Grief 2 Growth

Brian D. Smith

"Transform your grief into growth with Brian Smith, an empathetic life coach, certified grief educator, public speaker, and author who has walked the treacherous path of profound loss. Grief 2 Growth unravels the intricacies of life, death, and the spaces in between, offering listeners a new perspective on what it means to be 'Planted. Not Buried.'Join Brian and his compelling guests—bereaved parents, life coaches, mediums, healers, near death experiencers, and experts in various fields—as they discuss topics like survival guilt, synchronicities, and the scientific evidence supporting the existence of the afterlife. You'll come away with actionable advice, renewed hope, and the comforting knowledge that love and life are eternal.One of the most powerful ways we know what awaits us and where we came from is Near Death Experiences. Much of Brian's knowledge is derived from extensive study of this phenomenon, along with interviewing dozens of near death experience experiencers.Brian knows the soul-crushing weight of loss; his journey began with the sudden passing of his fifteen-year-old daughter, Shayna. It's not an odyssey he would have chosen, but it has been an odyssey that has chosen him to guide others.Grief 2 Growth is a sanctuary for those grieving, those curious about the beyond, and anyone eager to explore the fuller dimensions of life and death. Each episode delves into topics that matter most—how to cope, grow, and connect with loved ones in the afterlife. If you ask: “Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going?” this podcast is for you.This isn't about forgetting your loss or simply 'moving on'; it's about growing in a new direction that honors your loved ones and your spirit. It’s about finding joy and purpose again.Grief 2 Growth is more than a podcast; it's a community of souls committed to supporting one another through the darkest valleys and highest peaks of human existence. Listen today and start planting seeds for a brighter, more spiritually connected tomorrow."

Episodes

Mentioned books

Apr 22, 2025 • 1h 17min

Every Soul Knows: How Grief, Loss & Purpose Led to a Spiritual Awakening (w/ Peter Alessandria)- EP 423

✨ Episode Summary: What if your deepest grief was actually your greatest opportunity for growth? In this heart-opening conversation, Brian D. Smith sits down with photographer, filmmaker, and former attorney Peter Alessandria to explore how loss, self-doubt, and life’s most painful detours can lead to profound spiritual awakening.Peter shares his personal transformation—how losing everything during the 2008 financial crisis set him on a path to uncovering his creative gifts, and how his brother’s unexpected passing deepened his spiritual conviction. His documentary, Every Soul Knows, weaves together the voices of over 60 near-death experiencers, mediums, and spiritual teachers—all pointing to a powerful truth: we are so much more than we think we are.💡 In this episode, we discuss:Peter’s journey from law to photography to filmmaking 🎬How loss and failure can lead to breakthrough moments 🌱What NDEs reveal about the afterlife, soul contracts & reincarnationThe life-changing message Peter received after his brother’s death 💔Behind the scenes of the making of Every Soul KnowsHow to apply spiritual truths to everyday challenges 🙏Why YOU came here—and what your soul already knows ✨🎧 Don’t miss: A moving clip from the film featuring Dr. Eben Alexander’s powerful near-death experience and a message from beyond the veil.🔗 Resources & Links:🌍 Every Soul Knows (Film): https://www.everysoulknows.com📘 Be Bigger Than You Think You Are (Peter's book): https://www.bebiggertoday.com🌱 It’s Time to Remember (Nonprofit mission): https://www.itstimetoremember.org💬 Join the Grief 2 Growth community: https://www.grief2growth.com/communityVisit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:Guided MeditationsMy book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved onesMini-coursesMini-guidesCheck it out at https://grief2growth.com/store Grief doesn’t follow stages, timelines, or rules.If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?”—you’re not alone.That’s why I created the Grief Check-In. It’s not a test. There are no right or wrong answers. In just a few minutes, you’ll gain clarity, reassurance, and language for what you’re experiencing.👉 Visit grief2growth.com/checkin This deck is a labor of love. It's a 44 card oracle deck that's about connecting you to your loved one in spirit. The deck comes with a companion digital guide that gives you an affirmation, a reflection, and an activity for the day.Check it out at https://stan.store/grief2growth/p/oracle-deckSupport the show🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻 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 ReviewThanks so much for your support

Apr 16, 2025 • 1h 4min

Mindfulness, Monastic Life, and the Art of Letting Go | Stephen Schettini- EP 422

