13.9K
Downloads
101
Episodes
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
Jun 9, 2025
Jun 9, 2025
16 min
Supporting Grievers: How to Show Up and Stay Present
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, focuses on how to support someone who is grieving. She explains the three roles of support: doers, listeners, and respite friends, emphasizing the need for sustainable and specific support. Dr. Taylor offers practical tips on how to stay engaged over the long term, the importance of marking significant dates, and what actions to avoid, such as offering toxic positivity or disappearing when it gets challenging. She concludes by encouraging listeners to stay present and offer genuine, consistent support to those in grief.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:26 Understanding the Support Crew
01:04 The Three Types of Support
06:39 Effective Long-Term Support Strategies
10:12 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
13:22 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://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 5, 2025
Jun 5, 2025
51 min
*Trigger Warning: Sensitive Content Ahead
In this episode of Grief is the New Normal (Episode 33), we speak with Kristina Spurlock, LMHC, about the deeply personal and painful realities of sexual assault trauma and grief.
Please be advised: This conversation includes discussions of sexual violence, emotional trauma, and the grieving process that may be activating for some listeners.
If you are currently in crisis or need support, we encourage you to reach out to a mental health professional or call a crisis line in your area.
Your mental and emotional safety comes first. Please listen with care.
-----------------------------------
Understanding Grief and Trauma with Kristina Spurlock
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor welcomes therapist Kristina Spurlock, LMHC to discuss grief and trauma. Kristina shares insights about her journey into therapy, her experience with EMDR, and her work with sexual assault survivors. The conversation covers the complexities of grief, including the unacknowledged grief over outcomes that didn’t materialize and the importance of addressing trauma responses. The episode also delves into the influence of societal structures on grief and trauma and emphasizes the significance of supportive therapeutic relationships. This episode offers a comprehensive look at how to navigate the layered experiences of grief and trauma, providing valuable insights for both clinicians and those personally affected.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:26 Meet Kristina Spurlock: Trauma Specialist
00:52 Kristina's Journey into Therapy
07:15 Understanding Trauma Responses
09:54 Navigating the Legal System as a Survivor
18:28 The Importance of Consent Education
27:12 Understanding Emotional Responses from Childhood Trauma
29:26 Exploring EMDR and Grief Processing
32:01 The Nuances of Grief in Therapy
38:51 The Impact of Political and Social Context on Grief
42:11 Final Thoughts and Takeaways on Grief and Therapy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kristina Spurlock, LMHC is an EMDR therapist who has been helping clients process trauma since 2016. She has worked in community mental health, and hospitals, and currently owns her private practice called Health Insight Counseling. She specializes in adult clients who have experienced sexual assault trauma, first responder trauma, dissociation, and childhood trauma. Find her on instagram at @Healthinsightcounseling
------------------------------------------------------------
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 2, 2025
Jun 2, 2025
10 min
Collective Grief: Navigating Pain in a Troubled World
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor discusses the concept of collective grief, highlighting the emotional toll of societal and systemic issues, especially on marginalized communities, amid political and social upheavals. She explains how grief manifests in various forms, such as burnout, rage, and emotional numbness, and emphasizes the importance of naming and acknowledging this grief. Dr. Taylor provides practical steps for managing these overwhelming feelings, such as setting boundaries, expressing emotions safely, and finding supportive communities. She encourages listeners to recognize their grief, protect their well-being, and remain hopeful amid adversities.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:35 Current Events and Collective Grief
01:18 Understanding Systemic Grief
04:34 Recognizing and Naming Grief
05:24 Coping Strategies for Grief
07:29 Finding Hope Amidst Grief
08:57 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://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.
