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Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss—because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief and trauma, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives. Whether you’re navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed—this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone. No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through. Tune in for honest stories, practical tools, and a reminder that your grief—and how you carry it—is valid. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Episodes
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, interviews Shea Wingate, a licensed clinical social worker and grief coach based in Nashville. Shea shares her personal journey and professional insights into grief, discussing the impact of losing her father, sister, and mother within 13 months, which inspired her to focus her practice on supporting grievers. Together, they discuss the complexities of grieving as a young adult, the importance of communication and connection in grieving, and practical resources and strategies for both therapists and individuals experiencing loss. Tune in for a candid conversation on how to navigate grief, foster supportive relationships, and embrace the healing process.
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process.
https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com
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
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Opening Music by The Dadicorns
Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor
All Rights Reserved.
This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Join Dr. Heather Taylor in this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal' as she speaks with children's author Irma Prosser about her journey in writing and educating young minds about grief. Irma shares her personal experiences with pregnancy loss and how it inspired her to write her book, 'I Miss the Baby,' aimed at children aged 2 to 8. The conversation delves into the challenges of explaining complex emotions to children, the importance of normalizing and destigmatizing grief, and practical advice for supporting grieving children through play and empathy. Irma also hints at her upcoming book focused on explaining a loved one's cancer diagnosis to kids. This insightful dialogue provides valuable resources and strategies for both parents and caregivers in navigating the sensitive topic of grief.
Irma Prosser is a two time award winning author specializing in helping children process tough topics. As a Latinx mother of 5 children, three of whom left too soon, she understands how loss affects the entire family. She regularly donates books to hospitals, medical offices, and nonprofits to
help grieving families.
Connect with Irma Prosser here:
Website: www.IrmaProsser.com
Email:contact@IrmaProsser.com
Facebook/Instagram: @IrmaProsserAuthor
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I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process.
https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com
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 Jul 22, 2024
Monday Jul 22, 2024
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor speaks with Nikki Lewis, a licensed mental health counselor and art therapist. They discuss the integration of art into therapy, particularly as it relates to processing grief. Nikki shares her personal journey into the mental health field, the benefits of using art as a therapeutic medium, and specific art therapy exercises useful for grief work. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creative expression in managing complex emotions and how art can serve as a powerful tool to externalize and diffuse grief. Niki also touches on the communal aspects of grieving and the transformative potential of group art therapy.
With close to fifteen years of experience as a mental health and substance use clinician, Niki Lewis, LMHC has spent her career committed to enhancing healthcare supports for those in need. Holding an MPS in Creative Art Therapy and Creativity Development, she's successfully implemented art therapy programs across multiple treatment settings to help patients navigate their journey to recovery.
Licensed as a Mental Health Counselor and Substance Use Dependence Professional in the state of Washington, her expertise lies in providing substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health counseling. She's had the opportunity to work in several professional capacities, including being a Family Therapist and SUD Professional at the Recovery Center in Monroe, WA, and a Case Manager and SUD Professional at Fairfax Hospital.
Presently, Niki serves as the Addictions Administrator at Wellpoint, WA, where she is focused on SUD program management for WA Medicaid Members. In all her roles, she's not only provided individual and group therapy, but also helped with intricate tasks like carrying out SUD and mental health assessments, care and discharge planning, and connecting patients to essential resources related to social determinants of health.
Over the years, Niki has fostered an integral understanding of the complexities of mental health and addiction, prioritizing compassion, creativity, and comprehensive care at the heart of all she does.
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I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process.
https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com
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 Jul 15, 2024
Monday Jul 15, 2024
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Taylor, engages in a thoughtful conversation with Dr. Natasha Trujillo, a psychologist and author based in Colorado. Dr. Trujillo shares insights from her career in counseling and sports psychology, emphasizing the complexity of grief beyond death and its integration into all life events. They discuss the impact of grief on individuals, the intergenerational transmission of trauma, and the importance of embracing grief to live more fully. Dr. Trujillo highlights healthy coping mechanisms, the limitations of pathologizing grief, and the vital role of creativity and community in the grieving process. Dr. Trujillo also talks about her book, 'And she was never the same again,' which explores the transformative nature of grief and its presence in various life events. The episode aims to normalize conversations around grief and provide listeners with tools to support themselves and others through loss.
Dr. Natasha P. Trujillo has a firm grasp on the complexities of grief and loss, both in her academic studies and personal experiences. In her forthcoming book, And She Was Never the Same Again, she challenges the idea of a "right" way to grieve, advocating against the pathologization and over-medication of grief. Drawing from her experiences, Dr. Trujillo emphasizes that grief is a deeply personal and natural process that should be embraced rather than suppressed.
Having immersed herself in the theories, concepts and research surrounding grief and loss, Dr. Trujillo has not only studied but also lived and integrated these principles into both her personal and professional life. Her journey has been a testament to the transformative power of understanding and navigating grief, a revelation that resonates deeply with those who encounter her work.
Currently practicing in Denver, Colorado, Dr. Trujillo specializes in addressing a myriad of issues including grief, loss, eating disorders, trauma, life transitions, identity development, anxiety/depressive disorders, perfectionism, and performance psychology. Her expertise extends to working with athletes and performers across the nation, both individually and within team settings. Dr. Trujillo's holistic approach to healing and her unwavering dedication to her clients make her a beacon of hope and resilience in the field of mental health.
You can connect with her at www.npttherapy.com
Or follow her on social media @npttherapy
Information about her new book, "And she was never the same again" is available at https://andshewasneverthesameagain.com/
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process.
