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The mission of this podcast is to explore all areas of grief by educating through stories and experiences. This podcast is for grievers and those wanting to learn how to support grievers.
Episodes
Aug 11, 2026
Aug 11, 2026
49 min
Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not establish a therapist-client relationship with Herdyne Mercier, Mercier Wellness & Consulting, or podcast guests. Please seek professional support for your individual mental health needs.
Episode Introduction:
What if the life you planned isn’t the life your soul is asking you to live?
At 35, Kristy Halvorsen made a decision that would completely reshape her life. After leaving engineering for firefighting, health challenges and an on-duty injury led her to reconsider what she wanted her future to look like. She sold her home, packed what remained into her Airstream and set out to live the retirement dream she had been saving for someday.
What followed was freedom, adventure, and an unexpected season of grief.
In this episode, Kristy joins Herdyne Mercier to talk about what it meant to leave behind a career, friendships, a home and an identity she loved, only to find herself questioning whether she had made the right choice. Their conversation also reaches into the childhood experiences that shaped Kristy’s relationship with love and loss, including the healing that eventually allowed her to rebuild her relationship with her mother.
Kristy shares the “tickles of my soul,” her way of describing the inner knowing she has learned to trust throughout nearly nine years of travel. Together, she and Herdyne explore intuition, stillness, surrender, curiosity and what happens when we stop trying to control exactly how our lives are supposed to unfold.
This conversation is for anyone standing between the life they knew and whatever comes next. It’s an invitation to release the need for certainty, listen more closely to yourself and remain open to the possibility that a different path can still become a beautiful one.
Key Takeaways:
- Even a change you willingly choose can come with real grief.
- Childhood experiences can quietly shape the stories we carry into adulthood.
- Letting go of a predicted future can create space to experience the life that is actually unfolding.
- Stillness can help us hear the intuition that gets buried beneath everyday noise.
- Curiosity can offer another way to approach uncertainty when control is impossible.
- Success can mean knowing yourself deeply enough to follow what feels aligned rather than what looks impressive.
- Difficult experiences can take on new meaning as our lives continue to unfold.
- Healing can include discovering that you are stronger than you ever imagined.
About Our Guest:
If "normal" is a way of being, Kristy Halvorsen is not that. In 2017, she sold everything, left her firefighting career, and hit the road in her Airstream trailer. For nearly nine years, she has migrated with the seasons, often with no idea where she's headed next.
In addition to being a nomadic world traveler, she is a mentor, coach, and bestselling author of Perfect Unfolding: Seven Years of Life-Changing Solo Adventure, One Year That Broke Me Open, a vulnerable, deeply human account of what’s possible when you live in curiosity and wonder, embrace the unknown, and trust life while waking up to the simplicity and freedom available to us all.
Episode Quotes:
“Even in the worst parts of our life, in the hardest times, there's a reason behind all of that.” — Kristy Halvorsen
“Letting go of the predicted future, letting go of how we think things should be.” — Kristy Halvorsen
“The control is not mine to have.” — Kristy Halvorsen
“Curiosity is the spice of life.” — Kristy Halvorsen
“Our intuition is our true guide.” — Herdyne Mercier
“Life is not perfect, but it must be lived.” — Herdyne Mercier
Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom (P.O.W.) Question:
Q. If today was your last day on Earth, what would you want people to remember in five words or less?
A. We are love.
Q. What have you learned about yourself since redefining the grief in your life?
A. “That I'm stronger than I ever could imagine I was. And that it's all gonna work out, even if I have no idea what work out is.” — Kristy Halvorsen
Q. When life is life-ing and the storms come, what song gets you through?
A. The song of Kristy’s soul.
Episode Time-Stamps:
00:00 Welcome to the Redefining Grief Podcast
03:30 From Engineering to Firefighting
08:00 Selling Everything & Choosing a Life on the Road
13:00 Nine Years of Solo Travel & the “Perfect Unfolding”
16:00 Healing the Childhood Story of Being Unlovable
24:00 Grieving the Person You Used to Be
27:00 Stillness, Intuition & Hearing the Whisper
31:00 Letting Go of Control & Choosing Curiosity
39:00 What Anchors Kristy Today
45:30 Pearls of Wisdom
Book Mentioned:
“Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” by Herdyne Mercier, LCSW - https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/
“Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” Kindle Edition: https://a.co/d/0gHo5xw3
RESTORED: A 21-Day Prayer, Worship, and Journaling Experience: https://a.co/d/0cCEeEtd
Perfect Unfolding: Seven Years of Life-Changing Solo Adventure, One Year That Broke Me Open By Kristy Halvorsen: https://perfectunfolding.com/
[COMING SOON] RELEASE: A 30-Day Guided Journey to Healing, Letting Go, and Embracing the Person You Were Always Meant to Be: www.herdyne.com
Resources:
Grief Assessment for Adults: https://griefpattern.lovable.app/
Grief Assessment for Children: https://childgriefmap.lovable.app/
Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: creoleadventures@gmail.com
This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader
Connect with Kristy Halvorsen:
Website: https://perfectunfolding.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristy.halvorsen/
Connect with Herdyne:
Website: www.herdyne.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier
Email: connect@herdyne.com
Aug 4, 2026
Aug 4, 2026
42 min
Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not establish a therapist-client relationship with Herdyne Mercier, Mercier Wellness & Consulting, or podcast guests. Please seek professional support for your individual mental health needs.
