Tony Stewart has made award-winning films for colleges and universities,, written software that received rave reviews in The New York Times and the New York Daily News, designed a grants-management application that was used by three of the five largest charities in the world, and led the development of an international standard for the messages involved in buying and selling advertisements, for which he spoke at conferences across Europe and North America. Carrying the Tiger [https://www.tonystewartauthor.com/books] is his first published book.

Tony and his late wife Lynn Kotula [https://www.lynnkotula.com/], a painter, traveled extensively in India and Southeast Asia, staying in small hotels off the beaten track and eating delicious food with their fingers when cutlery wasn’t available. Inspired by the experience of writing Carrying the Tiger, Tony is now studying to become a Certified Grief Educator [https://www.davidkesslertraining.com/certification].

www.tonystewartauthor.com [https://www.tonystewartauthor.com/]

Show Highlights:

•Tony Stewart, author of Carrying the Tiger, shares his deeply personal memoir, chronicling his wife Lynn's 6.5-year battle with stage four cancer and his profound grief journey.

•Discover how Tony's daily writings to friends on CaringBridge evolved into his book, serving as a "love story told almost entirely by actions" that allowed Lynn to live fully despite her illness.

•Hear Tony describe the final weeks of Lynn's life in home hospice as "the best two weeks of my life," a "miraculous" time of deep physical care and spiritual connection.

•Learn about Lynn's powerful and comforting last words: "Don't bother me. I've got a lot to do," which left Tony with a sense of mystery and spiritual insight.

•Tony bravely discusses finding new love after immense loss, and the complexities of honoring Lynn's memory while opening his heart to a new relationship.

•Explore the meaningful origin of the book's title, "Carrying the Tiger," which stems from a Tai Chi concept of facing and making challenges less threatening.

•Gain insight into why Carrying the Tiger is described by readers as an inspiring and joy-filled experience, rather than a depressing one, despite its difficult subject matter.



Reachout to Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest or have her as a guest https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

207.  A Caregiver's Journey Through  Love and Loss with Tony Stewart

Beth  Bigler is a Pet Loss Grief Counselor, end-of-life animal companion doula, and pet chaplain. She works with individuals and families before, during, and after the loss of their beloved animal companion. She’s also known for her Instagram account @honoringouranimals where she shares daily original content and tips about pet loss grief which are a unique blend of tools, compassion, and “telling it like it is.” She works closely with animal care workers, veterinary professionals, and other pet industry brands on grief training and awareness. She is a regular contributor to podcasts, articles, and other media. Her debut book, Honoring Our Animals: 365 Meditations for Healing After Pet Loss is published by Quarto Books.  Beth is also a seasoned film/television professional, college instructor, and mom to a five-year-old son and two divine felines!

The best way to learn about Beth is through her Instagram @honoringouranimals or website: www.honoringouranimals.com [http://www.honoringouranimals.com/]

Other podcast episode [https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/podcast/episode/90ab6222/124-our-everlasting-bond-with-our-pets-with-beth-bigler] with Beth

Recommended Pet Loss Books For Kids 6 and Under
Find Momo Everywhere by Andrew Knapp
Remembering by Xelena Gonzalez
The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst
The Invisible Leash by Patrice Karst
Remembering Blue Fish (Daniel Tiger) by Becky Friedman



Show Highlights:

•Beth Bigler, a certified pet loss grief counselor, explains why pet loss is often a "disenfranchised grief," lacking societal acknowledgment despite being as intense, or even more profound, than human loss due to disrupted routines and deep emotional bonds.

•Gain insight into compassionate euthanasia, understanding it as a medical decision to ensure a "good death" for beloved pets, emphasizing dignity and avoiding suffering.

•Discover practical tools and strategies for coping with grief, including managing guilt and "what ifs," and developing self-compassion, noting how these skills are foundational life tools applicable to all major life events..

•Learn valuable tips for parents on supporting children through pet loss, advocating for honest, age-appropriate language, recognizing that children grieve in spurts, and involving them in memorializing rituals.

•Explore Beth's new book, "Honoring Our Animals: 365 Meditations for Healing After Loss," a practical resource offering daily guidance on coping, identity, and maintaining connection with beloved pets.

•Understand the power of maintaining daily rituals with your beloved, like greeting their photo, to comfort your brain and foster a sense of continuity after physical absence.

•Reflect on "anticipatory grief" and the concept that "your goodbye begins on day one," encouraging gratitude for every moment spent with your beloved animal.



Connect with Kendra Rinaldi at https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/



206. Navigating Pet Loss Grief: Honoring Our Beloved Animals with Beth Bigler

Pamela Blake, PhD, is the CEO of Utamatzi Inc, an independent publishing imprint dedicated to bringing creative, high-quality fiction to readers in the global marketplace. The initial offering is The Isaak Collection, which consists of five novels by her late husband, David Isaak.

Prior to forming Utamatzi several years ago, Dr. Blake was a Technical Fellow with The Boeing Company, from which she retired in 2020, after twenty years of employment. She is an expert in quantified performance assessment of imaging sensors and in the development and application of algorithms that exploit the underlying physics and phenomenology for automated feature and object recognition.

She holds a BA in Physics from Willamette University in Salem, OR, amd MS and PhD degrees in Geology/Geophysics from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Dr. Blake resides in Huntington Beach, California. For more information, please consult: https://utamatzi.com [https://utamatzi.com/].



Show Highlights: 

 * Navigating Grief and Legacy: Join Dr. Pamela Blake, CEO of Utamatsi Inc., as she shares her profound journey of processing grief as a loss, not a wound, following the sudden passing of her lifelong companion, David Isaak.
 * From Love Story to Literary Imprint: Discover how Pamela's desire to honor David's lifelong passion for writing led her to create Utamatsi Inc., publishing his five novels as The Isaac Collection.
 * The Genesis of The Isaac Collection: Learn about David's dedication to writing his novels, the challenges he faced with traditional publishing, and the emotional success of his first published work, "Tomorrow Bill," which impressively charted on Amazon.
 * Enduring Connection and Shared Life: Hear about Pamela and David's extraordinary relationship that began at age 14, their shared love for music and gardening, and how Pamela continues to feel David's presence and guidance in her daily life.
 * Embracing New Chapters: Explore Pamela's remarkable pivot from a distinguished career at The Boeing Company to becoming a publisher, and her future plans to write a sequel to David's novel and a guide for aspiring self-publishers.
 * Powerful Takeaways: Pamela offers poignant advice: "Don't wait to tell somebody you love of them," "Don't be afraid to tell your story," and the importance of finding a "driving force" through life's deepest challenges.



Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest on the podcast or to have her on your podcast:

 https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/book-online [https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/book-online]

205. Honoring a Lifelong Love:  Grief, Legacy, and The Isaac Collection with Pamela Blake

Lanny Vahlis, nacida y criada en Venezuela, llegó a Estados Unidos hace 15 años con el sueño de construir una nueva vida. Actualmente se desempeña como Gerente de Proyectos de Construcción e inversionista en bienes raíces, un camino profesional que ha construido con esfuerzo y determinación.

Más allá de su carrera, Lanny es madre de dos hijos, Jake y Derek, quienes representan su mayor fuente de motivación y fortaleza. Su historia de resiliencia está marcada por desafíos personales y profesionales, incluyendo su experiencia como inmigrante y su reciente proceso de sanación tras un diagnóstico de cáncer de mama.

Apasionada por las artes marciales, encuentra en el kickboxing y el jiu-jitsu su vía de escape para liberar el estrés y fortalecer tanto su cuerpo como su mente. A lo largo de los años, ha aprendido a equilibrar sus responsabilidades con su bienestar emocional y físico, estableciendo límites claros en su vida laboral y personal.

Hoy, Lanny vive con una renovada perspectiva, priorizando su salud, su familia y su crecimiento espiritual. A través de su historia, busca inspirar a otras mujeres a escuchar su cuerpo, cuidar su bienestar y vivir con propósito y equilibrio. Además, ha aprendido a trazar límites saludables en su vida, asegurando que su bienestar y el de su familia sean siempre su prioridad.

