<![CDATA[The Living Loss | Navigating Invisible Grief & Identity]]>Welcome to The Living Loss Podcast!

Hosted by Licensed Mental Health Counselors Daiana Bernard and Cassandra Harris-Towner, this podcast shines a light on navigating invisible grief and major life transitions.

What happens when you are grieving something other than a physical death? We focus on non-death grief and the profound, often unacknowledged losses we all face, the fading of a dream, a difficult medical diagnosis, or the loss of a former identity. These hidden experiences deeply impact our mental health and relationships, yet they are constantly minimized by the outside world.

Through insightful solo episodes and diverse guest interviews, we validate these lived experiences and offer tangible tools to help you move toward healing. We are building a community where no loss is too "small" or too "wild" to talk about. It’s time to acknowledge the weight of what you're carrying and rediscover your purpose through shared values and genuine connection.

🎙️ Bonus Spanglish Episodes

Every so often, look out for our special bonus episodes in Spanglish! In these conversations, we dive into the unique intersections of grief, life transitions, and the first- and second-generation experience. Navigating multiple cultures, shifting family dynamics, and breaking cycles brings its own layered, unspoken losses, and these episodes offer a validating space to unpack those complex dynamics together.

Connect With Us

Your stories and questions are the heartbeat of this show, they help us all feel a little more seen. We’d love to hear how these conversations are landing with you. Do you have an invisible grief story to share, a question about today’s topic, or a weekly "Glimmer" that’s bringing you joy?

đź’Ś Reach out to us: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

By sharing your heart, you’re helping us grow this community and reach others who desperately need to know their grief is valid. We are so honored to be on this journey with you. We read every single email and can’t wait to connect.

(Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy.)


]]>https://meaningfultherapyfl.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Mon, 02 Nov 2026 20:02:06 GMTFri, 09 Jan 2026 05:09:57 GMT60Daiana Bernard, LMHC & Cassandra Harris-Towner, LMHC<p><b>Welcome to The Living Loss Podcast!</b></p><p></p><p>Hosted by Licensed Mental Health Counselors Daiana Bernard and Cassandra Harris-Towner, this podcast shines a light on navigating invisible grief and major life transitions.<br /></p><p>What happens when you are grieving something other than a physical death? We focus on non-death grief and the profound, often unacknowledged losses we all face, the fading of a dream, a difficult medical diagnosis, or the loss of a former identity. These hidden experiences deeply impact our mental health and relationships, yet they are constantly minimized by the outside world.</p><p></p><p>Through insightful solo episodes and diverse guest interviews, we validate these lived experiences and offer tangible tools to help you move toward healing. We are building a community where no loss is too "small" or too "wild" to talk about. It’s time to acknowledge the weight of what you're carrying and rediscover your purpose through shared values and genuine connection.</p><p></p><p>🎙️ <b>Bonus Spanglish Episodes</b></p><p>Every so often, look out for our special bonus episodes in Spanglish! In these conversations, we dive into the unique intersections of grief, life transitions, and the first- and second-generation experience. Navigating multiple cultures, shifting family dynamics, and breaking cycles brings its own layered, unspoken losses, and these episodes offer a validating space to unpack those complex dynamics together.</p><p></p><p><b>Connect With Us</b></p><p>Your stories and questions are the heartbeat of this show, they help us all feel a little more seen. We’d love to hear how these conversations are landing with you. Do you have an invisible grief story to share, a question about today’s topic, or a weekly "Glimmer" that’s bringing you joy?</p><p></p><p>💌 <b>Reach out to us:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p></p><p>By sharing your heart, you’re helping us grow this community and reach others who desperately need to know their grief is valid. We are so honored to be on this journey with you. We read every single email and can’t wait to connect.</p><p></p><p><i>(Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy.)</i></p><p><br /></p><p></p>episodicDaiana Bernard, LMHC & Cassandra Harris-Towner, LMHClivinglosspodcast@gmail.comno<![CDATA[The Grief of an Unlived Life: Family Estrangement & Conditional Love  2|11]]>We’ve all made choices based on external pressures, but what happens when you realize that prescribed identity was never really yours? In this episode of The Living Loss Podcast, we unpack the complicated grief of mourning an unlived life and the "missing years." We dive into the painful reality of family estrangement, the realization that some love comes with strict conditions, and the profound, eventual relief of finally letting go.

Whether you are navigating a major identity shift in mid-life, mourning estranged relationships, or building a new "chosen family," this conversation validates the quiet grief of releasing who you thought you were supposed to be. We also discuss the science behind why creating new rituals—from burning letters to simply standing barefoot in the grass—helps signal safety to your nervous system during times of ambiguous loss.

In this episode, we cover:

Mourning a prescribed identity and the heavy "if I knew then what I know now" mindset

Navigating family estrangement and the silent pain of conditional love

The balloon metaphor: Why fighting to hold on often causes more damage than letting go

How to embrace chosen families and reclaim painful holiday traditions

Why your brain needs rituals to process ambiguous, quiet grief

Living Loss Lesson: Fill in the blank: “To honor this version of myself that I had to let go of, I am going to ________.”

Connect & Resources

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast 

Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com (Guest inquiries, Collaborations & story submissions)

Keep in touch, Sign up for our newsletter! 

https://substack.com/@thelivinglosspodcast

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!

Work With Us 

Daiana Bernard, LMHC: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com  healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com (In-person Riverview, FL & FL Telehealth) 

Cassandra Harris-Towner: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com (In-person Ocala, FL & FL Telehealth)

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.

]]>https://meaningfultherapyfl.com/podcaste9579ff8-e116-4918-a4c5-023989cb4384Thu, 29 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p><b><strong>We’ve all made choices based on external pressures, but what happens when you realize that prescribed identity was never really yours? In this episode of The Living Loss Podcast, we unpack the complicated grief of mourning an unlived life and the "missing years." We dive into the painful reality of family estrangement, the realization that some love comes with strict conditions, and the profound, eventual relief of finally letting go.</strong></b></p><p><b><strong>Whether you are navigating a major identity shift in mid-life, mourning estranged relationships, or building a new "chosen family," this conversation validates the quiet grief of releasing who you thought you were supposed to be. We also discuss the science behind why creating new rituals—from burning letters to simply standing barefoot in the grass—helps signal safety to your nervous system during times of ambiguous loss.</strong></b></p><p><b><strong>In this episode, we cover:</strong></b></p><p></p><b><strong>Mourning a prescribed identity and the heavy "if I knew then what I know now" mindset</strong></b><p></p><p></p><b><strong>Navigating family estrangement and the silent pain of conditional love</strong></b><p></p><p></p><b><strong>The balloon metaphor: Why fighting to hold on often causes more damage than letting go</strong></b><p></p><p></p><b><strong>How to embrace chosen families and reclaim painful holiday traditions</strong></b><p></p><p></p><b><strong>Why your brain needs rituals to process ambiguous, quiet grief</strong></b><p></p><p><b><strong>Living Loss Lesson: Fill in the blank: “To honor this version of myself that I had to let go of, I am going to ________.”</strong></b></p><p><b><strong>Connect &amp; Resources</strong></b></p><p><b><strong>Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast </strong></b></p><p><b><strong>Email: </strong></b><a href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><b><strong>hello@livinglosspodcast.com</strong></b></a><b><strong> (Guest inquiries, Collaborations &amp; story submissions)</strong></b></p><p><b><strong>Keep in touch, Sign up for our newsletter! </strong></b></p><p><a href="https://substack.com/@thelivinglosspodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><b><strong>https://substack.com/@thelivinglosspodcast</strong></b></a></p><p><b><strong>Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!</strong></b></p><p><b><strong>Work With Us </strong></b></p><p><b><strong>Daiana Bernard, LMHC:</strong></b><a href="http://meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><b><strong> </strong></b><b><strong>MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</strong></b></a><b><strong>  </strong></b><a href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><b><strong>healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</strong></b></a><b><strong> (In-person Riverview, FL &amp; FL Telehealth) </strong></b></p><p><b><strong>Cassandra Harris-Towner: </strong></b><a href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><b><strong>Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</strong></b></a><b><strong> (In-person Ocala, FL &amp; FL Telehealth)</strong></b></p><p><b><strong>Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.</strong></b></p>no00:38:54211The Grief of an Unlived Life: Family Estrangement & Conditional Love  2|11full<![CDATA[Why You Feel Lost After Doing "Everything Right" | Identity Foreclosure & Ambiguous Loss 2|10]]>Have you ever reached a destination everyone told you to aim for, only to look around and realize you were completely absent from your own life?

This week on The Living Loss Podcast, we are pulling a thread from our recent sit-down with Amy Kelly to unpack the heavy weight of the "checklist life." Cassandra and I dive into what developmental psychologists call identity foreclosure—the act of taking on roles handed down by culture or family without ever questioning if they actually fit us.

We play a revealing game of "Keep, Toss, or Repack," exploring why constant availability shouldn't equal productivity, how to repackage perfectionism into discernment, and why being an adult with a screen-free hobby is the ultimate grounder. Finally, we explore the ambiguous loss that accompanies major career pivots and how to untangle your self-worth from your resume.

What We Explore in This Episode:

What "identity foreclosure" means and why so many of us fall into it during our 20s.

The "Keep, Toss, or Repack" Game: Shedding the expectation of constant availability and the pressure to say "yes" to everything.

Understanding the ambiguous loss of leaving a career or changing roles.

Living Loss Lesson: An actionable challenge to answer "How have you been?" without mentioning your job title, credentials, or productivity.

If this conversation reminded you of someone navigating a major life transition, please share it with them. And don't forget to hit subscribe so we can reach our goal of 500 subscribers on YouTube and get these conversations to the people who need them most!

Connect & Resources

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast 

Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com (Guest inquiries, Collaborations & story submissions)

Keep in touch, Sign up for our newsletter! 

https://substack.com/@thelivinglosspodcast

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!

Work With Us 

Daiana Bernard, LMHC: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com  healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com (In-person Riverview, FL & FL Telehealth) 

Cassandra Harris-Towner: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com (In-person Ocala, FL & FL Telehealth)

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.


]]>https://meaningfultherapyfl.com/podcaste81f1e3a-c9ee-4d8d-896c-e74e389d11afThu, 22 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>Have you ever reached a destination everyone told you to aim for, only to look around and realize you were completely absent from your own life?</p><p>This week on The Living Loss Podcast, we are pulling a thread from our recent sit-down with Amy Kelly to unpack the heavy weight of the "checklist life." Cassandra and I dive into what developmental psychologists call identity foreclosure—the act of taking on roles handed down by culture or family without ever questioning if they actually fit us.</p><p>We play a revealing game of "Keep, Toss, or Repack," exploring why constant availability shouldn't equal productivity, how to repackage perfectionism into discernment, and why being an adult with a screen-free hobby is the ultimate grounder. Finally, we explore the ambiguous loss that accompanies major career pivots and how to untangle your self-worth from your resume.</p><p>What We Explore in This Episode:</p><p>What "identity foreclosure" means and why so many of us fall into it during our 20s.</p><p>The "Keep, Toss, or Repack" Game: Shedding the expectation of constant availability and the pressure to say "yes" to everything.</p><p>Understanding the ambiguous loss of leaving a career or changing roles.</p><p>Living Loss Lesson: An actionable challenge to answer "How have you been?" without mentioning your job title, credentials, or productivity.</p><p>If this conversation reminded you of someone navigating a major life transition, please share it with them. And don't forget to hit subscribe so we can reach our goal of 500 subscribers on YouTube and get these conversations to the people who need them most!</p><p>Connect &amp; Resources</p><p>Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast </p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a> (Guest inquiries, Collaborations &amp; story submissions)</p><p>Keep in touch, Sign up for our newsletter! </p><p><a href="https://substack.com/@thelivinglosspodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://substack.com/@thelivinglosspodcast</a></p><p>Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!</p><p>Work With Us </p><p>Daiana Bernard, LMHC:<a href="http://meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a>  <a href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> (In-person Riverview, FL &amp; FL Telehealth) </p><p>Cassandra Harris-Towner: <a href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> (In-person Ocala, FL &amp; FL Telehealth)</p><p>Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.</p><p><br /></p>no00:35:58210Why You Feel Lost After Doing "Everything Right" | Identity Foreclosure & Ambiguous Loss 2|10full<![CDATA[Shedding Past Versions of Yourself & Finding Home with Amy Kelly 2|09]]>n this episode of The Living Loss Podcast, licensed mental health counselors Daiana Bernard and Cassandra Harris-Towner sit down with Reinvention Coach Amy Kelly to unpack the profound, quiet grief of shedding past versions of ourselves. Amy opens up about walking away from a conventional marriage and path in her late twenties, taking a one-way flight to Central America, navigating a near-death experience in Costa Rica, and how unacknowledged survival mode and societal expectations mask deep identity loss.

Tune in as we discuss stepping away from the pressure to perform, navigating major life pivots, and learning how to come home to yourself when your entire life undergoes a 360-degree shift.


Key Timestamps

00:02 — Welcome & Introduction: Unpacking the quiet losses that don't come with a funeral.

02:09 — Meet Amy Kelly: From a conventional UK lifestyle to a one-way flight and profound reinvention.

05:15 — The Hidden Grief of Leaving a Marriage and Societal Expectations.

13:30 — The Near-Death Experience: How pushing past your limits forces a reckoning.

21:30 — Moving from Fear-Based Survival to Self-Acceptance.

28:00 — Living Loss Lessons: Practical grounding practices for navigating major life pivots.

Connect & Resources

Amy Kelly

Instagram: @amykellycoach_  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amykellycoach/ 

Free 5 Day Nervous System Guide https://amykellycoach.myflodesk.com/resetguide

Living Loss

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast 

Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com (Guest inquiries, Collaborations & story submissions)

Keep in touch, Sign up for our newsletter! 

https://substack.com/@thelivinglosspodcast

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!

Work With Us 

Daiana Bernard, LMHC: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com  healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com (In-person Riverview, FL & FL Telehealth) 

Cassandra Harris-Towner: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com (In-person Ocala, FL & FL Telehealth)

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.


]]>https://meaningfultherapyfl.com/podcasta0504b44-6c8e-47bd-ade1-0f1176ff2f72Thu, 15 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>n this episode of <b><strong>The Living Loss Podcast</strong></b>, licensed mental health counselors Daiana Bernard and Cassandra Harris-Towner sit down with Reinvention Coach Amy Kelly to unpack the profound, quiet grief of shedding past versions of ourselves. Amy opens up about walking away from a conventional marriage and path in her late twenties, taking a one-way flight to Central America, navigating a near-death experience in Costa Rica, and how unacknowledged survival mode and societal expectations mask deep identity loss.</p><p>Tune in as we discuss stepping away from the pressure to perform, navigating major life pivots, and learning how to come home to yourself when your entire life undergoes a 360-degree shift.</p><p><br /></p><b><strong>Key Timestamps</strong></b><p><b><strong>00:02</strong></b> — Welcome &amp; Introduction: Unpacking the quiet losses that don't come with a funeral.</p><p><b><strong>02:09</strong></b> — Meet Amy Kelly: From a conventional UK lifestyle to a one-way flight and profound reinvention.</p><p><b><strong>05:15</strong></b> — The Hidden Grief of Leaving a Marriage and Societal Expectations.</p><p><b><strong>13:30</strong></b> — The Near-Death Experience: How pushing past your limits forces a reckoning.</p><p><b><strong>21:30</strong></b> — Moving from Fear-Based Survival to Self-Acceptance.</p><p><b><strong>28:00</strong></b> — Living Loss Lessons: Practical grounding practices for navigating major life pivots.</p><p><b><strong>Connect &amp; Resources</strong></b></p><p><b><strong>Amy Kelly</strong></b></p><p>Instagram: @amykellycoach_  LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amykellycoach/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/amykellycoach/</a> </p><p>Free 5 Day Nervous System Guide <a href="https://amykellycoach.myflodesk.com/resetguide" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://amykellycoach.myflodesk.com/resetguide</a></p><p><b><strong>Living Loss</strong></b></p><p>Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast </p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a> (Guest inquiries, Collaborations &amp; story submissions)</p><p>Keep in touch, <b><strong>Sign up for our newsletter! </strong></b></p><p><a href="https://substack.com/@thelivinglosspodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://substack.com/@thelivinglosspodcast</a></p><p>Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!</p><p><b><strong>Work With Us </strong></b></p><p>Daiana Bernard, LMHC:<a href="http://meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a>  <a href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> (In-person Riverview, FL &amp; FL Telehealth) </p><p>Cassandra Harris-Towner: <a href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> (In-person Ocala, FL &amp; FL Telehealth)</p><p>Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.</p><p><br /></p>no00:30:1129Shedding Past Versions of Yourself & Finding Home with Amy Kelly 2|09full<![CDATA[Changing Your Life & Starting Over: Therapy vs. Coaching 2|08]]>What happens when you are the one who initiates a massive life pivot? Whether you walked away from a long-term relationship, left a stable career, or chose to step into an entirely new chapter, society often expects you to feel completely empowered and liberated. The reality? Chosen losses come with a deep, quiet grief and a whole lot of guilt.

In this episode, licensed mental health counselors Daiana Bernard and Cassandra Harris-Towner break down the disorienting emotional void of shedding a familiar identity. They explore the biological shock of leaving "predictable" discomfort, how intentional gratitude calms a dysregulated nervous system without bypassing pain, and how to build a healing team that actually meets your current needs.

Quick Self-Assessment: What Kind of Support Do You Need?

Note: This is a self-reflection tool, not an exhaustive checklist. One path isn't "better" than the other, it's about matching the right professional support to where you are right now. We'll have more support in our bi-monthly Sunday newsletter!

You likely need Therapy to start if:

  • "My grief or anxiety is actively interfering with my daily life, I am struggling to sleep, eat, or work."
  • "I am trying to process unresolved childhood trauma, emotional abuse, or a clinical mental health condition."
  • "I need a legally protected, safe space to understand the root cause of my pain without the pressure to 'fix it' immediately."

You likely need Coaching if:

  • "I am functioning okay day-to-day, but I feel stagnant and want an action plan to pivot my career or identity."
  • "I generally understand my past and triggers, but I need strict accountability and practical tools to build my future."
  • "I want to focus on present-day mindset and daily nervous system regulation."

