In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts converses with Edie Nathan, a licensed psychotherapist, certified sex therapist, and grief expert. Edie discusses her insightful approach to grief, which includes finding healing in the 'innermost cave' and embracing transformation through it. She expands on her method of integrating grief, rather than seeking closure, and shares her unique perspectives on the nonlinear nature of grief. Edie delves into her personal journey, revealing how her experiences, including the traumatic loss of her partner, led her to embrace grief as her life's work. They also explore the concept of 'homecoming'—the process of coming back to oneself post-grief. Edie highlights the importance of community support and shares tips on how to compassionately assist those grieving. The episode concludes with a discussion on her book, 'It's Grief: The Dance of Self-Discovery through Trauma and Loss,' and emphasizes the enduring power individuals have to navigate grief and transform through it.

Edy's Bio and Contact Information

Edy Nathan, MA, LCSW, CST, is a licensed psychotherapist, certified sex therapist, and grief expert who guides people through the terrain most avoid—grief, trauma, and sexuality. With master’s degrees from NYU and Fordham, and certification in sex therapy from the University of Michigan, Edy brings clinical depth and grounded compassion to the conversations we’re often too afraid to have.

She believes healing begins in what is called “the innermost cave”—a place where one meets their greatest obstacles and finds the tools for deep transformation. “Being in the cave means you’re daring to live with your loss,” she says. “It’s where the shadows of grief, mourning, and the traumatic imprint reveal themselves. And given the chance, it will transform you.” This is the heart of her work: not just surviving grief, but partnering with it, dancing with it, and emerging changed.

Edy is the author of It’s Grief: The Dance of Self-Discovery through Trauma and Loss, and is currently writing her second book, Dare to Live: The Sexual Grief Effect — Reveal the Shadow Wounds from Loathing to Liberation to Love.

Her message is clear: It’s time. To Dare to Live. You have the power—you’ve had it all along.

Learn more about Edy Nathan:

Website: https://edynathan.com

Book: "It's Grief: The Dance of Self-Discovery through Trauma and Loss" (available at Barnes & Noble and independent bookstores)

New Book Info: https://sexualgrief.com

To find out more about dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes RJ Fisher, a writer, researcher, and motivational speaker who works within the prison system. RJ shares her harrowing personal story of surviving a hostage situation at the hands of a former partner, detailing the traumatic experience, her escape, and the profound impact it had on her life. The conversation explores the warning signs of abusive relationships, the psychological aftermath of trauma, and the long road to recovery.

RJ discusses her journey from victim to survivor, emphasizing the importance of recognizing triggers, developing coping strategies, and seeking support. She also talks about her book, "The Girl That Got Out," which recounts her experience and offers practical tools for others facing trauma. The episode highlights RJ’s work in corrections, her passion for understanding human behavior, and her commitment to helping others heal. The overarching message is one of resilience, hope, and the power of sharing stories to foster healing and growth.

RJ’s Bio and Contact Information

RJ Fisher works within the prison system as a writer, qualitative researcher and motivational speaker.

Her true crime novel, The Girl That Got Out, speaks across generations and is spoken highly of in the psychological community.

She writes true crime and trauma recovery, focusing on the “why” behind human behavior and the power of change.

RJ Fisher holds a degree in Criminal Justice from Penn State, studied Urban Ministry at Moody Bible Institute and has worked in the fields of urban solutions, archaeology and mental health.

RJ resides in the countryside with her boyfriend, their six children and plethora of pets.

Connect with RJ Fisher:

Website: www.girlthatgotoutalloneword.com

Find her book, blog, and resources, or reach out for support.

Social media

FB: girlthatgotout

IG: girlthatgotout

TT: girlthatgotout

To find out more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this powerful episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts interviews Robert Paylor, a former collegiate rugby player who was paralyzed from the neck down during a championship game. Robert shares his remarkable journey of recovery, the mental tools that helped him overcome adversity, and how he transformed his greatest challenge into a mission to inspire others. The conversation explores the importance of mindset, forgiveness, community, and redefining success, offering listeners practical insights and hope for facing their own life challenges.

Full Bio:

In one moment, Robert Paylor was experiencing the pinnacle of athletic achievement, competing for the collegiate rugby national championship. In the next moment, his life took an unexpected and devastating turn. Robert suffered a severe spinal cord injury due to foul play, leaving him unable to move or feel anything below his neck. His doctor's prognosis was grim: he would never walk or move his hands for the rest of his life.

Rather than let this tragedy define him, Robert used it as a catalyst for an extraordinary journey of redefining what is possible. Through an unbreakable vision and years of relentless determination, Robert can now walk 500 yards, he stood to receive his diploma from UC Berkeley’s top-ranked Haas School of Business, he married the love of his life, and is now sharing the mental tools that have helped him persevere through paralysis as an inspirational speaker and author.

Robert’s story has captivated millions around the world, being shared by major outlets including Sports Illustrated, People Magazine, Fox News, and The San Francisco Chronicle. As a sought-after speaker, his message has stirred leading Fortune 500 companies like Visa, Intel, Samsung, Accenture, Edward Jones, and Meta, as well as collegiate and professional sports teams, schools, and associations around the country.

Everyone is paralyzed by something, whether it be mental, emotional, or organizational. In his keynote, Paralyzed to Powerful, Robert authentically relives his journey with the audience and shares the invaluable tools that he gained in overcoming quadriplegia. His message stirs organizations and individuals to both identify and conquer that which paralyzes them by cultivating purpose in their work, fully accessing the collective resilience of their team, developing a reflexive sense of gratitude, and maintaining positivity through even the most daunting challenges.

Learn more about Robert Paylor: Book: "Paralyzed to Powerful" (Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Audible)

• Website: https://www.robertpaylor.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rob.paylor/
• X: https://x.com/RobertPaylor5
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertpaylor5
• LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/robert-paylor
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.paylor

To connect with Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com