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In this powerful conversation, host Brian Smith welcomes back Sally Hawk—founder of VerySoul—and evidential medium Sherry Abdou. Together, they explore the spiritual guidance behind VerySoul's creation and how it's become a beacon of hope for grieving people around the world.

VerySoul now hosts over 2,500 vetted mediums across 50+ countries, solving the biggest challenges people face when seeking a connection: affordability, trust, and availability. Sally reveals how this spirit-guided platform is revolutionizing mediumship, while Sherry shares her deeply personal journey—losing her child, caring for her father, and developing the gifts she now uses to bring healing to others.

Whether you’ve lost a child, spouse, friend, or parent—or you’re simply curious about the afterlife—this episode will speak to your heart. ❤️

🔗 Links & Resources:

• 🌐 VerySoul – Book a reading or become a medium: https://verysoul.com
• 👩‍💻 Learn more about Sally Hawk: https://verysoul.com
• 📞 Connect with Sherry Abdou via VerySoul: Sherry's Profile (link to her direct profile if available)
• 💬 Continue the conversation in the Grief 2 Growth Community: grief2growth.com/community

🧭 Episode Highlights:

• Sally's journey from corporate leadership to spiritual service
• How Spirit designed VerySoul—and what makes it truly unique
• Sherry’s awakening after loss, and how caregiving opened her gifts
• The truth about developing mediumship: training, practice, and spiritual growth
• What makes a medium “ethical” and how VerySoul sets those standards
• The emotional side of evidential readings—and why compassion matters
• Real stories of validation that brought peace, healing, and awe

💬 Your Voice Matters:

We'd love to hear from you!
📝 What resonated with you most in this episode?
🎧 Have you had a mediumship experience that changed your view of grief or the afterlife?

👇 Drop a comment on YouTube or join the deeper discussion in our community:
🌐

This deck is a labor of love. It's a 44 card oracle deck that's about connecting you to your loved one in spirit. The deck comes with a companion digital guide that gives you an affirmation, a reflection, and an activity for the day.

Check it out at https://stan.store/grief2growth/p/oracle-deck

You can send me a text by clicking the link at the top of the show notes. Use fanmail to:

1.) Ask questions.
2.) Suggest future guests/topics.
3.) Provide feedback

Can't wait to hear from you!

I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.

https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons

Support the show

🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education
👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)
📰 Get A Free Gift
📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call
📈 Leave A Review

Thanks so much for your support

Send me a Text Message

Healing Through Connection: Trauma, Awakening & Collective Consciousness w/ Blaise Kennedy

📝 Episode Description:

What if your deepest pain isn’t just yours to bear—but a doorway to connection, growth, and even awakening?

In this episode of Grief 2 Growth, Brian Smith welcomes Blaise Kennedy—a spiritual teacher whose work challenges the solitary nature of personal development. Blaise invites us into a space of deep relational healing, showing us how trauma lives not just in our bodies, but in our families, our ancestry, and the collective fields of consciousness we all share.

This is more than a conversation—it’s a roadmap to healing that reclaims our right to feel with each other, not just for ourselves.

🔍 What You'll Discover:

• The surprising power of “feeling together”—and why it’s so healing
• How trauma is passed through generations and collective fields 🧬
• The myths of rugged individualism in Western culture and spirituality
• Why men often avoid emotional spaces—and how we can change that 💬
• How grief, when witnessed, becomes transformational 💔→🌱
• What younger generations are teaching us about the pursuit of meaning
• How to access the light you were born to bring into the world ✨

🔗 Guest Links:

🌐 Visit Blaise's website: blaisekennedy.com
📺 YouTube: @BlaiseKennedy

💬 Join The Conversation:

What part of Blaise’s story or teachings resonated most with you? Share your reflections below or join our supportive community to go deeper:
👉 grief2growth.com/community

⭐ Leave Us a Review:

If this episode moved you, please take a moment to rate and review the show. Your feedback helps others find hope and healing.

Shall I move on to Step 3: YouTube Chapters with Enhanced Descriptions?

This deck is a labor of love. It's a 44 card oracle deck that's about connecting you to your loved one in spirit. The deck comes with a companion digital guide that gives you an affirmation, a reflection, and an activity for the day.

