Shows
Grief & GritOne Year of Grief & Grit: From Heartache to HealingWe’re turning one! 🥳 In this anniversary episode, co-hosts Greer and Simonie reflect on a full year of Grief & Grit — the laughs, the tears, and the behind-the-scenes chaos (yes, someone forgot to hit record… more than once).
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They share how the podcast began, what they’ve learned from each other and their guests, and how grief has shaped them, and this community. Whether you’ve been here since day one or just found us crying in your car (we’ve been there), this episode is our love letter to you.
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Thank you for listening...2025-07-2318 min
Grief & GritSummer Blues: Because Grief Doesn’t Take a VacationSummer is supposed to be all sunshine, pool days, and BBQs. But what happens when your grief doesn’t take a seasonal break? In this episode, Greer and Simonie talk candidly about the unexpected emotional weight summer can bring after loss. From sunscreen mishaps to solo parenting challenges, canceled travel traditions, and the haunting contrast between sunny skies and inner gloom, they unpack it all with honesty, heart, and a little humor.
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Whether you’re facing an anniversary, parenting through grief, or just feeling out of sync with the summer vibes, this conversation offers validation, encou...2025-06-2534 min
Grief & GritGrieving as a Dad: Kurt Moore on Loss, Parenting, and LegacyIn this episode, we sit down with Kurt Moore, a widowed dad raising two kids while navigating life after the death of his wife, Emily. With both humor and honesty, Kurt shares how his personal history of grief—including losing his own father as a teenager—shaped the way he’s parented through unimaginable loss.
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We talk about how kids grieve—often saying the things adults are too afraid to admit—what it means to keep showing up even when you'd rather fall apart, and why legacy isn't just what we leave behind—it's something we live every...2025-06-111h 01
Grief & GritWhat NOT to Say to a Griever (Navigating Words That Hurt and Help)In this episode of Grief & Grit, Greer and Simonie dive into a topic that every griever has faced: the well-meaning but hurtful things people say after a loss. They discuss why some common phrases — like “everything happens for a reason” or “they’re in a better place” — can feel dismissive and painful.
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Greer and Simonie share personal stories, including Greer’s reflections on the fourth anniversary of Jarrod’s passing. They also address the challenge of balancing grief with life’s ongoing changes and how sometimes just being present is more powerful than saying the “right” thing.
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Grief & GritReclaim & Reboot: Divorce, Identity, and Moving Forward with Justin MilradGrief doesn’t always stem from death. Sometimes, it’s the end of a marriage, the loss of a dream, or the shift in your identity that brings you to your knees. In this episode of Grief & Grit, we sit down with Justin Milrad, a divorce coach, father, and someone who has experienced the pain of divorce firsthand. Divorce is a kind of grief that isn’t often talked about in the same way as other losses, but it’s no less real. It's the loss of a shared dream, a future once envisioned, and a way of life that no...2025-04-3052 min
Grief & GritNashira—We Will Sing: Remembering Ashira with Her ParentsIn this poignant episode of Grief & Grit, we sit down with Debbie Derby and Barry Rabinowitz, parents of Ashira—a vibrant, fearless, and joy-filled young woman whose sudden passing left an unimaginable void, but also a powerful legacy.
Ashira, whose name means I will sing, was a force of light. She danced through life—literally and metaphorically—lifting others with her humor, confidence, and magnetic spirit. After her death, Debbie and Barry were overwhelmed by stories from Ashira’s vast circle of friends, many of whom described her as their best friend, mentor, or chosen family.
Toget...2025-04-1644 min
Grief & GritDecluttering Grief with Put It There Organizer Michelle CooperWhen grief hits, the last thing many of us feel ready to face is “the stuff” left behind—clothing, toiletries, papers, and memory-soaked objects that now carry the weight of absence. In this heart-opening episode, we sit down with Michelle Cooper, Certified Professional Organizer and founder of Put It There, to explore the emotional and logistical layers of decluttering after loss.
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Michelle shares her compassionate approach to helping clients sort through a loved one’s belongings—from the practical (where to start, what to keep, and what to release) to the deeply emotional (what it means to ho...2025-04-0251 min
Grief & GritA Father’s Grief: David Pritchard on Losing His Son to SuicideIn this episode of Grief & Grit, we sit down with David Pritchard, a devoted father who lost his 17-year-old son, Nick, to suicide nearly 13 years ago. David bravely shares his heartbreaking yet inspiring journey through grief, reflecting on the shock, devastation, and lingering questions that come with losing a child in such an unexpected way.