May 29, 2025
May 29, 2025
38 min
Navigating Perinatal Loss: A Deep Dive with Caitlin Silverstein, LCSW
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal', Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, converses with Caitlin Silverstein, LCSW, on her work and experiences with perinatal loss. Caitlin shares her journey from working with spinal cord injury patients in a busy NYC hospital to specializing in maternal mental health. The conversation delves into the complexities of perinatal grief, often an under-recognized form of grief involving hopes and milestones never reached. Caitlin discusses strategies to help families process their grief, including creating memory spaces and integrating grief into daily life. They also explore the societal challenges of perinatal loss and the critical role of communication and ritual in honoring lost babies. For those supporting someone through such a loss, this episode offers valuable insights and strategies to help navigate this complicated and intense type of grief.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:28 Meet Caitlyn Silverstein: A Journey in Maternal Mental Health
03:06 Understanding Perinatal Loss and Disenfranchised Grief
06:44 Navigating Grief: Strategies and Support
11:24 Empowering Grievers: Reclaiming the Narrative
15:24 Emotional and Physical Reactions to Perinatal Loss
20:09 Understanding Grief: Moving Through, Not Moving On
20:19 The Integration of Grief
22:19 Visualizing Grief: The Paper and Circle Analogy
25:09 The Importance of Naming and Integrating Grief
27:53 Grieving as a Couple and Family
30:39 Rituals and Practices to Honor Grief
32:25 Using Social Media for Grief Support
34:18 Final Thoughts and Resources
---------------------------------------
Caitlin Silverstein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of The Nurtured Bloom Therapy LCSW, P.C., specializing in pregnancy, postpartum, grief, and women’s mental health. Based in Long Island, NY, Caitlin brings her years of bedside experience from major New York hospitals into her boutique private practice, offering a deeply compassionate space for women facing the heartbreak of perinatal loss, the challenges of high-risk pregnancies, the identity shifts of motherhood, and the silent grief that goes unseen.
She holds advanced certifications including Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (Evergreen Certifications), International Partnership for Perinatal Excellence Certified Provider (Star Legacy Foundation), and Postpartum Mental Health Certification (Postpartum Support International).
Connect with Caitlin:
Instagram: @caitlinsilversteinlcsw
Website: www.caitlinsilversteinlcsw.com
Resources:
https://perinatalexcellence.org/
https://whatsyourgrief.com/growing-around-grief/
------------------------------------------------
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.
May 27, 2025
May 27, 2025
13 min
Navigating Empty Nest Grief: Identity, Transitions, and Self-Compassion
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, delves into the complex emotions surrounding the empty nest transition. Dr. Taylor discusses the profound grief that can accompany this phase of life, even though it's often viewed as a joyful milestone. She addresses how parents, especially those who have been primary caregivers, can experience a seismic shift in their identity, sense of purpose, and daily routines. The episode emphasizes the importance of honoring these feelings of grief, taking time to reconnect with personal desires, and creating new routines. Dr. Taylor shares insights from her clinical experience, offering practical strategies for navigating this new chapter with compassion and support. Listeners are encouraged to feel their emotions, name their grief, and avoid rushing through the transition. The episode closes with an invitation to write letters to past or future selves as a way to reflect on and honor their journey.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:26 Understanding Empty Nest Grief
02:44 Client Story: Preparing for the Empty Nest
06:15 Coping Strategies for Empty Nest Grief
08:34 Navigating Relationship Dynamics Post-Empty Nest
09:44 Conclusion and Gentle Invitation
12:24 Resources 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
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.
May 22, 2025
May 22, 2025
43 min
Navigating Grief: A Conversation with Moira Khan of Griefspan
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, welcomes Moira Khan, an international grief educator and coach. Moira shares her personal journey through multiple losses, including the sudden death of her mother, brother, and father, and discusses her passion for grief education and coaching. She also explores how her grief led to the creation of Griefspan, a community dedicated to supporting those in grief. The episode delves into the importance of being kind to oneself during the grieving process, the significance of community support, and the need for education on how to respond to others' grief. Moira also touches on the physical aspects of grief, relating her experiences with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome to the wider context of invisible ailments and the importance of understanding grief in a holistic manner.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:27 Meet Moira Khan: International Grief Educator and Coach
00:58 Moira's Personal Journey with Grief
01:54 The Loss of Moira's Mother
03:27 Navigating Pregnancy and Grief
05:58 The Loss of Moira's Brother
08:23 The Loss of Moira's Father
15:22 Creating Griefspan: A Tribute to Family
17:53 The Importance of Grief Education and Support
19:39 The Growing Grief Community
22:00 Reflecting on Personal Grief
23:10 Grief Education and Awareness
26:08 Cultural Perspectives on Grief
28:21 The Power of Sharing Stories
29:20 Understanding the Grieving Brain
31:05 Kindness and Self-Compassion in Grief
37:39 Physical Ailments and Grief
40:42 Final Thoughts and Resources
------------------------------------------------------------
Moira is the Owner and Founder of GriefSpan. After the loss of her parents and brother, Moira became a Certified Grief Educator and Coach. She now helps and supports grieving individuals, and groups all over the world through the most heartbreaking times of their lives. Grief Education enables grievers to process their grief in a safe space, while learning more about best practices and tools to help navigate the journey they never asked to be on. Moira has a large community and network on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/griefspaneducation?igsh=ejA5b3ZvZTFsanF3&utm_source=qr
and can also be found at
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.
