Good Grief

In this episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone speaks with Hugh Flynn, author of SOMETHING SPECIAL BE, about the devastating family conflict that erupted when he sought conservatorship of his disabled brother, Aaron. What began as an effort to protect his brother’s well-being quickly turned into a bitter legal and emotional battle, exposing deep fractures within his family. Through writing his memoir, Hugh navigated the grief ...

In this heartfelt episode of Good Grief, host Dr. Christine Malone sits down with AJ Coleman—widower, single father, and author of Keep Those Feet Moving—to explore his powerful journey through love, loss, and healing. After losing his wife Cory to brain cancer at just 33, AJ was left to raise their infant daughter while grappling with profound grief, anxiety, and life’s unpredictable setbacks. AJ shares how he transformed pain int...

In this deeply personal solo episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone shares reflections on Mother’s Day — a day that can bring joy, pain, longing, and silence. While it's often filled with celebration, Christine explores a side of the holiday we don't talk about enough: the grief of mothers who do not have children. Whether due to infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, medical conditions, adoption barriers, estrangement, or life...

In this episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone met with Sarah Birnbach, award-winning author of A Daughter’s Kaddish: My Year of Grief, Devotion, and Healing, to discuss her deeply personal journey through loss, faith, and perseverance. After the passing of her beloved father, Sarah embarked on a year-long commitment to reciting the Mourner’s Kaddish twice a day in synagogue—a Jewish mourning ritual traditionally reserved for ...

In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone interviews Jenny Leavitt, a grief recovery coach, author, and speaker dedicated to helping others process loss while staying connected to their values and personal growth. After experiencing profound grief herself, Jenny has made it her mission to provide resources and guidance for those struggling with loneliness, relationship challenges, and the emotional weight of loss.

Through heartfe...

In this episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone sits down with Holly Peppe, a leading authority and literary executor for the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, to explore the profound connection between poetry and grief. Holly shares her deeply personal journey of loss, reflecting on how poetry became a defining force in her healing process. Drawing from both her own experiences and Millay’s evocative works, ...

In this week’s episode, we explore the unique challenges of navigating loss later in life with our guest Susan, a retired individual who recently experienced the profound loss of both parents. Susan shares her journey through grief, the emotional impact of losing loved ones in later years, and the unexpected challenges of adjusting to life without them. As time has passed, she has discovered the “gifts” that loss has revealed—lesso...

In this episode, Dr. Christine Malone interviews Jennifer Newberg, founder of It’s Lifey, shares her deeply personal journey of loss after losing her husband, Jack, almost 10 months ago. She discusses how her experience of widowhood led her to create a transformative retreat for young widows (ages 35-60)—a space designed for deep connection, shared understanding, and personal healing. We’ll explore why support systems are vital, th...

In this deeply moving episode of Good Grief, Dr. Christine Malone sits down with Steve Gamlin, a professional speaker whose love story once captivated audiences—including multiple appearances on Oprah’s XM Radio network. But on December 9, 2024, Steve’s life took an unexpected turn when he lost the love of his life suddenly and tragically, leaving him shattered and 3,000 miles from home.For 17+ years, Steve shared the story of how ...

In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone sits down with Christina Dent, author of Curious: A Foster Mom's Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction. Christina shares her journey as a foster mom and how it led her to explore the deep connection between grief, pain, and addiction. The conversation dives into how addiction often develops as a coping mechanism for unresolved grief and trauma, and Christina reve...

In this episode, we sit down with Narene Stokes Crosby, Sheila Albers, and Susan Berardi to discuss their powerful book Mothers in Arms. This book tells the heartbreaking yet inspiring story of two mothers—one Black, one white—who formed a deep friendship after their sons, Ryan Stokes and John Albers, were killed by police. Despite coming from different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, their shared grief led them to take on a ...

In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone interviews Cathy Nesbitt, a Health and Wellness Advocate, Laughter Yoga Teacher, and Laughter Ambassador, to explore an unconventional yet powerful approach to healing—laughter.Cathy shares her heartfelt journey of grief and resilience, from the deep bond she formed with her mother-in-law through Laughter Yoga to the symbolic ways she honors her memory today. With humor and wisdom, she d...

In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone explores the emotional and controversial topic of Baby Boxes, safe surrender locations for newborns under Safe Haven laws. Dr. Malone highlights the political implications of Baby Boxes, questioning whether they offer real solutions or serve as performative compassion that ignores the struggles of women in crisis. Concerns include lack of maternal support, the cost of installation, and p...

In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone interviews Kelly Meloche, a Funeral Celebrant and author of Leaving Your Light On: Inspirational Stories of Unforgettable Lives, to explore the profound role of storytelling in grief and healing.

Kelly shares her journey into funeral celebrancy, highlighting how personalized ceremonies can offer deep comfort and meaning to grieving families. She discusses the power of honoring legacies th...

In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone interviews Rebecca Schaper, author, filmmaker, and advocate, as she shares her extraordinary journey to reconnect with her brother, who faced homelessness and schizophrenia. Through stories of resilience, love, and healing, Rebecca explores her mission to bring hope to those navigating mental health challenges and grief. Discover how her experiences inspired her works, including the awar...

In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone interviews Tom Williams, a Marine veteran who served during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1970 and later as an aerial observer during the 1972 Easter Offensive. Tom shares his reflections on the intense experiences of combat, the camaraderie of his fellow Marines, and the profound impact of his service on his life. Through his vivid storytelling, Tom offers a glimpse into the resilience, ...

In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone interviews Dr. Linsey Willis, an accomplished author with 44 years of experience in Human Resources as a management and organizational consultant, expert witness, coach, and educator. Dr. Willis shares her deeply personal grief journey as a caregiver for her sister living with bipolar disorder. Through candid reflections, she explores the complexities of supporting a loved one with menta...

In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone interviews Olivia Abousaid, a Master Certified Coach specializing in grief coaching for individuals impacted by the profound losses of genocide and war. 

Olivia opens up about her personal journey, including the ways chronic illness has shaped her life and work. Through her unique perspective, Olivia explores the intersections of grief, resilience, and healing, offering hope and guidanc...

In this week’s episode, Dr. Christine Malone sits down with Jessica Fein, author of Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes. Jessica shares the emotional journey of discovering her 5-year-old daughter’s rare degenerative disease and the profound uncertainty it brought into their family’s life. Through raw and heartfelt storytelling, Jessica reflects on navigating hope, fear, and resilience in the face of an unpr...