Grief, I Didn't Sign Up for This

What Is an End-of-Life Doula? Understanding the Support You Didn’t Know Existed

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443636/fan_mail/new] In this deeply informative and compassionate episode of Grief, I Didn’t Sign Up for This, host Shaleka Smith explores the often-misunderstood roles of End-of-Life Doulas and Grief Doulas, support professionals who help individuals and families navigate one of life’s most difficult transitions. What does an End-of-Life Doula actually do? How can a Grief Doula support families after loss? And why are more people seeking holistic, emotional, spiritual, and practical support during times of serious illness, caregiving, death, and grief? This episode breaks down: • The difference between End-of-Life Doulas and Grief Doulas • How doulas support families during active dying and after loss • Anticipatory grief and caregiver burnout • Legacy projects, bedside companionship, and emotional support • How doulas work alongside hospice and medical teams • The importance of culturally sensitive grief care • How services and laws may differ from state to state • Why grief support should continue long after the funeral ends Whether you are supporting a loved one through illness, grieving a loss, working in caregiving, or simply trying to better understand the dying process, this conversation offers insight, comfort, and hope. Because no one should have to walk through grief alone. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443636/support]

Mother’s Day and the Many Faces of Grief

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443636/fan_mail/new] Mother’s Day can hold both celebration and sorrow. In this heartfelt episode of “Grief, I Didn’t Sign Up for This,” Shaleka Smith creates space for the many emotions that can surface on Mother’s Day. Whether you are grieving the loss of your mother, mourning a child, longing to become a mother, or navigating a complicated relationship, this conversation reminds listeners that they are not alone. Through honest reflection, faith-filled encouragement, and compassionate insight, Shaleka explores the many faces of grief connected to motherhood and offers gentle reminders to give yourself grace during difficult seasons. This episode also highlights the importance of honoring love that continues beyond loss and finding healthy ways to process emotions during holidays and special occasions. Plus, learn more about Shaleka’s book “Grief, I Didn’t Sign Up for This” and the “Hey Mom: Letters to Heaven Journal,” created to support those grieving the loss of a mother. Take a deep breath, give yourself permission to feel, and join us for this meaningful conversation about love, loss, healing, and hope. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443636/support]

Loving Them Through It: Supporting Your Spouse Through Grief

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443636/fan_mail/new] What does it really look like to love someone through grief? In this deeply honest and compassionate episode, Shaleka Smith explores the complexities of supporting your spouse through loss. Whether your partner is grieving the death of a loved one, a life transition, or an unexpected heartbreak, this conversation offers practical guidance and emotional insight for navigating it together. Shaleka breaks down what grief can do to a person’s identity, communication, and capacity to connect, and how that can impact a marriage or relationship. She shares what to avoid, what truly helps, and how to remain present without losing yourself in the process. This episode is for the ones standing beside grief… trying to love well, show up consistently, and hold space when there are no easy answers. You’ll be reminded that: Support doesn’t require perfection, just presence. Grief doesn’t follow a timeline. And both partners deserve care in the process. If you or your spouse are walking through grief, this episode will meet you with understanding, grace, and practical tools to help you move forward together. And as always… you are not alone in this journey. Take it one day at a time. https://www.grapsate.com/book-inner-page [https://www.grapsate.com/book-inner-page] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443636/support]

When He Shows Up: Identity, Impact and the Power of Brotherhood

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443636/fan_mail/new] This episode features a powerful conversation with Rob Shep, a dynamic leader known for his impact in creative strategy, community engagement, and building meaningful connections. Wherever Rob shows up, things move forward with purpose and excellence. As the Co-Owner and Founder of the I AM HIM Platform, Rob is creating intentional spaces for Black men to heal, grow, and connect through brotherhood and honest dialogue. More than a brand, it’s a movement focused on identity, elevation, and transformation. This episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t happen in isolation—and that when you show up fully, you make space for others to rise too. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443636/support]

Putting Your Best Foot Forward: 7-minute Meditation

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443636/fan_mail/new] This gentle 7-minute meditation is designed to support you as you begin a new week—especially when grief feels heavy. Whether you’re carrying personal loss, witnessing the pain in your community, or feeling the collective weight of the world, this meditation offers a moment to pause, breathe, and ground yourself. Rather than rushing past grief, this practice honors it—creating space for both sorrow and strength to coexist. You’ll be guided to reconnect with your body, find steadiness beneath your feet, and take the next step forward with compassion and grace. This meditation is not about fixing or forcing positivity. It’s about showing up as you are and moving into the week gently, intentionally, and supported—one breath at a time. Perfect for Monday mornings, moments of overwhelm, or anytime you need a reminder that even in grief, you are allowed to begin again. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443636/support]