Tendrils of Grief

What Grief Really Feels Like

In this episode, I'm joined by Marie Crews, a transformational coach, speaker, retreat facilitator, and best-selling author whose work is grounded in one core belief: your story can set you free. For over 15 years, Marie has helped women rewrite the narratives that limit them—guiding them through grief, trauma, and profound life transitions with compassion, courage, and clarity. Marie's 25-year journey of self-discovery led her to the practice that became her greatest healing tool: journal writing. This deeply personal process inspired her to create The Nautilus Way: Write Your Way Free, a powerful and proven method that helps women break emotional patterns, process grief, rewire limiting beliefs, and intentionally shape who they're becoming. Her story is one of extraordinary resilience. Raised in poverty in rural Louisiana and a single mother of two at a young age, Marie fought to build a stable life for her family. She eventually left corporate America to pursue her calling—supporting women's healing and studying mind-body psychology. But in 2017, Marie faced unimaginable heartbreak when she suddenly lost her son, just two years after her mother's unexpected death. Instead of letting grief define her, she turned inward, using the same tools she teaches to rise again, rediscover her strength, and choose life with intention. This lived experience, combined with years of transformational coaching, makes her uniquely equipped to support women with authenticity, empathy, and hard-won wisdom. Today, Marie leads life-changing women's retreats, including one exclusively for grieving mothers, in her newly built Gulf-front home in Florida—a sacred space for healing, confidence, and personal awakening. Her work consistently helps women reconnect with forgotten parts of themselves, uncover subconscious patterns, and step forward with renewed peace, purpose, and self-trust. Marie Crews is a certified health and wellness coach, a successful entrepreneur, and the best-selling author of Even When…She Rose—a testament to her unwavering commitment to rising through adversity and helping others do the same. This episode dives into: ✨ The healing power of journaling and emotional expression ✨ Rewiring limiting beliefs and breaking generational patterns ✨ Navigating profound grief and loss authentically ✨ Mind-body practices for trauma and emotional release ✨ Rebuilding identity after loss and life transitions ✨ The transformative impact of women's retreats and community If you're seeking healing, clarity, or a deeper connection to your own inner wisdom, Marie's story—and her work—will inspire you to rise, no matter what you've endured. Episode Highlights * Journaling for grief recovery * Emotional healing tools for women * Transformational coaching for women * Navigating grief and loss * Grieving mothers support * Trauma-informed journaling * Mind-body connection healing * Women's healing retreats Florida * Gulf-front healing retreat * Healing after losing a child * Personal transformation stories * Breaking generational trauma * Rewriting limiting beliefs * Journaling for emotional breakthroughs Know Marie Crews SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Website: www.mariecrews.com [http://www.mariecrews.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marieeurecrews [https://www.facebook.com/marieeurecrews] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empowermentandgriefguide [https://www.tiktok.com/@empowermentandgriefguide] Did you enjoy today's episode? Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being. 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!

Don't Grieve Alone – There is a Community Ready to Support You

In today's episode Julie Fingersh, an accomplished writer and freelance journalist with a knack for exploring the intricacies of life. Through her essays, editorials, and reporting, Julie dives into topics like culture, wellness, relationships, and parenting adult children—all while offering insights on how to lead a better, more meaningful life. Her work has graced the pages of The New York Times, Oprah Magazine, The Huffington Post, The San Francisco Chronicle, and The Miami Herald, to name a few. Julie's current blog is a midlife sequel to her award-winning humor column she wrote in her twenties for Billboard Publications. Living in Marin County, California, with her husband and cherishing her role as a mother of two adult children, Julie brings humor, wisdom, and authenticity to her storytelling. Join us as we explore her journey, writing career, and reflections on life's beautiful messiness. Episode Highlights * Midlife writing journey * Parenting adult children * Freelance journalism tips * Leading a better life through writing * Julie Fingersh articles * Personal essays and storytelling * Relationships in midlife * Parenting challenges with grown kids * Humor in life writing * Wellness and lifestyle articles * Writing for major publications * Culture and relationships writer * Personal growth through storytelling * Writing for The New York Times and Oprah Magazine * The art of personal essays: Finding your voice through storytelling. * Parenting adult children: Navigating relationships as they grow. * Midlife reinvention: Exploring the next chapter through creativity. * Wellness and lifestyle writing: Sharing tips for leading a better life. * Freelance journalism in 2024: Breaking into major publications. * The impact of humor in writing: Connecting with audiences authentically. * Balancing family and career as a writer. * The rise of personal blogs: Creating connections in the digital age. * The evolving role of culture in storytelling. * Writing for impact: How personal stories shape societal conversations. Learn more about Julie Fingerish Read more about Julie and her work at juliefingersh.com [https://www.juliefingersh.com/]. To receive a review copy, or to schedule an interview, please contact: Heather Huzovic, 646.972.0033 or heather.huzovic@gmail.com [heather.huzovic@gmail.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!

