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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
Sep 22, 2025
Sep 22, 2025
16 min
Rumi's Grief: Unmasking Pain in K-Pop Demon Hunters
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor dives into the multi-layered grief of Rumi, the main character in Netflix's animated special 'K-Pop Demon Hunters.' Through Rumi’s story, Dr. Taylor examines the various aspects of hidden grief—losing a loved one, hiding parts of oneself, the illusion of strength, and the isolation that comes with leadership. She offers practical, science-backed tools to navigate this silent pain and emphasizes the importance of creating space for one's truth. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion on grief, identity, and connection.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:10 Meet Dr. Heather Taylor
00:39 Grief Secrets and K-Pop Demon Hunters
01:35 Rumi's Layers of Grief
02:16 The Grief of Losing Her Mom
03:13 The Grief of Hiding Her True Self
05:43 The Grief of Disconnection in Community
06:38 The Grief of Performance
07:32 The Grief of Responsibility
09:57 Reflection Questions and Practical Tools
14:18 Conclusion and Resources
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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.
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://clinicians.griefisthenewnormal.com/privategriefcoaching
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Opening & Closing Music by The Dadicorns
Copyright 2025 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.
Aug 29, 2025
Aug 29, 2025
29 min
Building Resilience Through Grief: An Interview with Blair Kaplan Venables
In this episode, Dr. Heather Taylor interviews Blair Kaplan Venables, a grief and resilience expert and founder of the Global Resilience Project. Blair shares her personal journey through multiple layers of grief, including family losses and personal challenges. She explains how these experiences led her to create the Global Resilience Project, which started as a book but evolved into a global movement and community. Blair discusses her Navigating Grief framework, a toolkit designed to help individuals build emotional resilience using neuroscience and practical strategies. The conversation highlights the importance of feeling emotions to heal and underscores actionable steps to navigate grief effectively.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:45 Blair's Journey into Grief and Resilience
02:08 The Birth of the Global Resilience Project
02:35 Navigating Personal Traumas
06:32 Framework for Navigating Grief
13:38 The Importance of Resilience
16:52 Blair's Personal Insights and Reflections
27:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
--------------------------------
Blair Kaplan Venables is a British Columbia-based grief and resilience expert and coach, motivational speaker and the Founder of The Global Resilience Project. Her expertise has been featured on media platforms like Forbes, TEDx, CBC Radio, Entrepreneur, and Thrive Global. She is named the Top Grief and Resilience Expert of the Year 2024 by IAOTP. USA Today listed Blair as one of the top 10 conscious female leaders to watch, and she empowers others to be resilient from stages around the world. 'MyStory,’ which is a television show available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ and Google Play, showcases Blair's life story. She is the cohost of the RESILIENT A.F. with Blair and Alana podcast and specializes in helping people strengthen their resilience muscle using scientifically proven methods and guides grieving high performers with her Navigating Grief Framework. The Global Resilience Project’s award-winning books are international bestsellers. In her free time, you can find Blair writing, in nature, traveling the world and helping people to strengthen their resilience muscles.
------------------------
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.
I partner with organizations to increase grief literacy and embed grief-informed care into workplace culture, reducing stigma and helping teams navigate loss with resilience. Grief at work isn’t only about death; it shows up in leadership changes, layoffs, and other major transitions too. Bring me in to help your workplace move from uncertainty to confidence when loss of any kind shows up. Email hello@griefisthenewnormal.com to inquire.
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://clinicians.griefisthenewnormal.com/privategriefcoaching
-------------------------------------
Opening & Closing 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.