Episode Introduction:
Grief can feel incredibly isolating, but it doesn't have to be.
In this special resource-focused episode, Herdyne Mercier welcomes Debra Albo-Steiger, LCSW, CEO of the Children's Bereavement Center, to discuss one of the most valuable grief resources available for children, teens and adults.
Together, they explore how peer grief support differs from therapy, why no one should have to navigate loss alone and how grief support groups create safe spaces where people can share their experiences without judgment.
Debra explains how the Children's Bereavement Center provides free grief support services in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole, both virtually and throughout South Florida. She also shares why grief is deeply individual, why there are no stages of grief, and why grief-informed training is essential for clinicians, educators and anyone supporting someone after a loss.
Whether you're grieving yourself, supporting someone you love or you're a mental health professional wanting to deepen your understanding of grief, this conversation offers practical resources, hope and reassurance that healing is possible in community.
Key Takeaways:
- Peer grief support is different from therapy and both have an important place in healing.
- Grief has no timeline and no "right" way to look.
- There are no stages of grief that everyone follows.
- Grief-informed training benefits clinicians, educators, caregivers and communities alike.
- Specialized grief groups can provide additional support for unique types of loss.
- Community is one of the greatest protective factors during grief.
- Every person's grief experience is uniquely their own.
About Our Guest:
Debra Albo-Steiger, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the CEO of the Children's Bereavement Center (CBC) and its adult grief support program, Lift From Loss. With more than 20 years of experience in education, mental health, public policy, and social services, she has dedicated her career to advocating for children, youth, and families experiencing trauma and loss.
Debra began her career as a School Social Worker with Chicago Public Schools, where she supported students and families in predominantly Spanish-speaking communities impacted by gang violence. After returning to South Florida in 2005, she continued championing vulnerable populations through her work with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, helping expand services through Project UP-START, the district's Homeless Education Program.
In 2021, Debra became CEO of the Children's Bereavement Center, leading the organization's mission to ensure that no one grieves alone after the death of a loved one. Under her leadership, CBC and Lift From Loss have expanded their free grief support services across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties while extending their reach nationally through virtual programming and grief-informed training.
A passionate advocate for accessible mental health care, Debra believes meaningful change happens through collaboration. By working alongside community partners, clinicians, educators, and organizations, she strives to ensure that individuals and families have access to the support and resources they need to heal.
Episode Quotes:
"Nobody should ever grieve alone." — Debra Albo-Steiger
"Listening is very therapeutic." — Debra Albo-Steiger
"Each person is their own expert on grief." — Debra Albo-Steiger
"There are no stages of grief." — Debra Albo-Steiger
"The moment you start fighting with grief, you have lost the battle." — Herdyne Mercier
"We do not heal in isolation." — Herdyne Mercier
"Grief is a human experience. Anybody that has a heart is going to experience grief." — Herdyne Mercier
Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom (P.O.W.) Question:
Q. How have you redefined grief in your own life?
A. "It was really being a facilitator that changed me. After losing my grandfather during COVID, I joined one of our groups and did an activity about him. I realized I was carrying something inside of me that I didn't even know was there. I slept better that night than I had in a year and a half." — Debra Albo-Steiger
Episode Time-Stamps:
00:00 Welcome to The Redefining Grief Podcast
03:20 Inside the Children's Bereavement Center
05:00 What to Expect from a Grief Support Group
08:00 Free Grief Support Available Worldwide
11:20 Grief Support vs. Therapy
13:00 Grief-Informed Training for Clinicians & Communities
20:40 The Truth About the "Stages of Grief"
26:00 Specialized Grief Support Groups
29:30 Helping Children Process Grief
34:00 Community Events & Ways to Get Involved
38:30 Pearls of Wisdom: How Grief Changed Debra's Life
40:00 Final Thoughts & Closing
Book Mentioned:
“Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” by Herdyne Mercier, LCSW - https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/
“Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” Kindle Edition: https://a.co/d/0gHo5xw3
RESTORED: A 21-Day Prayer, Worship, and Journaling Experience: https://a.co/d/0cCEeEtd
[COMING SOON] RELEASE: A 30-Day Guided Journey to Healing, Letting Go, and Embracing the Person You Were Always Meant to Be: www.herdyne.com
Resources:
Grief Assessment for Adults: https://griefpattern.lovable.app/
Grief Assessment for Children: https://childgriefmap.lovable.app/
Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: creoleadventures@gmail.com
This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader
Connect with Debra Albo-Steiger, LCSW:
Website: liftfromloss.org
Call: 888-988-5434 | 888-988-5438
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MiamiCBC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamicbc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5gvB-ZffFV6HB0DrvySoVw/videos
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-albo-steiger/
Connect with Herdyne:
Website: www.herdyne.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier
Email: connect@herdyne.com
Jun 18, 2026
Jun 18, 2026
34 min
Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not establish a therapist-client relationship with Herdyne Mercier, Mercier Wellness & Consulting, or podcast guests. Please seek professional support for your individual mental health needs.
