Moving Forward with Mia and Julia
Dr. Mia Johnson and Dr. Julia Porter interview leaders and researchers about how grief impacts them, exploring how people are treated when grieving and key concepts to support leaders in organizations. They invite expert guests to discuss various aspects of grief, helping listeners understand how to help grieving colleagues, friends, and family, and how to take steps to move forward after loss or trauma.
Episodes
Season 2, Episode 9: Darnell Lamont Walker on Being a Death Doula
Darnell Lamont Walker is a successful writer for children's tv, an adventure seeker and the author of Never Can Say Goodbye. Since childhood, Darnell has helped others who are at the end of their lives and became a death doula to continue to support them. You can learn all about Darnell's speaking engagements, work, and how to contact him at https://www.darnellwalker.com/.
Season 2, Episode 8: Racquel Hill on Grieving through Infertility and Miscarriage
We know from your questions and comments that our first episode and discussing the grief that comes with infertility was something you wanted to hear more about, so we welcome Racquel Hill, who shared her own journey through infertility, multiple miscarriages, and grieving through each step of that process. Her story is one of resilience and hope. Keep sharing the topics that would be beneficial f
Season 2, Episode 7: Jennifer Chase on Being a Truthteller
Jennifer Chase is a survivor of generational trauma, sexual assault and addiction. Her story and telling it has enabled her to help others. You can find more about her and set up time to connect wit her at www.riseaddictionlc.com.
Season 2, Episode 6: Dr. Dale Atkins on Positive Legacies and the Loss of a Grandparent
Dr. Dale Atkins is a psychologist and a relationship expert with 40 years experience. She is based out of New York City and also is a writer of many popular books. Most recently, she penned our new favorite children's book, The Turquoise Butterfly which delves into the important relationship between a grandparent and grandchild and the impact that grandparents leave. For more information about
Season 2, Episode 5: John Dedakis on Loss & Writing based on Lived Experiences
John Dedakis is an award-winning novelist, a writing coach, and a manuscript editor and public speaker, as well as a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer" and a former White House Correspondent.John is also a bereaved parent and has had numerous losses in his life that has shaped his writing and speaking today. You can learn more about John, his books, and upc
Season 2, Episode 4: The Healing Power of the Arts with Kira Lace Hawkins and Sam Engle of The Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts
We know that art, theater, and music have the power to make change in so many ways. That's why we invited Kira Lace Hawkins, the Outreach and Education Director for the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts, and Sam Engle, who serves as the theater's Communications and Donor Relations Coordinator. To learn more about Kira and Sam, visit https://wagonwheelcenter.org/about/staff-and-board/. For mo
Season 2, Episode 4: Avonley Lightstone on Faith through Darkness
Avonley Lightstone is the author of Strength of Scars, a raw and redemptive autobiography that takes readers through a childhood marked by tragedy, trauma, and abuse — and the unwavering faith that helped her rise from it all. At just three years old, she tried to save her mother from a house fire. Tragically, her mother didn’t survive, and shortly after, her father placed her up for adoption.What
Episode 3: Catherine Newman on Writing about Grief from Experience
Catherine Newman is the New York Times bestselling author of the memoirs Catastrophic Happiness and Waiting for Birdy, the middle-grade novel One Mixed-Up Night, the kids’ craft book Stitch Camp (co-authored with Nicole Blum), the best-selling how-to books for kids How to Be a Person and What Can I Say? and the novels We All Want Impossible Things, Sandwich, and Wreck . She writes the Substack ne
Season 2, Episode 2: Stephen Kemp, From Academic to Funeral Director
NFDA.org Spokesperson, Stephen R. Kemp, CFSP, is the owner of Kemp Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. His professional journey began in scientific research, working as a research associate at the Henry Ford Heart and Vascular Institute, VA Medical Center, and Biosan Laboratories. Transitioning to funeral service, Stephen earned his mortuary science degree from Way
Season 2, Episode 1: Leslie Weirich on Turning Grief into Advocacy
Leslie has lost many loved ones, including two babies in infancy. When her twenty year old son, Austin, died in 2016, she began to speak out suicide prevention and awareness. Leslie's story continues to impact and inspire many and we know that her story has something that we can all learn from. For more about Leslie and her work, visit https://leslieshope.org/.
