
9.4K
Downloads
58
Episodes
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

Mar 30, 2021
Mar 30, 2021
37 min
Marshawn Evans Daniels
Episode Introduction
Do you want to discover the path to your life’s purpose? However hard the course may appear to you, this episode would change your belief altogether. I welcome on the show today Marshawn Evans Daniels, a reinvention strategist and life coach, mentoring women worldwide to live bolder in the areas of faith and business. As a serial entrepreneur, TV personality, creator of the Godfidence movement, and founder of SHE Profits, she helps women turn ideas into income and faith into action!
Learn how you can step into your life’s mission by believing bigger. Marshawn shares the 5 keys that can take you to achieve that. Listen in!
Marshawn shares how it all started and how she was brought to this point in life where she chose to be a coach. It was six days before her wedding that she found out her fiancé was cheating on her. More intimidating was the fact that she had just left her law firm- a successful sports agency managing NFL, NBA players, and WNBA players. It was the fastest-growing woman in sports agency in the country in less than a year. Her first client was the highest-paid defensive in the NFL. Life was all good. But she let it go. And that too, for the wedding. She compromised on her choices to go for something that gave her more happiness and fulfillment. Love, to her, was more substantial than business, and becoming a mom to three kids was something that tapped into real significance.
After that incident, she opened Believe Bigger, with the story of how she found out on a Monday morning before her Saturday wedding while her fiancé is on the plane that he had been cheating all along. She got out of the slumber to create a promising life ahead.
Marshawn shares the 5 stages to believing bigger and living your life’s purpose. Firstly, face it to fix it. The five words that most of us are embarrassed to say out loud is “I don’t know my purpose.” So, discovery is the first step.
Secondly, know what you want to be. Discover your talent. Next up, break out of your comfort zone. God didn’t put us here for the purpose of retirement.
The fourth is knowing your gifts. Find out what you were designed to be in life. Lastly, know your influence. Your life is not your own. You have been brought to this for some reason. Uncover that.
As you listen through this episode, ask yourself what your story, purpose, and voice are? The best is within you and is waiting to manifest through you.
“Have you stopped believing?”
About Our Guest
Marshawn Evans Daniels is a reinvention strategist, founder of the Godfidence movement, and is a millionaire faith and business mentor to everyday individuals looking to build an extraordinary life and business. She is also a serial entrepreneur, TV personality, and founder of SHE Profits, where she helps women turn ideas into income and faith into action. She has authored 2 books - Believe Bigger and 100 days of believing bigger.
Episode Quotes
- “Purpose isn't about what you do. The purpose is a byproduct of who you are, it's the function of your life, it's the essence of who you are, it's actually more personality-based than producing.” - Marshawn [11:34]
- “It's important for us to understand there are certain things that we've learned that have been navigating our lives that have gotten us here, but it won't get us to where we're designed to be.” - Marshawn [15:32]
- “One of the things I dare you to actually be bold enough to believe about yourself is, that you are an addict. “- Marshawn [18:26]
- “Curiosity is the seed of greatness, it is the doorway into your calling, but you can't enter into your calling and have a burning bush moment if you're not curious enough, because it's curiosity that enables us to see the bush that's burning.” - Marshawn [19:46]
- “Every life shift first begins with a mind shift. And the Split Rock comes in the disruption, comes in the betrayal, comes into your life to break you up with an outdated version of yourself.” - Marshawn [26:49]
- “We're taught retirement not reinvention. We're taught predictability, not peculiarity. - Marshawn [28:16]
Episode Time-Stamps
- [07:03] – Marshawn introduces herself
- [10:36] – Why we don’t know our purpose
- [14:00] – Five stages
- [22:30] – Her life story and infidelity
- [25:36] – What do you mean by the gap?
Reference Links
- Believe Bigger by Marshawn Evans Daniels
- 100 Days of Believing Bigger By Marshawn Evans Daniels
Connect with Marshawn
- Website: https://marshawn.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshawnevans/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshawnevans
This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader
Recommended Resources
- To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
- To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
- For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
- To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
- To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast
Social Media
Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

Mar 23, 2021
Mar 23, 2021
47 min
Jazlyn Denise: The Prayer Playbook
Episode Introduction
Things that you have been destined for need not happen to you in challenging ways always. Have you known how mysteriously you could be brought to understanding your life's purpose? Listen in to this episode of Redefining Grief as I introduce to you Jazlyn Denise, a professional prayer coach, real estate expert, fundraising professional, author, and public speaker.
