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

Anticipating the Loss of my Son and Choosing my Approach to Grief
18
April 8, 2022

Anticipating the Loss of my Son and Choosing my Approach to Grief

When Elaine learned that her 4-year-old son had Duchenne muscular dystrophy and that he would most likely not live past his teen years, she made a decision to enjoy every day of their lives together. She explains her feelings of anticipatory grief prior to Matt’s passing, her unique approach to processing her emotions following his death, and the impact of secondary loss . #Duchennemusculardystrophy #anticipatorygrief #secondaryloss
How my own losses made me a better therapist
17
March 27, 2022

How my own losses made me a better therapist

Those who have endured the pain of loss are uniquely qualified to help others with their experience. In this episode, I interview a therapist who has textbook knowledge and real life experience in loss. Ken explores his own trauma including the pain of divorce, loss of loved ones, illness, and depression to help others who are hurting. #therapistgrief #lossoffamily #therapistdepression
The Emotional Toll of Losing a Spouse
16
March 12, 2022

The Emotional Toll of Losing a Spouse

Shocked by the depth of emotional pain he experienced following the death of his wife, Bob sought advice and counsel to ease his suffering. He recalls the sadness, sleepless nights, loss of appetite and anxiety that plagued him in the early months but also began to discover a new gratitude that would be key to his healing. Bob shares his insights about the power of the mind and the resiliency of our bodies during grief. He understands the pain associated with losing a spouse and how grief is a...
Milestones, Memes and Memories
15
March 1, 2022

Milestones, Memes and Memories

As bereaved parents know, certain dates and milestones can bring us to our knees. Today, on my son's birthday, I wanted to share a story of answered prayer, hope for grievers and the message I saw on my son's computer "It is well with my soul". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNqo4Un2uZI&ab_channel=BethelMusic #itiswellwithmysoul #bereavedmom #griefmilestones
What my son’s death taught me about life
14
Feb. 28, 2022

What my son’s death taught me about life

After receiving the news that her son’s germ cell cancer had returned, Mary realized she had only precious days left with Nate to say goodbye. A 10-year struggle followed as Mary grieved and questioned, until she discovered wisdom in the book of Ecclesiastes that would be the beginning of her journey back to joy. #notafraidtodie #germcellcancer #sayhisname #betteristhedayofdeath
Finding Purpose After the Loss of an Only Child
13
Feb. 11, 2022

Finding Purpose After the Loss of an Only Child

Losing an only child brings a unique sort of pain and sadness that can be debilitating. Christine shares openly about the impact of sudden death, the emotions associated with being a childless mom, and the struggles that come along with those early years of grieving. Even after becoming a member of “the worst club in the world” Christine discovers the peace of finding purpose and shares the wisdom and insight she has gained over the 12 years since her daughter left this world. #lossofanonlychil...
Choosing to Love my Alcoholic Mother
12
Jan. 29, 2022

Choosing to Love my Alcoholic Mother

Growing up in a chaotic home, suffering abuse as a child and then marrying an addict finally led Christina to Al-Anon where she realized her mother was an alcoholic. Longing for a healthy relationship with her, Christina sought to understand the disease of alcoholism and the grip it had on her mom. In this amazing story of recovery and redemption, Christina shares how her determination to love her mother in spite of her addiction resulted in the happiness she had always hoped for. #recoveryandr...
Tattoos, Hawks and Cheese Platters – Remembering My Brother
11
Jan. 8, 2022

Tattoos, Hawks and Cheese Platters – Remembering My Brother

Eight years after the sudden death of his brother, TJ opens up about his feelings of grief and confusion. Along with his wife, Jamie, the couple ultimately decide to embrace the tragedy by memorializing their brother and friend with commissioned artwork, tattoos, the names of their children and with continued acts of kindness, generosity and creativity attributed to his life and legacy. #brotherandbestfriend #honoringmybrothersdeath #painintomemories
Losing My Dad and Finding New Peace with Mom
10
Dec. 28, 2021

Losing My Dad and Finding New Peace with Mom

Following the unexpected death of her beloved father, Lauri is now faced with caring for her elderly mother, who she has had a tense relationship with for many years. While caring for her mom in her own home, Lauri decides to use the opportunity to open the doors of communication and delve deep into discussions about her feelings of mom's favoritism toward her siblings and other past hurts. The benefits of honest communication become evident as Lauri and her mother make an intimate connection ju...
Finding Gratitude after the Death of a Child
9
Dec. 19, 2021

