Grieve That Sh!t
Grieve That Shit isn’t here to comfort you with clichés or tidy slogans about “better places.” This podcast digs straight into the wreckage of loss—the nights you can’t breathe, the mornings you can’t move, and the ache that takes over your whole body. Hosted by grief specialist Sharon Brubaker, it’s an unfiltered look at what grief actually does to you and how to face it head-on. Sharon brings her own story, real conversations, and practical tools that cut through the noise. If you’re done with people minimizing your pain and you want the truth about grief, this is it. Grieve That Shit is where the rawness lives—and where real healing begins.
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How to Stop Treating Grief Like a System with Dr. Elijah Frazier Part 2
12/19/2025
How to Stop Treating Grief Like a System with Dr. Elijah Frazier Part 2
In Part Two of this Grieve That Shit conversation, Sharon Brubaker and Dr. Elijah Frazier move past introductions and into the heart of what grievers struggle with most: choice, accountability, faith, emotions, and permission to heal. This episode challenges one of the most damaging beliefs grievers carry—that grief is something they must endure forever. Sharon and Dr. Frazier speak directly to the idea that pain is inevitable after loss, but staying trapped in suffering is not the only option. They talk honestly about how grief can steal joy, peace, and energy when we are not aware of the choices we are making. Dr. Frazier introduces a powerful metaphor: your joy is on the auction block every day, and too often, people unknowingly give it away to pain, guilt, fear, or other people’s expectations. The conversation also dives into faith, anger at God, and the pressure grievers feel to perform spirituality instead of telling the truth. Sharon and Dr. Frazier make it clear that real healing does not require pretending, suppressing emotions, or being “good” in your grief. It requires honesty, boundaries, and the willingness to do the work. This episode speaks directly to the griever who feels stuck, judged, or afraid to move forward. It offers permission to feel fully, question deeply, and still choose healing. 🧠 Key Points Discussed: Why grievers often believe they have no choices and how that belief keeps them stuck The difference between pain and suffering in grief How joy and peace are quietly given away without awareness Why accountability is not punishment but empowerment The role of faith as a bridge, not a crutch Why being angry at God does not block healing The difference between feelings and emotions and why both matter Why natural emotions like anger, anxiety, sadness, and depression are not wrong How spiritual platitudes can invalidate grief and cause harm Why healing requires action, not waiting The importance of boundaries when you are grieving Why emotions need time and space to do their job 📓 Journal Questions for Reflection: Where do I feel like grief has taken away my choices? What pain am I experiencing, and where might I be adding suffering on top of it? In what moments do I notice my joy being “sold off” to other people or situations? What emotions am I afraid to feel fully? How have faith, beliefs, or expectations shaped the way I grieve? Where do I feel pressure to perform healing instead of living it honestly? What would it look like to give my emotions permission to do their work? 🩶 Conclusion: Grief is not a script. It is not a performance. And it is not something you have to endure forever to prove your love. You are allowed to feel anger. You are allowed to question faith. You are allowed to heal. This episode reminds grievers that emotions are not the enemy. Suppressing them is. Healing does not come from pretending everything is okay. It comes from honesty, accountability, and choosing yourself again and again. This is Grieve That Shit. And this is where healing continues.
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How to Stop Treating Grief Like a System with Dr. Elijah Frazier Part 1
12/19/2025
How to Stop Treating Grief Like a System with Dr. Elijah Frazier Part 1
In this episode of Grieve That Shit, Sharon Brubaker introduces a defining moment for The Grief School and the podcast. For the first time, she welcomes Dr. Elijah Frazier and shares the news that The Grief School is now powered by The Frazier Group. This is not an announcement episode filled with buzzwords or credentials. It’s a conversation about people, pain, and what real care actually looks like when someone is at their breaking point. Sharon and Dr. Frazier talk openly about why grief cannot be handled by systems, scripts, or one-size-fits-all solutions. They explore the difference between easy work and necessary work, and why healing requires intentional relationships, honesty, and empowerment rather than dependency. Dr. Frazier shares his philosophy of care, his commitment to meeting people where they are, and why building a multidisciplinary team matters when someone’s life has been shaken by loss. Together, they explain how grief, mental health, physical health, faith, and life circumstances are deeply connected and why separating them often leaves people stuck. This episode sets the foundation for what’s coming next. It introduces a partnership built on trust, integrity, and the belief that grief deserves to be held by people, not processed through a system. This is part one of a two-part conversation. Part two goes deeper into grief, choice, and what it means to move forward without abandoning your pain. 🧠 Key Points Discussed: Why The Grief School is now powered by The Frazier Group and what that truly means The difference between easy conversations and necessary conversations in healing Why grief cannot be treated with cookie-cutter scripts or checklists The importance of honoring each person’s story instead of forcing outcomes Why empowerment matters more than dependency in long-term healing How unresolved grief often overlaps with weight, health, relationships, and identity Why a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach serves grievers better The role of intentionality in healing and decision-making What it means to do heart-centered work instead of system-centered care 📓 Journal Questions for Reflection: Where have I felt rushed, minimized, or misunderstood in my grief? What kind of support have I been needing but not receiving? How does it feel to consider care that honors my full story, not just my symptoms? Where in my life do I need empowerment instead of being rescued? What would it mean to feel truly seen in my grief? 🩶 Conclusion: Grief does not need to be fixed. It does not need to be rushed. And it should never be handled by a system that forgets the human in front of it. This episode marks the beginning of a deeper, more intentional way of supporting grievers. A way that honors pain, respects complexity, and believes healing happens through real connection. Your story is not finished. And you deserve care that treats it that way. This is Grieve That Shit. And this is where healing begins.