Jazlyn truly believes in living out her life's purpose and has chosen to do so in all areas of her life. She was born and raised in the church and has hence, over the years, seen people's lives transform through the Word of God. There has never been a time in her life where she didn't know who God was- he's always been a constant source of power and wisdom.
Her journey as an adolescent mother has the power to revolutionize society's norms of motherhood and a promising career. Jazlyn had her son when only 19. She did that because life left her with no choice other than to have the baby. But her responsibilities as a mother did not stop her from pursuing her dream career. She graduated as a single mother and did so, along with students who couldn't achieve the feat despite leading an everyday life. She says had it been not for her son, she wouldn't have lived her best life and hustled on her job and responsibilities.
She jokingly says that both herself and her son have had the degrees together because he was on her hip all the time she attended them. This had helped him value education. He knows there are no shortcuts to success and cannot make any excuses for not doing his part well.
Jazlyn shares how she found out she was destined to be a prayer coach. Helping others with the power of prayers has been something she did for the longest time. It ultimately found her life's calling. She wanted that to be in alignment with the Word of God. If your purpose is grounded in love and authority, anything else is not his voice.
Do you find yourselves wrestling in your faith? The faith anchor allows us to examine those feelings and move forward towards healing. Jazlyn Denise's principles of faith, love, inspiration, integrity, and gratitude are all that enriches the very soul of our existence. I am absolutely thrilled to share with you this episode. Join in and make the best out of these few minutes of your life!
About Our Guest
Jazlyn Denise is a professional prayer coach, real estate expert, fundraising professional, author, and public speaker. She truly believes in living out her purpose and has chosen to do so in all areas of her life. Through her personal experiences of adolescent pregnancy and single motherhood, Jazlyn has not only defied stereotypes she has redefined them. Jazlyn holds a BA in Sociology from CSU Dominguez Hills and an Executive MBA from Loyola Marymount University. Her extensive resume includes expertise in the fields of administration, fundraising, education as well as customer service.
Episode Quotes
● “Life and death are in the power of your tongue.” - Jazlyn [10:38]
● “Because if he can trust me, then some of the weight or some of the lessons that I need to have learned are going to start to manifest.”- Jazlyn [19:27]
● “My community has helped me to really maneuver in this time because I don't, I don't always know.”- Jazlyn [22:41]
● “Once you can identify what his voice sounds like, it becomes so much easier because he says, My sheep know My voice and a stranger they will not follow.” - Jazlyn [26:33]
● “Wherever it is, create that space for God, because one, it makes when I come here, this is what I'm going to do.” - Jazlyn [30:10]
Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions
● What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [40:51]
That I have more power through God than I thought I would have
● If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [41:52]
I know I did well.
● During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [42:54]
For Every Mountain by The Kurt Carr and The Kurt Carr singers; Angel by Anita Baker
Episode Time-Stamps
● [09:02] - Jazlyn shares her journey with us
● [14:57] - Jazlyn talks about the hardest thing she had to write about
● [17:15] - Jazelyn shares how she connects with her Father at all times
● [29:39] - When and where do you pray?
● [40:51] - Jazlyn answers the POW questions by Herdyne
Reference Links
● YouTube link to Jazlyn’s favorite song:
The Kurt Carr and The Kurt Carr singers’ For Every Mountain
Anita Baker’s Angel
Connect with Jazlyn
● Website: https://www.jazlyndenise.com/
● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jazlyn_denise_/
● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jazlyn.denise.1
This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader
Recommended Resources
● To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
● To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
● For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
● To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or
http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
● To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast
Social Media
Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

Mar 16, 2021
Mar 16, 2021
40 min
J. Nicole Jones - The Grief Bully
Episode Introduction
When times are hard and grief has hit over, how do you know if you really want to feel better? Sometimes, life wants us to embrace the happy and sad times and not run away from them. But when grief robs you off of life’s joys, allow yourself to bully it in return.
Wondering if you could actually do that? Join me on this episode of the Redefining Grief podcast as I interview speaker, podcast host of the Grief Bully podcast, and life impactor, .J. Nicole Jones. She plans to impact your life by communicating to you that you have to learn how to thrive, create a healthier place for yourself, and learn the importance of managing your grief journey. Listen in!
