Scott Mann | Retired Green Beret on Leadership, Afghanistan, and Grief

Are you truly living if you're ignoring the inevitable end? This question might feel heavy, but Greg Barnsdale doesn't shy away from it; he has built a movement around it.

Greg is not your typical undertaker. With his diverse background as a Certified Financial Planner, Certified Executor Advisor, and death doula - topped with personal experiences that have tested his own mortality - he brings an unparalleled perspective to life’s final chapter.

In this episode:

• Uncover the life-changing benefits of adopting a 'mortality mindset.'
• Learn how planning for the end can actually enhance your present.
• Hear about Greg's transformative journey from near-death to advocacy.
• Explore why families must break the silence on this taboo topic before time runs out.

Did You Know?
Despite being an expert in end-of-life matters himself, even Greg faced procrastination regarding his arrangements. His candid story will challenge you to think differently about tomorrow.

After penning a book on end-of-life preparation and facing his brain tumor diagnosis, Greg has become a vocal proponent of what he calls the "mortality mindset movement." He shares his insights into why embracing our inevitable end can lead to profound benefits like stress reduction, family harmony, and emotional resilience.

Greg's diverse background, from directing funerals to advising on estates, gives him a unique perspective on why having those tough conversations about death now is critical rather than in times of crisis. His own brush with mortality served as a stark reminder that life is unpredictable and planning ahead is key.

We also delve into how societal views on funerals are shifting towards more personal and intimate commemorations. Plus, Greg offers practical advice for both simple DIY estate planning and when to seek professional help for more complex scenarios.

His message? Don't wait until it's too late - start talking about your end-of-life wishes today. It's not just about ensuring peace of mind; it’s about living fully right up until the last moment.

RESOURCES:

• Book | Do Not Ignore Your Mortality - Practical Advice From a Funeral & Financial Insider

CONNECT:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• TikTok

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NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line pro

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of the show HERE.

Are you ready to embark on a journey that could transform your understanding of purpose, parenting, and personal healing?

This week on Grieving Voices, I welcomed Alexandra Cole, a former corporate consultant turned human design coach. After a decade in the Fortune 500 sector, Alexandra pivoted to guiding individuals and families in finding their purpose through human design—a system that combines astrology, I Ching, Kabbalah, and the chakras.

Born in London and raised in Amsterdam with an education from Princeton University, she now resides in Santa Barbara with her husband and young son. Her journey into motherhood inspired "Thriving by Design," a toolkit designed for parents to understand their child's unique traits.

Alexandra shares her personal story of loss—losing her mother at age ten—and how it shaped her emotional world. She explains how understanding one’s own human design can be instrumental during grief and aiding parents to align better with their children's innate designs.

She discusses the five energy types within human design: Manifestors (initiators), Projectors (guides), Generators, & Manifesting Generators (consistent workers who need joy-based work). Each type has different ways of investing energy for fulfillment and purpose. The conversation also delves into parenting aligned with your child's energy type—such important information and particularly helpful when parenting grieving children.

This insightful discussion highlights how embracing our inherent nature according to our human design can lead us toward more authentic and aligned lives.

If you're curious about how your unique blueprint can shape your way forward—in joyous times or challenging ones—I encourage you to learn your human design and listen to this episode because sometimes the most authentic path is the one that is tailor-made just for us.

RESOURCES:

• Well By Design/Raised By Design/Free Offerings
• 1:1 Sessions
• 🔥Just for Grieving Voices Listeners!! Use the code GRIEVINGXTBD15 for 15% off the Well by Design and Raised by Design reports! Valid until May 31, 2024!

CONNECT:

• IG 

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NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of the show HERE.

When grappling with profound loss; it's  during these times that we look to our friends for comfort, only to realize that some may have taken a step back just when we needed them most.

If you've ever felt let down by the people you expected to be there for you during tough times, this discussion is for you.

In this episode, we explore:

• The complexity of grief and how it can affect relationships.
•  How friends may struggle with their own emotions or uncertainty on how to support us.
• The importance of clear communication about what support looks like for YOU.
•  Finding additional sources of comfort beyond your immediate circle.

Grief is tough. It tests bonds and bends emotions. But it also teaches us about resilience, compassion, and the true strength of our connections.

It's crucial then to communicate openly—expressing what form of support you're seeking can bridge gaps and foster understanding. Yet it’s equally important to temper those expectations because not all friendships are built for stormy weather.

Remember: Your worth isn't measured by others' capacity to stay beside you in your darkest hours. As you wade through grief's currents, know that it’s okay if some relationships drift away—it opens space for growth and new connections.

