The Death Alchemist's Playbook with Adriana Michelle | E12

In honor of International Women's Day, join us for a conversation with Anabel Vizcarra, an embodiment mentor,  womb Shaman, and Curandera. She centers grief and The Divine Feminine in her work so that women can embody this as women in leadership, women in the home and overall, women in the world. Her core mission and belief is that when women heal, they are able to overflow nourishment for, not only themselves, but for their families, for our communities and for our society. 

Follow Anabel on Instagram 

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Do you struggle with being true to yourself in a society that often misunderstands mental health issues? Do you feel alone in your struggle with mental health and searching for a community that understands?

Today Mimi sits down with Jae Thomas, known on socials as itsrainingbpd. Jae is a 20-year-old content creator dedicated to shedding light on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). With a platform of over 80,000 on socials, Jae is at the forefront of challenging misconceptions about BPD, advocating for the importance of a supportive community, and sharing the raw truth of living with BPD. Jae is also openly documenting the process of grieving and honoring their late best friend, Jordan, and the profound impact of loss on a young person with limited support and representation.

Join us for a candid discussion that underscores the critical need for open conversations about mental health, especially among young people, and the role of resources like the Romeo bear in providing comfort and support.

In this episode you'll learn: 

How to channel grief and loss into creativity 
How to debunk common misconceptions on BPD
How to lean on community during challenging moments
How to apply DBT skills to self-regulate and cope with self harm
How to share your story with vulnerability, authenticity, and mindfully

Resources in this Episode: 

• Follow @griefsense 
• Follow @itsrainingbpd 
• Romeo Bear created by @comfortfriends

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In this episode, we're thrilled to sit down with Pierce Freelon, a Grammy-nominated artist whose work is as impactful as it is inspired. With Pierce, we dive into the profound legacy of his father, Phil Freelon, an architect whose brilliance has left an indelible mark on the world and deeply influenced Pierce's life and art.

Pierce takes us through the journey behind his Grammy-nominated albums, highlighting the creative synergy with his mother, Nnenna Freelon. This narrative of legacy and love underpins our conversation, as we explore the vital tradition of honoring our ancestors—a practice rooted in resistance, love, and the foundation of the legacies we aim to build.

Throughout our discussion, Pierce shares the synchronicities that have lit his path since his father's passing, revealing an aligned journey of mindfulness and purpose. He stresses the importance of "planting seeds"—moments and mentors that have guided him to stay present and embrace life’s challenges head-on. This concept of seed-planting resonates as Pierce describes how these influences have nurtured his growth, encouraging us all to acknowledge our roots and the lessons they offer.

Join us for a conversation that challenges conventional norms, celebrates the act of remembering our ancestors, and offers insights into living a life aligned with their dreams, filled with intention and impact.

Click here to follow Pierce's journey!

Don't forget to rate the griefsense podcast so we can impact as many grievers as possible. 

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In this episode, we're joined by Antonio Morales, the visionary founder of The Liberated Self, who invites us on a transformative journey exploring the concepts of the oppressed and liberated self. Antonio delves deep into how embracing our liberated self inspires us to live with purpose, foster deeper connections, and build a sense of community.

Antonio opens up about the profound impact of losing his adopted mother, Mami Helen, and other close family and friends at a young age. He shares his personal narrative of growing up in dilapidated housing in Brooklyn, NY and how these experiences, intertwined with his grief, propelled him to pursue a career as a psychotherapist with a focus on decolonization.

This episode goes beyond the physical realm as Antonio discusses the profound influence of the metaphysical world, particularly how our loved ones and ancestors continue to connect with us through dreams. He also touches upon the intriguing use of Florida Water, which needs no explanation because IYKYK.

For a deeper understanding of how grief can be a pathway to liberation and a more authentic self, tune in to this captivating episode. Don’t forget to get tapped in with Antonio and his work by following @theliberatedself on Instagram and visiting www.theliberatedself.org.

#TheLiberatedSelf #Grief #MentalHealth #griefsense

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What does it mean to create a space for grief? Today, Liezel De La Cruz takes us through the intimate journey of losing her father, the waves of sorrow that followed, and the unexpected lessons she’s learned in transforming her pain into purpose.

