Healing, Addiction, and Answering the Hard Questions

The Tomb of Your Grief is actually a womb waiting for your rebirth

Today in Tendrils of Grief, host Susan welcomes guest Ted Neil, an author and advocate who shares his deeply personal and transformative journey through grief. Together, they explore the complex emotions of loss, the often-unspoken aspects of male grief, and the healing power of storytelling. Ted opens up about how writing helped him process the pain of losing loved ones and how grief has reshaped his perspective on life, purpose, and connection. This episode offers an honest and insightful look into how we carry grief, how it evolves over time, and how we can find meaning and hope even in the darkest moments. Whether you're in the midst of loss or supporting someone who is, this conversation will resonate deeply, reminding you that you're not alone. Episode Highlights * Grief and healing * Male grief and vulnerability * Storytelling as therapy * Ted Neil author interview * How to navigate loss * Writing through grief * Emotional resilience after death * Tendrils of Grief podcast * Coping with the death of a loved one * Grief support resources * Mental health awareness 2025 * Transforming grief into purpose Connect with Ted Neil TedNeilFacebook [https://www.facebook.com/therealauthortedneill/] Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief [https://www.tendrilsofgrief.com/] website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2708675396071194] To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Tendrils-of-Grief/dp/B08K584Y7M] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tendrils-of-grief/id1504765728] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3l0mutQR5aMF2WadITscPV] Audacy [https://www.audacy.com/podcasts/tendrils-of-grief-36147] Deezer [https://www.deezer.com/en/show/1006722] Podcast Addict [https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/tendrils-of-grief/2794997] Pandora [https://www.pandora.com/] Rephonic [https://rephonic.com/podcasts/tendrils-of-grief] Tune In [https://tunein.com/podcasts/Health--Wellness-Podcasts/Tendrils-of-Grief-p1309127/] Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways [https://www.instagram.com/sueways/] Facebook:@ susan.ways [https://www.facebook.com/susan.ways] Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!

Healing, Addiction, and Answering the Hard Questions

Healing starts when we stop avoiding the hard questions and start telling ourselves the truth. Because growth doesn't come from pretending the pain never happened— it comes from learning what to do with it. Today with Army veteran and author Devin Fish for a deeply honest conversation about trauma, addiction, self-worth, and the difficult questions we're often forced to confront after pain and loss. Devin shares his journey from a childhood marked by poverty, instability, self-hatred, and generational trauma to serving nearly a decade in the Army as a cavalry scout and career counselor. Along the way, he faced addiction, emotional struggles, and the internal battles that many people carry silently. We talk about how unresolved pain shapes identity, relationships, and the choices we make—and how healing often begins when we stop running from the hard questions and start facing them honestly. Devin also opens up about the lessons he learned through military service, personal growth, and writing his book, Answering the Hard Questions. His story is one of perseverance, accountability, and learning how to rebuild yourself even after years of struggle. This conversation is about trauma, healing, resilience, addiction recovery, and personal transformation—and the reminder that your past does not have to define your future. 🔑 What We Talk About * Growing up with poverty and instability * Generational trauma and emotional pain * Addiction, self-hatred, and rebuilding self-worth * Military life and the lessons learned through service * Healing through honesty and self-reflection * Why facing hard questions is necessary for growth * Turning pain into purpose 🔗 Links & Resources Devin Fish * 📖 Answering the Hard Questions New Ways Barre by Susan Ways Proudly serving the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland and surrounding Montgomery County * 📅 https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg [https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg] * 📸 https://www.instagram.com/sueways [https://www.instagram.com/sueways] * 📘 https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/] Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief [https://www.tendrilsofgrief.com/] website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2708675396071194] To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Tendrils-of-Grief/dp/B08K584Y7M] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tendrils-of-grief/id1504765728] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3l0mutQR5aMF2WadITscPV] Audacy [https://www.audacy.com/podcasts/tendrils-of-grief-36147] Deezer [https://www.deezer.com/en/show/1006722] Podcast Addict [https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/tendrils-of-grief/2794997] Pandora [https://www.pandora.com/] Rephonic [https://rephonic.com/podcasts/tendrils-of-grief] Tune In [https://tunein.com/podcasts/Health--Wellness-Podcasts/Tendrils-of-Grief-p1309127/] Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways [https://www.instagram.com/sueways/] Facebook:@ susan.ways [https://www.facebook.com/susan.ways] Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!

