Tendrils of Grief

Susan Ways

Grievers and grief professionals share their personal stories and describe what was helpful for them or their clients in working through grief. This podcast will outline steps to have hope and build meaning into your life.

  1. What To Do When Grief Causes an Existential Crisis

    1D AGO

    What To Do When Grief Causes an Existential Crisis

    In this episode, we sit down with Andrea, an author, poet, artist, book illustrator, and yoga practitioner who writes under the pen name Cheydrea. Andrea's journey is one of brave authenticity, deep healing, and passionate storytelling. From her 15+ year journey of religious deconstruction to healing her inner child and navigating family estrangement, Andrea candidly shares her experiences and lessons learned along the way. Andrea's passions extend to fostering healthy and sustainable relationships, including a 28+ year marriage shaped by religious and childhood trauma, as well as meaningful friendships with women. She also opens up about her writing and publishing process, her indie-author journey, and her latest book, A Poet's Playground. Join us as Andrea dives into the stories, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped her life. Together, we explore topics like the power of vulnerability, her personal growth in health and healing, and how she uses art and words to inspire and empower women. Episode Highlights Andrea Cheydrea Religious deconstruction journey Healing from childhood trauma Inner-child healing stories Family estrangement recovery Healthy and sustainable relationships Marriage and religious trauma Writing and publishing process Indie author journey A Poet's Playground by Andrea Women's empowerment through writing Bravely sharing personal stories Mindful healing through yoga and art Emotional healing and storytelling Building meaningful female friendships The Power of Vulnerability in Healing Relationships Religious Deconstruction: Reclaiming Identity Beyond Faith How Inner-Child Healing Transforms Adult Relationships Finding Strength Through Family Estrangement Art as a Healing Tool: A Poet's Journey Marriage Beyond Trauma: 28+ Years of Growth and Healing Navigating the Indie Author World: A Journey to A Poet's Playground Embracing Authenticity: A Path to Personal Evolution Yoga, Art, and Writing: Tools for Emotional Healing Supporting Women in Their Healing and Writing Journeys Balancing Vulnerability and Strength in Modern Relationships How Stories of Transformation Inspire Global Conversations Creating Healthy Friendships Among Women The Role of Poetry in Emotional and Spiritual Healing How Sharing Personal Stories Empowers Others to Heal   Learn more about Andrea  Visit her website www.cheydrea.com Did you enjoy today's episode?   Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  susan@tendrilsofgrief.com   Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community   Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss   To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In   Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com   Let me hear your thoughts!

    37 min
  2. My Husband Survived a Fiery Plane Crash – Belief in Possibilities

    NOV 3

    My Husband Survived a Fiery Plane Crash – Belief in Possibilities

    In this deeply moving episode of Tendrils of Grief, host Susan Waze speaks with Jenny Brandemuehl, author of Forever Fly Free: A Memoir of Love, Trauma, and Resilience. Jenny opens her heart to share the incredible true story of how her husband survived — and ultimately succumbed to — a fiery plane crash that forever changed her life. A former Silicon Valley executive turned author and mental health advocate, Jenny reflects on the power of love, intuition, and healing after unimaginable loss. She shares how she transformed her grief into gratitude, found meaning through synchronicities, and rediscovered joy with her new partner — all while honoring her late husband's legacy. In this episode, you'll learn: How to navigate trauma and grief through love and inner strength The role of intuition and synchronicity in healing Why vulnerability and community are vital for recovery How Jenny turned her pain into purpose through writing and advocacy Jenny's story is a testament to resilience, reminding us that hope isn't about expectation — it's a belief in possibilities.Learn more about Jenny's memoir, Forever Fly Free, and how proceeds support the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. Episode Highlights grief recovery podcast healing after loss trauma healing stories widowhood and resilience intuitive healing grief and love emotional healing journey mental health awareness inspirational women authors overcoming tragedy Know Jenny Brandemuehl Website: https://www.foreverflyfree.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/jemuehle Substack: https://jennybrandemuehl.substack.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-brandemuehl-49b409/ Did you enjoy today's episode? Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being. Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In  Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!

