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Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss—because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives. Whether you’re navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed—this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone. No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through. Tune in for honest stories, practical tools, and a reminder that your grief—and how you carry it—is valid. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Episodes

6 days ago
6 days ago
Navigating Birth Trauma and NICU Experiences with Compassion: A Conversation with Lauren Hunter, LCSW, PMH-C
In this episode, host Dr. Heather Taylor welcomes Lauren Hunter, an LCSW and PMH-C based in New York, to discuss the profound impacts of birth trauma and the NICU experience. Lauren shares her personal journey and professional insights into supporting women through fertility challenges, pregnancy, and postpartum phases, with a special focus on NICU families and birth trauma survivors. The conversation delves into the complexities of birth trauma, emphasizing the importance of validating and normalizing these experiences. They also explore the nuances of grief, the need for trauma-informed care, and the significance of hope and resilience. Lauren shares strategies for self-compassion and self-care for NICU parents and discusses the long-term effects of birth trauma, advocating for mental health support and community connections.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:38 Lauren Hunter's Background and Personal Story
05:12 Defining Birth Trauma
11:00 Heather's Personal Birth Trauma Experience
15:11 Navigating Hope and Grief in the NICU
21:47 Survival Mode in the NICU
22:36 Support Groups for NICU Families
23:04 Physical and Emotional Impact of Grief
24:26 Stigma Around Birth Trauma
29:45 The Importance of Sharing Stories
33:07 Self-Compassion Practices for NICU Parents
37:58 Long-Term Effects of Birth Trauma
40:46 Final Thoughts and Resources
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Lauren Hunter, LCSW, PMH-C is a psychotherapist and private practice owner of North Star Wellness & Therapy where she specializes in treating grief in all its forms and specializes in helping women process and heal from birth trauma. Lauren holds advanced certifications in complicated grief from Columbia University as well as Perinatal Mental Health from Postpartum Support International (PSI). Lauren relates personally to these incredible women and can be found on Instagram at @sessionswithlauren or PsychologyToday
Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss—because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives.
Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed—this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.
No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through.
https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com
Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language.
Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX
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Opening Music by The Dadicorns
Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor
All Rights Reserved.
This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.
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