It’s rarely an either/or. You can lean on a therapist for deep, foundational healing and collaborate with a coach to execute actionable steps forward.

Connect & Resources

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast 

Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com (Guest inquiries, Collaborations & story submissions)

Keep in touch, Sign up for our newsletter! 

https://substack.com/@thelivinglosspodcast

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!

Work With Us 

Daiana Bernard, LMHC: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com  healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com (In-person Riverview, FL & FL Telehealth) 

Cassandra Harris-Towner: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com (In-person Ocala, FL & FL Telehealth)

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.

]]>ac5e710d-dae4-4831-8bb7-2b44373648ccThu, 08 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>What happens when <i><em>you</em></i> are the one who initiates a massive life pivot? Whether you walked away from a long-term relationship, left a stable career, or chose to step into an entirely new chapter, society often expects you to feel completely empowered and liberated. The reality? Chosen losses come with a deep, quiet grief and a whole lot of guilt.</p><p>In this episode, licensed mental health counselors Daiana Bernard and Cassandra Harris-Towner break down the disorienting emotional void of shedding a familiar identity. They explore the biological shock of leaving "predictable" discomfort, how intentional gratitude calms a dysregulated nervous system without bypassing pain, and how to build a healing team that actually meets your current needs.</p><p><b><strong>Quick Self-Assessment: What Kind of Support Do You Need?</strong></b></p><p><i><em>Note: This is a self-reflection tool, not an exhaustive checklist. One path isn't "better" than the other, it's about matching the right professional support to where you are right now. We'll have more support in our bi-monthly Sunday newsletter!</em></i></p><p><b><strong>You likely need Therapy to start if:</strong></b></p><ul><li><i><em>"My grief or anxiety is actively interfering with my daily life, I am struggling to sleep, eat, or work."</em></i></li><li><i><em>"I am trying to process unresolved childhood trauma, emotional abuse, or a clinical mental health condition."</em></i></li><li><i><em>"I need a legally protected, safe space to understand the root cause of my pain without the pressure to 'fix it' immediately."</em></i></li></ul><p><b><strong>You likely need Coaching if:</strong></b></p><ul><li><i><em>"I am functioning okay day-to-day, but I feel stagnant and want an action plan to pivot my career or identity."</em></i></li><li><i><em>"I generally understand my past and triggers, but I need strict accountability and practical tools to build my future."</em></i></li><li><i><em>"I want to focus on present-day mindset and daily nervous system regulation."</em></i></li></ul><p>It’s rarely an either/or. You can lean on a therapist for deep, foundational healing and collaborate with a coach to execute actionable steps forward.</p><p><b><strong>Connect &amp; Resources</strong></b></p><p>Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast </p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a> (Guest inquiries, Collaborations &amp; story submissions)</p><p>Keep in touch, <b><strong>Sign up for our newsletter! </strong></b></p><p><a href="https://substack.com/@thelivinglosspodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://substack.com/@thelivinglosspodcast</a></p><p>Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!</p><p><b><strong>Work With Us </strong></b></p><p>Daiana Bernard, LMHC:<a href="http://meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a>  <a href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> (In-person Riverview, FL &amp; FL Telehealth) </p><p>Cassandra Harris-Towner: <a href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> (In-person Ocala, FL &amp; FL Telehealth)</p><p>Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.</p>no00:31:1628Changing Your Life & Starting Over: Therapy vs. Coaching 2|08full<![CDATA[Identity Shifts, Core Beliefs & Navigating Life Transitions 2|07]]>Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, "I don't even know who I am anymore?" As we move through different decades of our lives, from the carefree exploration of our twenties to the hustle of our thirties and the shifting priorities of our forties, we inevitably outgrow past versions of ourselves.

In this episode of The Living Loss Podcast, licensed mental health counselors Daiana and Cassandra unpack the quiet, complex grief of shedding old identities.

What We Explore in This Episode:

  • Decade by Decade: How our values, boundaries, and priorities shift from our 20s to our 40s and beyond, and why valuing sleep and time becomes a hard-earned reward.
  • Salient Identities: How different versions of ourselves come forward depending on our environment, the people we are with, and even the languages we speak.
  • Core Beliefs & Identity: A breakdown of the psychological schemas that organize our world, and the profound grief of mourning who we used to be under old "rules."
  • Relational Grief: The pain of outgrowing friendships and navigating relationships with people who refuse to update their mental file of who you are today.
  • Parenthood & Identity Loss: Daiana shares her personal experience with the loss of self that often accompanies motherhood and the pressure to hustle through it.

At the end of the episode, Daiana and Cassandra leave you with three questions to help you take inventory of your own evolving identity:

  1. What is a core belief that you held in your twenties that you have completely outgrown, and have you allowed yourself to grieve the comfort it used to bring you?
  2. If you stripped away your job title, relationship status, and your family roles, who are you at your core?
  3. What past version of yourself do you need to gently say goodbye to so that your current self has room to breathe?

00:00 Introduction to the episode and its focus on identity and grief

02:18 The concept of salient identities and how they shift

04:22 The role of values and beliefs in shaping identity

08:11 The influence of life stages and aging on self-perception

22:55 Understanding grief as a process of change and renewal

27:24 The impact of societal expectations and relationships

42:37 Reflections on aging, purpose, and self-acceptance

56:44 Living Lost Lessons: Embracing change and self-awareness

Connect & Resources

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast 

Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com (Guest inquiries, Collaborations & story submissions)

Keep in touch,https://substack.com/@thelivinglosspodcast

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!

Work With Us 

Daiana Bernard, LMHC: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com  healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com (In-person Riverview, FL & FL Telehealth) 

Cassandra Harris-Towner: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com (In-person Ocala, FL & FL Telehealth)

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.

]]>f796fb10-ce52-4e0b-92ee-0ed66d58abc3Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, "I don't even know who I am anymore?" As we move through different decades of our lives, from the carefree exploration of our twenties to the hustle of our thirties and the shifting priorities of our forties, we inevitably outgrow past versions of ourselves.</p><p>In this episode of The Living Loss Podcast, licensed mental health counselors Daiana and Cassandra unpack the quiet, complex grief of shedding old identities.</p><p><b><strong>What We Explore in This Episode:</strong></b></p><ul><li><b><strong>Decade by Decade:</strong></b> How our values, boundaries, and priorities shift from our 20s to our 40s and beyond, and why valuing sleep and time becomes a hard-earned reward.</li><li><b><strong>Salient Identities:</strong></b> How different versions of ourselves come forward depending on our environment, the people we are with, and even the languages we speak.</li><li><b><strong>Core Beliefs &amp; Identity:</strong></b> A breakdown of the psychological schemas that organize our world, and the profound grief of mourning who we used to be under old "rules."</li><li><b><strong>Relational Grief:</strong></b> The pain of outgrowing friendships and navigating relationships with people who refuse to update their mental file of who you are today.</li><li><b><strong>Parenthood &amp; Identity Loss:</strong></b> Daiana shares her personal experience with the loss of self that often accompanies motherhood and the pressure to hustle through it.</li></ul><p>At the end of the episode, Daiana and Cassandra leave you with three questions to help you take inventory of your own evolving identity:</p><ol><li>What is a core belief that you held in your twenties that you have completely outgrown, and have you allowed yourself to grieve the comfort it used to bring you?</li><li>If you stripped away your job title, relationship status, and your family roles, who are you at your core?</li><li>What past version of yourself do you need to gently say goodbye to so that your current self has room to breathe?</li></ol><p>00:00 Introduction to the episode and its focus on identity and grief</p><p>02:18 The concept of salient identities and how they shift</p><p>04:22 The role of values and beliefs in shaping identity</p><p>08:11 The influence of life stages and aging on self-perception</p><p>22:55 Understanding grief as a process of change and renewal</p><p>27:24 The impact of societal expectations and relationships</p><p>42:37 Reflections on aging, purpose, and self-acceptance</p><p>56:44 Living Lost Lessons: Embracing change and self-awareness</p><p><b><strong>Connect &amp; Resources</strong></b></p><p>Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast </p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a> (Guest inquiries, Collaborations &amp; story submissions)</p><p>Keep in touch,<a href="https://substack.com/@thelivinglosspodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://substack.com/@thelivinglosspodcast</a></p><p>Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!</p><p><b><strong>Work With Us </strong></b></p><p>Daiana Bernard, LMHC:<a href="http://meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a>  <a href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> (In-person Riverview, FL &amp; FL Telehealth) </p><p>Cassandra Harris-Towner: <a href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> (In-person Ocala, FL &amp; FL Telehealth)</p><p>Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.</p>no01:00:3727Identity Shifts, Core Beliefs & Navigating Life Transitions 2|07full<![CDATA[Living with the Hidden Grief of Starting Over with Andy Ellwood 2|06]]>Daiana Bernard and Cassandra Harris Towner, both licensed mental health counselors, talk with Andy Ellwood about quiet grief, identity shifts, and what it looks like to rebuild after multiple losses at once. Andy shares how religious expectations, friendship loss, divorce, miscarriage, career upheaval, and later becoming a father all reshaped his sense of self.

In this episode, Andy explains how he moved from living for external approval to building a life grounded in curiosity, authenticity, and real community. He also offers a practical lesson on slowing down, sharpening your axe, and treating rest as part of the work.

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome to Living Loss and the theme of hidden grief  

01:18 - Andy’s story and the collapse of his old identity  

02:43 - Growing up in an insular church culture  

05:29 - Moving to London and questioning inherited beliefs  

07:57 - The public reaction to moving in together  

09:45 - Why the backlash validated what had already changed  

15:45 - Moving to New York City and finding his pace  

19:32 - Building startups and the first big professional wins  

20:45 - Marriage, home, pregnancy, and the life he thought he wanted  

21:38 - Miscarriage, divorce, and losing startup funding  

23:25 - Rebuilding after the house of cards collapsed  

28:29 - The rebound relationship and another hard reset  

33:25 - Meeting Maddie and the three-year wait for a first date  

35:30 - Choosing to show up as fully Andy  

41:33 - Becoming a father and losing his mother in the same year  

44:16 - Resilience, presence, and a 1,000% success rate  

50:53 - The lumberjack story and sharpening the axe  

57:04 - Closing reflections on rest, grace, and timing  

Connect with Andy Ellwood 

https://stretchgroceries.com/, https://www.andyellwood.com/,

https://www.tiktok.com/@theandyellwood, 

Connect & Resources

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast 

Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com (Guest inquiries, Collaborations & story submissions)

Keep in touch, Sign up for our newsletter! 

https://thelivinglossnondeathgriefmentalhealth.riverside.com/newsletter

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!

Work With Us 

Daiana Bernard, LMHC: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com | healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com (In-person Riverview, FL & FL Telehealth) 

Cassandra Harris-Towner: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com (In-person Ocala, FL & FL Telehealth)

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.


]]>d7f787f8-2a5c-4a14-a017-b37b44d4f991Thu, 24 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>Daiana Bernard and Cassandra Harris Towner, both licensed mental health counselors, talk with Andy Ellwood about quiet grief, identity shifts, and what it looks like to rebuild after multiple losses at once. Andy shares how religious expectations, friendship loss, divorce, miscarriage, career upheaval, and later becoming a father all reshaped his sense of self.</p><p>In this episode, Andy explains how he moved from living for external approval to building a life grounded in curiosity, authenticity, and real community. He also offers a practical lesson on slowing down, sharpening your axe, and treating rest as part of the work.</p><p><b><strong>Timestamps</strong></b></p><p>00:00 - Welcome to Living Loss and the theme of hidden grief  </p><p>01:18 - Andy’s story and the collapse of his old identity  </p><p>02:43 - Growing up in an insular church culture  </p><p>05:29 - Moving to London and questioning inherited beliefs  </p><p>07:57 - The public reaction to moving in together  </p><p>09:45 - Why the backlash validated what had already changed  </p><p>15:45 - Moving to New York City and finding his pace  </p><p>19:32 - Building startups and the first big professional wins  </p><p>20:45 - Marriage, home, pregnancy, and the life he thought he wanted  </p><p>21:38 - Miscarriage, divorce, and losing startup funding  </p><p>23:25 - Rebuilding after the house of cards collapsed  </p><p>28:29 - The rebound relationship and another hard reset  </p><p>33:25 - Meeting Maddie and the three-year wait for a first date  </p><p>35:30 - Choosing to show up as fully Andy  </p><p>41:33 - Becoming a father and losing his mother in the same year  </p><p>44:16 - Resilience, presence, and a 1,000% success rate  </p><p>50:53 - The lumberjack story and sharpening the axe  </p><p>57:04 - Closing reflections on rest, grace, and timing  </p><p><b><strong>Connect with Andy Ellwood </strong></b></p><p><a href="https://stretchgroceries.com/," rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://stretchgroceries.com/,</a> <a href="https://www.andyellwood.com/," rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.andyellwood.com/,</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@theandyellwood," rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.tiktok.com/@theandyellwood,</a> </p><p><b><strong>Connect &amp; Resources</strong></b></p><p>Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast </p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a> (Guest inquiries, Collaborations &amp; story submissions)</p><p>Keep in touch, <b><strong>Sign up for our newsletter! </strong></b></p><p><a href="https://thelivinglossnondeathgriefmentalhealth.riverside.com/newsletter" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://thelivinglossnondeathgriefmentalhealth.riverside.com/newsletter</a></p><p>Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!</p><p><b><strong>Work With Us </strong></b></p><p>Daiana Bernard, LMHC:<a href="http://meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> | <a href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> (In-person Riverview, FL &amp; FL Telehealth) </p><p>Cassandra Harris-Towner: <a href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> (In-person Ocala, FL &amp; FL Telehealth)</p><p>Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.</p><p><br /></p>no00:54:3826Living with the Hidden Grief of Starting Over with Andy Ellwood 2|06full<![CDATA[Identity Shifts & Secondary Loss: Making Space for Every Part of Your Grief 2|05 ]]>Daiana Bernard and Cassandra Harris-Towner open with a candid conversation before moving into the heart of the episode: how cumulative grief, secondary loss, identity loss, and estrangement can pile up when life falls apart. They also prepare listeners for an upcoming interview with Andy Ellwood, whose story illustrates these themes in a deeply personal way. In this episode, they connect clinical language to lived experience, explore how faith, community, and therapy can all be both helpful and complicated, and end with reflection questions designed to help listeners make meaning from their own losses.00:00— Welcome to The Living Loss Podcast and the quiet griefs the show explores
00:26— Estrangement grief, secondary loss, and ambiguous loss
05:00— Why therapists also need therapy and how vicarious grief appears
06:21— Being on the client side and grieving without immediate relief. 07:48— When therapy feels emotionally taxing but remains helpful
12:40— How faith and community can make it harder to ask for help
18:22— The grief frameworks behind Andy’s story
19:53— What ecosystem estrangement means
27:20— Cumulative grief and secondary loss as a domino effect
28:23— Miscarriage, divorce, home loss, and career collapse as layered losses
33:23— Identity shifts, grief, and joy happening together
34:25— DBT, dialectics, and moving from either/or to both/and thinking
40:47— Living Loss Lessons and reflection questionsLiving Loss Lessons: Three journaling prompts to help you reflect on your own quiet losses. Sit with these questions, write them down, or email your thoughts to the show:

  1. Have you ever had to step away from a community, belief system, or relationship in order to be true to yourself?
  2. When your own house of cards fell apart, what parts of your identity did you choose not to pick back up?
  3. When have you had to hold profound joy and deep grief at the same exact time?

Connect & Resources IG: @thelivinglosspodcast 

Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com (Guest inquiries, Collaborations & story submissions)

Keep in touch, Sign up for our newsletter! 

https://thelivinglossnondeathgriefmentalhealth.riverside.com/newsletter

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!

Work With Us: Daiana Bernard, LMHC: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com | healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com (In-person Riverview, FL & FL Telehealth) 

Cassandra Harris-Towner: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com (In-person Ocala, FL & FL Telehealth)

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.

]]>228eb8a5-da4c-4e0a-8a8a-bb3a9d0d753eThu, 17 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>Daiana Bernard and Cassandra Harris-Towner open with a candid conversation before moving into the heart of the episode: how cumulative grief, secondary loss, identity loss, and estrangement can pile up when life falls apart. They also prepare listeners for an upcoming interview with Andy Ellwood, whose story illustrates these themes in a deeply personal way. In this episode, they connect clinical language to lived experience, explore how faith, community, and therapy can all be both helpful and complicated, and end with reflection questions designed to help listeners make meaning from their own losses.<b><strong>00:00</strong></b>— Welcome to The Living Loss Podcast and the quiet griefs the show explores<br /><b><strong>00:26</strong></b>— Estrangement grief, secondary loss, and ambiguous loss<br /><b><strong>05:00</strong></b>— Why therapists also need therapy and how vicarious grief appears<br /><b><strong>06:21</strong></b>— Being on the client side and grieving without immediate relief. <b><strong>07:48</strong></b>— When therapy feels emotionally taxing but remains helpful<br /><b><strong>12:40</strong></b>— How faith and community can make it harder to ask for help<br /><b><strong>18:22</strong></b>— The grief frameworks behind Andy’s story<br /><b><strong>19:53</strong></b>— What ecosystem estrangement means<br /><b><strong>27:20</strong></b>— Cumulative grief and secondary loss as a domino effect<br /><b><strong>28:23</strong></b>— Miscarriage, divorce, home loss, and career collapse as layered losses<br /><b><strong>33:23</strong></b>— Identity shifts, grief, and joy happening together<br /><b><strong>34:25</strong></b>— DBT, dialectics, and moving from either/or to both/and thinking<br /><b><strong>40:47</strong></b>— Living Loss Lessons and reflection questionsLiving Loss Lessons: Three journaling prompts to help you reflect on your own quiet losses. Sit with these questions, write them down, or email your thoughts to the show:</p><ol><li>Have you ever had to step away from a community, belief system, or relationship in order to be true to yourself?</li><li>When your own house of cards fell apart, what parts of your identity did you choose not to pick back up?</li><li>When have you had to hold profound joy and deep grief at the same exact time?</li></ol><p><b><strong>Connect &amp; Resources</strong></b> IG: @thelivinglosspodcast </p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a> (Guest inquiries, Collaborations &amp; story submissions)</p><p>Keep in touch, <b><strong>Sign up for our newsletter! </strong></b></p><p><a href="https://thelivinglossnondeathgriefmentalhealth.riverside.com/newsletter" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://thelivinglossnondeathgriefmentalhealth.riverside.com/newsletter</a></p><p>Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!</p><p><b><strong>Work With Us</strong></b>: Daiana Bernard, LMHC:<a href="http://meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> | <a href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> (In-person Riverview, FL &amp; FL Telehealth) </p><p>Cassandra Harris-Towner: <a href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> (In-person Ocala, FL &amp; FL Telehealth)</p><p>Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.</p>no00:45:1125Identity Shifts & Secondary Loss: Making Space for Every Part of Your Grief 2|05 full<![CDATA[Unexpected Change & Hidden Grief: How to Find New Meaning 2|04]]>When life goes completely off script, how do you navigate the avalanche of multi-layered sorrow? In this episode, Daiana and Cassandra reflect on their powerful conversation with Kristy Halverson (Episode 3). They break down the reality of cumulative grief, the crushing weight of ambiguous loss during her mother's 14-year terminal cancer journey, and the beautiful freedom found in letting go of societal expectations. The co-hosts explore the concept of "coddiwompling", moving purposefully toward an unknown destination and how embracing the illusion of control can actually bring deep peace.


