Guide Through Grief

A Post & Note: Three Years Later | Guide Through Grief (Ep. 10, Season 2)

In the tenth episode of season two of Guide Through Grief, host Tom Van Ness closes out season two with a special solo episode. Episode ten, released on April 10th, 2026, marks the three-year anniversary of Lesley Van Ness's, Tom's late wife, passing. Tom shares some commentary and reflections about his grief journey and thanks the viewers for their support along the way. Through these two seasons of Guide Through Grief, so much has been accomplished. Connecting people through stories, resources, and vulnerability has always been the goal of this podcast. Grief is the great equalizer, and no one should have to endure it alone. Thank you to everyone for joining Tom and our guests as they have shared their stories, and we can't wait to see what the future holds.    Support Us:   https://linktr.ee/GuideThroughGrief [https://linktr.ee/GuideThroughGrief]   About Guide Through Grief: Hosted by Tom Van Ness, the second season of Guide Through Grief explores others' grief journeys and the different realities of losing a loved one. Guide Through Grief is a space where people can open up about their experiences, share the lessons they've learned, and reflect on how they've continued to grow through grief. The goal of this podcast is to create a safe and supportive place for anyone navigating a grief journey, a place to lean on one another and share openly. Because there is no single “right” way to grieve, only your way. And remember: I got this. You got this. We all got this. #Grief #Grieving #Widower #grieftraps #griefjourney #widowed #trigger #griefambush #trauma #widow

Keith's Story | Guide Through Grief (Ep. 9, Season 2)

In the ninth episode of season two of Guide Through Grief, host Tom Van Ness is joined by guest Keith T. Hardeman, who taught various classes that Tom attended in college. Keith's wife, Shelly, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 and fought a 14-month-long battle, which prompted Keith to publish two books sharing his experience of being a primary caregiver for his wife. Through Kemo therapy sessions, testing, and hard-fought battles, Keith's family supported each other every step of the way, borrowing strength from one another during their most challenging days.   Keith's Books:   "Don't say "Everything happens for a reason" by Keith T. Hardeman https://a.co/d/06HsNtgn [https://a.co/d/06HsNtgn]   "The Shadow of Trepidation: Reflections on Caregiving During My Wife’s Battle with Breast Cancer" by Keith T. Hardeman https://a.co/d/05ZKpMeN [https://a.co/d/05ZKpMeN]     Support Us:  https://linktr.ee/GuideThroughGrief [https://linktr.ee/GuideThroughGrief]   About Guide Through Grief: Hosted by Tom Van Ness, the second season of Guide Through Grief explores others' grief journeys and the different realities of losing a loved one. Guide Through Grief is a space where people can open up about their experiences, share the lessons they've learned, and reflect on how they've continued to grow through grief. The goal of this podcast is to create a safe and supportive place for anyone navigating a grief journey, a place to lean on one another and share openly. Because there is no single “right” way to grieve, only your way. And remember: I got this. You got this. We all got this. #Grief #Grieving #Widower #grieftraps #griefjourney #widowed #trigger #griefambush #trauma #widow

Frankie's Story | Guide Through Grief (Ep. 8, Season 2)

In the eighth episode of season two of Guide Through Grief, host Tom Van Ness is joined by guest Frankie Murphy Giesing, who shares his personal grief journey. Frankie's father, Frank Murphy, passed away in 1986 from Liver Melanoma he had contracted during his military service in Vietnam. Frankie was 10 years old at the time of his father's passing and has a unique and enlightening perspective on what grief looks like for a child. Frankie shares impactful stories of acceptance and growth through some of the most challenging moments of his life, and how he has observed the Holy Spirit move in all of it.   Support Us:  https://linktr.ee/GuideThroughGrief [https://linktr.ee/GuideThroughGrief]   About Guide Through Grief: Hosted by Tom Van Ness, the second season of Guide Through Grief explores others' grief journeys and the different realities of losing a loved one. Guide Through Grief is a space where people can open up about their experiences, share the lessons they've learned, and reflect on how they've continued to grow through grief. The goal of this podcast is to create a safe and supportive place for anyone navigating a grief journey, a place to lean on one another and share openly. Because there is no single “right” way to grieve, only your way. And remember: I got this. You got this. We all got this. #Grief #Grieving #Widower #grieftraps #griefjourney #widowed #trigger #griefambush #trauma #widow

Ryan's Story and Money Talk | Guide Through Grief (Ep. 7, Season 2)

In the seventh episode of season two of Guide Through Grief, join host Tom Van Ness and guest Ryan Murphy as they discuss the various financial impacts of losing your spouse or someone in your household. Adjusting to life after loss is difficult in its own right, but add to it the substantial shift in financial responsibility of the household, and you are in a scary and daunting situation. Paying bills you may not have been in charge of paying previously, purchasing everyday necessities, and even health insurance are all aspects of everyday life that are now left to you. In this episode of Guide Through Grief, Tom and Ryan hope to shed light on the realities of adjusting to increased financial responsibility after loss, and how to make the most of your available resources.   Support Us:  https://linktr.ee/GuideThroughGrief [https://linktr.ee/GuideThroughGrief]   About Guide Through Grief: Hosted by Tom Van Ness, the second season of Guide Through Grief explores others' grief journeys and the different realities of losing a loved one. Guide Through Grief is a space where people can open up about their experiences, share the lessons they've learned, and reflect on how they've continued to grow through grief. The goal of this podcast is to create a safe and supportive place for anyone navigating a grief journey, a place to lean on one another and share openly. Because there is no single “right” way to grieve, only your way. And remember: I got this. You got this. We all got this. #Grief #Grieving #Widower #grieftraps #griefjourney #widowed #trigger #griefambush #trauma #widow

Katy's Story | Guide Through Grief (Ep. 6, Season 2)

In the sixth episode of season two of Guide Through Grief, join host Tom Van Ness and guest Katy Krieg Obrien, as she shares her story of loss as well as new beginnings. Katy is a teacher, mother of two, and a recent newlywed as of 2025. However, in September of 2021, tragedy struck when Katy and her late husband, Casey, both fell ill with Covid-19. Katy was able to recover, whereas Casey's sickness took a turn for the worse, leading to his passing on September 17th, 2021. In this episode, Katy shares about what life is like remarrying after loss, and the challenges of motherhood while grieving.   Support Us:  https://linktr.ee/GuideThroughGrief [https://linktr.ee/GuideThroughGrief]   About Guide Through Grief: Hosted by Tom Van Ness, the second season of Guide Through Grief explores others' grief journeys and the different realities of losing a loved one. Guide Through Grief is a space where people can open up about their experiences, share the lessons they've learned, and reflect on how they've continued to grow through grief. The goal of this podcast is to create a safe and supportive place for anyone navigating a grief journey, a place to lean on one another and share openly. Because there is no single “right” way to grieve, only your way. And remember: I got this. You got this. We all got this. #Grief #Grieving #Widower #grieftraps #griefjourney #widowed #trigger #griefambush #trauma #widow