Grief 2 Growth examines how the greatest tragedies of life often are opportunities for the most advancement. Planted, not buried is the motto of Grief 2 Growth. Unless a seed is planted, it remains full of unrealized potential. But, once that seed is planted, it can bring forth much fruit. Brian is a grief survivor. After the sudden and tragic passing of his fifteen-year-old daughter in 2015, he became inspired to live his life to the fullest to honor her and make her proud. Grief 2 Growth presents guests who have overcome tragedies and share how they have survived those tragedies. Afterlife experts are often featured. Brian also hosts healers and experts in grief through both education and experience inspire us each to be the best we can be. Brian shares insights he has learned with the hope they will help you on your journey.
Gina Gayle Gray is a seasoned emotional health coach, counselor, and Oracle, whose life was profoundly transformed after the loss of her 23-year-old son, Spencer. Spencer, who never spoke a word in his physical life, taught Gina the extraordinary power of listening to the silence—a lesson that has shaped her life and work.
Gina now channels her experiences into helping others heal emotional wounds, reconnect with themselves, and transform grief into grace. From her retreat center, Casa Grace, in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico, she guides clients on their own *Journey Back to Me*.
Together, Brian and Gina explore:
- 🌟 The lessons Spencer taught about communication beyond words.
- 🌀 How Gina developed a telepathic connection with her son.
- 📖 Insights from Gina's book, *Listen to the Silence: Messages and Miracles from Spencer, Who Never Spoke Words*.
- ✨ The importance of emotional health in healing and personal growth.
- 🌿 How Gina supports others through her retreats and healing programs.
This conversation offers profound insights for anyone navigating grief, looking to connect with loved ones in spirit, or seeking to transform their own pain into purpose.
Gina Gayle Gray is an emotional health coach, mental health counselor, and Oracle with over 40 years of experience. After losing her son, Spencer, she discovered a unique connection to him in the spirit realm that has profoundly influenced her life and work. Gina’s book, *Listen to the Silence: Messages and Miracles from Spencer, Who Never Spoke Words*, captures her son’s wisdom and their extraordinary bond.
Gina now resides in Mexico, where she operates Casa Grace, a healing retreat center offering her signature *Journey Back to Me* program. Her mission is to empower others to heal emotional wounds, reconnect with their true selves, and live fully in the present.
- Gina’s Website: [Anywhere Mind Body Soul](https://anywheremindbodysoul.com) - Learn more about Gina’s retreats and the
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this episode or join the conversation in the *Grief 2 Growth* community: [grief2growth.com/community](https://grief2growth.com/community).
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I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.
https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons
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Preserving Legacy Through Loss: Matt Jacobson’s Journey with LifeBooks
Episode Summary:
In this deeply moving episode of Grief to Growth, host Brian Smith speaks with Matt Jacobson, founder of LifeBooks, a platform born from love and a commitment to honoring family legacies. After losing his father while studying abroad, Matt returned to run his family’s mattress store. His experience inspired him to create LifeBooks, an innovative service for families to collaboratively preserve and honor their loved ones' stories in beautifully bound books that last for generations. Matt and Brian explore themes of legacy, healing, and how transforming grief into purpose can create a lasting impact on families.
Guest Bio:
Matt Jacobson grew up in Southern California, spending his early years working in his family's mattress store. After unexpectedly losing his father, he stepped up to continue his father's legacy, both in the family business and by creating LifeBooks. Fueled by a desire to preserve his father’s memory, Matt launched LifeBooks, allowing families to collaborate on capturing the lives and stories of loved ones. His journey is one of resilience, determination, and honoring the sacrifices of those who came before us.
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
- LifeBooks: The Mission Behind the Platform
Matt shares the story of LifeBooks, a collaborative platform that helps families memorialize loved ones by capturing shared memories, photos, and stories in a high-quality book that can be cherished for generations.
- Turning Grief into Purpose
After stepping into his father’s shoes, Matt found a powerful sense of purpose in preserving his father's legacy. He discusses how grief can lead us to discover deeper motivations and drive to create something meaningful.
- Overcoming Hurdles
Matt reflects on the challenges he faced, from managing the family business to launching a startup, and how the LifeBooks project helped him find purpose and healing amidst his own loss.