Key Takeaways


  • The Bell Curve of Grief: Understanding how sorrow compounds sequentially when dealing with multiple devastating life events at once.


  • Purposeful Uncertainty: How trading external security for internal freedom allows you to follow the "tickles of your soul" and trust your intuition.


  • The Illusion of Control: Why surrendering our grip on how things should go often reveals life's "perfect unfolding."


  • The Power of the Pause: Using micro-moments of mindfulness to quiet the noise and reconnect with your internal compass.


Listener Reflection Questions


Grab a journal or ponder on these questions:


  • Think about a major loss. What were the invisible or secondary losses attached to it?


  • Where in your life are you burning the midnight oil when the healthiest choice might actually be to surrender?


Resources Mentioned


Listen to our full interview with Kristy Halverson: Season 2, Episode 3

The Perfect Unfolding* by Kristy Halverson


Connect With Us

Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If this conversation reminded you of someone who needs to hear that their grief is valid, please share it with them.


Connect & Resources

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com (Guest inquiries & story submissions)

Keep in touch,


Sign up for our newsletter! 

https://thelivinglossnondeathgriefmentalhealth.riverside.com/newsletter

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!


Work With Us 

Daiana Bernard, LMHC: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com | healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com (In-person Riverview, FL & FL Telehealth) 


Cassandra Harris-Towner: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com (In-person Ocala, FL & FL Telehealth)


Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.

]]>5f465c6c-e556-4da9-a720-05dc2cb62e56Thu, 10 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>When life goes completely off script, how do you navigate the avalanche of multi-layered sorrow? In this episode, Daiana and Cassandra reflect on their powerful conversation with Kristy Halverson (Episode 3). They break down the reality of cumulative grief, the crushing weight of ambiguous loss during her mother's 14-year terminal cancer journey, and the beautiful freedom found in letting go of societal expectations. The co-hosts explore the concept of "coddiwompling", moving purposefully toward an unknown destination and how embracing the illusion of control can actually bring deep peace.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></b></p><p><br /></p><ul><li>The Bell Curve of Grief: Understanding how sorrow compounds sequentially when dealing with multiple devastating life events at once.</li></ul><p><br /></p><ul><li>Purposeful Uncertainty: How trading external security for internal freedom allows you to follow the "tickles of your soul" and trust your intuition.</li></ul><p><br /></p><ul><li>The Illusion of Control: Why surrendering our grip on how things <i><em>should</em></i> go often reveals life's "perfect unfolding."</li></ul><p><br /></p><ul><li>The Power of the Pause: Using micro-moments of mindfulness to quiet the noise and reconnect with your internal compass.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>Listener Reflection Questions</strong></b></p><p><br /></p><p>Grab a journal or ponder on these questions:</p><p><br /></p><ul><li>Think about a major loss. What were the invisible or secondary losses attached to it?</li></ul><p><br /></p><ul><li>Where in your life are you burning the midnight oil when the healthiest choice might actually be to surrender?</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>Resources Mentioned</strong></b></p><p><br /></p><p>Listen to our full interview with Kristy Halverson: Season 2, Episode 3</p><p>The Perfect Unfolding* by Kristy Halverson</p><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>Connect With Us</strong></b></p><p>Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If this conversation reminded you of someone who needs to hear that their grief is valid, please share it with them.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>Connect &amp; Resources</strong></b></p><p>Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast Email: <a href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a> (Guest inquiries &amp; story submissions)</p><p>Keep in touch,</p><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>Sign up for our newsletter! </strong></b></p><p><a href="https://thelivinglossnondeathgriefmentalhealth.riverside.com/newsletter" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://thelivinglossnondeathgriefmentalhealth.riverside.com/newsletter</a></p><p>Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!</p><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>Work With Us </strong></b></p><p>Daiana Bernard, LMHC: <a href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> | <a href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> (In-person Riverview, FL &amp; FL Telehealth) </p><p><br /></p><p>Cassandra Harris-Towner: <a href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> (In-person Ocala, FL &amp; FL Telehealth)</p><p><br /></p><p>Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.</p>no00:41:1024Unexpected Change & Hidden Grief: How to Find New Meaning 2|04full<![CDATA[Multiple Losses & Life Timelines: Grieving the Future You Planned w/ Kristy Halvorsen 2|03]]>Licensed Mental Health Counselors Cassandra and Daiana sit down with author and nomadic traveler Kristy Halvorsen to explore the quiet, layered grief that follows caregiving, major life changes, and profound identity shifts. When loss is invisible to the outside world, how do we find the space to heal? 

Kristy shares her personal journey through overlapping seasons of loss, including the passing of her mother and discusses the impact of letting go, feeling fully, and trusting the “tickles of your soul” to guide you forward without forcing a neat timeline.

Key Takeaways

  • Kristy’s raw experience navigating her mother's decline, the end of a relationship, relocating, and adjusting her book launch simultaneously.
  • How stepping into a caregiving role fundamentally shifts your emotional capacity, daily identity, and life plans.
  • Challenging the myth that "time heals all wounds" by exploring how intentional processing during that time is what actually changes us.
  • Using Kristy’s “tickles of your soul” framework to recognize the deep, quiet knowing that points toward your next right step.
  • Allowing complex, conflicting emotions like sadness, relief, peace, and disorientation to coexist completely free of judgment.

Check out Kristy's book: The Perfect Unfolding: Seven Years of Life-Changing Solo Adventure, One Year That Broke Me Open

Trailer: PerfectUnfolding.com Website: KristyH.com

IG: @Kristy.Halvorsen LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-halvorsen/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/1kristy  Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/book/show/241413488-perfect-unfolding

Connect & Resources: Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com (Guest inquiries & story submissions)

Keep in touch, Sign up for our newsletter! 

https://thelivinglossnondeathgriefmentalhealth.riverside.com/newsletter

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!

Work With Us 

Daiana Bernard, LMHC: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com | healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com (In-person Riverview, FL & FL Telehealth) 

Cassandra Harris-Towner: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com (In-person Ocala, FL & FL Telehealth)

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.

]]>e47c9f11-d012-4c39-b510-e4d83f0aa2d1Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p><b><strong>Licensed Mental Health Counselors Cassandra and Daiana sit down with author and nomadic traveler Kristy Halvorsen to explore the quiet, layered grief that follows caregiving, major life changes, and profound identity shifts. When loss is invisible to the outside world, how do we find the space to heal? </strong></b></p><p><b><strong>Kristy shares her personal journey through overlapping seasons of loss, including the passing of her mother and discusses the impact of letting go, feeling fully, and trusting the “tickles of your soul” to guide you forward without forcing a neat timeline.</strong></b></p><p><b><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></b></p><ul><li><b><strong>Kristy’s raw experience navigating her mother's decline, the end of a relationship, relocating, and adjusting her book launch simultaneously.</strong></b></li><li><b><strong>How stepping into a caregiving role fundamentally shifts your emotional capacity, daily identity, and life plans.</strong></b></li><li><b><strong>Challenging the myth that "time heals all wounds" by exploring how intentional processing </strong></b><i><b><strong>during</strong></b></i><b><strong> that time is what actually changes us.</strong></b></li><li><b><strong>Using Kristy’s “tickles of your soul” framework to recognize the deep, quiet knowing that points toward your next right step.</strong></b></li><li><b><strong>Allowing complex, conflicting emotions like sadness, relief, peace, and disorientation to coexist completely free of judgment.</strong></b></li></ul><p>Check out Kristy's book: <i><em>The Perfect Unfolding: Seven Years of Life-Changing Solo Adventure, One Year That Broke Me Open</em></i></p><p><i><em>Trailer: </em></i><a href="http://PerfectUnfolding.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">PerfectUnfolding.com</a> Website: <a href="http://KristyH.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">KristyH.com</a></p><p>IG: @Kristy.Halvorsen LinkedIn: <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-halvorsen/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-halvorsen/</a></p><p>Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/1kristy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/1kristy</a>  Goodreads: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241413488-perfect-unfolding" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">www.goodreads.com/book/show/241413488-perfect-unfolding</a></p><p><b><strong>Connect &amp; Resources: </strong></b>Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast Email: <a href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a> (Guest inquiries &amp; story submissions)</p><p>Keep in touch, <b><strong>Sign up for our newsletter! </strong></b></p><p><a href="https://thelivinglossnondeathgriefmentalhealth.riverside.com/newsletter" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://thelivinglossnondeathgriefmentalhealth.riverside.com/newsletter</a></p><p>Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!</p><p><b><strong>Work With Us </strong></b></p><p>Daiana Bernard, LMHC: <a href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> | <a href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> (In-person Riverview, FL &amp; FL Telehealth) </p><p>Cassandra Harris-Towner: <a href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> (In-person Ocala, FL &amp; FL Telehealth)</p><p>Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.</p>no00:41:5023Multiple Losses & Life Timelines: Grieving the Future You Planned w/ Kristy Halvorsen 2|03full<![CDATA[Coping Mechanisms: Overrated vs. Underrated 2|02]]>Welcome back to the Living Lost Podcast! As licensed mental health counselors, hosts Daiana Bernard and Cassandra Harris Towner are here to unpack the quiet, complex griefs that don't come with a funeral. Because you can't heal what you don't acknowledge.


Before next week's special interview with author Kristy Halvorsen, Daiana and Cassandra set the stage by breaking down the clinical vocabulary of invisible losses. They also debut a brand-new game called "Overrated or Underrated," where they put popular self-care trends and coping mechanisms to the test.


What We Discuss in This Episode

Overrated vs. Underrated: The hosts debate common coping cliches. Is saying "everything happens for a reason" helpful or invalidating? What is the actual therapeutic value of screaming into a pillow, taking a bubble bath, retail therapy, or making dark jokes about your trauma?


The Power of the Block Button: Why curating your social media feed and muting or blocking accounts, is a top-tier strategy for surviving ambiguous loss and protecting your peace.


Cumulative Grief (Grief Overload): Navigating the "avalanche effect" when multiple losses, like a terminal illness, a breakup, and professional setbacks, occur in close succession without time to process.


Disenfranchised Grief: Validating the quiet losses that society often ignores or dismisses, such as the end of a friendship or a career change.


Identity Loss: How to mourn the intangible losses, like an imagined future, a role transition, or a sudden change in your life's trajectory.


Living Loss Lesson

It is not about fixing grief; it is about finding the strength to carry it. Coping isn't always perfect, and sometimes our strategies only offer a fleeting moment of relief. Give yourself the grace to accept that you are doing the best you can, even if that means canceling plans to stay home in your sweatpants.


Connect & Resources

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com (Guest inquiries & story submissions)

Keep in touch, Sign up for our newsletter! 

https://thelivinglossnondeathgriefmentalhealth.riverside.com/newsletter


Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!


Work With Us 

Daiana Bernard, LMHC: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com | healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com (In-person Riverview, FL & FL Telehealth) 

Cassandra Harris-Towner: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com (In-person Ocala, FL & FL Telehealth)


Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.

]]>66a9fed3-a245-4525-8b62-c7f046f73c9fThu, 27 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>Welcome back to the Living Lost Podcast! As licensed mental health counselors, hosts Daiana Bernard and Cassandra Harris Towner are here to unpack the quiet, complex griefs that don't come with a funeral. Because you can't heal what you don't acknowledge.</p><p><br /></p><p>Before next week's special interview with author Kristy Halvorsen, Daiana and Cassandra set the stage by breaking down the clinical vocabulary of invisible losses. They also debut a brand-new game called "Overrated or Underrated," where they put popular self-care trends and coping mechanisms to the test.</p><p><br /><b><strong>What We Discuss in This Episode</strong></b></p><p><b><strong>Overrated vs. Underrated:</strong></b> The hosts debate common coping cliches. Is saying "everything happens for a reason" helpful or invalidating? What is the actual therapeutic value of screaming into a pillow, taking a bubble bath, retail therapy, or making dark jokes about your trauma?</p><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>The Power of the Block Button:</strong></b> Why curating your social media feed and muting or blocking accounts, is a top-tier strategy for surviving ambiguous loss and protecting your peace.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>Cumulative Grief (Grief Overload):</strong></b> Navigating the "avalanche effect" when multiple losses, like a terminal illness, a breakup, and professional setbacks, occur in close succession without time to process.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>Disenfranchised Grief:</strong></b> Validating the quiet losses that society often ignores or dismisses, such as the end of a friendship or a career change.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>Identity Loss:</strong></b> How to mourn the intangible losses, like an imagined future, a role transition, or a sudden change in your life's trajectory.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>Living Loss Lesson</strong></b></p><p>It is not about fixing grief; it is about finding the strength to carry it. Coping isn't always perfect, and sometimes our strategies only offer a fleeting moment of relief. Give yourself the grace to accept that you are doing the best you can, even if that means canceling plans to stay home in your sweatpants.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>Connect &amp; Resources</strong></b></p><p>Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast Email: <a href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a> (Guest inquiries &amp; story submissions)</p><p>Keep in touch, Sign up for our newsletter! </p><p><a href="https://thelivinglossnondeathgriefmentalhealth.riverside.com/newsletter" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://thelivinglossnondeathgriefmentalhealth.riverside.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br /></p><p>Support the Show:<b><strong> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!</strong></b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>Work With Us </strong></b></p><p>Daiana Bernard, LMHC: <a href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> | <a href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> (In-person Riverview, FL &amp; FL Telehealth) </p><p>Cassandra Harris-Towner: <a href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> (In-person Ocala, FL &amp; FL Telehealth)</p><p><br /></p><p>Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.</p>no00:39:0222Coping Mechanisms: Overrated vs. Underrated 2|02full<![CDATA[Non-Death Loss: Naming the Grief You Didn't Know You Had 2|01]]>Welcome back to Season Two of The Living Loss Podcast! Licensed Mental Health Counselors Daiana Bernard and Cassandra Harris-Towner kick off the new season by diving into the quiet, non-death losses that disrupt our lives. From navigating summer schedule chaos and sudden life pivots to shattering the "assumptive world" we build in our minds, this episode explores what happens when life simply doesn't go according to the blueprint.


Join Daiana and Cassandra as they play an interactive quiz breaking down real-life scenarios, discuss clinical concepts in plain language, and share their own summer highs, lows, and "wait, what?" moments.


In this episode, we explore:


The "Assumptive World": Why sudden pivots (like unexpected school changes or schedule collapses) trigger genuine grief responses.


Highs, Lows & "Wait, What?": Summer road trips, facing the pain of returning to meaningful places, and unexpected personal trivia.


Interactive Grief Quiz: Naming everyday hidden losses through real-world scenarios.


Living Loss Lessons: Moving toward radical acceptance when control is an illusion, and finding the courage to lean into grief rather than avoid it.


Resources Mentioned:


  • Book: How Will I Ever Get Through This? Evidence-based Tools to Help You Heal from Hardship, Grief, and Loss by Dr. Lucy Hone.


Connect & Resources

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com (Guest inquiries & story submissions)


Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!


Work With Us 

Daiana Bernard, LMHC: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com | healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com (In-person Riverview, FL & FL Telehealth) 

Cassandra Harris-Towner: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com (In-person Ocala, FL & FL Telehealth)

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.

