It’s happened to many of us – we return to work following the death of a loved one. We’re anxious. Our co-workers are afraid to say or do the wrong thing. Suzanne Jobour returned to work with trepidation following the death of her son, Ben. She now shares her experience openly – her grief journey resulted in a mission to help change grief in the wo…

Becky Cort combines two passions in her profession of caring for those who are experiencing loss: her compassion for people and her love of horses. Learn about the fascinating world of Equine Assistant Therapy, and the role a horse can play with its ability to create a non-judgmental space for those who are on a grief journey. rebeccacort@comcast.n…

Lisa and Monica first met on a flight from Las Vegas to Calgary. Little did they know that they would become best friends because of their common grief journey - both had experienced the death of a parent. Hear about their first encounter, the lessons they've learned from each since then, and their ongoing long-distance friendship as they continue …

Holistic nutrition professional and Red Seal chef, Jenna Den Hoed, joins us for a second episode about nutrition and health. Jen will help us reflect upon the foods we purchase and eat. She’ll also take a deep dive into understanding foods that help us sleep better and support brain health. Why not begin 2024 by examining the foods you ingest and b…

Holistic nutrition professional and Red Seal chef, Jenna Den Hoed, takes us into the fascinating world of foods for healthy living. In this episode you will receive a wealth of information about why your body works the way it does and why certain foods help you to thrive as you nourish body, mind, and soul. You will learn about stress and food, gai…

How do you start a conversation about your own end of life? And when is a good time to talk about it? Holly Stubbs’ story – of learning from her Nan at an early age and her ongoing experience as an end-of-life educator, death doula and funeral director – offers us wisdom about this often-difficult topic. Learn from Holly as she takes us through the…

In this podcast, host Rick Bergh interviews Jackie Maxwell, who shares her personal experience with eating disorders, specifically anorexia and bulimia. Jackie discusses the challenges she faced, the impact on her mental and physical health, and the many losses she experienced over the years. And yet, she offers hope and wisdom to those who might b…

Audrey White experienced eight significant losses in a short period of time – both her mother and father died, followed by her brother’s murder. These compound losses drove her into deep learning and an ongoing quest for more understanding. Audrey’s unexpected calling to companion others in their grief journey as a grief coach will inspire you. I i…

Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 32, Jana and her husband Cory’s hopes and dreams took a different direction. Jana shares candidly the many challenges of living daily with this disease and the losses she experienced. She also offers practical suggestions about how we might be sensitive to others who are on a similar journey to hers…

Writing Poetry – A Griever’s Friend Seven years into Mike Berhardt’s marriage, his wife died. Writing poetry became a means to express his deep loss on paper. Reaching out to other grievers, Mike found that, like himself, many others also expressed their experience through poetry. He compiled his first book of poems, Voices of the Grieving Heart. T…

TELL ME NOW Long-distance words that matter at the end of life Katie Cowan’s much-loved auntie was in her final days on earth. The terminal diagnosis and placement into palliative care during COVID and subsequent restrictions meant that Katie had limited access to her aunt… Wouldn’t her aunt want to hear significant stories and memories from friend…

Viewing Grief Through a Holiday Lens Following the death of his father, Richard Allen began an in-depth search to understand his grief experience. This led to him write three books, each book focusing on a different aspect of grief that he discovered through his own grief journey and through research. In this interview, he speaks about his experien…

Jennifer Thom entered into the funeral profession as a result of a personal family tragedy. It drove her to consider the importance of communicating honestly about death, dying and grief. For two decades, she has helped hundreds of families in the midst of grief which led to her writing her book, When Flowers Are Not Enough. Jennifer offers her wis…

In this podcast, Anette Stanwick openly shares her personal grief journey following the murder of her brother. Listen to her powerful story and she moves from deep sadness and anger towards peace and forgiveness. You will be deeply touched by the events in her life that changed her heart and have now become her life’s message to help other people e…

Infant Death… Times Three One father’s story of the minutes he shared John and his wife, Susan, were expecting triplets. The prospect of raising three children simultaneously was part of their everyday conversation and future dreams. Then complications led to the death of all three infants. John and Susan chose to honour the few minutes they had wi…

How My Daughter’s Death Changed Me The death of her only daughter, Tiffany, pushed Sharon into a deep pursuit of God, as she searched for meaning and purpose. Following Tiffany’s tragic accident and death, Sharon chose to move intentionally into her grief in order to explore her future. Coming out the other side 27 years later, Sharon now shares wh…