- A Collaborative Approach to Legacy
LifeBooks’ unique process invites friends and family to contribute stories, photos, and memories. Matt explains how this collective storytelling approach creates a richer, multidimensional view of each loved one’s life.
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I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.
https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons
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In this powerful episode of Grief 2 Growth, host Brian Smith sits down with Summer McStravick, a renowned personal growth coach, author, and the creator of Flowdreaming—a transformative practice that merges daydreaming with emotional reconditioning to help individuals manifest and thrive. Summer’s unique journey includes her inspiring work with Louise Hay and her personal battle with a life-threatening illness, which she transformed into a journey of healing and empowerment.
Summer shares profound insights on emotional resilience, embracing grief, and overcoming the limiting beliefs she calls “lack thinking.” Her philosophy on connecting with the universe as a "partner in creation" offers a new perspective on personal empowerment and cultivating abundance. This episode promises to leave you inspired, uplifted, and ready to embrace the next steps in your healing journey.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Connect with Summer McStravick:
Join the Conversation:
Continue the conversation with Brian and connect with a supportive community at grief2growth.com
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Can't wait to hear from you!
I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.
https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons
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In this heart-opening episode, host Brian Smith is joined by Rev. Katina Z. Jones—spiritual advisor, medium, and “The Purple Priestess”—to discuss the art of connecting with loved ones who have passed and embracing spirituality as a path to healing. Rev. Katina draws on her background as a death doula and intuitive guide to offer insights into finding peace, purpose, and connection amid loss.
With over 25 years as a healer, author, and medium, Katina’s spiritual journey began after a transformative personal loss, eventually leading her to help others navigate grief with compassion. Together, Brian and Katina explore ancestral guidance, the purpose of doulas in the final stages of life, and the many ways we can continue the conversation with those who have transitioned.
Topics Covered:
Guest Bio:
Rev. Katina Z. Jones, known as “The Purple Priestess,” is an author, medium, and career intuitive with a passion for helping others find purpose beyond loss. With certifications as a death doula and a doctoral degree underway in metaphysics, Katina merges her intuitive gifts with years of spiritual practice to guide individuals in connecting to their loved ones and to the wisdom of their ancestors. Learn more at ThePurplePriestess.com.
Notable Quotes:
Join the Conversation:
Visit Grief2Growth.com/community to share your insights, find support, and connect with others on a similar healing journey.
Resources Mentioned:
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Can't wait to hear from you!
I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.
https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons
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In this enlightening episode of Grief 2 Growth, host Brian Smith welcomes Cheryl Murphy, an evidential medium, psychic, and certified hypnotherapist, to explore the profound impact of spirit communication on healing and personal growth. Cheryl, with over 20 years of experience in metaphysics, shares how connecting with loved ones in spirit can be a powerful tool for healing grief and offers practical advice on how anyone can start their own spiritual journey. She also touches on her personal journey growing up in a psychic family, including her mother and great aunt, and how that shaped her life's work.
Key Topics Covered:
Don't Miss This!
Cheryl also reveals some techniques you can use to start recognizing and interpreting spiritual messages in your everyday life. This episode is full of practical insights and emotional depth, perfect for anyone navigating grief or seeking a deeper understanding of the spiritual realm.
Connect with Cheryl Murphy:
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3.) Provide feedback
Can't wait to hear from you!
I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.
https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons
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In this eye-opening episode of Grief 2 Growth, host Brian Smith sits down with Patricia Saunders, an expert in Transcendental Meditation (TM) and best-selling author, to explore a remarkable idea—can meditation really reduce crime and societal violence?
Patricia has been teaching TM for decades, both in the UK and the US, and is currently at Maharishi International University. Her groundbreaking work, particularly highlighted in her book An Antidote to Violence: Evaluating the Evidence, dives deep into the research behind TM’s potential to transform both individuals and society at large.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
About Our Guest:
Patricia Saunders is a seasoned Transcendental Meditation teacher and a passionate advocate for its societal benefits. She has taught TM in both the UK and the US and is currently based at Maharishi International University. In her book An Antidote to Violence, she presents compelling evidence from peer-reviewed studies showing how meditation can lead to a more peaceful world.