]]>98ebbc96-48b6-447f-88e5-2ae70962bae4Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p><b><strong>Welcome back to Season Two of </strong></b><i><b><strong>The Living Loss Podcast</strong></b></i><b><strong>! </strong></b>Licensed Mental Health Counselors Daiana Bernard and Cassandra Harris-Towner kick off the new season by diving into the quiet, non-death losses that disrupt our lives. From navigating summer schedule chaos and sudden life pivots to shattering the "assumptive world" we build in our minds, this episode explores what happens when life simply doesn't go according to the blueprint.</p><p><br /></p><p>Join Daiana and Cassandra as they play an interactive quiz breaking down real-life scenarios, discuss clinical concepts in plain language, and share their own summer highs, lows, and "wait, what?" moments.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>In this episode, we explore:</strong></b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>The "Assumptive World":</strong></b> Why sudden pivots (like unexpected school changes or schedule collapses) trigger genuine grief responses.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>Highs, Lows &amp; "Wait, What?":</strong></b> Summer road trips, facing the pain of returning to meaningful places, and unexpected personal trivia.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>Interactive Grief Quiz:</strong></b> Naming everyday hidden losses through real-world scenarios.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>Living Loss Lessons:</strong></b> Moving toward radical acceptance when control is an illusion, and finding the courage to lean into grief rather than avoid it.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>Resources Mentioned:</strong></b></p><p><br /></p><ul><li>Book: <i><em>How Will I Ever Get Through This? Evidence-based Tools to Help You Heal from Hardship, Grief, and Loss</em></i> by Dr. Lucy Hone.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>Connect &amp; Resources</strong></b></p><p>Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast Email: <a href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a> (Guest inquiries &amp; story submissions)</p><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with a friend!</strong></b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>Work With Us </strong></b></p><p>Daiana Bernard, LMHC: <a href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> | <a href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> (In-person Riverview, FL &amp; FL Telehealth) </p><p>Cassandra Harris-Towner: <a href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> (In-person Ocala, FL &amp; FL Telehealth)</p><p>Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical care. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or The Living Loss Podcast.</p>no00:46:5221Non-Death Loss: Naming the Grief You Didn't Know You Had 2|01full<![CDATA[Pérdida Ambigua: The Grief of Feeling "Ni De Aquí, Ni De Allá" (w/ Eliana Perez) | Bonus Ep]]>The Living Loss Podcast, host Daiana Bernard, LMHC, sits down with her close friend and cousin, Eliana Perez, for a relaxed, "coffee with family" conversation about the first- and second-generation bicultural experience.Together, they unpack the unique emotional landscapes of navigating identity between two cultures (ni de aquí, ni de allá) and shed light on various forms of non-traditional grief that often go unnamed in Latino culture. From unpacking cultural expectations around resilience (echar pa’lante) to exploring how unrecognized grief shapes our daily lives, this episode offers a warm, relatable validation for anyone balancing heritage, identity, and personal healing.Key Takeaways & Topics CoveredThe Birth of a Spanglish Space: Daiana shares her inspiration behind creating a casual, panel-style space to discuss trauma, family patterns, and emotional health in the language that reflects their lived reality.Understanding First & Second-Generation Grief: Exploring how moving between cultures creates subtle, ongoing losses that traditional conversations around grief often overlook.Navigating Cultural Identity (Ni De Aquí, Ni De Allá): Finding peace and grounding in your roots while living in a different culture, and learning to stand unapologetically in your identity without needing validation.Types of Unnamed Grief Explored:Ambiguous Loss (Pérdida Ambigua): Experiencing ongoing grief for living family members, cultures, or homelands that remain physically distant.Anticipatory Grief (Duelo Anticipado): Mourning future losses or changes before they happen—such as grieving the loss of native language fluency in the next generation or anticipating painful departures.Delayed Grief (Duelo Postergado): Setting aside emotional pain to focus on immediate survival and responsibilities, only to have it surface unexpectedly later.Complicated Grief (Duelo Complicado): When delayed pain interacts with long-standing trauma, disrupting daily life and emotional well-being.Reframing "Echar Pa’lante": Moving away from the pressure to always remain tough or learn lessons "the hard way," and embracing therapy as a tool to process pain on your own terms."Deja de poner el duelo al lado... Si tú no lidias con él y lo dejas al lado, el duelo te hace lidiar con él cuando él quiere."— Eliana Perez
Connect & ResourcesEmail the Show: Have a story to share or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Reach out to us at Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com


If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share with a friend, a prima, and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.


Disclaimer: This podcast is intended strictly for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. Host insights and guest conversations do not constitute professional mental health counseling or clinical therapy.]]>bc38c9e0-bb01-4237-92cc-1b8f614787f9Thu, 13 Aug 2026 11:34:29 GMTIn this special edition of <i><em>The Living Loss Podcast</em></i>, host Daiana Bernard, LMHC, sits down with her close friend and cousin, Eliana Perez, for a relaxed, "coffee with family" conversation about the first- and second-generation bicultural experience.Together, they unpack the unique emotional landscapes of navigating identity between two cultures (<i><em>ni de aquí, ni de allá</em></i>) and shed light on various forms of non-traditional grief that often go unnamed in Latino culture. From unpacking cultural expectations around resilience (<i><em>echar pa’lante</em></i>) to exploring how unrecognized grief shapes our daily lives, this episode offers a warm, relatable validation for anyone balancing heritage, identity, and personal healing.<b><strong>Key Takeaways &amp; Topics Covered</strong></b><b><strong>The Birth of a Spanglish Space:</strong></b> Daiana shares her inspiration behind creating a casual, panel-style space to discuss trauma, family patterns, and emotional health in the language that reflects their lived reality.<b><strong>Understanding First &amp; Second-Generation Grief:</strong></b> Exploring how moving between cultures creates subtle, ongoing losses that traditional conversations around grief often overlook.<b><strong>Navigating Cultural Identity (</strong></b><i><b><strong>Ni De Aquí, Ni De Allá</strong></b></i><b><strong>):</strong></b> Finding peace and grounding in your roots while living in a different culture, and learning to stand unapologetically in your identity without needing validation.<b><strong>Types of Unnamed Grief Explored:</strong></b><i><b><strong>Ambiguous Loss </strong></b></i><b><strong>(</strong></b><i><b><strong>Pérdida Ambigua</strong></b></i><b><strong>):</strong></b> Experiencing ongoing grief for living family members, cultures, or homelands that remain physically distant.<i><b><strong>Anticipatory Grief </strong></b></i><b><strong>(</strong></b><i><b><strong>Duelo Anticipado</strong></b></i><b><strong>):</strong></b> Mourning future losses or changes before they happen—such as grieving the loss of native language fluency in the next generation or anticipating painful departures.<i><b><strong>Delayed Grief</strong></b></i><b><strong> (</strong></b><i><b><strong>Duelo Postergado</strong></b></i><b><strong>):</strong></b> Setting aside emotional pain to focus on immediate survival and responsibilities, only to have it surface unexpectedly later.<i><b><strong>Complicated Grief</strong></b></i><b><strong> (</strong></b><i><b><strong>Duelo Complicado</strong></b></i><b><strong>):</strong></b> When delayed pain interacts with long-standing trauma, disrupting daily life and emotional well-being.<b><strong>Reframing "Echar Pa’lante":</strong></b> Moving away from the pressure to always remain tough or learn lessons "the hard way," and embracing therapy as a tool to process pain on your own terms.<i><em>"Deja de poner el duelo al lado... Si tú no lidias con él y lo dejas al lado, el duelo te hace lidiar con él cuando él quiere."</em></i>— <b><strong>Eliana Perez</strong></b><br /><b><strong>Connect &amp; Resources</strong></b><b><strong>Email the Show:</strong></b> Have a story to share or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Reach out to us at <b><strong>Email: </strong></b><a href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a><p><br /></p><p>If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share with a friend, a prima, and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</p><p><br /></p><b><strong>Disclaimer:</strong></b> This podcast is intended strictly for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. Host insights and guest conversations do not constitute professional mental health counseling or clinical therapy.no00:52:38Pérdida Ambigua: The Grief of Feeling "Ni De Aquí, Ni De Allá" (w/ Eliana Perez) | Bonus Epbonus<![CDATA[RP | Living with Collective Grief: The 80s baby Experience Part 2 ]]>While Daiana and Cassandra are behind the scenes preparing for Season 2, they wanted to keep the conversation going. This week, they are bringing you Part 2 of our 80’s Baby and cumulative grief conversation. Enjoy the episode, and they will be back with fresh content very soon!

In this replay, Cassandra and Daiana shift the conversation from simply surviving a chaotic generational timeline to intentionally living through it. Together, they explore how major events, from 9/11 and the 2008 recession to the COVID-19 pandemic, create delayed grief and hypervigilance in our nervous systems.

Learn why practicing "radical honesty" helps strip away shame, how the body holds onto trauma even when our minds try to power through, and how you can widen your window of tolerance by actively looking for micro-moments of safety, nostalgia, and joy.

Thank you for being part of our circle! If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, and share it with someone who might be carrying their loss in silence. Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: livinglosspodcast@gmail.com

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes. While we are licensed mental health counselors, we are not your therapists, and this does not replace professional mental health care. If you need support, please reach out to a local professional.

]]>82d5ba17-d62f-4b9f-a548-76872c1b4b5eThu, 06 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>While Daiana and Cassandra are behind the scenes preparing for Season 2, they wanted to keep the conversation going. <i>This week, they are bringing you Part 2 of our 80’s Baby and cumulative grief conversation. Enjoy the episode, and they will be back with fresh content very soon!</i></p><p></p><p>In this replay, Cassandra and Daiana shift the conversation from simply surviving a chaotic generational timeline to intentionally living through it. Together, they explore how major events, from 9/11 and the 2008 recession to the COVID-19 pandemic, create delayed grief and hypervigilance in our nervous systems.</p><p></p><p>Learn why practicing "radical honesty" helps strip away shame, how the body holds onto trauma even when our minds try to power through, and how you can widen your window of tolerance by actively looking for micro-moments of safety, nostalgia, and joy.</p><p></p><p><b>Thank you for being part of our circle! If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, and share it with someone who might be carrying their loss in silence. Instagram</b>: @thelivinglosspodcast  <b>Email: </b>livinglosspodcast@gmail.com</p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a> Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><h3><b><i>Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes. While we are licensed mental health counselors, we are not your therapists, and this does not replace professional mental health care. If you need support, please reach out to a local professional.</i></b></h3><h3></h3>no00:30:38RP | Living with Collective Grief: The 80s baby Experience Part 2 full<![CDATA[RP | Living with Collective Grief: The 80s Baby Experience]]>While Cassandra and I are behind the scenes preparing for Season 2, we wanted to keep the conversation going by revisiting an episode that is incredibly close to our hearts.

If you constantly feel like you are bracing for the other shoe to drop, you aren't alone. In this replay of Episode 3, we unpack the heavy, overlapping weights of collective and cumulative grief. We explore how decades of non-stop global events have uniquely impacted the "window of tolerance" for 80s babies and elder millennials, often leaving us stuck in states of hyper-arousal (anxiety and panic) or hypo-arousal (freezing and checking out).

We also share personal reflections on navigating tragedies like Hurricane Sandy and Sandy Hook as new mothers, and the delicate balance of raising children in a chaotic world while actively trying to heal our own inner child.

What We Cover

  • Defining the Heavy Stuff: The difference between collective grief (shared societal trauma) and cumulative grief (grief overload from back-to-back losses).
  • The Window of Tolerance: Dr. Dan Siegel’s concept, and why our generation's baseline for "normal" has shifted, shrinking our capacity to cope.
  • Parenting Through Chaos: Balancing the desire to protect our children's innocence with the necessity of preparing them for reality.
  • The Duality of Healing: Finding glimpses of joy and peace when the world feels entirely out of our control.

Join the Conversation

Have you felt stuck outside your window of tolerance? Do you swing between hyper-vigilance and total numbness? We want to hear your stories. Email us at hello@livinglosspodcast.com.

Please subscribe and share this episode with someone who might need to know their grief is valid. We can't wait to see you for Part 2 (Ep. 4), where we will talk about radical honesty, reducing shame, and moving from just surviving to actually living!

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.


Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes. While we are licensed mental health counselors, we are not your therapists, and this does not replace professional mental health care. If you need support, please reach out to a local professional.

]]>f116e103-2d84-4774-8534-37ad8b19bfe9Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT<h3><b>While Cassandra and I are behind the scenes preparing for Season 2, we wanted to keep the conversation going by revisiting an episode that is incredibly close to our hearts.</b></h3><h3><b>If you constantly feel like you are bracing for the other shoe to drop, you aren't alone. In this replay of Episode 3, we unpack the heavy, overlapping weights of <i>collective</i> and <i>cumulative</i> grief. We explore how decades of non-stop global events have uniquely impacted the "window of tolerance" for 80s babies and elder millennials, often leaving us stuck in states of hyper-arousal (anxiety and panic) or hypo-arousal (freezing and checking out).</b></h3><h3><b>We also share personal reflections on navigating tragedies like Hurricane Sandy and Sandy Hook as new mothers, and the delicate balance of raising children in a chaotic world while actively trying to heal our own inner child.</b></h3><h3><b>What We Cover</b></h3><ul><li><b>Defining the Heavy Stuff: The difference between collective grief (shared societal trauma) and cumulative grief (grief overload from back-to-back losses).</b></li></ul><ul><li><b>The Window of Tolerance: Dr. Dan Siegel’s concept, and why our generation's baseline for "normal" has shifted, shrinking our capacity to cope.</b></li></ul><ul><li><b>Parenting Through Chaos: Balancing the desire to protect our children's innocence with the necessity of preparing them for reality.</b></li></ul><ul><li><b>The Duality of Healing: Finding glimpses of joy and peace when the world feels entirely out of our control.</b></li></ul><h3><b>Join the Conversation</b></h3><h3><b>Have you felt stuck outside your window of tolerance? Do you swing between hyper-vigilance and total numbness? We want to hear your stories. Email us at </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank"><b>hello@livinglosspodcast.com</b></a><b>.</b></h3><h3><b>Please subscribe and share this episode with someone who might need to know their grief is valid. We can't wait to see you for Part 2 (Ep. 4), where we will talk about radical honesty, reducing shame, and moving from just surviving to actually living!</b></h3><p><b>Instagram</b>: @thelivinglosspodcast  <b>Email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a> Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p><br /><b><i>Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes. While we are licensed mental health counselors, we are not your therapists, and this does not replace professional mental health care. If you need support, please reach out to a local professional.</i></b></p><h3></h3>no00:32:54RP | Living with Collective Grief: The 80s Baby Experiencefull<![CDATA[First-Gen Grief & Cultural Identity: Navigating Pérdidas en Vida]]>In this special solo edition of The Living Loss Podcast, host Daiana Bernard, LMHC, steps to the mic for an intimate, heart-to-heart conversation in Spanglish. While taking a break between seasons, Daiana shares her personal journey as a Brooklyn-born Dominican-American navigating mental health, psychology, and el duelo in her first language.

Together, we break down what a "Living Loss" (pérdida en vida) really means and hold space for the unique, unspoken grief carried across first-generation experiences. From unpacking cultural definitions of loss to reframing survival mode, this episode offers a compassionate reminder that your pain is valid—even when nobody brings you flowers for it.

Key Takeaways & Topics Covered
  • Redefining Grief Beyond Bereavement: Unpacking how nuestra cultura often teaches us that el duelo only happens when someone passes away, and giving a name to the losses that happen while life goes on.
  • The First-Gen Balancing Act: Navigating the complex emotional space of straddling two worlds and honoring the subtle grief of feeling ni de aquĂ­, ni de allá.
  • First-Gen Guilt & Setting Boundaries: Exploring the heavy guilt that often surfaces as we grow, set healthy boundaries, and choose to do things differently than our parents.
  • Loss of Self & Unfulfilled Dreams: Acknowledging the silent pain of outgrowing old versions of yourself, grieving lost identity, or letting go of dreams that didn't materialize.
  • Living Loss Lesson: Giving yourself full permission to validate your grief, step out of survival mode, and offer yourself self-compassion without judgment. Because at the end of the day, you can't heal what you don't acknowledge.
Connect & ResourcesEmail the Show: Have a story to share or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Reach out to us at Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com


If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share with a friend, a prima, and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

"In our culture, we are often taught that el duelo only happens when someone passes away. But what about the losses that nobody brings you flowers for?"

— Daiana Bernard, LMHC

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy.


]]>03da3431-317f-43b3-931e-e5aab105c143Thu, 23 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>In this special solo edition of <i><em>The Living Loss Podcast</em></i>, host Daiana Bernard, LMHC, steps to the mic for an intimate, heart-to-heart conversation in Spanglish. While taking a break between seasons, Daiana shares her personal journey as a Brooklyn-born Dominican-American navigating mental health, psychology, and <i><em>el duelo</em></i> in her first language.</p><p>Together, we break down what a "Living Loss" (<i><em>pérdida en vida</em></i>) really means and hold space for the unique, unspoken grief carried across first-generation experiences. From unpacking cultural definitions of loss to reframing <i><em>survival mode</em></i>, this episode offers a compassionate reminder that your pain is valid—even when nobody brings you flowers for it.</p>Key Takeaways &amp; Topics Covered<ul><li><b><strong>Redefining Grief Beyond Bereavement:</strong></b> Unpacking how <i><em>nuestra cultura</em></i> often teaches us that <i><em>el duelo</em></i> only happens when someone passes away, and giving a name to the losses that happen while life goes on.</li><li><b><strong>The First-Gen Balancing Act:</strong></b> Navigating the complex emotional space of straddling two worlds and honoring the subtle grief of feeling <i><em>ni de aquí, ni de allá</em></i>.</li><li><b><strong>First-Gen Guilt &amp; Setting Boundaries:</strong></b> Exploring the heavy guilt that often surfaces as we grow, set healthy boundaries, and choose to do things differently than our parents.</li><li><b><strong>Loss of Self &amp; Unfulfilled Dreams:</strong></b> Acknowledging the silent pain of outgrowing old versions of yourself, grieving lost identity, or letting go of dreams that didn't materialize.</li><li><b><strong>Living Loss Lesson:</strong></b> Giving yourself full permission to validate your grief, step out of <i><em>survival mode</em></i>, and offer yourself self-compassion without judgment. Because at the end of the day, you can't heal what you don't acknowledge.</li></ul><b><strong>Connect &amp; Resources</strong></b><b><strong>Email the Show:</strong></b> Have a story to share or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Reach out to us at <b><strong>Email: </strong></b><a href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share with a friend, a prima, and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</strong></b></p><p><i><em>"In our culture, we are often taught that el duelo only happens when someone passes away. But what about the losses that nobody brings you flowers for?"</em></i></p><p>— <b><strong>Daiana Bernard, LMHC</strong></b></p><p><i><em>Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy.</em></i></p><br />no00:08:09First-Gen Grief & Cultural Identity: Navigating Pérdidas en Vidabonus<![CDATA[RP | Living with the Hidden Grief of Pet Loss with Adam Greenbaum]]>During our brief hiatus, we're sharing a replay of one of our most touching conversations. Daiana drops in for a special intro before Cassandra’s powerful interview with pet loss advocate Adam Greenbaum.

Adam shares the story of losing his beloved dog, Baxter, navigating anticipatory grief with his senior dog, Sophie, and how he turned his pain into Love Baxter, a platform supporting pet parents through their hardest goodbye.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

  • The Reality of Disenfranchised Grief: Why society minimizes pet loss and how to validate your own heartbreak.
  • Navigating Anticipatory Grief: How to cope with the dread and anxiety that comes as our pets age or face illness.
  • Finding Meaning in the Pain: Adam’s journey of building a supportive community and resource hub through Love Baxter.
  • Living Loss Lessons: Tangible takeaways on how to honor your pets, stay present, and create lasting memories without regret.
  • How to Support Others: Actionable advice on what to say (and what not to say) when someone you love loses an animal companion.

Resources & Links Mentioned

Support the Show If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it to help us reach others who might be carrying their loss in silence.