Jordan was married for 12 days. Then tragedy struck. He died in a workplace accident. Listen to the deeply moving story of his mom, Shirley, as she describes the grief journey following her son’s death. She speaks about the turning point in her grief journey where she began ask some important questions. Those questions led her to a different unders…

Katty Douraghty joins me for a fascinating interview, reflecting upon her grief journey. In 2011, Katty's mother, father and step-mother all died within a 4-month period. It was following her mom’s death that she experienced something unusual, mysterious and unexplainable, changing the way she viewed grief moving forward. Learn how “grief woke Katt…

Terry died by suicide at the young age of 29. His mom, Barbara, reflects upon her journey and shares her wisdom about the type of grief she experienced following the suicide. Barbara will share her story and tell us how she continues to honour and remember Terry, 11 and a half years later. She'll offer listeners valuable insight from her experience…

Love for a Big Sister Still strong, even in the missing Hayden Lewis was 24 years old when his big sister died of cancer. Seven years later, Hayden shares about his journey with Rebekah, his sister, including the few weeks prior to her death. You’ll hear about his grief as the only remaining child in his family, his transition through loss and how …

Widowed at age 47, Reg Harbeck reflects upon his grief journey ten years later. Why is it important to be open to mysterious and unexplainable experiences that help us in our grief? How does one make meaning of past events? Learn how Reg and his two adult children chose to honour Monica on the 10th anniversary of her passing.…

Two Important Questions About Dementia 7 caregivers share their answers and lived experience January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. A group of caregivers from the Voices in Motion choir – a choir for people with dementia – share their wisdom and lived experience. They share their perspective on these two questions: 1. What is something you wish yo…

For some, retirement can be filled with loss and uncertainty. We are excited at first, but then purpose and meaning comes streaming into our lives as the days unfold. Rev. Ed Skutshek, past president of Canadian Association of Lutheran Congregations and past pastor of Grace Lutheran, Kelowna encourages and challenges us to be open to the possibilit…

Rona is from Afghanistan. She is a newcomer to Canada. She openly shares her story about her experience. Some call this holiday season “the happiest time of the year.” But what’s it like to be separated from loved ones who are still back in your country - one that is filled with turmoil? What can we do to bring happiness to those who have arrived a…

Randy and Val were excited to welcome their first granddaughter into the world. But joy turned to sadness when the baby died before entering into the world. Listen to Randy's heartfelt story as he shares his heart as a grandpa, father and pastor.Rick Bergh

Death experiences often take us to deep, inner places of personal reflection. Sometimes the grief path that follows a death teaches us unique ways that help us not only cope but also experience moments of joy again. Kimberley Pittman-Schulz shares her personal story of grief and loss, offering us practical insights from her recently published best-…

What does it mean to “re-member” a loved one who has died? Rick Bergh invites us to consider healthy ways to grieve our loved one whom we’re missing this Thanksgiving. Rick Bergh share some insights and strategies to help us include the person who died into our holiday celebration and recognize some of the challenges within every family.…

People experience many transitions in a dementia journey – both the person diagnosed with dementia and the family members. Caregivers can feel overwhelmed and surprised by the unexpected twists and turns and the need to make many hard decisions. In this podcast, you’ll hear Wendy share her powerful story. Her goal is to help break down the stigma t…

Behind every story is a deeper story. Leslie McBain’s son, Jordan, died of an overdose at age 24. This is one mom’s story of grief and loss. You’ll learn about Moms Stop the Harm, an organization that is having a huge impact on thousands of people’s lives. Her story and the movement she’s involved in will help us look at drug addiction through a di…

In 41 days, David Richman rode 5000 miles to meet the individuals and families he had interviewed for his book, Cycle of Lives. What he learned from these cancer stories will touch you deeply and provide information that will help you enter into the difficult – but necessary – conversations with those who've been diagnosed with cancer. Come and hea…

By the age of 22, Maria-Teresa Allaire had experienced the death of her mom, her dad and her fiancée. Over the years, Teresa has engaged her own grief journey by intentionally including personal rituals in her life in order to remember and continue the relationship with these special people. Teresa shares her insights into the importance of rituals…

A grief journey is unique for each person. But how might it differ when the death is Medical Assistance in Dying ? What are some of the differences, if there are any? In this episode on It's All About the Story, Lindsey Mansfield shares her thoughts and heart following the death of her grandpa.Rick Bergh

Dr. Joshua Black has studied the role and meaning of dreams in a person’s grief journey. Join us and learn about his research and why your dreams could become an important part to your journey forward following the death of a loved one. https://www.griefdreams.ca/Rick Bergh

