From Grief to Gold

In this episode we discuss childhood grief, reparenting, and overcoming mental illness everyday. My guest was the wonderful Kathryn Keefer. We share about issues that came up on our childhood and how they've affected us to this day. Working out of a victim mentality, and figuring out ways to heal, even if it means overcoming mental illness everyday. Enjoy!

"I don't even want to know where I would be if I hadn't have started that journey. And it just proves that you're always going to end up where you're supposed to be as long as you just keep going and show up every day. And even if you're having a terrible day and that means just getting up and showering, you've done something"

You can find her on instagram at:

Today's episode is focused on being childless, not by choice. How that aspect has affected Laura and her husband's life. From corporate jobs to entrepreneurship, the numerous attempts with IVF (or ICSI for them) and the different stages of grief and processing emotions along this journey. Things you should and shouldn't say to those going through these variations of grief, and dabbling into the dangers of isolation when working towards recovery and healing. We also dive into legacy, and how to still leave a legacy when childless. Laura is my former business coach, and a truly amazing human being! I hope you enjoy today's episode.

Find out more about Laura Payne-Stanley here:

On today's episode I had Tess Kossow, a certified fertility coach, author, and Woman of Impact award winner to share about her fertility books and cardiac arrest.

She has written two books: "I'm Very Ferris: A Child's Story about In Vitro Fertilization" and "I'm Very Ferris Takes a Bubble Bath."

Both are children picture books on IVF through eyes of the child, but also great gifts for anyone. She wanted to create something to help children to know a little of where they came from and how they came to be.

We then dive into her cardiac health advocacy after experience sudden cardiac arrest in 2020 and surviving. She discusses how she turned this situation into a way to help others but also how it has been therapeutic for herself. Which lead to her connecting with Go Red For Women and the American Heart Association. Heart health for women is often overlooked until it's too late.

Find out more about Tessa Kossow here:

We live in an instant results society, but what if we simply allowed for time. What if we gave ourselves patience and grace rather than expecting immediate results? That's my aim for today's talk! I also share about my own journey after gaining my personal training and health coaching certifications in 2021 and the experience and check offs along the way. Allowing for alignment. Remembering that obstacles can come up and adjust our trajectory or the time it takes for us to reach the end goal. Doing your best to trust the process!

Want to buy a copy of my book?

I'm not a Swifty, but sometimes you have to admit that you're the problem. It's okay to Swift it out from time to time. Acknowledging that sometimes we are the problem, whether in business, relationships, or task management. It's important to be reflective on areas where we might have been the problem.

I share about acting out vs reflection, ways to grow as a person, how sometimes we are what's keeping us from what we want to achieve, and learning to accept that sometimes we are the problem.

It doesn't mean we ignore that sometimes things really do suck...

But how can you rewire your thoughts around previous circumstances?

What can you do now to have a better outcome in the future?

Want to buy a copy of my book?

"I'm a baddie but I can be a saddie too..."

With Valentine's Day being around the corner, I felt like an episode on loneliness would be the perfect topic to discuss.

Some key takeaways from the episode:

Loneliness, being lonely, and 70% off candy on February 15th.

Leo full moon, post pms mess, all of the above.

Journalling about sadness - why do you feel so alone? content on own and the freedom of that

Having spent so much of my life in hyper-independence - accepting that I do want a partner.

Understanding friendships and their needs, yet still feeling alone.

Mental spirals of depression and negative thoughts.

Self-fulfilling prophecy of loneliness / self-sabotaging / anxious tendencies

How can you stay consistent with systems for true self-care?

How can you become a better observer of your warning signs?

What bad habits can you work on kicking out?

Want to buy a copy of my book?

In today's episode, I spoke with Leah Devora about her journey as a career artist, and the shift she had to take in her career after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and how that caused her to make adjustments to her life over the last eight years. We dive into some of her background in the art world, her love for animal rescues, and the importance of mindset. One thing I loved was her sharing about how we have a chance to redefine who we are each and every day. Her focus on not being defined as, "the girl with MS" and how she aims to live life to the fullest despite struggles.

Stay connected with Leah -

Today's episode dives into a few different subjects with a main priority on loving others and in turn loving ourselves.

I discussing love, empathy, compassion, and intuition. But I also dive into a little bit of everything relating to the importance of love within this world, different ways to show up, and the realization of sonder. Along with a little caveat about existential bed time conversations with my eight year old son.

Want to buy a copy of my book?

Today's guest episode was with Katie O'Malley of Encourage Coaching in Chicago, Illinois. 

We dive into the entanglement we can find ourselves in with our careers and how we see ourselves, the importance of self-identity and acknowledging skillsets, leadership and development training, alongside the topic of women in the workplace.

Book References:

atomic habits by 

"greatest leader greatest team member"

we should all be millionaires by rachel rodgers

Stay connected with Katie -

Today I wanted to share a little bit of my own journey with words and mindset and just how powerful they actually are.

I dive into a little bit of the as within so without, as above so below type of phrases in reference to how our words and mindset effect our every day living. With that I also share about the power of positivity but without using false positivity because things can really really suck sometimes and we aren't here to sugar coat that. I've likely discussed this a few times but... it's an important one to share nonetheless!

In today's episode I had the opportunity to speak with Abbe Feder. She is the owner of InCircle Fertility, a fertility coaching service. We discuss her decision to become a fertility coach, as well as her own 6 year journey that included things such as loss, miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and medical terminations just to name a few.

She helps anyone going through the fertility journey, not strictly by means of IVF. 

Grab her free book:

How to Support a Loved One Struggling to Conceive:

The Book to Give Your Mom, Sister & 2 Best Friends

Today's guest is Monica Fullerton. She's a military spouse, mom of twins, and the CEO/Founder of Spouse-ly. In this episode we discuss the journey of feeling a calling for better change, doing something about it, and the blessings and struggles of bootstrapping a company. We also dive into community, networking, and the importance and support along the way.

With the military spouse unemployment rate at 24%, Monica knew something needed to change. For the last (almost) three years now she has been working diligently to grow the Spouse-ly community into something that will help the military and first responder community!

Interested in connecting with Monica?

Are you aligned with who you want to be?

If not, how can you stop self-sabotaging and start rewiring to become who you want to be?

In today's episode I discuss identity, dry January, and the importance of our words and thoughts. I share about our constant thought processes, and how they affect our day to day. How to work on the power of positivity without being toxic, because shit is allowed to suck sometimes.  How journaling and mindset work can greatly improve your life. That it's okay if you feel like you're spiraling backwards, because 1% better than yesterday is still better.

With mindset, it's important to focus on the why (positive thing) rather than the why (negative thing) while giving grace because we are creatures of habit. I also discuss a bit about the Full Moon in Cancer that we just had on January 6th and the relation to the beauty of insecurities coming up when it comes to the healing process. 

On today's episode I have Dr. Sherry Walling joining me to share about her personal experience with publishing her book, Touching Two Worlds. This book explores new strategies for finding wholeness in the aftermath of loss. In the book, she reflects on the loss of her brother to suicide and her father to cancer. We also discuss working while grieving, the importance of community, seeking mental health professionals, and the benefits of getting the body moving regularly. Not to go without mentioning, her time studying abroad in Ghana and the impact that had on her perspective of working through traumatic events.

Dr. Sherry Walling is a clinical psychologist, speaker, podcaster, author, and mental health advocate. Her company, ZenFounder, helps entrepreneurs and leaders navigate transition, rapid growth, loss, conflict, or any manner of complex human experience. She hosts the ZenFounder podcast, which has been called a “must listen” by both Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine. She is also the host of Mind Curious, a podcast exploring innovations in mental health care via psychedelics.

Interested in connecting with Dr Sherry Walling?

Today was a very casual episode where I talk with Ryan, of Vet with a Mic Podcast.

Ryan was an MA in the Navy (similar to a police force) prior to pursuing a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology. He now places a focus on connecting with fellow veterans on his podcast.

In this episode we discuss life after uniform, feeling a sense of purpose, disconnection from those we knew prior to serving, and what to do after the uniform comes off for the last time.

A major struggle within the veteran community if feelings relating to lack of identity after their service. We dive into this topic a bit, the culture of the military and how it differs from traditional civilian life as well.