Nicole has experienced loss in extreme ways in her life. It all began in 2013 when she faced the death of her friend. Then, in 2016, her grandmother died. When things had been settling slowly, in 2019, she lost her father also. This was when grief started taking her downhill. She realized people needed to have open conversations about their pain and sufferings to bully grief in its overpowering form. Her podcast, she says, is a vehicle for other people to share their stories. And that works as a coping skill.
We learn today how the five grief anchors can actually help you in your healing journey. Sometimes, people do not realize how they become so familiar in their grieving that they do not make an effort to or want to come out of it. The trauma, the pain, the agony, the discomfort, all of that becomes familiar. And it feels more comfortable to be there. Nicole
suggests asking yourself deep down if you really want to come out of it. This could then be the beginning of your recovery and happiness.
Nicole’s podcast and her social media are all about educating individuals on grief, especially if you have lost someone. Telling also that you’re not alone in the process, her words make you feel good. To know there is somebody else spreading this right message that you too can be empowered, enlightened, and educated about your grief journey, is therapeutic in itself.
If you have been struggling to embrace life and explore its opportunities and joys for grief always clouded your sight, these few minutes of listening would do the magic for you!
About Our Guest
J. Nicole Jones is a speaker and podcast host of the Grief Bully podcast. In addition, Nicole is a Life Impacting Communicator and the author of the successful guided journal, "The Grief Bully". She educates people through her platforms on how to create a healthier, thriving, and manageable grief journey. The New Jersey native and incredibly motivated individual is adept at making anyone understand that grief is normal to human existence and that you are never alone in the process.
Episode Quotes
● “Your anointing has an audience.” - Nicole [10:32]
● “I strongly believe when we take the time to examine our heart, we open ourselves to the possibility of healing.” - Herdyne [17:55]
● “If you haven't experienced it, I do think sometimes it's hard to really be as empathetic to them as it might need.“ - Nicole [19:23]
● “We know that grief is like your DNA, very unique for you and your healing process. And that roadmap is going to be different for you.” - Herdyne [22:22]
● “When you're shining your light on the world. Be careful that your own backyard doesn't get too dark. ” - Herdyne [25:05]
Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions
● What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [31:52]
That I trust me. I trust myself and my emotions. I don't know if I always did that because I think it came with a certain level of needed vulnerability that can be uncomfortable and scary.
● If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [33:35]
Keep the legacy going
● During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [35:48]
It ain't over by the Clark sisters.
Episode Time-Stamps
● [09:12] - Nicole shares her life story with us
● [18:36] - The grief squad or people who helped her during her trying times
● [22:34] - How her grief squad helped her heal
● [24:14] - Taking the time to recharge oneself
● [26:16] - Why you shouldn’t be neglecting yourself
● [28:56] - Political grief and how it impacts people
Reference Links
● YouTube link to Nicole’s favorite song:
1. It ain't over by Maurette Brown Clark:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVoJf6j9JjE
● Book:
1. The Grief Bully: A Guided Journal
Connect with Nicole
● Website: https://www.jnicolejones.com/
● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-nicole-jones-aa3900193
● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_am_jnicole/
● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/417772959025040/
This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader
Recommended Resources
● To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
● To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
● For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
● To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or
http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
● To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast
Social Media
Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

Mar 12, 2021
Mar 12, 2021
51 min
Jessie May Wolfe
Episode Introduction
Some of us have a wall around our hearts that we're afraid to allow through or break. Do you realize this is robbing you of living your life's purpose? If you need to set free from its clutches, I firmly believe that this episode will help you. Tune in today as I converse with Jessie May Wolfe, a brave heart leader, speaker, visionary, and founder of the HeartRise movement, which was born out of her genuine curiosity to understand how interconnected we all are.
Jessie shares being an empath ever since she could remember. She recollects that she has always been super-sensitive and a very heartful person, that heartfulness has been her guiding light in her life's journey. She advocates acknowledging the places and spaces or experiences that bring up hard memories because usually there's resistance. It helps in not letting ourselves feel there the resistance.