Episode Introduction:
In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Herdyne Mercier and Kelly Davis continue exploring what it means to heal, rebuild and create a life rooted in purpose after grief. While Part 1 focused on divorce, accountability and navigating difficult transitions, this episode shifts toward restoration, marriage, personal growth and the work required to build healthy relationships after heartbreak.
Kelly opens up about remarriage, blending lives and traditions, learning how to navigate differences and the importance of understanding what both men and women need in relationships. Together, he and Herdyne discuss communication, acts of service, respect, emotional needs and the ways healthy partnerships can help us become better versions of ourselves.
The conversation also explores self-care, personal responsibility, faith, restoration and the courage required to let go of what no longer belongs in your future. Through personal stories and honest reflection, Kelly shares how he's rebuilding his life "brick by brick" and why healing is not about becoming who you used to be... it's about becoming who you're meant to be next.
This episode is a reminder that restoration is a process. Sometimes the foundation remains but everything else must be rebuilt. And that's okay!
Key Takeaways:
- Healthy relationships require compromise, communication and mutual respect.
- Men and women often communicate needs differently but both want to feel seen, heard, and valued.
- Self-care is not selfish; it is necessary for sustainable living.
- Restoration happens one step at a time, not all at once.
- Personal growth requires releasing old patterns that no longer serve you.
- A healthy marriage should encourage growth in both partners.
- Acts of service can communicate love in powerful ways.
- Faith often provides perspective during seasons of rebuilding.
About Our Guest:
Kelly Davis, widely known as Big Man Kelly, is a respected DJ, radio personality, speaker, father, and community advocate. Through his work in media, music, and public service, Kelly has spent decades connecting with audiences across South Florida while using his platform to inspire, encourage, and uplift others.
Known for his authenticity and heart for people, Kelly continues to use his experiences to spark conversations around healing, resilience, family, faith and personal growth.
Episode Quotes:
"I have to be right first before I can make my environment right." — Kelly Davis
"We need time to ourselves. We need time to recuperate, reset, and recharge our batteries." — Kelly Davis
"Love is an action verb." — Herdyne Mercier
"To be heard is to be seen in the actions that you do." — Herdyne Mercier
Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom (P.O.W.) Questions:
- If today was your last day on Earth, what would be last words you would like people to remember you by?
- "Take a moment and do some self-care.”
- When life gets to life-ing, and as you know grief comes in many forms, what song carries you through?
- "Holding On" — Gregory Porter
- What does restoration look like for you in this season?
- "I'm still in the rebuilding process, brick by brick. The foundation is there, but new rooms are being built.”
Episode Time-Stamps:
00:00 Welcome to Redefining Grief
02:15 How Kelly's New Marriage Contributed to His Healing
07:00 Space, Clutter, and How Environment Impacts Well-Being
10:00 Traditional Roles, Modern Relationships, and Marriage Expectations
15:00 How His Wife Inspired Him to Start Two New Businesses
18:00 Why Acts of Service Matter More Than We Realize
21:00 Men Need Flowers Too
24:00 Pearls of Wisdom Questions
31:00 Final Reflections and Closing Thoughts
Book Mentioned:
“Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” by Herdyne Mercier, LCSW - https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/
“Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” Kindle Edition: https://a.co/d/0gHo5xw3
RESTORED: A 21-Day Prayer, Worship, and Journaling Experience: https://a.co/d/0cCEeEtd
[COMING SOON] RELEASE: A 30-Day Guided Journey to Healing, Letting Go, and Embracing the Person You Were Always Meant to Be: www.herdyne.com
Love & Respect by Emerson Eggerichs: https://a.co/d/0h1MbWc3
Resources:
Grief Assessment for Adults: https://griefpattern.lovable.app/
Grief Assessment for Children: https://childgriefmap.lovable.app/
Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: creoleadventures@gmail.com
This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader
Connect with Kelly Davis:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dj_big_man_kelly/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigmankelly/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-davis-7a049626/
Connect with Herdyne:
Website: www.herdyne.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier
Email: connect@herdyne.com
Jun 16, 2026
Jun 16, 2026
32 min
Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not establish a therapist-client relationship with Herdyne Mercier, Mercier Wellness & Consulting, or podcast guests. Please seek professional support for your individual mental health needs.
Episode Introduction:
In Part 1 of this heartfelt conversation, Herdyne Mercier welcomes longtime friend, radio personality, DJ, speaker, and community advocate Kelly Davis, better known to many as Big Man Kelly. Together they explore the often-unspoken realities of grief, divorce, emotional healing, masculinity, community and what it means to rebuild after life's most difficult transitions.
Kelly shares how years in radio taught him the importance of authenticity, why vulnerability became a strength rather than a weakness and how supporting others through tragedy often meant carrying pieces of their pain with him long after the microphone was turned off. He also opens up about navigating divorce, confronting difficult truths, seeking therapy, leaning on faith and finding hope through the examples set by the people closest to him.
This episode is a powerful reminder that grief isn't limited to death. Sometimes grief arrives through broken relationships, changing identities, unmet expectations and major life transitions. Healing begins when we stop running from those experiences and start telling the truth about them.
And this is only the beginning!
