Grief is the New Normal Podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

Rumi's Grief: Unmasking Pain in K-Pop Demon Hunters

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor dives into the multi-layered grief of Rumi, the main character in Netflix's animated special 'K-Pop Demon Hunters.' Through Rumi’s story, Dr. Taylor examines the various aspects of hidden grief—losing a loved one, hiding parts of oneself, the illusion of strength, and the isolation that comes with leadership. She off...

Building Resilience Through Grief: An Interview with Blair Kaplan Venables

In this episode, Dr. Heather Taylor interviews Blair Kaplan Venables, a grief and resilience expert and founder of the Global Resilience Project. Blair shares her personal journey through multiple layers of grief, including family losses and personal challenges. She explains how these experiences led her to create the Global Resilience Project, which started...

Navigating Grief and Sexuality with Dr. Heather Taylor

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a grief psychologist, explores the often uncomfortable topic of how grief impacts sexuality. She discusses the physiological aspects of grief, including its impact on the nervous system and sexual desire, and shares insights on how to reconnect with one's body and sense of intimacy post-loss. Dr. Taylor also draw...

Navigating Grief and Neurodiversity: A Conversation with Hannah Allen, LMHC, ADHD-CCSP

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, welcomes Hannah Allen, a licensed therapist and ADHD coach. They discuss their long-standing friendship and delve into Hannah's journey through late-stage ADHD diagnosis and its impact on her life and practice. The conversation explores...

Navigating Pet Loss with Dr. Heather Taylor

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, addresses the often minimized grief associated with pet loss. She explains why losing a pet can be profoundly impactful and shares personal stories and coping strategies. Dr. Taylor emphasizes the importance of validating this kind of grief, creating personal rituals, and findin...

Grieving in the Workplace: Understanding and Navigating Emotional Labor

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor discusses the challenges of grieving while maintaining professional responsibilities. She highlights the unrealistic expectations placed on individuals returning to work after a loss, the emotional labor involved in coping at the workplace, and the detrimental effects on both individuals and organ...

Navigating Father's Day: Acknowledging Silent Grief

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor addresses the complex and often silent grief associated with Father’s Day. She speaks to those who have lost their fathers, fathers who have lost children, and others grappling with fatherhood-related grief. Dr. Taylor emphasizes the need for space, validation, and acknowledging one's feelings. She offers practical s...

Changing the Conversation on Grief and Mental Health: An Interview with Dr. Robert C. Smith

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, hosts Dr. Robert Smith, author of 'Has Medicine Lost Its Mind.' The discussion focuses on the inadequacies in medical training regarding mental health and grief support. Dr. Smith shares his personal experiences and insights into t...

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 prac...

*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, w...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 explor...

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-t...

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 inadequa...

Grieving Unmet Expectations: Navigating Life's Unexpected Turns

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, addresses the often-overlooked grief of unmet expectations. She delves into the pain of life's deviations from our plans, the societal pressures that exacerbate these feelings, and offers practical advice for coping and moving forward. Dr. Taylor shares perso...

Navigating Mother's Day Part 2: A Guide for Those Grieving Invisible Losses 

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor addresses the unique challenges faced by individuals grieving on Mother's Day, particularly those dealing with infertility, miscarriage, or the loss of a child. This is part two of the Mother's Day series. Dr. Taylor offers compassionate strategies on coping ahead, setting emotional boundarie...

Navigating Mother's Day Amidst Grief: Part One

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, discusses the complexities and emotional challenges that Mother's Day can bring for those grieving the loss of a mother or a mother figure. Dr. Taylor provides practical strategies for self-care, emphasizes the validity of all types of grief, and offers support for both those...