The place where incredible people share their stories of overcoming great adversity and loss to inspire you and give you hope!
Qualified - Lessons in Loss

Episodes

Pain is temporary and necessary - What I learned through the lens of loss
66
Aug. 23, 2024

Pain is temporary and necessary - What I learned through the lens of loss

After the loss of two children through miscarriage and stillbirth, Bridgett’s hopes were shattered. When a divorce, the death of a family member and other losses followed, she became depressed and began to experience health issues because of her deep grief. Join me as I talk with Bridgett Dunbar, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and author of the book, Grief, Loss and the Goodness of God, A Path to Healing after the Death of a Child . In our conversation Bridgett shares not only her most...
Let's Talk About Friendship Breakups
65
Aug. 9, 2024

Let's Talk About Friendship Breakups

Have you experienced the painful loss of a friendship breakup? Maybe it was due to a disagreement over a position you hold firmly to. Perhaps it was related to the way you parent your children, your political views, your lifestyle choices, or your religious beliefs. Whatever the cause, friendship breakups are hard. Join me as I chat with the author of “When Best Friends Aren’t Forever,” Kristen Reed-Belveal. In her book, she takes a hard look at friendships through the lens of faith. In our d...
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
64
July 26, 2024

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

What happens when your deepest faith is tested by unimaginable suffering? In this episode, I talk with David Libby, who explains how he and his family contracted Lyme disease. He shares the emotional and physical toll of watching his wife and daughters endure excruciating pain, while he himself became their primary caregiver despite his own illness. A self-taught student of theology, well-versed Christian apologist and published author, David has much to offer on the topics of theology, atheism...
Cancer, Infidelity and Divorce - How I survived breast cancer and betrayal
63
June 7, 2024

Cancer, Infidelity and Divorce - How I survived breast cancer and betrayal

Laura endured the adversity trifecta- cancer, infidelity, and divorce. Listen in as she opens up about her bi-lateral breast cancer diagnosis, ravaging chemotherapy, congestive heart failure, a heart transplant, and coping with infidelity and divorce after 27 years of marriage. Through it all, she not only regained her strength and recovered physically but she emerged stronger and more determined to help others. https://www.icope2hope.com/
How to survive the empty nest
62
May 24, 2024

How to survive the empty nest

How are you going to feel when your child leaves for college? Have you given it any thought in advance and how prepared are you to face an empty nest? In this episode I talk with Stacy Kaye, an award-winning journalist and source of encouragement for those facing the silence of an empty nest. Listen in and be inspired as we explore the depth of parental love, the pain that comes with letting go, and the new opportunities that await in this transitional phase of life. https://www.stacykayebook...
Coping with the loss of a pet
61
April 12, 2024

Coping with the loss of a pet

The loss of a dog, a cat, a horse, a bird, any pet can cause us to experience grief. The animals we share our homes and lives with are part of our families and when they are no longer there it can create a significant and painful void. Listen in as I interview Rachel Shirley, a compelling author and certified coach committed to guiding individuals through life's profound moments, including the impactful experience of pet loss. https://www.rachel-shirley.com/
Stillborn - Carrying a baby to term with a fatal diagnosis
60
March 23, 2024

Stillborn - Carrying a baby to term with a fatal diagnosis

When Katherine and her husband learned of their baby’s fatal fetal diagnosis, they knew they had some hard decisions to make. Since their child had no kidneys he would most likely die in utero or shortly after birth, so doctors recommended termination of the pregnancy. Listen in as Katherine shares her story about carrying a baby she knew she could not keep and making a choice to stay true to her convictions. Katherine's blog: https://medium.com/@whenwatersrise/four-years-and-gods-goodness-eb7c...
Grief before loss - How my dad's dementia took him from us slowly
59
March 9, 2024

Grief before loss - How my dad's dementia took him from us slowly

When doctors diagnosed her father with mild cognitive disorder, a form of dementia that would likely progress to Alzheimer’s, Joycelyn was in denial. It was difficult to watch the decline of her superhero dad and she began to grieve the loss of the man he once was. Her personal story will resonate with anyone who has walked alongside a loved one with cognitive decline and has experienced anticipatory grief. Listen in to this intimate discussion with Reverend Jocelyn Jones, as she shares her ra...
Learning to see myself through His eyes
58
Feb. 16, 2024

