In this powerful episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone welcomes Rocio Aquino and Angel Orengo, the dynamic duo behind The Orchid: The Secret Code of Modern Goddesses, to explore how feminine empowerment, ancient wisdom, and intentional healing practices can guide us through the depths of grief. Together, they unpack how grief dismantles identity—and how the hidden codes of self-discovery can rebuild it. From the transformative power of intentional forgiveness and radical parenting to the role of gratitude during professional loss, Rocio and Angel offer profound insights for anyone navigating sorrow. They also challenge traditional self-care narratives and goal-setting methods, advocating instead for mindful, heart-led healing. Whether you’re grieving a person, a dream, or a version of yourself, this conversation offers tools, truth, and hope.

In this episode of Good Grief, host Dr. Christine Malone sits down with Theresa Bruno—celebrity jewelry designer, podcast host, and author of the upcoming memoir He’s Not Coming Back—to explore what it means to begin again after unimaginable loss. Following the suicide of her husband and the collapse of her business, Theresa found herself at a crossroads, grappling with sorrow, identity, and the elusive promise of healing. Through candid conversation, she shares how nature, defiant gratitude, and self-compassion became lifelines in her journey toward renewal. Together, they discuss the nonlinear path of grief, the emotional clutter that can keep us stuck, and how even in the wreckage, there’s space to rewrite your story with courage and hope.

In this episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone speaks with Hugh Flynn, author of SOMETHING SPECIAL BE, about the devastating family conflict that erupted when he sought conservatorship of his disabled brother, Aaron. What began as an effort to protect his brother’s well-being quickly turned into a bitter legal and emotional battle, exposing deep fractures within his family. Through writing his memoir, Hugh navigated the grief of losing not only his brother’s legal guardianship but also his trust in family. In this conversation, he reflects on the emotional toll of conservatorship battles, the unexpected grief of family estrangement, and the journey toward healing, while offering insights for those facing similar struggles. This powerful episode explores the cost of doing the right thing when it comes at a heartbreaking price.

Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/SOMETHING-SPECIAL-BE-brother-disabled-ebook/dp/B0F495YVXZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2VA2E2MGJA8L5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7d6CeOIRgDrAjdUG_3rjZTynpadNFnJAgAnmAByxuglUAdryE8slB6VweozyAWHAe43VqERjCspRHIeU6-D5-pNGA0e5wMiBUmOZnoEZYs5-ow4ROv5RILd7vEHw6MeK9uh06q-qARlimkfTs4SzHBeMlRIz-SFY0VZFIcmMQfL27c7w8s-3BMMxm7orpQMB.ezPzsMVvN4tPvW19YBwMMuawkDAElys6V0u0u9IK2hY&dib_tag=se&keywords=something+special+be&qid=1747867990&s=books&sprefix=something+special+be%2Cstripbooks%2C151&sr=1-1

Author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0F66S6JW5/about?ccs_id=07f8f55c-6104-4b7b-89b4-d4a751676e84

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest who lost their grandmother, someone they were very close with growing up. She shares how this loss has impacted her life.

Dr. Christine Malone interviews an incredibly inspirational guest, Lauren Petrullo, who took the lessons she learned throughout life and turned them into success.

Enter code GOODGRIEF at checkout for 20% off any order at AsianBeautyEssentials.com

https://mongoosemedia.us/trophy-room/

https://asianbeautyessentials.com/

https://beauandbellelittles.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenpetrullo/

https://perpetualtraffic.com/podcast/episode-504-how-lauren-petrullo-got-3000-pinterest-clicks-to-perpetualtraffic-com-in-30-days/

Dr. Christine Malone interviews Tamara, a multi-certified life coach who has experienced many traumatic experiences. Tamara talks about a horrible event she went through when she was just 19 years old. She shares the story of her assault and how it impacted her life afterward.