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What Grief Is Not
12/12/2025
What Grief Is Not
“Grief is not a mental illness. It’s not weakness. It’s not a checklist to finish or a line you’re supposed to move through. It’s love—with nowhere left to go.” In this episode of Grieve That Shit, Sharon Brubaker, Certified Grief Specialist and founder of The Grief School, gets brutally honest about everything grief isn’t. For too long, society has treated grief like a disorder to diagnose, a problem to medicate, or a series of stages to climb. But grief isn’t logical, linear, or tidy—it’s wild, unpredictable, and deeply human. Sharon unpacks why labeling grief as depression or PTSD misses the truth entirely, and how our culture’s obsession with “fixing” pain keeps us from actually healing it. You’ll hear the truth about what happens when you zig and zag through your pain, why falling apart is part of the process, and why crying, rage, and exhaustion aren’t weakness—they’re proof that you loved deeply. Because grief isn’t something you escape. It’s something you integrate. It’s the story of love that still lives in you, even when the person you loved is gone. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why grief is not a mental illness—and what it actually is The truth about the “five stages” and why they never applied to grievers Why grief isn’t linear, logical, or something to “get over” How emotional chaos (crying, anger, numbness) is a normal part of healing The many ways we try to numb grief—through work, food, alcohol, or pretending Why facing your grief head-on is the only way through Homework for You This week, write this sentence at the top of a page: “Grief is not…” Then finish it five times, in your own words. “Grief is not something I can control.” “Grief is not weakness.” “Grief is not my enemy.” Keep writing until the truth feels real in your body. You’re not broken—you’re human. Resources + Next Steps 🎥 Get the Video Series “This Is Grief” — A powerful companion to Sharon’s book that walks you through every truth she teaches in this episode, with reflective journaling prompts after each lesson. 📘 Read the Book “This Is Grief” — The definition Sharon wished existed when her nephew Austin died. 🧠 Join Study Hall at The Grief School — Weekly live sessions where you can ask questions, share stories, and find tools for healing. 👉 Access everything at
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Forever Changed But Not Broken
12/05/2025
Forever Changed But Not Broken
“When your person died, a part of you died too. Not your whole self—but the version of you that only existed in connection with them. That’s the part grief takes. That’s what forever changed really means.” In this episode of Grieve That Shit, Sharon Brubaker, Certified Grief Specialist and founder of The Grief School, opens her heart about what it truly means to be forever changed—but not broken. After losing her nephew Austin and later her best friend Sharon, her life split into two: before and after. But in this episode, she invites you into the middle—the space between who you were and who you’re becoming. It’s the unseen, disorienting place where identity, routine, and meaning fall apart. This is the part of grief no one talks about. The part where you’re not who you were, but not yet who you’ll be. Sharon calls it “the tween.” And it’s here, in the unknown, that real healing begins. You’ll hear what it means to let go of the pieces that no longer match your truth, how to live with the absence that screams louder than words, and why being “forever changed” is not the same as being broken. Because the truth is—grief rewires your story. But you still get to decide how that story ends. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The three phases of grief: before, between, and after Why your identity shifts after loss—and how to honor the version of you that’s gone How to navigate the “tween,” the unknown space between devastation and rebuilding The truth about being “forever changed, not broken” Why time doesn’t fix grief—but processing the pain does Homework for You Find a quiet place this week and journal through these prompts: 1️⃣ What part of me died when they died? 2️⃣ What part of me is still here, waiting to be known again? 3️⃣ What truth am I ready to stop fighting? You don’t have to have perfect answers. You just have to begin writing them. Because healing starts the moment you stop trying to go back—and start facing the after. Resources + Next Steps 🎥 Get the Forever Changed Video Series — A 3-part self-guided video course with slides, reflection prompts, and deep-dive lessons to help you process your pain. 📘 Download the eBook “This Is Grief” — Learn the foundations of grief and what it really means to be forever changed. 🧠 Join The Grief School Study Hall — Live weekly support sessions where you can bring your questions, your tears, and your truth. 👉 Access everything at
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When a Memory Hits You Like Fear
11/28/2025
When a Memory Hits You Like Fear
Episode Summary: This episode cracks open one of the most frightening and misunderstood parts of grief: when a memory hits your body like a shock. You’re sitting still, lost in a moment with your person, and suddenly your stomach drops, your breath tightens, your heart races, and you remember all over again that they died. It feels like you’re grieving in two places at once. Sharon Brubaker takes you inside the neurobiology behind that jolt. She breaks down how the hippocampus pulls old memories like scenes from a movie, why the amygdala tags those memories as danger, and how your brain fires survival signals long before you can think. This isn’t denial and it isn’t weakness. It is your nervous system trying to protect you from emotional injury, and it moves faster than the rest of you can keep up. Through real-life examples and clear teaching, Sharon explains why certain memories hit harder, why they cycle over and over, and why it feels like the loss is happening in real time even years later. Most importantly, she shows you what it takes to calm the system that’s been stuck on high alert and how real healing begins when you learn to process the pain—rather than waiting for it to fade on its own. Key Points Discussed: • Why your brain drops you into old memories without warning • How the hippocampus and amygdala replay emotional pain as if it’s happening now • Why the body reacts before the mind understands • What reconciliation shock is and why it feels like losing your person twice • How unresolved emotion keeps your nervous system stuck in survival mode • Why memory jolts soften once grief pain is processed • What Processing the Pain of Grief teaches your brain to finally settle Journal Questions: • What memory pulls your body into a sudden drop • What part of that memory still feels emotionally unresolved • How does your body respond before your mind catches up • What does the second wave feel like when the truth hits • What would change in your life if your brain learned to soften these jolts Conclusion: These memory shocks don’t mean you’re going backwards. They don’t mean you’re in denial. They are the biology of grief doing what it was never taught to do differently. When you learn how to process the pain, the brain finally stops hitting the danger button every time you touch the past. Your system settles. The memories soften. The grief stops feeling like an ambush. This is the work. This is the shift. This is where healing begins. Contact Us: Ready to calm your grief brain and learn how to process the pain, not just survive it Join Sharon Brubaker inside Processing the Pain of Grief, her live classroom where you learn what your brain is doing, how grief works in the body, and how to move the pain out instead of holding it in. Learn more and get support inside The Grief School community. Website: thegriefschool.com Contact: info@thegriefschool.com TikTok, YouTube, Instagram: @thegriefschool
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Why Noise Feels Like an Attack In Grief
11/21/2025
Why Noise Feels Like an Attack In Grief
Episode Summary: In this episode of Grieve That Shit, Sharon Brubaker talks about something most grievers never see coming: why normal sounds suddenly feel like an attack. The kids laughing, the microwave door slamming, a choir starting at church, a car alarm in the parking lot. Things you used to handle just fine now hit your body like lightning. Sharon walks you through what is really happening inside your grieving brain. She breaks down the amygdala, the nervous system, the HPA axis, and why grief flips all of them into survival mode. This is not you “being dramatic.” This is biology. Your brain is trying to protect your broken heart and it does not know the difference between emotional danger and physical danger. Through real stories from her clients, Sharon shows how jumpiness, noise sensitivity, snapping at people, and shutting down in crowds are not personality flaws. They are signs that your grief system is stuck on high alert and has not been taught how to turn off. Then she shows you the path out: learning how to calm your brain by processing the pain of grief instead of running from it. Key Points Discussed: Why everyday noise can feel like an attack when you are grieving How the amygdala scans for emotional pain and treats it like danger What happens to your thinking center when grief hits and why you feel numb How the sympathetic nervous system keeps your body in survival mode Why your senses feel sharper, your reactions bigger, and your patience thinner The four grief responses Sharon sees most often: resisting, reacting, avoiding, and pretending How stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline keep your system on high alert Why this noise sensitivity is not permanent when you learn to process the pain How Processing the Pain of Grief helps calm your brain and soften your grief Journal Questions for Reflection: What sounds or situations make your body jump or tense up now that you are grieving Where do you notice your thinking has slowed down or feels foggy When was the last time you snapped or shut down and later realized you were not really mad at that person or thing What background noise or repeated behavior from others feels harder to tolerate since your loss What would it look like to give your brain and body a place to calm down instead of just pushing through Conclusion: Noise sensitivity in grief is not you “losing it.” It is your grief biology doing its best to protect you with the only tools it knows. Your brain is on high alert. Your body is tired. Your system is trying to outrun the pain. But this does not have to be your forever. When you learn how to process the pain of grief, your nervous system can settle. Your thoughts get clearer. Your reactions soften. The world gets a little quieter again. You will still miss your person, but the grief does not have to feel like an attack every time a memory or a sound shows up. Contact Us: Ready to calm your grief brain and learn how to process the pain, not just survive it Join Sharon Brubaker inside Processing the Pain of Grief, her live classroom where you learn what your brain is doing, how grief works in the body, and how to move the pain out instead of holding it in. Learn more and get support inside The Grief School community. Website: thegriefschool.com Contact: TikTok, YouTube, Instagram: @thegriefschool
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The Hidden Fight Inside Every Griever
11/14/2025
The Hidden Fight Inside Every Griever