As for those who do stand by you? Cherish them—they are your lighthouses in life’s storms.

RESOURCES:
Early episodes that may interest you...

• Ep. 3 | Why Grief Keeps Us Stuck
• Ep. 4 | The Six Myths of Grief
• Ep. 5 | Academy Award Recovery
• Ep. 6 | The Manifestation of Grief
• Ep. 10 | Apologies & Forgiveness

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NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of the show HERE.

How often have we heard or even played 'the guilt and blame game' in relationships? This emotional turmoil hinders healing and obscures the path to genuine connection.

In today's episode, we dive deep into the complex themes of self-love, self-acceptance, and navigating loss. Healing isn't just about moving past grief; it involves embracing responsibility for our emotions, navigating forgiveness, and making peace internally—sometimes without confronting another soul. As a grief counselor, I've witnessed how loss challenges faith and spirituality but also offers profound lessons in nurturing them.

Regret may whisper tales of what could have been, yet authentic care means addressing those echoes within us rather than seeking external resolutions. Grief is personal—it carves unique paths for each wanderer—and advice must be sifted like grains through fingers until only what serves remains.

Today reminds us that life is transient—"you are dust, and to dust you will return." This sentiment urges us to contemplate our aspirations before time writes its final word on our chapter.

An oracle card left me contemplating as it spoke of new chapters filled with uncertainty—an inevitable companion in growth. Embrace this dance with change as your story unfolds into awakening.

Here’s to new beginnings built on foundations of love—for oneself first—that ripple outward.


RESOURCES:

• Do Grief Differently™️

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of the show HERE.

In the quiet moments of early morning, as the world stirs awake and you're left with your thoughts, do you ever reflect on what self-love truly means? How often do we pause to consider that perhaps the most enduring relationship we'll ever have is with ourselves?

As Valentine's Day approaches, hearts and flowers flood our surroundings, reminding us all about love. But amidst this celebration of affection, a deeper connection often goes unnoticed – the love we give ourselves.

This week on Grieving Voices, I'm peeling back the layers of what it means to cherish and prioritize yourself truly. As Valentine's Day approaches, let's shift our focus from external expressions of affection to cultivating an inner sanctuary of self-compassion and care.

The key takeaways from this episode include:

• The significance of daily self-love practices such as affirmations, gratitude journaling, self-care rituals, mindful movements like yoga or walking, engaging in creative endeavors, eating healthily, taking breaks from digital devices, and honoring one's emotions.
• How these practices create joyous avenues toward hope and emotional liberation.
• The importance of establishing healthy boundaries for overall well-being.

Conditional or self-sacrificial love isn't sustainable. True empowerment comes when choices are made free from the weight of others' expectations—when they spring from a well of genuine self-regard.

How do we cultivate this kind of self-love? Daily affirmations remind us of our worthiness. A gratitude practice opens our eyes to life’s blessings amidst pain. Self-care days aren’t indulgent—they're necessary retreats for rejuvenation. Mindful movement brings us back into harmony with our bodies, while creative expression unlocks inner worlds waiting to be explored.

Proper nutrition fuels not just the body but also the spirit—and sometimes, what we need most is simply disconnecting from digital noise through detoxes that allow quiet reflection and growth.

This Valentine’s Day, let's shift the focus inward. Celebrate by embracing your internal reservoirs of love so that every other day is enriched by your own heart’s abundance.

RESOURCES:

• Do Grief Differently™️

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of the show HERE.

In the quiet moments of reflection, we often find ourselves face-to-face with our deepest losses. Join me today as I embark on a unique episode of "Grieving Voices," where I read an excerpt from my  self-published book, "The Guided Heart: Moving Through Grief and Finding Spiritual Solace." Let's discover how my own experiences with loss from a young age have unknowingly mirrored the language of grief recovery even before I formally encountered it.

In this heartfelt session, I explore:

• The personal impact of losing my father at eight years old.
• How grief manifested in different aspects of my life.
• The therapeutic power of journaling during my high school years.
• Insights into emotional unavailability and its effects on family dynamics.

In this episode, I also draw connections between the content in my book written before learning about grief recovery methods and the concepts found within them. I share thoughts on letting go, acknowledging pain points, and coping mechanisms that can span decades.

Grief isn't selective; it touches all corners of life, including relationships, careers, finances, and more. The way we cope can either mend or strain our emotional health. My story is not unique – it echoes many others’ struggles with life after loss.