Tamara’s Blog and Website - www.awakenempowerment.com

Dr. Christine Malone interviews Rose Jones, an accredited life and accountability coach who works with women who have experienced trauma healing through self-love. Rose shares her story of domestic violence and PTSD.

http://rosejones.letrosespeak.com

http://letrosespeak.com

Dr. Christine Malone interviews Crystal Webster, (co)founder and CEO of Sharing Solace, best-selling author, and mother to Madelyn Elizabeth Webster. Crystal shares her experience in losing her newborn baby in her arms when she was just one day old.

Website: https://sharingsolace.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1641374861/

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest who lost their father in April of 2020, right in the height of COVID-19. She shares how her father dealt with drug addiction, how his health deteriorated and eventually led to his death from cancer.

Tamara’s Blog and Website - www.awakenempowerment.com

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest who shares their experience receiving their diabetes diagnosis and the shame and guilt many people with diabetes face due to societal beliefs about this disease.

www.challengediabetes.us

https://www.amazon.com/Diabetes-Book-What-Everyone-Should-ebook/dp/B082TV91M5/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2VYAGUJK3H1X2&keywords=chet+galaska&qid=1690381928&sprefix=chet+galaska%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-4

Dr. Christine Malone interviews Mark Berridge, who was involved in a tragic cycling accident that left him with six broken bones and two fractured vertebrae. Mark discusses how this accident has changed his life and how he had to completely relearn who he is now that he can no longer do the sports and outdoor events he once enjoyed. 

Mark spent seven weeks in the hospital with a further ten months full-time focused on regaining his mobility. He will pursue physical rehabilitation for the rest of his life to sustain his gains and chase marginal improvements. The accident shattered his sense of identity, causing him to renegotiate his identity as a professional, husband, and father.

Mark is the author of "A Fraction Stronger," a multiple award-winning memoir – published March 2022 (Sept 2022 in USA). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoP7sXT-xvc&t=5s

https://www.markberridge.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/markberridge_author/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-berridge/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7a9QZHo9xp_AGI3RZRyu7g

In this episode, Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest who has dealt with addiction problems since he was just 14 years old. He discusses what his life was like then and how he has overcome his addiction and changed his life for the better.

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest who has experienced an immeasurable loss. They talk about helping their children to cope with that loss at the same time as dealing with their own grief. 

In this heartfelt episode of Good Grief, host Dr. Christine Malone sits down with AJ Coleman—widower, single father, and author of Keep Those Feet Moving—to explore his powerful journey through love, loss, and healing. After losing his wife Cory to brain cancer at just 33, AJ was left to raise their infant daughter while grappling with profound grief, anxiety, and life’s unpredictable setbacks. AJ shares how he transformed pain into purpose, offering practical guidance and emotional insight for anyone navigating deep personal loss. This episode is a moving reflection on resilience, fatherhood, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going.

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest who lost their brother. They discuss how the loss impacted themselves and their mother and how after being visited by their brother in their dreams they were finally able to heal from that loss.

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest who survived a mental breakdown caused by too many difficult life events happening to them at once.

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest whose mother committed suicide on their 10th birthday. They discuss how this loss affected their entire family.

If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help right away

• Call 911 for emergency services.
• Go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
• Call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Support is also available via live chat. Para ayuda en español, llame al 988.

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest who went through a divorce. They discuss the impact it made on their mental health and learning how to co-parent for the sake of their children.

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest who lost their childhood best friend. They discuss how this loss has impacted their life and how they struggled to cope. 

Dr. Christine Malone talks about her experience of losing her fiance when she was just 21 years old. 

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest whose father took his own life when they were just 20 years old. They discuss the shame surrounding her father's death and how she struggled to accept the truth.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for help. There are resources available, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, press 1.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish.

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest who is transgender. They talk about what it was like to come out and how they grieved the loss of a family member who did not accept them for who they are. 

Resource Center - The Trevor Project
LGBTQ Resource List | GLAAD
Welcome Home - Gay City: Seattle's LGBTQ Center
Plume – Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy From Anywhere (getplume.co)
FOLX Health - Online affirming care for the LGBTQ+ community
https://blog.opencounseling.com/hotlines-us/

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest who lost their daughter at eleven months to a genetic disease. She talks about the impact she has had on her life ever since. 