Learning to see myself through His eyes

Born with a severe cleft palate, Sue faced ridicule and harassment on daily basis due to the way she looked. In addition to having to endure multiple surgeries and physical pain, she would also be traumatized by her parent's divorce and an abusive encounter in college that resulted in rape. Today, Sue Corl is an international women’s conference speaker, author, mentor, Bible teacher, missionary, founder and Executive Director of Crown of Beauty International, and His Heartbeat Podcast host. Her...
Going no contact with a parent - my journey from loss to restoration
57
Feb. 2, 2024

Going no contact with a parent - my journey from loss to restoration

At the age of 13, Katherine made the choice to exclude her father from her life. By going no contact with him, she hoped to rid herself of his toxic behavior and safeguard her own mental health. Listen in to our conversation as Katherine shares about her emotional journey of stepping away from her father for 13 years and the impact it had on her adult life. She also discusses the liberating force of forgiveness and its essential role in overcoming bitterness, anger, and the importance of prayi...
Finding joy after the loss of a spouse
56
Jan. 19, 2024

Finding joy after the loss of a spouse

While away from home on a business trip, Anne-Marie was informed that her husband suffered a brain aneurysm and died in their bedroom. Nothing could have prepared her for the pain and grief she was about to experience and no one seemed equipped to come alongside her emotionally. Listen in to this inspirational story of how one widow was determined to use her experience to help other grievers -ultimately becoming a grief specialist, 8-time award-winning author on grief, and founder of The Grief...
Autism, Cancer and Death – How to see life’s challenges in a new way
55
Dec. 15, 2023

Autism, Cancer and Death – How to see life’s challenges in a new way

Raising twin daughters with severe intellectual disabilities and autism, working full time and becoming an advocate for people with disabilities would keep Clay busy and challenged over the years. But when his wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, he began to wonder why his family had been singled out for so much adversity in this life. Listen in and hear how Clay Boatright eventually found purpose in adversity and how he learned to view life's challenges as blessings. Purchase Clay's book he...
Transformed by the waves of grief - One widow's story of hope
54
Nov. 21, 2023

Transformed by the waves of grief - One widow's story of hope

When a social media post informed her about a fatal shark attack at the very time and place her husband was surfing that day, Katie instinctively knew her worst fear had been realized. Now widowed at the age of 27, her life had been shattered into a million pieces launching her into the unknown, unwanted journey of grief. Listen in as I talk with Katie Kelly- an incredibly strong and resilient woman, and the founder of Through It All - a newly established nonprofit foundation dedicated to helpi...
Losing my parents, processing my grief, and examining my faith
53
Oct. 27, 2023

Losing my parents, processing my grief, and examining my faith

Ten years after losing her mom to cancer, Ceci was still healing but feeling stronger, restored and more grounded. Then the news came that her father was ill and ultimately died in the hospital during the pandemic. By age 30, she had lost both parents and was struggling with PTSD, suicidal ideation and a variety of somatic issues stemming from her intense grief. Listen in to this honest and inspirational conversation with Ceci Frost about her trauma, grief journey and the lessons she learne...
Compassion in the Curriculum:  How one teacher is using her story to help at-risk students
52
Sept. 1, 2023

Compassion in the Curriculum: How one teacher is using her story to help at-risk students

Growing up in an alcoholic and abusive home made every day difficult for Suzy. She endured painful emotional and physical abuse and failed to receive the nurturing and parental guidance that is so critical to a child’s healthy development. But even after being raped at a very young age, and living in a home devoid of love, Suzy’s greatest loss would be the death of her younger brother, Bart, who died tragically by suicide. Join me in this intimate conversation with Suzy Ryan, author, educator,...
When Joy and Sorrow Collide: One Man's Perspective
51
Aug. 20, 2023

