
Grief 2 Growth
"Transform your grief into growth with Brian Smith, an empathetic life coach, certified grief educator, public speaker, and author who has walked the treacherous path of profound loss. Grief 2 Growth unravels the intricacies of life, death, and the spaces in between, offering listeners a new perspective on what it means to be 'Planted. Not Buried.'Join Brian and his compelling guests—bereaved parents, life coaches, mediums, healers, near death experiencers, and experts in various fields—as they discuss topics like survival guilt, synchronicities, and the scientific evidence supporting the existence of the afterlife. You'll come away with actionable advice, renewed hope, and the comforting knowledge that love and life are eternal.One of the most powerful ways we know what awaits us and where we came from is Near Death Experiences. Much of Brian's knowledge is derived from extensive study of this phenomenon, along with interviewing dozens of near death experience experiencers.Brian knows the soul-crushing weight of loss; his journey began with the sudden passing of his fifteen-year-old daughter, Shayna. It's not an odyssey he would have chosen, but it has been an odyssey that has chosen him to guide others.Grief 2 Growth is a sanctuary for those grieving, those curious about the beyond, and anyone eager to explore the fuller dimensions of life and death. Each episode delves into topics that matter most—how to cope, grow, and connect with loved ones in the afterlife. If you ask: “Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going?” this podcast is for you.This isn't about forgetting your loss or simply 'moving on'; it's about growing in a new direction that honors your loved ones and your spirit. It’s about finding joy and purpose again.Grief 2 Growth is more than a podcast; it's a community of souls committed to supporting one another through the darkest valleys and highest peaks of human existence. Listen today and start planting seeds for a brighter, more spiritually connected tomorrow."
Latest episodes

Jan 23, 2024 • 58min
Transforming Grief Into Legacy- with Kevin O'Connor- EP 332
Send me a Text MessageIn this episode of Grief 2 Growth, we're joined by Kevin O'Connor, an advocate for LGBTQ rights and sexual health, and author of 'Two Floors Above Grief.' Kevin shares his unique experiences of growing up in a funeral home and how this shaped his perspectives on life and grief.📚 Learn more about Kevin and his work at [Kevin's Website].📝 Episode Highlights:Kevin's life in a funeral homeBalancing family life in the funeral industryPreserving family history through lettersWe'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please visit us at https://grief2growth.circle.so/c/podcast-chat/ and sound off.Links Mentioned in this Episode:Kevin O'Connor: https://kevinoconnorauthor.com/Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:Guided MeditationsMy book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved onesMini-coursesMini-guidesCheck it out at https://grief2growth.com/store Do near-death experiences inspire you? Are you moved by the research showing we are more than our bodies?To celebrate the 50th anniversary of near-death studies, IANDS has launched the Chrysalis Campaign. Join at the Supporting level or higher, or make a donation of $100 or more, you’ll receive a commemorative mug.🌍 Visit IANDS.org and click “Give” to support this vital work. What really happens when we die? And how can understanding near-death experiences transform the way we live?Join nearly 1,000 attendees August 27–31, 2025 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills near Chicago for four days of soul-stirring keynotes, healing practices, and conversations that expand your understanding of life, death, and everything in between.Register now at Conference.IANDS.org Support the show🧑🏿🤝🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education 👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)📰 Get A Free Gift📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call📈 Leave A ReviewThanks so much for your support

Jan 17, 2024 • 1h 10min
What My Overdose Taught Me About Rebooting My Health, Purpose & Joy EP 331
Send me a Text MessageIn this transformational interview, Alysa Rushton candidly shares the secrets of her near-death survivor's journey back from devastating chronic illnesses to radiant health, life-purpose discovery, and unshakable inner peace. Alysa not only survived the drug overdose due to Western medicine, but she also learned the secrets to generating her own health.Motivated by the profound wisdom gained from her extraordinary glimpse into higher consciousness and universal oneness during a temporary yet life-changing "death" experience, Alysa tapped into the boundless healing potential now available to us all.Learn how to rewrite your self-limiting stories, redirect traumas into rocket fuel for renewal, and upgrade your human operating system through simple yet powerful tools like meditation, visualization and frequency-shifting sound healing.If you seek deeper meaning, daily connection to your Higher Self, and a vibrational breakthrough to activate the next epic chapter of your miraculous life, this conversation delivers hope, spiritual rocket fuel, and an interactive awakening portal.Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:Guided MeditationsMy book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved onesMini-coursesMini-guidesCheck it out at https://grief2growth.com/store Do near-death experiences inspire you? Are you moved by the research showing we are more than our bodies?To celebrate the 50th anniversary of near-death studies, IANDS has launched the Chrysalis Campaign. Join at the Supporting level or higher, or make a donation of $100 or more, you’ll receive a commemorative mug.🌍 Visit IANDS.org and click “Give” to support this vital work. What really happens when we die? And how can understanding near-death experiences transform the way we live?Join nearly 1,000 attendees August 27–31, 2025 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills near Chicago for four days of soul-stirring keynotes, healing practices, and conversations that expand your understanding of life, death, and everything in between.Register now at Conference.IANDS.org Support the show🧑🏿🤝🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education 👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)📰 Get A Free Gift📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call📈 Leave A ReviewThanks so much for your support

Jan 15, 2024 • 6min
The Mountaintop: Visions, Sacrifices, and the Real Founding of America- EP 330
Send me a Text MessageOn this special episode commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we reflect on Dr. King's remarkable vision for justice and how his legacy continues to guide us. Exploring parallels between figures like Jesus Christ and Dr. King, we discuss how both challenged societal norms and systems of inequality with radical ideals. Just as Jesus provided spiritual salvation, Dr. King fought for equality with the power of nonviolence. We remember that like Jesus, Dr. King knew the danger of the path he walked, which ultimately led to his martyrdom. However, his sacrifice became a catalyst for change. As we stride towards the metaphorical mountaintop of an equitable society, we must carry Dr. King’s torch forward. His dream requires our commitment, courage and love to keep it alive. Although Dr. King did not reach the promised land he foresaw, his spirit persists to lead us on this journey of continuous striving for justice. We walk this path together, keeping his ideals at the forefront with each step.Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:Guided MeditationsMy book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved onesMini-coursesMini-guidesCheck it out at https://grief2growth.com/store Support the show🧑🏿🤝🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education 👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)📰 Get A Free Gift📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call📈 Leave A ReviewThanks so much for your support

Jan 10, 2024 • 1h 11min
Escaping Wasted Suffering by Awakening to Reality as a Lucid Dream EP 328
Send me a Text MessageWhat if life is just a dream we have yet to awaken from (or awaken within)? My returning guest, Cailín Callahan, provides a fascinating explanation of reality as merely a dream state in my latest grief to growth podcast. Our episode covers material from her newest book, Rise (In Lucidity and Master Anxiety). You can purchase Rise at: https://crackedpotpublications.comHaving had out-of-body experiences, Cailín explains how perception, self-talk, and emotional state shape our experience – even influencing supposed exterior events. Like a lucid dream, we can transform suffering into joy and obstacles into opportunities with an awakened level of consciousness.By becoming "lucid" observers and wresting control from an undisciplined, reactive mind, we can reach equanimity regardless of external conditions. Distress arises from identification with the body, emotions, and rampant thoughts rather than underlying universal awareness.Delve into the parallels between dreams versus waking life, escaping "wasted suffering," using challenges for growth, and even consciously transitioning between planes of existence. Expand your self-mastery and spiritual perspective with this profound view of life as a malleable dream open to awakened direction.Cal will join us to discuss this further. Join the conversation at www.grief2growth.com/community Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:Guided MeditationsMy book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved onesMini-coursesMini-guidesCheck it out at https://grief2growth.com/store Do near-death experiences inspire you? Are you moved by the research showing we are more than our bodies?To celebrate the 50th anniversary of near-death studies, IANDS has launched the Chrysalis Campaign. Join at the Supporting level or higher, or make a donation of $100 or more, you’ll receive a commemorative mug.🌍 Visit IANDS.org and click “Give” to support this vital work. What really happens when we die? And how can understanding near-death experiences transform the way we live?Join nearly 1,000 attendees August 27–31, 2025 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills near Chicago for four days of soul-stirring keynotes, healing practices, and conversations that expand your understanding of life, death, and everything in between.Register now at Conference.IANDS.org Support the show🧑🏿🤝🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education 👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)📰 Get A Free Gift📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call📈 Leave A ReviewThanks so much for your support