You can follow their journey here:

Insta: @stillfindingsunshine

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stillfindingsunshine/Stillfindingsunshine.com

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest who experienced a great deal of trauma and tragedy during their time in the Army. They discuss their military experience as well as how they coped once they came home.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for help. There are resources available, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, press 1.

In this deeply personal solo episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone shares reflections on Mother’s Day — a day that can bring joy, pain, longing, and silence. While it's often filled with celebration, Christine explores a side of the holiday we don't talk about enough: the grief of mothers who do not have children. Whether due to infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, medical conditions, adoption barriers, estrangement, or life circumstances, this grief is real, valid, and often invisible. Christine also opens up about her own journey through infertility before becoming a mother, and invites listeners into a compassionate space for reflection and acknowledgment.

In this episode, Dr. Christine Malone shares her experience of her journey after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

The CDC offers guidelines for screening and self-examination.

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest whose husband received a terrible diagnosis and yet he defied all odds to become the walking miracle that he is today.

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest on the topic of guilt related to a traumatic experience as a child that left long-term effects on their life.

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest on the topic of immeasurable loss. They talk about losing a little brother at a very young age and how his life has impacted theirs ever since.

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest that had a traumatic childhood. She witnessed something that no child should ever witness - the physical and emotional abuse of her mother. 

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a husband and wife who lost their first spouses. They discuss how this loss has impacted them and their families and how they found comfort in each other. 

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest who lost their baby in late pregnancy. They talk about how that loss has affected them and what has helped them to heal.

Visit @Down_here_looking_up to see Melissa's Instagram page

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest on the topic of mental  illness. After being married for 10 years to a spouse who suffered from mental illness, the manipulation, mind games, financial domination, and neglect became too much. After their divorce things took a turn for the worse. Healing from such a traumatic event is not easy. However, this guest found making music as the perfect avenue to begin their healing journey. You can listen to her music here: https://soundcloud.com/mydollyrots?ref=clipboard&p=a&c=1&si=c640c9625d49497aaea585f2f5e43370&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest who describes her struggles in adopting children from a drug-addicted mother.

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest on the topic of medical trauma.  This guest describes a preventable medical error that led to loss of a limb and how this trauma has been turned into a quest to save the same thing from happening to others.

Book titled: Rosie’s Story can be obtained by reaching out to Rosie via email: bartel1949@gmail.com

In this episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone met with Sarah Birnbach, award-winning author of A Daughter’s Kaddish: My Year of Grief, Devotion, and Healing, to discuss her deeply personal journey through loss, faith, and perseverance. After the passing of her beloved father, Sarah embarked on a year-long commitment to reciting the Mourner’s Kaddish twice a day in synagogue—a Jewish mourning ritual traditionally reserved for men. Through our conversation, we’ll explore how religious rituals can provide comfort in grief, the importance of community in healing, and how ancient traditions can still hold meaning in modern life. Sarah’s journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the universal nature of mourning, reminding us that grief is deeply personal yet universally shared.

Learn more at: sarahbirnbach.com

Follow Sarah on: FB | IG | X | LinkedIn

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest who had a miscarriage and how such a traumatic experience has shaped their life. They dive into the topic of pregnancy after loss and discuss the impact of miscarriage on their pregnancy with a rainbow baby.

Dr. Christine Malone interviews a guest whose father committed suicide when they were just two years old. They discuss the grief of losing a loved one to suicide and how losing a father so young can lead to anger and frustration at the loss of such important memories that were never made.

In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone interviews Jenny Leavitt, a grief recovery coach, author, and speaker dedicated to helping others process loss while staying connected to their values and personal growth. After experiencing profound grief herself, Jenny has made it her mission to provide resources and guidance for those struggling with loneliness, relationship challenges, and the emotional weight of loss.

Through heartfelt conversations, expert insights, and practical strategies, Jenny shares ways to overcome isolation, rebuild life after grief, and challenge common misconceptions about healing. Whether you’re looking for tools to navigate your grief journey or simply a reminder that you’re not alone, this episode offers support, encouragement, and hope.