    39 min
  3. Can Grief Make A Child Gay – The Ties Between Loss and Truth

    OCT 28

    Can Grief Make A Child Gay – The Ties Between Loss and Truth

    We welcome Heather Hester — LGBTQ+ advocate, coach, author of Parenting with Pride, and host of More Human. More Kind. Together, they explore the intersection of grief, identity, parenting, and unconditional love, offering hope and understanding for families navigating similar journeys. In this episode I open up about my own experience supporting my child, Max, who came out as transgender after the loss of their father. Dive in as Heather offers compassionate insights into how grief and identity transformation often intertwine, what parents can do to support their LGBTQ+ children, and how to move from fear to fierce, informed love with clarity and courage. Listeners will gain heartfelt lessons on: The connection between grief and self-discovery How parents can embrace change with empathy and openness Creating safe spaces for authentic expression and healing Letting go of expectations and finding peace in the unknown This episode is a must-listen for parents, allies, and anyone seeking to better understand the evolving landscape of identity, grief, and love. Heather and Susan remind us that kindness and belonging aren't just emotions — they're practices that can transform pain into connection and compassion. Episode Highlights grief and identity parenting LGBTQ+ children grief and gender identity trans youth support parenting through grief Heather Hester podcast More Human More Kind Parenting with Pride book grief podcast 2025 LGBTQ+ parenting emotional healing after loss supporting transgender child grief and transformation self-compassion and acceptance Know Heather Hester LinkedIn Heather Hester  Website Did you enjoy today's episode? Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being. Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In  Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com  Let me hear your thoughts!

    36 min
  4. Losing a Son I wasn't Speaking to – Complicated grief

    OCT 20

    Losing a Son I wasn't Speaking to – Complicated grief

    We sit down with Misty Reshun — writer, speaker, and founder of Regal Crown Publishing — to explore how grief can become a powerful catalyst for healing, faith, and purpose. After the devastating loss of her son, Misty turned her pain into purpose through her book Sunflowers and Silence: Reflections from the Valley, a memoir and guided journal that offers comfort, reflection, and renewal for anyone walking through loss. Misty shares her journey of transforming heartbreak into hope and how she creates safe spaces for others to feel seen and supported. Through her words, she reminds us that grief and faith can coexist — and that restoration is possible even in silence. Listeners will be inspired by Misty's message of resilience, her reflections on writing through pain, and her mission to uplift parents, women, and faith-seekers through her community projects — Regal Sisterhood Book Club and Regal Xscapes Travel. This episode is a reminder that even in the darkest valleys, the soul can bloom again.   Episode Highlights  grief healing podcast Christian grief stories writing through grief faith after loss grief journal prompts memoirs about loss spiritual healing podcast women of faith authors grief recovery journey loss and restoration parenting after loss faith-based resilience More About Misty Reshun Website: mistyreshun.com Did you enjoy today's episode? Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being. Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  susan@tendrilsofgrief.com  Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.  Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community  Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss  To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways  Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!

    35 min
  5. Using Meditation, Gratitude and Healing Primal Wounds to alleviate Grief