Work With Us If you’re interested in an individual therapy consultation, please reach out to us:

Daiana Bernard: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com | MeaningfulTherapyFL.com | Location: Riverview, FL (In-Person & Telehealth statewide)

Cassandra Harris-Towner: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com | firststridezcounseling.com | Location: Ocala, FL (In-Person & Telehealth statewide)

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes. While we are licensed mental health counselors, we are not your therapists, and this does not replace professional mental health care. If you need support, please reach out to a local professional.

]]>ccdef42a-080b-4c67-82fb-59097c840fa8Thu, 16 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT<h3>During our brief hiatus, we're sharing a replay of one of our most touching conversations. Daiana drops in for a special intro before Cassandra’s powerful interview with pet loss advocate Adam Greenbaum.</h3><p>Adam shares the story of losing his beloved dog, Baxter, navigating anticipatory grief with his senior dog, Sophie, and how he turned his pain into Love Baxter, a platform supporting pet parents through their hardest goodbye.</p><p></p><p><b>What You’ll Learn in This Episode</b></p><ul><li><b>The Reality of Disenfranchised Grief:</b> Why society minimizes pet loss and how to validate your own heartbreak.</li><li><b>Navigating Anticipatory Grief:</b> How to cope with the dread and anxiety that comes as our pets age or face illness.</li><li><b>Finding Meaning in the Pain:</b> Adam’s journey of building a supportive community and resource hub through Love Baxter.</li><li><b>Living Loss Lessons:</b> Tangible takeaways on how to honor your pets, stay present, and create lasting memories without regret.</li><li><b>How to Support Others:</b> Actionable advice on what to say (and what not to say) when someone you love loses an animal companion.<p></p></li></ul><p><b>Resources &amp; Links Mentioned</b></p><ul><li><b>Explore Love Baxter:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://lovebaxter.com" target="_blank">lovebaxter.com</a></li><li><b>Follow on Instagram:</b> @lovebaxterco<p></p></li></ul><p><b>Support the Show</b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it to help us reach others who might be carrying their loss in silence.</p><ul><li><b>Instagram:</b> @thelivinglosspodcast</li><li><b>Email:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a><p></p></li></ul><p><b>Work With Us</b> If you’re interested in an individual therapy consultation, please reach out to us:</p><p></p><p><b>Daiana Bernard:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> | <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> | Location: Riverview, FL (In-Person &amp; Telehealth statewide)</p><p></p><p><b>Cassandra Harris-Towner:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> | <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a> | Location: Ocala, FL (In-Person &amp; Telehealth statewide)</p><p></p><p><i>Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes. While we are licensed mental health counselors, we are not your therapists, and this does not replace professional mental health care. If you need support, please reach out to a local professional.</i></p>no00:45:12RP | Living with the Hidden Grief of Pet Loss with Adam Greenbaumfull<![CDATA[RP | Living with the Silence of Navigating the Loss of Friendships]]>The Living Loss Podcast is officially on summer break! While we recharge, we are replaying some of the most impactful conversations from Season One.

Keeping it real, society gives us rituals for romantic breakups and family passing, but there is no public script or timeline for the ache of losing a close friend. Whether the friendship experienced a gradual fade, a sudden ghosting, or a shift because of different life seasons, friendship loss is a quiet earthquake. In this episode, Cassandra and Daiana sit down to validate the unseen losses and hidden grief tied to adult friendships.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

  • The "Quiet Earthquake": Why friendship breakups perfectly capture ambiguous loss and disenfranchised grief.
  • The 3 AM Rumination Loop: Why our brains desperately crave closure when a friend leaves, and how to stop taking the end of a relationship as a personal failure.
  • Identity Disruption: How we attach parts of our identity to our friends, and how to answer the question, "Who am I without them?"
  • Attachment Injuries: Navigating the fear of vulnerability with new friends after a deep connection is broken.
  • The Magic of "Low-Maintenance" Friends: Embracing the shifting dynamics of adult friendships and why it is perfectly okay to outgrow people as your values change.

Connect With Us: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, and share it with someone who might be carrying their loss in silence.

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. While we are licensed therapists, we are not your therapists, and this does not replace professional mental health care. If you need support, please reach out to a professional near you.

]]>521a228f-763f-42a9-b689-665adeaf654cThu, 09 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p><i>The Living Loss Podcast</i> is officially on summer break! While we recharge, we are replaying some of the most impactful conversations from Season One.</p><p></p><p>Keeping it real, society gives us rituals for romantic breakups and family passing, but there is no public script or timeline for the ache of losing a close friend. Whether the friendship experienced a gradual fade, a sudden ghosting, or a shift because of different life seasons, friendship loss is a quiet earthquake. In this episode, Cassandra and Daiana sit down to validate the unseen losses and hidden grief tied to adult friendships.</p><p></p><p><b>What You'll Hear in This Episode:</b></p><ul><li><b>The "Quiet Earthquake":</b> Why friendship breakups perfectly capture ambiguous loss and disenfranchised grief.</li><li><b>The 3 AM Rumination Loop:</b> Why our brains desperately crave closure when a friend leaves, and how to stop taking the end of a relationship as a personal failure.</li><li><b>Identity Disruption:</b> How we attach parts of our identity to our friends, and how to answer the question, <i>"Who am I without them?"</i></li><li><b>Attachment Injuries:</b> Navigating the fear of vulnerability with new friends after a deep connection is broken.</li><li><b>The Magic of "Low-Maintenance" Friends:</b> Embracing the shifting dynamics of adult friendships and why it is perfectly okay to outgrow people as your values change.</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Connect With Us:</b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, and share it with someone who might be carrying their loss in silence.</p><p><b>Instagram</b>: @thelivinglosspodcast  <b>Email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a> Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p><i>Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. While we are licensed therapists, we are not your therapists, and this does not replace professional mental health care. If you need support, please reach out to a professional near you.</i></p>no00:41:20RP | Living with the Silence of Navigating the Loss of Friendshipsfull<![CDATA[RP | Living with the Hidden Grief of Loving Someone with Depression guest Joel Asencio]]>Have you ever felt the quiet, exhausting helplessness of desperately trying to save someone you love? It is a very specific kind of pain, and a heavy grief that the world rarely validates.

In this special Summer Series replay, we revisit a deeply moving conversation with licensed mental health counselor and author Joel Asencio about his book, How Much Could a Clementine Weigh?. While we touch on the internal reality of depression, this episode shines a light on the other side of that emotional wall. We unpack the disenfranchised and ambiguous grief that comes with loving someone who is struggling, and remind you that their inability to receive your love does not mean you are loving them wrong.

Questions for Reflection: Because this episode is so packed with insight, I want to add a little extra value this time around. As you listen—or listen again, I invite you to keep these questions in mind:

How are you currently carrying or measuring the "weight" of the unacknowledged losses in your own life?

What is one small way you can give yourself permission to process that weight today?

Connect with Our Guest:

Join the Community: Please subscribe and share this episode, maybe even text it to someone who could use those reflection questions right now! It helps us grow this community and reach others who need to know their grief is valid.

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. While Daiana and Cassandra are licensed mental health counselors, they are not your mental health counselors, and this does not replace professional mental health care. If you feel you need support, please reach out to a professional near you.

]]>927e957e-f415-4c28-bd80-5cbdc7b2e5aaThu, 02 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>Have you ever felt the quiet, exhausting helplessness of desperately trying to save someone you love? It is a very specific kind of pain, and a heavy grief that the world rarely validates.</p><p></p><p>In this special Summer Series replay, we revisit a deeply moving conversation with licensed mental health counselor and author Joel Asencio about his book, <i>How Much Could a Clementine Weigh?</i>. While we touch on the internal reality of depression, this episode shines a light on the <i>other</i> side of that emotional wall. We unpack the disenfranchised and ambiguous grief that comes with loving someone who is struggling, and remind you that their inability to receive your love does not mean you are loving them wrong.</p><p></p><p><b>Questions for Reflection:</b> Because this episode is so packed with insight, I want to add a little extra value this time around. As you listen—or listen again, I invite you to keep these questions in mind:</p><p></p><p>How are you currently carrying or measuring the "weight" of the unacknowledged losses in your own life?</p><p></p><p>What is one small way you can give yourself permission to process that weight today?</p><p></p><p><b>Connect with Our Guest:</b></p><ul><li><b>Author:</b> Joel Asencio</li><li><b>Book:</b> <i>How Much Could a Clementine Weigh?</i></li><li><b>Instagram:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.instagram.com/authorJoelAsencio" target="_blank">@authorJoelAsencio</a><p></p></li></ul><p><b>Join the Community:</b> Please subscribe and share this episode, maybe even text it to someone who could use those reflection questions right now! It helps us grow this community and reach others who need to know their grief is valid.</p><p><b>Instagram</b>: @thelivinglosspodcast  <b>Email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a> Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p><i>Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. While Daiana and Cassandra are licensed mental health counselors, they are not your mental health counselors, and this does not replace professional mental health care. If you feel you need support, please reach out to a professional near you.</i></p>no00:31:45RP | Living with the Hidden Grief of Loving Someone with Depression guest Joel Asenciofull<![CDATA[24 | Living with Hidden Grief: Season 1 Finale – Naming the Unseen Losses]]>What a journey it has been! In this Season 1 finale, we take a look back at the past 24 episodes of The Living Loss Podcast. As licensed mental health counselors, we dive deep into the quiet, complex griefs that don’t come with a funeral because you truly cannot heal what you don’t acknowledge.

From behind-the-scenes blunders (like trying not to look like Casper under the studio lights) to the profound honor of holding space for 13 incredible guests, we reflect on the powerful themes that defined this season: identity loss, disenfranchised grief, sibling dynamics, and ambiguous loss. We also share our personal "Living Loss Lessons" from this season, talking about how our own friendship has evolved and how we are learning to show up more intentionally for those we love.

Inside This Episode:

  • The Power of the Pivot: How a season we thought would be mostly solo episodes turned into a beautiful tapestry of guest stories.
  • Redefining Grief: Shifting the focus from the obvious loss of a person to the hidden, unacknowledged losses—like hair loss (alopecia), eating disorder recovery, and family estrangement.
  • Creating Meaning from Pain: Reflecting on how our guests turned their darkest seasons into missions, books, foundations, and advocacy work.
  • Our Personal Lessons: Cassandra and Daiana share their raw reflections on falling short in the past, learning to just "show up," and embracing imperfection.
  • Looking Ahead to Season 2: A sneak peek into upcoming topics, including an exploration of loneliness and how it impacts us differently.

We want to hear from you! What is a quiet, unrecognized loss in your world that you want to see explored in Season 2? Reach out to us, no books or accolades required. Just your human experience.

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com

Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com

Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.


]]>ed4ac11f-78ea-4c5a-8c8b-4da4ae995a5fThu, 25 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>What a journey it has been! In this Season 1 finale, we take a look back at the past 24 episodes of <b>The Living Loss Podcast</b>. As licensed mental health counselors, we dive deep into the quiet, complex griefs that don’t come with a funeral because you truly cannot heal what you don’t acknowledge.</p><p></p><p>From behind-the-scenes blunders (like trying not to look like Casper under the studio lights) to the profound honor of holding space for 13 incredible guests, we reflect on the powerful themes that defined this season: identity loss, disenfranchised grief, sibling dynamics, and ambiguous loss. We also share our personal "Living Loss Lessons" from this season, talking about how our own friendship has evolved and how we are learning to show up more intentionally for those we love.</p><h3><b>Inside This Episode:</b></h3><ul><li><b>The Power of the Pivot:</b> How a season we thought would be mostly solo episodes turned into a beautiful tapestry of guest stories.</li><li><b>Redefining Grief:</b> Shifting the focus from the obvious loss of a person to the hidden, unacknowledged losses—like hair loss (alopecia), eating disorder recovery, and family estrangement.</li><li><b>Creating Meaning from Pain:</b> Reflecting on how our guests turned their darkest seasons into missions, books, foundations, and advocacy work.</li><li><b>Our Personal Lessons:</b> Cassandra and Daiana share their raw reflections on falling short in the past, learning to just "show up," and embracing imperfection.</li><li><b>Looking Ahead to Season 2:</b> A sneak peek into upcoming topics, including an exploration of loneliness and how it impacts us differently.</li></ul><p></p><p>We want to hear from <i>you</i>! What is a quiet, unrecognized loss in your world that you want to see explored in Season 2? Reach out to us, no books or accolades required. Just your human experience.</p><p></p><p><b>Instagram</b>: @thelivinglosspodcast  <b>Email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> </p><p>Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. </p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> </p><p>Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a> Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.</p><p><br /></p><p></p>no00:35:5612424 | Living with Hidden Grief: Season 1 Finale – Naming the Unseen Lossesfull<![CDATA[What to Say (and Not Say) to Someone Grieving | Hidden Grief w/ Heidi Dunstan 1|23]]>In this episode licensed mental health counselors Daiana Bernard and Cassandra Harris-Towner sit down with certified grief educator, best-selling author, and international speaker Heidi Dunstan. Following the sudden loss of her husband in 2018, Heidi discovered firsthand how ill-equipped society is to handle deep pain.


In this deeply moving and practical conversation, Heidi shares the unintentionally painful phrases she encountered, how comparison and judgment act as "grief’s kryptonite," and why true support is about witnessing pain rather than trying to fix it. Whether you are navigating your own changing identity through a non-death loss or looking for the right way to show up for a friend in the trenches, this episode provides a masterclass in leaning into grief with grace.


Connect with Heidi:  

www.heididunstan.ca

Instagram @leanintogrief

www.facebook.com/leanintogrief

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-dunstan/


Connect With Us:

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. 

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com


Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

I

f you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.


If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.


Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

]]>854afe65-bb48-47d8-90fc-461539c66998Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode licensed mental health counselors Daiana Bernard and Cassandra Harris-Towner sit down with certified grief educator, best-selling author, and international speaker Heidi Dunstan. Following the sudden loss of her husband in 2018, Heidi discovered firsthand how ill-equipped society is to handle deep pain.</p><p><br /></p><p>In this deeply moving and practical conversation, Heidi shares the unintentionally painful phrases she encountered, how comparison and judgment act as "grief’s kryptonite," and why true support is about <i><em>witnessing</em></i> pain rather than trying to fix it. Whether you are navigating your own changing identity through a non-death loss or looking for the right way to show up for a friend in the trenches, this episode provides a masterclass in leaning into grief with grace.</p><p><br /></p><p>Connect with Heidi:  </p><p><a href="http://www.heididunstan.ca" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">www.heididunstan.ca</a></p><p>Instagram @leanintogrief</p><p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/leanintogrief" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/leanintogrief</a></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-dunstan/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-dunstan/</a></p><p><br /></p><b><strong>Connect With Us:</strong></b><p><b><strong>Join the Community</strong></b>: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. </p><p><b><strong>Instagram</strong></b>: @thelivinglosspodcast  <b><strong>Email: </strong></b><a href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p><br /></p><p><b><strong>Support the Show:</strong></b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</p><p>I</p><p>f you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> Website:<a href="https://meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p><br /></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: <a href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> Website:<a href="https://firststridezcounseling.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a> Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p><br /></p><p>Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.</p>no00:51:38123What to Say (and Not Say) to Someone Grieving | Hidden Grief w/ Heidi Dunstan 1|23full<![CDATA[Hearing Loss & Hidden Grief w/ Vanessa Branch 1|22]]>In this episode, Daiana and Cassandra dive deep into a form of disenfranchised grief that is rarely spoken about: the invisible emotional toll and identity crisis tied to hearing loss. From the daily exhaustion of listening fatigue to the isolation of feeling left out, we explore why this quiet loss cuts so deep and how we can begin to validate the pain it causes.

We are joined by the incredible Vanessa Branch, founder of the National Hard of Hearing Forum and an Advanced Bionics Mentor. Vanessa vulnerably shares her journey with sensorineural hearing loss since age seven, her transition to a cochlear implant, and how she moved from a painful cycle of trying to "fit in" to fully embracing her identity and building a thriving community of advocacy.

Connect with Vanessa: 

Website: https://nhohforum.wixsite.com/nationalhohforum

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n.h.o.h_forum?igsh=cDI0OTNiYTdvcWxw

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nhohf-5a4269330

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/nationalhohforum.bsky.social

FREE E-BOOK: Listening & Concentration Fatigue: https://pensight.com/x/nhohf/digital-item-54d9d365-ca6d-49b0-a138-531d9e9b117d

Connect With Us:

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story.

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

]]>3ef7cb49-5815-4f2a-a330-02339c71edc3Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode, Daiana and Cassandra dive deep into a form of disenfranchised grief that is rarely spoken about: the invisible emotional toll and identity crisis tied to hearing loss. From the daily exhaustion of listening fatigue to the isolation of feeling left out, we explore why this quiet loss cuts so deep and how we can begin to validate the pain it causes.</p><p>We are joined by the incredible <b><strong>Vanessa Branch</strong></b>, founder of the National Hard of Hearing Forum and an Advanced Bionics Mentor. Vanessa vulnerably shares her journey with sensorineural hearing loss since age seven, her transition to a cochlear implant, and how she moved from a painful cycle of trying to "fit in" to fully embracing her identity and building a thriving community of advocacy.</p><p>Connect with Vanessa: </p><p>Website: <a href="https://nhohforum.wixsite.com/nationalhohforum" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://nhohforum.wixsite.com/nationalhohforum</a></p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/n.h.o.h_forum?igsh=cDI0OTNiYTdvcWxw" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/n.h.o.h_forum?igsh=cDI0OTNiYTdvcWxw</a></p><p>LinkedIn: <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/nhohf-5a4269330" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">www.linkedin.com/in/nhohf-5a4269330</a></p><p>BlueSky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/nationalhohforum.bsky.social" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://bsky.app/profile/nationalhohforum.bsky.social</a></p><p>FREE E-BOOK: Listening &amp; Concentration Fatigue: <a href="https://pensight.com/x/nhohf/digital-item-54d9d365-ca6d-49b0-a138-531d9e9b117d" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://pensight.com/x/nhohf/digital-item-54d9d365-ca6d-49b0-a138-531d9e9b117d</a></p><b><strong>Connect With Us:</strong></b><p><b><strong>Join the Community</strong></b>: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. </p><p><b><strong>Instagram</strong></b>: @thelivinglosspodcast  <b><strong>Email: </strong></b><a href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p><b><strong>Support the Show:</strong></b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> Website:<a href="https://meaningfultherapyfl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: <a href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> Website:<a href="https://firststridezcounseling.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a> serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p>Disclaimer: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.</p>no00:39:07122Hearing Loss & Hidden Grief w/ Vanessa Branch 1|22full<![CDATA[21 | Living with the Hidden Grief of Always Waiting for the Perfect Chapter]]>This episode explores the complex nature of quiet, unacknowledged griefs and the trap of waiting for a perfect future self to find happiness. Cassandra and Daiana share personal insights and practical strategies for living in the present, releasing unrealistic expectations, and embracing self-compassion.