What To Do When Your Faith Isn't Enough

I sit down with Rev. Kate J. Meyer, LPC—an ordained minister, licensed professional counselor, hospice professional, and acclaimed author—whose life's work is dedicated to bringing grief out of the shadows and helping people move through loss with honesty, compassion, and faith. Drawing from decades of experience in hospice care, private practice, and spiritual counseling, Kate offers deeply grounded insights into the emotional, spiritual, and psychological realities of grief. She shares why so many grievers feel unseen or misunderstood within their faith communities, how spirituality can be both a comfort and a complication after loss, and why honoring your grief—not rushing or minimizing it—is essential for true healing. Together, Kate and I explore: * What healthy grief really looks like * Why faith doesn't erase pain—and why it shouldn't be expected to * The difference between distraction and avoidance * How grief evolves over time and becomes a lifelong companion * Spiritual signs, continued bonds, and the unseen ways our loved ones remain close * The deeply human experience of grief through the lens of hospice work * How to navigate guilt, loneliness, overwhelming emotions, and those "grief waves" that resurface years later * The importance of choosing carefully who you share your grief with—and who you don't This conversation is filled with wisdom, spiritual reflection, emotional validation, and practical tools for anyone walking through loss—whether you're in the early days of grief or decades into your healing journey. If you've ever wondered, "Am I grieving wrong?" or "Why does this still hurt so much?"—this episode is a gentle reminder that grief doesn't disappear. It changes shape, it grows with us, and healing is never about forgetting… it's about learning how to carry love forward. Episode Highlights * Rev. Kate J. Meyer * grief and faith * Christian grief counseling * spiritual grief healing * healthy grieving process * grief and spirituality * hospice grief insights * navigating grief and loss * emotional healing after loss * Christian counselor grief * complicated grief support * understanding grief waves * lifelong grief journey * grief validation and support * mental health and grief * faith-based grief support * grief and emotional wellness * spiritual signs after death * continued bonds in grief * grief conversations 2025 Know Rev. Kate J Meyer, LPC Faith Doesn't Erase Grief , The Red Couch, and The Yellow Dress are available at bookshop.org [http://bookshop.org/] and wherever books are sold Subscribe at: www.katejmeyer.com [http://www.katejmeyer.com/] Did you enjoy today's episode? Welcome to New Ways Barre. We are so glad you are here. Get ready to transform your body, mind and life. At New Ways Barre, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can achieve holistic well-being. 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!

Change Your Mind and Change Your Life

We sit down with Zoilita Grant, a transformational mindset expert with over 50 years of experience in subconscious reprogramming, hypnosis, and personal development. Zoilita has helped thousands of people break free from old patterns, release fear, and step into a life of clarity, confidence, and purpose. Known for her grounded, heart-centered approach, Zoilita blends science-backed techniques, hypnosis for healing, and mindset transformation tools that empower individuals to create real, lasting change. Her message is simple yet profound: everything you need to transform your life is already within you. In this conversation, Zoilita shares practical strategies for rewiring limiting beliefs, releasing emotional blocks, and shifting from survival mode to inner freedom. Whether you're navigating grief, self-doubt, anxiety, or a major life transition, her insights illuminate a path toward healing and self-empowerment. If you're curious about subconscious healing, neuroscience-based mindset shifts, hypnosis for trauma recovery, or how to unlock your own brilliance, this episode is a must-listen. Episode Highlights * subconscious reprogramming techniques * hypnosis for healing trauma * mindset transformation tools * emotional healing through hypnosis * break free from limiting beliefs * personal development expert 2025 * rewire the subconscious mind * overcoming fear and self-doubt * healing from emotional blocks * inner transformation practices * trauma recovery and mindset work * self-empowerment strategies * holistic mental wellness 2025 * neuroscience of mindset change * transformational coaching methods * confidence and clarity building * subconscious mind healing * mindset coach podcast interview * inner peace and emotional freedom * mental wellness through hypnosis Know Zoilita Grant Website https://zoilitagrant.com [https://zoilitagrant.com/] https://mindset-for-success.org/ [https://mindset-for-success.org/]Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/1765045683746989 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1765045683746989] LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoilitagrant/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoilitagrant/] 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!

What To Do When Grief Causes an Existential Crisis

In this episode, we sit down with Andrea, an author, poet, artist, book illustrator, and yoga practitioner who writes under the pen name Cheydrea. Andrea's journey is one of brave authenticity, deep healing, and passionate storytelling. From her 15+ year journey of religious deconstruction to healing her inner child and navigating family estrangement, Andrea candidly shares her experiences and lessons learned along the way. Andrea's passions extend to fostering healthy and sustainable relationships, including a 28+ year marriage shaped by religious and childhood trauma, as well as meaningful friendships with women. She also opens up about her writing and publishing process, her indie-author journey, and her latest book, A Poet's Playground. Join us as Andrea dives into the stories, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped her life. Together, we explore topics like the power of vulnerability, her personal growth in health and healing, and how she uses art and words to inspire and empower women. Episode Highlights * Andrea Cheydrea * Religious deconstruction journey * Healing from childhood trauma * Inner-child healing stories * Family estrangement recovery * Healthy and sustainable relationships * Marriage and religious trauma * Writing and publishing process * Indie author journey * A Poet's Playground by Andrea * Women's empowerment through writing * Bravely sharing personal stories * Mindful healing through yoga and art * Emotional healing and storytelling * Building meaningful female friendships * The Power of Vulnerability in Healing Relationships * Religious Deconstruction: Reclaiming Identity Beyond Faith * How Inner-Child Healing Transforms Adult Relationships * Finding Strength Through Family Estrangement * Art as a Healing Tool: A Poet's Journey * Marriage Beyond Trauma: 28+ Years of Growth and Healing * Navigating the Indie Author World: A Journey to A Poet's Playground * Embracing Authenticity: A Path to Personal Evolution * Yoga, Art, and Writing: Tools for Emotional Healing * Supporting Women in Their Healing and Writing Journeys * Balancing Vulnerability and Strength in Modern Relationships * How Stories of Transformation Inspire Global Conversations * Creating Healthy Friendships Among Women * The Role of Poetry in Emotional and Spiritual Healing * How Sharing Personal Stories Empowers Others to Heal Learn more about Andrea Visit her website www.cheydrea.com [http://www.cheydrea.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!