Part 2 continues the conversation as Kelly shares how his current marriage became part of his healing journey, what restoration looks like today and the lessons he's learned about love, growth, and moving forward. Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss it.
Key Takeaways:
- Vulnerability is not weakness; it creates connection and healing.
- Community plays a vital role in helping people navigate difficult seasons.
- Healing requires taking ownership of your part in the story without drowning in guilt.
- Children benefit when adults choose healing over conflict.
- Healthy relationships can still exist after a marriage ends.
- Restoration often happens through connection, not isolation.
- Understanding how you learn can help you understand how you heal.
About Our Guest:
Kelly Davis, widely known as Big Man Kelly, is a respected DJ, radio personality, speaker, father, and community advocate. Through his work in media, music, and public service, Kelly has spent decades connecting with audiences across South Florida while using his platform to inspire, encourage, and uplift others.
Known for his authenticity and heart for people, Kelly continues to use his experiences to spark conversations around healing, resilience, family, faith and personal growth.
Episode Quotes:
"It was a safe place for me to be vulnerable, even on the number one radio show in Miami." — Kelly Davis
"I was so in my grief space that I couldn't see the healthy relationship that was coming down the road." — Kelly Davis
"Restoring looks like going to therapy, anchoring in your faith, and allowing people to help you heal." — Herdyne Mercier
"Healing is not meant to be done in isolation." — Herdyne Mercier
Episode Time-Stamps:
- 00:00 Welcome to the Redefining Grief Podcast
- 03:45 The pressure of being a public figure while carrying pain
- 06:00 Carrying other people's grief and stories
- 09:15 The importance of community and having people in your corner
- 13:15 Learning from parents who celebrated 60 years of marriage
- 15:30 Divorce, grief, and confronting difficult truths
- 16:00 Taking responsibility without carrying guilt
- 18:00 Anger, betrayal, and the emotions underneath divorce
- 20:45 Therapy, healing, and rebuilding relationships after divorce
- 23:00 What restoration actually looks like
- 25:30 How you learn is how you heal
- 27:00 Road trips, reflection, and finding peace
Book Mentioned:
“Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” by Herdyne Mercier, LCSW - https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/
“Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” Kindle Edition: https://a.co/d/0gHo5xw3
RESTORED: A 21-Day Prayer, Worship, and Journaling Experience: https://a.co/d/0cCEeEtd
[COMING SOON] RELEASE: A 30-Day Guided Journey to Healing, Letting Go, and Embracing the Person You Were Always Meant to Be: www.herdyne.com
Resources:
Grief Assessment for Adults: https://griefpattern.lovable.app/
Grief Assessment for Children: https://childgriefmap.lovable.app/
Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: creoleadventures@gmail.com
This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader
Connect with Kelly Davis:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dj_big_man_kelly/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigmankelly/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-davis-7a049626/
Connect with Herdyne:
Website: www.herdyne.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier
Email: connect@herdyne.com
Jun 9, 2026
Jun 9, 2026
53 min
Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not establish a therapist-client relationship with Herdyne Mercier, Mercier Wellness & Consulting, or podcast guests. Please seek professional support for your individual mental health needs.
Episode Introduction:
What does healing look like when you're carrying the weight of divorce, fatherhood, entrepreneurship and the expectations placed on Black men?
In this powerful opening episode of our Men's Mental Health Awareness Month series, Herdyne Mercier sits down with entrepreneur, brand strategist, and community builder Reginald Bourdeau for an honest conversation about grief, resilience, relationships and restoration.
Reginald shares his journey through divorce, rebuilding his life, navigating custody challenges, learning to love again and creating a new chapter rooted in faith, purpose and intentionality. Together, Herdyne and Reginald explore the importance of accountability, therapy, healthy relationships, emotional healing and the legacy we leave behind for future generations.
This conversation is a reminder that grief isn't limited to death. Sometimes grief shows up through broken relationships, identity shifts, disappointment, unmet expectations and difficult life transitions. Healing begins when we acknowledge the pain, learn from it and choose to move forward.
Whether you're a father, husband, entrepreneur, community leader or simply someone trying to navigate life's challenges, this episode offers wisdom, perspective and encouragement for the journey ahead.
Key Takeaways:
- Healing begins with accountability and honest self-reflection.
- Strong relationships require intentional communication and continuous investment.
- Forgiveness is often more about freeing yourself than freeing someone else.
- Legacy is built through daily actions, not just accomplishments.
- Children learn more from what they observe than from what they are told.
- Failure is not the end of the story. It is an opportunity to learn, pivot, and grow.
- Gratitude creates perspective during difficult seasons.
- Restoration begins when we stop sitting in pain and start moving forward with purpose.
About Our Guest:
Reginald Bourdeau is a Miami-based entrepreneur, brand strategist, and marketing professional known for building impactful brands, launching innovative business concepts, and creating experiences that connect culture, community and commerce.
With more than a decade of experience spanning fashion, branding, retail, and business development, Reginald has developed a reputation for transforming creative ideas into scalable businesses. He currently co-leads the launch of 3 Beans Play Cafe, an innovative family-focused indoor play and hospitality concept coming to Miami Gardens,FL.