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David opens up about the overwhelming guilt, the societal stigma around suicide, and how he found the strength to keep going. Through grief support groups like The Compassionate Friends and Survivors of Suicide, as well as therapy and community, David f...2025-03-1952 min
Grief & GritGetting Back Up Again: Resilience in the Face of GriefGetting Back Up - Resilience in the Face of Grief 🌟
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In this Grief & Grit episode, Greer and Simonie explore the emotional rollercoaster of physical and emotional falls. When Greer unexpectedly sprains her ankle, the incident triggers past traumas and reignites deep-seated grief. đźš‘đź’” Listen as they share how such moments demand both physical recovery and emotional resilience, offering personal stories and strategies for navigating these sudden life setbacks.
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Join Greer and Simonie for a heartfelt discussion that intertwines the pains of physical injuries with the ongoing journey of emotional healing, reminding us that every...2025-03-0514 min
Grief & GritThe Dreaded "D" Word: Dating After LossDating after loss—whether from death, divorce, or the end of a significant relationship—can feel like stepping into a whole new world. In this episode of Grief & Grit, Greer and Simonie get real about navigating the dating scene post-loss. From hilarious mishaps (hello, water guy and the man who wouldn’t board a plane!) to the emotional complexities of finding love again, they share their experiences, lessons learned, and the importance of knowing your worth.
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Whether you’re actively dating, considering it, or happy solo, this candid conversation is full of laughs, real talk, and insig...2025-02-1943 min
Grief & GritThe Healing Power of Rituals: Honoring Loved Ones w/ Carol Shutley, Momento FoundationRituals provide structure, comfort, and connection in the midst of grief. In this episode of Grief & Grit, Greer and Simonie explore the profound role rituals play in honoring and remembering loved ones after loss. They are joined by grief expert Carol Shutley from the Momento Foundation, who shares insights into how rituals—both small and large—can offer grounding and healing.
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Carol discusses cultural traditions surrounding grief, the power of remembrance rituals, and how simple acts—like lighting a candle, looking at a cherished photograph, or continuing a loved one’s traditions—can help keep their memor...2025-02-0543 min
Grief & GritSigns, Mediumship & Staying Connected Beyond Grief w/ The Intuitive TherapistIn this insightful and moving episode of Grief & Grit, we dive deep into signs, mediumship, and the unseen connections that bring comfort to those who are grieving. Greer and Simonie are joined by The Intuitive Therapist, Janis R. Cohen, a gifted psychic medium and therapist who shares her journey of embracing her intuitive gifts and helping others find healing and closure.
Janis explains how connecting with loved ones who have passed can aid the grieving process and provides examples of common signs, including coins, songs, animals and more. The conversation touches on personal stories of grief, skepticism...2025-01-2258 min
Grief & GritSetting Intentions, Not Resolutions, with Heather MarkleAs we step into 2025, Greer Mendel and Simonie Levy welcome special guest Heather Markle, certified resilience coach and educator, to discuss a refreshing approach to the new year: setting intentions instead of resolutions. In this candid and empowering conversation, Heather shares her journey of resilience through grief and how practices like choosing a word of the year and the transformative “Burn Bowl” ritual can help us embrace growth and healing.
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Together, the hosts and Heather explore:
The power of intention-setting for widows, grievers, and anyone navigating life transitions.
How to align your goals with an in...2025-01-0841 min
Grief & GritGrief and Anxiety: Navigating the Overlap with Anxiety Slayer Shann Vander LeekIn this episode of Grief & Grit, Greer and Simonie explore the intersection of grief and anxiety with special guest Shann Vander Leek from the Anxiety Slayer podcast. Shann shares her insights on how grief-related anxiety manifests, from panic attacks and hyper-awareness of mortality to the overwhelming fear of an uncertain future.
Greer and Simonie open up about their personal experiences with anxiety after the loss of their spouses, including moments of emotional overload and the challenges of solo parenting. Together, they discuss how anxiety can impact sleep, decision-making and day-to-day functioning during grief.
Shann offers...2024-12-2438 min
Grief & GritFinding Light: Navigating Grief During the Holiday SeasonThe holiday season can be one of the most challenging times for those grieving the loss of a loved one. In this episode of Grief & Grit, co-hosts Greer Mendel and Simonie Levy share their personal stories of navigating winter holidays after losing their spouses. They offer compassionate guidance, from letting go of painful traditions to creating new ones that honor your loved one's memory.
