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Grief is the New Normal is a podcast for anyone who has ever lost something that mattered. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, licensed psychologist and grief specialist, the show brings honest, science-grounded grief education to everyday grievers and mental health professionals alike.
Most of us were never taught how to grieve. We were handed platitudes, timelines, and the message to move on. This podcast exists to replace all of that with something more useful: real information, clinical research, and conversations that actually reflect what grief looks like in real life.
Every episode covers the full spectrum of loss, not just death. Divorce, infertility, job loss, estrangement, identity loss, ambiguous loss, and disenfranchised grief all have a place here. Whether you are in the thick of it or trying to make sense of something you lost years ago, you will find episodes that meet you where you are.
Dr. Taylor brings both clinical expertise and personal experience to every conversation. Solo teaching episodes explore grief reactions, grief theory, and the STAY Framework, a clinically informed approach to grief integration developed by Dr. Taylor herself. Guest interviews feature clinicians, researchers, and advocates working at the intersection of grief, mental health, and human experience.
This is not a podcast about getting over it. It is a podcast about learning to carry it differently.
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episodes

Jul 15, 2024
Jul 15, 2024
32 min
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Taylor, engages in a thoughtful conversation with Dr. Natasha Trujillo, a psychologist and author based in Colorado. Dr. Trujillo shares insights from her career in counseling and sports psychology, emphasizing the complexity of grief beyond death and its integration into all life events. They discuss the impact of grief on individuals, the intergenerational transmission of trauma, and the importance of embracing grief to live more fully. Dr. Trujillo highlights healthy coping mechanisms, the limitations of pathologizing grief, and the vital role of creativity and community in the grieving process. Dr. Trujillo also talks about her book, 'And she was never the same again,' which explores the transformative nature of grief and its presence in various life events. The episode aims to normalize conversations around grief and provide listeners with tools to support themselves and others through loss.
Dr. Natasha P. Trujillo has a firm grasp on the complexities of grief and loss, both in her academic studies and personal experiences. In her forthcoming book, And She Was Never the Same Again, she challenges the idea of a "right" way to grieve, advocating against the pathologization and over-medication of grief. Drawing from her experiences, Dr. Trujillo emphasizes that grief is a deeply personal and natural process that should be embraced rather than suppressed.
Having immersed herself in the theories, concepts and research surrounding grief and loss, Dr. Trujillo has not only studied but also lived and integrated these principles into both her personal and professional life. Her journey has been a testament to the transformative power of understanding and navigating grief, a revelation that resonates deeply with those who encounter her work.
Currently practicing in Denver, Colorado, Dr. Trujillo specializes in addressing a myriad of issues including grief, loss, eating disorders, trauma, life transitions, identity development, anxiety/depressive disorders, perfectionism, and performance psychology. Her expertise extends to working with athletes and performers across the nation, both individually and within team settings. Dr. Trujillo's holistic approach to healing and her unwavering dedication to her clients make her a beacon of hope and resilience in the field of mental health.
You can connect with her at www.npttherapy.com
Or follow her on social media @npttherapy
Information about her new book, "And she was never the same again" is available at https://andshewasneverthesameagain.com/
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.
Dr. Taylor is also a co-founder of 'The Mourning Movement,' with Jen Reisinger, LMHC. The Mourning Movement aims to create spaces for grief education and community support to reduce isolation and stigma around grief. Be sure to sign up for more modern grief insights with our newsletter at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/newsletter
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.

Jul 8, 2024
Jul 8, 2024
26 min
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, explores the complexities of sibling loss and disenfranchised grief. She discusses various forms of disenfranchised grief, from non-death losses to stigmatized deaths, and highlights how these experiences often go unrecognized by society. Dr. Taylor shares her personal story of losing her younger brother, Garrett, in 2009, outlining her journey through grief, the unique pain of sibling loss, and the long-term impact it has had on her life. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and validating all forms of grief, setting boundaries for self-care, and seeking support. This episode also includes practical tips and resources for those navigating their own 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.
Dr. Taylor is also a co-founder of 'The Mourning Movement,' with Jen Reisinger, LMHC. The Mourning Movement aims to create spaces for grief education and community support to reduce isolation and stigma around grief. Be sure to sign up for more modern grief insights with our newsletter at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/newsletter
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.