We also touch base on the mental health space within the military branches, the problems within the chain of command, lack of confidentiality, and the stigma commonly seen when it comes to veterans seeking behavioral health related help.

Towards the end of this episode we start to nerd out a big more about psychology and neuroscience before closing with Ryan's own recommendations for someone transitioning from the military.

Interested in connecting with Ryan?

You can reach him at Ryan@vetwithamic.com.

Today I have Tyler with me, a Naval Corpsman that lost his brother to a fentanyl overdose. We discuss some of his own grief journey as well as the process and struggles of starting his non profit with the hopes of helping those struggling with substance use and the opioid crisis.

Since this recording Tyler has made some adjustments to the organizations he's currently pairing with as well as the offering for the book.

You can find a copy of the book, Memoirs of Babylon - A Combat Chaplain's Life in Iraq's Triangle of Death written by Chaplain Jeff Bryan by contacting Loaves & Fishes of Beaufort, NC. It is 100% free for either pickup or they will mail a copy. If you'd like to donate, Tyler will be able to gift more of the book copies to others.

 
Interested in connecting with Tyler?

You can reach him at tylerntennant@gmail.com.

Get in touch with Loaves & Fishes here:

In today's guest episode I held a conversation with Mandy Refvik about her own experience with navigating infertility in her late 30s, her experience with IVF, finding the right doctor, the relational stressors, and the mental health struggles she dealt with throughout the process. Mandy and her husband struggled with infertility for about 10 years, 3 rounds of IVF, 2 failed rounds and 1 successful birth. We discuss the trauma and setbacks that forced her to see a therapist, living in a dark place, and considering giving up because of the failed process.

You can find Mandy Refvik here:

How did it become the end of 2022 already? For today's episode I wanted to take a moment to encourage you to sit and reflect on what your year has been like for 2022. What things have happened in your life this year? What has gone how you hoped? What things could you do differently next year? It can be easy to focus on the turmoil, frustrations, and lows and forget to look for the things to be grateful for. So today our focus is on reflection.

Want to buy a copy of my book?

In today's guest episode I have Adriana Keefe, a human design coach and manifesting generator share about how she navigated her own quarter life crisis career change from being an establish real estate agent to her career as a coach. Throughout this episode we discuss the importance of mind, body, and spirit when it comes to feelings of fulfillment. We share about visualization and manifestation from her second child birth. And finally, how discovering our own human design charts has helped us both learn to give ourselves grace amidst the societal structures that surround us. I hope you enjoy! And don't forget to leave a review on whatever platform you're listening through!

You can find Adriana Keefe here: 

Today I had the opportunity to speak with Danielle, one of the Founders of Revival Society. We dove into the importance of hope in the healing process, and giving just one more try. Healing from trauma won't look the same for everyone, some methods that worked for one person won't work for another, but there is still hope for healing.

Danielle is a Co-Founder and Foundational Trauma Practitioner of Revival Society®. She is a proud wife and mama to her two boys. She loves giving back to others and being a voice for the underdog. She is on a mission to save a million lives.

From a young age, she was always intuitive. After struggling with her own health issues and unexpectedly getting pregnant, she was led to her full purpose: to teach individuals how to build their emotional foundation, so they can reverse their feelings of doubt, trauma and unresolved pains. Danielle works with one’s soul to figure out why the individual can’t fully move forward and hasn't been able to release their emotional pain. She is here to share a new perspective of one’s triggering memories and strained relationships to finally create a calm and peaceful life through The Moment to Moment Method™ that has changed hundreds of people’s lives over the last 7 years.

After a four month hiatus, I'm back and here to remind you that slowing down is productive, and pausing doesn't mean you're failing, especially if you're a high functioning person.

In this episode I wanted to share some updates about the healing process of coming out of dissociation/DPDR, the turmoil that can come when needing to prioritize your mental health while starting a new business venture, as well as some of the highlights that have happened in my life over the last few months.

I experienced being an event planning associate for the Military Influencer Conference, joined the Spouse-ly team as a Growth Marketing Strategist, and officially decided to become a performance coach for high functioning entrepreneurial minded people.

I share about letting go of the outcome, allowing things to simply be, accepting that part of the human experience is allowing in all emotions, and remembering to love ourselves where we're at right now.

