How Do I Live with Ongoing Grief and Still Choose Hope? with Kayce Smith
How do you live with grief that doesn’t end, but evolves? In this episode, I sit down with Kayce Smith to talk about discovering at 38 weeks pregnant that her son, Hayes, would be born with a limb difference. We explore what it means to carry “living grief” — the kind that shifts as your child grows, reaches milestones, and faces new challenges. Kayce shares how resilience is built in real time, how expectations are reshaped, and how she and Hayes have turned their journey into advocacy and two children’s books that encourage other families. We also discuss the vital role Shriners Hospitals has played in Hayes’ care and how community support makes an ongoing difference. If you are parenting through the unexpected, navigating evolving grief, or learning how to hold heartbreak and hope at the same time, this conversation will steady you.
How do you live with grief that doesn’t end, but evolves? In this episode, I sit down with Kayce Smith to talk about discovering at 38 weeks pregnant that her son, Hayes, would be born with a limb difference. We explore what it means to carry “living grief” — the kind that shifts as your child grows, reaches milestones, and faces new challenges. Kayce shares how resilience is built in real time, how expectations are reshaped, and how she and Hayes have turned their journey into advocacy and two children’s books that encourage other families. We also discuss the vital role Shriners Hospitals has played in Hayes’ care and how community support makes an ongoing difference. If you are parenting through the unexpected, navigating evolving grief, or learning how to hold heartbreak and hope at the same time, this conversation will steady you.
How Do I Release Grief from my Body? Healing After Loss and Feeling Stuck with Kaley Decker
If you’ve ever felt like your grief is stuck in your body, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Kaley Decker to talk about what it looks like to carry emotional pain physically and how she turned her own grief into a path of healing. If you’ve been feeling stuck, this conversation offers a different way to think about healing. Connect with Kaley: Instagram: @kaley.decker
If you’ve ever felt like your grief is stuck in your body, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Kaley Decker to talk about what it looks like to carry emotional pain physically and how she turned her own grief into a path of healing. If you’ve been feeling stuck, this conversation offers a different way to think about healing. Connect with Kaley: Instagram: @kaley.decker
How Do I Deal with a Parent Who Changed After Loss? Grief, Boundaries and Estrangement with Dr. Noëlle Santorelli and Christi
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Noëlle Santorelli, a licensed clinical psychologist, and Christi, who shares her lived experience, to talk about a reality more people are facing than we realize. After I shared a reel about this topic, thousands of comments and messages came in with the same theme: “I feel like I lost both parents.” We talk about what it looks like when a surviving parent moves on quickly, becomes emotionally unavailable, or shifts in ways that leave adult children feeling confused, hurt, and often disconnected. This conversation explores the overlap between grief, family conflict, and estrangement, and gives language to something many are experiencing but not openly discussing. We discuss why it can feel like you lost both parents after a death, and setting boundaries with a parent as an adult child. This episode is for anyone who has thought: “I feel like I don’t have a home.” Or, “I thought I was the only one going through this.”
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Noëlle Santorelli, a licensed clinical psychologist, and Christi, who shares her lived experience, to talk about a reality more people are facing than we realize. After I shared a reel about this topic, thousands of comments and messages came in with the same theme: “I feel like I lost both parents.” We talk about what it looks like when a surviving parent moves on quickly, becomes emotionally unavailable, or shifts in ways that leave adult children feeling confused, hurt, and often disconnected. This conversation explores the overlap between grief, family conflict, and estrangement, and gives language to something many are experiencing but not openly discussing. We discuss why it can feel like you lost both parents after a death, and setting boundaries with a parent as an adult child. This episode is for anyone who has thought: “I feel like I don’t have a home.” Or, “I thought I was the only one going through this.”
