Today, I sit down with Lynn Banis to explore grief as more than the loss of a loved one. We discuss how grief also shows up through identity loss, career transitions, retirement, and major life changes—especially for military members, first responders, and professionals whose identity has long been tied to their role. Dr. Banis shares how compounded grief can disorient people emotionally, spiritually, and mentally, often without them realizing they are grieving at all.
Dr. Banis opens up about her personal journey after losing her mother, brother, and husband within a short span of time, and how that experience reshaped her understanding of grief. We talk about why busyness can delay healing, how suppressed grief manifests physically, and why grief does not follow a clean timeline or checklist. This episode challenges the idea of “moving on” and instead reframes healing as learning how to move forward while honoring what was lost.
We also discuss celebration-of-life services, identity collapse after loss, and why isolation often deepens grief rather than resolves it. Dr. Banis explains her work through Widows Rising Together, how she supports individuals one-on-one through the fog of grief, and why clarity, vision, and self-trust are essential in rebuilding a meaningful next chapter. This conversation offers practical insight, grounded hope, and reassurance for anyone navigating loss in any form.
https://app.widowsrisingtogether.com/
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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.