We all have stories about our lives. Writing your stories will help keep your memories alive.

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• You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking here
• You can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.
• You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:
• You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking here
• Request your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

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We often see grief as tied to death, but what about the losses without funerals—like family who walks away or memories that shift over time? Discover how storytelling helps process even the hardest losses and why some wounds are just as important to heal.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Louise Ells, a Canadian writer, academic, and creative writing instructor with a PhD in Creative Writing. As a lifelong storyteller, she has been writing seriously for over two decades. Her short story collection, Notes Towards Recovery, and her novel, Lies I Told My Sister, both explore themes of loss, resilience, and the spaces grief leaves in families. Drawing from her own experiences with loss, Louise crafts emotionally rich narratives that blend sorrow with moments of light.

Throughout this episode, Louise shares how her personal experiences—such as the sudden death of her sister, her father's fatal car accident, and her estrangement from another sister—shaped her writing. She explains that Lies I Told My Sister delves into the complexity of grief, highlighting both the pain and the moments of light that emerge from it. Louise also discusses the role of reading and writing in understanding human emotions, reflecting on her career as a teacher and how fiction can help readers process their own losses. Finally, she reveals how the non-linear structure of her novel mirrors the way people navigate grief, with memory playing a central role in her storytelling.

Tune in to episode 312 as Louise Ells shares how personal loss shaped her novel Lies I Told My Sister, the impact of memory on storytelling, and how fiction helps us navigate grief and find moments of joy.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Exploring loss through literature (1:09)

Balancing grief and hope in writing (3:30)

The power of storytelling and fiction in processing grief (7:13)

The fragmented nature of memory an nonlinear storytelling (14:13)

Fiction vs. truth in writing (17:17)

The universal nature of loss (20:51)

The role of writing in healing and self-discovery (24:10)

Final thoughts and book recommendation (25:15)

Connect with Louise Ells:

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Book: Louise Ells - Lies I Told My Sister

Book: Louise Ells - Notes Towards Recovery

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We experience miracles every day. Do you notice when this happens to you?

Let's Connect:

• You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking here
• You can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.
• You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:
• You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking here
• Request your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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We’re told miscarriage is common, but no one prepares us for the grief, the isolation, or the guilt that follows.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Madeleine Garner, a New York-based writer specializing in children's literature and design. In 2023, she was selected for the prestigious Woodward Residency, where she completed several children's books. Madeleine shares her personal experience with pregnancy loss and how it inspired her to write a picture book for adults that offers comfort and understanding.

Throughout this episode, Madeleine courageously opens up about the pain and confusion that followed her miscarriage, highlighting the silent grief many parents endure. She explains how society often lacks the language to discuss pregnancy loss, leaving individuals to process their emotions alone. She reflects on how her background in children’s literature influenced her approach to writing—a book that is simple, accessible, and comforting rather than clinical or instructive. Her collaboration with designer Giorgia Lupi added a powerful visual element to the project, reinforcing the emotions behind each moment of loss and healing. Through her storytelling, Madeleine aims to normalize discussions about pregnancy loss and provide support to those who feel unseen in their grief.

Tune in to episode 310 as Madeleine Garner shares her deeply personal journey through pregnancy loss, revealing how storytelling, art, and community helped her navigate grief and offer comfort to others facing similar heartbreak.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Madeleine’s background and creative journey (1:10)

A personal stories of pregnancy loss (2:06)

The silence surrounding miscarriage and the need for conversation (7:08)

The emotional complexity of pregnancy loss: Knowledge and community (10:48)

Collaborating on a picture book with Giorgia Lupi (17:05)

The impact of visual storytelling (20:00)

Final thoughts and where to find the book (23:08)

Connect with Madeleine Garner:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Get Madeleine’s existing book: Madeleine Garner - This is Me and Only Me!

Preorder Madeleine’s upcoming book: Madeleine Garner - Your Baby Will Find You!

