Shows
From Loss to LightEp 27 - Exploring mixing families with Rod & Jolene as they both navigated their widowhood and found love again with each otherThis story shows how death and widowhood can turn into an amazing beautiful family. Rod & Jolene each share with us how they navigated the widowed life with children. They go into how each navigated the losses of their spouses only to find each other on an online dating site. They didn't know their paths had crossed many years prior growing up in the same town. They have since found love together and have blended their families and have created a magical journey that many widows/widowers do not find. They were both blessed to have been married t...2024-08-2844 min
From Loss to LightEp 26 - Claire Richmond share with us her journey with a chronic disability that has changed her entire lifeIn this episode we listen to Claire Richmond share her journey with a chronic illness that is very rare metabolic condition. She shares how she has found her light with the suffering and pain that she endures. It took Claire 19 years to search for the answers and was diagnosed and knowingly living with it for 7 years. It is estimated that 1500 people in the US have this disease which is called "Acute Portferia". She shares with is how her life is lived by defining what she loves not by what she does; this is her main m...2024-08-0747 min
From Loss to LightEp 25 - Kera Sanchez shares the unexpected loss of her mom and the dynasty she is building in the grief community.Our guest on episode 25 is our "grief" friend Kera Sanchez. She shares with us the loss of her mother and when she died and how it pushed her into a role of a grief journey she didn't understand. Kera shares her creation of her journal called "Legacy Letters Journal" and how you can turn lemons into legacies. She has since created a second journal "No Legacy Lost" that reflects what we all want to say and be remembered by. Kera has gone on to create the first and VERY amazing "Get Griefy Magazine" that holds so much info...2024-06-1245 min
From Loss to LightEp 24 - Chris shares the life & death of her son Nate and how he has shown up to her in the afterlife and moreOur guest Christina shares the very deepest part of the illness that claimed the life of her child. Her son Nate died at 18 years of age from a lifelong journey of seizures. Christina has always been in the nursing field, so she understands the depth of what death can look like, but when it happened to her, she spiraled. She had to learn to say "It's ok to not be ok" and also she really learned how to heal being a single mom to her then only living son Tyler. She shares so many amazing points and insights in what...2024-05-2951 min
From Loss to LightEp 23 - Sandy Thomas shares her story of loss from a very young age, her journey with spirituality and her journey with her best friend's deathOur guest this week is Sandy Thomas; Sandy shares her families tragedy that happened in 1962 when her families vehicle was hit by a train. Her sister Diane died on the scene and her sister Linda died on the way to the hospital. She shares how her family navigated this devastating time and how Sandy learned about who her sisters were years after their deaths as their accident happened prior to her birth. Sandy goes into depth with her spirituality and how it has transformed her and guided her during losses. She recently endured the loss of her bes...2024-05-1553 min
From Loss to LightEp 22 - Liz with Healing Hearts Podcast shares her losses of her baby daughter, both her parents and how she has journeyed through her losses to lightEpisode 22 is with our special guest Liz Quinn who shares her story of loss from her baby girl to both her parents and how this has formed her understanding of grief and how the power of sharing your story is SO powerful. Liz herself has started an amazing wellness journey of self care and recently launched her own podcast called "Healing Hearts". She gives so many tips and advice that we can all use on our own grief journey. She shared her special song by Alan Jackson called "Sissy's Song" which you can listen to here: https://www.youtube.com...2024-05-0136 min
From Loss to LightEp 21 - Victoria Wolf shares her colorful adventures after she had to shut down their business and how her artwork has transformed her life.Episode 20 is full of color and our vibrant guest Victoria Wolf shares her story of losing her business with her husband and how they picked up the pieces for them to travel in their RV and finding their path along the journey of life. She shares her artwork and dreams with all of us! Victoria is an artist, an author, a designer, and a cook! This conversation was a beautiful testament of how we as humans can pick up the pieces and make a brighter, more colorful life if we reach into our intuitive nature. You can...2024-04-1738 min
