Healing Our Grieving Hearts Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: Dr. Kay Fontana

I’m Kay Fontana, and have faced profound loss throughout my life, giving me a deep understanding of the pain it brings. My journey began with the loss of my brother to cancer when I was just nine, altering the dynamics of our family as my parents grappled with grief. Later, I experienced the anguish of losing my mother to Alzheimer’s and my father to cancer shortly after his diagnosis. The most heartbreaking of all was the death of my husband and soul mate of 40 years in January 2023 due to multiple health challenges. These losses, including many others - from...

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Health Fitness Alternative Mental Religion Spirituality
Finding Strength in Solitude: Embracing Alone Time
#65
Last Saturday at 5:00 PM

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

My personal story after loss [01:27]Sacred gifts found in solitude [03:01]The fears in solitude [05:50]Simple practices to easy into the space [06:30]A moment to pause [07:20]Recap [08:40]Conclusion [09:49]

Additional Resources

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The Role of Therapy and Counseling in Healing
#64
06/21/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

The difference between therapy, grief coaching, and spiritual supportOur responses to griefThe role of the therapistThe role of the grief coachThe role of the spiritual guideChoosing the right kind of supportRecapConclusion

Additional Resources

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Exploring the Connection Between Grief and Intuition
#63
06/14/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

My story [ 01:52]The teaching of Religious Science [05:00]How grief heightens our intuitive awareness [06:09]Grief opens the heart [09:38]Conclusion [11:40]

Additional Resources

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Grief and Minimalism: Letting Go of Physical Possessions
#62
06/07/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

My story of letting go [02:12]What minimalism means when grieving [03:54]A few sacred practices for release personal belongings [06:03]Recap [09:01]

Additional Resources

https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontana

How Your Animal Friends Can Help You Heal
#61
05/31/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

Emotional bonds between humans and animals [01:32]The healing power of animals [02:41]Characteristics of different animals to contribute to healing [04:49]How to benefit from animals without owning a pet [06:20]Conclusion [09:56]

Additional Resources

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Episode 60 - Motherhood and Loss: Managing Grief as a Single Parent
#60
05/24/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

Jamie's story of 20 years ago [01:20]Being honest with children [04:24]Hiding our emotions [07:51]The need to handle death in our society [09:58]Handling anniversaries [12:21]Waiting to discard his belongings [14:50]Finding support communities [18:35]Conclusion [21:34]

Additional Resources

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Writing as a Tool for Processing Grief
#59
05/17/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

How writing can help process grief [01:38]Different types of writing for grief [03:16]Developing a regular habit of writing [05:42]Notable writers who have written about grief [08:32]Summary and Conclusion [09:30]

Additional Resources

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Pain is Inevitable, but Suffering is Optional
#58
05/10/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

Pain x Resistance = Suffering [01:43]Pain [02:39]Resistance [03:31]Suffering [04:20]Acceptance and mindfulness [07:57]Cognitive-behavioral strategies [08:45]Conclusion [10:40]

Additional Resources

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Understanding Ancestral Grief
#57
05/03/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

Personal grief vs. ancestral grief [01:50]Historical trauma [02:32]Transgenerational trauma [03:19]Emotional symptoms of ancestral grief [04:05]Family dynamics [05:20]Cultural symbols and rituals [06:10]Questions to ask yourself [06:50]Therapeutic practices for healing ancestral grief [07:24]The Emotion Code [08:47Summary and conclusion [11:04]

Additional Resources

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The Role of Nature in the Healing Process
#56
04/26/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

Research study about complicated grief, COVID-19, and connection to nature [02:06]Nature's positive effects on physical health [03:52]Biophilia [04:34]Getting actively involved in nature [05:23]Enjoying nature passively [06:10]Practicing mindfulness in nature [06:44]Ecotherapy [07:22]Challenges to experiencing the healing benefits of nature [08:14]Incorporating nature into your home [08:46]Accessibility issues [9:40]Conclusion [10:16]

Additional Resources

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Rituals of Remembrance
#55
04/19/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

The significance of rituals [01:40]Personal rituals [03:05]Community rituals [03:47]Cultural traditions [04:26]Virtual rituals [05:08]Intentions behind rituals [06:17]Symbols in rituals [06:50]Timing and frequency [07:43]Finding new meaning after loss [09:28]Conclusion [10:46]

Additional Resources

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The Connection Between Grief, Loss, and Food
#54
04/12/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

The role of food during times of loss and grief [01:48]Cooking or baking as an outlet when grieving [03:23]Comfort foods [04:45]Cooking as a way of expressing emotions [05:31]Childhood memories [07:28]Emotional eating [08:12]The dangers of children thinking food is a fix for feelings [09:26]Mindful eating [10:11]Being mindful when trying to be helpful [11:11]Conclusion [12:12]

Additional Resources

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The Role of Forgiveness in the Grieving Process
#53
04/05/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

What is forgiveness? [02:31]What forgiveness is not [03:39]How to begin the forgiveness process [06:18]Forgiveness as a journey [08:50]The benefits of forgiving others [09:23]Recap of today's episode [10:06]Conclusion [10:48]