Losing her father, which she did eight years ago, was on multiple levels, a profound grief experience in her life. Her sister was pregnant and due in two weeks, and all of it added to the trauma. She shares how she stayed and spooned her mother for a month and cried it out until she could reorient herself and felt through it. In her words, "The heart is so the epicenter of who I am and what I believe makes us all who we are, that connection with someone we love; to lose them really is the sort of emancipation of the most intense grief that I've ever experienced." Following this was the loss of her fur baby, which also hit her hard.
To anyone who's feeling stuck, Jessie explains why bringing our hands to our heart and just taking some long, easy breaths might help alleviate the pain at most times. We have an instinct to know that this is our emotional center, our resource center.
We all want to believe in the heart, but we're doing it from the head. We want to breathe and just let ourselves feel what is actually in there that we've been holding. 'Rise' in the HeartRise preaches just that. Rise stands for Radiant Integral Soul Energy. Jessie voices the rhythm of see, feel, free, and flow to help you live through your grief journey.
With this, I welcome all of you to the Women Wisdom Freedom series! I hope this episode lights the way out through your grief experiences. Join in!
About Our Guest
Jessie May Wolfe is a brave heart leader, speaker, and visionary. She empowers teams of creatives, entrepreneurs, and executives around the world using the HeartRise Method. Following her gift of heartfulness and empathy, Jessie started the movement to help people heal through their grief journeys. HeartRise was born out of her genuine curiosity to understand how interconnected we all are.
Episode Quotes
- “I think of all the clients who have built really a wall, and certain clients have really built a cemented wall around their heart because they don't ever want to feel that first heartbreak again.” - Herdyne [10:29]
- “We've actually been taught to really discard our feeling wisdom, or that emotional sort of capacity.” - Jessie [11:29]
- “I'm carrying the torch for the heart in him that never got to fully heal, and I believe so for many men, and I'm called to work with men. And I initially began working primarily with women, but I see how much the heart of so many men aches and hurts and is so hard and because they haven't been given permission to be free to release to feel.“ - Jessie [20:57]
- “And every time you put handcuffs on your emotions, you are locked up from not being able to get access to the next best thing in your life.” - Herdyne [24:04]
- “We get stuck at that place where the emotional blockages reside.”- Herdyne [24:58]
Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions
- What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [41:14]
I have learned that I am stronger when I allow myself to fully come through it. That the courage lives on the other side of coming undone.
- If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [42:37]
I love you
- During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [44:40]
‘Hallelujah’ and ‘You Are My Sunshine’.
Episode Time-Stamps
- [03:46] - Introducing Jessie May
- [07:30] - Learn about the heart movement
- [16:14] - Jessie shares her life journey with us
- [26:54] - Jessie’s advice for the grief crusaders
- [41:10] - Jessie answers Redefining Grief’s POW questions
Reference Links
- YouTube link to Jessie’s favorite songs:
1. Hallelujah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrLk4vdY28Q
- You are my sunshine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGa3zFRqDn4
- Book:
Connect with Jessie
- Website: https://www.heartrisemovement.com/founder
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessiemaywolfe
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessiemaywolfe/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessiemaywolfe
This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader
Recommended Resources
- To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
- To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
- For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
- To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
- To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast
Social Media
Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

Mar 2, 2021
Mar 2, 2021
57 min
Patrice Washington - Redefining Wealth
Episode Introduction
This is a special episode of the Redefining Grief Podcast. Our guest today is my dearest friend and personal business coach, Patrice Washington. She is a professional finance expert, America's money Maven turned holistic lifestyle innovator, award-winning author, and host of the Redefining Wealth podcast. She has used her podcast to teach millions of people that wealth is much more than money and not materialistic things. And I'm one of those individuals that she has taught that to.
If passion is about what energizes you, and purpose is what defines how you serve others. Why are money, influence, prestige, and notoriety not important things to consider in life? Patrice explains why she doesn't think there is anything wrong with considering them essential.
She also explains what the truth about her journey has been for her. She believes God is calling her to teach the women that she serves that this journey doesn't have to have all this stress, struggle, and strife, that if we are indeed in alignment, there are so many things that we will be attracted to. She believes the Lord is teaching her how to be still.
Patrice has, for years, tried to earn her family's love. She has always wanted to earn their affection. Growing up feeling really ugly about her appearance, she felt really unloved and
unworthy, was teased in school for all the things, and always thought that she needed to earn love, so she became addicted to achievement.
