwork, grounding, and nervous system regulation, can offer relief and resilience through overwhelming grief.Legacy can ripple for generations, transforming pain into purpose and continued life.Grief Support Resources for the Road: Grief Tending ToolkitAccess our online communityMentioned in this episode: Trillium Gift of Life NetworkRed Sneakers for OakleyNatasha Allergy Research FoundationGuest: Maryam de Groef Instagram: @maryamdegroefPersonal websiteHosted by: Nina Rodriguez Creator of Grief and Light, Grief GuideLearn more: griefandlight.comInstagram: @griefandlightSubscribe for more conversations that explore grief, healing, and what it means to be human. Support the show Thank you for listening! Please share with someone who may need to hear this. Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

    1h10min
  8. Why Everyone Over 18 Needs a Will: End-of-Life Planning with Death Doula Marni Blank

    15 DE JUL.

    Why Everyone Over 18 Needs a Will: End-of-Life Planning with Death Doula Marni Blank

    What if preparing for death could actually help you live more fully? In this powerful episode, Nina Rodriguez speaks with Marni Blank, certified end-of-life doula and founder of Begin With The End, about why planning for death is one of the most compassionate acts we can offer, both to ourselves and those we love. ***Click here to watch on YouTube*** This conversation weaves together the legal logistics of wills, advance directives, and digital assets with the emotional and spiritual tools needed to live with more intention and prepare with less fear. Marni also shares her deeply personal journey into this work, sparked by her mother’s car accident, a moment that exposed the overwhelming reality of end-of-life care when you're unprepared. *** Plan Well Organizer: Download Here *** Whether you're grieving, caregiving, or simply ready to get your affairs in order, this episode offers clarity, comfort, and a gentle push toward meaningful, compassionate action. Topics We Explore: How to start honest, heart-centered conversations about deathWhy everyone over 18 needs a will and advance directiveHow to protect and pass on your digital legacyThe biggest myths about grief, and what it actually looks likeWhat a death doula does and how they support familiesHow to shape a legacy rooted in values, not just valuablesWhy compassion and curiosity are essential in grief supportHow emotional presence and practical planning can coexistKey Takeaways: Preparing for death is a profound act of loveGrief is nonlinear and deeply individualLegal and digital planning is essential at any ageLegacy lives on through stories, values, and human connectionYou don’t have to navigate end-of-life or grief aloneTalking about death early can ease suffering laterIt’s possible to be both prepared and present during lossWhether you’re facing loss, supporting someone in grief, or simply want to live with more intention, this episode will give you language, tools, and hope. Grief Support Resources for the Road: Grief Tending ToolkitAccess our online communityGuest: Marni Blank, Esq  Founder, Begin With The End beginwiththeend.co Instagram: @beginwith_theendHosted by: Nina Rodriguez Creator of Grief and Light, Grief GuideLearn more: griefandlight.comInstagram: @griefandlightTake action today: ✅ Create or update your will ✅ Have a conversation about end-of-life wishes with someone you love ✅ Organize one part of your digital life ✅ Share this episode with someone who needs it Subscribe for more conversations that explore grief, healing, and what it means to be human. Support the show Thank you for listening! Please share with someone who may need to hear this. Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

    47min
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Sobre

This space was created for you by someone who gets it – your grief, your foundation-shattering reality, and the question of what the heck do we do with the shattered pieces of life and loss around us.It’s also for the listener who wants to better understand their grieving person, and perhaps wants to learn how to help.Now in its fourth season, the Grief and Light podcast features both solo episodes and interviews with first-hand experiencers, authors, and professionals, who shine a light on the spectrum of experiences, feelings, secondary losses, and takeaways.As a bereaved sister, I share my personal story of the sudden loss of my younger brother, only sibling, one day after we celebrated his 32nd birthday. I also delve into how that loss, trauma, and grief catapulted me into a truth-seeking journey, which ultimately led me to answer "the calling" of creating this space I now call Grief and Light.Since launching the first episode on March 30, 2023, the Grief and Light podcast and social platforms have evolved into a powerful resource for grief-informed support, including one-on-one grief guidance, monthly grief circles, community, and much more.With each episode, you can expect open and authentic conversations sharing our truth, and explorations of how to transmute the grief experience into meaning, and even joy.My hope is to make you feel less alone, and to be a beacon of light and source of information for anyone embarking on this journey."We're all just walking each other HOME." - Ram DassThank you for being here.We're in this together.Nina, Yosef's Sister--For more information, visit: griefandlight.com

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