Episode 45: Keith Sampson on Growing Through It
Keith Sampson believes that business is the greatest untapped vertical for personal purpose and fulfillment. For over 20 years, he has been helping people and organizations choose to grow through life instead of choosing to go through life, unlocking their potential, building culture, and inspiring action.At the age of 19, Keith experienced a life-changing moment that shaped his life, laying the f
Episode 44: Laura Bratton on Grief and Gratitude
At the age of nine, Laura was diagnosed with an eye disease and faced the difficult reality that she would become blind. Over the next ten years she experienced the traumatic transition of adjusting to life without sight. She is the author of the book, Harnessing Courage. Laura founded Ubi Global, which is an organization that provides speaking and coaching to empower all people to overcome challe
Episode 43: Rick and Clancy Denton on Grieving when you're an Empty Nester
Rick and Clancy Denton of The Loud Quiet (https://www.theloudquiet.com/) joined us today to talk about the good, the bad, and the sad that happens when your children move out. The two started their podcast, "The Loud Quiet-Empty Nest Living" when their youngest went to college. You can listen wherever you get your podcast. Watch out for their book in 2026!
Episode 42: Susan Shaw, The Bereavement Mom
Susan Shaw is a writer, speaker, and a mother who is learning to live following the profound loss of her son, William, who died in a ski accident in 2019. Susan shares her story, writing prompts, and resources and tips to move forward following loss on https://www.bereavementmom.com/. She also supports families who are grieving through https://www.williamsbeyourselfchallenge.org/.
Episode 41: Ellen O'Clover on Grief in a Fiction and Romance Novel
Ellen O’Clover writes stories about love, identity, and belonging for both teens and adults. Her debut romance, The Heartbreak Hotel, was a Book of the Month selection and a regional indie bestseller. Her debut young adult novel, Seven Percent of Ro Devereux, was named a Best Book of the Year by The Bank Street Center for Children’s Education and a finalist for both the Colorado Book Award and the
Episode 40: Jane Dye on Healing as a Bereaved Parent
Jane is a highly experienced and trained professional nurse, holistic health coach, health and wellness advocate, grief educator, speaker, and workshop presenter. As a master facilitator of lifestyle change, Jane knows that certain approaches and techniques bring about the changes people want and need to feel healthy and whole. This perspective and practices come directly from integrating her prof
Episode 39: Malisa Hepner on CPTSD and Grief
Malisa Hepner is a therapist, podcast host, and public speaker who helps people quiet the noise of trauma, reconnect with themselves, and embody the light. She’s the host of Emotionally Unavailable and one of the hosts of Unquiet Soul, two shows that open space for deep, real, and transformative conversations. Malisa is also the creator of healing workbooks like Safe to Be Seen and The Beauty of I
Episode 38: Kanika Vasudeva on Energy Expansion and Grieving
Kanika is a Radiant Empowerment Coach and Akashic Records Reader. She guides spiritual entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers who are ready for more—more radiance, more freedom, more soul. Kanika helps clients break through invisible ceilings, awaken their unique gifts, and step into a new level of clarity, self-trust, and authentic leadership. Through her work, clients move into joy in everyday
Episode 37: Nicholas Ruchlewicz on Moving Forward following a Brain Injury
Nicholas Ruchlewicz was in a single vehicle motorcycle crash on March 15, 2016, and suffered a separated pelvic circle, broken Sacro-iliac, crushed left orbital, massive concussion, and a right-side brain bleed and hematoma. He was in ICU, for 2 weeks, non-cognizant, then in an acute rehab hospital for 2 weeks, learning how to focus, move his left side, and see.His trauma and brain injury have all
Episode 36: Angie Hawkins on Running in Slippers
Angie Hawkins is an Inner Glow Coach who transforms high-achieving, spiritual women from chasing love and approval to radiating fierce confidence so they can finally feel happy, free, and loved for who they are.She works with women who’ve done therapy, read the books, tried the spiritual path, but still feel like something’s missing. Through deep inner work and identity transformation, she helps t
Episode 35: Ashley Perkins on Living Authentically with Autism and Ending Mental Health Stigmas
Ashley Perkins, PharmD, is a mental health advocate with a background as a pharmacist andeducator. She graduated from Butler University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in2008 and is currently in the EdD program at Marshall University, with a focus on curriculum andinstruction. In March of 2020, with John Bollinger, they began the process of forming We MatterToo, Inc. which focuses on hel
Episode 34: Julie Barth on Being on Autopilot, Caregiving, and Grief
Julie Barth is a mom and an author who has experienced grief on so many levels from the struggles with her daughter's health, the death of her husband, and later, being in an abusive relationship. Her story is one of courage and overcoming obstacles that kept coming. We appreciate Julie's authentic storytelling and know you will too. For more information about Julie, her writing, and her n
Episode 33: Noah May on Fighting Mental Health Stigma
Noah May is from Alabama. He graduated from Auburn University in 2024 with a degree in journalism. He has dealt with mental health struggles since he was 13 and is no longer staying silent. Join us as Noah shares his story and more about how podcasting has become his outlet. You can hear more from Noah on his own podcast, Lethal Venom, wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episode 32: Leah Chrest on Grief Recovery and Surrendering to God
Leah Chrest is the author of At the Edge of the Jordan and It's Okay to Be Okay. She is a high school teacher, mom, step-mom and wife. She also serves as a lay preacher and a teacher of Christian meditation.
