Celebrating the Love, Not Only the Loss

Whole Lotta Special: Heart-to-Heart with My Sister

In this episode, Kayla G. welcomes her big sister Amanda for an emotional and candid discussion. They share the memories and experiences leading up to their mother's passing, revealing the differences in their grieving processes and the emotional complexities of dealing with loss. The sisters reflect on the signs they missed, the guilt and frustration they felt, and the importance of vulnerability and family support. They also touch on broader issues such as the need for better bereavement leave policies in workplaces and the impact of grief on mental health. This episode is an intimate look at how two sisters navigated their journey through heartbreak, offering insights and relatable moments for anyone facing similar challenges. 00:00 Welcome to Whole Lot of Heart 00:25 Introducing a Special Guest: Amanda 00:37 A Raw Conversation on Grief 01:59 Amanda's Perspective: The Stroke 03:53 Revealing the Diagnosis 04:19 Hospital Days and Guilt 04:58 Signs We Missed 08:29 The Final Days 19:29 The Transition and Aftermath 32:19 Coping with Loss 52:38 The Role of Friends and Family 56:16 Opening Up About Vulnerability 56:47 The Burden of Sharing Personal Struggles 57:13 The Importance of Friendship and Support 58:04 Sisterly Bond and Age Differences 58:38 Reflecting on Family Relationships 01:03:23 The Impact of Therapy and Counseling 01:06:35 Grieving Beyond Death 01:07:48 The Need for Better Bereavement Policies 01:11:24 Navigating Life Amidst Grief 14:57 The Final Days and Hospital Experience 28:28 Reflecting on Parental Traits 29:37 Sharing the News of Illness 32:19 Navigating Grief and Vulnerability 35:40 Coping with Anniversaries and Birthdays 38:01 The Role of Family Support 41:17 The Impact of Grief on Daily Life 48:57 The Importance of Therapy and Support Systems 01:07:53 Workplace Policies on Grief 01:17:12 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

Celebrating the Love, Not Only the Loss

In this episode of Whole Lotta Heart, Kayla G. is talking about the day on the calendar that can feel like a punch to the gut—the death anniversary of someone you love. But instead of bracing ourselves for a tidal wave of sadness, what if we reimagined it as a day to celebrate their life? We’ll chat about how to shift the focus from grief to gratitude, creative ways to honor their memory, and how to give yourself grace if the day feels heavier than expected. Whether you’re planning a tribute, quietly reflecting, or avoiding the date altogether, this conversation is all about finding what works for you—and remembering that love doesn’t have an expiration date.

Seen or Unseen: You're Still Grieving

In this episode, Kayla G. gets real about the difference between grieving in public vs. grieving in private — and why both are equally valid, even when they look completely different. From posting on social media to crying in silence, she explores how grief shows up when people are watching… and when no one is. Whether you’re the girl who shares your pain openly or the one who keeps it close to your chest, this episode is your reminder that there’s no “right” way to grieve. Kayla breaks down the different types of public and private grief, the pressure to appear okay, and how to hold space for your healing — whether it’s seen or unseen. If you’ve ever felt like your grief wasn’t loud enough to matter or too visible to be respected, this one’s for you. Follow the podcast on Instagram: @wholelottaheartpodcast Tag & share what resonated most — let’s keep the heart talk going. 💛

The Many Faces of Grief

In this episode, Kayla G. gets real about the different types of grief — the ones no one talks about but so many of us are quietly carrying. From secondary losses and ambiguous grief to the heartbreak of losing a version of yourself… she's naming it all. Because naming it? That’s the first step to healing. If you’ve ever felt “off” but couldn’t explain why, or wondered if you were allowed to be this sad over something that wasn’t death — this one’s for you. Your grief is valid. Your feelings are real.

So...I Wasn't Actually Okay

In this episode of Whole Lotta Heart, host Kayla G. shares her personal journey of recognizing when she was not okay after the loss of her mother. She discusses the importance of acknowledging one's feelings, the process of seeking help through therapy, and the lessons learned about healing and self-care. Kayla emphasizes that it's okay to not be okay and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. The conversation encourages listeners to check in with themselves and to understand that their experiences are valid, regardless of how they manifest.