In this episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with ER nurse Jennifer Johnson about the complexities of grief in the nursing profession. She explores the emotional toll of caring for patients and their families, the lack of education on grief in nursing, and the importance of vulnerability and support in processing these experiences. Jennifer shares her personal stories, coping mechanisms, and insights on how to navigate grief while maintaining professionalism in a high-stress environment. In this conversation, we explore the profound themes of community, grief, healing and the importance of having a support system during difficult times, the sacredness of grief, and the need to celebrate life and death. Jenn shares her insights on the role of intuition in nursing and the significance of rituals in honoring those who have passed.

Takeaways

• Grief is a significant part of nursing that is often overlooked.
• Nurses experience grief not just for patients but also for families.
• Vulnerability allows for healing and creates safe spaces for others.
• Education on grief and palliative care is crucial for nurses.
• Crying at work is a natural response and should be accepted.
• Personal experiences with grief can deeply affect a nurse's emotional state.
• Support systems are essential for nurses dealing with grief.
• The impact of pediatric cases can be particularly challenging for nurses.
• Reaching out for help is vital in managing grief and trauma.
• Normalizing conversations about death and grief can benefit the nursing community.
• Community is the number one indicator of resilience post-trauma.
• Grief is a sacred part of the human experience.
• Rituals can help honor and remember those who have passed.
• Talking about death can alleviate future trauma for families.
• Grief can feel isolating, but support is available.
• It's important to normalize conversations about death.
• Healing is a journey that often requires community involvement.

Jenn is waiting for her book, Nursing Intuition, to be published this fall. In the book, she will discuss the science behind using intuition and how she incorporates it into her patient care. Jenn has a wealth of information to share, and I cannot wait to read her book when it comes out. You can find Jenn at www.rforgrowth.com You can pre-order her book and find her nursing support materials here. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jennifer-A-Johnson-RN/author/B0D1NBF18K

If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.

https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here

https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

Shauna, XO

In this powerful conversation, I explore with Mamoko Uno the profound themes of grief, loss, and healing through integrative medicine. Mamoko shares her personal journey of losing her mother during the pandemic, the challenges of navigating grief, and the importance of holistic approaches to health. We discuss the impact of relationships on grief, the process of building resilience, and the significance of community support in healing. Mamoko also highlights her books that address trauma and the importance of sharing stories for healing.

Momoko is a doctor of integrative medicine, certified functional medicine practitioner, licensed acupuncturist, board certified herbalist and has a masters in spiritual psychology with an emphasis in consciousness, health and healing. She has published two books and is the owner and founder of Omni Wellness.

Takeaways

• Mamoko's journey reflects the complexities of grief and loss.
• Integrative medicine offers holistic approaches to health and healing.
• Grief often begins before a loved one passes away.
• The experience of losing a parent can evoke feelings of anxiety and insecurity.
• Resilience can be cultivated through challenging experiences.
• Sharing stories of trauma can foster healing and connection.
• Community support is crucial for those navigating grief and trauma.
• The process of grief is not linear and varies for each individual.
• Mamoko's books aim to address trauma and provide relatable narratives.
• Practical tips for overcoming trauma include breathing techniques and self-affirmation.

You can find all things Momoko here. Http://momokowrites.com

If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.

https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here

https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

This is my absolute favorite podcast episode yet. I have a very impactful, intentional coversation about losing our son Trucker and a father's perspective on grief with my handsome husband Joshua Dukes. We covered a whole range of topics including child loss, cultivating resiliency, and how the hard was different as a father watching our family navigate pediatric cancer while still working and holding down the household at home. We also touched on first responder trauma and how all of it is compounding and heavy. Then Joshua shares practical tools and encourages other men who might be walking in grief now. Trust me you won't want to miss this, and our hope is that it will help a lot of people.

Takeaways

• A fathers perspective and how the weight sits different on men than women.
• Trauma can be compounding and difficult to navigate in a culture that is ok with medicating.
• There are tools that are helpful while grieving and tools that are not helpful. Joshua shares both.
• Joshua encourages men to get involved with community and other men who have been through something similar, as we can not do it alone and were not meant to.

You can find Joshua on instagram @thejoshuadukes and follow along on his podcasting & cultivating wild journey as well @cultivatewildwithdukes. He encouraged anyone struggling to message him on insta or email him directly mauidukes@gmail.com.

If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.

https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here

https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

This was a beautiful converstion with the lovely Marie Alessi.

Marie is a Mother to two boys, a bestselling Author, TEDx & Keynote Speaker. After her husband passed from a brain aneurysm, she found and created her way back to Joy. She instinctively knew it was the only path worthy for their young boys. Her husband had taught her the concept of two choices - and this one was made in Rob's honour, to make him proud. Marie has become a shining example of choosing Love over fear and sadness.

In this heartfelt conversation, we explore the profound themes of grief, healing, and the journey towards joy after loss. Marie shares her personal experiences with grief, including the unexpected loss of her husband, and how she has transformed her pain into a mission to help others navigate their own grief. This discussion emphasizes the importance of perspective, mindset, and the power of love in the healing process. Marie offers practical tools and insights for those struggling with grief, encouraging us to embrace their emotions and find moments of joy amidst the pain.

Takeaways

• Grief is often a silent burden that many carry.
• Choosing love over fear is essential in the healing process.
• Comparison in grief can hinder healing; each loss is unique.
• Grief can be treated as a visitor, not a permanent resident.
• Mindset plays a crucial role in navigating grief.
• Finding happiness after loss is a conscious choice.
• Anger is often a cover-up for deeper emotions.
• Practicing self-love and compassion is vital during grief.
• Creating a space for joy is essential in the healing journey.
• Honoring loved ones can be done in small, meaningful ways.