From Loss to LightEp 20 - Tom & Melanie share their son Max's life & death with us and how they wrestled with their faith and the community that showed up for them.In this episode we listen to Tom & Melanie share the story of the loss of their beloved son Max. Max died in December 2012 due to complications from the flu. They share wonderful and beautiful stories of their son Max and how he continues to make impacts on so many lives. Tom & Melanie started a foundation called "Love to the Max foundation" that supports others through scholarships. They were interviewed far and wide by news outlets, notably CNN as the flu was running rampant. They shared with many news stations the importance of receiving the flu shot. Max also l...2024-04-0349 min
From Loss to LightEpisode 19: Dave and Cassy Lawrence sharing their Sailor's amazing story of life and laughter. They dive into their non profit and how it helps so many.***ANGIE'S AUDIO WAS A LITTLE DISTORTED DURING THIS EPISODE, PLEASE JUST IGNORE THE HIGH TONE, BECAUSE OUR GUESTS TONE'S ARE PERFECT AND THEY SHARE A BEAUTIFUL STORY THAT SHOULD BE HEARD***Meet our two amazing guests Dave and Cassy Lawrence as they share the story of their son Sailor and the amazing non profit they created in his memory called Sail on and Fly High. We shared laughters of tears and heartache; sometimes laughter truly is the best medicine. You will get to hear the funny and thoughtful antics that Sailor lived during his entire short life. Sa...2024-03-1350 min
From Loss to LightEpisode 18 - Shannon Sell Rubes shares her loss to light journey after losing her daughter Sara and also sharing her journey to Heaven after an illnessOn this episode you will listen to Shannon share her story of her loss to light, in particular her daughter Sara that had died in a car accident. Shannon connects with the other side as she is an intuitive and was able to see and hear from her daughter Sara the night she died. Shannon also found her light after she almost lost her own life and was on a ventilator for eight days and made a remarkable trip to Heaven and then returned to finish up here on earth. Shannon shares with us "It is not what happ...2024-02-2841 min
From Loss to LightEpisode 17 - Doug Burns shares amazing insight into the loss that changed him after his family owned a publication for 93 yearsOur guest for episode 17 shares with us how he has found his light after the loss of his identity after the sell of his families 93 year business. Doug shares amazing insight and advice for all of us to lean into for ANY life lessons. Give this episode a listen through as we talk about so many aspects of loss and how light is found and perspectives we all take. LinkedIn profile: Douglas Burns is a fourth – generation Iowa journalist and the former long – time co – owner of the Carroll and Jefferson, Iowa newspapers. Burns is a regular contribut...2024-02-1438 min
From Loss to LightEpisode 16 - Stacey Powells on life breakdowns, living through the hardest times, to becoming an authorIn Episode 16 we chat with Stacey Powells on her breakdown to eventual author and how she has managed her struggles with great drive and empathy and humor towards others. She is funny and shares so many "AHA" moments that many of us journey through. Her journey through life is interesting from the beginning as she shares her dad's career as "THE" Beverly Hills Pharmacist to her job at Paramount pictures and her untimely divorce to a benign cancer scare and so much more. She is a published writer and journalist since 1996, Stacey’s articles and news pieces have...2024-01-3146 min
From Loss to LightEpisode 15 - Kelly Cervantes sharing the journey of losing their daughter, writing her book, and her husbands role as Hamilton on BroadwayOn this episode we sit down and chat with author Kelly Cervantes. Kelly and her husband Miguel lost their little girl Adelaide to epilepsy. The road from the beginning of her life to her young death has been nothing short of hard for this family. They navigated the loss of their daughter the the crazy epidemic of covid that hit the world, to an unbelievable move to NYC for Miguels performance as Hamilton in the broadway play Hamilton. They were navigating all this while raising their son and navigating loss. What has been born out of something so tragic is a...2024-01-1748 min
