The Creative Grief Journey

Dawn Renee Bova
  • 5.0 (21)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the Creative Grief Journey Podcast.Each soul-led podcast offers tools and stories to help you navigating loss through creativity, community, and sacred practice.  Hosted by intuitive artist and grief recovery expert Dawn Renee Bova, this podcast explores how creativity, nature, and rituals can gently transform your darkest moments into light.  Together, we explore love, life, and loss—with courage, color, and compassion.

  1. 1D AGO

    Can't Sleep After Loss, You're Not Alone

    The speaker, a nurse practitioner who has experienced multiple traumatic losses, discusses how grief commonly disrupts sleep through rumination, intrusive thoughts, stress and hormone changes, noting research that up to 91% of people with complicated grief have sleep problems and that untreated insomnia can worsen depression, anxiety and PTSD. They recommend cognitive behavioral therapy and share practical sleep-hygiene strategies: consistent bedtimes, reducing screen time and moving phones away, keeping the room cool, creating a wind-down ritual, using calming music or guided meditation, breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, limiting caffeine after noon and avoiding alcohol. They also mention options like occasional melatonin, potassium, essential oils, herbal teas, journaling (including dream journaling), mantras, and possibly weighted blankets, emphasizing persistence, seeking therapy or short-term medical help if needed, and finding support through community and lifelines. 00:00 Grief And Sleepless Nights 01:48 Why Grief Disrupts Sleep 03:49 Help Options And Therapy 05:06 Bedtime Routine Basics 07:11 Music Breathing Meditation 09:24 Caffeine Alcohol And Relaxation 10:57 Natural Sleep Supports 13:52 Journaling And Support 17:04 Mantras And Final Encouragement 🔆 Transform you grief, Start a 30 days journal habit! Grab your 30 day journal prompts HERE Dawn's Info: Facebook: Dawn Renee Bova IG:  https://www.instagram.com/dawnreneebova/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/HeARTworkbyDawn Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-renee-bova-304049239 Email: dawn@dawnbovaart.com 🌀 Join the Creative Grief Journey Group for Emotional Empowerment...and support on Skool 🌟HERE 🌟 ✅ Join my email list and don't miss a thing! HERE

    18 min

  2. APR 22

    Grief Hacks to Cope When You Feel Stuck

    The speaker shares a recent experience of feeling immobilized by grief despite trying coping strategies, emphasizing that “vegging out” isn’t failure and that grief isn’t something to fix but to manage through normal ups and downs. They introduce practical five-minute “grief hacks” that can be used anytime and explain why they work: breath-work (including longer exhales and box breathing) to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and vagus nerve; writing it out (handwriting preferred) to engage the brain, reduce amygdala reactivity, and declutter thoughts; body movement/dancing to release stored emotions and regulate the nervous system; Healing Touch with hand-over-heart and supportive mantras to self-soothe and release oxytocin; stepping outside/grounding in nature to reduce cortisol and reconnect; and creativity (drawing, doodling, coloring, bilateral stimulation) to lower stress and activate reward and flow states. They also suggest gratitude or spiritual rituals, building a morning routine, and joining their free Skool community with journal prompts. 00:00 Feeling Stuck in Grief 01:21 Unhelpful Coping Habits 02:50 Five Minute Reset Plan 04:42 Breathwork for Calm 07:24 Journal It Out 12:38 Move Your Body 14:47 Healing Touch Self Soothe 16:56 Step Outside and Ground 19:06 Creativity as Medicine 21:41 Gratitude and Wrap Up 🔆 Transform you grief, Start a 30 days journal habit! Grab your 30 day journal prompts HERE Dawn's Info: Facebook: Dawn Renee Bova IG:  https://www.instagram.com/dawnreneebova/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/HeARTworkbyDawn Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-renee-bova-304049239 Email: dawn@dawnbovaart.com 🌀 Join the Creative Grief Journey Group for Emotional Empowerment...and support on Skool 🌟HERE 🌟 ✅ Join my email list and don't miss a thing! HERE

