Hey friend,
This conversation is tender, beautiful, and one I think you’ll carry with you for a while.
I sat down with Chelsea Ohlemiller, a grief advocate, speaker, and author whose journey through the loss of her mother reshaped how she lives and loves today. Chelsea shares so honestly about the ways grief shows up, sometimes quietly, sometimes like a storm, and how it can actually live alongside joy. Yes, both. At the same time.
We talked about giving ourselves permission to feel happy again, the guilt that sometimes comes with that, and how writing became a healing outlet for her in the middle of the mess.
Here are two takeaways I hope stay with you:
Grief and joy are not opposites, they can walk hand-in-hand. Feeling joy after loss doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten. It means you’re still living.
There is no perfect timeline. Your grief journey is yours alone, and there is no “right” way to walk through it.
Chelsea’s words will make you feel seen and less alone, especially if you're holding heartache of your own. This episode is for anyone who’s loved deeply and lost someone who shaped their world.
Let’s keep learning to return, even to joy, one gentle step at a time.
Truly Yours, Jen
Grab your copy of Return to Jesus here - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/747877/return-to-jesus-by-jen-thompson/
Check out her Website, Happiness, Hope & Harsh Realities: www.hopeandharshrealities.com
Follow Chelsea on Facebook: @hopeandharshrealities
Follow Chelsea on Instagram: @hopeandharshrealities
Follow Chelsea on TikTok: @chelseaohlemiller
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.