Aug 27, 2025
Aug 27, 2025
14 min
Navigating Grief and Sexuality with Dr. Heather Taylor
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a grief psychologist, explores the often uncomfortable topic of how grief impacts sexuality. She discusses the physiological aspects of grief, including its impact on the nervous system and sexual desire, and shares insights on how to reconnect with one's body and sense of intimacy post-loss. Dr. Taylor also draws from Emily Nagoski's research, highlights different grief responses through TV show characters, and offers practical advice for those grieving and navigating changes in their sexual life.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:26 Exploring Grief and Sexuality
01:23 The Nuances of Grief and Physical Connection
02:47 Story Time: Grief Responses in TV Characters
05:47 Research Insights on Grief and Desire
10:55 Practical Tips for Reconnecting with Your Body
12:11 Final Thoughts and Invitation
13:21 Conclusion and Resources
----------------------------------
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://clinicians.griefisthenewnormal.com/privategriefcoaching
-------------------------------------
Opening & Closing 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.
Aug 24, 2025
Aug 24, 2025
59 min
Navigating Grief and Neurodiversity: A Conversation with Hannah Allen, LMHC, ADHD-CCSP
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, welcomes Hannah Allen, a licensed therapist and ADHD coach. They discuss their long-standing friendship and delve into Hannah's journey through late-stage ADHD diagnosis and its impact on her life and practice. The conversation explores the multifaceted nature of grief, particularly for individuals with ADHD, and the importance of understanding non-death related losses. They also talk about the role of masking, the complexities of people-pleasing, and the importance of realigning one's life values. With personal anecdotes and professional insights, this episode offers valuable perspectives for anyone navigating grief and neurodiversity.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:26 Meet Hannah Allen: Licensed Therapist and ADHD Coach
03:48 Hannah's Journey with ADHD and Grief
08:28 Understanding Non-Death Related Losses
13:59 Navigating Grief with ADHD
25:32 The Impact of Masking and Unmasking
29:04 Coping Strategies for Grief
30:21 The Role of Brain Chemistry in Grief
31:43 The Performative Aspect of Masking
33:26 Time as a Resource in Grief
34:21 Introduction to Her Aligned Mind
34:29 Ad Break
35:31 Supporting Women in Midlife
37:06 Values and Priorities in Midlife
46:20 Navigating People Pleasing and Grief
51:23 Final Takeaways and Resources
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Hannah Allen, LMHC, ADHD-CCSP, is a Certified ADHD Specialist, coach, and licensed mental health therapist who has supported hundreds of high-performing professionals with build lives of clarity, confidence, and composure. A sought-after speaker, educator, and consultant, she provides ADHD education and practical strategies through trainings, classes, coaching, and customized corporate programs. Frequently featured on podcasts and panels, Hannah is recognized for her expertise on the social and emotional challenges of ADHD and for bridging cutting-edge research with real-world application. Hannah is also the founder of Her Aligned Mind, a membership collective and mentorship platform empowering professional women toward an intentional, meaning-filled, and values-aligned second act.
Follow or contact Hannah at:
allentherapeutics.com or heralignedmind.com;
Instagram: @heralignedmind; @allen_therapeutics
------------------------------------
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://clinicians.griefisthenewnormal.com/privategriefcoaching
-------------------------------------
Opening & Closing 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.
Aug 24, 2025
Aug 24, 2025
10 min
Navigating Pet Loss with Dr. Heather Taylor
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, addresses the often minimized grief associated with pet loss. She explains why losing a pet can be profoundly impactful and shares personal stories and coping strategies. Dr. Taylor emphasizes the importance of validating this kind of grief, creating personal rituals, and finding support. The episode encourages listeners to honor their pets' memory and gives practical advice for navigating the unique challenges of pet loss.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:26 Understanding Pet Loss Grief
02:34 Personal Stories of Pet Loss
07:10 Coping Strategies for Pet Loss
09:31 Final Thoughts and Resources
--------------------------
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://clinicians.griefisthenewnormal.com/privategriefcoaching
-------------------------------------
Opening & Closing 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, 2025
Jun 18, 2025
14 min
Grieving in the Workplace: Understanding and Navigating Emotional Labor
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor discusses the challenges of grieving while maintaining professional responsibilities. She highlights the unrealistic expectations placed on individuals returning to work after a loss, the emotional labor involved in coping at the workplace, and the detrimental effects on both individuals and organizations. Dr. Taylor offers insights into creating a grief-informed work culture, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, long-term support, and open discussions about grief. Practical strategies and a call to action are provided to help listeners advocate for change and seek the necessary support during their grief journey.