    OCT 14

    Using Meditation, Gratitude and Healing Primal Wounds to alleviate Grief

    In this inspiring episode of The Tendrils of Grief Podcast, Edit B Kiss — a holistic mentor, success habit coach, #1 best-selling author, Humanitarian Award winner, and international speaker — to explore how true healing begins from within. After a successful 15-year career in petroleum engineering, Edit took a leap of faith and transitioned into the world of holistic healing and mind-body transformation. Today, she helps people move from emotional pain and burnout to peace, clarity, and empowerment in just 30 days by blending ancient energy healing practices with modern neuroscience and habit transformation techniques. In this episode, Edit shares her powerful insights on: The science behind rewiring the brain for peace and success How energy healing and neuroscience work together to dissolve emotional blocks Why self-awareness and consistency are key to breaking negative patterns Her personal story of transformation from corporate success to soul-centered living Actionable tools to start your own healing and mindset reset journey If you're ready to embrace your full potential, let go of limiting beliefs, and find balance in every area of your life, this conversation is a must-listen. Episode Highlights holistic healing neuroscience of transformation emotional healing mind-body connection stress relief and burnout recovery personal growth podcast emotional wellness coach 30-day transformation self-healing, mental health and mindfulness energy healing methods spiritual awakening podcast Know Edit B Kiss  Website - editbkiss.com Instagram - editbkiss LikedIn - linkedin.com/in/editbkiss Facebook- bkissedit YouTube - @MagicalKarmaPriestess The Gap Filler Success https://a.co/d/bkJWUTL Special Promotion for anyone who will buy the book and leaves a review on Amazon before 23rd of October will receive a free Source memory healing session. Skool community https://www.skool.com/release-with-ease Did you enjoy today's episode?   Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being.   Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  susan@tendrilsofgrief.com   Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community   Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss   To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In  Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com  Let me hear your thoughts!

    31 min
  6. Finding Joy Through Sorrow

    OCT 6

    Finding Joy Through Sorrow

    We sit down with Dr. Jerry Woodbridge — a Christian author, grief advocate, and lifelong educator whose mission is to bring comfort, understanding, and faith-based healing to grieving children and their caregivers. With over 40 years of experience in education and a deeply personal connection to grief after losing her husband in 2004, Dr. Woodbridge has turned her sorrow into purpose. Through her writing and teaching, she empowers families to navigate loss with compassion and faith. Her acclaimed books — Joy Overcame Sorrow (a children's guide to grief), Joy's Journal (a companion for healing through writing), and Trading My Sorrows for the Joy of the Lord (a reflective look at widowhood and faith) — serve as invaluable tools for both children and adults learning to process emotions and find peace. Now an assistant professor at Liberty University, Dr. Woodbridge continues to inspire others with her message that, while grief is universal, joy can still be reclaimed through faith, storytelling, and love. In this episode, Dr. Woodbridge shares: 💛 How faith and community can bring light to life's darkest moments 📖 The importance of storytelling and journaling in children's emotional healing 👩‍👧 How parents, teachers, and caregivers can support grieving children 🙏 Her personal journey through widowhood and the strength found in God's promises Join us for a conversation filled with wisdom, empathy, and faith — a reminder that even in sorrow, joy is always within reach. Episode Highlights Dr. Jerry Woodbridge podcast interview Christian grief healing 2025 Helping children cope with grief Faith-based healing after loss Widowhood and faith journey Grief resources for kids and families Journaling for grieving children Christian author grief books Teaching kids about loss and hope Liberty University Christian educators Turning grief into joy podcast Emotional healing through storytelling Finding joy after sorrow Know Dr. Jerry Woodbridge YouTube - Jertt L. Woodbridge1749 Instagram - jerrywoodbridge7 Facebook - Jerry Woodbridge.7 LinkedIn -  Dr. Jerry Woodbridge Amazon - Jerry Woodbridge Blog - JerryLWoodbridge.blog Website - drjerrylwoodbridge.com Did you enjoy today's episode?   Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being.   Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  susan@tendrilsofgrief.com   Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community   Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss   To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In  Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com  Let me hear your thoughts!