🧘‍♂️ Episode Summary: In this soul-stirring conversation, former Buddhist monk Stephen Schettini joins Brian Smith to talk about practical mindfulness, the emotional power of silence, and what it really means to know yourself. From the pain that led him to the monastery, to the courage it took to leave, Stephen shares timeless wisdom that helps us face modern challenges with clarity and grace.💡 In This Episode, We Explore:Why mindfulness isn’t about emptying your mindThe difference between real transformation and spiritual bypassingHow grief, anxiety, and frustration can be doorways to growthWhat Stephen learned from the Buddha himself—beyond religionHow you can start (and stick with) a daily mindfulness practice🌐 Guest Info: Stephen Schettini Website: https://mindfulnesslive.ca Books: 📘 The Novice 📘 It Begins With Silence💬 Join the Discussion: What’s been your biggest challenge with mindfulness? Continue the conversation at 👉 grief2growth.com/community🔔 Subscribe & Review: Love this episode? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. It helps others discover the show and supports the message of healing through awareness.🎧 Listen on the go: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music | Google Podcasts🫶 Support the Mission: If Grief 2 Growth has helped you, consider supporting the show at grief2growth.com/supportVisit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:Guided MeditationsMy book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved onesMini-coursesMini-guidesCheck it out at https://grief2growth.com/store Grief doesn’t follow stages, timelines, or rules.If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?”—you’re not alone.That’s why I created the Grief Check-In. It’s not a test. There are no right or wrong answers. In just a few minutes, you’ll gain clarity, reassurance, and language for what you’re experiencing.👉 Visit grief2growth.com/checkin This deck is a labor of love. It's a 44 card oracle deck that's about connecting you to your loved one in spirit. The deck comes with a companion digital guide that gives you an affirmation, a reflection, and an activity for the day.Check it out at https://stan.store/grief2growth/p/oracle-deckSupport the show🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻 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 ReviewThanks so much for your support

Apr 8, 2025 • 56min

Healing Grief & Generational Trauma Through Internal Family Systems | Tamala Floyd- EP 421

What if your grief isn't just your own—but a wound passed down through generations? In this powerful episode, I speak with psychotherapist, author, and IFS lead trainer Tamala Floyd about the healing power of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and ancestral wisdom.Tamala breaks down how parts of ourselves—like the people-pleaser or the inner critic—form in response to trauma, and how they can be lovingly unburdened, not exiled. She also discusses how healing isn’t just personal—it’s generational.You’ll Learn: ✅ What Internal Family Systems (IFS) is and how it works ✅ How trauma gets “stored” and passed through generations ✅ Why healing your “parts” can transform grief ✅ How your ancestors can become part of your healing team ✅ What “self-energy” is—and why it matters ✅ How stuck grief shows up in the body and nervous systemWhether you're grieving a loss, struggling with emotional triggers, or carrying burdens that feel older than you are—this episode is a must-listen.✨ Connect with Tamala Floyd:Website: https://tamala-floyd.comInstagram: @tamala_floyd_authorBook: Listening When Parts Speak – Available nowUpcoming Retreats: https://tamala-floyd.com/retreats📬 Stay Connected:Join the community: grief2growth.com/communitySubscribe on Substack: grief2growth.substack.com🗣️ We Want to Hear From You! 💬 What “part” of you shows up most in your grief? Let us know in the comments or leave a review. 🎧 Share this episode with a friend who needs healing. 🧘🏾‍♀️ Interested in healing generational trauma through retreat? Visit Tamala’s site!Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:Guided MeditationsMy book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved onesMini-coursesMini-guidesCheck it out at https://grief2growth.com/store Grief doesn’t follow stages, timelines, or rules.If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?”—you’re not alone.That’s why I created the Grief Check-In. It’s not a test. There are no right or wrong answers. In just a few minutes, you’ll gain clarity, reassurance, and language for what you’re experiencing.👉 Visit grief2growth.com/checkin This deck is a labor of love. It's a 44 card oracle deck that's about connecting you to your loved one in spirit. The deck comes with a companion digital guide that gives you an affirmation, a reflection, and an activity for the day.Check it out at https://stan.store/grief2growth/p/oracle-deckSupport the show🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻 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 ReviewThanks so much for your support