Additional Resources

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Understanding the Grief of Caregivers
#52
03/29/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

Caregiver types and their roles[01:54]Grief and how it can affect caregivers [05:06]Establishing self-care routines among caregivers [06:35]Practicing mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques [07:26]My experience as a caregiver [08:06]Resources available [09:45]Conclusion [11:27]

Additional Resources

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Coping with Grief During Major Life Transitions
#51
03/22/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

The loss of a loved one [01:36]Divorce [03:40]Job changes [05:52]Relocation [07:55]Health changes [09:54]Coping Strategies [11:51]Conclusion [15:02]

Additional Resources

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Exploring Grief Through Movies
#50
03/15/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

Film as a powerful medium to explore emotions like grief [01:27]Cinematography's role in shaping emotions [02:19]"Dead Poets Society" [03:57]"What Dreams May Come" [04:58]"The Fault in Our Stars" [05:57]"Remember Me" [06:46]"All My Life" [07:30]Other films about grief [08:17]Movies as a powerful means for healing [09:16]Selecting movies to watch [10:03]Conclusion [10:55]

Additional Resources

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The Intersection of Grief and Spirituality
#49
03/08/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

Spirituality and how people interpret their life experiences [01:56]Incorporating spiritual practices [04:08]The search for meaning [05:50]The concept of mysticism and the connection to grief and spirituality[10:51]Summary and conclusion [13:35]

Additional Resources

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How to Talk to Children About Death
#48
03/01/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

How children perceive death at different ages [01:19]When my brother died [02:35]Tips for initiating conversation with children about death [05:19]Experience with a grief group for children [08:48]Considerations around conversations with children [09:32]Resources available [12:32]Conclusion [13:28]

Additional Resources

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Grief and Community Service: Turning Pain into Purpose
#47
02/22/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

Discover organizations that resonate with your grief experience [02:55]Organizations that support grieving individuals [03:50]Organizations related to specific diseases or ailments [07:48]Where to find volunteer opportunities [09:35]Consider creating your own initiative [11:50]Hurdles that may arise in the process [12:51]Summary and conclusion [13:48]

Additional Resources

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The Role of Storytelling in Healing from Grief
#46
02/15/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

Storytelling for expressing ideas, emotions and experiences [01:38]Traditional stories and folklore [04:17]Writing as a powerful outlet [07:11]Support groups for storytelling [08:21]Platforms for sharing stories [11:50]When to seek support [13:53]Conclusion [14:39]

Additional Resources

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What Triggers You?
#45
02/08/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

Common triggers of grief: anniversaries and milestones [01:56]Sensory triggers [03:23]Social triggers [05:55]Emotional triggers [06:43]Managing triggers: mindfulness techniques [07:28]Preparing for impending triggers [08:01]Creating new traditions [08:01]Self-care [09:39]Seeking support [10:19]Conclusion [10:56]

Additional Resources

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Grief and Relationships: Love After Loss
#44
02/01/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

Understanding the desire to date [02:02]Emotional Readiness [04:24]Challenges that can complicate the dating process [06:40]Recognizing when someone is ready [08:07]Open and honest communication [09:41]Conclusion [10:25]

Additional Resources

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Understanding Grief Through Books
#43
01/25/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown [01:48]On Grief and Grieving by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler [03:33]Grief One Day at a Time by Alan Wolfelt [05:34]Bearing the Unbearable by Joanne Cacciatore [07:08]It's OK That You're Not OK by Megan Divine [09:02]The Grief Recovery Handbook by John W. James and Russell Friedman 10:37]Conclusion [12:22]

Additional Resources

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Navigating Grief Anniversaries and Special Dates
#42
01/18/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

The complex emotions surrounding significant dates [01:30]Personal responses to important dates [04:04]Common reactions to significant dates [05:00]Preparation before the date [06:07]The day itself [07:01]After the date has passed [07:49]My anniversary date experience [08:45]Summary and conclusion [10:23]

Additional Resources

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The Role of Humor in Healing Grief
#41
01/11/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

Emotional and physical responses to grief [01:45]Societal notions about grief [03:02]Physiological effects of laughter [04:21]Building connections with humor [05:52]Finding comfort in funny stories and memories [07:22]Incorporating humor through various means [09:58]Finding community [11:22]Summary [12:17]

Additional Resources

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Grief in the Workplace
#40
01/04/2025

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

Identifying signs of grief [01:49]Showing empathy and understanding [03:15]Building a supportive workplace [03:58]Training managers [04:43]Bereavement leave policies [05:17]Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) [06:00]Human Resources (HR) [06:44]Supporting a grieving colleague [08:12]Taking care of yourself [09:45]Conclusion [11:37]

Additional Resources

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Facing the New Year After Loss
#39
12/28/2024

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

The dichotomy of New Year's celebrations [01:31]Balance of memories [04:15]Starting new traditions [05:37]Finding support [06:16]Journaling or creative outlets [06:56]Celebrating lives of loved ones [08:20]Conclusion [10:29]