Passionate about family, fatherhood, legacy, and community impact, Reginald is committed to creating opportunities that strengthen families while inspiring the next generation.
Episode Quotes:
"Relationships that are fed survive." — Herdyne Mercier
"So many times people are chasing financial wealth when they should be chasing mental wealth." — Herdyne Mercier
"You have to forgive the other party. Not for them, it's really for yourself." — Reginald Bourdeau
"Children follow your actions more than they follow your words." — Reginald Bourdeau
"Just start. Stop trying to make everything perfect before you begin." — Reginald Bourdeau
"The most important decision that any man can make is who he chooses to spend the rest of his life with." — Reginald Bourdeau
"Relationships require nurturing. They're not something that just happens." — Reginald Bourdeau
"We would be doing our parents a disservice if we didn't make the most of the head start they gave us." — Reginald Bourdeau
"The biggest weight off your shoulders comes when you forgive yourself." — Reginald Bourdeau
"Failure is actually a good thing, as long as you learn from it." — Reginald Bourdeau
"Legacy is built by how you carry your name when nobody is watching." — Reginald Bourdeau
"Sometimes people are stuck not because they're broken, but because they're carrying things they never released." — Herdyne Mercier
"The hardest thing about healing is learning to release what no longer serves you." — Herdyne Mercier
Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom (P.O.W.) Questions:
- If today was your last day on Earth, what would be last words you would like people to remember you by?
- "Reginald Bourdeau came into this world and was very intentional about making an impact."
- When life gets to life-ing, and as you know grief comes in many forms, what song carries you through?
- Best of Me by Anthony Hamilton
- What have you learned about yourself since redefining the grief in your life?
- “I've learned to not be so hard on myself.”
Episode Time-Stamps:
00:00 Welcome to the Redefining Grief Podcast
05:00 The importance of partnership and support systems
11:00 Accountability, therapy, and personal healing
15:00 Marriage, communication, and intentional relationships
19:00 Entrepreneurship, presence, and balancing life
26:00 Grief Anchors and turning losses into lessons
31:00 Learning to forgive yourself after heartbreak
35:00 Fatherhood, custody, and creating a better future
40:00 Restoration, gratitude, and mental wealth
46:00 Pearls of Wisdom Questions
51:00 Final reflections on healing and purpose
Book Mentioned:
“Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” by Herdyne Mercier, LCSW - https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/
“Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” Kindle Edition: https://a.co/d/0gHo5xw3
RESTORED: A 21-Day Prayer, Worship, and Journaling Experience: https://a.co/d/0cCEeEtd
[COMING SOON] RELEASE: A 30-Day Guided Journey to Healing, Letting Go, and Embracing the Person You Were Always Meant to Be: www.herdyne.com
Love & Respect by Emerson Eggerichs: https://a.co/d/0h1MbWc3
Resources:
Grief Assessment for Adults: https://griefpattern.lovable.app/
Grief Assessment for Children: https://childgriefmap.lovable.app/
Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: creoleadventures@gmail.com
This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader
Connect with Reginald Bourdeau:
Website: https://3beansplaycafe.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reginaldbourdeau/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginaldbourdeau/
Connect with Herdyne:
Website: www.herdyne.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier
Email: connect@herdyne.com
Jun 2, 2026
Jun 2, 2026
49 min
Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not establish a therapist-client relationship with Herdyne Mercier, Mercier Wellness & Consulting, or podcast guests. Please seek professional support for your individual mental health needs.
Episode Introduction:
What happens when the voice that has entertained millions is also carrying grief, loss, love, faith, and life lessons of its own?
In this episode of Redefining Grief, Herdyne Mercier sits down with legendary radio personality, voice actor, mentor, and broadcaster Rick Party. Known as the iconic voice behind BET, SportsCenter, The Quiet Storm, and countless radio stations across the country, Rick shares the deeply personal story behind the microphone.
Together, they explore fatherhood, overcoming learning disabilities, stuttering, grief, faith, purpose, community, and the people who helped shape the man he is today. Rick opens up about losing his mother, navigating career transitions, raising seven children, mentoring others, and discovering that true success is measured not by fame but by how you love and serve people.
This conversation is filled with wisdom, laughter, vulnerability, and powerful reminders that pain does not last forever, community matters, and every challenge we face can become part of our purpose.
Key Takeaways:
- Your greatest challenges do not disqualify you from success.
- Fatherhood is not about perfection. It is about presence, growth, accountability, and showing up for your children through every season of life.
- Faith often grows strongest during uncertainty. Trusting God through career losses, disappointments, and unexpected life transitions can create space for new purpose and opportunities.
- Pain can become part of your purpose. The experiences that hurt us most often teach us the lessons we are later called to share with others.
- Restoration requires intentionality. Creating space for peace, stillness, nature, and reflection allows us to reconnect with ourselves and what matters most.
- Grief changes us, but it does not have to define us. Healing involves learning how to carry loss while continuing to live, love, and move forward.
- Legacy is built through service. Success is not measured by titles, awards, or recognition, but by the impact we have on the lives of others.
About Our Guest:
Rick Party has spent more than 40 years behind the microphone, building a career that reaches millions while never losing the simple love of radio and the people who listen every night.
