• Tracy's Story | Guide Through Grief (Ep. 3, Season 2)
    Dec 9 2025

    In the third episode of season two of Guide Through Grief, Tom Van Ness and guest Tracy Schlepphorst discuss how important it is to support children through their grief. At the age of 6, Tracy lost her father to cancer. This tragedy affected her greatly, and in her later years, made her keenly aware of the importance of helping children process their grief, not internalize it. Throughout her life, Tracy has experienced great loss with the passing of her mother and, later, her brother. Her grief journey has inspired her to create tools for families experiencing loss in the form of stories. Her books, "Eden and Her Happy" and "My Emotional Belly," aim to support children through their own grief journeys.

    Support Us: https://linktr.ee/GuideThroughGrief

    About Guide Through Grief:

    Hosted by Tom Van Ness, the second season of Guide Through Grief explores others' grief journeys and the different realities of losing a loved one. Guide Through Grief is a space where people can open up about their experiences, share the lessons they've learned, and reflect on how they've continued to grow through grief. The goal of this podcast is to create a safe and supportive place for anyone navigating a grief journey, a place to lean on one another and share openly. Because there is no single “right” way to grieve, only your way. And remember: I got this. You got this. We all got this. #Grief #Grieving #Widower #grieftraps #griefjourney #widowed #trigger #griefambush #trauma #widow

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Grief Traps | Guide Through Grief (Ep. 2, Season 2)
    Nov 25 2025

    In the second episode of Season 2 of "Guide Through Grief," Tom Van Ness and Season 1 guest Dr Ryan Stivers return to discuss where Tom's grief journey stands today. Grief traps or "grief ambushes" are a constant reality for those grieving loved ones. It can be something as ordinary as a closet full of their clothes, or even their car, but the grief can come on strong and fast. Learning how to identify and react to grief traps has been an important part of Tom's grief journey. Through this discussion with Dr Stivers, Tom will share how holidays, celebrations, and even anticipated plans take on different and multifaceted meanings when living with grief.

    Support Us: https://linktr.ee/GuideThroughGrief

    About Guide Through Grief: Hosted by Tom Van Ness, the second season of Guide Through Grief explores others' grief journeys and the different realities of losing a loved one. Guide Through Grief is a space where people can open up about their experiences, share the lessons they've learned, and reflect on how they've continued to grow through grief. The goal of this podcast is to create a safe and supportive place for anyone navigating a grief journey, a place to lean on one another and share openly. Because there is no single “right” way to grieve, only your way. And remember: I got this. You got this. We all got this. #Grief #Grieving #Widower #grieftraps #griefjourney #widowed #trigger #griefambush #trauma

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Bob's Story | Guide Through Grief (Ep. 1, Season 2)
    Nov 11 2025
    In the first episode of season two of Guide Through Grief, Tom Van Ness and Co-Host Bob Woolsey talk about Bob's personal grief journey and his experience as a gratitude coach. As a teenager, Bob experienced a tragedy when his father committed suicide in 1989. Bob will share how life changed in an instant and his personal response as a child experiencing such profound grief. Through the changes and challenges, Bob manages to hold tight to the gift in the hell, facing each step with gratitude even when the future was uncertain. From his childhood years to now, owning and operating his family's jewelry business, Bob's story is an incredible example of living in gratitude and allowing yourself to grieve in your own way. Support Us: https://linktr.ee/GuideThroughGrief About Guide Through Grief: Hosted by Tom Van Ness, the second season of Guide Through Grief explores others' grief journeys and the different realities of losing a loved one. Guide Through Grief is a space where people can open up about their experiences, share the lessons they've learned, and reflect on how they've continued to grow through grief. The goal of this podcast is to create a safe and supportive place for anyone navigating a grief journey, a place to lean on one another and share openly. Because there is no single “right” way to grieve, only your way. And remember: I got this. You got this. We all got this. #Grief #Grieving #Widower
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Season 2 Announcement | Guide Through Grief
    Nov 4 2025

    Welcome back to "Guide Through Grief". In this season, we will be joined by a host of guests, all letting us in on their own walk through grief.

    In the second season of the podcast, we are making room for our community to open up as they discuss their personal stories. Through hearing how others have processed their grief, we hope to reinforce the message that you are not alone, no matter how lonely the road may feel.

    The goal for this podcast has always been to create a safe place for people who are navigating their own grief journey to lean on one another and share their experiences. That is the purpose of this upcoming chapter.

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    1 min
  • Widowers Roundtable Discussion Pt. 2 | Guide Through Grief (Ep.10)
    Aug 19 2025

    In the tenth episode of Guide Through Grief, Tom and his guests, Mike and Shane, continue to discuss their challenges, experiences, and milestones in each of their own unique grief journeys. These discussions give insight into each guests experience with loss, and what it means for each of their families, especially their children. Changing dynamics, distractions and faith are all discussed in the final episode of Guide Through Grief Season 1.