How to Help Your Pet Live Longer: The Truth About Pet Longevity and Aging

We can't stop time. But we can change how our pets age.And sometimes, the greatest act of love is learning how to care for them before something goes wrong. I sit down with Dr. Kevin Toman, DVM—known as The Longevity Vet—to talk about something every pet owner wishes they had more of: time. With more than 40 years of clinical experience, Dr. Kevin has become a leading voice in veterinary longevity medicine, helping pet owners understand how to support not just a longer life for their pets—but a healthier one. We talk about the difference between lifespan and healthspan, why so many pets develop preventable chronic diseases, and how veterinary medicine is still lagging behind modern human longevity science. Dr. Kevin shares practical, evidence-based ways pet owners can better support their aging dogs and cats through early diagnostics, nutrition, supplements, and proactive care. This conversation also explores the emotional side of loving animals—the deep bond we share with them, the fear of losing them, and the helplessness many people feel when facing illness or aging in their pets. Dr. Kevin brings both compassion and honesty to this discussion, challenging outdated approaches in veterinary care while empowering pet owners with actionable steps they can take now to help their pets live healthier, fuller lives. This episode is about pet health, aging, grief, prevention, and the love we have for the animals who become family. 🔑 What We Talk About * The difference between lifespan vs. healthspan in pets * Why many chronic illnesses in pets are preventable * Early diagnostics and proactive veterinary care * Pet longevity science and modern aging research * Nutrition, supplements, and metabolic health for pets * Cancer prevention and navigating illness in aging pets * The emotional impact of caring for aging animals 🔗 Links & Resources Dr. Kevin Toman, DVM * 🌐 https://HelpingPetsLiveLonger.com * 🌐 https://TheLongevityVet.com * 📖 The Pet Longevity Playbook New Ways Barre by Susan Ways Proudly serving the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland and surrounding Montgomery County * 📅 https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg [https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg] * 📸 https://www.instagram.com/sueways [https://www.instagram.com/sueways] * 📘 https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/] Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief [https://www.tendrilsofgrief.com/] website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2708675396071194] To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Tendrils-of-Grief/dp/B08K584Y7M] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tendrils-of-grief/id1504765728] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3l0mutQR5aMF2WadITscPV] Audacy [https://www.audacy.com/podcasts/tendrils-of-grief-36147] Deezer [https://www.deezer.com/en/show/1006722] Podcast Addict [https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/tendrils-of-grief/2794997] Pandora [https://www.pandora.com/] Rephonic [https://rephonic.com/podcasts/tendrils-of-grief] Tune In [https://tunein.com/podcasts/Health--Wellness-Podcasts/Tendrils-of-Grief-p1309127/] Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways [https://www.instagram.com/sueways/] Facebook:@ susan.ways [https://www.facebook.com/susan.ways] Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!

The Gift You Leave Your Family After You're Gone

Today I'm with Bob Arrington, funeral director, Past President of the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), and a lifelong leader in funeral service, to talk about a topic most people avoid—but one that has a profound impact on the people we love. We talk about end-of-life planning, funeral pre-planning, and why these decisions matter long before they're needed. Bob shares insights from more than five decades in funeral service, offering a clear and compassionate perspective on how planning ahead can reduce both the emotional and financial burden placed on families during times of grief. This conversation breaks down what many people don't realize: when nothing is planned, families are often left making difficult decisions in the middle of shock and loss. And those decisions can be overwhelming. Bob explains how pre-planning gives families clarity, removes guesswork, and creates space to focus on what truly matters—grieving, honoring, and remembering their loved one. We also explore how conversations around death don't have to be morbid—they can actually be one of the most meaningful ways to care for the people you leave behind. This episode is about preparation, compassion, and protecting your family—and understanding that planning ahead is not about death, but about love. 🔑 What We Talk About * What end-of-life planning actually includes * Why funeral pre-planning matters * The emotional and financial impact on families * Common mistakes people make when they don't plan ahead * How to start the conversation with loved ones * Why planning ahead is an act of care, not fear 🔗 Links & Resources Bob Arrington / NFDA * 🌐 https://nfda.org [https://nfda.org] * 🌐 https://rememberingalife.com [https://rememberingalife.com] New Ways Barre by Susan Ways Proudly serving the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland and surrounding Montgomery County * 📅 https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg [https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg] * 📸 https://www.instagram.com/sueways [https://www.instagram.com/sueways] * 📘 https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/] Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief [https://www.tendrilsofgrief.com/] website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2708675396071194] To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Tendrils-of-Grief/dp/B08K584Y7M] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tendrils-of-grief/id1504765728] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3l0mutQR5aMF2WadITscPV] Audacy [https://www.audacy.com/podcasts/tendrils-of-grief-36147] Deezer [https://www.deezer.com/en/show/1006722] Podcast Addict [https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/tendrils-of-grief/2794997] Pandora [https://www.pandora.com/] Rephonic [https://rephonic.com/podcasts/tendrils-of-grief] Tune In [https://tunein.com/podcasts/Health--Wellness-Podcasts/Tendrils-of-Grief-p1309127/] Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways [https://www.instagram.com/sueways/] Facebook:@ susan.ways [https://www.facebook.com/susan.ways] Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!

