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🧠 What if the voice in your head saying you're not enough… isn’t really yours?

In this powerful and vulnerable episode of Grief 2 Growth, Brian D. Smith sits down with Monica Gullotta—educator, author, and shame recovery mentor—to unmask the silent, insidious force that shapes how we see ourselves: shame.

Whether it stems from childhood trauma, religion, culture, or societal conditioning, shame often drives our behaviors without our awareness. Monica bravely shares her personal story, clinical insights, and the 7 Developmental and Recovery Stages of Shame—a framework that has transformed countless lives.

If you've ever felt like you're not worthy, not lovable, or stuck in your healing journey, this episode will give you the awareness, tools, and hope to take your first step toward emotional liberation.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

• The surprising definition of shame—and why most people don’t know they have it
• How shame differs from guilt (and why that matters)
• The hidden ways shame shows up: addiction, anxiety, imposter syndrome, isolation
• Why religion and culture often unintentionally breed toxic shame
• Monica’s ARM Method and “Detect & Redirect” technique for real-life healing
• How shame deepens the pain of grief and blocks emotional recovery
• The 7 stages of shame recovery—from victimization to liberation

👩‍⚕️ About Monica Gullotta:

Monica has over 25 years of experience supporting people through panic, anxiety, depression, and most importantly—shame. She founded the Upstate Group for Panic, Anxiety, and Depression in 1999, and in 2009 opened the Ray of Hope Wellness Center. Her mission is to help individuals reclaim their lives through compassionate, honest, and empowering mentorship.

📚 Monica’s Books:

• Conquering Shame: From Surviving to Thriving
• Therapy Land
• Rethinking Anxiety and Depression: Two Important Messengers

🛒 All available on Amazon

🌐 Connect with Monica:

Website: https://www.monica

Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:

• Guided Meditations
• My book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)
• My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved ones
• Mini-courses
• Mini-guides
  
  

Check it out at https://grief2growth.com/store

You can send me a text by clicking the link at the top of the show notes. Use fanmail to:

1.) Ask questions.
2.) Suggest future guests/topics.
3.) Provide feedback

Can't wait to hear from you!

I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.

https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons

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 Review

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What if your soulmate could still reach you from the other side?

In this unforgettable episode, Brian D. Smith talks with Pam Johnson, a healer, channeler, and co-author of Supernatural Love: A True Story of Life and Love After Death. When her husband Alan passed away unexpectedly on his birthday in 2020, Pam’s heart broke—but it didn’t close. Instead, Alan returned from Spirit with a message: “We’re not done.”

Pam and Alan spent more than 30 years together as mediums, healers, and spiritual teachers. And now, they continue their life’s work—across the veil. Together, they co-authored a book after Alan’s passing, and they now teach others how to maintain interdimensional relationships through their Supernatural Love Academy.

🎧 This episode is a must-listen if you’re:

• Grieving the loss of a spouse or partner
• Curious about channeling and after-death communication
• Wondering if love really can last beyond the physical
• Seeking hope, healing, and spiritual connection after loss

Pam’s story is a testament to the power of eternal love—and the possibility of continuing our most sacred relationships soul-to-soul.

🔗 Guest Links:

🌐 Website: www.supernaturallove.com
📘 Book: Supernatural Love: A True Story of Life and Love After Death on Amazon
📺 YouTube Channel: @pamelajohnson — Live weekly teachings
🌀 Alchemy of Supernatural Love: Learn more here

💬 Feedback Prompt:

🌟 Have you ever felt a loved one reaching out to you fro

Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:

• Guided Meditations
• My book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)
• My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved ones
• Mini-courses
• Mini-guides
  
  

Check 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 Review

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In one of our most profound conversations yet, Rachel Corpus shares her lived experience as a Seraphim angel in a human body. At just 4 years old, a near-death experience shattered her earthly identity—and reminded her of her divine mission.

Rachel reveals how angels incarnate with purpose, what she was shown about humanity’s evolution, and how each of us can remember our eternal nature. Whether you're healing from grief, exploring your spiritual gifts, or curious about life beyond the veil, this episode will stir your soul.