Jan 5, 2024 • 1h 8min
Grief and Spiritual Signs From Loved Ones with Shining Light Mother Pam Grout EP 327
Send me a Text MessageAuthor and spiritual teacher Pam Grout shares her journey of grief, joy, loss, miracles, and healing after losing her daughter. Pam talks about her bestselling books like "E Squared," "The Course In Miracles Experiment," her foundation in honor of her daughter, the role of synchronicities & manifestation, and more. A psychic told Pam she'd have a daughter. At age 36 and single, she didn't think it was true. Taz turned out to be a turning point in Pam's life, even though Taz would only remain in the physical for 25 years.We explore the following:* Pam's incredible bond with her late daughter Tasmin and how Tasmin continues to send her miraculous signs* Allowing grief and possibility to coexist through choosing empowering stories* Pam's transformative spiritual journey and lessons after losing TasminInsights from "A Course in Miracles" and practicing forgiveness* Understanding intuition vs intellect and moving from knowledge to wisdom* Thinking quantumly, the invisible forces that shape our reality*Letting go of control and expectations to allow miracles and magicWhether you're navigating loss or seeking to expand your spiritual growth, this interview invites you to open your mind and heart.00:00 - Introduction02:02 - Pam shares about her daughter Tasmin08:40 - Pam's experience of sudden loss10:38 - Was Pam's motherhood pre-destined?17:29 - The ongoing hedgehog miracles from Tasmin20:34 - Did Pam and Tasmin plan this life together?22:25 - Tasmin as an "old soul" who came to spread love24:55 - How losing Tasmin changed Pam's writing and focus27:04 - Overview of Pam's book "E Squared"29:26 - If we create our own reality, would we choose grief?32:31 - Stories of unexpected money manifestationsVisit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:Guided MeditationsMy book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved onesMini-coursesMini-guidesCheck it out at https://grief2growth.com/store Do near-death experiences inspire you? Are you moved by the research showing we are more than our bodies?To celebrate the 50th anniversary of near-death studies, IANDS has launched the Chrysalis Campaign. Join at the Supporting level or higher, or make a donation of $100 or more, you’ll receive a commemorative mug.🌍 Visit IANDS.org and click “Give” to support this vital work. What really happens when we die? And how can understanding near-death experiences transform the way we live?Join nearly 1,000 attendees August 27–31, 2025 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills near Chicago for four days of soul-stirring keynotes, healing practices, and conversations that expand your understanding of life, death, and everything in between.Register now at Conference.IANDS.org Support the show🧑🏿🤝🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education 👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)📰 Get A Free Gift📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call📈 Leave A ReviewThanks so much for your support

Jan 2, 2024 • 22min
Every Ending Is A New Beginning- Personal Reflections On A Momentous New Year EP 326
Send me a Text MessageIn this deeply personal bonus episode, host Brian Smith records on a poignant day - just after his mother-in-law, Margaret, transitioned from the physical to the spirit world. As he navigates through the complex emotions of grief and celebration, Brian shares his journey of the past few days, marked by family events and the bittersweet farewell to a loved one.Join Brian as he reflects on the dual nature of endings and beginnings, especially poignant at the start of a new year. He delves into the emotional rollercoaster of attending a joyous family wedding while preparing for the imminent passing of a beloved family member. Brian shares intimate moments and insights, from the anticipation of loss to the profound understanding of life as a continuous journey beyond physical existence.Brian explores life as a lucid dream through personal anecdotes, where those who have passed are awake, and those living are still dreaming. He shares the comforting vision of his loved ones in spirit, celebrating a reunion, and provides a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable life of his mother-in-law, Margaret.This episode is not just a story of personal loss and hope but an invitation to reflect on your experiences with endings and beginnings. Brian's message is clear: while we navigate the complexities of grief and joy, every ending is also a new beginning, and life, in its entirety, is a continuous, ever-evolving journey.Tune in for an episode filled with raw emotion, philosophical insights, and a message of enduring hope and celebration of life beyond the physical realm. Join Brian as he sets the tone for 2024, promising to continue building a community of understanding, sharing, and growth. Let's embrace the journey together, making the most of our time here and looking forward to the upcoming grand reunion party.Listen to "Endings and New Beginnings: A Personal Reflection on Transition and Continuity" on the Grief 2 Growth podcast.Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:Guided MeditationsMy book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved onesMini-coursesMini-guidesCheck it out at https://grief2growth.com/store Support the show🧑🏿🤝🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education 👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)📰 Get A Free Gift📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call📈 Leave A ReviewThanks so much for your support