🎙️ Episode Summary: In this powerful episode of Grieve That Sh!t, Sharon Brubaker opens the door on one of the most misunderstood experiences in grief: the silent battle happening inside your body. After the loss of her nephew Austin, Sharon discovered that grief isn’t just sadness. It’s a full body takeover. It’s your mind racing, your stomach twisting, your heart pounding, and your nervous system trying to protect you in ways that end up keeping you stuck. Through honest storytelling and deep reflection, Sharon explains why so many grievers stay busy, stay strong, and stay silent while their bodies carry the weight of what their hearts are terrified to feel. She shares the truth about resisting pain, pretending to be okay, and the invisible cost of swallowing your emotions day after day. If you’ve ever felt like your body reacts before your mind can catch up, or if you’ve wondered why your grief hits you out of nowhere, this episode will help you finally understand what’s happening inside you. 🧠 Key Points Discussed: 1) Why resistance in grief feels safer but creates emotional paralysis 2) How the nervous system goes on high alert after loss and why that leads to exhaustion 3) What happens to your body when you stay busy instead of feeling your pain 4) Why pretending to be strong teaches everyone around you to avoid the truth 5) How swallowed emotions return louder, heavier, and more confusing 6) What it means when old memories surface years after the loss 7) How hiding your grief disconnects you from the people you love 8) Why you can’t heal what you refuse to feel 9) How to begin turning toward your grief instead of away from it 📓 Journal Questions for Reflection: 1) Where am I resisting my pain instead of feeling it 2) What emotions have I been swallowing 3) Where have I been pretending to be okay 4) What memories or moments keep resurfacing and what might they be asking me to notice 5) What support would help me feel safe enough to stop being strong and start being honest 🩶 Conclusion: Your silence doesn’t heal you. Your resistance doesn’t protect you. Your pretending doesn’t bring peace. Grief lives in your body until you turn toward it with honesty. Healing begins the moment you stop swallowing your truth and start letting yourself feel what’s real. When you soften, even a little, your grief begins to move. When you let yourself name the pain, it finally has somewhere to go. You deserve relief. You deserve support. You deserve to let your body exhale. 📬 Contact Us: Ready to go deeper and get the support you’ve been needing Join Sharon Brubaker inside The Grief School community 📝 The Courage Club every Thursday at 10 AM CST Live inside The Grief School Facebook Group 🎤 Surviving the Holidays Masterclass now open thegriefschool.life/holidays2025 📧 Contact: 📲 TikTok, YouTube, Instagram: @thegriefschool
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The Things I Wish I Had Done Differently
11/07/2025
The Things I Wish I Had Done Differently
🎙️ Episode Summary: In this deeply personal episode of Grieve That Sh!t, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker opens her heart about the painful truths she learned after the death of her son, Austin. She shares the moments she wishes she had faced differently—the pretending, the resisting, and the avoiding—and how each of those choices kept her trapped in silence. Through raw honesty and reflection, Sharon reveals what she’s learned about strength, vulnerability, and what real healing actually requires. If you’ve ever felt like you had to be strong for everyone else… or that your tears made you weak… this episode will meet you right where you are. You’ll hear the truth about why hiding your pain doesn’t protect you—it just delays the healing. 🧠 Key Points Discussed: What “being strong” really cost Sharon after her son’s death The difference between surviving grief and processing it How pretending you’re okay teaches everyone around you to do the same The danger of waiting for time to heal what needs to be faced What happens when grief becomes silence inside a family How to begin sharing your pain safely—with honesty, not performance Why feeling your grief doesn’t make you weak, it makes you real 📓 Journal Questions for Reflection: Where in my life am I pretending to be strong? What would it look like to show up honestly in my grief? Who might be learning from the way I’m handling my pain? What’s one thing I wish I had said—or still want to say—to my person? What kind of support would feel safe for me right now? 🩶 Conclusion: Grief doesn’t need you to be strong. It needs you to be honest. You don’t have to hide your pain, smile through it, or wait for time to fix it. Healing begins the moment you stop resisting what hurts and start letting yourself feel it. Because pretending keeps you stuck— but honesty opens the door to peace. 📬 Contact Us: Want to go deeper or get live support as you heal? Join Sharon Brubaker inside The Grief School community: 📝 Grief Study Hall – every Wednesday @ 7PM CST 📍 Live in The Grief School Facebook Group (link in comments) 🎤 Surviving the Holidays Masterclass – Now Open for Registration Learn how to move through this season with care, peace, and a plan for your heart. 👉 📧 Contact: 📲 TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram: @thegriefschool
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It Only Takes a Second to Change Everything
10/31/2025
It Only Takes a Second to Change Everything
In this deeply moving and unforgettable episode of Grieve That Sh!t, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker shares a story that stopped her in her tracks, a moment that changed two families’ lives forever. What began as an ordinary drive with her husband turned into a tragedy they witnessed unfold before their eyes. Through this raw, emotional experience, Sharon explores how quickly life can change, how grief shatters the illusion of time, and what it truly means to live with awareness, compassion, and love before it’s too late. This episode isn’t just about loss it’s about the fragility of life, the depth of empathy, and the sacred invitation to love harder, forgive faster, and be present now. 🧠 Key Points Discussed: How grief can enter your life in one split second Why no one is immune to loss—grief is the great equalizer The illusion of “time” and how we waste it on silence, anger, or pride The difference between empathy and agreement—and why both matter How witnessing tragedy reminds us that everyone is carrying invisible pain Why judgment has no place in grief What it means to truly “love in the now” and not wait for later How unspoken words become the loudest echoes after loss 📓 Journal Questions for Reflection: What moment in your life divided your world into “before” and “after”? What are the words you wish you had said—and who still needs to hear them? Who do you need to forgive or apologize to today? What would loving harder and living slower look like for you right now? How can you honor both sides of a painful story—with empathy instead of blame? 🩶 Conclusion: Life changes in an instant. One minute you’re laughing at a gas station—and the next, everything is different. Grief doesn’t wait for your permission. It breaks in, rewrites your story, and asks you to start living with your eyes open. You cannot control what happens, but you can choose how you show up when it does. So before you go to bed tonight—say what needs to be said. Tell your people you love them. Forgive where you can. Because the ache in your heart is proof that it still works. 📬 Contact Us: If your heart feels heavy after this episode, that’s okay. That means it’s working. Come sit with us and learn to process your grief with guidance and community. 📝 Processing the Pain of Grief – Join the self-guided program and begin healing today 💻 🎄 Holiday Grief Care Plan Masterclass – November 8 at 7PM CST If the holidays feel impossible, this class will help you breathe again. You can join one session for $19, or get the full bundle for $47 to receive all October freebies, recordings, and access to November and December’s live sessions. 📧 Contact: 📲 TikTok, YouTube, Instagram: @thegriefschool
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The Cost of Avoiding Your Grief
10/24/2025
The Cost of Avoiding Your Grief
“Avoiding the pain won’t make it go away—it only teaches it to hide.” In this episode of Grieve That Shit, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker breaks down one of the sneakiest traps that keeps grievers stuck: avoidance. When life shatters, the natural instinct is to run from the pain, to stay busy, and to pretend you’re doing fine. But as Sharon reminds us, ignoring grief doesn’t erase it—it buries it. This episode dives deep into what happens when we try to outsmart our pain. Sharon explains why our brains convince us to avoid reminders of our person, how distraction becomes a survival skill that turns into a lifestyle, and how avoidance slowly shrinks our world until even joy feels out of reach. She shares real, compassionate tools to help you stop running from grief and begin facing it—one small, brave step at a time. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why grief convinces you that avoiding pain will make it fade The difference between healthy, temporary breaks and lifelong avoidance How avoidance shows up in daily life—from over-cleaning to staying “too busy” Why the longer you avoid your grief, the smaller your world becomes Simple, gentle steps to start meeting your grief instead of running from it Homework for You Take five quiet minutes this week to notice when you avoid your feelings. Ask yourself: 1. What emotion am I trying not to feel right now? 2. Where do I feel it in my body? 3. Then set a time limit for your avoidance. 4. Give yourself permission to take a break, but also promise yourself to come back—to cry, to write, to feel. That’s how you begin to heal. Resources + Next Steps Check what's happening in the Grief School: Join Grief Study Hall – live support with Sharon every Tuesday at 1 PM CST Sign up for the Surviving Christmas Masterclass on November 8th to create your holiday grief plan Follow Sharon on TikTok and YouTube at
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This Is Grief
10/09/2025
This Is Grief
“Grief isn’t just sadness—it’s a full-body takeover. It’s the storm that hits when love has nowhere left to land.” In this episode of Grieve That Shit, Sharon Brubaker takes you back to the foundation of it all: understanding what grief actually is. For too long, we’ve been fed clichés about “moving on” or “staying strong,” while no one ever taught us how to live through the ache. Sharon unpacks the real definition of grief—the kind you feel in your bones. She shares what she wishes she’d known when her nephew Austin died, and why understanding the truth about grief changes everything. This isn’t theory—it’s lived experience, raw and unfiltered. You’ll learn why grief isn’t just emotional, but physical. Why it feels unnatural even though it’s the most natural thing in the world. And why no two people grieve the same, even when they’re mourning the same person. By the end of this episode, you’ll stop asking “what’s wrong with me?” and start realizing: nothing is wrong with you. Your grief is proof that you loved deeply. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why grief is normal and natural—and what that really means The truth about conflicted feelings and why you can miss someone and still feel relief they’re gone How grief becomes physical, showing up in your body as much as in your heart Why your grief will never look like anyone else’s How naming your grief gives you power to begin healing Homework for You Print this out and do it this week: Write down three moments when grief hits you the hardest. Is it when you wake up? When you reach for the phone to call them? When silence gets too loud? Then, for each moment, write one sentence starting with: “This is grief.” “This is grief when I reach for the phone.” “This is grief when I cook their favorite meal.” “This is grief when I laugh and feel guilty right after.” Naming it helps you see it for what it is—love looking for a place to land. Resources + Next Steps 📘 Download your free eBook: 🎥 Get the video series “This Is Grief” – self-guided lessons that walk you through Sharon’s full teaching on the definition of grief. 🧠 Join Grief Study Hall – live support with Sharon every Tuesday at 1 PM CST.