May 19, 2025
May 19, 2025
13 min
Understanding and Validating Disenfranchised Grief
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, addresses the topic of disenfranchised grief. This type of grief is often unrecognized or dismissed by society, which makes it feel particularly isolating. Dr. Taylor explains what disenfranchised grief is, provides examples including pet loss, estranged family, and non-traditional relationships, and offers advice on how to validate your own grief even when others do not. She also shares tips for supporting others who are experiencing disenfranchised grief and emphasizes the importance of finding supportive communities, whether in-person or online. The episode concludes with invitations to create personal rituals and join grief-informed spaces to aid the healing process.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:26 Understanding Disenfranchised Grief
01:28 Examples of Disenfranchised Grief
02:04 Navigating Complicated Grief
05:00 Validating Your Grief 08:58 Reclaiming Your Grief Space
10:13 Supporting Others in Their Grief
11:12 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://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.
May 15, 2025
May 15, 2025
44 min
Grief, Humor, and the Long Arc of Healing: A Conversation with Rebecca Soffer of Modern Loss
In this episode of Grief is the New Normal, Dr. Heather Taylor talks with Rebecca Soffer, the co-founder of the Modern Loss community. Rebecca shares her personal journey through grief after the loss of her parents and the inception of Modern Loss. They discuss the integration of humor in grief, the importance of community, and the inadequacies in grief training for professionals. Rebecca emphasizes the value of creating personal rituals, setting boundaries, and the necessity of levity and joy amidst mourning. The conversation also touches on navigating grief-triggered days like Mother's Day and the benefits of 'going micro' to manage overwhelming emotions.
00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal
00:25 Meet Rebecca Soffer: Founder of Modern Loss
00:38 Rebecca's Personal Journey with Grief
02:32 The Birth of Modern Loss
04:33 Navigating Grief and Loss
06:01 Challenges in Grief Therapy and Training
07:26 Mother's Day and Complicated Grief
18:00 The Importance of Community in Grief
19:36 Humor and Levity in Grief
24:12 Embracing the Grief Wave
24:37 Navigating Through Grief with Resources
24:58 The Bear Hunt Analogy
25:50 Building a Support System
26:41 Going Micro: Small Steps Through Grief
28:16 Mindfulness Techniques for Grief
29:28 Handling Trigger Days
30:48 Creating Coping Plans
31:46 Writing About Grief
32:00 Modern Loss Books
33:38 Staying Connected After Loss
35:24 Communing with the World
36:32 Teaching Others How to Support You
38:45 Final Takeaways on Grief
40:48 Upcoming Projects and Resources
42:58 Conclusion and Call to Action
------------------------------------------------
Rebecca Soffer is cofounder of Modern Loss, which offers creative, meaningful and encouraging content and community addressing the long arc of grief. She is also the bestselling author of The Modern Loss Handbook: An Interactive Guide to Moving Through Grief and Building Your Resilience (Running Press, 2022), which Gayle King named a favorite book of the year, and coauthor of Modern Loss: Candid Conversation About Grief. Beginners Welcome (Harper Wave, 2018), which The Strategist named a best book on loss for a younger generation.
Rebecca also writes the Modern Loss newsletter, which is one of Substack's top Health & Wellness publications and shares intimate interviews with notable figures on their experiences with loss, including actors Cynthia Nixon, Jessica Williams, and Rachel Bloom; poet Saeed Jones; comedians Jena Friedman and Alyssa Limperis; transgender rights activist Raquel Willis; stylist Stacy London; and many more. She hosts the monthly “Light After Loss” Facebook series for 1800Flowers.com and is an expert contributor for Help Texts. Rebecca has partnered with several organizations developing tailored projects that promote their mission, including the Seleni Institute (raising awareness around perinatal mental health support) and the Parmenter Foundation (developing their UGrieve online grief awareness training course for undergraduates and graduate students).
Rebecca is a Peabody Award-winning former producer for The Colbert Report and an alumna of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccasoffer/
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 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.