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/

198. A Journey of Grief, Identity, and Finding Meaning  with Jaya Saxena

Reshma Kearney is a trauma-informed mindfulness and healing guide dedicated to empowering individuals navigating grief and mental health challenges. After losing her husband to suicide in 2022, Reshma became a solo parent to three young children and turned to mindfulness as a grounding tool to help her family move forward with resilience. Drawing from her personal journey, she now guides others through loss and emotional challenges with compassion and practical mindfulness tools. Through her mindful healing circles, 1:1 support, and advocacy work, Reshma creates space for healing, connection, and growth. Her mission is to remind others to give themselves grace, ask for help, and to just keep going.

Instagram: reshmakearney

www.reshmakearney.com [http://www.reshmakearney.com/]

Show Highlights:

 * Reshma's Journey Through Grief: Reshma Kearney reflects on becoming a solo parent after the loss of her husband, Sean, to suicide in 2022, and her courageous path of healing and resilience.
 * Leaning on Family and Staying Grounded: A moving account of how her parents and brother became her backbone of support, and her decision to prioritize her children's stability by staying in Washington for the school year despite challenges.
 * Mindfulness as a Healing Tool: Insight into how Reshma and her children naturally turned to mindfulness practices developed during COVID, which became essential in their grief journey.
 * Reconnecting Through Shared Activities: How Reshma and her children stay connected to Sean by continuing the outdoor activities and routines he loved, including their emotional journey back to skiing as a family.
 * Advocacy and Awareness: Reshma’s decision to return to social media during May Mental Health Awareness Month to share her family’s story, raising compassion for those navigating mental health struggles, and honoring Sean's memory.
 * Messages of Grace and Self-Care: Reshma encourages others to treat themselves with kindness, seek support, and embrace self-care, emphasizing that these are essential for a journey of healing and hope.

Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest on the podcast 

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

197. Healing, Mindfulness, and Honoring Loved Ones with Reshma Kearney

Jeanette Koncikowski has dedicated her career to helping survivors of trauma heal and thrive while teaching others how to support them best. With a background in psychology, education, and community development, and working now as a consultant and grief coach, Koncikowski has empowered countless people to tell their stories. She is the founder of Widowed Parent Project, an online resource for widowed parents. She has written and spoken extensively on parenting, complicated grief, family bereavement, and recovery from trauma.

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

Instagram: @widowedparentproject [https://www.instagram.com/widowedparentproject/]

https://store.bookbaby.com/book/shipwrecked2

Show Highlights:

 * From Harvard to Home: Jeanette reflects on her journey as a mom, therapist, and Harvard graduate balancing career ambitions and family life.
 * A Love and Loss: Her 21-year relationship with her high school sweetheart, Mark, and the mental health struggles they shared.
 * The Shipwreck Metaphor: Jeanette describes grief as a shipwreck—navigating drowning emotions, dragging herself and her kids to shore, and rebuilding life from the wreckage.
 * Prioritizing Mental Health: The critical decision to focus on counseling for her children and herself early on, and her advocacy for therapy as a universal tool.
 * Evolving Grief: How her children’s grief transformed over time, and the role of therapy and support networks in their healing.
 * Writing Through Grief: Inspired by her own experiences and the absence of resources for young widowed parents, Jeanette created the Widow Parent Project and wrote Shipwrecked, with a second book, Stronger Than the Storm, on the way.
 * Lessons and Legacy: Jeanette’s journey to recognize the value of her story and how it offers hope, guidance, and resilience to others facing profound loss.



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

196. Complicated Grief and Trauma with Jeanette Koncikowski

Moira Khan is an International Certified Grief Educator & Cosch, originally from New Zealand, now living in Spain.  Her story is one of tragedy to resilience and purpose, after the death of her mother, brother and father in a space of 5 years.  All whilst becoming a new mother, moving to a non-English speaking country and battling physical ailments with the condition, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.  Now Moira helps grieving individuals navigate their grief journey via 1:1 and group support.

www.griefspan.com [http://www.griefspan.com/]

https://www.instagram.com/griefspaneducation?igsh=ejA5b3ZvZTFsanF3&utm_source=qr

Show Highlights:

 * Moira Khan shares her deeply personal story of navigating multiple layers of loss while balancing the complexities of motherhood.
 * The emotional challenges of being away from loved ones during pivotal moments, including the heartbreaking experience of losing her mother while six weeks pregnant.
 * The devastation of her brother’s untimely passing and the grief of informing her father, all while managing physical and emotional limitations after childbirth.
 * Reflections on generational grief, parenting with loss, and how trauma influences the next generation.
 * The concept of "shadowed milestones," where key life events are intertwined with the memory of loved ones, and how Moira coped with turning the same age as her late brother.
 * Exploring signs, spiritual connections, and how loved ones continue to show up in our lives through meaningful moments and symbols.
 * Moira's powerful belief in healing through legacy—how honoring her parents and brother has been integral to her healing journey.
 * Practical insights from Moira’s work supporting others in grief, emphasizing the importance of accompaniment and creating safe spaces to lean into difficult emotions without judgment.



