4.8K
Downloads
69
Episodes
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 Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.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 Feb 10, 2025
Monday Feb 10, 2025
Navigating Collective Grief in Uncertain Times
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor discusses the pervasive sense of collective grief felt in today's political climate. She outlines how current events and political transitions contribute to a sense of loss, disillusionment, and identity crisis. Dr. Taylor addresses the compounded impact of personal and systemic grief, emphasizing the need for practical strategies and emotional boundaries to process these feelings. She introduces the TIPP method and the concept of rage writing to help listeners manage their grief and anxiety. Dr. Taylor encourages community connection and self-care as vital components of navigating this new normal, offering resources and support through her podcast and newsletter.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:28 Exploring Non-Death Loss Grief
00:53 Grieving in a Shifting World
03:01 Political Transitions and Grief
04:56 Collective Grief and Identity
10:22 Practical Strategies for Managing Grief
15:13 Finding Community and Connection
16:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
----------------------------------------
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
-------------------------------------
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 Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Navigating Grief in the New Year: Season Two Kickoff
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor welcomes listeners to season two of the podcast, focusing on the complexities of dealing with grief as a new year begins. Dr. Taylor shares personal experiences and offers insights into managing grief without succumbing to societal pressures for New Year’s resolutions. She discusses the importance of setting intentions rather than goals, embracing rest, and being kind to oneself. The episode also explores practical strategies for honoring grief, such as creating a grief calendar and practicing mindfulness, while emphasizing that the new year does not require a 'new you.'
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:24 Reflecting on Season One and Welcoming Season Two
01:22 Navigating the New Year After a Dark December
02:23 Setting Intentions Instead of Resolutions
03:09 Personal Story: Running Through Grief
05:24 Mixed Feelings About the New Year
09:57 Strategies for Honoring Grief in the New Year
15:09 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
16:17 Closing Remarks 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
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
-------------------------------------
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 Dec 16, 2024
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Exploring Intergenerational Trauma with Katherine Vandervort
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor welcomes Katherine Vandervort, an LMHCA and former student making strides in the mental health field. They discuss the impact of intergenerational trauma on immigrant families, particularly focusing on the complex emotional dynamics experienced by the children of immigrants. Katherine shares insights from her practice, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and processing grief, even when it diverges from family traditions. They also touch on strategies for holding space for both the strengths and pain of familial histories and the importance of community in the healing journey.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:25 Meet Katherine Vandervort: A Journey into Mental Health
02:33 Understanding Intergenerational Trauma
06:39 Navigating Emotional Complexities
21:11 The Spectrum of Grief
28:01 Practical Strategies for Grieving Intergenerational Trauma
32:22 Conclusion and Resources
-----------------------------------------
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed, PsyPact psychologist based out of 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
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
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 and resources at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/resourcesandnewsletter
https://www.themourningmovement.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 Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
As a death and grief educator and therapist, she is passionate about expanding the ways in which we engage in conversation around death and dying. I strongly believe that exploring one’s own grief and loss experiences and sharing those experiences in community with others can promote a healthier society. I’m the author of Choosing Light: Transforming Grief through the Practice of Mindful Photography and Self-Reflection and esteemed doctoral research, Mindful Photography and its Implications in End-of-life Caregiving: An Art-based Phenomenology.
“I honor my grief experiences as wisdom gained when I host a Within and Without Mindful Photography reflection group or train a facilitator or teach courses on death and dying. Bit by bit, I contribute toward a systemic shift in our society where we can be more death accepting rather than death denying and where there is more access to social grief support rather than grief isolation.” — Jessica Thomas PhD. | Choosing Light
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed, PsyPact psychologist based out of 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
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
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 and resources at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/resourcesandnewsletter
https://www.themourningmovement.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 Dec 02, 2024
Monday Dec 02, 2024
Navigating Grief as a Single Parent In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal', Dr. Heather Taylor converses with Professor Lee Gernert-Larrea, a professor and licensed mental health counselor, about the challenges of parenting while grieving. They discuss the unique hurdles faced by single parents, the importance of self-care, and strategies for supporting children through grief. Lee shares her personal journey after the sudden death of her husband, highlighting the value of seeking community support and establishing new traditions. The episode provides insights into balancing one's own grief with the responsibility of nurturing grieving children.
00:00 Introduction to Grief and Parenting
00:56 Lee's Background and Personal Story
03:04 Navigating Grief as a Single Parent
07:04 Supporting Grieving Children
10:44 Challenges in School and Social Settings
17:22 Finding Support and Community
19:29 Building Traditions and Keeping Memories Alive
20:27 Adapting Holidays and Creating New Traditions
21:52 The Importance of Proactive Grieving
22:50 Finding Community and Support
23:58 Navigating Grief's Unexpected Waves
25:47 The Power of Listening and Support
30:28 Balancing Personal Grief and Supporting Children
33:12 Living Fearlessly and Embracing Life
34:21 Future Plans and Giving Back
35:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
--------------------------------------------------------
Professor Lee Gernert-Larrea is a seasoned mental health professional with a rich background in clinical psychology. She holds a Master's from Mansfield University and a Bachelor's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in New York and a retired Licensed Psychologist in Pennsylvania, Professor Gernert-Larrea has dedicated 20 years to community mental health, providing psychological services at the Elmira Psychiatric Center.
Currently teaching at a community college, she finds joy in engaging with students through various psychology courses, ranging from introductory to upper-level specialized classes such as Child Psychology, Adolescent Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology. Her teaching philosophy encourages open inquiry and discussion, helping students explore the broad and diverse field of psychology.