Apr 1, 2025 • 58min

How To Be Truly Unmessable With- with Josselyne Herman-Saccio EP 420

🧭 Episode OverviewIn this powerful episode, Brian sits down with transformation coach Jocelyn Herman Saccio, who shares how to become unmessable with—a state of being where no trigger, obstacle, or stressor can shake your foundation.Jocelyn’s unique methodology, shaped by over 30 years of coaching and personal transformation, helps people move from “someday” dreams to TODAY breakthroughs. Whether you're feeling stuck in a job, overwhelmed by family dynamics, or simply tired of surviving instead of thriving—this episode is for you.🔥 What You’ll LearnWhat it really means to be unmessable with (it's not about being tough 💪)Why the #1 thing that messes with people is their own brain 🧠Jocelyn’s personal story of breaking her “you can’t do art as a career” belief 🎨Tools to recognize and “hack” the moment you're being messed with 🚨How to turn complaints into powerful, transformative requests 🗣️Why “someday” is the most dangerous word—and how to reclaim now 🕰️Game-changing insights on money, time, and fulfillment 💸🛠️ Resources & Tools MentionedJocelyn’s FREE Workbooks & Tools: giftfromjoss.comPodcast: Be Unmessable WithCalendar Training: “Design Your Days” workshop (available on her site)Follow Jocelyn on Instagram: @beunmessablewith💬 Let’s Talk: What's one area of your life where you’ve been saying “someday”? ➡️ Head over to grief2growth.com/community and share how you're bringing that dream into today.💬 Favorite Quotes“The most powerful thing you have is your word. Honor it—and you can create anything.” – Jocelyn Herman Saccio “Someday never comes. But now? Now is real.” – Brian D. Smith⭐️ Enjoying the Podcast?Leave us a review on Apple or Spotify to help more people discover trVisit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:Guided MeditationsMy book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved onesMini-coursesMini-guidesCheck it out at https://grief2growth.com/store Grief doesn’t follow stages, timelines, or rules.If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?”—you’re not alone.That’s why I created the Grief Check-In. It’s not a test. There are no right or wrong answers. In just a few minutes, you’ll gain clarity, reassurance, and language for what you’re experiencing.👉 Visit grief2growth.com/checkin This deck is a labor of love. It's a 44 card oracle deck that's about connecting you to your loved one in spirit. The deck comes with a companion digital guide that gives you an affirmation, a reflection, and an activity for the day.Check it out at https://stan.store/grief2growth/p/oracle-deckSupport the show🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻 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 ReviewThanks so much for your support

Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 1min

On Second Thought Maybe I Can - Debbie Weiss EP 419

What happens when you spend your whole life taking care of others—and forget who you are? In this deeply moving conversation, Brian Smith talks with Debbie Weiss, a woman who’s worn many hats: caregiver, business owner, author, and now, a voice of possibility and hope. Debbie shares her incredible journey of caring for her father, her neurodivergent son, and her husband through terminal illness and mental health struggles.She opens up about anticipatory grief, the complexity of feeling both relief and guilt, and how writing her memoir On Second Thought, Maybe I Can during her husband’s final days became an emotional lifeline. 💡If you’ve ever felt stuck, invisible, or unsure how to move forward—this episode is for you.🧭 What We Cover in This Episode:Why caregiving often starts before the loss occurs (anticipatory grief)The weight of caregiving as a daughter, spouse, and parentHow Debbie found herself at 50—and reclaimed her lifeThe emotional power of writing through grief ✍️How to shift from victim mindset to possibility mindsetWhy self-care isn’t selfish—especially for caregivers 💗Creating “A Sprinkle of Hearts”—and what hearts symbolize to DebbieDating after loss: why there’s no right timeline💬 Favorite Quotes:“Living is stepping out of your comfort zone—even when you're afraid.” – Debbie Weiss “Self-care is not selfish. It's essential for survival.” “I thought I was being buried. But I was being planted.” – Brian Smith🔗 Connect With Debbie Weiss:🌐 Website: https://www.debbierweiss.com 🛍️ Shop: https://www.asprinkleofhearts.com 📚 Books on Amazon:On Second Thought, Maybe I CanThe Sprinkle EffectHeart Whispers (Co-author)🎧 Podcast: Maybe I Can🧠 Reflection Prompt:Have you ever felt like you lost yVisit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:Guided MeditationsMy book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved onesMini-coursesMini-guidesCheck it out at https://grief2growth.com/store Grief doesn’t follow stages, timelines, or rules.If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?”—you’re not alone.That’s why I created the Grief Check-In. It’s not a test. There are no right or wrong answers. In just a few minutes, you’ll gain clarity, reassurance, and language for what you’re experiencing.👉 Visit grief2growth.com/checkin This deck is a labor of love. It's a 44 card oracle deck that's about connecting you to your loved one in spirit. The deck comes with a companion digital guide that gives you an affirmation, a reflection, and an activity for the day.Check it out at https://stan.store/grief2growth/p/oracle-deckSupport the show🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻 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 ReviewThanks so much for your support

Mar 18, 2025 • 56min

From Caregiver to Purpose-Driven Leader: Caren Paskel’s Journey of Transformation- EP 418

