In this episode, Kelly has a casual conversation with Bryan Piatt, MA, about how the changing seasons can activate deeper feelings in grief and/or mental health. We explore the connection between the literal seasons (weather) and the metaphorical seasons of life, and how these transitions can influence emotional well-being. Awareness of these changes is important for processing emotions. A big thank you to Bryan for joining me for this beautiful discussion. Bryan is the host of the “Take What Se...
Oct 09, 2024•26 min
In this episode, Kelly interviews Hyedi Nelson about her love and grief over the last ten years for her son Charlie who was born and died on July 3rd. We know significant loss takes a lifetime to integrate. Hyedi beautifully shares her authentic and transparent experience as a mother who has experienced child loss. She also discusses the complex grief that can be experienced when one gets pregnant after loss. I appreciate that Hyedi speaks to the ebb and flow of grief over the years. It is evide...
Jun 12, 2024•34 min•Ep. 36
In this episode, Kelly sits down with her guest Karen, who recently lost her dog, Luna. Luna died suddenly, and unexpectedly, which made dealing with the grief very difficult at first. Karen beautifully shares how her deep love for Luna has also contributed to her profound grief. Animals are the most unconditional beings and they love us regardless. There is a special bond that is unique between the human and animal. To lose them creates a deep void and pain that can last a very long time. We wil...
Feb 08, 2024•26 min•Ep. 35
In this episode, Bryan Piatt https://podcasts.apple.com/ye/podcast/take-what-serves-leave-the-rest/id1591101308 and I sat down with Colleen Lindstrom https://www.thebronzemedallife.com/ from The Bronze Medal Life. Colleen shares her belief about being average is amazing enough. We also talk about grief, and how society wants us to be high performers even in our sorrow. She courageously shares how she and her husband navigated the loss of their daughter Brady. Trauma changes us always. How we sho...
Jan 09, 2024•58 min•Ep. 34
In this episode, Kelly speaks about the violence we are experiencing all over the world. This episode is in response to the multiple messages and notes she received from families feeling overwhelmed in their own traumas from the mass shooting in Maine. Kelly advocates for us to come back to love as our way of interacting with one another. We are living in a major divide in the human collective right now. Regardless of political or religious beliefs, may we be able to connect and heal through lov...
Oct 30, 2023•19 min•Ep. 33
In this episode, Kelly talks about timelines in grief and essentially how there are none. We live in a society, however, that has set up rules and judgments about grief. There are many factors to consider that are gently addressed in this episode. Kelly speaks of the importance of allowing space for the grief to breathe an be held. It is important to note that if you are thinking of hurting yourself or another person, you will need immediate medical attention prior to “doing the grief work.” You...
Jul 18, 2023•21 min•Ep. 32
In this episode, Kelly and Bryan Piatt speak about the way in which we shame ourselves for having natural human emotions to something that is difficult. People often refer to themselves as “losing it” when they have intense emotions. We want to try and be gentle and speak more about “being in touch with it.” We get to have ALL of our emotions. You can follow Kelly on: Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/seemygrief/?hl=bg FB-https://www.facebook.com/CWKHEALS/ Website. www.Conversationswithkell...
May 09, 2023•28 min•Season 4Ep. 8
In this episode, Kelly is joined by esteemed psychotherapist, Douglas Jensen, LICSW, BCD as they talk about complicated and disenfranchised grief.There are so many expectations placed on us around grief. We are often judged for how we grieve. We either don’t grieve enough or too much, according to society. Doug so authentically shares his grief around his mother’s recent death. He is transparent in the way he expresses that it was not necessarily the death that makes him grieve, rather the loss ...
Mar 23, 2023•37 min•Season 4Ep. 7
The Dying Teach Us How To Live
Feb 23, 2023•29 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Kelly sits down with Bryan Piatt, breathwork facilitator, mental health advocate and graduate student in Mental Health Counseling, as they discuss Bryan’s panic attack as a twelve year old and a lifelong of healing and learning. We discuss things that we would tell our younger selves that we have learned through our years of healing and evolving. As Bryan shares his vulnerable experiences, he also talks about ways to be more gentle with ourselves. If we would only speak to ourselves as adults as...