Episode 31: Walker Posey on Healing Moments and Supporting the Grieving
Walker Posey is a fourth-generation funeral director and embalmer with a family history dating back 130 years in funeral service. Walker provides resources, grief groups, etc. at Poseycares.com, illustrating how much he cares about supporting those in their time of need. He also provided us with some amazing tips that we hadn't even considered. Learn more from Walker's unique perspective in observ
Episode 30: Susan Snow on Loss, Grief, and The Media
When she was just 17, Susan Snow lost her father, an LAPD detective who was murdered as retaliation for testifying in a court case. She has overcome a lot of obstacles to get to where she is today and prides herself in helping others to heal. She is an author of the book, The Other Side of the Gun, a public speaker, and a Trauma Resiliency Coach. For more information about Susan, visit Susansnowsp
Episode 29: Lisa Sugarman on being the Survivor of Multiple Suicides
Lisa Sugarman is a three-time survivor of suicide loss, author, and longtime mental health advocate. She co-hosts a podcast called The Survivors Podcast with Gretchen Schoser. Lisa is the creator of The Help Hub, a site with a comprehensive list of mental health resources. She also has a book coming out soon entitled, The Surviving.
Episode 28: Dr. Bruce Chalmer on Grief and Betrayal
Dr. Bruce Chalmer has been a couples counselor for over thirty years. He joins us today to talk about the grief we experience after a betrayal. As we often discuss on this podcast, we don't only grieve death, but so many other things. Dr. Chalmer is the author of several books including his latest on this topic, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and learn to trust again. He
Episode 27: Christine Cardona on Grief Beyond Loss
Christine tragically lost her husband a few years ago, but the grief she felt transcended his death due to family complications and social media. Her story is a hard one to hear, but a stark reminder about our words can leave an impact in person and online. This episode discusses suicide, murder accusations, and a missing persons case. If these topics might be triggering to you, we ask that you ta
Episode 26: Joshua WIlson on Losing a Sibling
Joshua Wilson authentically shares his story of losing his brother. Josh is a wonderful father and husband and involved in his community in Atlanta, GA. This episode might be hard for some listeners as Josh's brother died by suicide. If you or anyone you know is in crisis, please call 988 to speak to someone who can help.
Episode 25: Ben Higgins on Connection and Being Alone in Plain Sight
Though you may know Ben Higgins from Season 20 of ABC's, "The Bachelor," (which ultimately led to his platform that he uses to share more about his faith and hope for humanity), he's also the cofounder of Generous International, a for purpose company dedicated to contributing profits to social issues around the world and he has partnered with Culinary Creative Group to start over 20 restaurants wo
Episode 24: Lisa Keefauver of Grief is a Sneaky Bitch
We are super fans of Lisa's! Lisa Keefauver, MSW is a Grief Activist who transformed her personal and professional experiences with loss into a mission to reimagine grief. As host of a top-rated grief podcast, TEDx and keynote speaker, grief-smart workplace consultant, grief guide, and author of the highly-acclaimed book, Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss, she is
Episode 23: Dr. Javan Reed on Loss and Higher Education
Dr. Javan Reed is a dynamic and visionary leader whose steadfast commitment to student success has driven transformative change in higher education. His career is marked by a passion for empowering students, fostering inclusive learning environments, and ensuring institutions deliver meaningful and lasting educational experiences.As the former Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Simm
Episode 22: Nikki Thompson Frazier on Losing her Parents and How it Prompted her to "Live the Sweet Life"
Nikki Thompson Frazier is a journalist, culinary entrepreneur, speaker, and creator of A Life Worth Tasting. As the founder of Sweet Encounter Bakery Café and the innovator behind the nationally shipped Cupcakes in a Jar, Nikki blends purpose, passion, and storytelling into everything she does. She’s on a mission to help people heal, rise, and reclaim joy whether through a journal, a cupcake, or a
Episode 21: Rachel Doyle on the Impact of Grief and the Inspiration Behind GlamourGals
When Rachel Doyle was a high school junior, she started GlamourGals in honor of her grandmother to bring joy to seniors and alleviate their feelings of loneliness. What started as a personal project has now grown into a nationwide movement with over 10,000 teen volunteers making a difference in their communities. Now, with 25+ years of experience as a CEO and social entrepreneur, Rachel has led Gl