Am I Grief-y, Crazy, or in Perimenopause? with Lisa Witzlib
If you’ve ever thought, “Is this grief… hormones… or am I losing it?” this episode is for you. I’m sitting down with Lisa Witzlib, a board-certified nurse practitioner, to talk about the overlap between grief, perimenopause, and hormonal changes and why so many women feel “off” and don’t know where to start. We discuss common symptoms of perimenopause and what often gets missed. And, how grief and stress can intensify hormonal changes. This episode will help you understand what your body may be going through and give you practical next steps so you can feel more like yourself again. Connect with Lisa: www.witzlibellison.com
If you’ve ever thought, “Is this grief… hormones… or am I losing it?” this episode is for you. I’m sitting down with Lisa Witzlib, a board-certified nurse practitioner, to talk about the overlap between grief, perimenopause, and hormonal changes and why so many women feel “off” and don’t know where to start. We discuss common symptoms of perimenopause and what often gets missed. And, how grief and stress can intensify hormonal changes. This episode will help you understand what your body may be going through and give you practical next steps so you can feel more like yourself again. Connect with Lisa: www.witzlibellison.com
How Do I Cope with the Loss of a Pet? Grief, Signs, and What Happens Next with Brent Atwater
Losing a pet is real grief. It is the loss of a companion, a routine, and a source of unconditional love. In this episode, I sit down with Brent Atwater to talk about how to cope with pet loss, why it can feel so overwhelming, and what it looks like to move forward while still honoring that bond. If you are grieving a pet, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone. Connect with Brent: Instagram: @agewithstyle_ Website: https://brentatwater.com
Losing a pet is real grief. It is the loss of a companion, a routine, and a source of unconditional love. In this episode, I sit down with Brent Atwater to talk about how to cope with pet loss, why it can feel so overwhelming, and what it looks like to move forward while still honoring that bond. If you are grieving a pet, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone. Connect with Brent: Instagram: @agewithstyle_ Website: https://brentatwater.com
How Does Grief Affect Your Body and Brain? with Dr. Rebecca Thompson
In this episode, Dr. Thompson breaks down the science behind grief and how it impacts the body and mind. We discuss brain fog, immune system changes, broken heart syndrome, and why people may feel physically unwell after loss. This conversation offers both clinical insight and compassionate understanding for anyone navigating grief and learning how to care for their body through it. Guest: Dr. Rebecca Thompson, Physician and Author of Held Together
In this episode, Dr. Thompson breaks down the science behind grief and how it impacts the body and mind. We discuss brain fog, immune system changes, broken heart syndrome, and why people may feel physically unwell after loss. This conversation offers both clinical insight and compassionate understanding for anyone navigating grief and learning how to care for their body through it. Guest: Dr. Rebecca Thompson, Physician and Author of Held Together
How Do I Make a Career and Personal Pivot? with Nikki Lanigan
Nikki Lanigan joins the conversation to talk about identity shifts, burnout, and what it looks like to pivot when your life or career no longer feels aligned. From raising teenagers to reevaluating long-held passions, Nikki shares how to step away from fear-based environments, prioritize mental health, and redefine purpose in a new season of life. Guest: Nikki Lanigan, Wellness Coach, Meditation Instructor, and Podcast Host
Nikki Lanigan joins the conversation to talk about identity shifts, burnout, and what it looks like to pivot when your life or career no longer feels aligned. From raising teenagers to reevaluating long-held passions, Nikki shares how to step away from fear-based environments, prioritize mental health, and redefine purpose in a new season of life. Guest: Nikki Lanigan, Wellness Coach, Meditation Instructor, and Podcast Host
How Do I Grieve a Friendship Breakup? with Dr. Noëlle Santorelli
This episode explores the often-unspoken grief that comes with friendship breakups. Dr. Santorelli shares insight into “ambiguous loss,” where the person is still alive, but the relationship has ended or changed. Together, we discuss how to recognize unhealthy friendships, navigate difficult endings, process feeling blindsided, and give yourself permission to grieve a relationship that once meant a great deal.
This episode explores the often-unspoken grief that comes with friendship breakups. Dr. Santorelli shares insight into “ambiguous loss,” where the person is still alive, but the relationship has ended or changed. Together, we discuss how to recognize unhealthy friendships, navigate difficult endings, process feeling blindsided, and give yourself permission to grieve a relationship that once meant a great deal.
How Do I Navigate Funeral Etiquette Without Pressure? with Alison Cheperdak
How do I handle funeral etiquette, thank you notes, receiving lines, and casseroles without getting it wrong? In this episode, I sit down with etiquette expert Alison Cheperdak of Elevate Etiquette to talk about modern funeral etiquette, what to say when someone is grieving, whether thank you notes are required, and how to show up with compassion instead of pressure. If you’ve ever wondered what to wear to a funeral, what not to say, or how to support someone after loss, this conversation offers practical guidance rooted in grace, empathy, and common sense.