    24 min

  3. APR 15

    Turning Loss into Levity: Ebrace the Creative Grief Journey

    The host returns after a pause and explains stepping away due to feeling overwhelmed and taking a stressful full-time, on-call job that they later resigned from.  After leaving, new aligned opportunities emerged, including joining a retreat in November in Belize and collaborating with Younique Wellness in Bellevue, Ohio on potential art classes and a day-long retreat, alongside deeper self-healing through a creatives group with Garrin Ase, revisiting The Artist’s Way, daily exercise, and making hearts for The Great Mother March.  Drawing from major losses—her father and her son Bradley—she emphasizes grief as non-linear, advocates creativity, conversation, and simple daily “grief lessons,” encourages asking others for notes and memories, and previews a seven-week grief recovery program plus a free 30-day journaling email prompt.  00:00 Welcome Back Update 00:54 Why I Paused 01:09 Quitting the Job 02:06 New Retreat Opportunities 02:32 Wellness Center Collabs 03:43 Investing in Healing 04:38 Free Journaling Challenge 05:21 Art Hearts Practice 06:29 Discipline and Guidance 07:13 My Losses and Why 08:59 Podcast Is Back 10:04 Grief Lessons and Community 11:13 Brad's Memory Book 11:50 Ask for Support 14:54 Season Preview 15:57 Meta Glasses Tech 16:40 Final Thanks 🔆 Transform you grief, Start a 30 days journal habit! Grab your 30 day journal prompts HERE Dawn's Info: Facebook: Dawn Renee Bova IG:  https://www.instagram.com/dawnreneebova/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/HeARTworkbyDawn Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-renee-bova-304049239 Email: dawn@dawnbovaart.com 🌀 Join the Creative Grief Journey Group for Emotional Empowerment...and support on Skool 🌟HERE 🌟 ✅ Join my email list and don't miss a thing! HERE

    16 min

  4. 12/10/2025

    How to Turn Setbacks into Comebacks

    Welcome to the Creative Grief Journey podcast, hosted by Dawn Renee Bove. In this episode, Dawn sits down with John Kippen, an entrepreneur, magician, coach, and author who shares his powerful story of overcoming adversity. Diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2002, the surgery left him with facial paralysis and led him into a 12-year period of hiding. Rediscovering his passion for magic, John's facial difference became his superpower, transforming his life and inspiring others. Alongside discussing the importance of becoming one's own advocate in the medical system, John emphasizes how creativity and authentic storytelling can facilitate healing and connection. Featuring insights into his successful documentary co-starring Jamie Lee Curtis and his philosophy on empowerment, this episode is a testament to the transformative power of creativity and resilience. 00:00 Welcome to the Creative Grief Journey 00:35 The Power of Creativity and Community 03:17 Introducing John Kippen: A Story of Resilience 04:34 John's Journey: From Diagnosis to Rediscovery 10:36 The Turning Point: Embracing Magic and Storytelling 14:03 Empowering Others Through Magic 20:09 The Award-Winning Documentary 22:53 John's Mission: Empowerment Coaching 25:40 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Check out John Kippen: johnkippen.com Coaching available at:  kippencoaching.com 🔆 Transform you grief, Start a 30 days journal habit! Grab your 30 day journal prompts HERE Dawn's Info: Facebook: Dawn Renee Bova IG:  https://www.instagram.com/dawnreneebova/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/HeARTworkbyDawn Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-renee-bova-304049239 Email: dawn@dawnbovaart.com 🌀 Join the Creative Grief Journey Group for Emotional Empowerment...and support on Skool 🌟HERE 🌟 ✅ Join my email list and don't miss a thing! HERE

    30 min

  5. 12/04/2025

    From Recovery to Success: Michael Fabian's Inspiring Journey

    In this heartwarming and motivating episode, we sit down with Michael Fabian, owner of Fabian Digital Media, to discuss his incredible journey from addiction recovery to becoming a successful sports media professional. Michael shares his experiences from his time in rehab, his deep connection with the late Bradley Bova, and how his love for sports fueled his dreams. We dive into the key moments that shaped his career, his philosophy on chasing dreams, and his dedication to giving back to the community.  Join us as Michael reveals how he turned his darkest times into a bright future, offering hope and inspiration to anyone facing similar struggles. 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 00:29 Memories of Brad and Ohio Sports 01:22 Gratitude and Reflections on Brad's Impact 02:58 Michael's Journey: From Recovery to Pursuing Dreams 06:01 Challenges and Sacrifices in the Path to Success 07:22 The Three Pillars of Success: Mindset, Action, and Service 08:52 Giving Back: Mentoring High School Athletes 10:47 The Importance of Authenticity and Karma 14:46 Overcoming Darkness and Building Resilience 18:44 Exciting Future Plans and Closing Remarks 🔆 Transform you grief, Start a 30 days journal habit! Grab your 30 day journal prompts HERE Dawn's Info: Facebook: Dawn Renee Bova IG:  https://www.instagram.com/dawnreneebova/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/HeARTworkbyDawn Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-renee-bova-304049239 Email: dawn@dawnbovaart.com 🌀 Join the Creative Grief Journey Group for Emotional Empowerment...and support on Skool 🌟HERE 🌟 ✅ Join my email list and don't miss a thing! HERE