Jul 3, 2024
Jul 3, 2024
18 min
In this episode of Grief is the New Normal, Dr. Heather Taylor and Tessa Smith, LMHCA, continue with part two of their conversation and discuss the complexities of parenting while dealing with grief. They explore how different family members can oscillate between emotions and responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of validating diverse grief expressions. Key takeaways include understanding the spectrum of grief behaviors, modeling self-care, and acknowledging the multifaceted losses parents and children experience. Tessa shares insights from her dissertation on social media’s impact on mothers and outlines her future work in forensic assessments.
Tessa Smith, MA, LMHCA is a high-energy, intelligent, enthusiastic, mental health consultant, leadership consultant, life coach, and motivational speaker. She cultivates an environment in which individuals feel empowered to become successful. She uses her education and skills to help create diversity and inclusion for all people in a team setting. She is strong in leadership, financial growth, team management, and the ability to outreach and educate. She makes team building fun and accessible. She is highly adaptable, focused, dependable and capable of teaching and training her clients and their families. She works to build up individuals to feel empowered to make life changes and find their inner success. You can connect with her at tessa.smith20@northwestu.edu
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.
Dr. Taylor is also a co-founder of 'The Mourning Movement,' with Jen Reisinger, LMHC. The Mourning Movement aims to create spaces for grief education and community support to reduce isolation and stigma around grief. Be sure to sign up for more modern grief insights with our newsletter at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/newsletter
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.

Jul 1, 2024
Jul 1, 2024
26 min
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor hosts Tessa Smith, LMHCA, a licensed mental health clinician associate and former student. The engaging conversation delves into the challenges and strategies of parenting while navigating the complexities of grief. Tessa shares her personal journey and professional insights on modeling grief for children, supporting them at various developmental stages, and maintaining family routines amidst loss. This is part one of a two-part episode that provides valuable perspectives on being present, adjusting roles, and fostering resilience in families during grief.
Tessa Smith, MA, LMHCA is a high-energy, intelligent, enthusiastic, mental health consultant, leadership consultant, life coach, and motivational speaker. She cultivates an environment in which individuals feel empowered to become successful. She uses her education and skills to help create diversity and inclusion for all people in a team setting. She is strong in leadership, financial growth, team management, and the ability to outreach and educate. She makes team building fun and accessible. She is highly adaptable, focused, dependable and capable of teaching and training her clients and their families. She works to build up individuals to feel empowered to make life changes and find their inner success! You can connect with her at tessa.smith20@northwestu.edu
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.
Dr. Taylor is also a co-founder of 'The Mourning Movement,' with Jen Reisinger, LMHC. The Mourning Movement aims to create spaces for grief education and community support to reduce isolation and stigma around grief. Be sure to sign up for more modern grief insights with our newsletter at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/newsletter
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.

Jun 24, 2024
Jun 24, 2024
17 min
This is episode 2 in a two part series on grief in children and adolescents with Dr. Ashok Shimoji-Krishnan, a child psychiatrist. In this second episode, Dr. Heather Taylor sits down with Dr. Ashok Shimoji-Krishnan, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, to wrap up their discussion on grief and loss in children and adolescents. Dr. Ashok shares insights from his extensive experience in mental health, discussing the varied manifestations of grief across different age groups and emphasizing the importance of context in understanding and supporting grieving children. The episode explores the unique role of psychiatry in managing grief, practical advice for parents and caregivers, and the relevance of emotional intelligence. Additionally, Dr. Ashok introduces his podcast 'ASK Child Psych' as well as his music project 'The Dadicorns.'
If you're interested in learning more about "Prolonged Grief Disorder" here's a helpful article: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/prolonged-grief-disorder
Dr. Shimoji-Krishnan is a child and adolescent psychiatrist in Washington state. After providing direct client care with Kaiser Permanente for 10 years, he now works as the medical director for a managed health care organization. He is the host of ASK Child Psych podcast (https://askchildpsych.podbean.com) and part of the band, "The Dadicorns" (https://www.facebook.com/dadicornsmusic/).
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.
Dr. Taylor is also a co-founder of 'The Mourning Movement,' with Jen Reisinger, LMHC. The Mourning Movement aims to create spaces for grief education and community support to reduce isolation and stigma around grief. Be sure to sign up for more modern grief insights with our newsletter at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/newsletter
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.

