In this thought-provoking episode of Enduring Grief, host Sarah Peterson is joined by Dr. Marlis Beier and Dr. Dean Sharpe to unravel the unique journeys of experiencing loss. Together, they explore the profound contrast between sudden loss—such as accidents or traumatic deaths—and natural, expected death. From the overwhelming physical shocks that grief creates to the distinct emotional landscapes of denial, guilt, and regret, the conversation offers listeners a compassionate look at the full r...
Jul 01, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 19
On this episode of Enduring Grief , host Sarah Peterson, joined by special guest Shanan Kelley, explores the real-life complexities of navigating loss in our fast-paced world. Listen as they address topics like the power of listening, the underestimated skill-building needed for grief, and why being “kinder to yourself” might be among the most important healing practices. The conversation weaves through moments of miscommunication, the challenge of changing your mind in relationships, and how th...
Jun 24, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 18
Compassionate listening is at the heart of grief support—but what does it truly look like in practice? In this episode of Enduring Grief , host Sarah Peterson teams up with guests Dr. Marlis Beier and Dr. Dean Sharpe to unpack the subtle art of "being with" rather than "fixing" in moments of loss. Discover why grievers themselves might need to learn the skill of compassionate self-listening, and why well-intentioned advice can sometimes fall flat. With real stories, honest confessions about comm...
Jun 17, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 17
In this heartfelt episode of Enduring Grief, host Sarah Peterson is joined by Elizabeth Johnson, Director of the Peaceful Presence Project, for a moving conversation about the realities of living after significant loss. Together, they unpack the raw experience of child loss, exploring the shock, isolation, and “life-cracking eruption of hell” that accompanies sudden, unexpected tragedy. Listeners are given a glimpse into Elizabeth’s personal story and learn how the pain of her son’s death ultima...
Jun 10, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 16
In this eye-opening episode of Enduring Grief, host Sarah Peterson sits down with Lesley Sacks, Executive Director of Hopewell House, to explore the unique realities of anticipatory grief - the grief we carry before a loss fully arrives. Drawing on years of experience in hospice care, Lesley offers insights into supporting families and individuals facing the slow goodbye. The conversation uncovers the complexities of family dynamics, caregiver burnout, and the transformative rituals that help lo...
Jun 03, 2025•53 min•Season 2Ep. 15
In Part 2 of our forgiveness series (continuing from Episode 13), host Sarah Peterson, LCSW, is joined again by Dr. Marlis Beier and Dr. Dean Sharpe to explore what happens after forgiveness is offered—or withheld. Together, they explore the emotional aftermath of strained relationships, grief, and the complexity of healing. From the “grief ring theory” to the role of boundaries and the challenge of forgiving without an apology, this episode offers heartfelt insights and practical wisdom. Whethe...
May 27, 2025•32 min•Season 2Ep. 14
This episode is Part 1 of a special two-part series exploring the messy, powerful, and deeply human experience of forgiveness. Host Sarah Peterson is joined by returning guests Dr. Marlis Beier and Dr. Dean Sharpe for an honest conversation about what forgiveness really means—beyond clichés and simple answers. Together, they explore the emotional and psychological layers of forgiving others, forgiving yourself, and even questioning if forgiveness is always necessary for healing after loss. From ...
May 20, 2025•42 min•Season 2Ep. 13
On this episode, Sarah Peterson sits down with Brennan Wood to talk about her childhood loss and how it inspired her life’s work with the Dougy Center. If you’re curious about how children process grief differently than adults and why it’s vital to have specialized grief resources, this is the episode for you. Discover why peer support makes a lasting difference, how our culture sometimes gets grief “wrong,” and what families truly need after a loss. The conversation also addresses misconception...
May 13, 2025•48 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Grief isn’t only about death—and this episode shines a light on all the other losses we rarely talk about. Join therapist Sarah Peterson and physicians Dr. Marlis Beier and Dr. Dean Sharpe as they unpack the grief tied to transitions—ending relationships, the loss of health or identity, kids leaving home, or simply life not turning out as planned. Through real stories and reflections, they discuss concepts like vulnerability, impermanence, and the “death of dreams,” inviting you to rethink what ...
May 06, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Join Sarah Peterson and her son Sylus on Enduring Grief as they explore the intricate impact of grief on family dynamics and the healing power of shared experiences. Sylus, a remarkable young man who has attended and now works with Camp Courage, shares how communal activities help grieving children realize they are not alone. Together, they discuss the unexpected ways grief strengthens some relationships while loosening others. Sarah and Sylus offer heartfelt insights and practical advice, parti...