Episode 20: Landrie Williams on Anticipatory Grief and Raising a Medically Complex Child
Landrie Williams was raised and lives in Arizona. She has been married to her husband, Kade, for nearly six years and is a mom to Hazel, who is 4, and Rhett, who is 1 (and who joined us on the podcast). When she's not caring for her family, Landrie likes to remain active and spends time working out or being outdoors. She uses her free time to run a social media account for Hazel's medical
Episode 19: Dr. Kiena Hackworth on Religion and Grief
Evangelist, Dr. Kiena Hackworth has stayed steadfast in her dedication to God throughout her life. She wrote the book, The Will to Live: My Testimony following the loss of both her husband and her son. Dr. Hackworth serves as the 1st lady of the Unity Church of God in Christ in Elkhart, Indiana, the president of the Women's Department of Unity Church, and serves as jurisdictional president of
Episode 18: Justin Clifford on Bereavement Leave
Justin Clifford is the CEO and cofounder of Bereave (beareave.io), after two of his friends lost their parents prematurely. They all learned that the system of loss can be more harmful than helpful. They supported each other and realized that it was clear that way people experience death, particularly in the workplace, needs an overhaul. This is an important conversation for employers and employee
Episode 17: Heather Tracy's Breast Cancer Journey and Tying it Into her Newest Novel
Heather Tracy (she/her) is a travel agent by day, and a masked copy editor and writer by night.As a travel agent, she plans Nerdventures—travel for the nerd in all of us. These can be anythingfrom visiting New Zealand to see Lord of the Rings filming locations to visiting castles in Europe tofollowing in the footsteps of your favorite author.As a copy editor, she’s found hundreds of typos, comma s
Episode 16: Michelle Hansen, Living your Family's Legacy
After 25 years of experience in the fashion industry, Michelle Hansen knowsthat fashion is her first love. In 2010, she merged her passion with her education (Masters of Human Relations, University of Oklahoma) and 22 years of experience in the fashion industry, and launched her styling business, High Maintenance Image & Fashion Consulting, before opening Glam Boutique in Fredericksburg, VA in 201
Episode 15: Heather Schilling, Adjusting your Sails
Heather Schilling is a lifelong educator, with over three decades of teaching at the high school and collegiate levels. The greatest gift of teaching is the opportunity to empower others - empower them to realize that regardless of the situation, their mindset matters. Heather loves to travel with her son and his fiancée as well as students. She is actively engaged in her community, serving on se
Episode 14: Sarah Annese on Grief & having a Chronic Illness
Sarah Annese is a writer who lives with her husband in California. Sarah was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2022. Sarah is raising funds for the National MS Society through Walk MS, an event happening in April in San Francisco. If you're able to make a donation, you can do so here: https://shorturl.at/UTgLH.Additionally, we will be donating $2 from each of our books that we sell in
Episode 13: Marcee Doherty and Compounded Grief
Marcee Doherty is a full-time healthcare analytics professional, a full-time PhD student, a part-time professional actor, and a full time dog mom. Both Dr. Mia Johnson and Dr. Julia Porter are adjunct professors in the PhD program in Global Leadership, where Marcee is a student. Once she heard their presentation on Grief, Trauma, and Leadership at a residency weekend, she realized she fell into th
Episode 12: Mina Starsiak Hawk on Cumulative Grief and its Impact
Mina Starsiak Hawk is a real estate agent, HGTV star, and co-founder of the home renovation company Two Chicks And A Hammer, known for her work on the show "Good Bones" . She has also appeared on several other network shows including "Rock the Block" and "A Very Brady Renovation". Mina is married to Steve Hawk and they have two kids; Jack (6) and Charlie (4). While na
Episode 11: Allison Gilbert on The Joy of Connection and the Loneliness Epidemic
oday, we are joined by journalist, Allison Gilbert, who shares more about her work with connection. Allison Gilbert is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and one of the most influential writers and speakers on how to find the inner resources to overcome life’s biggest challenges. Through research and lived experience, Allison helps audiences transform grief and loss and find connection amid the grow
Episode 10: Cara Bastone and Grief in Promise Me Sunshine