Professor Gernert-Larrea is also a member of the American Psychological Association and has been recognized for her educational contributions with the RBOT Excellence in Teaching Award and the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, highlighting her commitment to academic excellence and student development.
You can reach out to her at Lgernert@corning-c.edu
--------------------------------------------------
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed, PsyPact psychologist based out of 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
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 and resources at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/resourcesandnewsletter
https://www.themourningmovement.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 Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
Navigating Holiday Grief with Dr. Jessica Rabon In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor speaks with Dr. Jessica Rabon, a licensed psychologist from South Carolina, about the complexities of experiencing grief during the holiday season. They discuss how grief manifests in various forms, such as death and non-death losses, and offer practical strategies for coping, including setting boundaries, creating new traditions, and finding support. This episode is a resource for those who are grieving or supporting someone in grief, providing insights on managing emotions, honoring loved ones, and navigating family dynamics during one of the most challenging times of the year.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:28 Meet Dr. Jessica Rabon
00:39 Grief During the Holiday Season
03:55 Navigating Traditions and Nostalgia
08:16 Emotional Challenges of the Holidays
11:41 Practical Strategies for Coping
18:07 Supporting Others in Grief
30:21 Self-Care During the Holidays
33:24 Family Traditions in Different Settings
35:30 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
37:03 Conclusion and Resources
---------------------------------------------------
Dr. Jessica Rabon is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in pediatric psychology. Her clinical interests include depression, anxiety, chronic medical illnesses, LGBTQ+ health, and eating disorders. She has published a number of peer-reviewed research papers and a book on topics such as suicide, depression, anxiety, self-compassion, gratitude, and forgiveness. Additionally, Jess creates mental health content on TikTok and Instagram and hosts two podcasts, Psych Talk and Welcome to Group Therapy, with the goal of making mental health more accessible and relatable, and destigmatizing mental health.
Instagram: @jessicaleighphd
TikTok: @jessicaleighphd
Threads: @jessicaleighphd
Podcasts: Psych Talk & Welcome to Group Therapy
-------------------------------------------------------
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed, PsyPact psychologist based out of 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
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 and resources at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/resourcesandnewsletter
https://www.themourningmovement.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 Nov 18, 2024
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Navigating Grief-Aversaries and Honoring Loved Ones: A Personal Journey
In the latest episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor explores the profound concept of 'grief-aversaries,' drawing from her personal experience of losing her brother 15 years ago. She recounts how her family's annual gatherings evolve, the meaningful rituals they've established, and the challenges of navigating grief over time. Dr. Taylor shares valuable insights into coping mechanisms, the importance of community, and personalized approaches to honoring loved ones on significant dates. This episode aims to normalize the grieving process and provide listeners with tools and strategies to manage their grief in their own unique ways.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:25 Personal Story: The Loss of My Brother
01:46 Family Gatherings and Grief Rituals
04:12 Memories and Reflections
13:02 Coping Strategies and Self-Care
14:37 Understanding and Embracing Grief
19:54 Changing Grief Over Time
22:53 Conclusion and Upcoming Projects
--------------------------------------------
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed, PsyPact psychologist based out of 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
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 and resources at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/resourcesandnewsletter
https://www.themourningmovement.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 Nov 11, 2024
Monday Nov 11, 2024
Anticipatory Grief and Coming Out: A Conversation with Miriam Cornell, LMFT
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor is joined by Miriam Cornell, LMFT from Minneapolis. They discuss the intersection of grief and the coming out process. Miriam shares their personal journey as a bisexual, non-binary individual and their professional experience working with clients navigating religious trauma and queer identities. The episode also explores anticipatory grief, the emotional complexities of coming out, and strategies for self-care and community support. Key takeaways include understanding the ongoing nature of coming out, validating feelings of grief, and the importance of supportive relationships.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:28 Meet Miriam Cornell: A Journey in Mental Health
01:26 Navigating the Coming Out Process
03:07 Understanding Anticipatory Grief
07:55 Emotional Complexities of Coming Out
14:38 Support Strategies for the Coming Out Process
22:38 Self-Care and Community Building
27:06 Advice for Partners and Support Networks
31:19 Key Takeaways and Conclusion
--------------------------------------
Miriam Cornell, MA, LMFT (they/them) is a therapist with Transcend Psychotherapy (https://transcendpsychotherapy.com/team/miriam-cornell/). You can follow them @expanding_circles on Instagram.
Navigating mental health struggles can feel lonely and be isolating. One of the reasons I believe that therapy works is the opportunity to provide a new and meaningful connection as the foundation on which to create long-lasting change. I work from a systemic and attachment-based lens. I understand our mental health struggles to be interconnected with many aspects of our past and current life circumstances and relationships. I want to work with you to identify any unhelpful patterns, learn new ways of interacting, and find meaning in your life story while looking toward the future with hope.
I am especially passionate about mental health struggles in the LGBTQ+ community with a specific area of interest in processing religious experiences. For many in the community religion has been particularly harmful. Whether you choose to re-engage or disengage, I can walk alongside you to help you identify, evaluate, and deconstruct unhealthy and harmful patterns with the hope and goal of finding a sense of ease in relating to this chapter of your life.
------------------------------------------
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed, PsyPact psychologist based out of 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
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 and resources at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/resourcesandnewsletter
https://www.themourningmovement.com
We have our upcoming Grief and the Holidays webinar on November 14th! Be sure to sign up or share with someone who may need extra support this upcoming holiday season. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grief-the-holidays-virtual-webinar-tickets-1048206051517?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile
-------------------------------------
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.