In a heartfelt conversation, Liezel opens up about the stark reality of grieving in a world that waits for no one. She speaks to the soul with her honest struggle of dealing with the 'what ifs' and 'should haves,' sharing how she finds solace in the routines that bring a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of loss.

As we delve into the physical reminders that keep her father’s memory alive, from the scent of flowers that greeted her at home to the embrace of family traditions, Liezel’s experiences encourage us to look for the subtle signs of connection that defy absence.

This episode is more than just a story of loss; it’s an exploration of how we can build homes for our grief within us—through movement, mindfulness, and the words we put to our experiences. It's about finding the strength to create new memories and traditions as we honor the legacies of loved ones who passed. 

Tune in as we uncover the courage to allow grief to coexist with joy, to let the echoes of our loved ones inspire new paths, and to truly understand what it means to live with "griefsense."

#griefsense #grief #griefjourney #loss #mentalhealth 

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Hey griefsense familia! It's your host, Mimi Gonzalez, and today we're embarking on a transformative journey into the heart of death, grief, and rebirth. Settle in and join us as we explore these profound themes with the magical Adriana Michelle, known to many as @thedeathalchemist on Instagram. 🌌

Adriana Michelle, a storyteller, cinephile, Bruja, and guide, has been helping people reshape their relationship to change, loss, and grief ever since the passings of her grandmother, mother, stepfather, and cousin. From her early years in Mexicali under the nurturing care of her beloved abuelita, Fernanda, to her explorations in the world of cinema, Adriana's journey is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. She's currently leading a film class titled "Exploring Death & Grief via Cinema" and weaving the tapestry of her life into her first book. With her motto "Do not fear the unknown. Walk towards it and be transformed," Adriana encourages us all to lean into life's deepest mysteries.

In this deep episode, we explore Adriana's memories of Mexicali, the enduring wisdom of her abuelita Fernanda, and the solace she finds in film. We unpack the role of death as a character in our lives, how movies like "My Girl" "Ghost" and "Sixth Sense" shape our understanding of grief. We also discuss the healing power of ancestral foods and traditions and the importance of reconnecting with our roots to heal our lineage.

And let's not forget the intriguing question: Why "The Death Alchemist"? Dive in as Adriana eloquently shares her mission of transforming our perceptions of death and and how our relationship with death can shape how we show up in life. 

It's not every day you get to sit down with one of your favorite content creators, and trust me, by the end of this, Adriana might just become one of yours too.

Remember, it's all about transforming our relationship with death and embracing the lessons it brings. Tap in, tune in, and let's channel our inner #griefsense together. 💫🔮

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Join us for a candid #griefsense conversation with Dr. Tiana Woolridge, a dedicated pediatrician and sports medicine doctor based in Los Angeles.   

In this episode, we explore the significant themes of legacy and honoring those who have passed. Tiana also shares the raw moment she learned of her father's passing while away in Costa Rica for a medical clinic in college. Tiana opens up about the intricacies of grieving within a divided family and the profound impact of the loss of her father, former NBA player, Orlando Woolridge, and aunt, Dr. Vanessa Woolridge.

She delves into her journey of writing “All the Wave,” a tribute to her father and aunt, which illustrates the deep connection between siblings, family, and the relationship to self.

Tiana’s story is a compelling exploration of grief, love, and legacy, offering insights and inspiration for those who have experienced something similar . Connect with her further on Instagram at @callmedoctor_t to learn more about her ongoing journey and the profound impact of her work.

Don't miss the chance to gift "All the Wave" to the young minds in your life and keep an eye out for her forthcoming book, "All the Animals." Your journey with Tiana doesn't end here. It's just the beginning.

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Hey #griefsense familia!

Tune in to an intimate heart-to-heart with Pabel Martinez, a proud Dominicano, New Yorker, and the soon-to-be tech founder behind Plurawl's upcoming app. But that's not all—Pabel’s a powerhouse: the creative genius behind the top 2% podcast, "Quien Tu Eres?".

In this episode, Pabel opens up about his mission to redefine professionalism, sharing how he’s intertwined self-discovery and authenticity. Dive deep as he reflects on the power of shared experiences and the sheer humanity of realizing we're not alone in our struggles. "we swear that our experiences are so individualistic...So as soon as you find somebody else, it literally makes you feel normal and human " Pabel states, shedding light on the importance of vulnerability and connection.