Reflect on your path by following along in an exercise I propose—writing down your feelings to confront the emotional weight you carry. It’s not just cathartic; it’s a step toward understanding and clarity.

As we continue exploring various dimensions of grief throughout future episodes of "Grieving Voices," remember that each person’s path toward healing is unique. Whether through reconnecting with faith or finding solace within oneself after experiencing profound losses—as I did—the goal remains constant: acknowledging our pain so that we may embrace life more fully and presently.

RESOURCES:

• My Book, The Guided Heart: Moving Through Grief & Finding Spiritual Solace
• Book | The Grief Recovery Handbook
• Do Grief Differently™️

Episode Sponsor: Magic Mind | Use the code "GRIEVINGVOICES" to receive 20% off

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a tr

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of the show HERE.

Today's episode of GrievingVoices takes a deep dive into the complex emotion of anger, especially for us Human Design Manifestor-types navigating loss and trauma. I open up about my battle with anger following life's curveballs and how it can be misunderstood or mishandled.

As someone who has walked through the fire of personal loss and trauma, I've learned firsthand how anger can be both destructive and transformative. It's not just an outburst; it’s a signal calling us to introspection.

Why does this affect me so deeply?

What boundaries have been crossed?

Many turn to short-term fixes or STERBs (short-term energy-relieving behaviors) like anger to cope with grief. But these are merely band-aids on deeper emotional wounds. The key lies in processing anger constructively. This isn't about suppressing emotions but rather understanding them—identifying what needs protection or restoration within ourselves before we react impulsively.

Key Takeaways:
-Anger should prompt introspection rather than projection onto others.
-Short-term coping mechanisms like STERBs provide temporary relief but do not address underlying emotional pain.
- Constructive processing of anger involves self-protection and restoration efforts.
- Emotional intelligence grows through understanding our reactions and setting healthy boundaries.

Establishing clear boundaries emerged as another critical theme. The absence of boundary-setting skills during childhood can lead to adult challenges such as unchecked anger. To navigate this complex terrain, the book "Boundaries" is recommended for those seeking guidance on creating and implementing boundaries.

Engagement with our emotions in real-time fosters balance and wellness. Tools like visualization and mindful breathing are practical strategies for dissipating anger without confrontation. We pave the way toward transformative life changes by embracing self-awareness and actively managing our emotions.

Join me in embracing self-awareness and mastering emotional management as pathways toward transforming our lives after loss.

RESOURCES:

• Human Design
• Book | Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life
• YouMap
• Grief Recovery

Episode Sponsor: Magic Mind | Use the code "GRIEVINGVOICES" to receive one month free with a 3-month subscription. This special promotion is only for January!
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NEED HELP?

• National Suicide P

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of the show HERE.

In this week's heartfelt episode, we dive into the complexities of grief with my special guest, Mandy Capehart – a trauma-informed certified grief educator and somatic embodiment life coach.

Mandy shares her journey through grief, which led her to establish the Restorative Grief Project, an online community dedicated to supporting grievers and those who stand by them. Her book, "Restorative Grief: Embracing Our Losses Without Losing Ourselves," is a blend of memoir and practical guidebook that offers insight into managing loss.

We touch on topics like:

• The universality of experiencing loss
• Moving beyond minimizing pain
• Navigating uncertainty in times of sorrow
• How our upbringing shapes our understanding of grief

Mandy also delves into how COVID-19 has highlighted the need for greater 'grief literacy' – acknowledging that you don't need death as a reason to grieve. She emphasizes validating experiences rather than dismissing them and discusses how she uses storytelling as a tool for connection and healing.

Moreover, Mandy opens up about personal losses such as miscarriages, providing raw insights into the emotional turmoil they entail while calling out common misconceptions surrounding them.

This episode is not just about dealing with grief but learning from it, embracing vulnerability, and engaging in deeper conversations instead of hiding behind social niceties or sugarcoated interactions.

This conversation provides solace and guidance for anyone grappling with loss or seeking ways to support others in their grieving process.

Key Takeaway:
Grief isn't solely triggered by death; it encompasses various forms of personal loss and change. The conversation challenges us to confront cultural tendencies that often minimize these experiences or avoid deep discussions.

Mandy’s insights remind us that grieving is not just an emotional process but one that touches every fiber of our being - physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Your story matters. Your pain deserves recognition. And together, we can find pathways toward restoration.