Discover practical tips like setting boundaries, crafting an exit plan for events, and embracing the unexpected moments of joy that may arise. Whether it's lighting a candle, sharing stories, or simply allowing yourself...2024-12-1130 min
Grief & GritGrief & Gratitude: Finding Hope and Resilience Amid LossAs Thanksgiving approaches, Greer and Simonie dive into the complex relationship between grief and gratitude in this episode of Grief & Grit. They share personal stories about transforming the holiday into a time of remembrance and thanks. Greer reflects on her struggles with Thanksgiving after Jarrod’s passing, while Simonie talks about the impact of her late husband Mark’s leukemia diagnosis during the holiday.
They explore how small acts, like keeping a gratitude journal or embracing moments of peace, can foster healing. With insights on resilience and finding joy amid sorrow, they offer practical ways to navigate the...2024-11-2729 min
Grief & GritSupporting Children Through Grief with Kate's ClubIn this impactful episode of Grief & Grit, we welcome Lane Pease, Director of Education & Innovative Programming at Kate’s Club. Lane shares her personal grief journey and explains how Kate’s Club supports children and teens who have lost a caregiver or sibling.
As we recognize National Children’s Grief Awareness Day, observed every year on the Thursday before Thanksgiving, we dive into the unique ways children process grief, common misconceptions, and how grief evolves as kids grow. Lane offers practical advice for families and discusses how to support grieving children, especially during the holiday season. We also h...2024-11-2040 min
Grief & GritGrieving a Challenging Relationship with Shann Vander LeekIn this Grief & Grit episode, Greer and Simonie welcome Shann Vander Leek, co-host of Anxiety Slayer and their podcast coach. Shann opens up about her journey of grieving a complicated relationship with her father. She shares the difficult decision to take a decade-long break to heal, the boundaries she needed to set, and the personal growth that led to a renewed bond before his passing.
Greer and Simonie lead a powerful discussion on the stigma of grieving imperfect relationships, the work of self-forgiveness, and the unexpected gifts of healing. Shann’s story offers hope and insight to an...2024-11-1330 minGrief & GritThe Mask of GriefIn this special Halloween-themed episode of Grief & Grit, Greer and Simonie dive into the idea of the "mask" we wear in grief. Just as people wear costumes to conceal their true identity on Halloween, we often hide our true emotions behind a mask when dealing with grief. The discussion covers the different masks we put on—from the strong, happy, or busy personas to the deep disconnect from our feelings.
The conversation touches on personal stories and explores the toll that masking grief can have on both emotional and physical health. The hosts reflect on the importance of...2024-10-3039 min
Grief & GritPregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness: SarahIn this touching episode of Grief & Grit, we continue our series for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month with a very special guest, Sarah Jarvis. Sarah shares her deeply personal and emotional journey through infertility, the grief of unmet expectations, and the transformative experience of building her family through surrogacy and adoption.
Sarah’s story is one of resilience, love, and surrender—learning to let go of the image of how life "should" be and embracing the miracles that come in unexpected ways. She opens up about the challenges of infertility, the emotional rollercoaster of surrogacy, and the...2024-10-2341 min
Grief & GritPregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness: CarlyIn this episode of Grief & Grit, co-hosts Greer and Simonie delve into a deeply personal and delicate topic: pregnancy loss. Joined by special guest Carly Sonenshine, LCSW, the conversation explores Carly’s own journey through the heartbreaking challenges of miscarriage and the rollercoaster of emotions that accompany trying to build a family amidst uncertainty. Carly opens up about her experiences with IVF and the journey she and her husband faced after learning they were both carriers of a rare genetic condition.
Listeners will hear raw reflections on grief, hope and the unique pressures of navigating such intense lo...2024-10-161h 02
Grief & GritPregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness: BarbaraIn this episode of Grief & Grit, Barbara Leahy joins hosts Greer Mendel and Simonie Levy to share her powerful story of giving birth to premature twin daughters and enduring the devastating loss of one. Barbara opens up about navigating grief while raising her surviving daughter, and how she’s learned to hold both joy and sorrow throughout her journey.
The conversation explores the messy, complex nature of grief—living in “liminal space,” dealing with unexpected grief triggers, and the importance of finding and embracing your support village. Barbara’s story sheds light on the bittersweetness of milestones and how gr...2024-10-0939 min
Grief & GritPregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness: GreerIn this special episode, hosts Simonie and Greer delve into the difficult but essential topic of pregnancy and infant loss. October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and Greer shares her deeply personal story of grief, love and healing.* From her journey with pregnancy loss to the challenges and decisions she and her late husband, Jarrod, faced, Greer opens up about the impact of loss and the road to finding support. She discusses the importance of talking openly about such experiences to reduce the isolation that often accompanies grief. Listen as they explore the nuances of loss, the...2024-10-0231 min
Grief & GritNavigating the Layers of Secondary LossesIn this episode of Grief & Grit, Greer Mendel and Simonie Levy explore the concept of secondary losses, the unexpected changes that follow the death of a loved one. Beyond the immediate grief, these losses—like the loss of future dreams, financial security, and support systems—can quietly reshape your life.