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The Grief and Happiness Alliance

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When you are willing to start to change, the changes will be there for you to enjoy.

Let's Connect:

• You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking here
• You can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.
• You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:
• You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking here
• Request your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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In today's episode, I'm joined by Holly Peppe, a poet, author, and literary executor, who also spent over 30 years in global media, PR, and crisis communications, advocating for clients in education, the arts, health, and human rights. She taught literature at both high school and university levels, including serving as Director of the English Department at the American College of Rome. More recently, she has published An Absence of Fear, a poetry collection reflecting on love, loss, and resilience, and Sophie and the Swans, a children’s book addressing bullying.

Throughout this episode, Holly shares her deep passion for writing and poetry, explaining how it has been a lifelong means of self-expression and healing. She talks about her professional journey—from teaching literature to running a global PR firm—before returning to poetry, which she had long kept private. Facing a terminal illness, she found the courage to publish An Absence of Fear, a poetry collection that captures her reflections on love, family, and illness. Holly reads excerpts from her work, including poignant poems about her mother, father, and her own experiences with cancer. She also discusses Sophie and the Swans, her anti-bullying children's book, and the importance of helping others through writing. She encourages listeners to embrace creativity as a tool for coping with grief and emphasizes the value of human connection and altruism.

Tune in to episode 308 where Holly Peppe shares how a terminal diagnosis led her to publish her poetry, the inspiration behind her anti-bullying book, and the role of creativity in finding meaning.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

A life dedicated to writing & poetry (1:18)

A terminal diagnosis & the urgency to publish (4:02)

The power of writing in processing emotions (6:33)

Holly reads selections from An Absence of Fear (9:55)

Cancer and humor as a coping mechanism (12:22)

Helping others and staying active amid grief (13:38)

Connection with others and moving beyond self-centeredness (17:09)

The Story Behind Sophie and the Swans (22:24)

Finding meaning through creativity & connection (25:23)

Final thoughts & encouragement (26:07)

Connect with Holly Peppe:

Website

LinkedIn

Book: Holly Peppe - Sophie and the Swans

Book: Holly Peppe - An Absence of Fear

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The Grief and Happiness Alliance

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What is your tole in the universe?

Let's Connect:

• You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking here
• You can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.
• You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:
• You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking here
• Request your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine turning the deepest pain of losing your partner into a powerful mission that changes lives.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Kailani Jackson, the founder of SoulDope LLC, a transformative healing development center. Her own journey of resilience following profound personal loss inspired her to guide others toward healing through workshops, retreats, and motivational speaking. As an Energy Psychology Practitioner, Spiritual Teacher, Author and Soul Healing & Success Life Coach, Kailani is dedicated to helping others overcome trauma, discover their purpose, and live authentically.

Throughout this episode, Kailani shares her deeply personal journey of transformation, beginning with her husband’s final words, which encouraged her to return to school and live her purpose. She discusses how gratitude became a cornerstone of her healing process and how she now mirrors this approach to inspire others through her work. Kailani emphasizes the importance of embracing both grief and joy and explains how her work helps people release limiting beliefs and embrace their authentic selves. Her insights on using lived experiences as tools for personal growth and her retreats in Maui illustrate her commitment to healing and empowerment.

Tune in to episode 306 as Kailani Jackson shares her journey of healing after profound loss, revealing how gratitude and authenticity helped her overcome trauma and inspire others to live with purpose.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Introduction to Kailani Jackson and her work (1:14)

Kailani's husband’s final wishes (3:24)

The transformative power of grief and gratitude (8:11)

Living with purpose and making a difference (11:09)

Living authentically and overcoming grief (14:10)

Upcoming retreat and transformation (17:46)

Finding empowerment after loss (21:38)

Living with grief and happiness simultaneously (30:14)

Connect with Kailani Jackson:

Website

Instagram

Book: Kailani Jackson - The Empowered Beingness of You

Let's Connect:

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LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Pinterest

The Grief and Happiness Alliance

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