How do I handle funeral etiquette, thank you notes, receiving lines, and casseroles without getting it wrong? In this episode, I sit down with etiquette expert Alison Cheperdak of Elevate Etiquette to talk about modern funeral etiquette, what to say when someone is grieving, whether thank you notes are required, and how to show up with compassion instead of pressure. If you’ve ever wondered what to wear to a funeral, what not to say, or how to support someone after loss, this conversation offers practical guidance rooted in grace, empathy, and common sense.
The Tea: 12 Things I would Tell Pre-Grief Lawyer Ryanne
In this powerful season finale, Ryanne turns the microphone inward and shares twelve honest, heartfelt truths she wishes she could tell her pre-grief self. It’s part memoir, part manifesto: a love letter to who she was and who she’s becoming. Through laughter, reflection, and lessons learned the hard way, Ryanne reminds listeners that even in heartbreak, there’s beauty in rebuilding. And, that becoming someone new doesn’t mean leaving your old self behind.
In this powerful season finale, Ryanne turns the microphone inward and shares twelve honest, heartfelt truths she wishes she could tell her pre-grief self. It’s part memoir, part manifesto: a love letter to who she was and who she’s becoming. Through laughter, reflection, and lessons learned the hard way, Ryanne reminds listeners that even in heartbreak, there’s beauty in rebuilding. And, that becoming someone new doesn’t mean leaving your old self behind.
The Tea: How Do I Let Go of Stuff Without Losing Memories?
After a loss, the belongings left behind can feel overwhelming and emotional. In this episode, Ryanne talks with Sara McKavarich (certifiedbysara.com) of Certified Estate Sales Atlanta about how to let go of physical items without feeling like you are losing the memories attached to them. Together, they explore why stuff carries so much weight in grief and how to approach sorting and downsizing with compassion, clarity, and care.
After a loss, the belongings left behind can feel overwhelming and emotional. In this episode, Ryanne talks with Sara McKavarich (certifiedbysara.com) of Certified Estate Sales Atlanta about how to let go of physical items without feeling like you are losing the memories attached to them. Together, they explore why stuff carries so much weight in grief and how to approach sorting and downsizing with compassion, clarity, and care.
The Tea: Hollywood Lied! A Guide to Rebuilding After Divorce
Hollywood lied. They made divorce look like a quick montage of glow-ups and new romances, but real life is far messier. In this powerful conversation, Ryanne sits down with a licensed professional counselor of 50 years (Vicki Favors) and divorce attorney Jessica Fagan of Fagan Law to unpack what rebuilding after divorce actually looks like - emotionally, financially, and spiritually. Together, they talk about the grief that hides inside separation, the difference between healing, avoiding, and hiding, and how to set boundaries that protect your peace. This episode reminds listeners that “moving on” is about timing. It’s also about truth, self-respect, and reclaiming your story one honest decision at a time.
Hollywood lied. They made divorce look like a quick montage of glow-ups and new romances, but real life is far messier. In this powerful conversation, Ryanne sits down with a licensed professional counselor of 50 years (Vicki Favors) and divorce attorney Jessica Fagan of Fagan Law to unpack what rebuilding after divorce actually looks like - emotionally, financially, and spiritually. Together, they talk about the grief that hides inside separation, the difference between healing, avoiding, and hiding, and how to set boundaries that protect your peace. This episode reminds listeners that “moving on” is about timing. It’s also about truth, self-respect, and reclaiming your story one honest decision at a time.
The Tea: Grief, Illness, and the Myth of Being Prepared
People love to say, “At least you had time to prepare.” But the truth is, nothing prepares you to lose your mama. Whether it comes slow through decline or fast like a sucker punch, grief doesn’t follow a polite timeline. In this intimate and powerful conversation, Ryanne sits down with her best friend Ellen Flechas, whose mother passed away after a battle with breast cancer that mestastised to her brain. As Ellen faced her own cancer diagnosis during that same season, the two friends share a raw and real dialogue about what it means to grieve while your own body is in a fight for its life. Together, they explore the myth of being “ready,” the tenderness of friendship in the middle of chaos, and the unexpected strength that comes when you’re forced to live and let go at the same time. This episode is an unfiltered reminder that preparation doesn’t soften grief, but love can hold you through it.