🧭 What You'll Discover:

• 👼 What it means to be an angel in human form
• ✨ Rachel’s near-death experiences and what she saw on “the other side”
• 🔄 Why we choose difficult lives—and how to reframe struggle
• 🌍 Earth’s unique role in the cosmos and what’s shifting in 2025
• 🌱 The awakening of children with intuitive gifts—and how they’re here to help us remember
• 🌌 How to access your soul's origin and strengthen your intuition
• 🕊️ What happens when we die and why no one crosses over alone
• 💔 Guidance for comforting others in grief when words fall short

🔗 Links & Resources:

• 🎧 Listen to Rachel’s podcast: Angel Talk
• 🌐 Learn more about Rachel: www.rachelcorpus.com
• 💬 Join the conversation: grief2growth.com/community

💬 We'd Love To Hear From You:

• Have you ever felt like Earth wasn’t your original home?
• Do you believe angels can incarnate?
• What part of Rachel’s story resonated most deeply with you?

👉 Leave a comment, send us a message, or share your story in our community:
🔗 grief2growth.com/community

🙏 Support the Podcast:

If this episode inspired or comforted you, consider rating & reviewing Grief 2 Growth on your favorite podcast app. Your support helps others discover the show.

Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:

• Guided Meditations
• My book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)
• My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved ones
• Mini-courses
• Mini-guides
  
  

Check it out at https://grief2growth.com/store

You can send me a text by clicking the link at the top of the show notes. Use fanmail to:

1.) Ask questions.
2.) Suggest future guests/topics.
3.) Provide feedback

Can't wait to hear from you!

I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.

https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons

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 Review

Thanks so much for your support

Send me a Text Message

In this unforgettable conversation, host Brian D. Smith talks with Kim Hodous, a speaker, author, and “shining light parent” who has experienced the unimaginable—losing not one, but two of her children. In her search for healing, Kim discovered something extraordinary: a way to continue her relationship with her son Rob, even after his passing.

Raised in a religious household, Kim’s beliefs were shaken—and ultimately expanded—when grief became her teacher and spirit became her guide. In this episode, she shares:

• Her early religious roots and how grief transformed her faith
• The distinction between fentanyl poisoning and overdose
• Her emotional journey of connecting with her children in spirit
• How Rob continues to guide her from the other side 💫
• Why she believes that any parent can connect with their child

Kim’s story offers not just hope, but practical guidance for navigating the intersection of loss, love, and the afterlife.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• 🌐 Visit Kim's site & course info: https://messagesformoms.com
• 📘 Be the first to get Kim’s upcoming book: “Beyond Grief: How a Son's Afterlife Connection Transformed a Mother's Loss into a Remarkable Spiritual Journey” (join her launch list on her site)
• 💬 Continue the conversation: https://grief2growth.com/community

🔊 Listen Now On:

• Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube

💡 Highlights You’ll Love:

• The dream that changed everything: Kim’s “waking dream” visit from Rob
• How grief can be both a portal to pain and a path to power
• Why Kim says Rob’s death was “exactly on time”
• The surprising connection between addiction and spiritual purpose

💬 We Want to Hear from You!

✨ Have you experienced a sign from a loved one in spirit?
✨ Do you struggle to reconcile religious teachings with spiritual experiences?

Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:

• Guided Meditations
• My book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)
• My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved ones
• Mini-courses
• Mini-guides
  
  

Check it out at https://grief2growth.com/store

You can send me a text by clicking the link at the top of the show notes. Use fanmail to:

1.) Ask questions.
2.) Suggest future guests/topics.
3.) Provide feedback

Can't wait to hear from you!

I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.

https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons

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 Review

Thanks so much for your support

Send me a Text Message

🔍 Episode Summary:

What if the stories we’ve buried hold the power to heal us? In this deeply personal and moving conversation, Brian D. Smith speaks with Kennerly Clay, author of Letters from East of Nowhere, about the long road to forgiveness, the wounds of parental abandonment, and the unexpected redemption found in decades of handwritten letters.