Feb 13, 2023•34 min•Season 4Ep. 5
In this episode, Kelly interviews Bryan Martin aka Sealionbryan on social media. Bryan became a widower several years ago after his partner Clayton died from liver failure. Bryan does a beautiful job of speaking from his perspective about grief. Men in this society need more space to allow their grief to breathe and be acknowledged. Bryan is the widowed dancer on social media and finds gratitude daily amongst the grief. Is love possible after loss? Tune in to hear his experience with this. He is...
Dec 01, 2022•31 min•Season 4Ep. 5
In this episode, sponsored by Brighter Days Family Grief Center, www.brighterdaysgriefcenter.org, Kelly interviews Dr. Donna Shuurman, Ed.D, F.T. from Dougy Center www.dougy.org. Dr. Shuurman shares beautiful ways to speak to children/teens about death and grief. She has a wonderful, soft approach to speaking with younger grieving hearts. We know children feel grief, regardless of age. Many concerned adults have asked us over the years how to help grieving children, we hope this episode helps! T...
Nov 09, 2022•28 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In this Episode, Kelly talks with Bryan Piatt, Mental Health Advocate and Podcast Host of “Take What Serves, Leave The Rest.” They have a heartfelt and real discussion about being Vulnerable and the power it has to help us heal. Kelly and Bryan share ways to open up. Bryan beautifully discussing his newer relationship with allowing others in. As Bryan poignantly expressed, “When one person has the courage to say life is hard and things are intense-and is really honest about the human experience,...
Sep 13, 2022•30 min•Season 4Ep. 2
In this episode Kelly Grosklags, LICSW, your podcast host, introduces the new format for season 4 episode 1. Kelly talks about how all grief matters and that if you feel a reaction to a loss, no matter how big or small, it is valid. Society tries to lay down the rules for who can and how long one should grieve. Listen to this episode as Kelly validates us all on our own experiences. As always, your grief is seen and held.
Aug 07, 2022•19 min•Season 4Ep. 1
In this episode, Jeffrey and Kelly have a candid conversation about the grief that doesn’t often get talked about. What do we do if we are relieved the person no longer is living because they hurt us so much? Or if we are estranged? There are types of losses that have multiple layers of grief attached. It’s important to acknowledge and honor this unique and deep pain as well. As always, thank you for listening. Peace.
Dec 18, 2021•22 min•Ep. 31
In this episode Kelly and Jeffrey are joined by Jordan Kilber and Jess Paschke, who lost their sister Jenna suddenly to a brain tumor. It is beautiful how they talk so lovingly about Jenna. They give us helpful and practical suggestions on how to support someone who has lost a sibling. We know that often this type of loss isn’t honored as it should be. We are releasing this episode in November as it is Sibling Grief Awareness Month. Jordan and Jess welcome listeners to email them if they'd like ...
Nov 15, 2021•32 min•Ep. 30
In this episode, Jeffrey & Kelly talk about the important opportunities that are present when we know the loss of someone we love is inevitable. We are invited to care for our loved one and ourselves with compassion during terminal illness and throughout the dying process itself. We can use healing mantras to provide solace and support. Learn about Dr. Ira Byock’s work and the Hawaiian healing prayer, Hoʻoponopono -- and how focusing on what matters most can ease our suffering in times of gr...
Oct 24, 2021•21 min•Ep. 29
In this episode Jeffrey and Kelly have a non-threatening, honest conversation about how to handle the possessions of our loved ones after a death. These are tender times that require us to assess each situation case-by-case. There are no hard and fast rules about timelines and what precisely to do. As often is the case, there are many things, emotions and feelings to consider. Nevertheless, taking time to evaluate how you feel will help empower you to make the best decision to honor your needs a...
Sep 15, 2021•24 min•Ep. 28
In this episode Jeffrey and Kelly talk about what to consider when dating after a loss such as a death, divorce or breakup. There is not necessarily a right or wrong way to date -- or a timeline for deciding when to start dating again. Kelly shares her years of stories from others who have taken the risk to date. For those who are widowed, groups like Soaring Spirits International may offer some needed support, especially in times of isolation. Thank you all for joining us for this important con...