When Joy and Sorrow Collide: One Man's Perspective

Following two miscarriages, Darrell and his wife were thrilled to learn that they would finally become parents. As they arrived at the hospital prepared to experience their greatest joy, they also received devasting news that would trigger a mix of emotions they were completely unprepared for. Listen in on my conversation with Darrell Williams, former white house communications director to the vice president, military veteran, pastor, speaker, facilitator, and certified life coach. Darrell's...
How my daughter's death created a legacy of life
50
Aug. 4, 2023

How my daughter's death created a legacy of life

During a family vacation in Colorado, Tara's 13-year-old daughter Taylor died suddenly when she struck a tree while skiing. Still in shock, Tara and her husband were asked a question no parents ever think they will hear: "Would you be willing to donate Taylor's organs?" In our conversation, Tara opens up about the difficult journey of grief and how Taylor's passing impacted her family. However, amidst the pain, Tara found a sense of purpose in promoting organ donation, an act that truly embodi...
Suddenly Widowed with Children
49
July 14, 2023

Suddenly Widowed with Children

When her husband passed away suddenly, Debbie was widowed without warning at the age of 35 with 4 young boys. In our discussion, she weaves through the terror of losing Aaron, the heartbreak of explaining the tragedy to her four young boys, and the struggle to keep her faith amidst the darkest storm she'd ever faced. Debbie's story isn't just about loss and grief, it's one of resilience, hope, and faith that will challenge your perspective on life. With raw emotions and heartfelt wisdom, Debb...
Moving forward after the death of a child
48
June 30, 2023

Moving forward after the death of a child

Just before Thanksgiving in 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic, a loving wife and mother of three would discover that her 17-year-old daughter had taken her own life. In an incredibly touching conversation with author K. L .Gilchrist, we walk through her journey of sudden bereavement. Gilchrist paints a poignant picture of the initial shock and grief that accompanied her daughter's untimely passing and her struggle for closure. Yet, in this darkness, she found solace by leaning on her faith...
Transforming Mental Health Through Text Messages: Johnny Crowder's Journey to Cope Notes
47
June 16, 2023

Transforming Mental Health Through Text Messages: Johnny Crowder's Journey to Cope Notes

What if I told you that you could transform your mental health through the power of daily text messages? Join me for a powerful conversation with my guest, Johnny Crowder, a suicide and abuse survivor who has turned his pain into purpose by creating Cope Notes, a text-based mental health platform that's now supporting users in nearly 100 countries across the globe. Johnny shares his journey through depression and the impact of growing up in an abusive home, revealing how music and art provided a...
How to cope with multiple losses in life
46
June 2, 2023

How to cope with multiple losses in life

While in the hospital giving birth to her son, Veronica received the news that her sister had just passed away. Listen in to hear the story of how this woman of faith chose to react to her circumstances and how she turned her misery into a ministry that is helping others overcome adversity and loss. #miscarriage #multiplelosses #faith #loss #grief https://speakerhub.com/speaker/veronica-williams
The Emotional, Physical and Spiritual Impact of Grief
45
May 12, 2023

The Emotional, Physical and Spiritual Impact of Grief

Following the death of her dear friend, Marnie was surprised at the impact her grief would have on her physical health. Later, her father's sudden death also hit her hard emotionally and physically, but it didn't take her long to realize the spiritual 9-1-1 call she needed to make that she still relies on to this day. Listen in as Marnie shares an uplifting and positive message of faith and hope in the midst of loss! https://www.marnie.com/ #suddenloss #marnieswedberg #grief #impactofgrief
Parent of an addicted child shares the lessons he learned
44
April 27, 2023

Parent of an addicted child shares the lessons he learned

When Darryl first learned that his son Chase had a drug habit, he panicked. He didn't know how to respond to his son's behavioral changes, so he turned to an intervention team. Chase was admitted to a treatment facility, seemed to be doing better, but eventually relapsed. Listen in as Darryl openly shares the parenting mistakes he made and the lessons he learned about the proper role of a parent with an addicted child. https://www.darrylrodgers.com/ https://www.griefshare.org/ #addictedchild #...
What I learned after losing my son
43
April 11, 2023

What I learned after losing my son

On the 10 year anniversary of my son Sean's passing, I share the lessons I learned from the most devastating experience of my life. #lossofmyson #lessonsinloss #gratitude