This brought her to get a real estate license at 19 and become a broker at 21, and though all this sounds great on paper, they were not done from a place of just being purpose-driven. It wasn't until she started therapy at 22 and started to work through those things she began to dig into her purpose. There was a lot of unlearning and undoing, healing, and forgiveness, and it took her to reach a point of stillness and forgive everyone who never even asked for it.
Patrice says, if you don't heal, whatever the grief and the trauma is, there's no separating, that. If things linger unresolved, there's no active healing going on. They are going to deal with you. And it is better to be proactive in dealing with them than reactive.
Patrice also talks about the importance of showing up confidently in whatever you do. She explains how you start feeling very differently about yourself by sharing how she could forgive others and live a better life that way.
As she rightly shares today, at a certain point, as your purpose starts to evolve, you realize that every opportunity that comes is not for you. Listen in to experience the magnitude of Patrice's words for yourself!
About Our Guest
Patrice Washington is a professional finance expert, America's money Maven turned holistic lifestyle innovator, award winning author, and host of the Redefining Wealth podcast.
She shares with her listeners on the podcast, the many stories, principles, and practical examples, based on her six pillars of wealth. She guides you step by step through the
process to create a life of peace, purpose, and prosperity. Patrice’s thoughts on wealth and purpose are truly unparalleled and is wisdom that needs to be shared.
Episode Quotes
● “I want the women I serve to understand and then that's why I say we chase purpose, not money.” - Patrice [9:56]
● “I realized that at a certain point, as your purpose starts to evolve, every opportunity that comes is not for you.” - Patrice [14:09]
● “In order for us to get to a place where we are actively healing, we have to commit to being uncomfortable.“ - Herdyne [19:30]
● “I believe that I'm learning to truly detach from what the world would see as, quote, unquote, success.” - Patrice [20:08]
● “Just because you learn how to surrender something on one level, doesn't mean you've learned how to surrender in other areas of your life ”- Patrice [22:53]
● “If there are things that are lingering, unresolved, there's no active healing going on. They are going to deal with you. And I'd rather be proactive in dealing with them than reactive”- Patrice [33:40]
Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions
● What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [50:02]
Keep defining wealth for yourself.
● If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [50:36]
Since redefining the grief in my life, there was nothing wrong with me to begin with.
● During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [52:20]
Speak to my heart by Donnie McClurkin
Episode Time-Stamps
● [09:31] - Patrice shares why she does what she does
● [12:21] - The importance of being still
● [13:28] - What purpose really means to her
● [20:08] - Learning to detach from the world
● [24:27] - Why faith, obedience, and trust are your key driving factors
● [31:23] - Patrice shares her backstory with us and how it all started
Reference Links
● YouTube link to Patrice’s favorite song:
1. Speak to my heart by Donnie McClurkin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud-YSDFTboQ
● Book:
1. Redefining Wealth for Yourself by Patrice Washington
Connect with Patrice
● Website: https://patricewashington.com/
● LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/patricecunninghamwashington
● Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/seekwisdompcw
● Facebook: http://facebook.com/SeekWisdomPCW
This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader
Recommended Resources
● To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
● To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
● For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
● To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/●
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast
Social Media
Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier
#MercierWellness #Grief
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

Feb 23, 2021
Feb 23, 2021
47 min
Valerie Johnson-Reed: Triumph Over Tragedy
Episode Introduction
What if you learned someday that your name symbolized what you will go through and how you will handle life? Some learnings could be just as incredible. Often, we have to not say anything at all, for it is not about saying something; it is about being there.
Join me on this episode of the Redefining Grief podcast as I interview a mindful and strong woman and my dear friend, Valerie Johnson-Reed. Valerie's moving journey in life is a ray of sunshine for anyone who wishes to declutter from the infinite hardships in life and feel heard.
Her journey through grief started when her only sibling, her brother, passed away after suddenly being diagnosed with a tumor on his back that left him paralyzed from the waist down and then from there, ending up having a blood clot traveled to the lungs. And then her mother, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer before her brother passed away, died. Giving her very little time to recover, life threw upon her another mishap. After celebrating 15 years of marriage with her husband, he was diagnosed with a rare form of soft tissue cancer. He passed away in the October of 2012.