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/iamlannyvahlis/#

Resaltes de nuestra conversacion: 

 * Presentación y contexto: trayectoria de Lanny como gerente de proyectos de construcción, madre de dos hijos y su experiencia como inmigrante en Estados Unidos.
 * Diagnóstico y proceso médico: impacto del estrés en su salud, importancia de la prevención, diagnóstico temprano y tratamiento.
 * Impacto emocional y familiar: emociones tras recibir la noticia, miedo e incertidumbre, afectación en su entorno cercano y su decisión de vivir el proceso con conciencia.
 * Reconexión espiritual y mental: acercamiento a Dios, aprendizaje sobre la energía femenina y estrategias para gestionar pensamientos invasivos.
 * Transformación en estilo de vida: cambios en alimentación, ejercicio, manejo del estrés y establecimiento de límites en su rutina laboral.
 * Red de apoyo y conexiones: selección de personas positivas en su entorno, eliminación de relaciones que no sumaban y encuentros con amigas como fuente de apoyo.
 * Aprendizajes y reflexiones finales: importancia de la prevención en la salud, gratitud por su proceso de transformación y resiliencia como herramienta de crecimiento personal



Contacta a Kendra Rinaldi para mas informacion sobre como ser invitado/a  en el podcast 

https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/


204. Reconectar con la Vida:  Fe, Equilibrio y Renacer con Lanny Vahlis  

I felt compelled to write a Dear Griever type letter tonight. A letter for anyone who is in the midst of grief.  This is a  short episode of me reading it.

Grief is heavy, unpredictable and deeply personal, yet I wanted to share some love and compassion to anyone of you who are in the thick of the pain right now.  

I pray this brings you a bit of comfort. You are loved, you are seen.

Love,

Kendra

203. Dear Griever: A Letter to Those Who are Grieving by Kendra Rinaldi

Rebecca Schaper is an author, filmmaker, philanthropist, and mental health advocate. Her new book, “Roses to Rainbow – My Dog Gus in the Aferlife,” is a moving story that includes transcripts of psychic sessions Rebecca had with an animal communicator after the sudden, unexpected passing of her dog – Gus. The book also includes Rebecca’s notes from her daily journal as she responds to both earthly and spiritual guidance from Gus.

She also  co-produced and directed the award-winning documentary A Sister’s Call [https://www.rebeccaschaper.com/a-sisters-call-film]. The film chronicles her mission to bring her brother Call Richmond Jr. back from the depths of homelessness and schizophrenia, all while seeking ways to heal herself and her family from the past. Her memoir The Light in His Soul: Lessons from My Brother’s Schizophrenia [https://www.rebeccaschaper.com/the-light-in-his-soul-book] recounts the events in the film, supplemented by her intimate personal reflections on recovering from trauma and developing spiritual insight.

Rebecca makes frequent public and media appearances as a spokesperson for mental-health awareness and spiritual development, including presentations to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Vinfen community-based services, the NYC Mental Health Film Festival, Greenville Mental Hospital, the Canadian Mental Health Association, the First Presbyterian Church in Greenville, and the American Psychiatric Association (APA). She is a supporter of NAMI [https://ifundraise.nami.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=503&referrer=WEBDG], as well as benefactor of the Great Plains Foundation for African wildlife conservation, a family-assistance program in Kigali, Rwanda, a children’s school at the Drepung Gomang Monastery in Bhutan, and The Healing Center in Bali. She is also facilitating the global outreach efforts of the Last Inca Shamans Healing Association of Q'ero Nation in the Cusco region of Peru.  She helped sponsor the film Ram Dass, Going Home [https://vimeo.com/217252548] by Derek Peck [https://www.facebook.com/derek.d.peck]. She makes her home with her husband Jim in Georgia.

 https://www.rebeccaschaper.com/about https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaSchaperAuthor/       https://x.com/rebecca_schaper



Show Highlights:

 * A Sister’s Search for Her Lost Brother – Rebecca shares the emotional journey of finding her brother Call after 20 years.
 * Navigating Mental Health & Advocacy – How Rebecca’s experience shaped her understanding of schizophrenia, trauma, and support.
 * Signs & Synchronicities in Grief – The spiritual connection Rebecca felt with her late dog Gus and how signs continued to show up.
 * The Unconditional Love of Pets – How Gus’s presence helped her heal and process layers of grief.
 * Transforming Grief Into Purpose – Rebecca’s work in storytelling and advocacy for mental health awareness.
 * Honoring Loved Ones Through Action – Turning pain into projects that inspire and educate others.



