In this heartfelt episode, I welcome friend and fellow advocate Shawn Carey, who opens up about the devastating loss of his mother, Wendy, to glioblastoma. From the early days of her misdiagnosis to the strength she displayed throughout her illness, Shawn reflects on the legacy Wendy left behind. Together, he and Holly talk candidly about navigating terminal illness, the unique grief of losing aparent, and how honoring a loved one’s memory can take many forms. Shawn shares how his advocacy work has helped him find healing—and how the brain tumor community, though born of tragedy, has become a place of deep connection and purpose.

Shawn Carey is a dedicated advocate and former care partner for his mother, Wendy, who passed away from Glioblastoma in 2018. Since her passing, Shawn has worked to bring meaningful change for brain tumor patients and their care partners. Focusing on the care partner experience, he regularly advocates on Capitol Hill for increased funding to further research and treatment options. Through his advocacy work, Shawn has partnered with many organizations, including StacheStrong and the National Brain Tumor Society.

Shawn earned his Bachelors degree from Wilkes University in Communications Studies and currently works as a public relations and communications professional. His past professional experience includes financial services, product marketing and most recently healthcare. He currently resides in Binghamton, NY.

Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach and certified grief educator. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. She is thrilled to co-host Creating Space for Grief & Hope with her dear friend and colleague Elizabeth Catignani. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Creative Grief Coach, and founder of the online platform Her Creative Wellness. After experiencing baby loss and young widowhood by the age of 27, Elizabeth has made it her mission to support and empower others on their own unique path through loss and healing. She is the author of “Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick’s Path from Loss to Hope” (available on Amazon and Audible) and “The Creative Grieving Workbook” (now available on Apple Books). You can learn more on her website: https://www.hercreativewellness.com

Join Holly and Elizabeth as they discuss when anger arises on one's grief journey. Although not experienced by everyone, anger is not unusual when grieving. Anger is often a protection mechanism for underlying feelings, and it’s important to acknowledge and honor what is coming up for you. Holly and Elizabeth share their own experiences with anger, why anger may surface in relation to loss, as well as helpful tools and techniques for releasing anger in a healthy and supported way.

Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support& Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach andcertified grief educator. Following the death of her latehusband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. She is thrilled to co-host Creating Space for Grief & Hope with her dear friend and colleague Elizabeth Catignani. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Creative Grief Coach, and founder of the online platform Her Creative Wellness. After experiencing baby loss and young widowhood by the age of 27, Elizabeth has madeit her mission to support and empower others on their own unique path through loss and healing. She is the author of “Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick’s Path from Loss to Hope” (available on Amazon and Audible) and “The Creative Grieving Workbook” (now available on Apple Books). You can learn more on her website: https://www.hercreativewellness.com

Join me as I welcome my dear friend and guest, Holly Richard, as she shares her personal story of losing her son to glioblastoma, finding a supportive community during the grieving process, connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences, and finding purpose in her pain. Holly’s grief inspired her to write a book, One Hundred and Twenty-Six Days, The Unthinkable Journey, about her heartbreaking experience.

Holly Richard has dedicated her career to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She served as President & CEO of Tammy Lynn Center for eight years, leading strategic growth and expanding services. After the loss of her son, Derek, to glioblastoma in 2019, she became an advocate for brain cancer research and published One Hundred and Twenty-Six Days, The Unthinkable Journey (available on Amazon). Currently, she is Special Projects Advisor for The Arc of North Carolina. Holly also serves on the Board of Advisors for Duke’s Tisch Brain Tumor Center and advocates for improved services for both the IDD and brain cancer communities.

Here are several helpful resources that Holly recommends:

Facebook Page for D-Rex Defenders

Facebook Page Brain Tumor-Loss of a Child/Children

Website for D-Rex Defenders Team for Angels Among Us Saturday, April 26, 2025

Holly Richard’s Book: One Hundred and Twenty-Six Days, The Unthinkable Journey

YouTube Channel for D-Rex Defenders

Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach and certified grief educator. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. She is thrilled to co-host Creating Space for Grief & Hope with her dear friend and colleague Elizabeth Catignani. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Creative Grief Coach, and founder of the online platform Her Creative Wellness. After experiencing baby loss and young widowhood by the age of 27, Elizabeth has made it her mission to support and empower others on their own unique path through loss and healing. She is the author of “Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick’s Path from Loss to Hope” (⁠available on Amazon and Audible⁠) and “The Creative Grieving Workbook” (now available on Apple Books). You canlearn more on her website: ⁠https://www.hercreativewellness.com

As we step into a new year, the passing of time can feel especially heavy for those experiencing grief. In this episode, Holly and Elizabeth explore how the New Year impacts the grieving process, sharing personal stories and practical strategies to help listeners find a balance between difficult emotions and hopeful moments.