Dec 17, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Join host Sarah Peterson and her close friend Nora Smith as they explore the nuances of supporting someone through grief in this emotionally charged episode of "Enduring Grief." Discover why Nora insists on recognizing the rawness of grief without trying to soften it. Learn practical tips for pausing before offering words of comfort and hear about a unique colored hearts system that transformed their communication during the toughest moments. This episode provides heartfelt insights into maintai...
Dec 10, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In Episode 8 of Enduring Grief , hosts Sarah Peterson, Dr. Marlis Beier, and Dr. Dean Sharpe tackle the concept of "competitive grief" and the hierarchy of loss. How does one measure their grief against another? Should they even try? With poignant personal anecdotes, the hosts explore the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding that grief is a deeply personal journey. From the challenges of maintaining perspective to the pitfalls of comparison, this episode offers insights into navi...
Dec 03, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 8
On this episode of Enduring Grief , Sarah Peterson welcomes the insightful and humor-filled Shanan Kelley. Shanan recounts her profound journey caring for her friend Casey, and then losing her right as the world shut down. Discover how the unexpected global pause led to a personal sabbatical filled with self-care activities like coloring and baking. The conversation offers a unique perspective on embracing grief rather than resisting it, highlighting the significant energy spent in avoidance. Al...
Nov 26, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In Episode 6 of "Enduring Grief," host Sarah Peterson and guests Marlis Beier and Dean Sharpe navigate the emotional labyrinth of grief rituals and traditions. Discover how personal rituals can serve as anchors in turbulent times, providing a sense of control and connection to lost loved ones. The conversation ranges from how to handle the often intense emotions around marked days like anniversaries and birthdays to practical advice on self-care and community support. Tune in for personal storie...
Nov 19, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 6
This episode of Enduring Grief is a heartfelt conversation between Sarah Peterson and Whitney Eskleson about the journey through loss and the path to healing. Whitney's story is one of resilience and transformation, featuring healing techniques like EMDR, Ketamine therapy, and a Hawaiian healing modality. Whitney discusses the importance of self-acknowledgment beyond grief and shares practical advice on managing daily life during such challenging times. Sarah and Whitney also talk about the neur...
Nov 12, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Join Sarah Peterson, Marlis Beier, and Dean Sharpe as they tackle the challenging aspects of personal grief and societal expectations in episode 4 of Enduring Grief . The discussion spans topics such as the emotional attachment to the belongings of loved ones, anticipatory grief, and the importance of setting personal markers for healing. Dr. Dean Sharpe shares comforting insights on embracing love despite the inevitability of loss, while Marlis Beier discusses the emotional journey, including a...
Nov 05, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Sarah Peterson, host of Enduring Grief and a licensed clinical social worker explores the delicate balance required to support someone in mourning. Sarah shares with listeners the "New Language of Grief". It is a Language in the way you think of the Five Love Languages - the different ways we communicate with others based on what they need. In this episode Sara examines what these languages might look like - from essential practices like setting boundaries and taking the lead in decision-making ...
Oct 29, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Join Sarah Peterson, Marlis Beier, and Dean Sharpe in today's episode of Enduring Grief as they illuminate the path through loss. This episode provides a expansive look into grief rituals, the significance of the Enneagram in coping with loss, and the role of empathy in helping others. Discover actionable advice, like the "3 H’s" approach – "Asking someone if they need to be "Heard, Hugged, or Helped" – and strategies to respond authentically to "How are you?" Listen in for thoughtful discussion...
Oct 22, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Join Sarah Peterson, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of the nonprofit Clear Morning, in this deeply personal inaugural episode of "Enduring Grief". Sarah shares her poignant journey through the immense grief of losing her young daughter to a drunk driver and the unexpected death of her father just months later. Highlighting critical support systems and heartfelt stories. Sarah talks about her personal coping mechanisms, dealing with well-meaning but unhelpful comments, the cultural...
Oct 15, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Enduring Grief - Healing Practices & True Stories of Living After Loss is a compassionate and insightful podcast dedicated to exploring the true nature of grief and loss. Hosted by Sarah Peterson, LCSW, along with frequent guests Dr. Marlis Beier and Dr. Dean Sharpe, both seasoned physicians who have spent their lives caring for others, including grievers. This podcast roots into the complex and often misunderstood journey of grieving. Through real stories, honest conversations, and expert i...
Oct 14, 2024•2 min