    Support Us: https://linktr.ee/GuideThroughGrief

    About Guide Through Grief: Hosted by Tom Van Ness, the first season of Guide Through Grief follows his personal grief journey after the loss of his wife. Along the way, listeners will meet others who have also faced grief, co-hosts and guides who bring their own stories and insights. Guide Through Grief is a space where people can open up about their experiences, share the lessons they've learned, and reflect on how they've continued to grow through grief. The goal of this podcast is to create a safe and supportive place for anyone navigating a grief journey, a place to lean on one another and share openly. Because there is no single “right” way to grieve, only your way. And remember: I got this. You got this. We all got this. #Grief #Grieving #Widower

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    1 hr and 52 mins
  • Widowers Roundtable Discussion Pt. 1 | Guide Through Grief (Ep. 9)
    Aug 12 2025

    In the ninth episode of Guide Through Grief, Tom and his guests, Mike and Shane, discuss their challenges, experiences, and milestones in each of their own unique grief journeys. Although no two grief journeys are the same, the value of sharing perspectives holds fast. This episode is not about comparing each others personal experiences but observing and respecting all aspects of another persons loss. These discussions give insight into each guests experience with loss, and what it means for each of their families, especially their children. Changing dynamics, distractions and faith are all discussed in this powerful episode of Guide Through Grief Season 1.

    Support Us: https://linktr.ee/GuideThroughGrief

    About Guide Through Grief: Hosted by Tom Van Ness, the first season of Guide Through Grief follows his personal grief journey after the loss of his wife. Along the way, listeners will meet others who have also faced grief, co-hosts and guides who bring their own stories and insights. Guide Through Grief is a space where people can open up about their experiences, share the lessons they've learned, and reflect on how they've continued to grow through grief. The goal of this podcast is to create a safe and supportive place for anyone navigating a grief journey, a place to lean on one another and share openly. Because there is no single “right” way to grieve, only your way. And remember: I got this. You got this. We all got this. #Grief #Grieving #Widower

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    1 hr and 51 mins
  • Stories from the Couch | Guide Through Grief (Ep. 8)
    Aug 5 2025

    In the eighth episode of Guide Through Grief, Tom Van Ness and Dr. Ryan Stivers discuss the importance of asking for help in difficult times of grieving. In Tom's personal grief journey there where many moments of struggle and heartbreak. These moments materialized in many ways, some expected and some unexpected. By having conversations and vulnerability with Ryan, as well as others close to him, Tom was able to face some incredibly difficult challenges, and begin to heal. There is not often a clear path when journeying through grief, and things are bound to be difficult, but with vulnerability and the strength to ask for help, there is always a way forward.

    Support Us: https://linktr.ee/GuideThroughGrief

    About Guide Through Grief: Hosted by Tom Van Ness, the first season of Guide Through Grief follows his personal grief journey after the loss of his wife. Along the way, listeners will meet others who have also faced grief, co-hosts and guides who bring their own stories and insights. Guide Through Grief is a space where people can open up about their experiences, share the lessons they've learned, and reflect on how they've continued to grow through grief. The goal of this podcast is to create a safe and supportive place for anyone navigating a grief journey, a place to lean on one another and share openly. Because there is no single “right” way to grieve, only your way. And remember: I got this. You got this. We all got this. #Grief #Grieving #Widower

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Alone is Loud | Guide Through Grief (Ep. 7)
    Jul 29 2025
    In the seventh episode of Guide Through Grief, Tom Van Ness and Bob Woolsey discuss the loneliness that comes with grief. What was once a partnership between Tom and Lesley became a solo endeavor, creating challenges and heartache. Making weighty decisions on his own, such as where to live, how to raise their sons, and what to do next, now fell solely on Tom. Coping with this loneliness is an ever-developing struggle for Tom, but with support groups, friendships, and therapy, Tom has found strength in some of his hardest moments. Support Us: https://linktr.ee/GuideThroughGrief About Guide Through Grief: Hosted by Tom Van Ness, the first season of Guide Through Grief follows his personal grief journey after the loss of his wife. Along the way, listeners will meet others who have also faced grief, co-hosts and guides who bring their own stories and insights. Guide Through Grief is a space where people can open up about their experiences, share the lessons they've learned, and reflect on how they've continued to grow through grief. The goal of this podcast is to create a safe and supportive place for anyone navigating a grief journey, a place to lean on one another and share openly. Because there is no single “right” way to grieve, only your way. And remember: I got this. You got this. We all got this. #Grief #Grieving #Widower
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    1 hr and 6 mins