The episode features a transformative four-part reflection exercise designed to help listeners process their grief in the New Year. The questions are:

1. What is one thing you would like to hold onto from 2024 and bring with you into the new year?

2. What is one thing you would like to release from 2024?

3. What is an intention or goal you would like to set for 2025 (not to be confused with a resolution)?

4. What is one way you would like to honor your loved one in 2025?

Holly and Elizabeth offer thoughtful guidance on approaching these questions, emphasizing the importance of self-care and flexibility. They also share their own answers and encourage you to answer them for yourself.

Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach and certified grief educator. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. She is thrilled to co-host Creating Space for Grief & Hope with her dear friend and colleague Elizabeth Catignani. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Creative Grief Coach, and founder of the online platform Her Creative Wellness. After experiencing baby loss and young widowhood by the age of 27, Elizabeth has made it her mission to support and empower others on their own unique path through loss and healing. She is the author of “Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick’s Path from Loss to Hope” (available on Amazon and Audible) and “The Creative Grieving Workbook” (now available on Apple Books). You can learn more on her website: https://www.hercreativewellness.com

In this heartfelt episode Holly and Elizabeth dive into the challenges of navigating the holiday season while grieving. They share practical tips, from choosing traditions to creating space for emotions, and explore how to find support and comfort during this time of year. Whether your loss is recent or years ago, this episode offers compassionate guidance, self care strategies, and gentle reminders that there’s no “right” way to grieve. Tune in for insights to help you approach the holidays with grace and self-kindness.

Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach and certified grief educator. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. She is thrilled to co-host Creating Space for Grief & Hope with her dear friend and colleague Elizabeth Catignani. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Creative Grief Coach, and founder of the online platform Her Creative Wellness. After experiencing baby loss and young widowhood by the age of 27, Elizabeth has made it her mission to support and empower others on their own unique path through loss and healing. She is the author of “Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick’s Path from Loss to Hope” (available on Amazon and Audible) and “The Creative Grieving Workbook” (now available on Apple Books). You can learn more on her website: https://www.hercreativewellness.com

In this episode, Holly shares her personal experience of losing her mother in July and the journey of navigating grief in the weeks that followed. She discusses the vital role of self-care during difficult times and the importance of acknowledging and processing grief. The conversation also covers the practical tasks she faced after her mother's passing, offering insights, support, and guidance for those in similar situations. This episode aims to remind listeners that grief is a normal, shared experience, and healing begins when we share our stories.

Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach and certified grief educator. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. She is thrilled to co-host Creating Space for Grief & Hope with her dear friend and colleague Elizabeth Catignani. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Creative Grief Coach, and founder of the online platform Her Creative Wellness. After experiencing baby loss and young widowhood by the age of 27, Elizabeth has made it her mission to support and empower others on their own unique path through loss and healing. She is the author of “Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick’s Path from Loss to Hope” (available on Amazon and Audible) and “The Creative Grieving Workbook” (now available on Apple Books). You can learn more on her website: https:/ www.hercreativewellness.com

In this episode we discuss various grief styles and how individuals experience and express grief differently. We will introduce you to four grief styles: intuitive grievers, instrumental grievers, dissonant grievers, and blended grievers. While we emphasize that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, understanding these different styles can help in supporting yourself and others through the grieving process.

Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach and certified grief educator. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. She is thrilled to co-host Creating Space for Grief & Hope with her dear friend and colleague Elizabeth Catignani. You can learn more on her website:

https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Creative Grief Coach, and founder of the online platform Her Creative Wellness. After experiencing baby loss and young widowhood by the age of 27, Elizabeth has made it her mission to support and empower others on their own unique path through loss and healing. She is the author of “Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick’s Path from Loss to Hope” (available on Amazon and Audible) and “The Creative Grieving Workbook” (now available on Apple Books). You can learn more on her website: https://www.hercreativewellness.com

Holly and Elizabeth welcome their very special guest, Brooke Carlock. Listen and be inspired as Brooke shares her experience with multiple losses which includes the traumatic death of her 10 year old daughter just two years ago. She will tell us how her book and the title came to be. Brooke will make you laugh and cry (sometimes in the same exact moment) with her wit and candor.

From the scenic countryside of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, author, speaker, and educator Brooke Carlock brings a refreshingly pragmatic and humorous approach to the often somber world of grief support. Her debut book, Grief Sucks: But Your Life Doesn't Have To, is far from a conventional self-help book. It is an unfiltered guide through grief, laced with the kind of candid realism only someone who’s faced staggering personal loss can deliver. Beyond the written word, Brooke is a certified grief educator, the host of the “Mourning Coffee” podcast, and the face behind the YouTube channel “Grief Sucks with Brooke Carlock.” You can connect with Brooke on her website at: https://brookecarlock.org.

Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach and certified grief educator. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. She is thrilled to co-host Creating Space for Grief & Hope with her dear friend and colleague Elizabeth Catignani. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Creative Grief Coach, and founder of the online platform Her Creative Wellness. After experiencing baby loss and young widowhood by the age of 27, Elizabeth has made it her mission to support and empower others on their own unique path through loss and healing. She is the author of “Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick’s Path from Loss to Hope” (available on Amazon and Audible) and “The Creative Grieving Workbook” (now available on Apple Books). You can learn more on her website: https://www.hercreativewellness.com