Check it out at https://stan.store/grief2growth/p/oracle-deck

You can send me a text by clicking the link at the top of the show notes. Use fanmail to:

1.) Ask questions.
2.) Suggest future guests/topics.
3.) Provide feedback

Can't wait to hear from you!

I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.

https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons

Support the show

🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education
👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)
📰 Get A Free Gift
📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call
📈 Leave A Review

Thanks so much for your support

Subscriber-only episode

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We live in a world obsessed with appearances—but what if who we are goes far deeper than skin and bone? What if death isn't the end, but a transformation?

In this heart-opening episode, Brian D. Smith explores a powerful truth: You are not your body. 💫 Through reflections on grief, near-death experiences, and spiritual wisdom, we’re invited to look beyond the physical and connect with the eternal essence of our loved ones—and ourselves.

💭 Have you ever felt someone’s presence after they’ve passed?
This isn’t imagination—it’s connection. In this episode, you’ll discover:
🔹 Why our bodies are constantly changing—and not our true identity
🔹 The soul’s journey beyond death and how it often remains close
🔹 What near-death experiences reveal about consciousness
🔹 How to begin forming a soul-to-soul relationship with those who’ve transitioned

🕊️ “We don’t bury people. We release the shell. The soul lives on.”
This message is for anyone who has ever grieved, ever asked, “Where did they go?”—and who dares to believe that love is stronger than death. ❤️

This deck is a labor of love. It's a 44 card oracle deck that's about connecting you to your loved one in spirit. The deck comes with a companion digital guide that gives you an affirmation, a reflection, and an activity for the day.

Check it out at https://stan.store/grief2growth/p/oracle-deck

🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education
👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)
📰 Get A Free Gift
📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call
📈 Leave A Review

Thanks so much for your support

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✨ Episode Summary:
What if your deepest grief was actually your greatest opportunity for growth? In this heart-opening conversation, Brian D. Smith sits down with photographer, filmmaker, and former attorney Peter Alessandria to explore how loss, self-doubt, and life’s most painful detours can lead to profound spiritual awakening.

Peter shares his personal transformation—how losing everything during the 2008 financial crisis set him on a path to uncovering his creative gifts, and how his brother’s unexpected passing deepened his spiritual conviction. His documentary, Every Soul Knows, weaves together the voices of over 60 near-death experiencers, mediums, and spiritual teachers—all pointing to a powerful truth: we are so much more than we think we are.

💡 In this episode, we discuss:

• Peter’s journey from law to photography to filmmaking 🎬
• How loss and failure can lead to breakthrough moments 🌱
• What NDEs reveal about the afterlife, soul contracts & reincarnation
• The life-changing message Peter received after his brother’s death 💔
• Behind the scenes of the making of Every Soul Knows
• How to apply spiritual truths to everyday challenges 🙏
• Why YOU came here—and what your soul already knows ✨

🎧 Don’t miss: A moving clip from the film featuring Dr. Eben Alexander’s powerful near-death experience and a message from beyond the veil.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• 🌍 Every Soul Knows (Film): https://www.everysoulknows.com
• 📘 Be Bigger Than You Think You Are (Peter's book): https://www.bebiggertoday.com
• 🌱 It’s Time to Remember (Nonprofit mission): https://www.itstimetoremember.org
• 💬 Join the Grief 2 Growth community: https://www.grief2growth.com/community

This deck is a labor of love. It's a 44 card oracle deck that's about connecting you to your loved one in spirit. The deck comes with a companion digital guide that gives you an affirmation, a reflection, and an activity for the day.

Check it out at https://stan.store/grief2growth/p/oracle-deck

You can send me a text by clicking the link at the top of the show notes. Use fanmail to:

1.) Ask questions.
2.) Suggest future guests/topics.
3.) Provide feedback

Can't wait to hear from you!

I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.

https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons

Support the show

🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education
👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)
📰 Get A Free Gift
📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call
📈 Leave A Review

Thanks so much for your support

Send me a Text Message

🧘‍♂️ Episode Summary:
In this soul-stirring conversation, former Buddhist monk Stephen Schettini joins Brian Smith to talk about practical mindfulness, the emotional power of silence, and what it really means to know yourself. From the pain that led him to the monastery, to the courage it took to leave, Stephen shares timeless wisdom that helps us face modern challenges with clarity and grace.

