2025: It’s a year of big changes, big feelings, and maybe even a little bit of big grief. Feeling a little lost in the chaos? You’re not alone. On this episode, we explore what it means to show up meaningfully in “unprecedented” times, the concept of the “pendulum redux,” the power of our individual callings, and why connection and joy are non-negotiable. Join me for an honest and reflective episode about meeting life as it is, and actionable tools to help you cultivate connection, compassion, and hope in the face of ... READ MORE

Have you ever felt like you're grieving "wrong"? Is there a "right" way to grieve?

In this episode of the Grief and Light podcast, host Nina Rodriguez talks with licensed therapist and grief coach, Shea Wingate aka. "The Grief Girlie," about the many faces of grief.  Shea shares her own experience of profound loss and compounded grief, offering insights and wisdom gained from navigating the deaths of her parents and sister in a two-year span, and her calling to work ... READ MORE

This episode explores the concept of liminality in grief, emphasizing the importance of giving oneself permission to feel and operate from a place of becoming. She discusses the challenges of navigating identity shifts after loss, the tools of heart-centered curiosity, boundaries, and self-compassion, and the significance of community and creative expression in the healing process. The conversation highlights the beauty of vulnerability and the ongoing journey of personal ... READ MORE

How can we ensure that the legacies of our loved ones are not forgotten?

In this episode, I speak with Matt Jacobson, a young entrepreneur whose father passed away unexpectedly, leaving a void in his life. He decided to create Lifebooks, a platform that allows families to collaborate on creating beautiful, high-quality legacy books that tell the stories of their loved ones.

Matt's story is one of resilience and hope. He is an inspiration to anyone who has lost a loved one. His work is helping to ensure that the legacies of those we love will never be forgotten... READ MORE

How do we find the strength to keep going when the life we built with someone we love is suddenly gone? In this poignant episode, host Nina Rodriguez speaks with Tina Fornwald, an empowerment coach, podcast host, and retired Chief Warrant Officer, about her journey through grief after a miscarriage, surviving breast cancer, and losing Mark, her beloved husband of 32 years. Through her story, Tina illuminates the complexities of grief, the importance of community support, and the unique challenges faced by widows and widowers... READ MORE

How can we center aliveness in a world full of loss? In this heartfelt conversation, host Nina Rodriguez and grief activist, TEDx speaker, podcast host, and author, Lisa Keefauver, MSW dive into the complexities of grief, offering insights on grief literacy and the personal experiences that shape how we process loss. They explore the emotional impact of grief, highlighting the gap between learning about grief and living through it. The discussion unpacks the nuances of emotions, feelings, and moods, shedding light on how understanding these distinctions can support healing. Lisa shares powerful tools from narrative therapy, emphasizing the importance of reframing... READ MORE

What if grief holds its own wisdom, guiding us towards healing and understanding?

Paula Sager, writer and teacher of embodied contemplative practices, delves into the wisdom found in grief and the power of presence in times of loss. Paula reflects on her father's illness, passing, and the ongoing connection that unfolded afterward. They discuss how mindfulness, movement, and authentic movement practices can support grief by fostering inner listening and honoring the body’s response to loss. This conversation explores themes of love, letting go, and the mystical moments that can emerge during grief.  Paula shares insights from her book, The Watch, and invites listeners to embrace unanswered questions... READ MORE

How does grief intersect with race and identity when growing up in a multi-ethnic family?

Nico shares the deeply personal story behind his memoir 📖 “Brothers: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Race,” which honors the life and legacy of his late brother, Peter. 

Raised in a multi-ethnic family, Nico reflects on Peter’s experiences as a Black man in America, the traumatic events that shaped their lives, and how writing became a path toward healing and understanding. This conversation explores the evolving nature of grief, the power of storytelling, and how we continue our relationships with those who have passed... READ MORE

We often use the words grief and grieving interchangeably—but did you know they’re not quite the same?

In this thoughtful solo episode of Grief and Light, host Nina Rodriguez invites listeners into a powerful reframe: grief is the natural response to loss, but grieving is how we live with and in relation to our grief. With tenderness and clarity, Nina explores how understanding the distinction between these two terms can transform our experience with loss—softening unrealistic expectations, reducing pressure to "move on," and opening up a path toward self-compassion and emotional expansion... READ MORE