Heart To Heart With Michael

When faced with the devastating news of his wife's cancer diagnosis, Tony Stewart's world imploded. "It was just sort of mind-blowing, earth-shaking, the end of life as we had known it together," he shares with raw honesty. That fateful phone call launched Tony and his wife Lynn into a five-year journey that would transform their understanding of love, fear, and what it means to truly live.The memoir's beautiful title "Carrying the Tiger" emerged from a friend's Tai Chi practice—the ritual of symbolically lifting your fear (the tiger) and placing it on a distant hilltop where it seems less threatening. This powerful metaphor became their touchstone as they navigated the complex medical landscape while simultaneously trying to appreciate each precious moment they still had together.What makes Tony's story exceptional isn't just his vulnerability in sharing the medical odyssey, but his willingness to discuss the uncomfortable truths of caregiving. He candidly reveals moments of breakdown when exhaustion overwhe

(00:00:00) Introduction to Ronda's Story (00:02:10) Understanding Pick's Disease Symptoms (00:05:04) Mother's Previous Health Battles (00:07:30) Living With Someone With Dementia (00:11:41) Anticipatory Grief and Life Lessons (00:15:25) Ocean Dream Fulfilled (00:19:12) Final Reflections and Closing Watching someone you love transform before your eyes while they're still breathing creates a unique form of grief that few discuss openly. In this deeply moving conversation, Ronda Adamo shares her family's journey through her mother's battle with Pick's disease, a rare form of frontal temporal dementia that claimed her just ten months after diagnosis.Before receiving that life-changing medical news, Ronda and her sisters faced a painful confusion as their mother's personality shifted dramatically. The godly woman they'd always known began exhibiting uncharacteristic behaviors - falling frequently, speaking in uninhibited ways, and seeming cognitively distant. Having watched their mother previously battle multiple

Grief is not simply the absence of someone we love—it can also be the absence of what we deserved but never received. In this profound conversation with counselor and trauma specialist Fonda Miller, we explore the often-overlooked dimensions of loss and healing that shape our emotional lives.Fonda shares a perspective on grief that transforms how we understand our deepest sorrows. Using the striking image of a balanced teeter-totter, she explains how the weight of our grief directly corresponds to the depth of our love—making grief itself a testament to how deeply we connected with what we've lost. "It's a gift," she says, "because what it says is I loved deeply and I was loved deeply."But what about the grief that comes from never having what we deserved? Fonda guides us through understanding childhood trauma as a form of hidden grief that follows people into adulthood, often without recognition. Through powerful metaphors like pressure cookers and release valves, she offers insights into how we can support

(00:00:00) Carrying Grief Forward Doesn't Mean Leaving Love Behind (00:00:47) Introduction to Host and Guest (00:02:09) Mother's Cancer Diagnosis and Family Hope (00:04:16) The Hospice Experience (00:10:10) Announcement and Disclaimer (00:10:56) Sister Jackie's Struggle with Alcoholism (00:17:37) Understanding Ambiguous Loss (00:21:31) Finding Joy Amid Grief (00:27:35) Writing About Grief and Loss (00:28:48) Closing Thoughts and Resources Award-winning journalist Dina Gachman takes us on a profound journey through the landscape of loss, sharing how the deaths of her mother from cancer and sister from alcoholism transformed her understanding of grief. With remarkable candor, Dina reveals the unexpected realities of home hospice care—administering morphine every few hours with minimal professional support, experiencing moments of dark humor amidst heartbreak, and feeling the conflicting emotions of not wanting a loved one to die while being exhausted by their prolonged suffering.The conversation explores the c

Imagine living in a war zone, where the constant threat of rocket attacks shapes daily life. This is the reality for Hanny Sidis, an occupational dance and mind-body therapist from Israel. In our conversation, she shares her unique therapeutic approach to processing emotions through movement, even amidst air raids. Alongside her, Toni Alexander, an American author and inspirational speaker, brings her insights into maintaining respectful dialogues across political divides in the U.S. Together, they explore the profound impact of national events on personal and community well-being and offer strategies for resilience through the mind-body connection.Amidst societal chaos, how do we cope with the resulting trauma and stress? We tackle this question by reflecting on the emotional landscape of living in constant alert and insecurity, both in Israel and the United States. From the fear of active shooter drills in American schools to the unyielding stress of life in a conflict zone, our conversation highlights the

Fiona Kanter's journey from heart-wrenching grief to a source of hope and support for others is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. She joins us to share the painful loss of her daughter, Lee Gabriella, and how this tragedy has become a catalyst for her advocacy work in trauma and bereavement. Our conversation oscillates between poignant memories of our daughters' miraculous beginnings and the stark realities of their premature departures, highlighting how these experiences have irrevocably shaped our lives and missions.Parenting is never a straightforward endeavor, especially when raising exceptionally gifted children or spirited teenagers. Through the story of Lee, we explore the unique challenges and joys of nurturing a precocious child who excels in everything from languages to music. However, simultaneously, Fiona reveals the complexities of balancing Lee's intellectual gifts with her emotional development, as well as the profound impact Lee's short life left on those around her. These nar

After the heart-wrenching loss of her young daughter Alyce to a rare cancer, Izumi Favia decided to turn her grief into a guiding light for others. In this poignant episode, we invite you to listen to Izumi's heartfelt story of love, loss, and the profound journey she undertook to rebuild her life. From the unexpected joy of a natural pregnancy to the blissful memories of Alyce's adventurous spirit, Izumi recounts these cherished moments with a raw honesty that touches the core of parental love. Her story is not just about heartbreak, but also about the challenge of facing an unimaginable diagnosis and how she navigated the tumultuous path of treatments and hope.Izumi’s transformative healing offers a beacon of hope to those grappling with similar loss. She shares her personal transformation and the coping strategies that helped her find peace, including journaling, meditation, and eventually becoming a certified coach. This transition allowed her to extend compassion and support to other grieving parents, he

What if the most devastating experiences of your life could become a beacon of hope for others? Autumn and Brandon Cohen join us to share their profound journey through loss and resilience, starting with the stillbirth of their son, Bastion, in March 2020, and extending to the loss of Brandon's brother in December 2022. They open up about the heart-wrenching task of helping their daughter Adeline cope with her brother's death, and how these experiences led Autumn to establish "Still Loved," an organization dedicated to honoring babies who left too soon.Autumn and Brandon navigate us through the unique challenges of grieving during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing the emotional turmoil they faced with hospital restrictions and the cautious joy of welcoming their rainbow baby, Colby. Their story emphasizes the crucial role of communication, therapy, and mutual support, showing how they fortified their relationship amidst multiple losses. The Cohens' candid reflections highlight the importance of open dialogue,

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/hearttoheartBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bereaved-but-still-me--2108929/support.

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