The Empowered Grief Journey

The Power of Release: Men, Grief, and the Journey to Emotional Freedom

In this powerful episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, I sit down with Dr. Brian Tierney, a somatic psychologist, neuroscience professor, and psychotherapist who helps men reconnect with their emotions and break free from patterns of suppression.
Dr. Tierney shares how an early experience with grief profoundly shaped his self-image and confidence, eventually leading him into a lifelong journey of studying the mind-body connection. We explore how men are often taught to express only anger while burying deeper emotions — and how somatic work, self-awareness, and community can help release what’s been held inside.
He also shares the powerful story of joining a men’s group that helped him rediscover vulnerability, brotherhood, and authentic emotional release.
 

Restoring Memories and Rebuilding Hope: A Photographer's Mission After The Storm

In this inspiring episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, photographer Krista Kowalczyk shares how a devastating natural disaster transformed her purpose and deepened her mission to help others preserve their memories.
With over 25 years behind the lens, Krista had captured countless milestones through her business, Impressions Photography. But after Hurricane Ian, she volunteered to salvage thousands of flood-damaged photos — a powerful experience that revealed how fragile and meaningful our memories truly are.
That moment inspired her to teach others how to protect what matters most. Through her upcoming book Beyond the Storm and accessible digitizing courses, Krista is helping families safeguard their stories for generations to come.

Six Hours That Changed Everything: A Survivor’s Story of Trauma and Healing

In this raw and courageous episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, a survivor shares the story of six hours that forever changed her life — an experience that left lasting emotional and physical scars but also became the catalyst for deep healing and transformation.
Through honesty and vulnerability, she opens up about the trauma she endured, the isolation that followed, and the long road toward reclaiming safety, self-trust, and purpose. We explore what it means to live with the invisible wounds of trauma — and how healing is not a single moment, but a lifelong journey of reclaiming your voice and power.

Pieces of Me: Adoption, Identity, and Healing Through Grief

In this powerful episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, Andrea Mason shares her deeply personal story of growing up with loss, identity struggles, and the grief of feeling abandoned. Adopted as a child, Andrea faced repeated losses throughout her youth — experiences that shaped her understanding of love, belonging, and self-worth.
Through her journey of healing, Andrea discovered how grief can become a catalyst for transformation. Today, as a Virtual Personal Accountability Coach, she helps others turn life’s adversities into empowerment and step into their most authentic selves.
This conversation is a reminder that identity is not something we inherit — it’s something we create through courage, reflection, and healing.

Grief, Food, and Feeling: Healing Emotional Eating with Jillian Scott

In this enlightening episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, Jillian Scott — life coach and emotional eating specialist — shares how our relationship with food often reflects our emotional world, especially unprocessed grief.
Jillian opens up about her own journey through divorce and how loss revealed the deeper emotions beneath her eating habits. She explains how food can become a way to numb or avoid pain, and how awareness, compassion, and curiosity can turn those patterns into opportunities for healing.
Through honest reflection and practical insight, Jillian invites us to look beyond the craving — to see food not as the problem, but as a messenger guiding us back to our emotions.

Healing the Invisible Wounds: Adoption, Identity, and Belonging with Julie Matye

In this introspective episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, Julie Matye opens up about the quiet, complex grief that comes with being adopted. Though deeply grateful for the loving family who raised her, Julie shares the subtle ache that remained — a longing to understand where she came from and who her biological parents were.
She reflects on how this “identity grief” shaped her early life and later guided her path as a social worker, supporting children in the state system. Julie’s story sheds light on the often-overlooked side of adoption — the coexistence of love and loss, gratitude and longing, belonging and wondering.

After Losing Dad: A Journey of Grief, Family, and Finding My Way Forward

In this touching episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, Jasmine Bootle shares her heartfelt story of losing her father — the man who was her anchor, guide, and greatest supporter. His passing left a deep void that reshaped her family and her sense of self.
Jasmine opens up about navigating grief while facing unexpected family tension and how she found her own way to keep her father close — carrying his ashes to places he would have loved and honoring his presence in everyday moments.
Through courage and love, Jasmine reminds us that grief doesn’t truly end — it transforms. By choosing to remember, we continue the bond with those we’ve lost in new and meaningful ways.

Honoring Cory: A Sister’s Journey Through Love, Loss, and Advocacy

In this heartfelt episode of The Empowered Grief Journey, I sit down with Tara Kadlec as she shares the story of her beloved brother, Cory — a vibrant soul who lived with Down syndrome and dementia. Tara opens up about their deep bond, the challenges of caregiving, and the heartbreak of watching her brother face inadequate healthcare support in Canada.
Through raw honesty and deep love, Tara reflects on the emotional toll of caregiving, the grief of loss, and her fight to bring awareness to the need for compassionate, dignified care. Despite the pain, she continues to celebrate Cory’s life daily — through advocacy, storytelling, and living with purpose.
This conversation is a powerful tribute to sibling love, resilience, and the call for change in how we care for those who need it most.