Additional Resources

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How the Nature of Death Affects the Grieving Process
#38
12/21/2024

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

Sudden death [01:55]Suicide [03:11]Long-term illness [04:26]Stages of Grief and the impact of different types of death [05:47]Personal impact of different types of death [08:40]Coping with different types of grief [ 10:31]Conclusions [12:15]

Additional Resources

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Rituals and Traditions of Different Cultures Around the World
#37
12/14/2024

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

South Korea [02:53]Ghana [03:32]Madagascar [04:07]New Orleans [04:42]Mexico [05:18]Tibet [05:59]Hindu [06:53]Jewish [07:27]Islam [08:04]Roman Catholic [08:37]Mennonite/Amish [09:12]Native American [09:45]Conclusion [10:19]

Additional Resources

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The Science of Grief: What Happens in the Brain
#36
12/07/2024

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

The amygdala [02:50]The pre-frontal cortex [03:25]The hippocampus [03:59]Memory in the grieving process [04:52]Stress response and cortisol [06:16]Neurotransmitters of serotonin and dopamine [07:03]Coping and healing mechanisms [07:52]Conclusion [10:54]

Additional Resources

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How to Set Boundaries While Grieving
#35
11/30/2024

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

Why setting boundaries is important [02:05]Open communication [03:02]Prioritizing self-care [04:02]Navigating social situations [05:15]Managing expectations[06:06]Managing communications [07:02]Establishing time limits [07:58]Practicing assertive communication [08:48]Limiting exposure to triggers [09:40]Being selective about sharing information [10:36]Responding to communications [11:33]Practicing self-compassion [12:26]Conclusion [13:20]

Additional Resources

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Creating a Healing Space at Home
#34
11/23/2024

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

Why create a healing space? [01:25]The Elements of a healing space [02:04]Designing your space with intention [03:33]Tools and practices for healing [08:51]Conclusion [11:35]

Additional Resources

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Grief During the Holidays
#33
11/16/2024

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

Creating new traditions [Reaching out for support [Honor their memory [Navigating social obligations [Take time for self-care [Conclusion [

Additional Resources

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Exploring Grief Through Art, Music, and Creative Expression
#32
11/09/2024

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

Exploring through art [01:56]Exploring through music [08:40]Exploring through creative expression [13:42]Conclusion [16:18]

Additional Resources

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How to Build Resilience in the Face of Grief
#31
11/02/2024

Introduction

Topic Introduction - What is Resilience? [01:01]

Main Topics

Different types of resilience [02:34]Gregg Braden on resilience [04:02]Mental resilience [05:49]Physical resilience [07:43]Spiritual resilience [10:45]How mental, physical, and spiritual resilience helps emotional resilience [11:51]Conclusion [14:08]

Additional Resources

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When You Have a Family Member with Dementia
#30
10/26/2024

Introduction

Topic Introduction [01:01]

Main Topics

Types of dementia [01:21]Grief from having a family member with dementia [03:59]Anticipatory grief and other feelings from having a family member with dementia [04:10]Strategies for creating a healthier emotional environment [11:20]Conclusion [15:14]

Additional Resources

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When You Have Lost Your Faith
#29
10/19/2024

Introduction

Topic Introduction[01:01]

Main Topics

Why is faith important? [01:28]What causes a loss of faith? [02:01]What are the effects of losing one's faith? [06:31]How do you restore faith? [09:05]Conclusion [11:35]

Additional Resources

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Finding Your Purpose and Passion After Loss
#28
10/12/2024

Introduction

Topic Introduction - Your Purpose and Passion [01:01]

Main Topics

Living a purposeful life [01:51]What are you passionate about? [02:46]What is your purpose? [04:19]Live according to your value. [06:00]Find out what others like about and see in you. [06:48]Recognize how life should feel. [07:24]Embrace your fears. [08:26]Finding my purpose. [09:25]Conclusion [10:21]

Additional Resources

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Ways to Express Gratitude in Challenging Times
#27
10/05/2024

Introduction

Topic Introduction of Gratitude [01:01]

Main Topics

The importance of gratitude [02:01]Gratitude affirmations [03:55]Keeping a list of gratitudes [05:39]Keeping a journal [06:41]Be alert to goodness in your life [07:29]Save notes of gratitude [08:14]Random acts of kindness [08:45]Writing letters of appreciation [09:23]Gifts of appreciation [09:55]The gift of time [10:27]Conclusion [11:10]

Additional Resources

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Grief from Empty Nest Syndrome
#26
09/28/2024

Introduction

Topic Introduction - Empty Nest Syndrome [01:01]

Main Topics

Daily interactions [01:37]Role as caregivers [02:45]Loneliness [03:58]Fear [05:39]Nostalgia [06:32]Sense of purpose [07:39]Shifting parent-child dynamics [08:40]Transition into new life stages [09:54]Emotions resembling the grieving process [11:08]Redefining lives [11:52]Conclusion [12:34]

Additional Resources

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