    21 min

  6. 11/26/2025

    Trauma to Triumph: Emotional Healing Insights from Dr. Linda Waters

    In this episode of Creative Grief Journey, host Dawn Renee Bova and guest Dr. Linda Waters, an expert in psychology and trauma counseling, discuss the impact of societal division and trauma on mental health.  They explore how grief can be managed through creativity and mindfulness. Dr. Waters offers insights on coping with media saturation, the benefits of meditation, and the importance of healthy emotional regulation.  Techniques such as journaling, creative activities, and maintaining a curious, non-judgmental attitude towards differing views are highlighted as tools to support emotional healing and resilience. 00:00 Welcome to the Creative Grief Journey 01:23 Deep Dive into Division and Grief 02:08 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact 14:14 Coping Mechanisms and Emotional Regulation 21:42 The Power of Meditation 27:34 Final Thoughts and Contact Information To schedule an appt with Dr Waters, Please her office at 419-357-3452. 🔆 Transform you grief, Start a 30 days journal habit! Grab your 30 day journal prompts HERE Dawn's Info: Facebook: Dawn Renee Bova IG:  https://www.instagram.com/dawnreneebova/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/HeARTworkbyDawn Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-renee-bova-304049239 Email: dawn@dawnbovaart.com 🌀 Join the Creative Grief Journey Group for Emotional Empowerment...and support on Skool 🌟HERE 🌟 ✅ Join my email list and don't miss a thing! HERE

    29 min

  7. 11/19/2025

    Transformative Steps for Grief: Awareness, Decision, and Discipline

    In this episode of the newly named 'Creative Grief Journey' podcast, the host explores the lifelong journey of grief and how to navigate it creatively.  Dawn delves into the three essential steps: awareness of one's emotions and triggers, making a decisive choice to manage grief, and maintaining the discipline to engage in activities that foster personal growth and healing.  Dawn shares personal anecdotes and practical tips, including the importance of nurturing one's creative and physical well-being, and challenges listeners to take an 'artist date' and declutter their physical and emotional spaces.  This episode encourages embracing transformation, finding joy, and supporting oneself through the ongoing journey of grief. 00:00 Introduction to the Creative Grief Journey 00:43 Understanding Grief and Its Triggers 02:26 Making the Decision to Transform Grief 03:55 The Discipline of Healing Activities 05:57 Nurturing Your Creative Spirit 07:47 Achieving Flow State and Decluttering 11:46 The Power of Meditation and Gratitude 17:09 Embracing Support and Community 20:13 Conclusion and Weekly Challenge 🔆 Transform you grief, Start a 30 days journal habit! Grab your 30 day journal prompts HERE Dawn's Info: Facebook: Dawn Renee Bova IG:  https://www.instagram.com/dawnreneebova/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/HeARTworkbyDawn Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-renee-bova-304049239 Email: dawn@dawnbovaart.com 🌀 Join the Creative Grief Journey Group for Emotional Empowerment...and support on Skool 🌟HERE 🌟 ✅ Join my email list and don't miss a thing! HERE

    24 min

  8. 11/05/2025

    A Conversation with Psychic Medium Patrick Gorman

    In this final episode under the current podcast name, we discuss the transition to 'The Creative Grief Journey' while maintaining our focus on healing and creativity. Today's guest is Patrick Gorman, a psychic medium with a decades-long career. Patrick shares his personal story, including his battles with diabetes, cancer, and amputation, and how these challenges have influenced his mediumship skills and grief journey. Despite the immense physical and emotional struggles, Patrick's resilience is evident through his work. Join us as we explore the profound impact of grief, the power of community, and the transformative messages from beyond. Plus, find out about an upcoming special retreat in Sarasota. Don't miss this enlightening conversation! 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Rebranding 00:34 Special Retreat Announcement 01:15 Guest Introduction: Pat Gorman 01:53 Pat Gorman's Psychic Journey 07:56 Challenges and Personal Struggles 12:44 Grief and Healing Modalities 15:44 Psychic Abilities and Client Interactions 23:44 Conclusion and Contact Information 🔆 Transform you grief, Start a 30 days journal habit! Grab your 30 day journal prompts HERE Dawn's Info: Facebook: Dawn Renee Bova IG:  https://www.instagram.com/dawnreneebova/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/HeARTworkbyDawn Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-renee-bova-304049239 Email: dawn@dawnbovaart.com 🌀 Join the Creative Grief Journey Group for Emotional Empowerment...and support on Skool 🌟HERE 🌟 ✅ Join my email list and don't miss a thing! HERE

    29 min
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Trailer

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out of 5
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About

Welcome to the Creative Grief Journey Podcast.Each soul-led podcast offers tools and stories to help you navigating loss through creativity, community, and sacred practice.  Hosted by intuitive artist and grief recovery expert Dawn Renee Bova, this podcast explores how creativity, nature, and rituals can gently transform your darkest moments into light.  Together, we explore love, life, and loss—with courage, color, and compassion.

Information

  • Creator
    Dawn Renee Bova
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    106
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Creative Grief Journey
  • Show Website
    The Creative Grief Journey