Dec 26, 2023 • 1h 18min
What Would You Do If Tomorrow Was Guaranteed To Be Your Last Day On Earth? EP 325
Send me a Text MessageWhat would you do if tomorrow was guaranteed to be your last day on Earth? This soul-searching question gripped Kate Mansur after she lost four friends in shocking deaths. Listen as she shares her journey from paralyzing fear to empowered living as mortality awoke her to what truly matters. After unexpectedly losing four close friends, Kate Mansur found herself gripped with a paralyzing fear of death. She had blindly assumed she'd live to a ripe old age, but the abrupt deaths of her young friends shattered this belief. Plunged into an existential crisis, Kate gradually moved from trauma to growth as she realized the utter lack of control we have over our mortality. Her perspective profoundly shifted after the death of her adventurous friend Dan, who fully lived chasing his dreams until his tragic end on Mount Everest. Kate shares her journey from fearful and playing it safe while working at Google, to radically reinventing her life in alignment with her curiosity and joy. She explains how acknowledging the fragility of life can be a gateway to awakening - helping us gain clarity, urgency, and motivation to live authentically without clinging to societal expectations.Kate also provides psychological insights into our fear of death, the concept of post-traumatic growth, and actionable ways we can cultivate aliveness by embracing uncertainty. Tune in for an inspiring and insightful conversation!Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:Guided MeditationsMy book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved onesMini-coursesMini-guidesCheck it out at https://grief2growth.com/store Do near-death experiences inspire you? Are you moved by the research showing we are more than our bodies?To celebrate the 50th anniversary of near-death studies, IANDS has launched the Chrysalis Campaign. Join at the Supporting level or higher, or make a donation of $100 or more, you’ll receive a commemorative mug.🌍 Visit IANDS.org and click “Give” to support this vital work. What really happens when we die? And how can understanding near-death experiences transform the way we live?Join nearly 1,000 attendees August 27–31, 2025 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills near Chicago for four days of soul-stirring keynotes, healing practices, and conversations that expand your understanding of life, death, and everything in between.Register now at Conference.IANDS.org Support the show🧑🏿🤝🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education 👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)📰 Get A Free Gift📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call📈 Leave A ReviewThanks so much for your support

Dec 18, 2023 • 1h 17min
👀 Find Out What Unseen Forces Influence Your Behavior- with Frances Key
Send me a Text MessageIf you've ever longed to lift the veil and understand what lies beyond this earthly realm, this profound wisdom from Frankie Key will open your eyes and heart. Tune in now to glimpse eternity and your divine connection to life. Frankie has been on the program before. I will continue to have her back because her message is just that important. I want everyone to understand it.Frankie has been passionate about spiritual growth from a young age. She shares extraordinary insights gained through personal tragedy and channeling wisdom from her deceased mother and spiritual team. Tune in to discover profound perspectives as Frankie reveals:- We are all part of spiritual teams working together across dimensions for human evolution - Our thoughts and actions contribute vibrational energy to collective spheres which influence events- Doing our inner work and raising consciousness is how we impact outer events - Self-condemnation comes from pride, true humility recognizes we all make mistakes- Forgiveness sets us free from past pain and interrupts cycles of revengeQuotes from the interview: "You are not alone. You're not even functioning as one person. Nobody is, for you are a member of a team, a spiritual team, as close to you as breathing.""Everything is layered, one upon the other, and grouped into a unified point. So everything is built upon each other and accomplished.""As soon as you catch it, even if it's little, you know, if it's very small if it's a nudge, it starts to lose its power. You know, when you can name it."Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:Guided MeditationsMy book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved onesMini-coursesMini-guidesCheck it out at https://grief2growth.com/store Do near-death experiences inspire you? Are you moved by the research showing we are more than our bodies?To celebrate the 50th anniversary of near-death studies, IANDS has launched the Chrysalis Campaign. Join at the Supporting level or higher, or make a donation of $100 or more, you’ll receive a commemorative mug.🌍 Visit IANDS.org and click “Give” to support this vital work. What really happens when we die? And how can understanding near-death experiences transform the way we live?Join nearly 1,000 attendees August 27–31, 2025 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills near Chicago for four days of soul-stirring keynotes, healing practices, and conversations that expand your understanding of life, death, and everything in between.Register now at Conference.IANDS.org Support the show🧑🏿🤝🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education 👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)📰 Get A Free Gift📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call📈 Leave A ReviewThanks so much for your support