Continue the Conversation:
After listening, join us at grief2growth.com/community to discuss how you can be part of the movement toward a more peaceful, harmonious society. Share your thoughts, connect with like-minded listeners, and learn how meditation could transform your life—and the world around you.
Join us to continue the conversation about the podcast, find like-minded individuals, get premium content, and more.
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You can send me a text by clicking the link at the top of the show notes. Use fanmail to:
1.) Ask questions.
2.) Suggest future guests/topics.
3.) Provide feedback
Can't wait to hear from you!
I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.
https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons
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🌿 Imagine a world where aging isn't feared, but embraced as a source of wisdom and power. In this episode of *Grief 2 Growth*, host Brian Smith sits down with acclaimed author David W. Berner to explore the deep, often overlooked beauty of growing older.
David, an award-winning author of fiction, memoir, and creative nonfiction, discusses his latest book, Daylight Saving Time, a collection of essays on aging, art, and finding joy in life's later years. Together, we dive into how aging can be a profound journey of self-discovery, the role of art and literature in this process, and how society's stigma on aging holds us back from our full potential. 🌱
👂 Whether you're navigating aging yourself or supporting a loved one through it, this episode is a must-listen for anyone searching for meaning, wisdom, and solace at every stage of life. Join us as we unpack how to live "older well" and how the challenges we face along the way can become our greatest sources of strength.
🔗 After the show, continue the conversation with us at:
https://grief2growth.com/community
🔗 find David at https://www.davidwberner.com
✨ Hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE to discover new ways to find growth through grief and life's challenges. Don’t miss out on future episodes full of insight and hope! 💡
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You can send me a text by clicking the link at the top of the show notes. Use fanmail to:
1.) Ask questions.
2.) Suggest future guests/topics.
3.) Provide feedback
Can't wait to hear from you!
I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.
https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons
🧑🏿🤝🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education
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In this deeply insightful episode of Grief 2 Growth, host Brian Smith welcomes the world’s foremost grief expert, David Kessler, to explore how we can find meaning in grief. David, a grief counselor and author of Finding Meaning: The Grief Workbook, shares his personal experience of losing his son and provides practical tools for processing grief. Brian and David dive into the emotional, spiritual, and psychological aspects of healing after profound loss.
David has worked alongside iconic figures in the grief field like Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and Louise Hay, and his experience as a grief educator and counselor offers invaluable wisdom to anyone seeking hope in their grief journey.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- How to move from feeling "buried" by grief to feeling "planted" for growth 🌱
- David’s personal story of losing his son and how it transformed his approach to grief counseling 🕊️
- Practical tools for **finding meaning in grief** and navigating complicated emotions such as guilt, anger, and regret
- The importance of balancing the spiritual and human aspects of the grieving process 🙏
- How to take small steps toward healing, even when the pain feels overwhelming
About Our Guest:
David Kessler is the world’s leading authority on grief, with decades of experience guiding thousands through the most difficult moments of their lives. He has co-authored books with Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, including *On Grief and Grieving*, and worked with Louise Hay on *You Can Heal Your Heart*. David’s latest work, *Finding Meaning: The Grief Workbook*, provides actionable tools for navigating grief and finding peace.
Resources Mentioned:
- David Kessler’s Website https://grief.com
- Finding Meaning: The Grief Workbook by David Kessler https://griefbook.com
- 👉 Have you been able to find meaning in your grief? Share your story with us in the Grief 2 Growth community: http://grief2growth.com/community)
- 💬 What’s one tool from David Kessler’s advice that resonated with you? Leave a comment or review to let us know!
Join us to continue the conversation about the podcast, find like-minded individuals, get premium content, and more.
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You can send me a text by clicking the link at the top of the show notes. Use fanmail to:
1.) Ask questions.
2.) Suggest future guests/topics.
3.) Provide feedback
Can't wait to hear from you!
I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.
https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons
🧑🏿🤝🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education
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In this enlightening episode, Brian Smith interviews Dr. Erik Deumens, a nuclear physicist whose life journey bridges the realms of science and spirituality. Erik shares how his early fascination with quantum mechanics eventually led him to a deeper understanding of human consciousness, sparked by the practice of yoga and the personal growth that followed the loss of his wife. Listen as Erik explains the balance between the physical and spiritual worlds, and how grief can be a powerful catalyst for transformation.