Episode Summary: How do you rebuild your life after profound loss? Caren Paskel was a thriving yoga studio owner when her world turned upside down—her husband, David, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. As his caregiver, she faced overwhelming challenges, but instead of breaking, she transformed. In this episode, Caren shares how she turned personal tragedy into a mission of empowerment, helping others find self-belief, resilience, and purpose after loss.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The emotional and physical toll of caregiving—and how to navigate it ✔️ The power of self-belief in overcoming life’s biggest obstacles ✔️ Why self-care isn’t selfish (and how caregivers can avoid burnout) ✔️ How to rebuild after loss and create a purpose-driven life ✔️ Practical tips for shifting from grief to growth✨ Guest Bio - Caren Paskel: Caren Paskel is a best-selling author, speaker, and founder of the Self Evolution Education Foundation. She’s the author of The Power of Self-Belief, a book that has helped countless people break through their limitations and create meaningful change. After losing her husband, David, to brain cancer, she transformed her grief into a mission—helping others develop resilience, self-belief, and personal growth.🔗 Connect with Caren Paskel: 🌐 Website: https://www.carenpaskel.com 📖 Book: The Power of Self-Belief – Available on Amazon! 📷 Instagram: @carenpaskel💛 Continue the Conversation: Join our private community for support and connection: 👉 grief2growth.com/community📩 Enjoyed This Episode? ✅ Subscribe & leave a review to help us reach more people who need this message. ✅ Share this episode with someone who could use a little inspiration.#Grief2Growth #Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:Guided MeditationsMy book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved onesMini-coursesMini-guidesCheck it out at https://grief2growth.com/store Grief doesn’t follow stages, timelines, or rules.If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?”—you’re not alone.That’s why I created the Grief Check-In. It’s not a test. There are no right or wrong answers. In just a few minutes, you’ll gain clarity, reassurance, and language for what you’re experiencing.👉 Visit grief2growth.com/checkin This deck is a labor of love. It's a 44 card oracle deck that's about connecting you to your loved one in spirit. The deck comes with a companion digital guide that gives you an affirmation, a reflection, and an activity for the day.Check it out at https://stan.store/grief2growth/p/oracle-deckSupport the show🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻 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 ReviewThanks so much for your support

Mar 11, 2025 • 59min

The Doctors Gave Her Three Years- She Said "Watch This" - Dr. Wendy Slattery EP 417

What does it mean to truly live when faced with a terminal diagnosis? In this powerful episode, Dr. Wendy Slattery shares her remarkable journey from growing up on a North Dakota farm in the 1950s to becoming a top infectious disease doctor—only to have her career cut short by a cancer diagnosis. Joined by her daughter Jenny, Wendy reveals how she turned to storytelling as a way to leave a legacy, rediscover faith, and embrace the unseen world.With courage and humor, Wendy reflects on: ✨ The pivotal moment at age 12 when she realized she wasn’t alone in the universe 💪 How she defied societal expectations to enter medical school at 38 📖 The power of storytelling in transforming grief into meaning 🩺 Facing relapse, a cutting-edge treatment, and the difference between healing and cure 🧠 The unseen wisdom of those society often overlooks—including her autistic sisterThis episode is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the extraordinary ways life unfolds when we embrace the unknown.About Dr. Wendy Slattery:Dr. Wendy Slattery is an infectious disease physician, author, and storyteller whose journey through illness and self-discovery is captured in her book The Edge of the Unseen World: A Doctor’s Journey from the Imaginary to the Impossible. Her story has inspired many, showing that even in the face of adversity, we can find purpose and beauty.📖 Get Wendy’s Book: The Edge of the Unseen World on Amazon 🎥 Watch Wendy’s Mini-Documentary: www.wendyslattery.com 📌 Follow Wendy: Website | [Instagram] | [Facebook]Resources & Ways to Stay Connected:🌱 Join the Grief 2 Growth Community: https://grief2growth.com/community 🎙️ More episodes & show notes: https://grief2growth.com/podcast 📩 Support the podcast & get exclusive content: https://grief2growVisit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:Guided MeditationsMy book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved onesMini-coursesMini-guidesCheck it out at https://grief2growth.com/store Grief doesn’t follow stages, timelines, or rules.If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?”—you’re not alone.That’s why I created the Grief Check-In. It’s not a test. There are no right or wrong answers. In just a few minutes, you’ll gain clarity, reassurance, and language for what you’re experiencing.👉 Visit grief2growth.com/checkin This deck is a labor of love. It's a 44 card oracle deck that's about connecting you to your loved one in spirit. The deck comes with a companion digital guide that gives you an affirmation, a reflection, and an activity for the day.Check it out at https://stan.store/grief2growth/p/oracle-deckSupport the show🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻 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 ReviewThanks so much for your support

Mar 4, 2025 • 1h 15min

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!

Get the app