TW: Mentions of suicide

In this episode, I sit down with Toni Akin, a powerhouse in public education and a deeply compassionate advocate for those navigating affordable and subsidized housing. With over 20 years in the educational field, Toni brings a rare blend of lived experience, sharp insight, and heart-forward leadership.

Toni’s story began in affordable housing in Boston, where she was raised by her grandmother. An experience that taught her the lifesaving impact of supportive adults and community programs. Now, she’s on a mission to challenge the stigma surrounding subsidized housing and to expand access to educational opportunities for underserved communities.

You can find Toni here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonidakin

Toni is the current Board Director (Treasurer) of TerraCorps which focuses on environmental education and is a member of the New England Education Opportunity Association (NEOA)

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TW: some graphic descriptions of violence, mentions of suicide and some strong language

After losing everything Kelly Kirk met the love of his life. After losing her Kelly turned to fitness to rebuild body and soul. In this episode, he shares how bodybuilding became his path through grief and how the Sofia Graham Foundation now helps others find strength after loss.Connect with Kelly and learn more at https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/kellykirk

sofiagrahamfoundation.org

https://www.facebook.com/Kelly222Muscle

Kelly Kirk is the founder of 222Muscle, The Sofia Graham Foundation, a nonprofit committed to improving mental health through physical strength. He is an IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, certified John Maxwell keynote speaker, and veteran educator and coach.

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You can find me here:

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TW: mentions of suicide

After decades as a nurse and a lifetime of personal loss; Diane Carbo founded Caregiver Relief to help others find balance and healing. In this episode, she shares how grief shaped her calling and the lessons every caregiver needs to hear.

You can find more information on Diane here: caregiverrelief.com

Support me on Patreon! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/nikkithedeathdoula⁠

You can find me here:

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TW: pregnancy loss, some discussion of medical procedures.

In this episode of I sit down with author J.S. Loving for an open, heartfelt conversation about a father’s experience with miscarriage. The pain, the silence, and the long road toward healing.

While much of the conversation around pregnancy loss centers mothers (as it should), fathers often grieve quietly in the background, unsure where to put their pain or how to talk about it. J.S. shares his personal story of loss, what inspired his writing, and why he believes it’s time we start including men in the conversation about miscarriage and grief.

Whether you’ve experienced miscarriage personally or are supporting someone who has, this episode offers compassion, insight, and a reminder that grief doesn’t follow gender rules.

You can find his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Holding-Onto-Light-Fathers-Journey/dp/B0DYY5S5XM/

Support me on Patreon! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/nikkithedeathdoula⁠

You can find me here:

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TW: mention of suicide and infant loss

Grief touches us all, but no two losses are ever the same. In this episode I sit down with Karen Tarnopol Schultz; grief survivor, speaker, and founder of Heirloom Consulting. Karen’s story is one of deep personal loss: the death of her father at age ten, the suicide of a close friend in her teens, and the stillbirth of her daughter. Each experience shaped the way she understands grief and the ways it shows up differently in our lives.

Today, Karen brings both her lived experience and her professional expertise to the conversation. Through her company, Heirloom Consulting, she helps families with estate administration after a loss and guides people in proactive legacy planning so their loved ones aren’t left with a scavenger hunt of paperwork during an already difficult time.

You can find Karen here: www.heirloomconsultants.com and here; https://karentarnopolschultz.wordpress.com/2017/07/28/syndee-big-loss/

Also mentioned in the episode: https://www.roadid.com/

Support me on Patreon! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/nikkithedeathdoula⁠

You can find me here:

https://linktr.ee/nikkithedeathdoula

Get merch! https://good-grief-podcast.printify.me/ Music:https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3495-cheery-monday

Caregiving can be one of the loneliest jobs in the world, even when you’re constantly around others. If you’ve ever felt invisible, cut off from friends, or like nobody really “gets it”, this episode is for you.

What is The paradox of caregiver isolation and why are loved ones drifting away?

Whether you’re caring for a partner, parent, child, or friend, know this: you are not as alone as you feel.

Mentioned in the episode:

https://www.nikkithedeathdoula.com/blog/quick-amp-healthy-meals-for-busy-caregivers

118. Simple Escapes

104. Self Care

Support me on Patreon! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/nikkithedeathdoula⁠

You can find me here:

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Get merch! https://good-grief-podcast.printify.me/ Music:https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3495-cheery-monday

Support me on Patreon! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/nikkithedeathdoula⁠

You can find me here:

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Grief and menopause. What happens when these two massive life transitions collide? In this episode I dive into the under-discussed intersection of menopause and mourning.

Why do hormonal shifts intensify grief symptoms like brain fog, anxiety, and insomnia? and why the cultural silence around women’s midlife transitions!! Lets talk about Practical ways to support yourself (and others) through this double-whammy of emotional and physical change.

Support me on Patreon! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/nikkithedeathdoula⁠

You can find me here:

https://linktr.ee/nikkithedeathdoula

Get merch! https://good-grief-podcast.printify.me/ Music:https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3495-cheery-monday