Originally from Chicago with strong roots throughout Michigan, Rick’s voice has traveled far beyond the Midwest. In the voiceover world he has become one of the most recognized voices in media. He has been the voice of BET for many years, the voice heard on SportsCenter, and has worked with major television networks including ABC. Even with all of that success, radio has always been home.
Rick has always believed in serving people and helping others find their way. Rick Party is proud to serve the community and keep you soft and warm with the best in R and B and slow jams on The Quiet Storm.
Episode Quotes:
"If you believe that you can't do it, you're right." — Rick Party
"Sons and daughters need fathers in their lives no matter how old they get." — Rick Party
"Pain doesn't last always." — Rick Party
"Healing is not meant to be done in isolation." — Herdyne Mercier
"Everything you went through was not pain. It was credentialing." — Herdyne Mercier
Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom (P.O.W.) Questions:
Q.If today was your last day on Earth, what would be last words you would like people to remember you by?
A. Trust God always and forever.
Q. When life gets to life-ing, and as you know grief comes in many forms, what song carries you through?
A. “Tomorrow” by The Winans
Q. What have you learned about yourself since redefining the grief in your life?
A. Pain doesn't last always.
Episode Time-Stamps:
[00:00] Welcome to Redefining Grief
[05:20] Herdyne shares how meeting Rick Party changed her professional journey
[13:15] Fatherhood and raising seven children
[17:45] Lessons learned from parenting and relationships
[20:30] The truth anchor and revealing difficult realities
[25:00] Community, mentorship, and the importance of support systems
[32:30] Trusting God through career transitions
[34:20] What restoration looks like today
[37:10] Pearls of Wisdom Questions
[44:15] Why mindset matters more than talent
Book Mentioned:
“Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” by Herdyne Mercier, LCSW - https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/
“Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” Kindle Edition: https://a.co/d/0gHo5xw3
RESTORED: A 21-Day Prayer, Worship, and Journaling Experience: https://a.co/d/0cCEeEtd
[COMING SOON] RELEASE: A 30-Day Guided Journey to Healing, Letting Go, and Embracing the Person You Were Always Meant to Be: www.herdyne.com
Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: creoleadventures@gmail.com
This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader
Connect with Rick Party:
Website: https://solo.to/rickparty
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickparty.live/
Connect with Herdyne:
Website: www.herdyne.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier
Email: connect@herdyne.com
May 26, 2026
May 26, 2026
26 min
Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not establish a therapist-client relationship with Herdyne Mercier, Mercier Wellness & Consulting, or podcast guests. Please seek professional support for your individual mental health needs.
Episode Introduction:
How do you learn best?
It might seem like an unusual question for a therapist to ask, but what if the way you learn is also the way you heal?
In this solo episode of Redefining Grief, Herdyne Mercier explores the powerful connection between learning styles and healing styles. Drawing from her background as an educator, therapist, and grief coach, Herdyne explains why understanding how you naturally process information can unlock new pathways for healing, growth, and restoration.
Whether you learn through seeing, hearing, moving, writing, or experiencing, your healing journey may be more effective when it aligns with the way you were designed to process the world around you. Through the lens of the Grief Anchors Framework, Herdyne breaks down how truth, heart, connection, faith, and restoration can each be experienced differently based on your unique learning style.
She also shares personal stories about her own healing journey, the role of music, journaling, affirmations, vision boards, movement, and faith practices, along with insights from her books.
This episode is a reminder that grief is not something to fix. It is something to understand. And when you begin to understand how you learn, you unlock how you heal.
Episode Quotes:
“Healing begins when you see or name what's real.”
“Healing is not meant to be done in isolation.”
“What you feed your mind shapes how you process your pain.”
“You don't need more effort. You need alignment.”
“Your grief is not something to fix. It is something to understand.”
“When you begin to understand how you learn, you unlock how you heal.”
Episode Time-Stamps:
[02:00] Why learning styles matter in healing
[04:15] Understanding healing styles through grief
[04:45] The Truth Anchor and naming what is real
[06:00] The Heart Anchor and processing emotions
[08:00] The Connection Anchor and community support
[09:45] The Faith Anchor and spiritual practices
[11:30] Vision boards and planting seeds for the future
[14:00] The Restoration Anchor and becoming who you're meant to be
[17:00] How grief often hides inside life transitions
[18:00] The story behind Mommy, What's That Feeling?
[22:00] Matching healing practices to your learning style
[24:00] Why healing doesn't happen in isolation
[25:00] Closing encouragement and final reflections
Resources & Links:
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (United States): Call or text 988 | Available 24/7, free, and confidential.
Get Your Copy Of “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?”: https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/
Visit The Restored Store: https://herdyne.com/the-restored-store/
Shop on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0bcOUDWc
Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: creoleadventures@gmail.com
This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader
Connect with Herdyne:
Website: www.herdyne.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier
Email: connect@herdyne.com
May 19, 2026
May 19, 2026
57 min
Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not establish a therapist-client relationship with Herdyne Mercier, Mercier Wellness & Consulting, or podcast guests. Please seek professional support for your individual mental health needs.
Episode Introduction:
In this deeply moving episode of the Redefining Grief Podcast, Herdyne Mercier sits down with licensed clinical social worker, speaker, and founder Latasha Riddick for a conversation about grief, calling, obedience, purpose, and healing.
