Tendrils of Grief

In this episode, I’m joined by Tim Cummings—award-winning author, actor, and creative powerhouse—whose work bridges storytelling, performance, and imagination in extraordinary ways. Tim is the author of the newly released young adult novel The Lightning People Play (Black Rose Writing), as well as Alice the Cat (Fitzroy Books), which was named an American Book Awards Finalist and received multiple national literary honors. With an MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University Los Angeles and a BFA from NYU/Tisch School of the Arts, Tim brings decades of experience across theater, film, television, voice-over, and writing. His work has appeared in numerous literary journals, and his award-winning essay, You Have Changed Me Forever, highlights his gift for weaving vulnerability with creativity. Beyond the page and stage, Tim is a self-proclaimed octopus and spider enthusiast, a collector of rare treasures like first-edition novels and vintage vinyl, and a master in the kitchen known for his unforgettable chili and lasagna. He also teaches writing at the UCLA Extension Writers' Program, where he inspires the next generation of storytellers. Join us as Tim shares his journey as a writer, his love for storytelling, and the passions that fuel his creative life. Episode Highlights * Tim Cummings author interview * The Lightning People Play book * Alice the Cat novel awards * Young adult fiction 2025 * American Book Awards finalist authors * Feathered Quill Book Awards winners * National Indie Excellence Awards YA fiction * Independent Author Network Book of the Year finalist * Creative writing tips for young adults * YA fiction podcast interviews * NYU Tisch alumni authors * UCLA Extension Writers’ Program teachers * Octopus and spider enthusiasts in literature * Best YA books 2025 * Storytelling and creativity in writing * The Rise of Young Adult Fantasy & Speculative Fiction * Multi-Hyphenate Creatives * Award-Winning Indie Authors * The Role of MFA Programs in Shaping Writers * Literature and Mental Health * Author Lifestyle Content * Young Adult Books in 2025 * Teaching Writing in the Digital Age * Creativity Beyond Boundaries * Celebrating Quirky Passions in Art   Know Tim Cummings Website https://www.timcummings.ink/copy-of-the-lightning-people-play [https://www.timcummings.ink/copy-of-the-lightning-people-play]   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!

In today's episode of Tendrils of Grief, we have the privilege of speaking with Patricia Roos, a former professor of sociology at Rutgers University, whose life took a tragic turn in 2015 when her 25-year-old son, Alex, passed away from a heroin overdose. Guided by her academic background in sociology, Patricia embarked on a deeply personal journey to make sense of the devastating loss that her family endured. This journey led her to write a compelling and insightful sociological memoir, Surviving Alex: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, and Addiction, which was published by Rutgers University Press in May 2024. Patricia brings a unique perspective to the conversation, blending her professional expertise with her lived experience as a grieving mother. In this episode, she shares her insights into the complex factors surrounding addiction, the challenges faced by families navigating this crisis, and the process of healing and rebuilding life after such a profound loss. Join us for a poignant and enlightening discussion as Patricia opens up about her personal story, the creation of her memoir, and her mission to bring awareness and understanding to the multifaceted issue of addiction and its impact on families. Episode Highlights   ·       Grief and Loss ·       Addiction and Recovery ·       Heroin Overdose ·       Sociological Perspectives on Grief ·       Healing After Loss ·       Parenting Through Addiction ·       Memoir of Grief ·       Surviving Alex book ·       Rutgers University Press ·       Coping with Child's Death ·       Sociology of Addiction ·       Parental Grief and Addiction ·       Addiction Crisis in Families ·       Mental Health and Addiction ·       Substance Abuse Awareness ·       The Opioid Crisis ·       Mental Health Awareness ·       Breaking the Stigma of Addiction ·       Navigating Grief During the Holidays ·       The Role of Family in Recovery ·       Mothers Speaking Out on Addiction ·       Raising Awareness of Substance Abuse ·       The Impact of Grief on Mental Health ·       The Intersection of Sociology and Personal Experience ·       Memoirs that Heal: Stories of Loss and Recovery ·       The Role of Education in Understanding Addiction ·       Community Support for Families Facing Addiction ·       How Grief Transforms Lives ·       The Hidden Epidemic: Parental Grief Over Addiction ·       How to Support a Loved One Through Addiction     Know more About Patricia Roos Link to her book: Surviving Alex: A Mother’s Story of Love, Loss, and Addiction: Roos, Patricia A.: 9781978837027: Amazon.com: Books [https://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Alex-Mothers-Story-Addiction/dp/197883702X]  Visit her page at www.patroos.com [https://www.patroos.com/]   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 [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 [susan@tendrilsofgrief.com]   Let me hear your thoughts!