From Loss to LightEpisode 14 - Beth M. Howard - the original "The World Needs More Pie" author, pie baker, and her amazing story of Loss to Light through pieWe were honored to have a special guest, Beth M. Howard on our podcast sharing her story of loss to light through the making of pie. Yes, making pie has transformed into something I'm sure Beth never saw coming, but is running with it and thriving. Beth M. Howard is an author, blogger, pie baker, TEDx speaker, world traveler, peace advocate, and an Iowa farm dweller. Beth has been featured on the History channel, CBS This Morning, MSNBC, LA Times, Hallmark channel , Real Simple magazine, Country Woman magazine, Country Living and SO much more. Beth M. Howa...2024-01-0350 min
From Loss to LightEpisode 13 - Sarah Speichert on her son's battle with a brain tumor and their mission to help others.Episode 13 is here and we are chatting with a special Loss Mom, Sarah Speichert. Sarah and her family's young son Jack died from a brain tumor. She tells us the story of how they found out he had a brain tumor, what the initial process and testing all entailed, their journey to St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis and their brave journey to bring Jack home for his final days. Sarah shares what they have done since starting their non-profit "Operation Super Jack". Here are just a few things that have been accomplished: $25,000 to Children’s for the...2023-12-2038 min
From Loss to LightEpisode 12 - Cathy Fox and all things Holiday Grief tips and adviceIn episode 12 we welcome our special guest Cathy Fox, Field Education Director for the Social Work Program at Creighton University. Cathy has a stealth knowledge of grief and loss. Cathy has been a pillar within the Omaha, NE community with grief work and working in many areas building the guidance and knowledge of how to cope with loss in a persons life. In this episode Cathy shares so many tips on how to navigate one of the harder seasons a griever may go through. We talk all about the holiday season and Cathy gives us practical guidance to navigate the...2023-12-0644 min
From Loss to LightEpisode 11 - Betts Blum Jones shares her story of her traumatic accident, her recovery journey, then her life into widowhoodEpisode 11 is a beautiful story of recovery with our guest Betts Blum Jones. Betts shares a traumatic story of an injury she endured when a headstone fell on her legs. She tells the scary details of the most freak accident that happened. She goes into her recovery journey and then when the unthinkable happens within the year of her recovery. Betts became a widow after her husband Rick was killed in an accident. This story is nothing short of amazing when Betts tells us the story of organ donation. We recorded the episode on the anniversary day of Bet...2023-11-2232 minFrom Loss to LightEpisode 10 - Sue Roberts shares her daughter's brain cancer journey and their impact in the Omaha, NE communityEpisode 10 is showcasing our guest Sue Roberts. Sue shares the beautiful and loving story of her daughter Heather. Heather died November 8, 2016 after being diagnosed with a brain tumor; Heather lived and fought with such dignity. Jon & Sue Roberts have created a lasting legacy in Heather's honor by creating an organization called "Leap for a Cure". Leap for a Cure is a grassroots organization in Omaha, NE that has funded many tools for people with brain injuries whether it's been a brain tumor or from an injury with the help of Methodist Hospitals Foundation. Check them out at https://www.faceb...2023-11-0848 min
From Loss to LightEpisode 9 - Wenday's Part 2 - Her spiritual journey, relapsing, and finding her true self***TRIGGER WARNING - THE TALK OF SEXUAL ASSAULT & SUICIDE ARE DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE***Welcome to our 9th episode with the Wenday Cooper from Iowa! In this episode Wenday dives into her spiritual journey, her drive to receive a couple very important degrees in life, a relapse, and her eventual sobriety and where she is at today. Wenday is truly an inspiration to all she meets and shares so much insight into her soul and her mission of surviving this life she has been given. We should all reach into our souls and see where we are at...2023-10-251h 02
From Loss to LightEpisode 8 - Wenday Cooper's story of abuse, addiction, and eventual sobriety!***TRIGGER WARNING - THE TALK OF SEXUAL ASSAULT & SUICIDE ARE DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE***Welcome to our 8th episode with the amazing Wenday Cooper from Iowa! She is going to share her loss to light from sexual assault as a young child to journey through a suicide of her abuser and finding her light after years and years of addiction and relapses. Wenday is truly an inspiration to all she meets and shares so much insight into her soul and her mission of surviving this life she has been given. This episode will keep you on the ed...2023-10-1152 min