Latasha shares the powerful story of how she once planned to become a lawyer before realizing God was calling her into healing work instead. Together, Herdyne and Latasha unpack what happens when life redirects your plans and how grief can become the doorway to discovering who you were always meant to be.
The conversation explores the emotional weight of losing a parent, identity shifts, professional purpose, Black women and burnout, rest as resistance, faith, obedience, and the importance of community in healing journeys.
Herdyne also reflects on returning to the elementary school where she once struggled to read, now standing in front of students as a published author reading her children’s book "Mommy, What’s That Feeling?"
The episode becomes a beautiful reminder that no part of our story is wasted. This conversation is for anyone navigating transition, grief, purpose, burnout, or the fear of starting over.
Key Takeaways:
- Grief is bigger than death and includes identity shifts, career changes, and interrupted dreams.
- Obedience often requires letting go of prestige to pursue purpose.
- Community and supportive family systems help shape healing journeys.
- Faith requires stillness, expectation, and trust.
- Purpose often reveals itself through the gifts we naturally carry.
- Healing begins when we stop pretending we are unaffected.
- Rest is necessary, not earned.
- Your story still matters even after life reroutes your plans.
About Our Guest:
Latasha Riddick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, speaker, and founder dedicated to helping people and professionals thrive emotionally and mentally. With over 10 years of experience in the social work and mental health field, Latasha is known for translating complex emotional wellness concepts into practical, relatable tools that create real-life change.
She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh with a concentration in Direct Practice and was honored as School Social Worker of the Year in 2023. She went on to receive the Business Boss: Social Work Visionary Award and the Excellence ACEx Leading with Love Award, both in 2025.
Latasha is the Founder and CEO of Social Work Plug, a platform created to empower social workers and helping professionals through community, professional development, and sustainable self-care practices. She is also the founder of Rebuild, a mental wellness space focused on emotional wellness and whole-person healing.
A dynamic and engaging speaker, Latasha has facilitated workshops and trainings for schools, churches, professional organizations, and community groups, including the NASW North Carolina Chapter. Her work sits at the intersection of mental health, emotional intelligence, and professional sustainability, making her a trusted voice for audiences seeking both practical strategies and heartfelt encouragement.
Episode Quotes:
“What is it that you do that you love so much, that you can do it without getting paid?” — Latasha Riddick
“Maybe you weren’t called to argue cases in courtrooms because you were assigned to advocate for hearts.” — Herdyne Mercier
Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom (P.O.W.) Questions:
- If today was your last day on Earth, what would be last words you would like people to remember you by?
- “I left footprints here, and now it’s their turn to continue.”
- When life gets to life-ing, and as you know grief comes in many forms, what song carries you through?
- He Knows My Name by Tasha Cobbs Leonard
- What have you learned about yourself since redefining the grief in your life?
- I found out I was strong.
Episode Time-Stamps:
00:00 — Welcome to Redefining Grief
02:00 — Meeting Latasha Riddick
07:00 — The Dream of Becoming a Lawyer
12:00 — Hearing God’s Redirection
15:00 — Losing Her Mother to Cancer
23:00 — Purpose, Prayer, and Obedience
31:00 — Grief Memory Recall and Healing
37:00 — Black Women, Burnout, and Rest
44:00 — Faith, Purpose, and Restoration
47:00 — Pearls of Wisdom
56:00 — Closing Reflections
Book Mentioned:
“Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” by Herdyne Mercier, LCSW - https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/
Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: creoleadventures@gmail.com
This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader
Connect with Latasha:
Links: https://linktr.ee/latasharriddick
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latasharriddick
Connect with Herdyne:
Website: www.herdyne.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier
Email: connect@herdyne.com
May 12, 2026
May 12, 2026
25 min
Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not establish a therapist-client relationship with Herdyne Mercier, Mercier Wellness & Consulting, or podcast guests. Please seek professional support for your individual mental health needs.
Episode Introduction:
What if the thing your body has been begging for is not more hustle… but more rest?
In this solo episode of Redefining Grief, I’m talking about one of my favorite forms of healing: naps. Yes, naps. During Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to have an honest conversation about rest, burnout, nervous system recovery, and why so many people feel guilty slowing down.
I share how naps became one of my greatest tools for emotional wellness, why I intentionally schedule rest into my life, and how learning to listen to my body changed the way I move through grief, stress, and overwhelm. From taking naps between clients to falling asleep on benches during tours, I truly believe rest is healthcare.
We also talk about grief fog, emotional exhaustion, and the signs your body may be crying out for restoration. This episode is a reminder that burnout is not a badge of honor and you do not have to destroy yourself to earn rest.
If you’ve been mentally overloaded, emotionally drained, or struggling to slow down without guilt, let this conversation remind you that healing sometimes looks like taking the nap.
Episode Quotes:
“Rest is not a weakness.”
“The goal is not burnout.”
“Maybe the issue isn’t that you’re lazy. Maybe the issue is that you’re overloaded.”
“Rest is not something you earn after destroying yourself.”