This week, on Moving Forward with Mia and Julia, Cara Bastone joins us to talk about grief in her new book, Promise Me Sunshine. Cara Bastone is a full time writer living and writing in Brooklyn with her husband, sons, and an almost-goldendoodle. Her goal with her work is to find the swoon in ordinary love stories. She's been a fan of the romance genre since she found a grocery bag filled with
Episode 9: Rebecca Soffer on Modern Loss
Rebecca Soffer is cofounder of Modern Loss, which offers creative, meaningful and encouraging content and community addressing the long arc of grief. She is also the bestselling author of The Modern Loss Handbook: An Interactive Guide to Moving Through Grief and Building Your Resilience (Running Press, 2022), which Gayle King named a favorite book of the year. Rebecca is also coauthor of the book
Episode 8: Understanding Hospice Care with Jai Miranda
While certified as a coach and grief educator, Jai prefers to identify as a companion - someone who listens deeply, walks alongside, and meets you in the moment without judgement. Founder of Coaching for All of Life and owner of Quest for Balance Wellness, Jai has been helping others find meaning in loss through story, mindfulness, and movement for more than 20 years. Honoring a lifetime call to s
Episode 7: Finding Your Joy with Allegra Cohen
It can be hard to find joy when you're grieving, but Allegra Cohen shares some tips. Allegra Cohen is the Chief Joy Officer and Founder of BRAVE LIFE. Her mindset coaching and wellness seminars have been incorporated into businesses, schools and groups around the country, inspiring thousands of people with her original micro-JOYS™ method. Allegra was recently recognized with an Inspiration awa
Episode 6: Autumn McNichols, Grieving the Loss of a Pet
Today, Autumn McNichols joins us to talk about grieving after the loss of a pet. Autumn is a faculty member at Ivy Tech Community College. Her professional career has also included more than 15 years of therapy work with hospice patients and their families, memory care units, adolescent inpatient and outpatient, schoolbased counseling, and intensive outpatient care utilizing DBT. Autumn's work exp
Episode 5: Ann Shoket on The Importance of Connection
Ann Shoket is CEO of TheLi.st and Founder of TheLi.st (https://theli.st/), the Founder of New Power Media, and the Founder of 10 Minutes to Togetherness. (https://www.10minutestotogetherness.com/). She is a Media Brand Builder, a Women’s and Next Gen Expert, Bestselling Author and past Editor-in-Chief of Sevententeen Magazine. With each achievement in her career, it has been Shoket’s mission to he
Episode 4: Liz Wolczko, Grieving After Losing a Child
Please note that today’s episode is of a sensitive nature. If you have recently suffered the loss of a loved one and aren’t ready for this conversation, consider listening to this episode at a later date. Liz Wolczko is a bereaved mom, sibling and daughter. Her journey with grief began in 1974 with the death of her oldest brother John. Liz’s 26-year-old daughter and only child, Joana, died in 2008
Book Launch Announcement!
We wrote a book!Se share a little bit in this bonus minisode. You can buy Supporting Others: Stories of Grief, Trauma, and Leadership on Amazon today.
Episode 3: Julie Alexandria on Pivoting after a Career Shift
Today, Julie Alexandria shares her story about pivoting following a career shift and even, the loss of a job. In our research, we've discovered that losing a job has been something that people grieve. Our jobs often shaper our identity and losing them can cause grief and anxiety. We thank Julie for sharing her story and other words of wisdom that we needed to hear.Julie Alexandria is an accomp
Episode 3: Dr. Carly Roman-Woo on Handling Grief in Aging Adults and Caregivers
We strive to bring new aspects of grief and grieving with you each week and this week, we were honored to speak with Dr. Carly Roman-Woo about her experiences as a gerontologist. She is currently serving as Program Officer at Archstone Foundation, a private grantmaking nonprofit whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of older Californians and their caregivers. In her role, Dr. Roman
Episode 1: Becky Fawcett of Helpusadopt.org on Grief & Infertility
Becky Fawcett candidly shares her story about grief and infertility, and how it lead her to adopt her two daughters and found Helpusadopt.org. She shares her personal journey and even advises what to do (and what not to do) when you know someone who is grieving. Becky's story is important to start a conversation about something so many are silent about.
Disclaimer: There is a tiny bit of prof
Introduction to Moving Forward with Mia and Julia
In this episode, Dr. Mia Johnson and Dr. Julia Porter introduce the podcast, why they feel grief is important to talk about and the impact it had on their own lives, while also sharing what's to come on future episodes.