00:00 Introduction to Grief in the Workplace
01:21 Unrealistic Expectations and Emotional Labor
02:00 Story Time: Real-Life Experiences
03:07 The Impact of Returning to Office
05:44 Emotional Labor and Its Consequences
07:08 Building Grief-Informed Workplaces
08:18 Practical Strategies for Supporting Grievers
10:27 Conclusion and Call to Action
---------------------------------
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
-------------------------------------
Opening & Closing 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 13, 2025
Jun 13, 2025
12 min
Navigating Father's Day: Acknowledging Silent Grief
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor addresses the complex and often silent grief associated with Father’s Day. She speaks to those who have lost their fathers, fathers who have lost children, and others grappling with fatherhood-related grief. Dr. Taylor emphasizes the need for space, validation, and acknowledging one's feelings. She offers practical suggestions for self-care and coping strategies, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries and engaging in meaningful activities. Dr. Taylor encourages listeners to name their grief and share their stories, fostering a sense of community and understanding. This episode serves as a gentle reminder that experiencing grief on Father's Day is normal, and that it's okay to take up space with your emotions.
00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgment
00:58 Understanding Father's Day Grief
01:38 Story Time with Heather
03:59 The Complexities of Grieving Fathers
07:32 Coping Strategies for Father's Day
10:12 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
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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.
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
-------------------------------------
Opening & Closing 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 12, 2025
Jun 12, 2025
34 min
Changing the Conversation on Grief and Mental Health: An Interview with Dr. Robert C. Smith
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, hosts Dr. Robert Smith, author of 'Has Medicine Lost Its Mind.' The discussion focuses on the inadequacies in medical training regarding mental health and grief support. Dr. Smith shares his personal experiences and insights into the gaps in primary care mental health training, emphasizing the need for systemic change in medical education. Both doctors discuss the mismanagement of grief in the medical model and stress the importance of community and family support in navigating grief. The conversation aims to raise awareness and advocate for reform in how mental health care is approached in the medical field.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:24 Introducing Dr. Robert Smith
01:09 Dr. Smith's Journey in Medicine
05:11 The Crisis in Mental Health Training
09:43 The Role of Grief in Mental Health
20:21 Stigma and Mental Health
23:52 Call to Action: Reforming Mental Health Care
32:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
------------------------------------------
Robert C. Smith, MD, MACP is a University Distinguished Professor and a Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry Emeritus at Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA. With many publications, awards, and strong grant support, he has been involved in teaching and research in patient-centered communication and in primary care mental health since 1985.
He and his colleagues defined the first evidence-based patient-centered interview, now published in a popular interviewing textbook, Smith’s Patient-Centered Interviewing: An Evidence-Based Method (4th edition, McGraw Hill, 2018). It is used in medical, nursing, and other health care schools in the USA and abroad for teaching interviewing and the doctor-patient relationship.
Dr. Smith’s group also identified the first evidence-based method, the Mental Health Care Model, to guide primary care clinicians in managing mental health and substance use problems. Essentials of Psychiatry in Primary Care: Behavioral Health in the Medical Setting (McGraw Hill 2019) resulted and is widely used to teach primary care mental health.
Dr. Smith’s next book is for the public: Has Medicine Lost Its Mind? will be published by Prometheus Books in March 2025. It addresses the poor state of mental health care in the US, why it occurred, what needs to be done, and how to accomplish this politically. Details are available on his website: https://www.robertcsmithmd.com/.
----------------------------------------
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
-------------------------------------
Opening & Closing 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.