In this episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone sits down with Holly Peppe, a leading authority and literary executor for the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, to explore the profound connection between poetry and grief. Holly shares her deeply personal journey of loss, reflecting on how poetry became a defining force in her healing process. Drawing from both her own experiences and Millay’s evocative works, she discusses how poetry gives voice to the unspoken emotions of sorrow, love, and remembrance, offering solace and understanding in the wake of loss. This heartfelt conversation is a must-listen for anyone who has turned to words for comfort, struggled to articulate their grief, or simply seeks to understand how poetry can illuminate the path to healing.

An Absence of Fear: https://www.amazon.com/Absence-Fear-Holly-Peppe/dp/B0DJPXFDPC

Sophie and the Swans: https://www.amazon.com/Sophie-Swans-Holly-Peppe/dp/1947187147 

In this week’s episode, we explore the unique challenges of navigating loss later in life with our guest Susan, a retired individual who recently experienced the profound loss of both parents. Susan shares her journey through grief, the emotional impact of losing loved ones in later years, and the unexpected challenges of adjusting to life without them. As time has passed, she has discovered the “gifts” that loss has revealed—lessons in resilience, deeper connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. Through reflections on aging, relationships, and personal growth, she offers wisdom and hope to others facing similar experiences, reminding us that even in profound loss, there can be moments of light, transformation, and meaning.

In this episode, Dr. Christine Malone interviews Jennifer Newberg, founder of It’s Lifey, shares her deeply personal journey of loss after losing her husband, Jack, almost 10 months ago. She discusses how her experience of widowhood led her to create a transformative retreat for young widows (ages 35-60)—a space designed for deep connection, shared understanding, and personal healing. We’ll explore why support systems are vital, the unique challenges of losing a spouse young, and how retreats like this can be life-changing.

https://itslifey.com/widow-retreat/

In this deeply moving episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone sits down with Steve Gamlin, a professional speaker whose love story once captivated audiences—including multiple appearances on Oprah’s XM Radio network. But on December 9, 2024, Steve’s life took an unexpected turn when he lost the love of his life suddenly and tragically, leaving him shattered and 3,000 miles from home.For 17+ years, Steve shared the story of how he and his partner reconnected, inspiring countless people with their journey of love. Now, he’s navigating a painful new chapter—one of grief, resilience, and finding meaning after loss. Through honest reflection, humor, acts of kindness, and grief counseling, he shares how he is learning to heal while continuing to inspire others.

Website: http://SteveGamlinSpeaker.com
Social Media:    

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SteveGamlin
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegamlin/

In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone sits down with Christina Dent, author of Curious: A Foster Mom's Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction. Christina shares her journey as a foster mom and how it led her to explore the deep connection between grief, pain, and addiction. The conversation dives into how addiction often develops as a coping mechanism for unresolved grief and trauma, and Christina reveals the surprising solutions she discovered along the way. Together, they discuss compassion-based approaches to addiction, the importance of community support, and finding hope and healing after loss.

Listeners can request a FREE copy of Christina's book, Curious, by clicking this link:https://enditforgood.com/free-curious/

OR by emailing us at curious@enditforgood.com

In this deeply moving episode, host Christine Malone welcomes Nancy MacMillan, a seasoned psychotherapist and spiritual care expert, to explore the emotional and psychological landscapes of death, dying, and grief. Drawing on decades of experience, Nancy offers profound insight into the fears that arise at the end of life, the transformative potential of grief, and the power of presence in therapeutic spaces. Together, they examine how rituals, dreams, and deep attunement can support those in transition—and how confronting mortality can bring peace not just to the dying, but to all of us. Nancy shares tools for caregivers, guidance for those facing anticipatory or complicated grief, and reflections from her upcoming book, The Call to the Far Shore. The conversation closes with a compassionate reminder: in learning to face death, we learn how to truly live.