People love to say, “At least you had time to prepare.” But the truth is, nothing prepares you to lose your mama. Whether it comes slow through decline or fast like a sucker punch, grief doesn’t follow a polite timeline. In this intimate and powerful conversation, Ryanne sits down with her best friend Ellen Flechas, whose mother passed away after a battle with breast cancer that mestastised to her brain. As Ellen faced her own cancer diagnosis during that same season, the two friends share a raw and real dialogue about what it means to grieve while your own body is in a fight for its life. Together, they explore the myth of being “ready,” the tenderness of friendship in the middle of chaos, and the unexpected strength that comes when you’re forced to live and let go at the same time. This episode is an unfiltered reminder that preparation doesn’t soften grief, but love can hold you through it.
The Tea: How Creativity Can Help with Grief
When Ryanne started How Do I Do This?, she thought she was creating a podcast to help others heal. What she didn’t expect was that the act of creating it would start healing her too. In this soul-stirring episode, Ryanne explores why creativity helps us process pain and how making something—whether it’s a painting, a poem, or a podcast—can make the weight of grief a little lighter. She’s joined by Marshall Ramsey, award-winning cartoonist and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist known for his iconic tributes to national moments of loss and resilience, and Jessica Vallor, licensed art therapist and photographer who helps people process trauma through creative expression. Together, they uncover how art bypasses words, rewires the heart, and reminds us that healing doesn’t always start in therapy. Sometimes, it starts with a crayon, a cookie sheet, or a conversation.
When Ryanne started How Do I Do This?, she thought she was creating a podcast to help others heal. What she didn’t expect was that the act of creating it would start healing her too. In this soul-stirring episode, Ryanne explores why creativity helps us process pain and how making something—whether it’s a painting, a poem, or a podcast—can make the weight of grief a little lighter. She’s joined by Marshall Ramsey, award-winning cartoonist and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist known for his iconic tributes to national moments of loss and resilience, and Jessica Vallor, licensed art therapist and photographer who helps people process trauma through creative expression. Together, they uncover how art bypasses words, rewires the heart, and reminds us that healing doesn’t always start in therapy. Sometimes, it starts with a crayon, a cookie sheet, or a conversation.
The Tea: How do I Parent a Grieving Child?
Parenting is hard on a good day, but parenting while grieving? That’s a language no one teaches you. In this deeply personal episode, Ryanne shares her own experience navigating grief alongside her son, who called her mom “Cookie,” and the moment she realized love sometimes has to lead before language catches up. To help guide this conversation, she’s joined by Lisa Aman, Executive Director of Kate’s Club, and Lane Pease Hendricks, the organization’s Director of Education and Innovative Programs. Together, they unpack how to talk to children about death in honest, age-appropriate ways, what to do when grief resurfaces months or even years later, and how to find accessible support through programs like Kate’s Hub. This episode is both classroom and comfort, reminding every parent that even in grief, you’re still learning, growing, and loving your way through.
Parenting is hard on a good day, but parenting while grieving? That’s a language no one teaches you. In this deeply personal episode, Ryanne shares her own experience navigating grief alongside her son, who called her mom “Cookie,” and the moment she realized love sometimes has to lead before language catches up. To help guide this conversation, she’s joined by Lisa Aman, Executive Director of Kate’s Club, and Lane Pease Hendricks, the organization’s Director of Education and Innovative Programs. Together, they unpack how to talk to children about death in honest, age-appropriate ways, what to do when grief resurfaces months or even years later, and how to find accessible support through programs like Kate’s Hub. This episode is both classroom and comfort, reminding every parent that even in grief, you’re still learning, growing, and loving your way through.
The Tea: How to Support Your Partner Through Grief?
Alright men, after this episode, “I don’t know what to do” is officially retired. This is the playbook. In one of the most heartfelt and practical conversations of the season, Ryanne sits down with her husband Dan Saucier and her friend Brandon Flechas to talk about what it really means to support your partner through grief. Both men have walked alongside women they love through profound loss, and together they share how showing up, without waiting for instructions, can change everything. From learning to listen instead of fix, to realizing that sometimes love looks like doing the dishes or simply sitting in silence, this episode is a masterclass in emotional presence. It’s real, it’s vulnerable, and it’s the conversation every couple needs to hear about loving someone through the hardest season of their life.
Alright men, after this episode, “I don’t know what to do” is officially retired. This is the playbook. In one of the most heartfelt and practical conversations of the season, Ryanne sits down with her husband Dan Saucier and her friend Brandon Flechas to talk about what it really means to support your partner through grief. Both men have walked alongside women they love through profound loss, and together they share how showing up, without waiting for instructions, can change everything. From learning to listen instead of fix, to realizing that sometimes love looks like doing the dishes or simply sitting in silence, this episode is a masterclass in emotional presence. It’s real, it’s vulnerable, and it’s the conversation every couple needs to hear about loving someone through the hardest season of their life.
The Tea: How Do I Grieve During the Holidays?
The holidays can be the hardest time to grieve. For Ryanne, the first season after her mom’s passing was a blur—one she barely remembers through the numbness. This year feels different: it’s the first one she’s fully awake in the absence. In this heartfelt conversation, she sits down with Paige Ewing—certified grief and life coach, mom of two, and newly crowned Mrs. America—who knows loss on a deeply personal level. Paige has experienced the death of eight family members in eight consecutive years, and she brings both her professional wisdom and lived experience to this conversation. Together, they talk about the real symptoms of grief that show up during the holidays, how to balance motherhood with mourning, and Paige’s powerful DANCE framework for moving through grief. This episode offers permission to do the holidays your way—and reminds you that even when traditions change, love still lingers.
The holidays can be the hardest time to grieve. For Ryanne, the first season after her mom’s passing was a blur—one she barely remembers through the numbness. This year feels different: it’s the first one she’s fully awake in the absence. In this heartfelt conversation, she sits down with Paige Ewing—certified grief and life coach, mom of two, and newly crowned Mrs. America—who knows loss on a deeply personal level. Paige has experienced the death of eight family members in eight consecutive years, and she brings both her professional wisdom and lived experience to this conversation. Together, they talk about the real symptoms of grief that show up during the holidays, how to balance motherhood with mourning, and Paige’s powerful DANCE framework for moving through grief. This episode offers permission to do the holidays your way—and reminds you that even when traditions change, love still lingers.
The Tea: When Memories Hurt and How to Honor a Loved One
Grief changes our relationship with memory. Some days, remembering feels like a gift. Other days, it feels like too much to hold. In this episode, Ryanne sits down with Marshall Ramsey—award-winning cartoonist, cancer survivor, husband, and dad—to explore how to honor loved ones when even the memories ache. Marshall opens up about losing both of his parents and how art helped him navigate that loss, transform pain into purpose, and connect with others through storytelling. Together, they talk about how to hold love and grief at the same time, ways to mark a one-year “angelversary,” and how to help children grieve in their own way while you’re still finding yours. This episode reminds us that remembering isn’t about reliving—it’s about rebuilding.
Grief changes our relationship with memory. Some days, remembering feels like a gift. Other days, it feels like too much to hold. In this episode, Ryanne sits down with Marshall Ramsey—award-winning cartoonist, cancer survivor, husband, and dad—to explore how to honor loved ones when even the memories ache. Marshall opens up about losing both of his parents and how art helped him navigate that loss, transform pain into purpose, and connect with others through storytelling. Together, they talk about how to hold love and grief at the same time, ways to mark a one-year “angelversary,” and how to help children grieve in their own way while you’re still finding yours. This episode reminds us that remembering isn’t about reliving—it’s about rebuilding.
The Tea: Wills, Trusts, and the Business of Death
No one warns you that when someone you love dies, the paperwork doesn’t stop. The bills still come. The accounts still need closing. And somehow, you’re expected to make impossible decisions while your heart is in pieces. In this episode, Ryanne sits down with Rachel Donnelly, founder and CEO of AfterLight, to talk about the real, unspoken side of loss. The logistics, the legalities, and the emotional toll of handling what’s left behind. Rachel shares her own story of losing multiple family members and how she turned that pain into purpose by creating a business that helps others manage the “business of death.” This episode will help you understand what really happens after a loss, how to prepare before it happens, and how to start honest conversations with the people you love—without fear, but with grace.
No one warns you that when someone you love dies, the paperwork doesn’t stop. The bills still come. The accounts still need closing. And somehow, you’re expected to make impossible decisions while your heart is in pieces. In this episode, Ryanne sits down with Rachel Donnelly, founder and CEO of AfterLight, to talk about the real, unspoken side of loss. The logistics, the legalities, and the emotional toll of handling what’s left behind. Rachel shares her own story of losing multiple family members and how she turned that pain into purpose by creating a business that helps others manage the “business of death.” This episode will help you understand what really happens after a loss, how to prepare before it happens, and how to start honest conversations with the people you love—without fear, but with grace.