    35 min
  7. How To Connect With Loved Ones on the Other Side

    SEP 29

    How To Connect With Loved Ones on the Other Side

    We welcome Jill Amy Sager—an award-winning author, public speaker, intuitive Tarot reader, and spiritual channel whose story is as inspiring as it is transformative. Jill's journey began in the late 1970s when she first studied Tarot, never imagining that it would lead her to channel wisdom from the Universe—what she lovingly calls "Guidance." Over time, her gift as a spiritual medium grew, and today she serves an international clientele, offering clarity, healing, and connection through the Tarot and intuitive messages. Born with a physical disability, Jill spent much of her childhood in hospitals, facing the stigma of being a disabled child in the 1960s. What once left her feeling unworthy ultimately became the foundation of her strength. She credits the wisdom of the Tarot and the love of Universal Guidance for transforming her self-image and helping her embrace a life of confidence and purpose. Her creative journey is just as remarkable. Once a percussionist, Jill became an author when her book Beginning Hand Drumming: A Guide to Recreation and Wellness was published by Carl Fischer Music. Since then, her work has been featured in outlets such as Women Writers, Women's Books, Story Circle, Awakened Magazine, The Register Guard, Silver Birch Press, Authority Magazine, and The Power of Each Breath: A Disabled Women's Anthology. In this episode, Jill shares:   How Tarot can be a tool for empowerment and spiritual guidance   Her experience of overcoming stigma and disability to embrace her worth   The evolution from musician to writer to intuitive healer   How "Guidance" continues to shape her life and inspire her global community Join us for an uplifting conversation about resilience, spirituality, and the transformative power of trusting Universal wisdom. Episode Highlights ill Amy Sager podcast Tarot reading for guidance 2025 Spiritual medium and channeling wisdom Disability and empowerment stories Intuitive healing and Tarot Overcoming stigma and finding purpose Tarot for self-confidence and healing Women authors in spirituality 2025 Spiritual guidance podcast episodes Resilience and transformation stories Know  Jill Amy Sager https://jillamysager.com/   Did you enjoy today's episode?   Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being.   Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  susan@tendrilsofgrief.com   Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community   Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss   To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In  Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com  Let me hear your thoughts!

    34 min
  8. The Final Letter – A Father's Journey With Teen Suicide

    SEP 22

    The Final Letter – A Father's Journey With Teen Suicide

    In this episode, we sit down with Elliot Kallen, President of A Brighter Day, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing teen suicide and supporting families struggling with teen depression, stress, and mental health challenges. Founded in 2015 after the heartbreaking loss of his 19-year-old son Jake to suicide, Elliot transformed personal tragedy into a mission of hope. Through A Brighter Day, Elliot and his team provide free mental health toolkits, crisis resources, charity events, and community outreach—reaching thousands of teens and parents each month. His work shines a light on the silent battles young people face and equips families with practical tools to build resilience, self-confidence, and emotional well-being. In our conversation, Elliot shares: His journey from grief to purpose-driven nonprofit leadership Why teen suicide prevention must be a national priority in 2025 and beyond Warning signs of stress, depression, and suicidal thoughts that parents need to recognize Actionable strategies for supporting teens' mental health at home and in schools The roadmap to building a sustainable nonprofit that drives real impact Elliot's story is one of resilience, love, and a relentless commitment to creating brighter futures for the next generation. If you're a parent, educator, mental health advocate, or nonprofit leader, this episode offers essential insights, hope, and resources to help teens not just survive, but thrive.   Episode Highlights teen suicide prevention teen mental health resources nonprofit leadership strategies managing teen stress and depression suicide awareness for parents teen resilience and confidence mental health nonprofits preventing youth suicide   Know Elliot Kallen   Award-winning contrarian investor with 30+ years of experience.  Founder and President of Prosperity Financial Group, with $300M+ in assets under management.  #1 Amazon bestselling author in the business section with DRIVEN: How to Elevate Your Success as an Entrepreneur. Hosts a global podcast Meet the Expert with Elliot Kallen, which ranks in the top 2% of financial podcasts.   To get a sense of Elliot, here's a podcast appearance he made on The Trauma Therapist, talking about helping teens deal with mental health issues while respecting their privacy.    Socials: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram   Did you enjoy today's episode?   Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being.   Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email  susan@tendrilsofgrief.com   Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief  website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching.   Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community   Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss   To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In  Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com  Let me hear your thoughts!

    38 min
4.7
out of 5
68 Ratings

About

Grievers and grief professionals share their personal stories and describe what was helpful for them or their clients in working through grief. This podcast will outline steps to have hope and build meaning into your life.

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