Jun 18, 2024
Jun 18, 2024
22 min
This is episode 1 in a two part series on grief in children and adolescents with Dr. Ashok Shimoji-Krishnan, a child psychiatrist. In this first episode, Dr. Heather Taylor sits down with Dr. Ashok Shimoji-Krishnan, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, to discuss grief and loss in children and adolescents. Dr. Ashok shares insights from his extensive experience in mental health, discussing the varied manifestations of grief across different age groups and emphasizing the importance of context in understanding and supporting grieving children. The episode explores the unique role of psychiatry in managing grief, practical advice for parents and caregivers, and the relevance of emotional intelligence. Additionally, Dr. Ashok introduces his podcast 'ASK Child Psych' as well as his music project 'The Dadicorns.'
If you're interested in learning more about "Prolonged Grief Disorder" here's a helpful article: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/prolonged-grief-disorder
Dr. Shimoji-Krishnan is a child and adolescent psychiatrist in Washington state. After providing direct client care with Kaiser Permanente for 10 years, he now works as the medical director for a managed health care organization. He is the host of ASK Child Psych podcast (https://askchildpsych.podbean.com) and part of the band, "The Dadicorns" (https://www.facebook.com/dadicornsmusic/).
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.
Dr. Taylor is also a co-founder of 'The Mourning Movement,' with Jen Reisinger, LMHC. The Mourning Movement aims to create spaces for grief education and community support to reduce isolation and stigma around grief. Be sure to sign up for more modern grief insights with our newsletter at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/newsletter
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.

Jun 10, 2024
Jun 10, 2024
13 min
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' we explore the complexities of grieving on Father's Day after the loss of a father or father figure. Dr. Taylor delves into unique loss perspectives, offering insights on handling mixed emotions, managing expectations, and setting boundaries. She emphasizes that there is no right or wrong way to navigate this day and encourages listeners to honor their fathers in ways that feel right to them. The episode also addresses the impact of secondary losses and the challenges faced by those with complicated relationships or limited exposure to their fathers. With a focus on self-care, small gestures, and community support, Dr. Taylor provides compassionate guidance for anyone struggling with grief as Father's Day approaches.
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.
Dr. Taylor is also a co-founder of 'The Mourning Movement,' with Jen Reisinger, LMHC. The Mourning Movement aims to create spaces for grief education and community support to reduce isolation and stigma around grief. We have an upcoming "In this together" summer grief challenge kicking off on June 10th, 2024. Check out https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/griefchallenge
https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com
hello@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.

Jun 3, 2024
Jun 3, 2024
29 min
This week on "Grief is the New Normal" podcast, we meet guest, Dr. Carmen Lasby, a licensed psychologist specializing in trauma. Dr. Lasby shares her journey and insights into trauma therapy, particularly focusing on complex trauma and traumatic grief. They discuss the challenges of working through traumatic grief, the impact of secondary losses, and effective therapy approaches. Dr. Lasby also talks about the upcoming expansion of her practice to include neurofeedback treatments.
Dr. Carmen D. Lasby is a licensed psychologist in Washington state. Her therapy focuses on helping adults heal from childhood trauma, learning new ways to think and live in the world, and identifying a better understanding of oneself and the relationships with those around them. She enjoys working with adults who have persevered in life and who have the courage to want something better for themselves. She is a trauma-informed psychologist with an attachment and relational focus. She specializes in complex trauma, PTSD, dissociative disorders, anxiety, and depression.
To work with Dr. Lasby, you can contact her on her website at www.drcarmendlasby.com
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.
Dr. Taylor is also a co-founder of 'The Mourning Movement,' with Jen Reisinger, LMHC. The Mourning Movement aims to create spaces for grief education and community support to reduce isolation and stigma around grief. We have an upcoming "In this together" summer grief challenge kicking off on June 10th, 2024. Check out https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/griefchallenge
https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com
hello@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.

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.