Kennerly’s father, an alcoholic and long-haul truck driver, was largely absent from her life. But through raw honesty, early sobriety, and years of storytelling, she found a way to forgive—and even to love—the man who shaped her pain.

💬 This episode explores:

• The power of writing to reclaim your narrative 🖋️
• How forgiveness frees us, even when others don’t change 🕊️
• Rediscovering lost love through preserved letters 💌
• Turning personal trauma into a purposeful message 🌈

You’ll walk away with a new lens on your own past—and perhaps the courage to look at it with more compassion.

👤 Guest: Kennerly Clay

Kennerly is a memoirist, speaker, and storytelling strategist helping others transform personal pain into powerful purpose. Her memoir Letters from East of Nowhere: Daddy’s Words to Live, Drink, and Die By is available now.

🔗 Learn more & get the book: https://lettersfromeastofnowhere.com

🔗 Links & Resources

• 💻 Visit our community: grief2growth.com/community
• 📘 Get Letters from East of Nowhere: lettersfromeastofnowhere.com
• 🎧 Subscribe on YouTube: Grief 2 Growth Channel
• 📬 Join Brian’s newsletter: grief2growth.com

🔁 Share This Episode

Know someone who's struggling to forgive a parent? Or searching for purpose in pain?
🎧 Share this episode with a friend, and tag us @grief2growth on social media!

💭 We Want to Hear From You

What’s one story from your past you’ve learned to see in a new light?

👇 Leave a comment on YouTube or join our c

Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:

• Guided Meditations
• My book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)
• My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved ones
• Mini-courses
• Mini-guides
  
  

Check it out at https://grief2growth.com/store

You can send me a text by clicking the link at the top of the show notes. Use fanmail to:

1.) Ask questions.
2.) Suggest future guests/topics.
3.) Provide feedback

Can't wait to hear from you!

I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.

https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons

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 Review

Thanks so much for your support

Send me a Text Message

Episode Summary:
Award-winning filmmaker and afterlife researcher Daniel Drasin joins Brian for one of the most mind-opening conversations in Grief to Growth history. From capturing real spirit voices through EVP to experiencing a solid, physical ghost encounter witnessed by multiple people, Daniel shares decades of research that challenge what we think we know about reality.

Together, they dive deep into instrumental transcommunication (ITC), the power of language in shaping our beliefs, and the vital distinction between scientific skepticism and close-minded debunking. Whether you’re grieving, curious, or deeply spiritual, this episode will stir your soul and stretch your mind.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• 🎬 How Daniel went from filmmaking to afterlife exploration
• 🎤 What EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) tells us about spirit contact
• 📺 The mysterious origins of video and photographic spirit messages
• 👻 Daniel’s unforgettable experience with a spirit who physically manifested
• 🧠 How language limits—and expands—our understanding of consciousness
• 🔬 Why true science embraces curiosity, not dismissal
• 📱 Are spirits using modern tech to reach us?

Watch Daniel’s Films:
📽 Calling Earth & The Scole Experiment — Watch on Vimeo
📘 Buy the book: A New Science of the Afterlife

Join the Conversation:
💬 Got a story or sign from a loved one? Share it in our community:
👉 grief2growth.com/community

Connect with Daniel Drasin:
🌐 Website: dandrasin.com
📖 A New Science of the Afterlife – available wherever books are sold

💬 We Want to Hear from You!

Have you ever experienced a sign from a loved one?
What do you think about afterlife communication?

Drop a comment, email Brian, or come share your experience in the community.

Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:

• Guided Meditations
• My book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)
• My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved ones
• Mini-courses
• Mini-guides
  
  

Check it out at https://grief2growth.com/store

You can send me a text by clicking the link at the top of the show notes. Use fanmail to:

1.) Ask questions.
2.) Suggest future guests/topics.
3.) Provide feedback

Can't wait to hear from you!

I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.

https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons

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 Review

Thanks so much for your support

Send me a Text Message

What do you do when the person who caused your deepest pain is someone you once loved—and trusted?