Episode Time-Stamps:
[02:00] Why naps became Herdyne’s “superpower”
[05:00] The truth about overworking and exhaustion
[07:00] The science behind naps, brain health, and stress reduction
[12:00] Signs your body is asking for rest
[14:00] Grief fog and how grief impacts the brain
[18:00] Healthy boundaries, saying no, and protecting your peace
[19:00] Practical ways to schedule and prioritize rest
[22:00] Biblical perspectives on rest and restoration
Resources & Links:
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (United States): Call or text 988 | Available 24/7, free, and confidential.
Get Your Copy Of “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?”: https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/
Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: creoleadventures@gmail.com
This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader
Connect with Herdyne:
Website: www.herdyne.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier
Email: connect@herdyne.com
May 6, 2026
May 6, 2026
49 min
Episode Introduction:
What happens when the version of you that the world applauded no longer feels aligned with who you truly are?
In this episode of Redefining Grief, I sit down with Bree Carroll, civil engineer, author, strategist, military spouse, podcaster, and founder of the CARE Blueprint. This conversation is honest, reflective, faith-filled, and deeply necessary for anyone navigating grief connected to identity, disappointment, burnout, friendship loss, or major life transitions.
Bree opens up about stepping away from visibility during a season where she found herself grieving friendships, grieving business relationships, grieving expectations, and ultimately grieving versions of herself that no longer aligned with her values. What makes this conversation so powerful is that Bree does not only speak about loss, she speaks about rebuilding from the inside out.
We talk about the importance of slowing down long enough to evaluate whether the life you are building is actually aligned with your values. Bree shares how she realized she was using intentional strategy and planning in her engineering career while allowing her personal life to operate on autopilot. That realization became the foundation for her book, All Things Epic.
Throughout this conversation, we unpack the grief that comes with betrayal, the pain of questioning your identity, and the loneliness that can happen when you step away from spaces that once defined you. Bree beautifully reminds us that grief is not always connected to death. Sometimes grief is tied to the realization that a version of yourself can no longer continue.
This episode also highlights the healing power of community, therapy, faith, and rest. We discuss how isolating yourself during difficult seasons can deepen emotional wounds, while safe community can help remind you who you are when you forget. Bree shares the importance of giving yourself permission to grieve, permission to heal, permission to dream again, and permission to trust yourself.
If you are in a season where you feel disconnected from yourself, uncertain about your next step, or emotionally exhausted from carrying too much for too long, this episode will remind you that healing is possible, purpose still exists, and you are allowed to rebuild your life intentionally.
This conversation is full of wisdom, honesty, restoration, and hope.
About Our Guest:
Bree Carroll is a civil engineer, founder, podcaster, military spouse, and mother whose perspective has been shaped by responsibility, faith, and intentional living. Her professional background includes years of leading complex engineering projects while navigating seasons of uncertainty personally and professionally.
Rather than reinventing herself, Bree chose to build from who she already was. Through that journey, she developed the CARE Blueprint, a practical framework designed to help individuals evaluate decisions, align with their values, and move forward intentionally.
Bree is also the author of All Things EPIC, a book that encourages readers to live purposefully, process grief honestly, and design a life rooted in alignment, faith, and authenticity. Her work centers around helping people move beyond passive living and step into intentional healing and growth.
Episode Quotes:
“It’s easy when you’re hurting to point the finger at other people. Instead, I took several steps back to look at myself.” – Bree C.
“You can say your values are your values, but they’re only true if you’re living them out.” – Bree C.
“You cannot be intentional and create a blueprint for your life until you address those things.” – Bree C.
“Most women don’t lack clarity. They lack permission from themselves.” – Bree C.
“You are blaming an old version of yourself and wanting them to pay for something they had no capacity to pay for at that time.” – Bree C.
Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom (P.O.W.) Questions:
Q. If today was your last day on Earth, what would be three words you would like people to remember you by?
A. I love you.
Q. When life gets to life-ing, and as you know grief comes in many forms, what song carries you through?
A. Anchored by Transformation Worship
Q. What have you learned about yourself since redefining the grief in your life?
A. I learned that I am stronger than I thought I was.
Episode Time-Stamps:
[02:01] Introduction to Bree Carroll and her background
[05:00] Bree shares why she stepped away during a difficult season
[08:15] Faith, obscurity, and healing through stillness
[11:10] Being reminded who you are through safe community
[14:00] Why women need permission to rest
[21:00] Bree explains the CARE Blueprint framework
[25:00] The emotions readers must allow themselves to feel
[28:00] Why hope matters during rebuilding seasons
[33:20] Restoration, healing, and becoming a new version of yourself
[38:00] Obedience, surrender, and trusting the process
[45:10] Bree shares the worship song that anchored her through grief
[47:00] How to connect with Bree and purchase All Things EPIC
Book Mentioned:
“Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” by Herdyne Mercier, LCSW - https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/
“All Things EPIC” by Bree Carroll - https://books.by/itsbreecarroll
Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: creoleadventures@gmail.com
This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader
Connect with Bree:
Website: https://breecarroll.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbreecarroll/
Substack: https://substack.com/@itsbreecarroll
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Everyday.E.P.I.C
Connect with Herdyne:
Website: www.herdyne.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier
Email: connect@herdyne.com