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Loneliness – The Silent Weight of Grief
10/02/2025
Loneliness – The Silent Weight of Grief
“Loneliness in grief isn’t just about missing your person—it’s about missing the version of yourself you were when they were alive. Naming that loneliness is how you stop drowning in it.” In this episode of Grieve That Shit, Sharon Brubaker takes on one of the hardest truths of grief: loneliness. Even in a crowded room, grief makes you feel like you’re on another planet. People may surround you, but no one else can feel the exact pain you’re carrying. Sharon unpacks why grief is so isolating—why people avoid your pain, why you feel like you don’t belong anywhere, and why loneliness feeds the heaviness of loss. Most importantly, she shows you how to name it, face it, and take small steps to soften it so it doesn’t drown you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why grief makes you feel lonely, even when you’re not alone How silence and avoidance from others deepen the isolation The difference between missing your person and missing the version of yourself when they were alive Why naming loneliness out loud is a powerful first step Small ways to create connection when everything feels hollow Homework for You Print this out and do it this week: Write down the moments when loneliness hits you the hardest. Is it in the morning? At night? During family gatherings? For each moment, write one small action you could try—not to erase the loneliness, but to soften it. Call one safe person. Light a candle and say their name. Sit with someone who will let you cry without fixing it. Resources + Next Steps Download your free eBook: Join Grief Study Hall – live support with Sharon every Tuesday at 1 PM CST. Sign up at
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Grief Is the Pile of Shit They Didn’t Warn Us About
09/25/2025
Grief Is the Pile of Shit They Didn’t Warn Us About
“We should’ve been given hip-high boots and a damn instruction manual. Instead, we’re dropped into grief with nothing but clichés. But here’s the truth—you can face the pile, grieve it, and climb out.” In this episode of Grieve That Shit, Sharon Brubaker gets brutally honest about what grief really feels like: like stepping straight into a hip-high pile of shit with no warning, no boots, and no map out. Nobody prepared us for the sleepless nights, the chest-crushing pain, or the brain fog that makes you feel like you’re losing your mind. Nobody told us grief would come with silence from friends, family drama, and the pressure to “be strong.” Instead, we’re left to stumble through the mess with nothing but bad advice and our broken hearts. This episode is your manual for facing that pile, wading through it, and finding a way out—without pretending it’s not there. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why grief feels like drowning in a pile of shit no one warned us about The ways society avoids preparing us for loss How grief takes over your body and makes simple things feel impossible The extra weight of silence, guilt, and bad advice The first steps to facing grief instead of resisting it Homework for You Print this out and do it this week: Write down your personal version of “the pile.” Is it the silence from friends? The guilt that won’t let go? The exhaustion that never ends? The family drama that made it worse? Circle the one part of the pile that feels heaviest right now. That’s where you start. Naming it is the first step to grieving it. Resources + Next Steps Download your free eBook: Join Grief Study Hall – live support with Sharon every Tuesday at 1 PM CST. Sign up at
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What Is the Shit?
09/18/2025
What Is the Shit?
“The shit is not just the loss itself—it’s the lies, the silence, the guilt, and the pressure that come with it. You didn’t create it, but you can name it. And once you name it, you can grieve it.” In this episode of Grieve That Shit, Sharon Brubaker breaks down what “the shit” actually means. Grief isn’t just the pain of missing your person—it’s all the lies, the silence, the pressure, and the guilt that come piled on top of the loss. From the bad advice (“time heals”) to the avoidance (people ducking you at the grocery store), Sharon calls it out. This is the part nobody warns you about, the weight that makes grief feel heavier than it already is. And until you name it, you can’t begin to move through it. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The real meaning behind “grieve that shit” Why clichés and cultural rules about grief keep you stuck How silence and avoidance from others add to the pain The difference between grieving your person and grieving the shit around the loss Why naming the shit is the first step toward healing Homework for You Print this out and work through it: 1. Write your personal list of “the shit” you’ve been carrying. o What lies have you been told? o What guilt do you wrestle with? o What moments still knock the wind out of you? 2. Say it out loud: “This is my pile of shit.” Don’t soften it. Don’t excuse it. Just name it. Resources + Next Steps Download your free eBook: Join Grief Study Hall – live support with Sharon every Tuesday at 1 PM CST. Sign up at
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Why Grieve That Shit?
09/11/2025
Why Grieve That Shit?
“Grief is not polite. It’s not delicate. It doesn’t wait until you’re ready. It crashes in and takes over your whole life. So let’s stop pretending—and let’s grieve that shit.” On the very first episode of Grieve That Shit, Sharon Brubaker rips the mask off grief and tells the truth: grief is messy, painful, and nothing like the world says it should be. Sharon shares the moment her life split in two with the death of her nephew Austin and why she chose to call this podcast Grieve That Shit. You’ll learn why clichés like “time heals” do more harm than good, why grief is a full-body experience, and why facing the pain head-on is the only way through. This episode sets the tone for everything that’s coming: raw honesty, calling out the lies, and creating a space where you can finally stop pretending and start healing. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why Sharon chose the name Grieve That Shit How grief takes over your entire body—not just your emotions The truth about “being strong” and why it blocks healing Why laughter and tears often show upside by side in grief The first step toward actually healing Homework for You Print this out and do it this week: Grab a notebook and write your version of the shit. What lies have you been told about grief? What feelings are you pushing down? What moments knock the wind out of you? Don’t edit it. Don’t make it pretty. Just get it on the page. Naming your pile of shit is the first step to grieving it. Resources + Next Steps Download your free eBook: Download your free eBook: Join Grief Study Hall – live support with Sharon every Tuesday at 1 PM CST. Sign up
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The Raw Reality of Grief
09/04/2025
The Raw Reality of Grief
Episode Summary: Welcome to Healing Starts With the Heart, the podcast where grief meets resilience. In this episode, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker gets raw and real about the unspoken chaos of grief—what it feels like in your body, why your mind can’t stop replaying the moment it all changed, and how society leaves us completely unprepared to deal with it. From the hospital diagnosis to the late-night phone call that split life into “before and after,” Sharon lays out what really happens when grief hits—and why it’s not weakness, madness, or something you just “get over.” It’s a full-body, full-heart experience that demands to be felt. If you’ve ever wondered “What the hell is happening to me?” this episode is your answer: you’re not broken—you’re grieving. 🧠 Key Points Discussed: The moment everything changes: the call, the diagnosis, the hospital, the knock at the door. Why grief is a full-body experience—chest tightness, heavy head, shallow breath, restless nervous system, twisted stomach, sleepless nights. The battle between your logical mind (searching for answers) and your heart (knowing the truth). How grief shows up in everyday life—seeing their favorite cereal in the store, picking up the phone to call them, lying awake at night unable to breathe. The danger of performing instead of grieving—wearing a smile, staying busy, saying “I’m fine,” while silently falling apart. Why society has left us unprepared: no one showed us how to grieve, only how to hide. Grief isn’t just sadness—it’s anger, numbness, confusion, shutdown, and longing all at once. Pain is not the problem; pretending is. Surviving grief is not about fixing or outrunning it—it’s about one breath, one moment, one day at a time. Tools Sharon shares in That Grief Sht* ebook + video series: Why grief feels like it does in the body What it means to “be strong” vs. fall apart Allowing emotions (anger, numbness, tears) instead of suppressing them Answering the question: Am I crazy or am I normal? 📓 Journal Questions for Reflection: What was the moment my life split into “before” and “after”? How does grief show up in my body right now? Where am I performing instead of allowing myself to feel? What everyday moments trigger my grief—and what do they teach me about my love? How have I silenced my emotions to comfort others? What might it look like to take grief one moment, one breath, at a time? 🩶 Conclusion: Grief is not weakness. It’s not madness. It’s love with nowhere to go. You were never taught how to grieve—only how to perform, suppress, and “be strong.” But pretending suffocates the heart. Healing starts when you stop performing and let yourself feel. So if you’re exhausted from holding it all together, if your nervous system is on fire and your heart is begging to be heard—this episode is your reminder: you are not broken. You are grieving. And grieving is natural. One moment, one breath, one day at a time—you will survive this. 📬 Contact Us: ✨ Upcoming Events: 📝 Grief Study Hall – Wednesdays @ 7PM CST 📍 Live in The Grief School Facebook Group 🎤 Grieve That Sht* – Next Live Lecture: Monday, August 4th @ 7PM CST 💻 (Sign up to attend or receive the replay) 📩 Email: 📱 TikTok, Instagram, YouTube: @thegriefschool
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9 Lies About Grief That Are Keeping You Stuck
08/06/2025
9 Lies About Grief That Are Keeping You Stuck
Episode Summary: Welcome to Healing Starts With the Heart, where grief gets real and healing gets honest. In this episode, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker pulls back the curtain on the 9 biggest lies we’ve been told about grief—and how they’ve shaped generations of silent suffering. From pretending you're okay to being told “just stay busy,” this episode is a deep and raw dive into the ways our society teaches us to perform instead of process our pain. If you’ve ever felt like you’re grieving “wrong,” this is your invitation to unlearn the myths and finally make space for the truth: you are not broken—just unheard. 🧠 Key Points Discussed: Why most of us were never taught to grieve—and inherited myths from people who were also grieving The 9 biggest lies we’ve been told about grief, including: If it’s not death or divorce, it’s not grief Stay busy and it will help Don’t feel bad Grieve alone If you’re not crying, it’s not grief Just replace the loss Be strong for others Time will heal Moving forward means forgetting How these lies lead to emotional isolation, pretending, resentment, and long-term unresolved grief Why crying isn’t weakness—and “being strong” often just means shutting down What it means to truly acknowledge grief, and how that creates space for healing 📓 Journal Questions for Reflection: Which of these grief lies have I believed or been told? Where in my life am I pretending to be “okay”? What emotions have I been taught to suppress in grief? What version of myself have I lost that I haven’t grieved? How has staying busy or being strong delayed my healing? 🩶 Conclusion: You weren’t given the tools to grieve—because no one ever gave them to the people who raised you either. You were handed myths instead of truth, silence instead of support. But it’s not too late to start over. It’s not too late to unlearn. Grief isn’t a mindset problem. It’s not something you fix with strength or smiles. Grief is a wound that deserves your attention, your honesty, and your community. So if you’re tired of pretending, if the lies about how to grieve are weighing you down—this episode is your permission slip to finally grieve out loud. 📬 Contact Us: ✨ Upcoming Events: 📝 Grief Study Hall – Wednesdays @ 7PM CST 📍Live in The Grief School Facebook Group 🎤 Grieve That Sht – Next Live Lecture: Monday, August 4th @ 7PM CST 💻 (Sign up to attend or receive the replay) 📩 Email: 📱 TikTok, Instagram, YouTube: @thegriefschool
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Why Pain Is The Missing Piece
07/30/2025
Why Pain Is The Missing Piece
Episode Summary: In this powerful and raw episode of Healing Starts With the Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker asks a deeply uncomfortable—but necessary—question: What if the pain isn’t the problem… but the key to your healing? Sharon breaks down why so many of us are still stuck in our grief—not because we’re doing it wrong, but because no one ever taught us how to feel the pain instead of managing it. From performative grief to inherited patterns, she shares how unprocessed pain keeps us in a holding pattern of burnout, resentment, and silence. You’ll learn how to stop performing, start feeling, and allow grief to finally move through you—instead of staying trapped inside your body. 🧠 Key Points Discussed: Why pain is not something to avoid, but the portal to healing What "performative grief" looks like (and how it keeps you stuck) The difference between acknowledgment and acceptance Why crying, screaming, and "ugly crying" are necessary parts of the healing process How grief passed down through generations teaches us silence instead of support The truth about what happens when we don't let grief move through the body Why managing pain is not the same as processing pain The one-minute challenge to sit with grief (and why that’s so hard) What it means to stop apologizing for grief and let the nervous system exhale 📓 Journal Questions for Reflection: What pain have I been managing instead of feeling? Where am I pretending to be “okay”? When was the last time I gave myself permission to fall apart? What would it look like to acknowledge, out loud, that I am grieving? Who taught me how to grieve—and were they in pain too? 🩶 Conclusion: If you’re still in pain, it doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human. It means something—or someone—mattered. And you don’t have to perform your way through this anymore. You are allowed to hurt. You are allowed to cry. You are allowed to feel this all the way through. Because the pain is not the end of your grief story— It’s the beginning of your healing. 📬 Contact Us: Want to go deeper or get live coaching? Join Sharon Brubaker for weekly grief support: 📝 Grief Study Hall – every Wednesday @ 7PM CST 📍Live in The Grief School Facebook Group (link in comments) 🎤 Next ‘Grieve That Sh*t’ Live Lecture – Monday, August 4 @ 7PM CST Sign up once and get the replay, even if you can’t attend live! 👉 📧 Contact: 📲 TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram: @thegriefschool
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When the Whole Community Is Hurting
07/09/2025
When the Whole Community Is Hurting
Episode Description: In this powerful episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker takes us into the often-unspoken world of collective grief—the grief that doesn’t belong to just one person, one family, or one household. It belongs to all of us. When tragedy strikes a community—whether it’s a school shooting, a local accident, a sudden death, or a public loss—every face reflects the sorrow. And every heart carries a piece of it. Sharon unpacks what it means to grieve together, how public mourning impacts private pain, and why it’s so hard to know what to say or do. Through her personal story and the communities she’s walked with through deep loss, this episode is a reminder: you are allowed to grieve, even if you weren’t the one closest to the loss. If you’ve ever struggled to understand why you’re hurting after a tragedy in your town—or if you’ve watched your community rally and then fall silent—this episode will help you name it, feel it, and find a way forward together. Key Points Covered: What community grief really is: How grief spreads beyond the immediate family and becomes a shared weight. The ripple effect of loss: Why neighbors, classmates, church members, teachers—even strangers—feel it too. When your grief becomes public: What it means when your pain is visible in grocery store aisles, in church pews, and across front porches. The awkwardness of support: Why communities show up with casseroles, candles, and balloon releases—because they don’t know what else to do. No grief is “too small”: Even if your connection was distant, your pain is real and valid. What happens after the funeral: Why grief gets louder in the silence after the ceremonies, when the door closes and the cameras are gone. The trap of being “community strong”: Why telling people to “stay strong” shuts down healing—and what to say instead. The importance of afterward support: How real community healing starts not just with rituals, but with consistent presence, honest words, and quiet connection. Reflection Questions for Your Heart: Have you ever felt grief that didn’t “belong” to you, but changed you anyway? What role did you play in a collective loss—neighbor, teacher, nurse, friend? Who have you been meaning to check in on, long after the candles were blown out? What does your community need most right now: another event—or someone who will simply say, “I see you”? A Note from Sharon: If you're hurting for your town, your school, your street, your neighbor—you're grieving. And you deserve space to feel it, too. Let’s stop pretending we’re okay. Let’s stop hiding behind strong. Real grief calls for real community. Let’s keep showing up for one another—not just for the funeral, but for the months and years afterward, when it matters most. Listen weekly to Healing Starts with the Heart for truth-filled, compassionate guidance through the hardest parts of grief. Follow Us: Website: Facebook: Healing Starts with the Heart Instagram: @healatthegriefschool TikTok: @thegriefschool Join Us for Ongoing Healing: If you’re grieving quietly after a public loss, we see you. You’re not invisible. Join Sharon and our team at the next Grief Healing Weekend Intensive—a space for real healing, not just survival. You don’t have to carry this alone. Visit for details.
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What Grief Steals from You
07/03/2025
What Grief Steals from You
Episode Description: In this raw, heart-opening episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker walks you through one of the deepest truths about loss—grief doesn't just take your person. It takes everything. And no one prepares you for that part. With her own story and the stories of thousands of grievers she’s supported, Sharon names the unspoken: how grief sneaks in like a thief in the night and strips away your energy, your motivation, your peace, and even your sense of time. This isn’t just emotional pain. It’s physical, spiritual, mental—and it touches every part of your life. If you’ve felt like grief broke something in you that you can't get back... this episode will make you feel seen. It’s not just you. This is what grief does. But this is also your invitation to take it back—your joy, your identity, your voice, your future. Key Points Discussed: Grief doesn’t just take your person— It takes you, the version of you who felt whole before the loss. Energy depletion and physical exhaustion— Why simple tasks like getting out of bed, showering, or doing laundry can feel impossible. Loss of motivation and pleasure— The things you used to love may now feel meaningless or numb. Sleep disruption— Why nights are the hardest and how grief hijacks your ability to rest. Loss of confidence and focus— How grief impacts your ability to think clearly, trust yourself, and feel secure in your identity. The collapse of inner peace— Why your nervous system stays on high alert after your loss. Grief and identity loss— Feeling like a stranger in your own life and questioning your role in the world. Grief takes your voice— The silence we fall into when no one understands our pain or says the right thing. Time distortion— Feeling stuck in the moment of loss while time speeds up or slows down around you. Future grief— Mourning the dreams, milestones, and shared plans that will never happen. Control and patience vanish— How grief can make you feel emotionally raw, snappy, and out of control. The truth no one tells you— Grief may have taken everything... but you can take it back. Journal Questions for Reflection: What’s something you’ve lost that no one talks about? What do you miss most about yourself—the version of you before the loss? Where do you feel most “not like yourself” these days? What’s one thing grief made you believe you couldn’t reclaim—but maybe you can? Join the Journey: You were not given a life sentence when your person died. You’re allowed to reclaim the pieces of your life that grief tried to steal. The healing starts when you stop pretending you’re okay, and begin honoring what you’ve lost—and what you still deserve to feel. Subscribe now to Healing Starts with the Heart for new episodes every Wednesday. You’re not alone. You never were. Follow Us: Website: Facebook: Healing Starts with the Heart Instagram: @healatthegriefschool TikTok: @thegriefschool Come to the Healing Weekend Intensive: If this episode spoke to the places in you that feel broken, we invite you to spend the weekend with us. You’ll learn how to reclaim your voice, your energy, your identity, and your hope. Click the link below to waitlist in the upcoming Grief Healing Weekend Intensive. We’re saving you a seat.
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Grief Is Not Just Sadness
06/25/2025
Grief Is Not Just Sadness
Episode Description: In this deep and unfiltered episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker unpacks one of the most misunderstood truths about grief—that it’s not just sadness. So many grievers are led to believe that they’re supposed to carry this endless, heavy sadness for the rest of their lives—that sadness is the whole story of grief. But in this powerful conversation, Sharon reveals what most people don’t talk about: that grief affects your entire body, your mind, your spirit, and your entire world. With honesty, compassion, and her signature clarity, Sharon explores how grief is an all-consuming storm—how it shows up in brain fog, physical exhaustion, anxiety, disconnection from reality, and deep detachment from your own life. She reminds listeners that they are not broken, they are grieving—and that grief deserves real support, not silence. If you’ve been stuck in the belief that “I’m just going to be sad forever,” this episode is a wake-up call and a warm hand reaching for yours. This is your reminder: your grief is valid, it’s big, it’s real—and you don’t have to carry it alone anymore. Key Points Discussed: Grief Isn’t Just Sadness Why reducing grief to sadness keeps grievers stuck and unseen. The Full-Body Grief Storm How grief affects your nervous system, thoughts, beliefs, sleep, digestion, and sense of reality. Why You Can’t Think Your Way Out Grief is an emotional experience in the heart—not a logic problem for the mind to fix. Processing vs. Performing Why it’s time to stop pretending you’re okay and start moving the pain through your body. What Healing Actually Looks Like Sharon shares the need for action, truth-telling, and intentional space to feel without apology. Journal Questions for Reflection: Where in your body are you holding your grief right now? What part of your life has grief touched that no one acknowledges? What have you stopped doing because of your grief—and what do you miss most about that part of yourself? What would it feel like to be witnessed in your grief without having to explain it? Join the Journey: Grief isn’t something to be ignored or waited out. You deserve a safe space to land—a place where your pain is seen, held, and honored. That’s what Healing Starts with the Heart is here to offer. Subscribe now for new episodes every Wednesday and start walking this path with someone who truly understands. Follow Us: Website: Facebook: Healing Starts with the Heart Instagram: @healatthegriefschool TikTok: @thegriefschool Check Our Programs: You’re not broken. You’re grieving. And Sharon is here to walk beside you—because she is you.
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Your Grief Story
05/28/2025
Your Grief Story
Episode Summary: In this heartfelt episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, Sharon Brubaker opens the door to a topic many avoid—your grief story. Not the polite, watered-down version, but the real, raw, unfiltered story of what happened, what you felt, and what you still carry. Sharon explains why telling this story—first to yourself and then to others—is a necessary part of healing. She shares how the truth of our pain holds the key to transformation, connection, and true emotional release. Whether you’ve lost a person, a dream, a relationship, or a piece of yourself—this episode invites you to step into your truth, name your grief, and be seen in your pain without shame or apology. Key Points Discussed: Why your real grief story matters more than the “acceptable” version The physical, emotional, and spiritual toll of holding your story in How your brain and body record every detail of trauma and grief The difference between what we tell others and what we need to tell ourselves How society pressures us to hide our pain—and why that compounds it The power of grief storytelling in community and connection Sharon’s personal grief stories—and how they continue to evolve The freedom and healing that come from speaking your story out loud Journal Questions for Reflection: Who were you before your loss, and who are you now? What part of your story have you never said out loud? What do you still carry in silence? What changed in your life that no one else sees? What would it feel like to tell the truth about your grief story? What is something you lost beyond the person—was it safety, identity, future plans? What do you want the world to know about the depth of your pain? Conclusion: Your grief story matters. All of it. Not just the death or the loss, but what it did to your soul, your routine, your identity. And while you may have been taught to hide your pain, Sharon reminds us that real healing starts when we stop editing our story to protect others. Speak the truth. Say what happened. Say what still hurts. Because when you tell your story, you make room for healing—not only for yourself but for others walking this same painful road. Contact Us: Have a question, story, or want to connect with Sharon? 📧 Email: 📱 Follow Sharon on TikTok: 🌐 Learn more or join a healing program: ✨ Join the community:
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You Knew How to Grieve
05/21/2025
You Knew How to Grieve
In this empowering episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, Sharon Brubaker pulls back the curtain on one of the greatest grief misconceptions: that we need to learn how to grieve. Sharon reveals a deeper truth—we were all born knowing how to grieve. From your first cry to your instinct to reach out when in pain, grief is not something to be taught but something we’ve been taught to forget. Through raw, compassionate storytelling and the powerful example of a client who found her way back to healing, Sharon reminds us that grief is not a flaw—it’s our body and spirit doing exactly what they were designed to do. If you’ve ever questioned your tears, your numbness, or the way your grief looks—this episode is for you. Key Points Discussed: You didn’t lose your ability to grieve—you were born with it The world unteaches us how to grieve by rewarding silence and pretending Grief is a full-body, nervous system experience—not just emotional pain Your grief is not wrong, too big, too heavy, or something to be fixed Real healing begins when we stop performing and start expressing honestly A powerful story of a widow rediscovering her voice in Grief Study Hall Why your body still remembers how to release what hurts—without needing a manual Journal Questions for Reflection: When did you first start to believe your grief was “too much”? How have you been performing instead of feeling your grief? What rules or messages about grief have shaped your current experience? How has your body been trying to express grief—and have you been listening? What would it look like to stop apologizing for your grief? Are you willing to trust that you still know how to grieve? Conclusion: You don’t need to learn how to grieve—you need to remember that you already know. Your tears are not signs of weakness, your pain is not brokenness, and your emotions are not something to hide. They’re sacred. They’re real. They’re part of the healing. Sharon invites you to stop apologizing, stop performing, and return to what your body, your heart, and your spirit already know how to do: grieve. Contact Us: Have a question, story, or want to connect with Sharon? Email: Join the Grief Study Hall every Tuesday from 1–3 PM CST Facebook: TikTok: Website:
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Lean Into the Pain, Don’t Run From It
05/14/2025
Lean Into the Pain, Don’t Run From It
In this raw and deeply honest episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, Sharon Brubaker invites listeners into the messy, painful, and necessary truth of what it means to lean in to grief. Instead of hiding, numbing, or pretending you’re okay, Sharon challenges you to stop running from the pain and start facing it head-on. This is not about suffering for suffering’s sake—it’s about healing the only way that works: by feeling it all. If you’ve ever told yourself, “If I let this out, I’ll never stop crying,” this episode is for you. Sharon unpacks the myths we’re told about grief, the lies we believe to stay strong, and what it truly means to begin moving pain through you—not around you. Key Points Discussed: Why avoidance only deepens and prolongs grief The dangerous myth that time alone heals grief What “leaning into the pain” actually looks like in real life How grief lives in the body—and what happens when we suppress it The truth about emotional numbness and false strength Why staying “composed” is not the same as healing The power of sitting with your grief, naming your pain, and giving it space The importance of breaking free from performative grieving and moving into true processing How leaning in, little by little, helps you reclaim pieces of yourself Real-life stories of clients who finally allowed themselves to cry—and what happened next Why grief is not a lifetime sentence, unless you choose it to be Journal Questions for Reflection: What pain have you been avoiding in your grief? Where in your body do you feel the heaviness of your loss? What lies have you been told (or believed) about being strong? What might shift if you gave yourself permission to fall apart today? Can you name a moment when you chose numbness over feeling? What did that cost you? What part of your grief needs to be witnessed right now—by you? Conclusion: Grief demands to be felt. Not hidden, not ignored, not scheduled. And the truth is, real healing only begins when you choose to lean in. You don’t have to be strong. You don’t have to pretend. You just have to show up—to your own pain—with honesty and compassion. You’ll find that in the leaning, there’s light. There’s breath. There’s a path forward. Contact Us: Have a question, story, or want to connect with Sharon? 📧 Email: 📱 Follow Sharon on TikTok: 🌐 Join our healing spaces: ✨ Be part of our community: 💬 Join us for Grief Study Hall (Tuesdays 1–3 PM CST) or Processing the Pain of Grief (Thursdays 7 PM CST)
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The Day Everything Fell Apart
05/07/2025
The Day Everything Fell Apart
🎙️ Episode Summary: In this unforgettable episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker shares the story of the exact moment her life split into “before” and “after.” Through a searingly honest account of the phone call that changed everything—the loss of her nephew Austin—Sharon takes listeners inside the collapse that grief can cause. This isn’t a conversation about “moving on” or checking boxes—it’s a journey through the mess, the silence, and the search for truth. If you’ve had that day—the one where it all fell apart—this episode is for you. 💔 Key Points Discussed: The moment grief hit: June 17, 2006—the call that shattered Sharon’s life The illusion of “ordinary” before a loss, and the unbearable clarity after How the world keeps spinning while your life stops The raw, physical, full-body nature of grief Society’s failure to understand or support grieving people The myth of strength: why being “strong” isn’t always helpful Why no one is coming to save you—and how Sharon created the help she needed The role of silence, breaking down, and choosing to face the pain head-on Why The Grief School and Grief Study Hall were born—from brokenness to building The truth: You are not broken. You are grieving. And you don’t have to do it alone. 📝 Journal Questions for Reflection: What was the moment that split your life into “before” and “after”? How did your body respond to the shock of your loss? What lies about grief or “being strong” have you believed or been told? Where in your life have you been waiting for someone to save you? What truth are you ready to say out loud about your grief? 🔚 Conclusion: Grief isn’t polite. It doesn’t knock first. It wrecks, rewires, and reshapes everything. But even in the rubble, there is still breath, still hope, and still a path through. If you’ve had that day—the one that broke you—you are not alone. And if no one ever told you: you don’t have to carry this forever. You just have to walk through it. One breath at a time. One truth at a time. 📬 Contact & Community: Need more support or want to connect with Sharon? 📝 Join Grief Study Hall: Every Tuesday, 1–3 PM CST 📚 Read the Book: Grieve That Sht* — grab it at 📸 Follow Sharon on TikTok: 💌 Email:
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This Is the Grief Sh*t No One Talks About
04/23/2025
This Is the Grief Sh*t No One Talks About
Episode Summary: In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Healing Starts with a Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker explores the raw truth behind her book Grieve That Sht*. Through honest storytelling and lived experience, Sharon unpacks “the grief sh*t”—the real, often unspoken pain that comes with loss—and what it actually feels like in the body, mind, and soul. This episode is a lifeline for anyone navigating the devastating aftermath of grief and looking for real talk, not clichés. Key Points Discussed: The origin and meaning behind the book title Grieve That Sht* What "the sh*t" really is: the messy, painful, and often invalidated experience of grieving Grief as a full-body, biological, emotional, and intellectual experience The myth of “moving on,” “closure,” and other harmful expectations Why people say the wrong things, and how to hold your truth anyway You can’t outthink grief—you have to feel your way through it Grief is more than death: it includes lost dreams, identities, relationships, and futures Journal Questions for Reflection: What does "the grief sh*t" look like in your life right now? When have you tried to “outthink” your grief, and how did that feel in your body? How do you resist grief—and what might it feel like to let go just a little? What parts of your life or identity have you grieved that weren’t related to death? What’s one honest answer you could give someone if they asked how you’re really doing? Conclusion: Grief isn’t just emotional—it’s physical, spiritual, and all-consuming. It changes everything, and there’s no handbook, no timeline, no “right” way to do it. But one truth remains: you are not broken. You are grieving, and your body knows what to do. You don’t have to hold your breath through it—you can let yourself breathe again. Let this episode be your reminder: you’re doing a damn good job just making it through today. 📬 Contact Us: Need more support or want to connect with Sharon? 📚 Get on the waitlist for Grieve That Sht*: 📸 Follow Sharon on TikTok: 💌 Email:
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A Wake-Up Call for Every Griever
04/16/2025
A Wake-Up Call for Every Griever
A Wake-Up Call for Every Griever Episode Summary: In this powerful kickoff to Healing Starts with a Heart, Sharon Brubaker gets real about what it means to truly grieve. This episode introduces the unapologetic truth behind her upcoming book, Grieve That Sht*. Sharon shares the raw inspiration for the title, why she refuses to sugarcoat grief, and why it’s time for all grievers to stop hiding. If you’ve ever felt suffocated by forced positivity, misunderstood by the people around you, or overwhelmed by the hidden layers of loss—this episode is for you. This is more than a conversation. It’s a declaration. It’s your permission to grieve loudly, deeply, and truthfully. Key Points Discussed: The story behind the bold title Grieve That Sht* Why we need to stop hiding in our grief The difference between grieving the person vs. grieving the secondary losses The lies grievers are told by society—and why they don’t help The world’s broken response to grief and how it adds to our pain Sharon’s personal journey and the defining moment that sparked this movement The true meaning of giving yourself permission to heal What it means to grieve on your own terms How the book and Sharon’s grief programs are transforming the healing process Journal Questions for Reflection: What “grief sh*t” have you been carrying that no one sees? How has the world responded to your grief, and how did that make you feel? In what ways have you felt pressure to “move on” before you were ready? What would it look like for you to grieve truthfully and unapologetically? Where do you still need to give yourself permission to heal? Conclusion: This episode sets the tone for a new kind of grief healing journey—one rooted in truth, resilience, and radical permission. Sharon isn’t just writing a book. She’s starting a movement. One that says you no longer have to grieve in silence, put on a brave face, or make other people comfortable. You get to grieve this sh*t. All of it. Every last bit. Because that’s how healing starts—with a heart wide open. Contact Us: Have a question, story, or want to connect with Sharon? Email us at: Follow Sharon on TikTok: @thegriefschool Learn more or join our next healing weekend at: You can also follow and connect with us at:
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Grieve That Sht – A Wake-Up Call for Every Griever
04/09/2025
Grieve That Sht – A Wake-Up Call for Every Griever
Grieve That Sht – A Wake-Up Call for Every Griever Episode Summary: In this powerful kickoff to Healing Starts with a Heart, Sharon Brubaker gets real about what it means to truly grieve. This episode introduces the unapologetic truth behind her upcoming book, Grieve That Sht*. Sharon shares the raw inspiration for the title, why she refuses to sugarcoat grief, and why it’s time for all grievers to stop hiding. If you’ve ever felt suffocated by forced positivity, misunderstood by the people around you, or overwhelmed by the hidden layers of loss—this episode is for you. This is more than a conversation. It’s a declaration. It’s your permission to grieve loudly, deeply, and truthfully. Key Points Discussed: The story behind the bold title Grieve That Sht* Why we need to stop hiding in our grief The difference between grieving the person vs. grieving the secondary losses The lies grievers are told by society—and why they don’t help The world’s broken response to grief and how it adds to our pain Sharon’s personal journey and the defining moment that sparked this movement The true meaning of giving yourself permission to heal What it means to grieve on your own terms How the book and Sharon’s grief programs are transforming the healing process Journal Questions for Reflection: What "grief sh*t" have you been carrying that no one sees? How has the world responded to your grief, and how did that make you feel? In what ways have you felt pressure to “move on” before you were ready? What would it look like for you to grieve truthfully and unapologetically? Where do you still need to give yourself permission to heal? Conclusion: This episode sets the tone for a new kind of grief healing journey—one rooted in truth, resilience, and radical permission. Sharon isn’t just writing a book. She’s starting a movement. One that says you no longer have to grieve in silence, put on a brave face, or make other people comfortable. You get to grieve this sh*t. All of it. Every last bit. Because that’s how healing starts—with a heart wide open. Contact Us: Have a question, story, or want to connect with Sharon? Email us at: Follow Sharon on TikTok: Learn more or join our next healing weekend at: You can also follow and connect with us at:
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The Lies We've Been Told About Grief
04/02/2025
The Lies We've Been Told About Grief
The Lies We've Been Told About Grief Episode Description: In this eye-opening episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker confronts the damaging lies we've all been told about grief. From childhood, we are handed false beliefs like: • “Don’t feel bad” • “Be strong” • “Time will heal” • “You should get over it” Sharon dives deep into how these messages have distorted our understanding of grief and often cause us to suppress or deny the pain we’re carrying. She shares her own personal experience with the grief that no one warned her about, and how unlearning these toxic myths led her on a path of true healing. If you’ve ever felt like your grief didn’t fit into the tidy boxes society sets for it, this episode is a must-listen. Sharon invites you to release the shame and guilt tied to these lies, offering a new, empowering perspective on what it truly means to grieve and heal. Key Points Discussed: The Lies We’ve Been Taught About Grief Why pretending to be “strong” and “moving on” can actually hold us back from healing. How Grief Should Really Be Handled Understanding grief as a personal journey that requires space, time, and the willingness to feel deeply. The Cost of Suppressing Grief How ignoring your grief can lead to long-term emotional pain, and why it’s crucial to face it head-on. Grief as a Journey, Not a Destination Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and healing doesn’t mean you “get over it.” It means you learn to live with it. Journal Questions for Reflection: What lies about grief have you been told or have believed? How do you feel when others tell you to “move on” or “be strong”? What would it look like if you gave yourself permission to grieve openly and without judgment? Join the Journey: Grief doesn’t follow a simple, linear path, but Sharon is here to help you navigate it with compassion. Visit The Grief School for more resources, and join our Study Hall sessions every Tuesday and Thursday. You can also connect with Sharon during her live sessions on TikTok and Facebook. 👉 Follow Us: Website: Facebook: Healing Starts with the Heart Instagram: @healatthegriefschool TikTok: @thegriefschool Check our Programs: 💙 You’re not alone in this. Sharon is here to walk with you—because she is you.
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The Truth About Time and Why It Won’t Heal Your Grief
03/26/2025
The Truth About Time and Why It Won’t Heal Your Grief
The Truth About Time and Why It Won’t Heal Your Grief Episode Description: In this powerful episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker challenges one of the most common myths about grief: that time alone will heal all wounds. With raw honesty and deep personal reflection, Sharon explores the ways time affects grief—not by erasing pain, but by revealing the spaces where healing is still needed. She shares her own journey of realizing just how long it has been since she last saw and spoke to her loved ones, and the surprising emotions that surfaced when she did the math. If you've ever wondered why your grief still feels fresh after months or even years, this episode will provide clarity, validation, and a new perspective on how to navigate healing with intention. Key Points Discussed: The Myth of Time as a Healer Why waiting for time to "fix" grief often leads to more frustration and heartache. What Time Actually Does Time reveals unresolved pain, surfaces hidden emotions, and shows us where healing still needs attention. The Power of Intentional Healing Healing doesn’t happen passively—it requires action, awareness, and willingness to face the grief head-on. Softening vs. Healing Time may soften the edges of grief, but true healing comes when we actively engage in our healing journey. Journal Questions for Reflection: What has time revealed to you about your grief? What emotions resurface for you again and again? How can you lean into your grief with intention instead of waiting for time to pass? Join the Journey: Healing takes time, but it also takes intention. If you're ready to move forward with purpose, explore resources at The Grief School, join our Study Hall sessions every Tuesday and Thursday, or follow Sharon’s live sessions on TikTok and Facebook. 👉 Follow Us: Website: Facebook: Healing Starts with the Heart Instagram: @healatthegriefschool TikTok: Check our Programs: 💙 You’re not alone in this. Sharon is here to walk with you—because she is you.
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