RESOURCES:

• Restorative Grief Project on Facebook
• Michelle Obama's Book
• Enneagram E-Book | Pop-Up Opt-In on Website

CONNECT:

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Episode Sponsor: Magic Mind | Use the code "GRIEVINGVOICES" to receive one month free with a 3-month subscription. This special promotion is only for January!

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis T

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of the show HERE.

Have you ever felt like a ship adrift, disconnected from your true north? In this profound journey we call life, alignment with our authentic selves is often clouded by the fog of grief and loss. But what if I told you there's a compass waiting to guide you back to yourself?

Tune in to this week's episode of "Grieving Voices,"  where I unveil the transformative potential of the Youmap framework.

In this heartfelt session:
- Explore what it means to live in alignment with our authentic selves and how misalignment can lead to grief.
- Discover the four pillars - strengths, values, skills, personality - that form the foundation of living an aligned life in the Youmap framework.
- Learn about the various forms of grief that arise when we stray from our true path.
- Emphasize the importance of self-understanding as a tool for unlocking one's potential.

Who Can Benefit From Youmap?
- The newly widowed seeking new beginnings
- Those who've experienced job loss
-  New divorcees aiming for self-discovery
It also holds value for college-bound students navigating their future paths.

Whether facing significant life transitions or seeking deeper self-understanding, Youmap offers clarity and direction. And for those supporting others through loss? It’s essential knowledge.

Special Anniversary Giveaway Announcement:
The Unleashed Heart is turning 5! 🥳 In Celebrating five years of transforming lives and supporting grievers, I'm giving a special giveaway. Get a chance to win 2 prizes: a 60-minute Distance Energy Healing Session and a 60-minute Distance Heart with Ears Session 🎉 The giveaway starts this January 11, 2024, and ends on January 23, 2024. The winners will be announced on the 5th-anniversary date, January 23.  I encouraged listeners to join and participate. For more details on entering the giveaway, check the resources below.

Dive deep into who you are and discover what makes you tick; it's time to live a life aligned with your purpose!

Key Takeaway:
Misalignment with our authentic selves can manifest as various forms of grief – from career dissatisfaction to deep personal regret. But there's hope!

Remember: “You always had the power, my dear. You just had to learn it for yourself.”

RESOURCES:

• YouMap
• Episode Sponsor: Magic Mind | Use the code "GRIEVINGVOICES" to receive one month free with a 3-month subscription. This special promotion is only for January!
• 5th Anniversary Giveaway! Register before 1/23/2024 at 11 AM CST to win a 60-minute Distance Energy Healing Session OR a 60-minute Distance Heart with Ears Session! ✨

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of the show HERE.

In the symphony of life, each person's journey hits a unique set of notes, creating a melody that resonates with their experiences.

Welcome to another episode of Grieving Voices, where we explore the therapeutic and transformative power of sound healing. Today's guest is the incredibly talented sound healer, Kiki Tyler, who takes us on a journey through her personal story of grief and how it led her to discover her purpose in helping others heal.

Kiki Tyler is a renowned sound healer known for creating immersive sonic landscapes that promote healing and self-discovery. She harmonizes body, mind, and spirit using various instruments through resonating frequencies. Her intuitive approach and extensive knowledge allow her to facilitate deeply restorative experiences.

In This Episode:

• Learn about Kiki’s transition from experiencing deep personal loss to finding solace in sound therapy.
• Hear the poignant tale of how losing her best friend inspired her to become a healer.
• Understand the importance of allowing oneself to grieve openly without societal pressure.
• Discover how grief evolves from sharp pain to fond memories that inspire growth.
• Gain insights into navigating friendship dynamics after loss and honoring those connections moving forward.
• Learn tips on how you can help loved ones cope with their losses based on real-life experience.
• How encountering multiple losses prompted significant lifestyle changes, including setting boundaries for better work-life balance.
• An overview of distance Reiki sessions and virtual sound baths – demystifying quantum healing across physical spaces.

Takeaways:
Kiki’s story encourages us to reflect on how we handle loss within our networks — supporting colleagues during their times of need fosters deeper connections and community strength. It also poses a question worth pondering: How do we honor ourselves and others amidst adversity?

Remember — It’s okay to feel and express emotions; vulnerability isn't weakness—it's human strength unveiled amidst adversity.

RESOURCES:

• Reiki
• Biofield Tuning
• Episode Sponsor: Magic Mind | Use the code "GRIEVINGVOICES" to receive one month free with a 3-month subscription. This special promotion is only for January!

CONNECT:

• Website
• Spotify - The Realm
• Instagram
• Links To Learn More

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of the show HERE.