Finding Gratitude after the Death of a Child

During the holiday season, people grieving the loss of a loved one can experience more intense feelings of sadness and despair. In this episode, I talk with Christine, another bereaved mom, who lost her daughter in a tragic motorcycle accident four years ago. Christine and I openly share our low points as well as valuable lessons learned to offer comfort to any struggling in their grief journey this Christmas. #missingmychildatChristmas #griefandgratitude #bereavedmoms
How I Contributed to My Daughter's Pain
8
Nov. 24, 2021

How I Contributed to My Daughter's Pain

In this episode, “How I Contributed to My Daughter’s Pain”, Susan shares her story about breaking the cycle of family trauma. Concerned about her daughters’ depression and alcohol abuse, she discovers how taking responsibility for her part in the family dynamic would be the first step in setting them both free. #contributedtomydaughterspain #breakthecycleoffamilytrauma #Impartoftheproblem #husbandaspergers #miscarriagesanddepression
Life Begins in the Pit - Discovering the sweetness of love through suffering
7
Nov. 12, 2021

Life Begins in the Pit - Discovering the sweetness of love through suffering

In this episode, Kevin gives us a glimpse into the life of a special needs child caretaker. He talks about his daughter’s seizure disorder and how caring for her changed the course of his life. Kevin also revisits his teenage years and discusses his mother’s bipolar and suicide. He ultimately discovers the connection between suffering and love during a cathartic moment in the pediatric hospital ward. #specialneedschildcaretaker #mothersbipolarandsuicide #specialneedschildfatigue
Breaking Free From Depression
6
Nov. 2, 2021

Breaking Free From Depression

Join me on Episode 6 as I talk with Kimberly about how a series of traumatic events early in life resulted in her depression, drug and alcohol abuse, and thoughts of suicide. Kimberly openly shares the details of how she was able to finally break free from the pain she had been suppressing and allow forgiveness to enter in. National Alliance on Mental Illness https://nami.org/ National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 #depressionanddivorce #depressionandsuicidalthoughtsasamom #depressi...
Addicted and Arrested - How getting locked up showed me the way to real freedom
5
Oct. 19, 2021

Addicted and Arrested - How getting locked up showed me the way to real freedom

In this episode, I interview Jeff, a recovering addict turned pastor, who has an incredible story to share! Jeff talks about being a drug addict locked up and how losing his family and self-respect brought him to a place he never imagined he would be. While behind bars, a transformation took place that would radically change the course of his life. Listen in as Jeff shares an inspirational story about redemption, recovery and freedom! Visit Pastor Jeff’s church website: https://journeythechurch...
Breast Cancer Diagnosis - Overcoming Fear, Anxiety and Multiple Losses
4
Oct. 5, 2021

Breast Cancer Diagnosis - Overcoming Fear, Anxiety and Multiple Losses

In this episode, we meet Debra, an amazing breast cancer survivor who shares important information about her triple negative breast cancer fears and overall anxiety about cancer. She also discusses what to expect when going through treatment as well as practical advice for friends, family and caregivers. Debra talks about her emotional and mental state during this time, the physical changes she experienced and the hope that carried her through the process and into remission. www.cancer.org www....
Early Loss and Trauma - Mental Health Issues and the Death of a Friend
3
Sept. 21, 2021

Early Loss and Trauma - Mental Health Issues and the Death of a Friend

In this episode, Elijah bravely shares his story about teenage trauma and the death of a friend. Struggling with the pain associated with his mother’s mental health problems, followed by the death of his high school friend, he experienced depression and overwhelming sadness. Listen in as Elijah shares about the freedom associated with being vulnerable and turning to back to his spiritual roots when he comes face-to-face with the brevity of life. Please follow the show to be notified of future e...
Losing a Grandchild to Cancer
2
Sept. 9, 2021

Losing a Grandchild to Cancer

Join me today for a candid discussion with my first guest on the unique grief associated with the death of a grandchild. Olivia openly shares her deep pain and struggle to process the emotions she experienced during Avery's diagnosis with a rare form of cancer, DIPG, the horrible disease that ultimately took her life. https://averystrongdipg.org/ #survivingthelossofmygrandchild #survivinggranddaughterdeathcancer #deathofgrandchildgrief
Losing Sean - How I survived the death of my son
1
Aug. 26, 2021

Losing Sean - How I survived the death of my son

In this first episode, I share my story about surviving the death of my son and life after traumatic loss. I explain the feelings I experienced in my grief and how to go on after a child dies. Email: callmequalified@gmail.com #survivingthedeathofmyson #lifeaftertraumaticloss #survivingasabereavedmom YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCp-8rbmNJdYB2UqMDBpDFQ/