If you would like to learn more about Marie and the services she offers you can find and contact her through her website. https://www.MarieAlessi.com

If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.

https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here

https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

Join me in this epsode for a beautiful conversation with Leslie Alvarez.

Leslie is a community management leader and single mother, and shares her story of overcoming adversity and grief. She has experienced challenges such as divorce, financial struggles, and her son surviving a gunshot violence. However, the turning point for her was the sudden death of her partner.

Leslie emphasizes the importance of allowing yourself to feel the pain and grief, rather than numbing it. She also discusses her journey of self-regulation and finding joy in simple things. Leslie is now focused on her speaking career, addressing topics such as imposter syndrome and the importance of recognizing your worth.

Takeaways

• Allow yourself to feel the pain and grief, rather than numbing it.
• Find joy in simple things and prioritize what truly matters to you.
• Recognize your worth and overcome imposter syndrome by reflecting on your past successes.
• Share your story and be open about your experiences to help others going through similar challenges.

You can find all things Leslie and keep in touch with her here.

https://lesliealvarez.com/

If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.

https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here

https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

Shauna, XO

In this episode I have a beautiful conversation with Chris Cochran and child loss and finding purpose. Chris shares his personal story of losing his son to cancer and finding purpose in spreading kindness and gratitude. He discusses with us the importance of pausing, finding joy in everyday moments, and making connections with others. He emphasizes the power of love and the resilience that can be found in difficult times. We also share practical tips for cultivating resilience and finding purpose within pain. Chris shares with us stories about his son Christian, highlighting his humor, empathy, and ability to bring joy to others.

Takeaways

• Find joy and gratitude in everyday moments, even in the midst of grief and difficult times.
• Make connections with others and learn from their stories and experiences.
• Believe in signs and messages from the spiritual realm, whether it's from a loved one or a higher power.
• Pause and reflect on life, react with grace, and seek resilience and strength.
• Spread kindness and love, and find purpose in making a positive impact on others. Grief is a unique and individual experience, and it is important to be patient and supportive of each other's grieving process.
• Listening and being present for someone who is grieving is key to providing support.
• Cultivating resilience involves focusing on the present moment, finding joy and meaning in everyday experiences, and taking care of oneself.
• Finding purpose within pain can be a healing and transformative experience.

At the core of his being, Chris Cochran embraces the roles of father, husband, and friend. Professionally, his journey spans over three decades, during which he has held pivotal roles in sales, marketing, operations, and P&L management within large public companies.

Chris's dedication to spreading kindness and generosity is embodied in his involvement with the Christian Cochran Legacy Fund through the Pittsburgh Foundation, a nonprofit organization inspired by his son Christian’s enduring spirit. This commitment to making a positive impact is further reflected in his upcoming book, "What's GOOD About TODAY? - A Purpose Driven Life," scheduled for release on August 22nd.

You can find him here http://chriscochranspeaks.com

If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.

https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here

https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

In this episode I have a conversation with the lovely, Patti DiMiceli. She shares the story of her daughter Amber's battle with cancer and her journey as a grief educator and end of life doula. She discusses the challenges she faced in finding alternative treatments for Amber and the impact of her daughter's death on her life. Patti also talks about the importance of sharing our stories and connecting with others, as well as the need for greater awareness and education about pediatric cancer.

n this conversation, Patti DiMiceli also shares her experiences with narcissistic relationships and the grief that comes with them. She discusses the concept of gray rocking as a way to protect oneself from narcissistic manipulation. Patti also talks about her journey of healing and finding purpose through her work with grief and angels.

Takeaways

• The importance of documenting and sharing our stories to connect with others
• The challenges of finding alternative treatments for pediatric cancer
• The impact of grief on a person's life and the need for support and understanding
• The need for greater awareness and education about pediatric cancer
• Narcissists lack empathy and the capacity for intimacy, and how they manipulate and control others for their own gain.
• Gray rocking is a behavior where you cut off a narcissist's supply by giving no reaction, similar to a gray rock that doesn't react to a cat's taunting.
• Grief from narcissistic relationships can be profound and devastating, as it involves psychological and emotional manipulation that makes you doubt your own sanity.
• Finding purpose and healing in grief often requires going through the hard stuff and choosing to grow from it.

Born in the Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles, CA, Patti knew she was chosen, though she didn’t know why. And then she discovered a small lump behind her daughter, Amber’s, ear in August of 1979. It was a discovery that would change her life, her destiny, and the world.

Patti's story, chronicled in her book, "Embrace the Angel," challenges the notion of death and invites us to use the power of “Crossing the Threshold” to transform this world for the better. She is a Life Coach, an End-of-Life Doula, a Certified Grief Educator, as well as an entrepreneur. Calling herself a "Student of Life" and a "Pebble Thrower in the still pond of Life," Patti has given tiny pewter Guardian Angel coins (Pebbles) to thousands of people as she travels the world.

Using her God-given tools and talents to serve Humanity, she created Tobias & Co. LLC, a company which creates products from the photos she's taken around the world. Their Giving Back Division, "Embrace the Angel," is devoted to elevating others. They donate silk scarves, ties, and pillow covers filled with Angels and inspirational quotes to those who need it most—those who are dying and the Loved Ones they leave behind—so that they can FEEL comforted and loved.

You can stay connected to Patti by clicking the following link http://www.embracetheangel.com

If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.

https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here

https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.