Another key portion of this episode is me sharing about the difficulties of being high functioning, despite looking to the outside world like we have it all together, and how detrimental it is for our health to take care of that before our bodies force us to pause.
Want to buy a copy of my book?

On today's episode of From Grief to Gold, I had the honor of hosting Scott DeLuzio on my podcast.

We initially connected over social media because we were both writing and publishing around the same time, so I'm really glad to have him as my first guest for this podcast.

We talk about: The healing journey he went through from being overseas and losing his brother that was also downrange in Afghanistan, the stresses of combat, and coming back from deployment and readjusting to civilian life. We also dive into the creation of Scott's book, "Surviving Son," and the healing journey he's been on over the last 12 years.

He shares about how his book isn't just his story of combat, but his brother's story. What military families go through when deployed, if someone doesn't make it back home, and how it affects everyone. All with a goal of having others be a little more empathetic with one another.

We discuss therapy options. How it's okay to ask for help, and continue to ask for help if and when needed. But it's also important to be realistic about the timeframe for healing and growth in mental health, just like with a broken bone or other injury.

Today's episode I wanted to share some transparency on the grieving process, particularly when it comes to the deathiversary, or death anniversary. The truth is that I was on the verge of crying in a grocery store aisle because of an item not being available at the stores I visited.

I talk about why this item mattered so much to me, the backstory behind it, and the grief journey.

I also touch base on the approval of being sad about "silly" or "dumb" things, and that they aren't really those things. What matters to you is important. Your healing matters. Remembrance matters.

I reference my abandonment issues on a very brief level, as a "lost puppy syndrome" that I've dealt with a number of times over the years. If you happen to be someone that has spend a career working in attachment styles, I would love to connect for a podcast episode to discuss things!

In final, I share about the ebook updates, people that are coming up on my podcast, and my excitement about July 7th being the 1 Year Anniversary and start of my guest podcast episodes! Bonus is a touch on being a recovering perfectionist.

Hello all! Hopping on for a quick update about From Grief to Gold, and part of why I haven't been showing up to publish episodes recently. Stay tuned for July because I will be starting to share more guest episodes from people of all walks of life. From IVF experiences, military veterans, and mental health professionals. So be sure to lookout for updates both on social and here!

As of this posting date, my website is getting fixed up so it's listed as under construction. You'll still be able to find old episodes though!


Thank you for listening, I hope it was beneficial for you!

If there's a topic you'd like me to discuss let me know.

Welcome to episode 14 of the From Grief to Gold Podcast!

Today I wanted to talk about money mindsets, letting go of the outcome, and not beating ourselves up so much when things don't go as planned. Learning to trust the process even amidst the storm. I share about my expectations when I moved to Chattanooga this year and the reality of where I am five months later. In more student loan debt, and still choosing to focus on the positive.

The struggles of not getting hired after almost a decade of entrepreneurial life and finally deciding to bet on myself instead. Trusting there is a reason for why doors didn't open. Balancing working as a single parent and the only caregiver of my child. Learning to not take things so personally. Seeing what I can learn from these different experiences, and having faith that it will all work out. Even if you have to bawl in the bathroom from time to time.

I finally chose to focus on what I can control instead of what's out of my control. Because no amount of stressing will fix the problem. And remembering the bigger focus.

Thank you for listening, I hope it was beneficial for you!

If there's a topic you'd like me to discuss let me know.

My episode about dissociation and derealization in season one was my most listened to episode, so I wanted to touch base on it again here in season 2. I share about my move this year and why I did it, memory and growing older, and the need to focus on being in the present instead of overthinking. Enjoy!

I was on Tiktok and heard a prompt asking if I could go back to a certain time, would I change anything? Would I do that thing? And it made me realize how we really are one decision away from a completely different life. Listen as I share a little bit about my journey, and if I would change anything about the decisions that I made over the last 10+ years.

If you were brought back to 2010 with all of the knowledge and skills that you have gained since then, would you change anything? 

Welcome to season 2 of From Grief to Gold! If you're knew here, welcome! My goal with each episode is to be as authentic as possible. Today I'm sharing my reflection on Gold Star Spouse day and the imposter syndrome that comes with it.

