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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 and trauma, 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 Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.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

Monday Apr 22, 2024
Monday Apr 22, 2024
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor welcomes Ms. Anna Murphy, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in grief and loss. Anna, based in Philadelphia, shares her journey from hospice social work to private practice at Skylight Wellness Center. She discusses the therapeutic potential of ecotherapy—integrating nature into the healing process for those grieving. The conversation explores the benefits of ecotherapy, personal grief experiences, coping strategies, and the importance of community connection. Anna also highlights upcoming events and resources for those interested in ecotherapy. Dr. Taylor reflects on her own experiences with nature as a healing tool for grief.
Anna Murphey, LCSW, LICSW is a licensed therapist based in Philadelphia, PA, where she maintains a solo private practice, Skylight Wellness Center, LLC, specializing in grief and loss. Before becoming a therapist, Anna worked in end-of-life care as a hospice social worker and end of life doula. Anna is interested how the emerging field of ecotherapy can support people on their grief journey. She brings over a decade of experience as a Buddhist meditation practitioner and mindfulness instructor to her work helping others to find opportunities for growth during times of change and transition.
Email: anna@skylightwellnesscenter.com
Website: www.skylightwellnesscenter.com
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.

Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
On today's episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' we are featuring special guest Kera Sanchez, editor and creator of Get Griefy Magazine. This episode delves into Kera's personal grief journey following her mother's unexpected death. Kera shares her initiatives like guided journals and the magazine, which are designed to help others navigate their grief. The discussion includes the importance of community, the challenge of making grief relatable and approachable, and innovative ways to incorporate pop culture into grief education. Listeners are encouraged to participate in the Get Griefy community, contribute to the magazine, and connect through various projects aimed at normalizing grief in everyday life. You'll laugh, you'll cry and ultimately you'll feel connected through grief.
Kera Sanchez, legacylettersjournal@gmail.com
Follow along on Instagram @getgriefymagazine
https://www.getgriefymagazine.com/home
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process.
Email: hello@griefisthenewnormal.com
Website: https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com
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.

Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, explores the concept of anticipatory grief, often referred to as the 'slow goodbye.' The discussion delves into the intricacies of this form of grief, including the importance of legacy work and finding meaning amidst the pain of saying goodbye. While emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, Dr. Taylor offers insights on how to emotionally prepare for the impending loss of a loved one. The episode highlights examples of legacy work, from recording stories to creating keepsakes, and discusses the profound impact of anticipatory grief on the brain. Dr. Taylor encourages listeners to be kind to themselves and to embrace the gift of time that anticipatory grief can provide.
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process.
Email: hello@griefisthenewnormal.com
Website: https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com
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.

Tuesday Mar 26, 2024
Tuesday Mar 26, 2024
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, addresses overlooked non-death losses. These include job loss, chronic illness diagnoses, the end of relationships, and more. Dr. Taylor highlights how society often prioritizes grief associated with death, minimizing other significant losses. Through detailed examples, she explores the profound impact of these losses on identity, purpose, and daily life. The episode offers guidance on navigating these complicated grief feelings, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and validating all forms of grief. Dr. Taylor encourages self-compassion, self-care, and the creation of spaces for open discussions about grief. She reminds listeners that all experiences of loss are valid and deserving of recognition.
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process.
Email: hello@griefisthenewnormal.com
Website: https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com
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.

Monday Mar 18, 2024
Grief is the New Normal: Episode #4 Navigating the Spectrum of Grief
Monday Mar 18, 2024
Monday Mar 18, 2024
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, delves into the topic of the spectrum of grief. She explains the differences between emotive and instrumental grief and emphasizes that neither form is better or worse than the other. Dr. Taylor discusses how grief can vary within family systems, the impact of developmental age, gender, personality, and even daily conditions on how individuals experience and express grief. She stresses the importance of finding a balance between grief work and restorative work and giving oneself permission to grieve in a way that feels right for them. This episode serves as the conclusion to a four-part series aimed at helping listeners understand basic grief concepts.
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process.
https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com
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.

Monday Mar 04, 2024
Grief is the New Normal: Episode #2 Name and Normalize
Monday Mar 04, 2024
Monday Mar 04, 2024
In the second episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, grief specialist and licensed psychologist, explores the complexities of grief. She emphasizes the importance of naming and normalizing grief to validate emotions and honor lost loved ones. The episode dives into the six primary categories of common grief reactions: physical, emotional, mental, behavioral, social/relational, and existential/spiritual. Dr. Taylor offers insights into how grief impacts every aspect of our lives and provides strategies for navigating this new normal with compassion and understanding. She also includes a handout to help listeners track their grief and practice self-care.
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process.
https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com
Common Grief Reactions Handout
https://bit.ly/3T4pfBL
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.

Sunday Feb 25, 2024
Grief is the New Normal: Episode #1 Leaning into Loss
Sunday Feb 25, 2024
Sunday Feb 25, 2024
In this inaugural episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a grief specialist and licensed psychologist, sets the stage for a four-part series on understanding and processing grief. Dr. Taylor discusses the importance of leaning into loss and normalizing the myriad emotions that accompany grief. She explains how each person's grief journey is unique, shaped by various factors, and emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, supportive communities, and maintaining connections to loved ones. The episode introduces the concept of post-traumatic growth and offers practical advice for coping with grief using the visual metaphor of ocean waves. Dr. Taylor shares personal anecdotes and professional insights to help listeners navigate their grief journeys.
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process.
https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com
For a handout about the Waves of Grief, check this out:
https://bit.ly/42Sl2FM
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.

Sunday Feb 25, 2024
Welcome to Grief is the New Normal Trailer
Sunday Feb 25, 2024
Sunday Feb 25, 2024
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
www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist
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
Dive deeper into your grief support skills with the Professional Grief Collective. This exclusive membership offers targeted training and resources for clinicians and coaches who are ready to elevate their practice. Don’t miss out—join our community today and start transforming the way you support those in grief.
Check out the details in our show notes or visit https://bit.ly/GriefClinicianMembership
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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.
This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.

Hey! I'm Dr. Heather Taylor
I'm a griever, just like you. I've experienced life altering loss, just like you. And I decided I wanted to do something to start changing the narrative of grief because as a society, we need to do it better. There needs to be better language, better tools, better willingness to talk about our loss and not leave us feeling alone in our grief. That's where this podcast comes in. I'm a licensed psychologist and have spent the last 14 years working to understand grief, it's complexities, the different ways it can impact us and the different types of loss and how we grieve. My heart is to build community so that we can feel more connected thru this universal lived experience. I'm glad you're here.