Contact Kendra Rinaldi  https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

202.  Grief, Signs & Spiritual Connection with Rebecca Schaper

Caren Paskel is a best-selling author, speaker, and the founder of the Self-Evolution Education (S.E.E.) Foundation. With decades of experience in spiritual education and yoga principles, Caren guides individuals on a journey of transformation, helping them reach their fullest potential. As the former owner of EnSoul Yoga, Caren navigated the challenges of managing multiple studios while caring for her husband, who was diagnosed with a terminal illness. This profound life event, coupled with the global pandemic, led Caren to reevaluate her life’s mission and create impactful programs aimed at personal evolution and empowerment.A firm believer in the power of community, Caren has inspired thousands through her Self-Evolution courses, retreats, and books, including her acclaimed work, The Power of Self-Belief. She has since expanded her mission to include self-caregiving support for caregivers, launching a program that promotes self-care practices for those caring for loved ones. Her philosophy centers on the idea that personal transformation begins with inner strength and is amplified by a supportive community.https://carenpaskel.com/

Show Highlights:

 * A Life-Changing Diagnosis – Caren shares the moment David’s seizure led to his brain cancer diagnosis.
 * Navigating Grief & Uncertainty – How caregiving and major life changes shaped Caren’s resilience.
 * Choosing Growth Through Loss – Why grief doesn’t have to hold us back but can push us toward transformation.
 * Honoring Legacy Through Action – How David’s encouragement continues to inspire Caren’s work.
 * Energy, Vibration & Impact – The way our emotions influence the world around us.
 * Career Shift & New Beginnings – Caren’s pivot from yoga studio owner to online educator and mentor.
 * The Power of Support & Mentorship – Why embracing connection and guidance fosters true healing.



Get in touch with Kendra Rinaldi if you'd like to be a guest on the Podcast 

https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

201. Love, Loss & Self-Belief: Grief, Healing & Transformation with Caren Paskel

Welcome to a very special episode of Grief, Gratitude, and the Gray In Between. Today, we celebrate a milestone—our 200th episode! Over the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with nearly 200 incredible individuals, each sharing their unique experiences and perspectives on grief.

Grief is complex. It’s not just about loss—it’s about transitions, expectations, healing, and everything in between. In honor of this journey, we’re revisiting some of the most profound moments from past conversations—voices that have shaped this space, challenged misconceptions, and offered wisdom on navigating grief and finding light through the darkness.

Join me as we reflect, honor, and learn from the many voices that have guided us over the years. I’m so grateful for this community. If you feel you resonate with any of the insights shared by my guests, I invite you to look for the full interview I've done with them. 

 * Episode Timeline:
 * Jana DeCristofaro – The layered emotions of grief, relief, and guilt.
 * Kendra Rinaldi – Reframing grief as transition through Baha’i teachings.
 * Carol Schneberg – How we grieve the way we live, shaped by hospice insights.
 * Tawny Platis – Finding comfort in metaphysical views on time and connection.
 * Sophie Mills – How loss led her to question lifelong atheist beliefs.
 * Jenny Robinson – Surrendering to a loved one’s journey and finding peace.
 * Daniel Rinaldi – Honoring his mother’s passing through music and reflection.
 * Aijia Grammar – The isolation of grief when it’s unacknowledged.
 * Colin Campbell – Confronting denial and choosing to live with purpose.
 * Bevin Mugford – Learning from hardship and finding wisdom in pain.
 * Rabbi Steve Leder – Rejecting grief “stages” and embracing waves of emotion.
 * Edy Nathan – Grief as a dance—fluid, messy, and deeply personal.
 * Nathan Peterson – Floating through grief when pushing forward feels impossible.
 * Pixie Lighthorse – The power of permission to fully experience grief.
 * Grant Garry – Letting grief express itself instead of suppressing it.
 * Tatiana Zamir – Processing grief through unfinished business and peace.
 * Stephanie Matos – Using grief as a catalyst for personal growth.