In today's episode of the Tendrils of Grief podcast, we are joined by David Woods Bartley, a man who has faced both incredible successes and profound challenges. David's journey has taken him from leading a nationally recognized nonprofit to battling severe depression and surviving a suicide attempt. Through his own recovery, David has become a passionate advocate for mental health, shining a light on issues like suicide, male sexual trauma, and mental illness. With certifications in Mental Health First Aid, SafeTALK, and QPR suicide prevention, David is committed to moving these critical conversations from the shadows into the public eye. David has delivered over 800 presentations worldwide, including TED talks, where he shares his message of hope and resilience. Join us as David discusses his journey from "mental hellness" to wellness, and his ongoing mission to help others find healing and strength in the face of adversity.   Episode Highlights ·       Suicide Prevention ·       Male Sexual Trauma Awareness ·       Clinical Depression Recovery ·       Mental Health First Aid ·       TED Talks on Mental Health ·       SafeTALK Certification ·       QPR Suicide Prevention ·       Resilience in Mental Health ·       Servant Leadership in Mental Wellness ·       Overcoming Childhood Trauma ·       Suicide Awareness and Support ·       Mental Wellness Journey ·       Public Speaking on Mental Health ·       Trauma-Informed Care ·       Breaking Mental Health Stigmas ·       Mental Health in 2024: Emerging Trends and Strategies ·       The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in Male Populations ·       Suicide Prevention Initiatives and their Impact ·       The Role of Resilience in Mental Health Recovery ·       The Global Mental Health Crisis: What Can Be Done? ·       From Darkness to Light: Inspiring Stories of Overcoming Mental Illness ·       How Trauma Affects Mental Health and Recovery Processes ·       The Future of Mental Health Advocacy: Moving Conversations Forward ·       Effective Tools and Techniques for Suicide Prevention ·       The Power of Storytelling in Healing from Trauma   Know more About David Woods Bartley FACEBOOK : https://www.facebook.com/david.w.bartley.5 [https://www.facebook.com/david.w.bartley.5] LIKEDIN : https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-woods-bartley-96325512/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-woods-bartley-96325512/] INSTAGRAM : https://www.instagram.com/davidwoodsbartley/ [https://www.instagram.com/davidwoodsbartley/] CHECK HIM OUT https://www.ted.com/talks/david_woods_bartley_how_connection_saved_my_life?trigger=5s [https://www.ted.com/talks/david_woods_bartley_how_connection_saved_my_life?trigger=5s] https://www.ted.com/talks/david_woods_bartley_how_to_save_a_life_by_sitting_down?trigger=5s [https://www.ted.com/talks/david_woods_bartley_how_to_save_a_life_by_sitting_down?trigger=5s]     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 [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 [susan@tendrilsofgrief.com]   Let me hear your thoughts!

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Dr. Kimberly Harms—a woman of extraordinary resilience and wisdom. From a distinguished 30-year career in dentistry to navigating unimaginable personal losses, Dr. Harms shares her remarkable journey of transformation, healing, and hope. After losing her ability to practice dentistry due to nerve damage, Kim pivoted her life’s work to support others through grief and major life transitions. With grace and compassion, she reflects on the suicides of her mother and son, and the death of her beloved husband—losses that reshaped her purpose and fueled her calling as a grief counselor, death doula, and international speaker. Dr. Harms also shares how her son's legacy lives on through the 65 Eric Harms Memorial Libraries in Rwanda—built in partnership with Books for Africa—creating lasting change through education and hope. Whether you're navigating your own grief or supporting someone through theirs, this episode offers powerful lessons in resilience, faith, and turning pain into purpose.   Episode Highlights * grief transformation stories * grief support for widows * overcoming loss and trauma * death doula experiences * Dr. Kimberly Harms grief * healing after suicide loss * legacy after loss * widow support groups * grief coaching for Baby Boomers * Books for Africa libraries * faith-based grief healing * female grief speakers * life after loss inspiration * grief and legacy planning * turning pain into purpose   Know Dr. Kim Harms More   Website  https://www.drkimberlyharms.com/ [https://www.drkimberlyharms.com/]   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!

In today’s solo episode, I open up about the ongoing evolution of my grief journey after losing my husband, Paul. I reflect on how my grief has shifted over time—from a gaping wound to a quiet, ever-present companion. It hasn’t been easy. The emotional challenges, the deep inner work, and the conscious choices I’ve had to make are all part of this path toward finding moments of peace and even joy. I share from the heart about how grief transforms as life moves forward, how healing doesn’t mean forgetting, and why it’s so important to honor your own unique process. Whether you’re just beginning your grief journey or have been walking it for years, I hope this episode brings you comfort, understanding, and a reminder that healing is possible—even when it feels out of reach. Episode Highlights * Long-term effects of grief and trauma * Mindfulness and emotional healing * Grief and personal transformation * Solo reflections in mental health podcasts * Neuroplasticity and grief recovery * Grief narratives and storytelling * Mental wellness in widowhood * Sustainable self-care in emotional healing * Creating meaning after loss * Podcasting as a healing platform * Top Alternatives to Talk Therapy for Trauma Recovery * grief healing journey 2025 * how grief changes over time * evolving through grief * solo podcast on grief * grief after losing a spouse * long-term grief support * emotional resilience in grief * grief transformation podcast * mindful grief practices * living with loss * hope after loss * processing grief in 2025 * solo grieving podcast episode * grief podcast for widows * personal stories of grief 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!