Key Topics:

  • The illusion of future happiness and the trap of waiting for the 'perfect' time
  • The impact of comparing ourselves to future and past selves
  • Strategies for releasing expectations and practicing self-compassion
  • The importance of living in the present moment and embracing imperfection
  • Understanding grief as layered and often unacknowledged

Book mentioned in the episode: Going into Pieces Without Falling Apart, By Mark Epstein

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/46790/going-to-pieces-without-falling-apart-by-mark-epstein-author-of-thoughts-without-a-thinker/

Connect With Us:

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. 

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast 

Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

]]>00029aaf-c62c-41ae-a1c8-c945731522fcThu, 04 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>This episode explores the complex nature of quiet, unacknowledged griefs and the trap of waiting for a perfect future self to find happiness. Cassandra and Daiana share personal insights and practical strategies for living in the present, releasing unrealistic expectations, and embracing self-compassion.</p><p></p><p>Key Topics:</p><ul><li>The illusion of future happiness and the trap of waiting for the 'perfect' time</li><li>The impact of comparing ourselves to future and past selves</li><li>Strategies for releasing expectations and practicing self-compassion</li><li>The importance of living in the present moment and embracing imperfection</li><li>Understanding grief as layered and often unacknowledged</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Book mentioned in the episode: Going into Pieces Without Falling Apart, By Mark Epstein</b></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/46790/going-to-pieces-without-falling-apart-by-mark-epstein-author-of-thoughts-without-a-thinker/" target="_blank">https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/46790/going-to-pieces-without-falling-apart-by-mark-epstein-author-of-thoughts-without-a-thinker/</a></p><h3><b>Connect With Us:</b></h3><p><b>Join the Community</b>: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. </p><p></p><p><b>Instagram</b>: @thelivinglosspodcast </p><p><b>Email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p></p><p><b>Support the Show:</b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a> Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.</p>no00:29:0712121 | Living with the Hidden Grief of Always Waiting for the Perfect Chapterfull<![CDATA[20 | Living with the Hidden Grief of Mid-Life Relationship Trauma w/ Melissa Issa]]>Please Note: This episode contains discussions of domestic violence, relationship trauma, and complex grief. Our conversation is meant for educational and empowering purposes, but we understand these topics can be heavy. Please protect your peace and prioritize your well-being as you listen.

In this episode of The Living Loss Podcast, host Daiana Bernard sits down with advocate Melissa Issa to expose the hidden grief of navigating relationship trauma and domestic violence in mid-life.

Rebuilding your life after an abusive or toxic relationship looks different in your 30s, 40s, or 50s. Together, they unpack the unique, quiet shame of starting over later in life and the heavy feeling that you "should have known better." Melissa shares her powerful story of hitting rock bottom, shedding her survival self, and proving that circumstances don't check your age before they change.

Whether you are healing from intimate partner violence or reclaiming an identity you thought was lost, this episode offers a raw, trauma-informed roadmap to resilience, self-love, and empowerment in your next chapter.

Connect With Us:

Melissa Issa: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissaissatampa 

Break The Silence Against Domestic Violence - https://breakthesilencedv.org/

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community.

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast 

Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.


]]>b8b562b5-7ce5-4e6a-b1d4-7919c44a7727Thu, 28 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p><b>Please Note:</b> This episode contains discussions of domestic violence, relationship trauma, and complex grief. Our conversation is meant for educational and empowering purposes, but we understand these topics can be heavy. Please protect your peace and prioritize your well-being as you listen.</p><p></p><p>In this episode of <i>The Living Loss Podcast</i>, host Daiana Bernard sits down with advocate Melissa Issa to expose the hidden grief of navigating relationship trauma and domestic violence in mid-life.</p><p></p><p>Rebuilding your life after an abusive or toxic relationship looks different in your 30s, 40s, or 50s. Together, they unpack the unique, quiet shame of starting over later in life and the heavy feeling that you "should have known better." Melissa shares her powerful story of hitting rock bottom, shedding her survival self, and proving that circumstances don't check your age before they change.</p><p></p><p>Whether you are healing from intimate partner violence or reclaiming an identity you thought was lost, this episode offers a raw, trauma-informed roadmap to resilience, self-love, and empowerment in your next chapter.</p><h3><b>Connect With Us:</b></h3><p>Melissa Issa: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@melissaissatampa" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@melissaissatampa</a> </p><p>Break The Silence Against Domestic Violence - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://breakthesilencedv.org/" target="_blank">https://breakthesilencedv.org/</a></p><p></p><p><b>Join the Community</b>: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community.</p><p><b>Instagram</b>: @thelivinglosspodcast </p><p><b>Email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p></p><p><b>Support the Show:</b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p></p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p></p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a> Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.</p><p><br /></p>no00:46:0212020 | Living with the Hidden Grief of Mid-Life Relationship Trauma w/ Melissa Issafull<![CDATA[19 | Living with the Hidden Grief of Caregiving: Early-Onset Alzheimer’s with Author Suzy McNamara]]>In this heartfelt interview, Suzy McNamara shares her profound journey through the grief of losing her husband to early onset Alzheimer's and her sister unexpectedly. She explores the nuances of ambiguous loss, caregiver burden, and finding love and purpose amidst profound grief, offering valuable insights and hope for those navigating similar paths.

Connect With Us:

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.


If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

The Silkworm, the Magician, and the Sister Tree

Book by Suzy McNamara

Pre-Sale now and everywhere books are sold June 2, 2026

Connect with Suzy:

Suzy McNamara: suzymcnamara.com Instagram: mcnamara.suzy , LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/suzymcnamara 

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

]]>371ac0c5-c61a-4ec9-98b0-d9394891a68eThu, 21 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>In this heartfelt interview, Suzy McNamara shares her profound journey through the grief of losing her husband to early onset Alzheimer's and her sister unexpectedly. She explores the nuances of ambiguous loss, caregiver burden, and finding love and purpose amidst profound grief, offering valuable insights and hope for those navigating similar paths.</p><h3><b>Connect With Us:</b></h3><p><b>Join the Community</b>: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. <b>Instagram</b>: @thelivinglosspodcast  <b>Email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p><b>Support the Show:</b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p><br /></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a> Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p><b>The Silkworm, the Magician, and the Sister Tree</b></p><p>Book by Suzy McNamara</p><p>Pre-Sale now and everywhere books are sold June 2, 2026</p><p>Connect with Suzy:</p><p>Suzy McNamara: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://suzymcnamara.com" target="_blank">suzymcnamara.com</a> Instagram: mcnamara.suzy , LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://linkedin.com/in/suzymcnamara" target="_blank">linkedin.com/in/suzymcnamara</a> </p><p></p><p>Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.</p><p></p>no00:56:5411919 | Living with the Hidden Grief of Caregiving: Early-Onset Alzheimer’s with Author Suzy McNamarafull<![CDATA[12 | Living with the Hidden Grief of Family Estrangement with Lee Horton-Carter]]>Daiana and Cassandra, with special guest Lee Horton-Carter, retired psychotherapist, explore the concept of ambiguous loss and family estrangement, shedding light on the psychological and emotional impact of living with estrangement. We would like to mention that today’s conversation does touch on the subject of sexual abuse and could be triggering to some listeners. It is not the overall focus but we wanted to be mindful of everyone’s experiences. 

The conversation delves into the experience of estrangement, the impact on identity, and the journey of finding belonging and healing outside of the family system. The conversation delves into the complexities of estrangement and its impact on relationships, identity, and resilience. Lee shares personal experiences and insights, highlighting the challenges and growth associated with estrangement from family.

Connect With Us:

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. Lee would also love to hear from you if her story resonated with you!

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast 

Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com

Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com

Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com

Website: firststridezcounseling.com

Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

]]>bbe50838-e0d4-4c4b-bcf1-8229881c34d5Sun, 17 May 2026 23:44:31 GMT<p>Daiana and Cassandra, with special guest Lee Horton-Carter, retired psychotherapist, explore the concept of ambiguous loss and family estrangement, shedding light on the psychological and emotional impact of living with estrangement. We would like to mention that today’s conversation does touch on the subject of sexual abuse and could be triggering to some listeners. It is not the overall focus but we wanted to be mindful of everyone’s experiences. </p><p>The conversation delves into the experience of estrangement, the impact on identity, and the journey of finding belonging and healing outside of the family system. The conversation delves into the complexities of estrangement and its impact on relationships, identity, and resilience. Lee shares personal experiences and insights, highlighting the challenges and growth associated with estrangement from family.</p><h3><b>Connect With Us:</b></h3><p><b>Join the Community</b>: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. Lee would also love to hear from you if her story resonated with you!</p><p><b>Instagram</b>: @thelivinglosspodcast </p><p><b>Email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p><b>Support the Show:</b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a></p><p>Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a></p><p>Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a></p><p>Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank"> firststridezcounseling.com</a></p><p>Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p>Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.</p><p></p>no00:40:2111212 | Living with the Hidden Grief of Family Estrangement with Lee Horton-Carterfull<![CDATA[18 | Living with the Hidden Grief of the Second Year Slump and Holiday Triggers]]>If you've ever wondered why the second year of grief feels harder than the first, or how to survive the holidays after a loss, this episode is for you.

Daiana and Cassandra reunite to explore the complex grief tied to holidays, traditions, and milestones. They dive into the "quiet losses" we often overlook and offer a guide to supporting yourself and others through these heavy transitions.

In this episode, we discuss:

The "first holiday" myth and how shock protects us initially, versus the reality of the second-year slump. We also explore how to process anticipatory grief and the necessity of creating new traditions when old ones evoke pain. Finally, we break down the difference between acute and disenfranchised grief while learning the art of holding space for others without trying to "fix" the pain.

Healing requires patience, grace, and the permission to redefine your journey.

Remember: Grief is a journey with no fixed timeline. Be gentle with yourself and seek support when needed. 

Connect With Us:

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community.

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast 

Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com

Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

]]>3b78d5f2-19af-405d-94f6-7f8e4c2dedc0Thu, 14 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>If you've ever wondered <b>why the second year of grief feels harder</b> than the first, or how to <b>survive the holidays after a loss</b>, this episode is for you.</p><p></p><p>Daiana and Cassandra reunite to explore the complex grief tied to holidays, traditions, and milestones. They dive into the "quiet losses" we often overlook and offer a guide to supporting yourself and others through these heavy transitions.</p><p></p><p><b>In this episode, we discuss:</b></p><p>The "first holiday" myth and how shock protects us initially, versus the reality of the second-year slump. We also explore how to process anticipatory grief and the necessity of creating new traditions when old ones evoke pain. Finally, we break down the difference between acute and disenfranchised grief while learning the art of holding space for others without trying to "fix" the pain.</p><p>Healing requires patience, grace, and the permission to redefine your journey.</p><p></p><p><i>Remember: Grief is a journey with no fixed timeline. Be gentle with yourself and seek support when needed.</i> </p><h3><b>Connect With Us:</b></h3><p><b>Join the Community</b>: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. </p><p><b>Instagram</b>: @thelivinglosspodcast  </p><p><b>Email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p></p><p><b>Support the Show:</b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. </p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> </p><p>Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a> Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.</p>no00:32:4018 | Living with the Hidden Grief of the Second Year Slump and Holiday Triggersfull<![CDATA[17 | Living with the Hidden Grief of Pet Loss with Adam Greenbaum]]>In this heartfelt episode, Cassandra Harris-Towner and guest Adam Greenbaum explore the profound grief of losing beloved pets, the societal minimization of pet loss, and the importance of infrastructure and support for pet owners. They share personal stories, insights on disenfranchised grief, and practical lessons on honoring pet memories and supporting others through loss. Adam Greenbaum the founder of Love, Baxter, a mission-driven platform born from the profound loss of his dog, Baxter. Adam is dedicated to ensuring no one has to navigate the heartbreak of losing an animal alone. 

Website: lovebaxter.com

Pet Professional Directory; https://app.lovebaxter.com/

Pet Loss Memorial Store: https://shop.lovebaxter.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovebaxterco

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovebaxterco

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/love-baxter/ 

Connect With Us:

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.


]]>c9d73c48-c202-496c-aa3b-79c4b2f10403Thu, 07 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>In this heartfelt episode, Cassandra Harris-Towner and guest Adam Greenbaum explore the profound grief of losing beloved pets, the societal minimization of pet loss, and the importance of infrastructure and support for pet owners. They share personal stories, insights on disenfranchised grief, and practical lessons on honoring pet memories and supporting others through loss.<b> Adam Greenbaum</b> the founder of <b>Love, Baxter</b>, a mission-driven platform born from the profound loss of his dog, Baxter. Adam is dedicated to ensuring no one has to navigate the heartbreak of losing an animal alone. </p><p>Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://lovebaxter.com" target="_blank">lovebaxter.com</a></p><p>Pet Professional Directory; <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.lovebaxter.com/" target="_blank">https://app.lovebaxter.com/</a></p><p>Pet Loss Memorial Store: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://shop.lovebaxter.com/" target="_blank">https://shop.lovebaxter.com/</a></p><p>Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/lovebaxterco" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/lovebaxterco</a></p><p>Facebook: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/lovebaxterco" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/lovebaxterco</a></p><p>LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/love-baxter/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/love-baxter/</a> </p><h3><b>Connect With Us:</b></h3><p><b>Join the Community</b>: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. <b>Instagram</b>: @thelivinglosspodcast  <b>Email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p><b>Support the Show:</b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a> Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.</p><p><br /></p>no00:43:0217 | Living with the Hidden Grief of Pet Loss with Adam Greenbaumfull<![CDATA[16 | Living with the Hidden Grief of Miscarriage with Shruti Trivedi]]>In this heartfelt episode, Cassandra Harris-Towner interviews Shruti Trivedi about living with the complex grief of pregnancy and baby loss. They explore the nuances of ambiguous loss, delayed grief, and practical frameworks for healing, emphasizing the importance of validation, self-care, and community support.

Connect With Us: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

Connect with Shruti Trivedi

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tulsihealslifecoaching

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tulsiheals_life_coaching/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shruzee

Substack: https://substack.com/@tulsihealslifecoaching

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEuJzTER4Lz2u42KQIg2X9w

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shruti-trivedi-pmp-acc-8793671a

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/tulsiheals_lifecoaching

Blinq: https://blinq.me/AAcAILQ5QK3kxylXUp3S?bs=icl

Complimentary 60 mins breakthrough call: https://calendly.com/shruzee/60min 

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com
If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out: Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.


]]>f542032f-bc0f-4745-b2b8-a792f012224dThu, 30 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>In this heartfelt episode, Cassandra Harris-Towner interviews Shruti Trivedi about living with the complex grief of pregnancy and baby loss. They explore the nuances of ambiguous loss, delayed grief, and practical frameworks for healing, emphasizing the importance of validation, self-care, and community support.</p><h3><b>Connect With Us: </b>We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. <b>Instagram</b>: @thelivinglosspodcast  <b>Email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</h3><h3><b>Connect with Shruti Trivedi</b></h3><h3>TikTok: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tulsihealslifecoaching" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@tulsihealslifecoaching</a></h3><p>Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/tulsiheals_life_coaching/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tulsiheals_life_coaching/</a></p><p>Facebook: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/shruzee" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/shruzee</a></p><p>Substack: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://substack.com/@tulsihealslifecoaching" target="_blank">https://substack.com/@tulsihealslifecoaching</a></p><p>YouTube: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEuJzTER4Lz2u42KQIg2X9w" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEuJzTER4Lz2u42KQIg2X9w</a></p><p>LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/shruti-trivedi-pmp-acc-8793671a" target="_blank">www.linkedin.com/in/shruti-trivedi-pmp-acc-8793671a</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Linktr.ee" target="_blank">Linktr.ee</a>: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linktr.ee/tulsiheals_lifecoaching" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/tulsiheals_lifecoaching</a></p><p>Blinq: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://blinq.me/AAcAILQ5QK3kxylXUp3S?bs=icl" target="_blank">https://blinq.me/AAcAILQ5QK3kxylXUp3S?bs=icl</a></p><p>Complimentary 60 mins breakthrough call: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://calendly.com/shruzee/60min" target="_blank">https://calendly.com/shruzee/60min</a> </p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> <br />If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out: Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a></p><p>Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.</p><p><br /></p>yes00:34:4211616 | Living with the Hidden Grief of Miscarriage with Shruti Trivedifull<![CDATA[15 | RP: Living with Grief Fog: Why Your Brain Feels This Way]]>In this replay Daiana shares personal insights on grief brain, relationship dynamics, and practical coping strategies. She briefly explores navigating grief, emotional exhaustion, and the importance of self-compassion during difficult times.

In this episode, Cassandra and Daiana delve into the complexities of grief, particularly focusing on the concept of 'grief brain' and its effects on mental clarity. They discuss empathy fatigue, a common experience among therapists and caregivers, and the importance of utilizing distress tolerance skills to manage emotional surges. The conversation shifts to the role of entertainment in coping with grief, highlighting how shows like 'The Good Place' can provide comfort and insight into the human experience of loss. The hosts emphasize the significance of creating meaning from grief and the ongoing journey of healing. 

ACCEPTS Skill: https://dbt.tools/distress_tolerance/accepts.php

Connect With Us: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. 

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid

Work with Daiana If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Work with Cassandra If you’re interested in a consultation, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.