In this gripping and emotionally raw episode, Scott Stewart shares his incredible story of survival, healing, and transformation. Raised in a home of fear, manipulation, and emotional volatility, Scott’s life was forever changed when his father murdered his mother. But instead of staying locked in bitterness, Scott made a bold decision: to forgive—not for his father, but for himself.

Over 12+ years of therapy and soul-searching, Scott unpacked what forgiveness really means—and what it’s not. This episode will challenge you, inspire you, and possibly give you the keys to your own healing.

💡 What You'll Learn

• How Scott broke free from a cycle of generational abuse
• The role therapy and faith played in his healing
• What forgiveness actually is—and common myths we all believe
• The 6 reasons people stay stuck in anger
• Why forgiveness is a process, not a single decision
• How to reclaim your future by letting go of the past

🔗 Guest Links

🌐 Website: scottstewartspeaking.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Scott Stewart on LinkedIn
📘 Facebook Page: Scott Stewart: Author, Speaker, Overcomer

💬 Join the Conversation

🗣️ Have you struggled to forgive someone who hurt you deeply? What helped—or held you back?
👉 Share your story and connect with others at our community hub:
🔗 grief2growth.com/community

🙏 Leave Us a Review

If this episode moved you, please consider leaving a review. It helps others find the podcast and reminds them they're not alone.

Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:

• Guided Meditations
• My book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)
• My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved ones
• Mini-courses
• Mini-guides
  
  

Check it out at https://grief2growth.com/store

You can send me a text by clicking the link at the top of the show notes. Use fanmail to:

1.) Ask questions.
2.) Suggest future guests/topics.
3.) Provide feedback

Can't wait to hear from you!

I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.

https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons

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 Review

Thanks so much for your support

Send me a Text Message

In this powerful conversation, host Brian Smith welcomes back Sally Hawk—founder of VerySoul—and evidential medium Sherry Abdou. Together, they explore the spiritual guidance behind VerySoul's creation and how it's become a beacon of hope for grieving people around the world.

VerySoul now hosts over 2,500 vetted mediums across 50+ countries, solving the biggest challenges people face when seeking a connection: affordability, trust, and availability. Sally reveals how this spirit-guided platform is revolutionizing mediumship, while Sherry shares her deeply personal journey—losing her child, caring for her father, and developing the gifts she now uses to bring healing to others.

Whether you’ve lost a child, spouse, friend, or parent—or you’re simply curious about the afterlife—this episode will speak to your heart. ❤️

🔗 Links & Resources:

• 🌐 VerySoul – Book a reading or become a medium: https://verysoul.com
• 👩‍💻 Learn more about Sally Hawk: https://verysoul.com
• 📞 Connect with Sherry Abdou via VerySoul: Sherry's Profile (link to her direct profile if available)
• 💬 Continue the conversation in the Grief 2 Growth Community: grief2growth.com/community

🧭 Episode Highlights:

• Sally's journey from corporate leadership to spiritual service
• How Spirit designed VerySoul—and what makes it truly unique
• Sherry’s awakening after loss, and how caregiving opened her gifts
• The truth about developing mediumship: training, practice, and spiritual growth
• What makes a medium “ethical” and how VerySoul sets those standards
• The emotional side of evidential readings—and why compassion matters
• Real stories of validation that brought peace, healing, and awe

💬 Your Voice Matters:

We'd love to hear from you!
📝 What resonated with you most in this episode?
🎧 Have you had a mediumship experience that changed your view of grief or the afterlife?

👇 Drop a comment on YouTube or join the deeper discussion in

Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:

• Guided Meditations
• My book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)
• My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved ones
• Mini-courses
• Mini-guides
  
  

Check it out at https://grief2growth.com/store

You can send me a text by clicking the link at the top of the show notes. Use fanmail to:

1.) Ask questions.
2.) Suggest future guests/topics.
3.) Provide feedback

Can't wait to hear from you!

I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.

https://www.grief2growth.com/ndelessons

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 Review

Thanks so much for your support