Dec 17, 2023 • 6min
🌱 Change Is The Only Constant – Check out how Grief 2 Growth is growing
Send me a Text MessageIn this special episode of Grief 2 Growth join Brian D. Smith as we dive into a series of uplifting announcements and important updates that are shaping the future of our journey together.🌟 Heartfelt Gratitude: We kick off with a sincere thank you to all our listeners and supporters. Your financial contributions, dedication, and efforts to spread the word have been instrumental in our growth and reach.💖 Special Acknowledgement: A warm shout-out to a super fan for her generous support. Her contribution is not just financial but a significant boost to our creative vision.🏆 Awards Galore: Hear about the exciting news of our podcast receiving two prestigious awards from Speak Up Talk Radio. 🌐 Website Relaunch: Discover the new features of our revamped website, designed for easier navigation and a more user-friendly experience. Plus, learn about my favorite new feature.🔄 Course Relaunch & Community Circle: Learn about the relaunch of the 'Love Never Dies' course on our new platform - the Grief 2 Growth Community Circle. This platform is an ad-free, distraction-free zone like to a social media network but focused solely on our growth and healing journey.💬 Invitation to Connect: Find out how you can be part of this enriching community, interact with experts, and access exclusive content. All the details on how to join and what to expect are just a click away.This episode is not just about sharing good news but also about expressing my deep appreciation for your continued support. Remember, with your help, we can keep spreading positivity and growth.📺 Stay Tuned: The episode also includes some hints at future projects and invitations to be more actively involved in our community.Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:Guided MeditationsMy book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved onesMini-coursesMini-guidesCheck it out at https://grief2growth.com/store Support the show🧑🏿🤝🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education 👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)📰 Get A Free Gift📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call📈 Leave A ReviewThanks so much for your support

Dec 11, 2023 • 1h 3min
A Mother's Love Beyond Death LIVE CHANNELING Episode
Send me a Text MessageStick around to the end. We have LIVE CHANNELING in this episode. Ever wondered if there’s a spiritual world that we can reach out to? Do people really receive messages from their loved ones who have passed away? Join me, Brian, on an inspiring journey as we delve into the enigmatic world of spirituality and mediumship with Claudia Milligan, a mother turned medium, author, and psychic - sparked by an intense personal loss. Claudia shares her transformation from a non-spiritual person to someone deeply connected with the spirit world, which began after the passing of her son, David.Claudia's tale is a testament to a mother's enduring love. We discuss her book, "Letters to David," a chronicle of her ongoing communication with her son in spirit, and take a walk in the meadow of her imagination - her spiritual sanctuary. Claudia offers an intriguing perspective on soul planning, revealing how this concept can offer comfort to grieving parents. We also chat about the challenges she faced in receiving messages from the beyond, her initial skepticism, and the transformative encounter with a Reiki medium who helped her make sense of these experiences.Finally, take a peek into the fascinating realm of mediumship. Claudia unfolds her experience of channeling spirits and offers tips for those interested in embarking on this journey. We also touch on Claudia's work as a psychic medium, how it uplifts individuals to break free from limiting beliefs, and her emphasis on self-care and balance in life. Intrigued? Head over to her website, hellofromhomecom, and learn more about her journey. Let's give space to our inner voice and think for ourselves. Join us on this illuminating exploration.Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:Guided MeditationsMy book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved onesMini-coursesMini-guidesCheck it out at https://grief2growth.com/store Do near-death experiences inspire you? Are you moved by the research showing we are more than our bodies?To celebrate the 50th anniversary of near-death studies, IANDS has launched the Chrysalis Campaign. Join at the Supporting level or higher, or make a donation of $100 or more, you’ll receive a commemorative mug.🌍 Visit IANDS.org and click “Give” to support this vital work. What really happens when we die? And how can understanding near-death experiences transform the way we live?Join nearly 1,000 attendees August 27–31, 2025 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills near Chicago for four days of soul-stirring keynotes, healing practices, and conversations that expand your understanding of life, death, and everything in between.Register now at Conference.IANDS.org Support the show🧑🏿🤝🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education 👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)📰 Get A Free Gift📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call📈 Leave A ReviewThanks so much for your support