In this episode, we sit down with Narene Stokes Crosby, Sheila Albers, and Susan Berardi to discuss their powerful book Mothers in Arms. This book tells the heartbreaking yet inspiring story of two mothers—one Black, one white—who formed a deep friendship after their sons, Ryan Stokes and John Albers, were killed by police. Despite coming from different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, their shared grief led them to take on a corrupt system and demand justice for their sons. This conversation will explore their grief, resilience, activism, and the power of allyship while also shedding light on the realities of police violence, systemic cover-ups, and the emotional toll on families left behind.

Author website - https://www.susanberardi.com/

The Guardian article tells the story of the two sons' shootings and the mothers' friendship. Police killed their sons. Their unmovable friendship uncovered a system of lies | US policing | The Guardian

In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone interviews Cathy Nesbitt, a Health and Wellness Advocate, Laughter Yoga Teacher, and Laughter Ambassador, to explore an unconventional yet powerful approach to healing—laughter.Cathy shares her heartfelt journey of grief and resilience, from the deep bond she formed with her mother-in-law through Laughter Yoga to the symbolic ways she honors her memory today. With humor and wisdom, she discusses how laughter can be a transformative tool for processing grief, managing stress, and reconnecting with joy.Listeners will gain practical insights on incorporating laughter into daily life, using symbolic reminders to stay connected with loved ones, and embracing resilience even in the face of profound loss. Join us for an episode that proves healing and joy can coexist—even through the tears.

https://www.cathyscomposters.com/

https://www.cathysclub.com/

https://www.cathyssprouters.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathynesbitt/

https://www.youtube.com/@CathyLaughter

In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone explores the emotional and controversial topic of Baby Boxes, safe surrender locations for newborns under Safe Haven laws. Dr. Malone highlights the political implications of Baby Boxes, questioning whether they offer real solutions or serve as performative compassion that ignores the struggles of women in crisis. Concerns include lack of maternal support, the cost of installation, and potential medical risks for surrendered babies, as well as the broader societal message that women are left to navigate these situations alone. Ultimately, Good Grief challenges listeners to ask: Are Baby Boxes truly lifesaving, or do they reveal the many ways society continues to fail women in crisis?

Safe Haven site: https://www.shbb.org/parents-in-crisis

Recent news article about concerns over baby boxes: https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/investigations/baby-boxes-are-supposed-to-keep-newborns-safe-what-has-doctors-and-child-welfare-experts-so-concerned

NPR article on the impact of strict abortion laws: https://19thnews.org/2023/08/abortion-ban-states-pregnancy-centers-medical-care/

In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone interviews Kelly Meloche, a Funeral Celebrant and author of Leaving Your Light On: Inspirational Stories of Unforgettable Lives, to explore the profound role of storytelling in grief and healing.

Kelly shares her journey into funeral celebrancy, highlighting how personalized ceremonies can offer deep comfort and meaning to grieving families. She discusses the power of honoring legacies through unique services, the growing movement of living funerals, and how shifting our perspective on death can foster healing and connection.

Listeners will gain insights into creating intentional ceremonies, embracing gratitude in grief, and finding ways to celebrate life even in loss. Join us for an inspiring conversation about remembering, honoring, and preserving the stories of those we love.

www.kellymeloche.com

kelly@kellymeloche.com

https://kellymeloche.com/product/leaving-your-light-on/

In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone interviews Rebecca Schaper, author, filmmaker, and advocate, as she shares her extraordinary journey to reconnect with her brother, who faced homelessness and schizophrenia. Through stories of resilience, love, and healing, Rebecca explores her mission to bring hope to those navigating mental health challenges and grief. Discover how her experiences inspired her works, including the award-winning documentary A Sister's Call and her soulful memoirs, and gain practical insights on finding light in the darkest of times.

Main website:https://www.rebeccaschaper.com/

Books:https://www.amazon.com/Roses-Rainbow-Dog-Gus-Afterlife-ebook/dp/B0DT7J9RSPhttps://www.rebeccaschaper.com/the-light-in-his-soul-book

Documentary:https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1735286/