Surthrival Podcast with Stacia

In this series, we have talked about suicide prevention, suicide bereavement and heard the sad story of Natalie, who at thirteen lost her dad to suicide. This final episode takes a different approach. This is John Cooper’s story of considering suicide after being incarcerated for a white-collar crime. Many of you have asked me how anyone can choose to end their life. It doesn’t seem rational, and it’s not.

Listen to John’s story of loss (of freedom, reputation and his family) which included shame and embarrassment while serving time in prison, a world he never...

Natalie was just 13 when she lost her dad to suicide. This profound loss damaged her mental well-being until she found her passion and purpose of helping people in the name of Jesus. Natalie came to the United States on a mission trip years ago and ended up staying – recently getting her US citizenship! She is a wife and mother (of twin boys). Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Natalie serves as COO and Director of Advancement at Grace Klein Community, a Birmingham-based non-profit. https://gracekleincommunity.com/

Listen as Natalie shares her story of being a suicide SURTHRIVER.

In this episode we continue our conversation around Suicide with Meesha Emmett, Area Director for the Alabama Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Previously we spent our energy on suicide prevention. In this episode, we focus on the grief of those who have lost a loved one to death by suicide. This type of grief is complicated and is often ignored due to guilt, blame and shame. Suicide is a taboo topic, but we have to talk about this and help those who are suffering from this complex loss. If you have experienced this type of...

WARNING: This episode discusses suicide and may be triggering for some listeners and inappropriate for younger audiences.

Meesha Emmett of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (Alabama Chapter) and I talk honestly about the taboo topic of Suicide. In this introductory episode we share our personal stories, talk about suicide prevention and share staggering statistics about this preventable epidemic. We can save lives by educating ourselves and advocating for those considering suicide. This practical and enlightening series is for those thinking of suicide, those who may be concerned that a loved one has suicidal ideation and for...

Nobody likes to talk about death before the event, but it's important. Listen as Bryan Hancock of Timberchase Financial shares practical tips about getting your finances in order before a significant loss, as well as top tips for what steps you need to take after losing a spouse.

Financial Surthrival Plan for after losing a spouse: (Stacia tested and approved!)

https://www.timberchase...

Based on our relationships with people, we grieve differently. Robert Hill shares a tale of two griefs - his stepdad and his dad. Listen as he shares what he learned from each loss and how he surthrived.

In this episode of Surthrival, Stacia explores the unexpectedly profound truth behind the phrase “making lemonade.” What begins as a story involving drawing of a lemon tree at a prayer session unfolds into a powerful reflection on how God transforms the most bitter seasons of grief into new beginnings. Through examples from her own life, past guests, local ministries, and even a chance encounter at a diner, Stacia shows how pain can be reshaped into compassion, purpose, and healing. She also shares the story behind the upcoming Creative Healing Retreat, a space designed for women longing to move from surv...

In this episode, Stacia continues the Remembrance series with Author Beth Miller for a powerful conversation on grief, gratitude, and the tension that exists between the two. Together, they explore the dangers of spiritual bypassing, the “both/and” reality of healing, and the profound metaphor of "black fire" and "white fire". Beth shares her own experiences with loss, which led her to write the book What Loss Can Teach Us, a novel that explores the ways grief can expand us rather than diminish us.

Today's Guest: Beth Miller

Sponsored by: Kim Marie Carter in memory of h...

Two creative theologians dive deep into The Last Supper (Communion) as it relates to grief and remembering. We learn a new term, anamnesis, which means calling to mind to look toward the future.

Today's Guest(s): Dr. Shaun King, Senior Pastor, John’s Creek Baptist Church, Alpharetta, GA & Milton Brasher-Cunningham, clergy and author, Mount Carmel Congregational Church, Hamden, CT

Sponsored by: In memory of Jack Carter

n this episode, Charlotte Cushing Cearley recounts the sudden loss of her husband upon their return to the United States after a lifetime spent serving in Africa. Recently, Charlotte invited her two sisters to accompany her on a special birthday trip of remembrance to Africa, revisiting one of the places she and her husband lived and worked. Her story highlights the comfort and healing that come from shared journeys and familial support in times of grief.

Sponsored by: In memory of Sandy Cook’s Mom

Guest(s): Madison Gaines Norwood, daughter

Stacia and her daughter talk about how they’ve remembered their husband and father. Furthermore, they explore the customs of mourning they experienced while living in China which included “hungry ghosts”.

Sponsored by: Chris Winchester In memory of Matt Gaines, beloved husband and father

Meryeum Tunagur-Williams and Angel Torres share their honest and heartfelt thoughts about the things that helped them grieve and the things that didn’t help.

Sponsored by: Gina Faletta, State Farm Agent

Rabbi Steven Henkin of Temple Beth El in Birmingham, AL discusses sitting shiva which is a Jewish tradition where mourners gather for seven days after a funeral, surrounded by family and friends. This ritual offers comfort, structure, and community support, helping those who grieve to process their loss and begin healing together.

Sponsored by: Kim Lefelar (best friend) in honor of her mom, Marlene Burns

Today's guest: Chris O'Rear, an ordained minister, licensed clinical pastoral therapist, shares practical tips that help you form stronger friendships, navigate conflicts and support loved ones through tough times.

Sponsored by Chris Winchester, best boss, in honor of my husband, Matt Gaines.

New Series, New Episode, New Guest, Take a listen!

Join guest Nell and T. Marie

Sponsored by the Alabama Nurses Association

Panel Discussion with Kathy Boswell, Ernest Kenty and Kim Lefelar

Sponsored by: John and Louise Beard support of the Alabama Nurses Foundation

Panel discussion with David George and Susan Hoskins

Sponsored by John and Louise Beard in support of the Alabama Nurses Foundation

Panel Discussion with David George and Susan Hoskins

Sponsored by John and Louise Beard in Support of the Alabama Nurses Foundation

Panel Discussion with Chris Blackerby, Audrey Thorpe and Janice Williams

Brought to you by: John and Louise Beard in support of the Alabama Nurses

Foundation

Panel Discussion with Chris Blackerby, Audrey Thorpe and Janice Williams

Brought to you by: John and Louise Beard in support of the Alabama Nurses

Foundation

Check out the intro to my brand new series on Caregiving! You can grab an understanding on caregiving, resources and more. Take a listen!

Mental Health Matters!

Mental Health Matters

Let's talk prevention!

Join Stacia, your host , as she does a deep dive into Regret, Remorse and Shame. Take a listen!

It's time to express!

Join Host: Stacia Gaines and Guest: Clarissa Kenty from iCu Media as they chat about the importance of expressing yourself

We are human and we all have emotions. Learning the importance of name and identifying them allows you to take ownership of your emotions and feel them accordingly. Take a listen as I name and identify them!

My personal acquaintance with grief. What it did to me and for me! Take a listen!

Check out Stacia Gaines with producer Clarissa Lester-Kenty owner of iCu Media as they chat about the humble beginnings of THE SURTHRIVAL PODCAST. Come join the convo!

Hi, I'm Stacia! So good to have you here.

My grief journey began in 2023 when my husband of 34 years died by his own hand. Grief is painful and difficult, but healing is possible. We will likely not be completely healed. Scars will remain. Sharing with others has been therapeutic for me.

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I am a widow now, but I refuse to let this singular term define me. I am the mother of two adult children and three grandchildren. I love to read, travel and explore the natural world.