Grief and Relationships: Why We Repeat the Same Patterns After Loss

In this episode of Tendrils of Grief, I sit down with Dr. Stephen Paul Edwards to explore how grief doesn't just affect our emotions—it shapes our relationships, our behaviors, and the patterns we carry forward in life. We talk about how loss can influence the way we connect with others, the unconscious patterns that show up after grief, and why so many of us find ourselves repeating the same emotional cycles without fully understanding why. Dr. Edwards brings a deeper psychological perspective to grief, helping unpack how our past experiences, attachments, and internal narratives influence the way we process loss and navigate relationships moving forward. This conversation goes beyond surface-level grief. It looks at what grief reveals about us—how it exposes patterns, challenges our identity, and pushes us to confront parts of ourselves we may not have fully seen before. We also explore how awareness is the first step toward change. Because when we begin to understand our patterns, we can start to shift them—and create healthier, more intentional relationships in our lives. This episode is about grief, self-awareness, and growth—and the opportunity to not just survive loss, but to understand what it's trying to teach us. 🔑 What We Talk About * How grief impacts relationships * Emotional patterns that emerge after loss * Why we repeat certain relationship dynamics * The psychology behind grief and attachment * Self-awareness as a path to healing * Moving forward with intention after loss 🔗 Links & Resources Dr. Stephen Paul Edwards * 📖 Complimentary Chapters: The Venus Flytrap: Sex, Lies & Repercussion https://bit.ly/4tNJlBa [https://bit.ly/4tNJlBa] * 💬 Coaching & Counseling with Dr. Edwards https://vft23.com/coaching-and-counselling/?utm_source=Susan+Ways&utm_medium=Tendrils+of+Grief&utm_campaign=Podcast+Interview+-Susan+Ways [https://vft23.com/coaching-and-counselling/?utm_source=Susan+Ways&utm_medium=Tendrils+of+Grief&utm_campaign=Podcast+Interview+-Susan+Ways] 👉 Use code VFT23 for a discount * 🌐 More Information: https://vft23.com [https://vft23.com] New Ways Barre by Susan Ways Proudly serving the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland and surrounding Montgomery County * 📅 https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg [https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg] * 📸 https://www.instagram.com/sueways [https://www.instagram.com/sueways] * 📘 https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/] Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief [https://www.tendrilsofgrief.com/] website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2708675396071194] To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Tendrils-of-Grief/dp/B08K584Y7M] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tendrils-of-grief/id1504765728] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3l0mutQR5aMF2WadITscPV] Audacy [https://www.audacy.com/podcasts/tendrils-of-grief-36147] Deezer [https://www.deezer.com/en/show/1006722] Podcast Addict [https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/tendrils-of-grief/2794997] Pandora [https://www.pandora.com/] Rephonic [https://rephonic.com/podcasts/tendrils-of-grief] Tune In [https://tunein.com/podcasts/Health--Wellness-Podcasts/Tendrils-of-Grief-p1309127/] Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways [https://www.instagram.com/sueways/] Facebook:@ susan.ways [https://www.facebook.com/susan.ways] Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!