Contact Kendra Rinaldi for coaching or to be a guest https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

195. Carrying Grief, Honoring Legacy with Moira Khan

Shana Belyeu, founder of Speak on Suicide (www.speakonsuicide.com [http://www.speakonsuicide.com/]), began her grief journey after the tragic loss of her 15-year-old son, Adam, to suicide.  Shana is driven by a promise to Adam that his story wouldn’t end with his death.  She has dedicated herself to sharing his life, the impact of his loss, and her own path toward healing.  Through her advocacy, she fosters open and honest conversations about suicide and mental health, challenging the stigma that too often silences these topics.  Through her grief, Shana has found gratitude – for the love that remains, the lives she touches, and the support of those who have walked beside her in this journey.  By speaking out, Shana hopes to remind others that even in the darkest moments, hope and healing are possible.

Contact and social media:

www.speakonsuicide.com [http://www.speakonsuicide.com/]

info@speakonsuicide.com

instagram.com/speakonsuicide [http://instagram.com/speakonsuicide]

facebook.com/speakonsuicide [http://facebook.com/speakonsuicide]

Show Notes:

 * Adam’s life, his unique challenges, and his incredible resilience.
 * The stigma surrounding suicide and the importance of open conversations.
 * The emotional complexity of grief—how joy and sorrow often coexist.
 * Shana’s journey toward healing and how Adam’s legacy inspires her advocacy work.   This episode highlights the intersection of love, grief, mental health, and the courageous act of sharing one’s story for the greater good.
 * 

194. Love, Grief, and the Courage to Speak on Suicide with Shana Belyeu

ANNIE SKLAVER ORENSTEIN is a qualitative researcher, oral historian, and storyteller who has spent over a decade collecting stories from people around the world. Her work has been featured on NBC Nightly News, Comedy Central, Huffington Post, Politico, TIME, and Mother.ly. In 2020, driven by a desire to share these stories beyond the walls of corporate America, Annie founded Dispatch from Daybreak, a collection of letters written by womxn to their earlier selves. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, children, dog, and chickens.

After her brother was killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan, Annie Sklaver Orenstein was heartbroken and unmoored. Standing in the grief section of her local bookstore, she searched for guides on how to work through her grief as a mourning sibling—and found nothing.

More than 4 million American adults each year will lose a sibling, yet there isn't a modern resource guide available that speaks directly to this type of grief that at times can be overshadowed by grieving parents and spouses and made even more difficult by the complexities of sibling dynamics.

In ALWAYS A SIBLING: The Forgotten Mourner's Guide to Grief (Hachette Go, 9780306831492, 5/28/24, 272 pp, HC, $30), Annie uses her own story and those of others to create the empathic, thoughtful, practical resource that she sought. Divided into three sections: With, Without, and Within, it creates a framework that enables the reader to ground themselves in order to process and validate this often overlooked grief. Annie guides readers to capture the memories and emotions of life with their now-deceased sibling, then moves to addressing the grieving process in detail as they navigate life without them. Ultimately, readers will find ways to experience their sibling's presence within themselves and acknowledge their legacy.

With practical strategies rooted in proven grief processing techniques, trauma recovery, and psychoanalysis, ALWAYS A SIBLING supports mourners through the unique experience of sibling loss.

Key Subjects Covered:

 * The historical significance of mourning rituals and how they validated grief in public spaces.
 * The "dual loss" of sibling grief, where family dynamics and parental relationships inevitably shift.
 * Annie's reflections on the societal minimization of grief and the pressure to move on quickly.
 * The psychological weight of generational trauma and anticipatory grief in parenting.
 * How Annie’s research and interviews with over 350 individuals informed the creation of her book.
 * The Mourners User Manual (M.U.M.) as a tool for navigating grief thoughtfully.

https://www.annieorenstein.com/



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



Grief, Gratitude & The Gray in Between