023: Lisa Keefauver on Reimagining Grief: Healing, Humor, and Hope After Loss

Prepare to set out on an emotional experience as we explore the unpredictable path of grief in an episode with our extraordinary guest, Lisa Keefauver. Lisa is not just a social worker, widow, cancer survivor, TEDx and keynote speaker, grief guide, podcast host, and author of "Grief is a Sneaky Bitch." She's also deeply compassionate, curious, insightful, generous, and possesses a wicked sense of humor. Lisa is passionate about holding space for others, the power of storytelling, creativity, and using language in ways that heal.

In this episode, we unpack the raw, messy, and often misunderstood nature of grief. Lisa shares her own poignant experiences, from losing her beloved husband to an undiagnosed brain tumor to becoming a grief activist. Through personal stories and professional perspectives, we explore how society often mishandles grief and why it's important to reframe adversity for growth. We also talk about the importance of showing up for others, the power of language, and how grief is just a part of our story, not the whole tale.

Join us as we aim to make the unbearable more bearable through empathy, presence, and understanding. Embracing the messiness of grief or finding comfort in shared memories, Lisa guides us in creating compassionate spaces for those navigating loss.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Exploration of the unpredictable and multifaceted nature of grief through personal and professional narratives
• Cultural misconceptions and mishandling of grief
• The impact of language on grief experiences
• Techniques for emotional regulation to support grievers with presence and empathy
• The significance of being present and avoiding common missteps like dismissive language or empty promises
• Emphasis on grief literacy and relationship skills

Resources from this Episode

• Website: www.lisakeefauver.com
• Book: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss (Book On Bookshop.org). Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and bookstores in the U.S., Mexico, the U.K., and Spain 
• Podcast: Grief is a Sneaky Bitch (Podcast on Apple) Available on all platforms.
• Substack: AFGO with Lisa Keefauver
• TEDx Talk: Why Knowing More About Grief Can Make it Suck Less
• Instagram: Lisakeefauvermsw
• LinkedIn: Lisakeefauvermsw
• YouTube: Lisakeefauvermsw
• Reimagining Grief Empathy Cards: https://lisakeefauver.com/empathy
• www.fearunzipped.com 
• End Well Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqW2wXs7TvI
• Book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/grief-is-a-sneaky-bitch-an-uncensored-guide-to-navigating-loss-lisa-keefauver/20620098?ean=9781477329306 (Maria Shriver’s book of the Month)

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits