Heart To Heart With Michael

What if a shared journey through loss could spark an inspiring platform that brings healing to countless others? Welcome to the eighth season of "Bereaved But Still Me," where our personal stories intertwine with hope and resilience. Join me, Michael LIben, alongside my dear friends and colleagues, executive producer Anna Jaworski and producer Nancy Jensen, as we explore the birth and evolution of our podcast. The bonds we formed years ago, nurtured through parenting children with congenital heart defects, have created a sanctuary for bereavement support. Together, we honor the memories of our loved ones while fostering a sense of purpose and renewed strength.Our podcast is more than just a collection of stories; it is a testament to friendship and the power of collaboration. Nancy, who initially joined us as our first guest, now plays a crucial role as a producer, and her journey following the loss of her daughter Jessica highlights the importance of this community. Through personal experiences and shared te

Can a story of loss become a beacon of hope for others navigating the difficult journey of bereavement? Join us as Sheri Turner and Desiree Vaught share their poignant personal experiences with congenital heart defects and the profound impact on their lives. Sheri opens up about the loss of her firstborn, Thomas, and the challenges of raising her surviving children amid grief, including the emotional turmoil of a miscarriage. Desiree reflects on her son Logan’s brief yet meaningful life and the incredible strength she found in creating a support group for bereaved parents. Their stories highlight the resilience found in community and the healing power of shared experiences.Navigating the emotional complexities of parenting after trauma can be an arduous road. Sheri and Desiree share their reflections on the self-doubt that often accompanies difficult medical decisions for a child. They discuss how grace and patience are crucial in the grieving process and emphasize that each person's journey is uniquely their

How do you measure the impact of a life well-lived, especially when that life is cut short by illness? Join us as we uncover the incredible journey of Uri Lahav through the heartfelt stories of his parents, Elisheva and Michael. From their daring move from the United States to Israel to raising a family in a foreign land amid the backdrop of war, this episode paints a vivid picture of resilience, community, and the enduring power of a passionate spirit.In our conversation, we reflect on the profound experiences of the Lahav family, focusing on the remarkable life of their firstborn son, Uri. He wasn't just an athlete but a beacon of inspiration who found his calling in judo, teaching and mentoring others despite the physical pain he often endured. We recount the joys and challenges of Elisheva and Michael as new immigrants raising bilingual children and how Uri's social nature and dedication to judo created a ripple effect, fostering a sense of belonging and community involvement wherever he went.Finally, we

Have you ever wondered how to navigate the emotional maze of caring for a parent with dementia? Join us as Karmon Hill opens her heart and shares her poignant journey of moving her mother across states and ultimately finding her a memory care facility. We discuss the delicate balance of respecting her mother’s past as an esteemed educator while confronting the painful realities of cognitive decline. Karmon’s story is a testament to the power of community support and the deep emotional resilience required in caregiving.In our conversation, Karmon emphasizes the critical steps needed to prepare for future caregiving, including the importance of legal documents like power of attorney and living revocable trusts. She offers practical advice on finding supportive healthcare professionals and resources, and shares her own strategies for maintaining family harmony amidst the challenges. Don't miss out on essential tips for remote caregiving, the value of open family dialogues, and Karmon's impactful lessons from her

Guests: Dr. Ken Doka, Senior Vice President of Grief Programs at the Hospice Foundation of AmericaAmy Tucci, President and CEO of the Hospice Foundation of America Alex LaMorie Advisory Board Member of the Autism and Grief ProjectOverview of the Autism and Grief Project:Website launched in September 2022 to provide grief resources for autistic adults, their families, and professionalsFeatures testimonials, social stories, animations, and information on death and non-death lossesGoals are to help autistic individuals navigate complex emotions and contextualize griefImportance of addressing autism and grief: Emerging area of focus as more autistic individuals reach adulthoodOpportunity to expand understanding of diversity in grief experiencesBenefits of the project:Provides support and validation for those grieving personal lossesEstablishes baseline understanding while respecting the uniqueness of each experienceSpreads awareness of available resources for the autism communityLinks to “Bereaved But Still Me” S

Can a mother’s love shape an entire family’s destiny? Join us for a deeply moving tribute to Zipporah Liben, the resilient mother of host Michael Liben and a beacon of strength for her family. Alongside Michael are his siblings, Shirah Ozery and Rabbi Dan Liben, and guest host Anna Jaworski. They come together to share intimate stories and memories that celebrate Zipporah’s life, her unique upbringing between New York and Tel Aviv, and her vital contributions to the Zionist movement. Journey with us as we hear about Zipporah’s unwavering love for Israel, her role as a devoted mother, and the indelible impact she left on her children and grandchildren.Explore the profound and often challenging experience of anticipatory grief as the Liben family recounts their mother’s strength and resilience during the decline of their father’s health. Shirah and Dan offer heartfelt insights into their mother's renewed connection to Israel post-Six-Day War and her inspiring feminist influence. Listen to stories of Zipporah’s

Join us in this episode as our host Michael Liben opens up about the complexities of explaining death to his children and welcomes the insights of James Robinson who did likewise with his little ones. Together, they'll explore James' son Nadav's impactful life, marked by a congenital heart defect, and the unwavering spirit it revealed. His story, though filled with vulnerability, is a testament to the remarkable endurance of love and the human soul.Parenting children with special medical needs is unique, often requiring parents to balance transparency with the preservation of childhood innocence. In this heartfelt exchange, between bereaved fathers Michael and James, they recount the promises made to their children to be forthright in the face of life-altering medical conditions. Discover how their children surprised them with their remarkable adaptability, and how the definition of 'normal' was reshaped within the walls of a home where love and medical care were intertwined.They conclude this episode by trav

How can a person suffering tremendous loss get unstuck in grief? Have you ever felt as though you’re wearing cement boots of grief? How can we move forward in our grief?Join us in this fascinating episode with Toni Alexander. As a bereaved person herself, Toni Alexander attacks the grief process from within. As an author, she looks on grief from a more philosophical perspective. As a teacher, she has brought her lessons from loss forward to help guide others on their grief journey.Toni is no stranger to grief. She has lost both of her parents and a spouse. The death of her mother hit her particularly hard and inspired her book, Mom’s Dying? Encouragement for the Journey, and Embracing Life Changes: Praising Through Pain where she interviewed other people who had experienced losses to assist them with loss through suicide, illness, and other life-altering events. She is here today to give us guidance on how to navigate the difficult experiences of getting unstuck in grief and how to help us move forward in our

Returning guest, Phil Proctor, is a man who needs no introduction. An actor, voice actor, writer, producer, comedian, podcaster and founding member of the Firesign Theatre quartet. Phil has been in the entertainment industry for 50 years, and In this episode, he talks with host, Michael Liben about the love of his life -- his soulmate, Melinda Peterson, who died suddenly after more than thirty years of marriage. In this episode, Phil discusses his love, his loss and how he found, in his words, laugh after death.Links to “Bereaved But Still Me” Social Media and Podcast Pages:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bereaved-but-still-me/id1333229173Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/heart-to-heart-with-michaelFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HugPodcastNetworkYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGPKwIU5M_YOxvtWepFR5ZwWebsite: https://www.hug-podcastnetwork.com/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hearttoheart Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bereaved-but

Erica Messer talks with Bereaved But Still Me host Michael Liben about pet loss and how she wasn’t able to find resources to help her cope with her grief. After losing her beloved cat, Wolfgang, she discovered a need for pet-loss resources. With her mother’s encouragement, she started Wolfie’s Wish, a company providing resources for those who are grieving the loss of a pet.Erica’s website: https://wolfieswish.com/Links to “Bereaved But Still Me” Social Media and Podcast Pages:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bereaved-but-still-me/id1333229173Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/heart-to-heart-with-michaelFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HugPodcastNetworkYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGPKwIU5M_YOxvtWepFR5ZwWebsite: https://www.hug-podcastnetwork.com/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hearttoheart

Have you ever wondered how the human heart manages to bear the unbearable? How it picks up the shattered pieces and eventually finds its way to healing? Our guest for today's episode, Roy Martin, opens up about a tragic event that forever changed his life - the loss of his beloved daughter, Tawny, to a drunk driver. Join us as Roy paints a vivid image of Tawny's life, her vivacious spirit, and the sobering reality of her sudden demise. This heartrending narration not only brings to light the devastating aftermath of drunk driving, but also underscores the priceless value of each moment spent with loved ones.As we continue our discussion, we shift our focus towards the labyrinth of grief and the process of recovery. We delve into the heartache, guilt, and regret that ensued in the wake of Tawny's demise, and the impact it had on Roy's family, particularly his son, Noah. Amidst deep sorrow, however, blooms a ray of hope. Roy shares how, with time, they found a way to remember Tawny without being submerged in gr

Today, we gather around the digital campfire to share the enchanting and hard-hitting story of Wilodene, a tenacious woman who lived with seizures for decades before her genetic heart condition, Long Q-T Syndrome, was discovered. Inviting us through the pages of this striking tale is her daughter, Jackie Renfrow, who returns to brighten our podcast with her stories of hope, resilience, and advocacy. As a special memory, Jackie and her mother appeared on our podcast together, their shared hope being that their story could potentially save someone else’s life.The journey didn't end with just Wilodene. Jackie's narrative continues as she traces the impact of Long Q-T Syndrome on her family over the course of seven decades. She recounts the measures she had to implement to protect her loved ones from potentially fatal seizures. Jackie's story is punctuated with moments of fear, especially for her grandchildren and great-grandson, but she meets these challenges head-on, embodying the courage and resilience that he

Have you ever wondered how to navigate your life after a deeply personal loss? This episode brings you the deeply moving and inspiring story of Suzanne Anderson, a respected psychologist, author, coach, and transformational teacher. We delve into her intimate journey from a multilingual senior management consultant to an author and advocate for the bereaved community, after the tragic loss of her husband to suicide. Her candid recounting of their shared memories and the loneliness, shame, and stigma she faced as a suicide survivor will leave a profound impact on your heart.Suzanne's story serves to remind us of the power of self-compassion and personal growth in the face of adversity. We learn about how Suzanne, dealing with the pain of her husband's death, sought solace in writing retreats, ultimately leading her to author her book, 'You Make Your Path by Walking'. Her experiences and her work with women to prioritize their well-being over others' will shed new light on how self-compassion can be cultivated,

Have you ever found yourself immersed in the endless waves of grief, struggling to find a lifeline? You're not alone. Our guest for this episode, Theo Boyd, a resilient writer, a former teacher, and a survivor of unthinkable loss, is here to share her incredible journey from heartache to healing. Theo takes us through her harrowing experiences, from the sudden death of her mother in a farm accident, the loss of her counselor, to the dissolution of her marriage. Amidst her personal turmoil, discover how Theo channeled her pain into writing, culminating in her cathartic memoir, "My Grief is Not Like Yours".Theo provides a raw and revealing discussion about Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), previously known as complicated grief. She emphasizes the importance of seeking professional assistance in such circumstances and shares her personal encounters of frustration when people failed to acknowledge her parents' death. Despite the anguish, Theo found solace in unexpected places, notably the wisdom imparted by her stu

When we grieve the loss of a loved one, we try our best to keep them with us, to hold them close in our hearts and to tell their stories to others. But can our loved ones reach out to us? Can we open our minds and our hearts to the possibility that they somehow need us as much as we still need them? Can they comfort us in our time of need?Whitney Samorano is the mom of twin boys, Orion and Maverick who were born in 2017. In 2020, when the boys were two-and-a-half, Orion drowned in the middle of the night in his grandmother’s pool during a visit. Whitney and her husband eventually divorced, but they remain supportive of each other and are great friends. Whitney developed a podcast, The Selfish Griever, to share her experiences with her grief and to support others. Whitney’s passion is to let others know they are not alone or judged in their grief and in the ways they choose to remember their loved ones and keep their memory alive. Links mentioned on this episode:www.theselfishgriever.com Instagram @theselfis

What happens when we lose our loved one after years of living with dementia? How did writing about living with dementia help Melissa Geiser to deal with her grief? What can be learned from years of watching a loved one die from dementia?Melissa Geiser is a blogger and the only child of her mother Pat. At the end of 2013, Pat’s friends started calling Melissa when they became worried about Pat. Pat had been living in the same house for over 30 years, but suddenly she would ask her friends to lead her home after she finished working out at the gym. Melissa had just started back to college and her marriage was struggling, so this situation with her mother couldn’t have come at a worse time. In the end, Melissa felt she had to move her mother to Oklahoma to be near her. Melissa has written a blog to help others who were also experiencing loving someone with dementia entitled “Departure from Logic.” She is planning on using her blog to write a book to help others living with loved ones who are suffering from demen

What is a grief doula? Why might a young person suffering from great loss determine to write and speak about it? What growth can come from a miscarriage?Alexandra Galviz is a young woman who has experienced a great deal of grief. Today she is here to talk about her experience with miscarriage and the fallout that caused her to spiral down to into a depth of grief and despair that caused her to metamorphose into Authentic Alex, a blogger, a speaker, and a guide.In this episode, we learn more about Alexandra, her miscarriage, her spiritual odyssey, and her blog.Helpful Links Related to this Episode:Website: https://www.alexandragalviz.comAlexandra's newsletter: https://crossingthethreshold.substack.com Support the showLinks to “Bereaved But Still Me” Social Media and Podcast Pages:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HugPodcastNetworkYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGPKwIU5M_YOxvtWepFR5ZwWebsite: https://www.hug-podcastnetwork.com/

What happens when we lose our spouse after decades of being together? What is caregiver guilt and how do you recover from that? Why would someone decide to go from being a lawyer to becoming a creative writer?Debbie Weiss is a writer, a former lawyer, and a widow. Her mother passed away when she was 42 and then her husband passed away in his 40s. Debbie and her husband were together for 32 years – they had been high school sweethearts. He was a huge part of her life and he wanted to protect her from his cancer diagnosis. Sadly, his choices meant Debbie became his caretaker while not really understanding the progression of his disease.Debbie has written a book to help others who have experienced a devastating loss. Her book, Available As Is, is a midlife widow’s search for love. In this episode, she talks with Michael about loss, finding a new passion in life, and letting go of the things that were holding her back. Helpful Links Related to this Episode:Website: https://debbieweissauthor.com/Facebook: https://

This episode of "Bereaved But Still Me" features Rabbi Richard Address.Rabbi Address was ordained from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1972 and began his Rabbinic career in Los Angeles congregations. He also served as a part-time rabbi for Beth Hillel in Carmel, NJ while regional director and, after his URJ tenure, he served as senior rabbi of Congregation M’kor Shalom in Cherry Hill, NJ from 2011-2014.Rabbi Richard Address is the Founder and Director of www.jewishsacredaging.com. Rabbi Address served for over three decades on the staff of the Union for Reform Judaism; first as a Regional Director and then, beginning in 1997, as Founder and Director of the URJ’s Department of Jewish Family Concerns and served as a specialist and consultant for the North American Reform Movement in the areas of family-related programming. A major part of Address’s work has been in the development and implementation of the project on Sacred Aging. This project has been responsible for creating awareness and

How does a person react to feeling worse after a therapeutic appointment? What happens when a person almost dies? How does this Christian handle losing her identity as a nurse?Julie Hedenborg was a nurse for 24 years until she had a life-threatening injury to her neck in 2015. At one point, she was in an ambulance and wondered if she was going to survive. That experience changed her life and helped her see her priorities more clearly. Shortly after that, her scoliosis caused her to be too disabled to perform her nursing duties so she had to leave a career she had worked very hard for.A Christian, she felt that God called her to a new ministry. She now has a Christian podcast where she shares miracles and testimonies from people from around the world. She has over 2 million views on YouTube alone. She has written a book about her faith journey. In this episode of Bereaved But Still Me, we’ll be talking with Julie about what it was like for her to lose her career, what caused her to start a podcast, and why she