If you’ve ever been curious about equine therapy, animal therapy, or life coaching… this episode is for you! I share about my very first time experiencing an equine life coaching session. My feelings before heading into the session, followed by my experience during and after. Things like dissociation, life changes, simplifying our lives, and becoming more present.

Some references from the podcast episode includes:

PB Abbate and Rancho Milagro! 

Hi! It’s Mel, and I’m back with some more self-publishing updates about my book, “A Series of Flashbacks: Darkness Within.” I’m getting so close to officially having it in the hands of all of those that preordered and I’m very excited about that! I also wanted to share my initial feelings about attending an equine life coaching session. I’ll be doing a part 2 with how I feel after the session!

On this episode of From Grief to Gold I wanted to share some updates since my brief hiatus from posting on the podcast, but also remind you that it’s okay to fail. I go over different ways I’ve failed over the course of this year and the things I’ve learned from them. In addition to working past the perfectionist mindset. If you’d like to schedule a call with me, email info@fromgrieftogold.com. You can order my book on Spouse-ly or check the link on fromgrieftogold.com!

Over the last four months I went all in with writing a book. I went through 4 years of mixed emotions and trauma in the course of three and a half months, and on today’s episode I wanted to share some real on how it affected my mental state and ways I’ve worked through it all.

Definitely episode 6, not 5 like I share in the intro. But welcome to the From Grief to Gold podcast! If you’re anything like me, acknowledging your accomplishments can be HARD. Whether it’s because you always do your best to do the things you say you’re going to do, so you expect nothing less. Or, it’s because you accomplished said things but would have liked to see them done better. Regardless of the why, it’s so important for us to acknowledge our successes and be proud of all that we’ve completed. I also wanted to dive a little into letting go of perfection, and tying in what I’m learning about being a Human Design: Projector. I’m looking forward to the growth of this podcast and getting more structure going as the episodes go on. Thank you for listening! If there’s a topic you’d like me to discuss, shoot me an email at info@fromgrieftogold.com. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

After having a similar dream twice within a month I felt like I just had to touch base about it and the importance of getting back to reality, especially in the grieving phase. Sometimes we want to stay in this dream world but we can’t, we have to bring ourselves back to reality. On this episode I also wanted to share some exciting updates about my book and life! If there’s a topic you’d like me to discuss, or you’re like to be a guest, be sure to email me at info@fromgrieftogold.com. Would love to hear from you!

Grief is weird. It can have us questioning what feelings we can and can’t have. “Should I still be sad? Am I allowed to be happy?” The statements and questions go on. But I’m here to share with you in today’s episode that you are very much deserving of finding happiness. You are worthy of being happy. And I want to share some of the smaller ways you can start finding it in your day to day life. If there’s a topic you’d like me to talk about, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me over email or you can also DM me on my Instagram account. I hope you have a wonderful day!

In this episode I’ll be discussing disassociation and grounding with an example of a recent experience I’ve been dealing with as I write my book “A Series of Flashbacks: Darkness Within.” I’ve been dealing with a lot of heavy disassociation and having to bring myself back to the present so I don’t stay stuck, so I wanted to share about this with you in case you or someone you know has been dealing with similar situations. Disassociation is scary, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Disclaimer: I will add that I’m not a therapist or a psychiatrist. I’m merely sharing my own experiences and ways I’ve learned to work through the moments.

On today’s episode I wanted to take a moment and share about “what if” and “I wish” thoughts during the grieving process, as well as some of the negative aspects to staying stuck in that phase. I share my own experience of staying stuck, and the sometimes harsh truth we have to keep in mind so we can start living more in the moment. Disclaimer: I will add that I’m not a therapist or a psychiatrist. I’m merely sharing my own experiences and ways I’ve learned to work through the moments. 

Welcome to the very first episode of From Grief to Gold! I wanted to take a moment to give a little backstory on myself (Melissa Anne) and share a few of my own grief stories. But also share how From Grief to Gold came to fruition. The nagging intuitive calling that brought me to officially writing my book that goes on pre-sale July 10th, and what I hope you can and will achieve from being a part of this podcast and community. Disclaimer: I will add that I’m not a therapist or a psychiatrist. I’m merely sharing my own experiences and ways I’ve learned to work through the moments.