Dr. Taylor is also a co-founder of 'The Mourning Movement,' with Jen Reisinger, LMHC. The Mourning Movement aims to create spaces for grief education and community support to reduce isolation and stigma around grief. Be sure to sign up for more modern grief insights with our newsletter at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/newsletter
https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com
Opening Music by The Dadicorns
Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor
All Rights Reserved.
This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Monday Jul 08, 2024
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, explores the complexities of sibling loss and disenfranchised grief. She discusses various forms of disenfranchised grief, from non-death losses to stigmatized deaths, and highlights how these experiences often go unrecognized by society. Dr. Taylor shares her personal story of losing her younger brother, Garrett, in 2009, outlining her journey through grief, the unique pain of sibling loss, and the long-term impact it has had on her life. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and validating all forms of grief, setting boundaries for self-care, and seeking support. This episode also includes practical tips and resources for those navigating their own grief journeys.
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process.
Dr. Taylor is also a co-founder of 'The Mourning Movement,' with Jen Reisinger, LMHC. The Mourning Movement aims to create spaces for grief education and community support to reduce isolation and stigma around grief. Be sure to sign up for more modern grief insights with our newsletter at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/newsletter
https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com
Opening Music by The Dadicorns
Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor
All Rights Reserved.
This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.
Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
In this episode of Grief is the New Normal, Dr. Heather Taylor and Tessa Smith, LMHCA, continue with part two of their conversation and discuss the complexities of parenting while dealing with grief. They explore how different family members can oscillate between emotions and responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of validating diverse grief expressions. Key takeaways include understanding the spectrum of grief behaviors, modeling self-care, and acknowledging the multifaceted losses parents and children experience. Tessa shares insights from her dissertation on social media’s impact on mothers and outlines her future work in forensic assessments.
Tessa Smith, MA, LMHCA is a high-energy, intelligent, enthusiastic, mental health consultant, leadership consultant, life coach, and motivational speaker. She cultivates an environment in which individuals feel empowered to become successful. She uses her education and skills to help create diversity and inclusion for all people in a team setting. She is strong in leadership, financial growth, team management, and the ability to outreach and educate. She makes team building fun and accessible. She is highly adaptable, focused, dependable and capable of teaching and training her clients and their families. She works to build up individuals to feel empowered to make life changes and find their inner success. You can connect with her at tessa.smith20@northwestu.edu
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process.
Dr. Taylor is also a co-founder of 'The Mourning Movement,' with Jen Reisinger, LMHC. The Mourning Movement aims to create spaces for grief education and community support to reduce isolation and stigma around grief. Be sure to sign up for more modern grief insights with our newsletter at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/newsletter
https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com
Opening Music by The Dadicorns
Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor
All Rights Reserved.
This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.
Monday Jul 01, 2024
Monday Jul 01, 2024
In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor hosts Tessa Smith, LMHCA, a licensed mental health clinician associate and former student. The engaging conversation delves into the challenges and strategies of parenting while navigating the complexities of grief. Tessa shares her personal journey and professional insights on modeling grief for children, supporting them at various developmental stages, and maintaining family routines amidst loss. This is part one of a two-part episode that provides valuable perspectives on being present, adjusting roles, and fostering resilience in families during grief.
Tessa Smith, MA, LMHCA is a high-energy, intelligent, enthusiastic, mental health consultant, leadership consultant, life coach, and motivational speaker. She cultivates an environment in which individuals feel empowered to become successful. She uses her education and skills to help create diversity and inclusion for all people in a team setting. She is strong in leadership, financial growth, team management, and the ability to outreach and educate. She makes team building fun and accessible. She is highly adaptable, focused, dependable and capable of teaching and training her clients and their families. She works to build up individuals to feel empowered to make life changes and find their inner success! You can connect with her at tessa.smith20@northwestu.edu
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process.
Dr. Taylor is also a co-founder of 'The Mourning Movement,' with Jen Reisinger, LMHC. The Mourning Movement aims to create spaces for grief education and community support to reduce isolation and stigma around grief. Be sure to sign up for more modern grief insights with our newsletter at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/newsletter
https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com
Opening Music by The Dadicorns
Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor
All Rights Reserved.
This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
This is episode 2 in a two part series on grief in children and adolescents with Dr. Ashok Shimoji-Krishnan, a child psychiatrist. In this second episode, Dr. Heather Taylor sits down with Dr. Ashok Shimoji-Krishnan, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, to wrap up their discussion on grief and loss in children and adolescents. Dr. Ashok shares insights from his extensive experience in mental health, discussing the varied manifestations of grief across different age groups and emphasizing the importance of context in understanding and supporting grieving children. The episode explores the unique role of psychiatry in managing grief, practical advice for parents and caregivers, and the relevance of emotional intelligence. Additionally, Dr. Ashok introduces his podcast 'ASK Child Psych' as well as his music project 'The Dadicorns.'
If you're interested in learning more about "Prolonged Grief Disorder" here's a helpful article: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/prolonged-grief-disorder
Dr. Shimoji-Krishnan is a child and adolescent psychiatrist in Washington state. After providing direct client care with Kaiser Permanente for 10 years, he now works as the medical director for a managed health care organization. He is the host of ASK Child Psych podcast (https://askchildpsych.podbean.com) and part of the band, "The Dadicorns" (https://www.facebook.com/dadicornsmusic/).
I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process.
Dr. Taylor is also a co-founder of 'The Mourning Movement,' with Jen Reisinger, LMHC. The Mourning Movement aims to create spaces for grief education and community support to reduce isolation and stigma around grief. Be sure to sign up for more modern grief insights with our newsletter at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/newsletter
https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com
Opening Music by The Dadicorns
Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor
All Rights Reserved.
This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.
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.