]]>831a2f3a-c8ba-45c0-82dc-f4d11c6083fbThu, 23 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>In this replay Daiana shares personal insights on grief brain, relationship dynamics, and practical coping strategies. She briefly explores navigating grief, emotional exhaustion, and the importance of self-compassion during difficult times.</p><p></p><p>In this episode, Cassandra and Daiana delve into the complexities of grief, particularly focusing on the concept of 'grief brain' and its effects on mental clarity. They discuss empathy fatigue, a common experience among therapists and caregivers, and the importance of utilizing distress tolerance skills to manage emotional surges. The conversation shifts to the role of entertainment in coping with grief, highlighting how shows like 'The Good Place' can provide comfort and insight into the human experience of loss. The hosts emphasize the significance of creating meaning from grief and the ongoing journey of healing. </p><p>ACCEPTS Skill:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://dbt.tools/distress_tolerance/accepts.php" target="_blank"> https://dbt.tools/distress_tolerance/accepts.php</a></p><p><b>Connect With Us: </b>We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. </p><p><b>Instagram</b>: @thelivinglosspodcast  <b>Email:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p><b>Support the Show:</b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid</p><h2>Work with Daiana If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</h2><ul><li>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a></li><li>Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a></li><li>Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</li></ul><h2><b>Work with Cassandra </b>If you’re interested in a consultation, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</h2><ul><li>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a></li><li>Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank"> firststridezcounseling.com</a></li><li>Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</li></ul><p>Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>no00:34:2315 | RP: Living with Grief Fog: Why Your Brain Feels This Wayfull<![CDATA[14 | RP: Living with Hidden Grief: An Introduction and a personal update.]]>Daiana shares a personal update about taking time off to grieve and be with family. She then delves into the psychology of grief, highlighting the cognitive reorganization and the different types of grief experiences. The conversation provides clarity and comfort to the audience.

Replay: The Living Loss Podcast explores the complexities of non-death grief, shedding light on different types of non-death grief such as ambiguous loss, disenfranchised grief, anticipatory grief, delayed grief, and complicated grief. The hosts share personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and validating non-death grief while finding meaning and seeking community support.

Show notes

Connect With Us:

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community.

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast 

Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com

Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com

Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com

Website: firststridezcounseling.com

Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

]]>43dd76c6-e030-416d-a4b2-f39fe2379148Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>Daiana shares a personal update about taking time off to grieve and be with family. She then delves into the psychology of grief, highlighting the cognitive reorganization and the different types of grief experiences. The conversation provides clarity and comfort to the audience.</p><p></p><p>Replay: The Living Loss Podcast explores the complexities of non-death grief, shedding light on different types of non-death grief such as ambiguous loss, disenfranchised grief, anticipatory grief, delayed grief, and complicated grief. The hosts share personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and validating non-death grief while finding meaning and seeking community support.</p><p>Show notes</p><p></p><h3><b>Connect With Us:</b></h3><p><b>Join the Community</b>: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community.</p><p><b>Instagram</b>: @thelivinglosspodcast </p><p><b>Email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p></p><p><b>Support the Show:</b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a></p><p>Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a></p><p>Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a></p><p>Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a></p><p>Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.</p><p></p>no00:26:4211414 | RP: Living with Hidden Grief: An Introduction and a personal update.full<![CDATA[13 | Living with Eating Disorder Loss: The Reality of Grief in Recovery with Briana Rogers, LMHC]]>The Living Loss Podcast explores the complex grief experienced in eating disorders, addressing topics such as ambiguous loss, disenfranchised grief, shame, identity, and the impact on relationships. It delves into coping mechanisms, the recovery paradox, and the importance of supporting individuals with eating disorders. The podcast emphasizes the normalcy of grief in recovery and the need to honor the loss experienced.

Connect With Us:

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Our Guest: Briana Rogers, LMHC

Website: naturallyyoucounseling.com

Instagram: @naturallyyoucounseling

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.


]]>25455826-cc0e-4908-a041-6e163947bbf1Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>The Living Loss Podcast explores the complex grief experienced in eating disorders, addressing topics such as ambiguous loss, disenfranchised grief, shame, identity, and the impact on relationships. It delves into coping mechanisms, the recovery paradox, and the importance of supporting individuals with eating disorders. The podcast emphasizes the normalcy of grief in recovery and the need to honor the loss experienced.</p><h3><b>Connect With Us:</b></h3><p><b>Join the Community</b>: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. <b>Instagram</b>: @thelivinglosspodcast  <b>Email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p></p><p><b>Support the Show:</b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a> Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>Our Guest: Briana Rogers, LMHC </p><p>Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://naturallyyoucounseling.com" target="_blank">naturallyyoucounseling.com</a></p><p>Instagram: @naturallyyoucounseling</p><p></p><p>Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>no00:39:4311313 | Living with Eating Disorder Loss: The Reality of Grief in Recovery with Briana Rogers, LMHCfull<![CDATA[11 | Living with the Weight we Never Put Down: Finding the Light with Author Joel Asencio, LMHC]]>In this episode of The Living Loss, Daiana Bernard and Cassandra Harris-Towner sit down with author Joel Asensio for a deeply moving conversation about the types of grief that often go unacknowledged. We dive into the "unseen" side of suffering, from the heavy fog of depression to the complexities of loving someone through their darkest mental health struggles.

Joel shares the heart behind his novella, How Much Could a Clementine Weigh?, and how storytelling serves as a vital bridge toward connection and hope. Whether you are navigating your own "quiet" loss or supporting someone else through theirs, this episode offers a gentle space to feel seen.

Purchase “How Much Could A Clementine Weigh?" Anywhere books are sold.

Follow Joel on Instagram @authorjoelasencio 

Connect With Us:

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community.

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast 

Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com

Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com

Website: firststridezcounseling.com

Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.


]]>e97b59b7-de31-44a6-a01b-862a28126497Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of The Living Loss, Daiana Bernard and Cassandra Harris-Towner sit down with author Joel Asensio for a deeply moving conversation about the types of grief that often go unacknowledged. We dive into the "unseen" side of suffering, from the heavy fog of depression to the complexities of loving someone through their darkest mental health struggles.</p><p></p><p>Joel shares the heart behind his novella, <i>How Much Could a Clementine Weigh?</i>, and how storytelling serves as a vital bridge toward connection and hope. Whether you are navigating your own "quiet" loss or supporting someone else through theirs, this episode offers a gentle space to feel seen.</p><p></p><p>Purchase <i>“How Much Could A Clementine Weigh?</i>" Anywhere books are sold. </p><p>Follow Joel on Instagram @authorjoelasencio </p><h3><b>Connect With Us:</b></h3><p><b>Join the Community</b>: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. </p><p><b>Instagram</b>: @thelivinglosspodcast </p><p> <b>Email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p></p><p><b>Support the Show:</b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> </p><p>Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> </p><p>Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a> </p><p>Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.</p><p><br /></p>no00:30:0911111 | Living with the Weight we Never Put Down: Finding the Light with Author Joel Asencio, LMHCfull<![CDATA[10 | Living with the Stages of Parenting: Grieving the Versions of Our Kids w/ Christine Vega-Perez]]>Parenting is a series of beautiful hellos and quiet, heavy goodbyes. In this episode, we’re diving into the "living losses" that come with raising children—the grief of outgrowing a stage, the shift in our own identities as they gain independence, and the bittersweet reality of watching the versions of our kids we once knew slip away to make room for who they are becoming.

Join Daiana and Cassandra as they sit down with life coach and healthcare professional Christine Vega-Perez. Together, they explore how to process anticipatory grief, release "mom guilt," and build a foundation of calm amid the chaotic transitions of parenthood.

Connect with Christine:
www.instagram.com/@lifecoach.christine

www.facebook.com/lifesriskmanagement

www.linkedin.com/in/christine-vega-perez/

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community.

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast 

Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com

Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com

Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com

Website: firststridezcounseling.com

Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.


]]>38ac5ee1-1bd8-4719-9da5-b5c947bb3007Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>Parenting is a series of beautiful hellos and quiet, heavy goodbyes. In this episode, we’re diving into the "living losses" that come with raising children—the grief of outgrowing a stage, the shift in our own identities as they gain independence, and the bittersweet reality of watching the versions of our kids we once knew slip away to make room for who they are becoming.</p><p></p><p>Join Daiana and Cassandra as they sit down with life coach and healthcare professional <b>Christine Vega-Perez</b>. Together, they explore how to process anticipatory grief, release "mom guilt," and build a foundation of calm amid the chaotic transitions of parenthood.</p><p></p><p>Connect with Christine: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.instagram.com/@lifecoach.christine" target="_blank"><br />www.instagram.com/@lifecoach.christine</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.facebook.com/lifesriskmanagement" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/lifesriskmanagement</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-vega-perez/" target="_blank">www.linkedin.com/in/christine-vega-perez/</a></p><p></p><p><b>Join the Community</b>: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community.</p><p></p><p><b>Instagram</b>: @thelivinglosspodcast </p><p><b>Email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p></p><p><b>Support the Show:</b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p></p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a></p><p>Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a></p><p>Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a></p><p>Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a></p><p>Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.</p><p><br /></p><p></p>no00:31:4611010 | Living with the Stages of Parenting: Grieving the Versions of Our Kids w/ Christine Vega-Perezfull<![CDATA[09 | Living with the Silence of Navigating the Loss of Friendships]]>The Living Loss podcast explores the quiet, complex grief of friendship loss and the impact it has on identity, closure, and emotional trust. The conversation delves into the emotional impact of ambiguous loss, disenfranchised grief, and the challenge of finding closure in relationships. It also highlights the significance of friendship loss and the emotional flexibility it can provide, along with tangible takeaways for coping with loss and grief.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Quiet Losses

03:03 Navigating Friendship Loss

06:02 The Impact of Closure and Rumination

08:56 Attachment and Identity Disruption

11:45 The Emotional Weight of Friendship Changes

14:59 The Narrative of Loss

17:46 Finding Meaning in Grief

21:41 Integrating Loss and Grief

24:55 The Evolution of Friendships

29:00 Quality Over Quantity in Relationships

35:15 Living Loss Lessons and Self-Discovery

39:53 NEWCHAPTER

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_p25phFIx94

Resource: https://www.attachmentproject.com/

Connect With Us:

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community.

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast 

Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.


If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.


]]>93fe5ec5-5107-4193-991a-6b3c1caddc51Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>The Living Loss podcast explores the quiet, complex grief of friendship loss and the impact it has on identity, closure, and emotional trust. The conversation delves into the emotional impact of ambiguous loss, disenfranchised grief, and the challenge of finding closure in relationships. It also highlights the significance of friendship loss and the emotional flexibility it can provide, along with tangible takeaways for coping with loss and grief.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Understanding Quiet Losses</p><p>03:03 Navigating Friendship Loss</p><p>06:02 The Impact of Closure and Rumination</p><p>08:56 Attachment and Identity Disruption</p><p>11:45 The Emotional Weight of Friendship Changes</p><p>14:59 The Narrative of Loss</p><p>17:46 Finding Meaning in Grief</p><p>21:41 Integrating Loss and Grief</p><p>24:55 The Evolution of Friendships</p><p>29:00 Quality Over Quantity in Relationships</p><p>35:15 Living Loss Lessons and Self-Discovery</p><p>39:53 NEWCHAPTER</p><p></p><p>Watch on YouTube: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/_p25phFIx94" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/_p25phFIx94</a></p><p></p><p>Resource: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.attachmentproject.com/" target="_blank">https://www.attachmentproject.com/</a></p><h3><b>Connect With Us:</b></h3><p><b>Join the Community</b>: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community.</p><p><b>Instagram</b>: @thelivinglosspodcast </p><p><b>Email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p></p><p><b>Support the Show:</b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</p><p>If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a> Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p><br />If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a> Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a> Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</p><p></p><p>Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><p></p>no00:39:541909 | Living with the Silence of Navigating the Loss of Friendshipsfull<![CDATA[08 | Living with Alopecia: Navigating the Hidden Grief with Bridgid]]>In this episode of the Living Loss podcast, hosts Cassandra and Daiana explore the often-overlooked grief associated with alopecia, a condition that leads to hair loss and can profoundly impact identity and self-image. They are joined by Brigid, who shares her personal journey with alopecia, discussing the emotional toll of camouflaging her hair loss, the challenges of dating, and the journey towards self-acceptance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy, connection, and the lessons learned through grief, ultimately highlighting the strength found in vulnerability and community support.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Quiet Losses: The Impact of Alopecia

02:55 Brigid's Journey: Navigating Identity and Hair Loss

06:01 The Emotional Toll: Camouflaging and Dating Challenges

09:00 Acceptance and Self-Expression: Embracing Baldness

11:58 Empathy and Connection: Sharing the Alopecia Experience

14:48 Living Loss Lessons: Strength and Purpose in Grief

Join the Community: "We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

Work with Daiana If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Daiana is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and the owner of Meaningful Therapy. She provides a supportive, neurodivergent and trauma-informed space for adults.

Work with Cassandra If you’re interested in a consultation, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Cassandra is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) at First Stridez Counseling. She provides a supportive, neurodivergent-affirming space for: Individuals & Couples: Supporting adolescents, young adults, and adults of all ages.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

]]>585926aa-fe8f-49fb-83fb-b10c23642540Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of the Living Loss podcast, hosts Cassandra and Daiana explore the often-overlooked grief associated with alopecia, a condition that leads to hair loss and can profoundly impact identity and self-image. They are joined by Brigid, who shares her personal journey with alopecia, discussing the emotional toll of camouflaging her hair loss, the challenges of dating, and the journey towards self-acceptance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy, connection, and the lessons learned through grief, ultimately highlighting the strength found in vulnerability and community support.</p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Understanding Quiet Losses: The Impact of Alopecia</p><p>02:55 Brigid's Journey: Navigating Identity and Hair Loss</p><p>06:01 The Emotional Toll: Camouflaging and Dating Challenges</p><p>09:00 Acceptance and Self-Expression: Embracing Baldness</p><p>11:58 Empathy and Connection: Sharing the Alopecia Experience</p><p>14:48 Living Loss Lessons: Strength and Purpose in Grief</p><p></p><p><b>Join the Community</b>: "We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. <b>Instagram</b>: @thelivinglosspodcast  <b>Email: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p></p><p><b>Support the Show:</b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</p><p></p><p>Work with Daiana If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><ul><li>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a></li><li>Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a></li><li>Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</li></ul><p>Daiana is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and the owner of Meaningful Therapy. She provides a supportive, neurodivergent and trauma-informed space for adults.</p><p></p><p>Work with Cassandra If you’re interested in a consultation, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><ul><li>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a></li><li>Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a></li><li>Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</li></ul><p>Cassandra is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) at First Stridez Counseling. She provides a supportive, neurodivergent-affirming space for: Individuals &amp; Couples: Supporting adolescents, young adults, and adults of all ages.</p><p></p><p>Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.</p>no00:29:291808 | Living with Alopecia: Navigating the Hidden Grief with Bridgidfull<![CDATA[07 | Living with Grief Fog: Why Your Brain Feels This Way]]>In this episode of the Living Loss Podcast, Cassandra and Daiana delve into the complexities of grief, particularly focusing on the concept of 'grief brain' and its effects on mental clarity. They discuss empathy fatigue, a common experience among therapists and caregivers, and the importance of utilizing distress tolerance skills to manage emotional surges. The conversation shifts to the role of entertainment in coping with grief, highlighting how shows like 'The Good Place' can provide comfort and insight into the human experience of loss. The hosts emphasize the significance of creating meaning from grief and the ongoing journey of healing.

ACCEPTS Skill: https://dbt.tools/distress_tolerance/accepts.php

Connect With Us:

Join the Community: "We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community.

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast  Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid

Work with Daiana

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Work with Cassandra

If you’re interested in a consultation, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

]]>42ca20c0-9256-4664-bc38-53a66b9c50f6Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of the Living Loss Podcast, Cassandra and Daiana delve into the complexities of grief, particularly focusing on the concept of 'grief brain' and its effects on mental clarity. They discuss empathy fatigue, a common experience among therapists and caregivers, and the importance of utilizing distress tolerance skills to manage emotional surges. The conversation shifts to the role of entertainment in coping with grief, highlighting how shows like 'The Good Place' can provide comfort and insight into the human experience of loss. The hosts emphasize the significance of creating meaning from grief and the ongoing journey of healing.</p><p></p><p>ACCEPTS Skill: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://dbt.tools/distress_tolerance/accepts.php" target="_blank">https://dbt.tools/distress_tolerance/accepts.php</a></p><p></p><p><b>Connect With Us:</b></p><p><b>Join the Community</b>: "We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community.</p><p><b>Instagram</b>: @thelivinglosspodcast  <b>Email:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p><b>Support the Show:</b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid</p><h2>Work with Daiana</h2><p>If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><ul><li>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a></li><li>Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a></li><li>Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</li></ul><h2>Work with Cassandra</h2><p>If you’re interested in a consultation, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><ul><li>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a></li><li>Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a></li><li>Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</li></ul><p></p><p>Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.</p>no00:29:101707 | Living with Grief Fog: Why Your Brain Feels This Wayfull<![CDATA[06 | Living with Sibling Disability: Unlearning Our Roles Suyapa Ulloa, LCSW]]>In this episode, we explore the complex and often invisible grief experienced by siblings of loved ones with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Suyapa Ulloa shares her personal journey, cultural influences like Marianismo, and practical insights on unlearning caregiving roles to embrace self-care and authentic identity.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Unpacking Ambiguous Loss
  • 05:47 The Unlearning Process
  • 11:54 The Experience of Siblings
  • 17:52 Radical Acceptance and Healing
  • 32:59 Final Takeaways

Connect with Suyapa Ulloa

TikToc and Instagram @SuyapaSuTherapist

Website: SuyapaSuTherapist.com

Connect With Us: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community.

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast 

Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

Work with Daiana

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Daiana is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and the owner of Meaningful Therapy. She provides a supportive, neurodivergent and trauma-informed space for adults navigating:

  • Non-Death Loss & Grief: Validating and healing the "living losses" that often go unacknowledged.
  • Trauma: Supporting individuals processing their own personal trauma as well as those experiencing vicarious trauma.
  • Therapeutic Modalities: Integrating ACT, DBT, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy for a holistic approach to healing.

Work with Cassandra

If you’re interested in a consultation, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Cassandra is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) at First Stridez Counseling. She provides a supportive, neurodivergent-affirming space for:

  • Individuals & Couples: Supporting adolescents, young adults, and adults of all ages.
  • Specialties: Neurodivergence, interpersonal relationships, and mood disorders.
  • Therapeutic Modalities: Integrating CBT, DBT, Play & Art therapeutic interventions, and Person-Centered therapy.




