Dr. Kathie Supiano joins us for a rich conversation about grief, meaning, and the human capacity for resilience. Drawing from her work in bereavement care, grief, suicide survivorship, and hospice, and as a clinical social worker and psychotherapist for over 45 years, Kathie offers thoughtful perspectives on how we navigate loss. She also shares personal reflections on retiring after a meaningful career and learning to embrace life differently in this season.

Kathie is a Professor Emeritus and the former director of Caring Connections: A Hope and Comfort in Grief Program at the University of Utah. You can find Caring Connections: nursing.utah.edu/caring-connections.

We’re so grateful to Kathie for taking the time to come on our podcast and loved this conversation with her!

In this episode, Kari shares what it was like to fulfill a long-held dream of moving to Costa Rica with her husband in early 2024- the joys, surprises, lessons, and what led them to readjust their plans along the way. We talk about what following a dream actually looks like once you’re inside it, how to pivot as life unfolds, and what this experience taught them about culture, plans, and living a life that feels aligned.

Find Kari and her salon at salonaries.org and on Instagram @kari.salon.aries

Carrie Romano, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), joins us to share how her breast cancer diagnosis reshaped her understanding of resilience, leadership, and the power of people to rise. She talks about the unexpected ways her team showed up during treatment, the intentional practices she relies on to bring light into hard days, and why choosing small sparks of joy can shift everything.

With more than 20 years of mission-driven nonprofit leadership, Carrie brings her energy, heart, and clarity to this conversation. She shares why she believes so deeply in the work of RMHC, what keeps her grounded in hope, and how service and working in the non-profit space has shaped her life. It’s a conversation about hope, community, and the beauty we can find even in seasons of uncertainty.

Learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities and how you can get involved at ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org.