Key Topics Discussed:
Guest Bio: Dr. Erik Deumens was born and raised in Antwerp, Belgium. He studied physics and mathematics at the University of Antwerp before earning a PhD in computational nuclear physics. Moving to the U.S. in 1985, Erik became part of the Quantum Theory Project at the University of Florida, where he’s spent decades advancing research in chemical reactions through computer modeling. He now serves as the Director of Research Computing at the University of Florida. Alongside his scientific career, Erik has studied Hatha yoga since the age of 17, delving into spiritual texts and philosophies. His spiritual path deepened after the loss of his wife, leading him to integrate emotional and spiritual practices into his life.
Resources:
Join us to continue the conversation about the podcast, find like-minded individuals, get premium content, and more.
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You can send me a text by clicking the link at the top of the show notes. Use fanmail to:
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2.) Suggest future guests/topics.
3.) Provide feedback
Can't wait to hear from you!
I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.
https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons
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In this captivating episode of Grief 2 Growth, host Brian Smith dives deep with Jamie Inglett, an intuitive healer, author, and CEO of Enchanting Earth. Jamie’s journey from a successful banking career to an enlightening spiritual awakening at a quartz mine is truly inspiring. She now dedicates her life to spreading empowerment, love, and healing through the magic of crystals.
**What You'll Learn:**
🔮 The science behind how crystals work and how they affect our energy
💖 How to harness crystals for healing, intuition, and manifestation
🛍️ The importance of sourcing crystals from trusted, ethical sources
❌ Common misconceptions about crystal healing—and the truth behind them
Whether you're new to the world of crystals or looking to deepen your connection with them, Jamie shares practical tips on how to integrate these powerful tools into your daily life. From understanding which crystal is right for you, to setting intentions, and manifesting your dream life—this episode is filled with gems of wisdom! 💎
🎧 **Tune in now and discover how crystals can help you live a life full of healing, peace, and purpose.**
👉 **SUBSCRIBE** for more inspiring conversations and tips on personal growth, spirituality, and navigating life's challenges. 🌟
Join us to continue the conversation about the podcast, find like-minded individuals, get premium content, and more.
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You can send me a text by clicking the link at the top of the show notes. Use fanmail to:
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2.) Suggest future guests/topics.
3.) Provide feedback
Can't wait to hear from you!
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In this powerful episode of **Grief 2 Growth**, host Brian Smith sits down with *Laura Foster*—a woman who turned profound grief and depression into a life of healing and self-discovery. 🌟
After witnessing her family struggle with illness and loss, Laura made the courageous decision to break free from the limiting beliefs and societal programming that kept her trapped. Through her unique approach called *Holistic Scaffolding*, she now helps others overcome depression, anxiety, and trauma to rediscover their true selves. 💫
✨ *In this episode, you’ll discover:*
- **Healing from Grief**: How loss can be a catalyst for personal growth
- **Overcoming Depression and Trauma**: Learn the steps Laura took to reclaim her power
- **Breaking Free from Societal Conditioning**: Unlock the mental and emotional blocks that keep you stuck
- **Becoming Your Own Guru**: Tap into your inner strength and wisdom for true transformation
- **Holistic Scaffolding**: Explore Laura’s groundbreaking method for overcoming anxiety, healing trauma, and living authentically
💔 *If you’ve ever felt buried by life’s challenges, this episode will show you that you haven’t been buried—you’ve been planted.* 🌿
Ready to awaken your true self and start your own healing journey? Join us in this transformative conversation and discover the path to reclaiming your power. 🌸
🗣️ **Join our community for support and deeper conversations:** [grief2growth.com/community](https://grief2growth.com/community)
🌍 **Learn more about Laura Foster’s life-changing work:** [soulshealinghumanity.com](http://soulshealinghumanity.com)
Join us to continue the conversation about the podcast, find like-minded individuals, get premium content, and more.
https://grief2growth.com/community to apply to join for FREE.
You can send me a text by clicking the link at the top of the show notes. Use fanmail to:
1.) Ask questions.
2.) Suggest future guests/topics.
3.) Provide feedback
Can't wait to hear from you!
I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.
https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons
🧑🏿🤝🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education
👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)
📰 Get A Free Gift
📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call
📈 Leave A Review
Thanks so much for your support
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