Jul 31, 2021•27 min•Ep. 27
In this episode Kelly and Jeffrey have a beautiful conversation about ways to connect and communicate when our loved ones are dying and very near the end of life. Letting go can be a very sad and scary time for many people. We hope that this episode offers suggestions to help ease the discomfort of saying goodbye.
Jun 24, 2021•25 min•Ep. 26
In this episode, Kelly and Jeffrey speak about the importance of have a designated space to BE with our grief. Cemeteries are not for everyone. Listen to hear ways to honor yourself and your loved one who has died. Today, we have so many options for creating this loving space.There is no wrong way to do this.
May 22, 2021•22 min•Ep. 25
In this episode, Jeffrey and Kelly talk about how profound moments of perspective and gratitude are for our happiness. Kelly shares a beautiful story about a woman she worked with that sheds light on what it means to truly be in the now. We often pressure ourselves to do more before ever appreciating what we have already done.
Apr 10, 2021•28 min•Ep. 24
Jeffrey and Kelly welcome Bryan Piatt back for the second time to continue a conversation on how important it is to have compassion for ourselves. All too often we shame ourselves for the natural experience of being human. We must allow for grace in difficult periods and speak in a loving manner to ourselves as we would to a child. Bryan shares ways he practices self compassion and why these rituals are essential to quality of life. If you like what you've heard today, please subscribe to Conver...
Mar 04, 2021•31 min•Ep. 23
In today’s episode, Kelly and Jeffrey talk about mental health with Josh Ward, creative designer, writer and founder of the YupItsJosh Podcast . Over the past several months, the world has experienced a greater need for telemedicine to provide mental health therapy amid a global pandemic. Josh shares his experience finding and working with a therapist in a virtual setting, and Kelly discusses some important considerations for making therapy decisions wherever the venue. We are grateful to Josh f...
Jan 22, 2021•35 min
A perfect way to start off the new year of 2021! In this episode, Jeffrey and Kelly talk about the importance of the words we speak to ourselves and others. A mantra is a word or set of words that serve as reminders of what matters -- to help keep you centered and create a sense of peace. We encourage you to practice using a mantra as a grounding tool in your life. Please keep our community growing by liking and sharing this episode. As always, thank you for joining the CWK community and Happy N...
Jan 04, 2021•19 min
This episode highlights the importance of reaching out for and accepting support after the death of a loved one. Jeffrey and Kelly interviewed Carolyn Kinzel, executive director of Brighter Days Grief Center in Eden Prairie, MInnesota. Brighter Days exists to support all members of the family throughout their bereavement experience. Since our interview, the center has acquired the Youth Grief Services from Fairview Health Services. Please check out their website as they offer extensive services....
Dec 16, 2020•20 min
A special edition of the CWK podcast for these unusual times with Covid amid Thanksgiving and the holidays. These days can be extremely isolating. While we may be physically apart, we can still find ways to connect psychologically and socially. We are meant to connect as humans. It only takes one person to change our day for the better. We wish all of our listeners the best of the season, filled with gratitude and love for you and your loved ones.
Nov 25, 2020•21 min
In this episode, Jeffrey and Kelly discuss the way grief can manifest in our physical body. Grief can surface as physical symptoms such as pain, muscle aches and discomfort. It is always important to be seen by your medical provider to rule out disease, however. Hear Kelly share how her grief often manifests in her chest and heart which is common given her mom died from a heart attack. As always, thank you for listening. Please share this Conversations with Kelly podcast with all who may need to...
Oct 27, 2020•29 min
In this episode, Jeffrey and Kelly have a conversation about the gift of time beyond it being a cliché. From years of working in end of life care, Kelly shares some of her insights to instill within us that each moment is what we have. No matter the length of our life, these moments are meaningful. It is beautiful to realize how truly profound even the simplest experiences can be.
Sep 29, 2020•24 min
In this episode Jeffrey and Kelly talk about the conversations Kelly has had with hundreds of dying people at the end of their lives. Because so many common themes have been presented by the dying, we feel they can apply to the majority of situations whether an expected or unexpected death occurred. We are each worthy of our grief...and even moments of joy. Our loved ones want us to continue living in their honor. A note on our production: We mentioned our new podcast recording equipment, so her...
Aug 27, 2020•25 min