From Loss to LightEpisode 7 - Carrie England's journey to sobriety while living through loss***WARNING - THE TOPIC OF SUICIDE IS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE IN DEPTH***As a reminder Angie & Michelle are not therapists, but simply are having the discussions of loss in many forms. If anything is triggered by listening to an episode, please reach out to the appropriate channels regarding the specific discussion. Our main goal is to have an open discussion regarding loss to light however that looks for so many in our community.Episode 7 is showcasing our guest Carrie England. She has been been sober and drug free since 1999! That in itself is something I want...2023-09-2728 min
From Loss to LightEpisode 6 - Samantha Cooper's "three" awakenings in lifeIn this Episode, we chat with Samantha Cooper as she dives in and tells us about the 3 awakenings in her life. She starts her story by telling us the story of her family life growing up, but realizing what she was experiencing at age 40 surrounding her parents. She speaks eloquently about her realizations and will shed light into so many emotions many of us have had and helps guide us through emotions we also may be having or have had. She tells us about her 2nd awakening with the divorce of her husband after learning of his affair. Her 3rd...2023-09-1342 minFrom Loss to LightEpisode 5 - Angie & Michelle chat about PTSD, podcast stuff, and all around triggers***TRIGGER WARNING*** On this episode we dive into PTSD and self care, what that all means. We do talk about suicide in this episode. Michelle talks about her eye issues and what that means and some other recent losses that she has experienced and how it has triggered her. Angie chats about how we are all "better together" and how we can move through our journeys together. We talk about the tools we use and how we even make this podcast! This is a short episode for a quick check in with everyone and seeing how you like our podca...2023-08-3018 min
From Loss to LightEpisode 4 - Becky's story from widowhood to todayIn this episode, we are introducing our beautiful friend Becky Nicks. Becky and Angie were introduced back in 2009 when their worlds collided through widowhood. Michelle also came into the widowhood world with us as we all met on a widow/widowhood online group. Becky's story is full of love, sadness, and loneliness, but most of all a young widowed mom finding her light through a devastating loss of her husband who was a deputy sheriff in Omaha, Nebraska and was killed by a drunk driver while he was enjoying a moments passion on his motorcycle. We dive into...2023-08-1646 minFrom Loss to LightEpisode 3 - Todd Studer's storyIn this episode, Todd Studer shares his story of childhood abandonment, learning to grow as a child feeling alone. Todd, talks us through the therapy and the hard work he has had to do to find his light through his traumatic losses. Todd shares how his divorce has left him not involved with his own children's life, but the love and hope he shares that one day things will be different for his family. Todd is a station manager and morning show host at Bluffs Country radio KXCB 106.5 out of Council Bluffs, IA. Listen to how he went from a d...2023-08-0245 min
From Loss to LightEpisode 2 - Angie's story from losing a child to widowhood to a bereaved sister and moreIn this episode, Angie Hanson native of Nebraska, shares her story of the death of her son Garret in June 2006, her husband Jack in February 2009, her brother Seth in April 2009; then her sister-n-law Brooke in 2018. She shares how she navigated the grief journey while supporting and raising her young daughter Graci. She walks us through tools she used to cope and the support she received during her losses. Angie then goes on to share what she has created since finding the light through her losses and that is "grief" greeting card company. Butterflies + Halo's was launched in June 2022 on Etsy...2023-07-0749 min
From Loss to LightEpisode 1 - Michelle's story from loss to lightIn this episode, Michelle Cowan native of Iowa, shares her story of the death of her first husband Joe in March 2009. She shares how she navigated the grief journey with a teenager and gives us insight into what lead to try to pass the DRAM shop law in the state of Nebraska. She reflects on how her journey lead her to grief groups and how she journaled through her grief which in turn led her to today where she is the Author of "Better Not Bitter": a journey from heartache to healing. You can purchase this book on Amazon her...2023-07-0639 minFrom Loss to LightFrom Loss To Light "Trailer"Welcome to the "From Light to Loss Podcast". This "trailer" will give you a glimpse into what you can expect from our podcast going forward. We are SO glad you are here! 2023-07-0501 min