For more information about the different services I offer (Speking, Grief Education, Grief Coach)  Or to be a guest on the Podcast reach out: griefgratitudepodcast@gmail.com  or on my website. https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

200. Reflections on Grief: 200 Voices, 5 Years, and the Journey of Healing

Brittni Cosgrove is a Transformational Life & Business Coach. She helps ambitious souls become their most magnetic, authentic, and confident self so they can create a bigger impact doing what they love. Whether you’re scaling your business, starting a nonprofit, or deepening your relationships, Brittni will help you overcome subconscious set points and master your mindset so you can stop self-sabotaging and see the results you crave. Brittni is a certified Mastery Coach, breathwork facilitator, and speaker. Additionally, Brittni sits on the board of the nonprofit Travel Through Trauma and is the organization's resident Life Coach.
Brittni uses her voice to help humanity break free from self-imposed limitations, shatter glass ceilings, leap into the unknown, and collectively uplevel to shift the world into one of more passion, purpose, and peace.

Links:

IG: @brittni.cosgrove

Website: brittnicosgrove.com [http://brittnicosgrove.com/]



Show Highlights:

 * Why subconscious blocks often stem from unexpected past experiences—and how identifying them leads to breakthrough moments.
 * The power of curiosity and trust in self-discovery, allowing emotions and sensations to be witnessed rather than resisted.
 * Brittni’s philosophy of working with emotions like a compassionate observer, helping them settle rather than suppressing them.
 * The ripple effect of healing—how personal transformation impacts families, communities, and even the world.
 * Navigating growth through coaching, whether in business, confidence, or life alignment.
 * The unique impact of the nonprofit Travel Through Trauma, which combines self-work with solo travel as a healing experience.
 * Encouragement to embrace life as it unfolds—understanding that every step, even moments of uncertainty, are exactly as they should be.



Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest on the podcast https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

199. Navigating Anxiety : A Life Coach’s Guide to Transformation with Brittni Cosgrove

Jaya Saxena is a devoted mother of two spirited girls, a champion of inclusion, and an aspiring death doula. Her journey through grief began in 2002 with the profound loss of her mother, a pivotal moment that shaped her understanding of life after loss.

In recent years, particularly during the Covid pandemic, Jaya’s view on grief has deepened. She recognizes that loss transcends the death of loved ones; it encompasses the loss of friendships, health, livelihoods, and even the versions of ourselves we leave behind. This broader perspective has informed her approach to navigating life’s challenges.

Professionally, Jaya serves as an inclusion strategist, leveraging nearly 20 years of advocacy and professional development experience. She is passionate about the intersection of grief and identity, believing that it can lead to feelings of marginalization. Jaya advocates for greater empathy and compassion in both personal and professional realms, emphasizing the need to create space for grief in our conversations at work and in everyday life.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayasaxena/

Instagram: @being.jaya

Show Highlights:

 * Exploring Grief Through Conversation: Jaya reflects on her reluctance yet yearning to share her experience with grief and the importance of creating spaces for open dialogue.
 * Family and Cultural Legacy: Jaya recounts her parents' immigrant journey to the U.S., navigating dual cultures, and the values she strives to instill in her daughters while honoring her mother’s memory.
 * The Impact of Illness and Loss: Jaya shares memories of her mother, who lived with ulcerative colitis, and the transformative year she spent with her during her health's decline, leading up to her passing in 2002.
 * Marking Milestones After Loss: Jaya discusses the emotional weight of milestones without her mother present and how these moments, including becoming a mother, continue to shape her grief journey.
 * Transitions and Identity: Reflecting on motherhood and life changes, Jaya speaks about the shedding of one identity for another and the evolving nature of grief through life’s transitions.
 * Curiosity About Death and Becoming a Death Doula: Jaya shares her deep fascination with death, her journey toward understanding it, and her inspiration to train as a death doula, finding beauty in the process of transitioning out of life.
 * Broader Perspectives on Grief: Jaya broadens the lens on grief, discussing its manifestation beyond the loss of loved ones to include identity shifts, workplace changes, and friendships, encouraging empathy and support for shared experiences.



Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest on the podccast or for infroamtion about coaching with her. 



https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

Grief, Gratitude & The Gray in Between