💡 In This Episode, We Explore:

• Why mindfulness isn’t about emptying your mind
• The difference between real transformation and spiritual bypassing
• How grief, anxiety, and frustration can be doorways to growth
• What Stephen learned from the Buddha himself—beyond religion
• How you can start (and stick with) a daily mindfulness practice

🌐 Guest Info:
Stephen Schettini
Website: https://mindfulnesslive.ca
Books:
📘 The Novice
📘 It Begins With Silence

💬 Join the Discussion:
What’s been your biggest challenge with mindfulness?
Continue the conversation at 👉 grief2growth.com/community

🔔 Subscribe & Review:
Love this episode? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. It helps others discover the show and supports the message of healing through awareness.

🎧 Listen on the go:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music | Google Podcasts

🫶 Support the Mission:
If Grief 2 Growth has helped you, consider supporting the show at grief2growth.com/support

This deck is a labor of love. It's a 44 card oracle deck that's about connecting you to your loved one in spirit. The deck comes with a companion digital guide that gives you an affirmation, a reflection, and an activity for the day.

Check it out at https://stan.store/grief2growth/p/oracle-deck

You can send me a text by clicking the link at the top of the show notes. Use fanmail to:

1.) Ask questions.
2.) Suggest future guests/topics.
3.) Provide feedback

Can't wait to hear from you!

I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.

https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons

Support the show

🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education
👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)
📰 Get A Free Gift
📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call
📈 Leave A Review

Thanks so much for your support

Send me a Text Message

What if your grief isn't just your own—but a wound passed down through generations? In this powerful episode, I speak with psychotherapist, author, and IFS lead trainer Tamala Floyd about the healing power of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and ancestral wisdom.

Tamala breaks down how parts of ourselves—like the people-pleaser or the inner critic—form in response to trauma, and how they can be lovingly unburdened, not exiled. She also discusses how healing isn’t just personal—it’s generational.

You’ll Learn:
✅ What Internal Family Systems (IFS) is and how it works
✅ How trauma gets “stored” and passed through generations
✅ Why healing your “parts” can transform grief
✅ How your ancestors can become part of your healing team
✅ What “self-energy” is—and why it matters
✅ How stuck grief shows up in the body and nervous system

Whether you're grieving a loss, struggling with emotional triggers, or carrying burdens that feel older than you are—this episode is a must-listen.

✨ Connect with Tamala Floyd:

• Website: https://tamala-floyd.com
• Instagram: @tamala_floyd_author
• Book: Listening When Parts Speak – Available now
• Upcoming Retreats: https://tamala-floyd.com/retreats

📬 Stay Connected:

• Join the community: grief2growth.com/community
• Subscribe on Substack: grief2growth.substack.com

🗣️ We Want to Hear From You!

💬 What “part” of you shows up most in your grief? Let us know in the comments or leave a review.
🎧 Share this episode with a friend who needs healing.
🧘🏾‍♀️ Interested in healing generational trauma through retreat? Visit Tamala’s site!

This deck is a labor of love. It's a 44 card oracle deck that's about connecting you to your loved one in spirit. The deck comes with a companion digital guide that gives you an affirmation, a reflection, and an activity for the day.

Check it out at https://stan.store/grief2growth/p/oracle-deck

You can send me a text by clicking the link at the top of the show notes. Use fanmail to:

1.) Ask questions.
2.) Suggest future guests/topics.
3.) Provide feedback

Can't wait to hear from you!

I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.

https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons

Support the show

🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education
👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)
📰 Get A Free Gift
📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call
📈 Leave A Review

Thanks so much for your support

Send me a Text Message

🧭 Episode Overview

In this powerful episode, Brian sits down with transformation coach Jocelyn Herman Saccio, who shares how to become unmessable with—a state of being where no trigger, obstacle, or stressor can shake your foundation.

Jocelyn’s unique methodology, shaped by over 30 years of coaching and personal transformation, helps people move from “someday” dreams to TODAY breakthroughs. Whether you're feeling stuck in a job, overwhelmed by family dynamics, or simply tired of surviving instead of thriving—this episode is for you.

