
Enduring Grief
Enduring Grief is a compassionate podcast exploring the true nature of grief and loss, hosted by Sarah Peterson, LCSW. Through real stories, honest conversations, and expert insights, it challenges traditional stages of grief and embraces the full spectrum of emotions. The podcast offers healing practices, practical guidance, and a space for connection and comfort for those navigating loss or supporting others.
Episodes
How the Enneagram Can Help You Support Grief: Elizabeth Orr on Love, Anger, and Healing After Loss
What if your grief response is not “wrong,” but a clue to how you learned to survive? In this warm, honest, and funny conversation, Sarah welcomes Elizabeth Orr, author of The Unfiltered Enneagram, to explore how the Enneagram can help us better understand grief, support, anger, love, and emotional shutdown. Together, they look at how different personality types may carry loss, from the fiery ange
When Life Throws You Into a New Room: How Grief Changes Who You Are - 28
What happens when the life you knew disappears, but you still have to wake up and live the next day? In this heartfelt episode of Enduring Grief, Sarah Peterson sits with Marlis and Dean for an honest conversation about identity, loss, and the painful moments when life no longer feels familiar. They talk about illness, parenting through hardship, losing roles that once defined them, and learning t
Grief, Connection, and Communication: Healing Support with Aurena and the Planet Grief Bereavement Cards - 27
What do you do when grief leaves you asking, “Now what?”In this heartfelt episode of Enduring Grief, Sarah Peterson sits down with Aurena, licensed mental health counselor, yoga instructor, and co-creator of the Planet Grief deck. Aurena shares how the loss of her mother inspired a practical, compassionate tool for grievers and the people who love them. Together, Sarah and Aurena talk about receiv
When Grief Can’t Be Fixed: The Power of Simply Being Present With Katie Hartley - 26
What does it really mean to show up for someone whose pain cannot be fixed? In this heartfelt episode of Enduring Grief, Sarah Peterson sits down with her dear friend Katie Hartley to talk about grief, friendship, and the quiet power of practical support. Katie shares how her years as a hospice nurse, along with her own personal losses, shaped the way she cared for Sarah after the death of Sarah’s
Pixie Lighthorse on Grief, Community, and Letting Loss Move Through You - 25
What if grief is not something to fix, but something asking to move through us with care, witness, and community?In this heartfelt episode of Enduring Grief, Sarah Peterson welcomes Pixie Lighthorse for a powerful conversation about loss, kinship, and the deep need for support when life breaks open. Pixie shares why grief cannot be rushed, hidden, or carried alone, and how a “support core” can hel
Finding Refuge in Grief: How to Breathe, Feel Safe, and Keep Going After Loss - 24
What if refuge in grief is not a place where pain disappears, but a small moment where you can finally breathe? In this heartfelt episode of Enduring Grief, Sarah Peterson sits down with Marlis and Dean to talk about finding steadiness when loss feels too heavy to carry. Together, they explore what true refuge can look like, from feeling your feet on the ground to calling a friend, reaching out to
Divorce Grief: How to Heal, Rebuild, and Find Yourself After Marriage Ends with Steph Kafoury - 23
What happens when the marriage ends, but the grief stays? In this honest and deeply human conversation, Sarah welcomes divorce coach Steph Kafoury to talk about the loss that can come with divorce, even when leaving was the right choice. They speak with care and humor about anger, sadness, identity, parenting, dating, support, and learning to trust yourself without needing a perfect plan. Steph sh
Grief, Art, and Finding Beauty After Loss with Mary Marquiss - 22
What if the pain you never asked for could still become a place where beauty, courage, and connection grow? In this heartfelt Season 3 conversation of Enduring Grief, Sarah Peterson, LCSW welcomes artist and author Mary Marquiss to discuss Behind the Painting: An Artist’s Memoir. Mary shares how painting and writing helped her live through miscarriages, divorce, family suicide, stroke, cancer, bet
Grief Hit Me Again 10 Years Later -21
What happens when grief returns years later and knocks the breath out of you all over again? In this episode, Sarah Peterson, LCSW opens up about the deep waves of grief she faced nearly 10 years after losing her child and her dad within just a few months. With honesty and care, she shares why grief is not something we “finish,” but something we keep practicing as life changes. This season expands
“Am I Grieving Right?”: Honest Answers to Your Hardest Questions -20
Join host Sarah Peterson, LCSW, for an honest, heartfelt Q&A as she wraps up Season 2 of Enduring Grief. In this episode, Sarah responds to listener questions about the unpredictable journey through loss—touching on what changes to expect from grief counseling, why people grieve differently, and the complex emotions like guilt around finding joy after loss. Expect thoughtful reflections on “th
Supporting Grievers: Compassionate Care for Sudden Loss and Natural Death -19
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 landscape
The Gift of Being Heard: Grief, Therapy, and True Connection -18
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 th
Compassionate Listening and Grief Support: How to Truly Hear and Uplift Others -17
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 wh
Will I Survive This? Uncertain Futures & Not Knowing How to Cope with Grief. -16
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
Creating Comfort and Connection in Helping Families with Anticipatory Grief -15
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
How Grievers and Supporters Keep Moving Forward by Setting Boundaries -14
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
Redefining Forgiveness while Grieving: Making Peace with the Past -13
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, forgi
How Brennan Wood Understands & Helps Kids out with Childhood Grief -12
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 gri
The Hidden Faces of Grief: When Loss Isn’t Just About Death -11
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
How to Build Stronger Family Bonds Through Grief and Healing Practices -10
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 relati
Compassion and Connection: Supporting Friends Through Grief with Nora Smith -9
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 th
Competitive Grief: How to Offer Genuine Support Without Judgement -8
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 challeng
Navigating Grief with Laughter and Heart: Shanan Kelley's Healing Journey -7
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 e
Marked Days and Anniversaries: Embracing Personal Rituals on Hard Days -6
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 anniversari
Conversations with a Fellow Griever: Healing Modalities, Overcoming Guilt, and Courage to Release Fear -5
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 adv
Grief Without Judgment: Embracing Unique Experiences and the Healing Path -4
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
From Powerful Empathic Care for Grievers to Personal Manifestos: New Language of Grief Helps -3
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
Value and Honor the Grieving Process using Respect and Empathic Care -2
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 He
Practical Insights for Grievers: Sarah Peterson Shares Her Personal Story -1
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
Introducing Enduring Grief | Healing Practices & True Stories of Living After Loss
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 a
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