]]>1dc2b092-601a-49aa-b89d-6d9ac1060883Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode, we explore the complex and often invisible grief experienced by siblings of loved ones with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Suyapa Ulloa shares her personal journey, cultural influences like Marianismo, and practical insights on unlearning caregiving roles to embrace self-care and authentic identity.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Unpacking Ambiguous Loss</li><li>05:47 The Unlearning Process</li><li>11:54 The Experience of Siblings</li><li>17:52 Radical Acceptance and Healing</li><li>32:59 Final Takeaways</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Connect with Suyapa Ulloa</b></p><h4><b>TikToc and Instagram @SuyapaSuTherapist</b></h4><h4>Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://SuyapaSuTherapist.com" target="_blank">SuyapaSuTherapist.com</a></h4><h3><b>Connect With Us: </b>We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community.</h3><p><b>Instagram</b>: @thelivinglosspodcast </p><p><b>Email:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello@livinglosspodcast.com</a></p><p><b>Support the Show:</b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</p><hr /><h2>Work with Daiana</h2><p>If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><ul><li>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank">healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com</a></li><li>Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meaningfultherapyfl.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeaningfulTherapyFL.com" target="_blank">MeaningfulTherapyFL.com</a></li><li>Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</li></ul><p>Daiana is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and the owner of Meaningful Therapy. She provides a supportive, neurodivergent and trauma-informed space for adults navigating:</p><ul><li>Non-Death Loss &amp; Grief: Validating and healing the "living losses" that often go unacknowledged.</li><li>Trauma: Supporting individuals processing their own personal trauma as well as those experiencing vicarious trauma.</li><li>Therapeutic Modalities: Integrating ACT, DBT, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy for a holistic approach to healing.</li></ul><hr /><h2>Work with Cassandra</h2><p>If you’re interested in a consultation, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.</p><ul><li>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com</a></li><li>Website:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://firststridezcounseling.com" target="_blank">firststridezcounseling.com</a></li><li>Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.</li></ul><p>Cassandra is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) at First Stridez Counseling. She provides a supportive, neurodivergent-affirming space for:</p><ul><li>Individuals &amp; Couples: Supporting adolescents, young adults, and adults of all ages.</li><li>Specialties: Neurodivergence, interpersonal relationships, and mood disorders.</li><li>Therapeutic Modalities: Integrating CBT, DBT, Play &amp; Art therapeutic interventions, and Person-Centered therapy.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p></p><p><br /><br /></p>no00:35:141606 | Living with Sibling Disability: Unlearning Our Roles Suyapa Ulloa, LCSWfull<![CDATA[05 | Living with the Grief of Belonging with Eliana Perez]]>In this episode of the Living Loss Podcast, hosts Daiana and Cassandra engage in a heartfelt conversation with Eliana Perez about the unique grief of feeling like a permanent outsider. Eliana shares her journey from Brooklyn to the Dominican Republic and back to the United States, exploring the complexities of identity, culture shock, and the challenges of navigating dual identities. The discussion emphasizes the importance of acknowledging grief, embracing one's heritage, and finding balance in a new environment. Eliana's insights provide valuable lessons on personal growth and the significance of community support in overcoming feelings of loss and belonging.

Takeaways

  • The weight of grief often comes from unacknowledged feelings.
  • Cultural transitions can lead to feelings of being an outsider.
  • Language barriers can contribute to identity struggles.
  • Change affects individuals regardless of age or circumstance.
  • Support systems are crucial during major life transitions.
  • Embracing both sides of one's identity can lead to personal growth.
  • Navigating cultural differences requires patience and understanding.
  • Finding a sense of belonging takes time and effort.
  • It's important to advocate for one's own culture and identity.
  • Personal goals may take longer to achieve, and that's okay.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Living Loss

01:18 Eliana's Journey: From Brooklyn to the Dominican Republic

06:23 Navigating Identity and Culture Shock

12:39 The Transition Back to the United States

19:36 Embracing Dual Identities

26:31 Finding Balance in a New Environment

27:14 Living Loss Lessons: Embracing Your Journey

Connect With Us:

  • Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast
  • Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

  • Join the Community: Share your "Living Loss Lesson" with us on social media. What is one silent or lingering feeling you are finally giving yourself permission to name this week?

  • Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health care.

]]>a6893420-be7a-4505-8385-b7eb5d4a5eaaThu, 12 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of the Living Loss Podcast, hosts Daiana and Cassandra engage in a heartfelt conversation with Eliana Perez about the unique grief of feeling like a permanent outsider. Eliana shares her journey from Brooklyn to the Dominican Republic and back to the United States, exploring the complexities of identity, culture shock, and the challenges of navigating dual identities. The discussion emphasizes the importance of acknowledging grief, embracing one's heritage, and finding balance in a new environment. Eliana's insights provide valuable lessons on personal growth and the significance of community support in overcoming feelings of loss and belonging.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>The weight of grief often comes from unacknowledged feelings.</li><li>Cultural transitions can lead to feelings of being an outsider.</li><li>Language barriers can contribute to identity struggles.</li><li>Change affects individuals regardless of age or circumstance.</li><li>Support systems are crucial during major life transitions.</li><li>Embracing both sides of one's identity can lead to personal growth.</li><li>Navigating cultural differences requires patience and understanding.</li><li>Finding a sense of belonging takes time and effort.</li><li>It's important to advocate for one's own culture and identity.</li><li>Personal goals may take longer to achieve, and that's okay.<p></p></li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Living Loss</p><p>01:18 Eliana's Journey: From Brooklyn to the Dominican Republic</p><p>06:23 Navigating Identity and Culture Shock</p><p>12:39 The Transition Back to the United States</p><p>19:36 Embracing Dual Identities</p><p>26:31 Finding Balance in a New Environment</p><p>27:14 Living Loss Lessons: Embracing Your Journey</p><p></p><h3><b>Connect With Us:</b></h3><ul><li><b>Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast</b></li><li><b>Email:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello<b>@livinglosspodcast.com</b></a><p></p></li><li><b>Join the Community:</b> Share your "Living Loss Lesson" with us on social media. What is one silent or lingering feeling you are finally giving yourself permission to name this week?<p></p></li><li><b>Support the Show:</b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</li></ul><blockquote><p><b>Disclaimer:</b> This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health care.</p></blockquote><p></p>no00:28:141505 | Living with the Grief of Belonging with Eliana Perezfull<![CDATA[04 | Living with Collective Grief: The 80s Baby Experience (Part 2)]]>In this episode of the Living Loss podcast, hosts Cassandra and Daiana delve into the quiet, complex griefs experienced by a generation shaped by 9-11, the recession, and the global pandemic. The hosts explore the concept of widening the window of tolerance to find glimmers of joy amidst chaos, while also addressing the impact of collective trauma, delayed grief, radical honesty, and reducing shame. The conversation emphasizes bodily awareness, emotional responses, and the importance of understanding anxiety and the nervous system. It concludes with a focus on finding sensory moments and sharing glimmers with others, offering tangible takeaways for listeners.

Takeaways

takeaways

  • The cumulative grief of a generation has been shaped by significant events like 9/11 and the pandemic.
  • Delayed grief can manifest long after traumatic events, affecting mental health.
  • Radical honesty involves acknowledging the reality of our feelings rather than denying them.
  • Anxiety is a natural response to real threats and should not be dismissed as irrational.
  • Widening our window of tolerance allows us to experience both grief and joy simultaneously.
  • Finding glimmers of joy can serve as a form of resistance against overwhelming grief.
  • Community support is vital in managing grief and feeling less alone.
  • Self-validation is crucial in reducing shame associated with anxiety and grief.
  • Engaging in nostalgic activities can help reconnect us with joy.
  • It's important to share our experiences and glimmers with others to foster connection.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Collective Grief

01:42 Understanding Delayed Grief

06:48 Radical Honesty and Self-Validation

14:45 Widening the Window of Tolerance

20:25 Finding Glimmers of Joy

27:29 Living Loss Lessons

Connect With Us:

  • Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast
  • Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

  • Join the Community: Share your "Living Loss Lesson" with us on social media. What is one silent or lingering feeling you are finally giving yourself permission to name this week?

  • Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health care.

]]>77b944a5-df9f-44ff-be40-21ccda6bc6d3Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of the Living Loss podcast, hosts Cassandra and Daiana delve into the quiet, complex griefs experienced by a generation shaped by 9-11, the recession, and the global pandemic. The hosts explore the concept of widening the window of tolerance to find glimmers of joy amidst chaos, while also addressing the impact of collective trauma, delayed grief, radical honesty, and reducing shame. The conversation emphasizes bodily awareness, emotional responses, and the importance of understanding anxiety and the nervous system. It concludes with a focus on finding sensory moments and sharing glimmers with others, offering tangible takeaways for listeners.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><p></p><p><b>takeaways</b></p><ul><li>The cumulative grief of a generation has been shaped by significant events like 9/11 and the pandemic.</li><li>Delayed grief can manifest long after traumatic events, affecting mental health.</li><li>Radical honesty involves acknowledging the reality of our feelings rather than denying them.</li><li>Anxiety is a natural response to real threats and should not be dismissed as irrational.</li><li>Widening our window of tolerance allows us to experience both grief and joy simultaneously.</li><li>Finding glimmers of joy can serve as a form of resistance against overwhelming grief.</li><li>Community support is vital in managing grief and feeling less alone.</li><li>Self-validation is crucial in reducing shame associated with anxiety and grief.</li><li>Engaging in nostalgic activities can help reconnect us with joy.</li><li>It's important to share our experiences and glimmers with others to foster connection.</li></ul><p></p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Navigating Collective Grief</p><p>01:42 Understanding Delayed Grief</p><p>06:48 Radical Honesty and Self-Validation</p><p>14:45 Widening the Window of Tolerance</p><p>20:25 Finding Glimmers of Joy</p><p>27:29 Living Loss Lessons</p><p></p><h3><b>Connect With Us:</b></h3><ul><li><b>Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast</b></li><li><b>Email:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello<b>@livinglosspodcast.com</b></a><p></p></li><li><b>Join the Community:</b> Share your "Living Loss Lesson" with us on social media. What is one silent or lingering feeling you are finally giving yourself permission to name this week?<p></p></li><li><b>Support the Show:</b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</li></ul><blockquote><p><b>Disclaimer:</b> This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health care.</p><p></p></blockquote>no00:30:381404 | Living with Collective Grief: The 80s Baby Experience (Part 2)full<![CDATA[03 | Living with Collective Grief: The 80s Baby Experience (Part 1)]]>The Living Loss Podcast hosts, Daiana and Cassandra, unpack the concepts of collective and cumulative grief, discussing the impact of global events on 80s babies and Millennials. They explore the window of tolerance, hyperarousal, and the challenges of parenting in the face of uncertainty and trauma. The conversation delves into the resilience and strength gained through decades of uncertainty, highlighting the need for radical honesty and the shift from surviving to living. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week.

Takeaways

  • Collective and cumulative grief
  • Resilience and strength gained through decades of uncertainty

Chapters

  • 00:00 Neurogrief and Parenting Challenges

Connect With Us:

  • Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast
  • Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com
  • Join the Community: Share your "Living Loss Lesson" with us on social media. What is one silent or lingering feeling you are finally giving yourself permission to name this week?
  • Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health care.

]]>d22ab6b7-1cc9-4eec-b184-2449d2443848Thu, 29 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>The Living Loss Podcast hosts, Daiana and Cassandra, unpack the concepts of collective and cumulative grief, discussing the impact of global events on 80s babies and Millennials. They explore the window of tolerance, hyperarousal, and the challenges of parenting in the face of uncertainty and trauma. The conversation delves into the resilience and strength gained through decades of uncertainty, highlighting the need for radical honesty and the shift from surviving to living. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Collective and cumulative grief</li><li>Resilience and strength gained through decades of uncertainty</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Neurogrief and Parenting Challenges</li></ul><p></p><h3><b>Connect With Us:</b></h3><ul><li><b>Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast</b></li><li><b>Email:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank">hello<b>@livinglosspodcast.com</b></a></li><li><b>Join the Community:</b> Share your "Living Loss Lesson" with us on social media. What is one silent or lingering feeling you are finally giving yourself permission to name this week?</li><li><b>Support the Show:</b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</li></ul><blockquote><p><b>Disclaimer:</b> This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health care.</p></blockquote>no00:31:021303 | Living with Collective Grief: The 80s Baby Experience (Part 1)full<![CDATA[02 | Living with the Complexity of "Coming Home"]]>In this episode, licensed mental health counselors Daiana Bernard and Cassandra Harris-Towner explore the emotional complexity of the post-holiday season and the unique "heaviness" that remains once the decorations are put away. We dive into the post-holiday letdown and why the end of the season can feel like a heavy emotional drop, alongside "the ghost of who you were"—the phenomenon where returning to a childhood environment triggers old reactions and makes you feel like an "angsty teenager" all over again. The conversation also covers the "long-distance ache" of missing out on the daily lives of nieces, nephews, and siblings while living out of state, the tension between anticipatory grief and reality during major moves, and how being "removed" from your roots can actually make the time you do spend there more intentional and joyful.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Weight of Bracing: We often "brace for impact" when returning to old environments, guarding ourselves against emotional ghosts from decades ago.
  • Dual Realities: It is possible to be eternally grateful for your current life while still grieving the version of "home" or the connections you left behind.
  • Naming the Loss: Healing begins when we stop invalidating our quiet griefs and start acknowledging them as real.

Connect With Us:

  • Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast
  • Join the Community: Share your "Living Loss Lesson" with us on social media. What is one non-death loss you are acknowledging this week?
  • Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health care.

]]>dffb1130-fe8c-4902-b83a-444300da0b88Thu, 22 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode, licensed mental health counselors <b>Daiana Bernard</b> and <b>Cassandra Harris-Towner</b> explore the emotional complexity of the post-holiday season and the unique "heaviness" that remains once the decorations are put away. We dive into the post-holiday letdown and why the end of the season can feel like a heavy emotional drop, alongside "the ghost of who you were"—the phenomenon where returning to a childhood environment triggers old reactions and makes you feel like an "angsty teenager" all over again. The conversation also covers the "long-distance ache" of missing out on the daily lives of nieces, nephews, and siblings while living out of state, the tension between anticipatory grief and reality during major moves, and how being "removed" from your roots can actually make the time you do spend there more intentional and joyful.</p><hr /><h3><b>Key Takeaways:</b></h3><ul><li><b>The Weight of Bracing:</b> We often "brace for impact" when returning to old environments, guarding ourselves against emotional ghosts from decades ago.</li><li><b>Dual Realities:</b> It is possible to be eternally grateful for your current life while still grieving the version of "home" or the connections you left behind.</li><li><b>Naming the Loss:</b> Healing begins when we stop invalidating our quiet griefs and start acknowledging them as real.</li></ul><hr /><h3><b>Connect With Us:</b></h3><ul><li><b>Instagram:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.instagram.com/thelivinglosspodcast" target="_blank">@thelivinglosspodcast</a></li><li><b>Join the Community:</b> Share your "Living Loss Lesson" with us on social media. What is one non-death loss you are acknowledging this week?</li><li><b>Support the Show:</b> If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.</li></ul><blockquote><p><b>Disclaimer:</b> This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health care.</p></blockquote>no00:22:591202 | Living with the Complexity of "Coming Home"full<![CDATA[01 | Living with Hidden Grief: An Introduction]]>The Living Loss Podcast explores the complexities of non-death grief, shedding light on different types of non-death grief such as ambiguous loss, disenfranchised grief, anticipatory grief, delayed grief, and complicated grief. The hosts share personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and validating non-death grief while finding meaning and seeking community support.

Takeaways

  • Non-death grief is a complex and nuanced experience
  • Different types of non-death grief include ambiguous loss, disenfranchised grief, anticipatory grief, delayed grief, and complicated grief.

Connect With Us

We’d love to hear how these conversations are landing with you. Do you have a "Living Loss" story to share, a question about today’s topic, or a "Glimmer" that’s helping you through the week?

Reach out to us at hello@livinglosspodcast.com

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Living Loss Podcast
  • 05:06 Acknowledging Non-Death Grief
  • 11:00 Toxic Positivity and Finding Meaning
  • 16:34 Impact of Ambiguous Loss
  • 23:02 Finding Meaning and Community Support
]]>05cc5412-6aed-48ae-84c4-f8aa38758aa1Thu, 15 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>The Living Loss Podcast explores the complexities of non-death grief, shedding light on different types of non-death grief such as ambiguous loss, disenfranchised grief, anticipatory grief, delayed grief, and complicated grief. The hosts share personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and validating non-death grief while finding meaning and seeking community support.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Non-death grief is a complex and nuanced experience</li><li>Different types of non-death grief include ambiguous loss, disenfranchised grief, anticipatory grief, delayed grief, and complicated grief.</li></ul><p></p><h3><b>Connect With Us</b></h3><p>We’d love to hear how these conversations are landing with you. Do you have a "Living Loss" story to share, a question about today’s topic, or a "Glimmer" that’s helping you through the week?</p><p></p><p>Reach out to us at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:hello@livinglosspodcast.com" target="_blank"><b>hello@livinglosspodcast.com</b></a></p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Living Loss Podcast</li><li>05:06 Acknowledging Non-Death Grief</li><li>11:00 Toxic Positivity and Finding Meaning</li><li>16:34 Impact of Ambiguous Loss</li><li>23:02 Finding Meaning and Community Support</li></ul>no00:22:111101 | Living with Hidden Grief: An Introductionfull<![CDATA[The Living Loss Trailer]]>The Living Loss Podcast aims to shed light on unrecognized losses, including the loss of identity and fading dreams. It also explores the impact of grief and trauma, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and understanding these experiences. The podcast encourages self-compassion and the pursuit of living authentically with purpose.

Takeaways

  • Living Loss Podcast
  • Grief and Trauma
  • Compassion and Purpose

Chapters

  • 00:00 Shining a Light on Unrecognized Losses
]]>f0ed5a87-c52e-4708-ad4c-bd196bb8d7efFri, 09 Jan 2026 05:11:18 GMT<p>The Living Loss Podcast aims to shed light on unrecognized losses, including the loss of identity and fading dreams. It also explores the impact of grief and trauma, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and understanding these experiences. The podcast encourages self-compassion and the pursuit of living authentically with purpose.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Living Loss Podcast</li><li>Grief and Trauma</li><li>Compassion and Purpose</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Shining a Light on Unrecognized Losses</li></ul>no00:00:45The Living Loss Trailerfull