🔥 What You’ll Learn

• What it really means to be unmessable with (it's not about being tough 💪)
• Why the #1 thing that messes with people is their own brain 🧠
• Jocelyn’s personal story of breaking her “you can’t do art as a career” belief 🎨
• Tools to recognize and “hack” the moment you're being messed with 🚨
• How to turn complaints into powerful, transformative requests 🗣️
• Why “someday” is the most dangerous word—and how to reclaim now 🕰️
• Game-changing insights on money, time, and fulfillment 💸

🛠️ Resources & Tools Mentioned

• Jocelyn’s FREE Workbooks & Tools: giftfromjoss.com
• Podcast: Be Unmessable With
• Calendar Training: “Design Your Days” workshop (available on her site)
• Follow Jocelyn on Instagram: @beunmessablewith

💬 Let’s Talk: What's one area of your life where you’ve been saying “someday”?
➡️ Head over to grief2growth.com/community and share how you're bringing that dream into today.

💬 Favorite Quotes

⭐️ Enjoying the Podcast?

Leave us a review on Apple or Spotify to help more people discover transformational conversations like this one. 🙏
Subscribe at grief2growth.com for updates, bonus content, a

This deck is a labor of love. It's a 44 card oracle deck that's about connecting you to your loved one in spirit. The deck comes with a companion digital guide that gives you an affirmation, a reflection, and an activity for the day.

Check it out at https://stan.store/grief2growth/p/oracle-deck

You can send me a text by clicking the link at the top of the show notes. Use fanmail to:

1.) Ask questions.
2.) Suggest future guests/topics.
3.) Provide feedback

Can't wait to hear from you!

I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.

https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons

Support the show

🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education
👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)
📰 Get A Free Gift
📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call
📈 Leave A Review

Thanks so much for your support

Send me a Text Message

What happens when you spend your whole life taking care of others—and forget who you are? In this deeply moving conversation, Brian Smith talks with Debbie Weiss, a woman who’s worn many hats: caregiver, business owner, author, and now, a voice of possibility and hope. Debbie shares her incredible journey of caring for her father, her neurodivergent son, and her husband through terminal illness and mental health struggles.

She opens up about anticipatory grief, the complexity of feeling both relief and guilt, and how writing her memoir On Second Thought, Maybe I Can during her husband’s final days became an emotional lifeline. 💡

If you’ve ever felt stuck, invisible, or unsure how to move forward—this episode is for you.

🧭 What We Cover in This Episode:

• Why caregiving often starts before the loss occurs (anticipatory grief)
• The weight of caregiving as a daughter, spouse, and parent
• How Debbie found herself at 50—and reclaimed her life
• The emotional power of writing through grief ✍️
• How to shift from victim mindset to possibility mindset
• Why self-care isn’t selfish—especially for caregivers 💗
• Creating “A Sprinkle of Hearts”—and what hearts symbolize to Debbie
• Dating after loss: why there’s no right timeline

💬 Favorite Quotes:

🔗 Connect With Debbie Weiss:

🌐 Website: https://www.debbierweiss.com
🛍️ Shop: https://www.asprinkleofhearts.com
📚 Books on Amazon:

• On Second Thought, Maybe I Can
• The Sprinkle Effect
• Heart Whispers (Co-author)

🎧 Podcast: Maybe I Can

🧠 Reflection Prompt:

Have you ever felt like you lost yourself in caregiving or grief?
What’s one small thing you could try—just for you—this week?
Share your answer in our Facebook group:
👉

This deck is a labor of love. It's a 44 card oracle deck that's about connecting you to your loved one in spirit. The deck comes with a companion digital guide that gives you an affirmation, a reflection, and an activity for the day.

Check it out at https://stan.store/grief2growth/p/oracle-deck

You can send me a text by clicking the link at the top of the show notes. Use fanmail to:

1.) Ask questions.
2.) Suggest future guests/topics.
3.) Provide feedback

Can't wait to hear from you!

I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.

https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons

Support the show

🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education
👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)
📰 Get A Free Gift
📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call
📈 Leave A Review

Thanks so much for your support