First responders have been forced to adjust the way they provide their service during COVID. First responder and paramedic, David Kopperud, is here to tell us about the changing landscape of his work as a result of COVID, how paramedics have adjusted to the changing circumstances, and how David personally manages his own mental health in the midst …

At 54 years of age, Karen Potts chose to change direction in her life…during COVID. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Karen shares her ups and downs, her journey that includes loss, self-examination, hope and joy restored.Rick Bergh

Miscarriage and Grief What makes it different? Anna Spray, an Anglican priest shares her professional experience of coming alongside women who have experienced a miscarriage and opens up to share her own personal story. Anna helps us open up the conversation in an area of grief that still remains silent by many.…

Grief in the Workplace What happens when a co-worker dies? Reg had worked alongside Sherry and Ron for 15 years. Then he was diagnosed with cancer and died. A deep friendship had developed between the “3 Muskateers” that went beyond the working relationship. Now there’s a special person missing in their lives each time they come to work. Sherry tal…

Dawson Died at Age Three The Twists and Turns of His Parents’ Journey Dawson was diagnosed with Leukemia at 18 months. After numerous treatments, hospital visits and the hope brought by remission, he died at age 3. As Steve and Karen navigated the loss of their special boy, a new path emerged. It was a chapter that would still include their son, bu…

From Olympic Rower to Brain Injury to Renewed Purpose Meet Linda Schaumleffel Linda’s life changed when a serious car accident left her with brain injury and ensuing complications. Listen to the amazing story of this Olympian – how she turned her story of loss into one of passion and legacy in order to help others.…

Wendy said, “Life is good, I can’t imagine it being any better. And then a mental illness not diagnosed pushed her into a dark place.” Wendy continued, “I would liken it to If I was in a fire, I was trying to get away.” Hear Wendy’s gripping story as she honestly shares her journey with Bipolar and offers us wisdom and hope to live fully as one dia…

In this episode, Rick Bergh reflects upon the death, dying and grief experienced by the family of Walter Gretzky. Rick identifies 4 take-aways that are important in moving forward after the death of a special person in our lives.Rick Bergh

Both his parents died within five weeks of each other. He wrote each parent a poem and read it at their funeral. Those two poems changed the course of his life and career forever. Neil Beresin, is now an inter-faith chaplain, a specialist in grief, loss and transition, and poetry plays a major role in his work. Neil Beresin, M.Ed. (he/him) Grief an…

Why You Need to Develop a Relationship with Grief During COVID Rick Bergh invites you to consider developing a “relationship with loss” by identifying the problem stories that are the heaviest in your life and by adding healthy interventions to lighten their impact.Rick Bergh

Where and from whom can young people learn about grief and loss? Why might it be important to bring the generations together? Seniors are often well versed in various life transitions that include resilience in loss. Why do seniors and young people need each other? We invite Dr. Debra Sheets, Associate Professor, School of Nursing at the University…

Concussion and Grief: Stigma, Facts and Wisdom Disenfranchised in many ways and not easily diagnosed – those who suffer a serious concussion experience grief and loss on so many levels. As one who continues to live with the side effects of his concussion, Mark shares his personal story and offers an honest perspective on prevention, education and t…

The pregnancy went well. Conversations about the hopes and dreams of bringing their first child into the world occupied the minds of Stef and Layna, the parents-to-be. Then, the unthinkable. Could it really be true? No heartbeat of our precious baby? Listen to a mother who continues to miss and love her child who would have been 14 years old. Disco…

What’s It Like to Live with Dementia? Two couples share their stories Miki and Daphne. Al and Pat. Two couples. Each one has a partner with dementia. Hear the heartfelt stories of how they met, their life together, the interruption of a dementia diagnosis and how they live their lives day to day on this journey. This interview was recorded prior to…

One Man’s Mission to Break down a Disease He Lives With Daily The best way to be educated about dementia is to learn from a person who is on the dementia journey themselves. Tune in and learn from Jim Mann, recent recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Law degree from the University of British Columbia, in recognition for his dedicated advocacy work in…

Dr. Stuart MacDonald shares the significant research findings from an in-depth study conducted at the University of Victoria, BC. The researchers' goal was to examine the impact of singing in a choir on people with dementia, their caregivers, students and friends. Group singing, as it turns out, has many more benefits than singing solo. Tune in and…

Hear three kids' points of view on how COVID has impacted them. Connor (age 9), Ella (age 7) and Jake (age 5) tell us what life has been like for them this past 10 months and the one word that sums up what we all long for in 2021. Keeara, their mom, will share how the children have managed, what they've learned as a family and how they plan to face…