Greer and Simonie share personal stories about the challenges they faced, from losing the vision of a shared future to navigating the sudden burden of financial responsibilities. They also touch on how a profound loss can shift your identity as a parent or spouse, and shatter hopes for...2024-09-2544 min
Grief & GritSeasons Change: Grief, Growth and Finding New TraditionsAs the seasons change, so do our emotions, especially when navigating grief. In this episode of Grief & Grit, hosts Greer Mendel and Simonie Levy reflect on how each season stirs memories of their late husbands while offering insight on coping with the emotions that accompany these transitions.
Greer shares how fall, once filled with excitement over football and family traditions, now feels different without Jarrod. Simonie discusses how winter, once a season of joy, became marked by the memory of Mark’s cancer diagnosis and passing. Through their personal experiences, they offer advice for others facing the ch...2024-09-1132 min
Grief & GritSurviving the First "Firsts" & Milestones that Follow: GreerIn this moving episode of "Grief & Grit," hosts Greer Mendel and Simonie Levy continue their exploration of navigating the first year of loss and the significant milestones that follow. Greer recounts her journey after the sudden passing of her husband, Jarrod, detailing the emotional challenges of holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries.Â
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Greer and Simonie offer tips for those at the beginning of their grief journey, emphasizing the importance of self-care, creating new traditions, and allowing oneself to feel and express emotions. Their conversation underscores that there are no rules for grieving—everyone’s journey is unique, and it...2024-08-2834 min
Grief & GritSurviving the First "Firsts" & Milestones that Follow: SimonieIn this poignant episode of "Grief & Grit," hosts Greer Mendel and Simonie Levy reflect on the challenging journey through the first year of loss and the milestones that follow. Simonie shares her experiences after the passing of her husband, Mark, including navigating holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries. The discussion touches on the overwhelming emotions that arise and the realization that milestones bring both joy and sorrow. Â
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Listeners will find empathy and understanding as Simonie and Greer candidly discuss survivor's guilt and the bittersweet nature of life’s milestones without their loved ones. Join us for an hones...2024-08-1427 minGrief & GritPros & Cons of Social Media While GrievingThis week on "Grief & Grit," we delve into the intricate role of social media in the grieving process. It can be a crucial tool for connection and support, yet it also has the potential to evoke painful emotions. We explore both the benefits and drawbacks of using social media while grieving and provide practical tips for managing your online presence effectively.
Join us for a candid discussion that blends empathy, humor, and practical advice, helping you navigate the pros and cons of social media while grieving. Â
2024-08-0127 min
Grief & GritMeet Greer MendelToday on Grief & Grit, join us for an intimate episode featuring our inspiring co-host, Greer Mendel. Greer shares her powerful journey through resilience, love, and loss. As the grandchild of Holocaust survivors, the sister of someone with a developmental disability, and a devoted wife and mother, Greer's story is a testament to enduring strength.Â
She opens up about her experiences with adversity, including losing her first pregnancy, the joy of welcoming two healthy children, and the tragic day her husband, Jarrod, passed away suddenly, leaving her a widow with two young kids at the age of 38.
2024-07-1728 min
Grief & GritMeet Simonie LevyToday on Grief & Grit we share an up close and personal episode featuring our inspiring co-host, Simonie Levy.Â
Simonie's journey began in high school when she met her soulmate. Their friendship blossomed into love, and they married, starting a family. Amid political unrest in their home country, they moved to the USA and expanded their family further.
Tragically, her husband was diagnosed with leukemia and passed away, leaving Simonie a widow with young children. Faced with immense grief, she had to navigate life without her partner while supporting her kids.
Simonie's journey through g...2024-07-1724 min
Grief & GritIntroducing Grief & Grit: From Heartache to High-Fives with a Dash of SassIn this debut episode of "Grief & Grit: From Heartache to High-Fives with a Dash of Sass," hosts Simonie Levy and Greer Mendel invite you into their world of navigating grief with both courage and a light heart. They share their backstories, reveal the moments that brought them together, and explain the passion behind launching this podcast.Â
Learn how "Grief & Grit: From Heartache to High-Fives with a Dash of Sass," came to be and what this series aims to explore. Expect an honest conversation filled with insights and inspiration for anyone looking to understand the complexities of grief w...2024-07-1111 min