Pabel opens up about navigating the anticipatory grief for his Abuela who is still alive. He also reflects on the loss of his Abuelo as well as his life and legacy. His honesty is refreshing as he shares about the unexpected blessing found amidst the chaos of losing his job – the precious gift of quality time spent with his Abuelo before his passing. Pabel gets real, confessing, “I'm actually very grateful I was fired.” It’s a raw and real exploration of finding beauty in the storms of life.

We’re not just keeping it heavy though! Slide into lighter moments as Pabel & Mimi share which songs would be on their funeral playlists, with Pabel humorously saying, “I don't know why, but my mind instantly went to Meek Mill, Dreams and Nightmares." 

Join Pabel and Mimi as they navigate the spectrum of grief, love, legacy, and life, illuminating how we can find authenticity, community, and connection amidst it all. In honor of Pabel's grandfather inspiring the way Pabel lives his life, remember to "keep dreaming and dream big. You know you dream big enough when people call you crazy. So until they call you crazy, dream bigger."

You can connect with Pabel on all platforms @Plurawl and add him on LinkedIn at Pabel Martinez. Stay tuned & join the waitlist for the launch of Plurawl's AI-powered journaling app designed to spark and support your journey of self-discovery.

Be sure to check out the ¿Quién Tú Eres? podcast available everywhere, and keep an eye out for upcoming pop-ups starting in cities near you!

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Hey griefsense familia,

Meet Hady Mendez, founder and CEO of Boldly Speaking. With a diverse background that includes serving as the Head of Equality for a major tech firm and numerous roles in high tech and financial sectors, Hady has always been at the forefront of fostering inclusive spaces. Her additional advocacy work, like her association with Room to Grow and Pan Peru USA, complements her commitment to making a difference, both professionally and personally.

In this episode, we explore Hady’s journey as a Latina in tech, embracing her Puerto Rican roots, and navigating multifaceted challenges. She shares deeply touching stories of loss — her mother to ALS, her sister to cancer, and witnessing her father's battle with Alzheimer's. It reminds us of the universal challenge of grief. But it's not just about the moments of loss. It's about the aftermath of supporting someone who is grieving too. Have you ever struggled with what to say to someone after they experienced a loss? Well, grieving people often feel the need to fill the silence when people don't know what to say. Through Hady's experiences, we discuss how to better navigate these conversations, be it from personal or job loss. 

Make sure you catch the full episode and tune in till the end, where Hady takes on our creative prompt section by sharing her own obituary and reflection on how she wants to be remembered.

As always, we bring unfiltered,  transparent, and cultural conversations on #griefsense in hopes of inspiring our audience to do the same when it comes to death, grief, and everything in between.   If you need a speaker for your next event and/or if Hady's story resonates with you, don't hesitate to connect with her on LinkedIn. You can also catch her street art photography on instagram. 💖🎙🌺🇵🇷

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Dive deep into this episode featuring Dr. Erica Xavier-Beauvoir, a Psychic Medium, Natural Burial Artivist, Multi-hyphenated Healer and Eco-Spiritualist. This episode explores the intersection of grief, spirituality, and ancestral recognition. Dr. Erica X-B's profound connection with her late grandmother, Emma Kate, and uncle, Andrew, brought forth an awakening that would forever change the course of her life.

Through her evocative storytelling, Dr. Erica X-B takes listeners on a transformative journey where death catalyzes rebirth, and personal tragedy becomes the gateway to discovering one's true spiritual power. “My grief story is a meshing of a personal death, an inner death...triggered by the physical death of my loved ones...they had to pass in order for me to regenerate.”

In an age where many feel disconnected from their roots, she emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and venerating ancestors. She also illuminates the path to the soulful practice of green natural burials, bringing forth eco-conscious, ancestral burial traditions and offering insights into her work as a death doula.

When moments of uncertainty creep in, Dr. Erica X-B shares a message of awakening: “That moment when you feel lost, is the moment when spirit is saying, are you ready?”

Connect with Dr. Erica Xavier-Beauvoir on her website www.ericaxavierbeauvoir.com or reach out to her on Instagram @_thespiritualgeneral. This episode is a testament to the transformative power of grief, the eternal love of ancestors, and the resilience of the human spirit. 🍃🌙

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