The compounding loss left Valerie with a surreal feeling, and she didn't know how to get things done. It took a lot of God's grace and mercy and angels watching over her, she says, that she was able to get me where she is today. She also makes us understand why sometimes, you're not emotionally available to grieve during the service because you have the pressure of just making sure that everything goes right for your loved one. When her husband passed away, she had her children to look after and give strength to, and breaking down in front of them was never an option for her. She battled through it alone until finally making the move to ask for help.
Valerie recollects all that played the hardest for her. She was used to her husband getting things done for her, and his absence left her tormented. She knew not where to start and how to do all that he had been doing for her all this time. She shares how the strongest connection with God gave her the strength to endure the most challenging times and keep moving.
Voicing your emotions and speaking the truth is crucial to your journey to recovery. There is always someone who needs to hear what you have to deliver. Sometimes, you don't need to save those who grieve. You just have to be there to listen. Listen in and learn how Valerie's learnings could pave the way for your healing too!
About Our Guest
Valerie Johnson-Reed is a mother, author and motivational speaker. She started with Strong To The Finish Motivational Speaking, to create a positive place to talk about the hardness that life can bring. Realizing she needed to share her story with the others to give them hope, she wrote three books, ’ Through Micah's Eyes’, ‘Grieving under God's Grace’, and ‘Stay Strong, Finish Strong’. Having known grief and its immeasurable depth, Valerie’s words are invaluable wisdom to overcome life challenges and still emerge out of them victorious.
Episode Quotes
● “I remember certain things about the service, but I don't remember truly engaging in the service.” - Valerie [10:34]
● “They are in the business of making sure the funeral and the service goes right. And they're not in the business of emotionally being vulnerable, to be present, to grieve.” - Herdyne [13:13]
● “Once I started talking about it, I started feeling better. And then other people started coming saying you know what, I know somebody that needs to hear this.“ - Valerie [19:31]
● “When you go through what your life situations, having what we call grief, no matter what that grief may be, you empower yourself and you educate yourself.” - Herdyne [20:37]
● “Sometimes we have to not say anything at all. It's not about saying something, it's about being there. “ - Valerie [22:14]
● “People cannot support us when they are emotionally unavailable, because supporting us sometimes mean for them that they have to deal with the reality of the truth that is currently happening.” - Herdyne [26:30]
Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions
● What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [42:30]
I have learned that there are times when I do need help. And then, I need to ask.
● If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [43:36]
Enjoy life. Live. Be present.
● During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [45:02]
Breathing to me oh Lord by Fred Hammond and one by Marvin Sapp, ‘Not the time, Not the place’.
Episode Time-Stamps
● [05:11] - Valerie shares her grief journey with us
● [14:47] - How did the healing process look like for Valerie?
● [18:53] - Learn why the truth anchor is real
● [21:14] - Educating oneself on what to say
● [29:10] - You’re not alone
● [31:27] - What it was like putting the pieces back together and the emotional part of it
Reference Links
● YouTube link to Valerie’s favorite songs:
1. Breathe Into Me Oh Lord by Fred Hammond:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXiK1-84RHs
2. Not the time, Not the place by Marvin Sapp:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7WwmCNkJMk
● Books by Valerie:
1. Through Micah's Eyes
2. Grieving under God's Grace
3. Stay Strong, Finish Strong!
Connect with Valerie
● Website: https://strongtothefinishmotivationals.com/
● Email: strongtothefinish4@gmail.com
● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongtothe/
● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongtothefinishmotivational/
This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief
Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader
Recommended Resources
● To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
● To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
● For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
● To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or
http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
● To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast
Social Media
Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier
#MercierWellness #Grief
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

Feb 16, 2021
Feb 16, 2021
42 min
Latrese Kabuya: Overcoming The Odds
Episode Introduction
Any pain that you bury inside would keep resurfacing until you deal with it the way you're supposed to. Do you wish to come out of all that is eating up your mental space?
Whatever it is that you're going through right now emotionally, I want to tell you that you're going to feel pumped and ready to overcome it. Get ready to tackle it with confidence and grace as my guest today shows you how she did it right.
Join me on this episode of the Redefining Grief podcast as I speak with the powerful Latrese Kabuya, who shares how she's had to actively get to a place where she had to tell the truth to overcome the pain she was burdened with. Learn about the moving journey Latrese had in life and how truth and faith had her come out of the many challenges she was hit with, in life.
It wouldn't be difficult to realize that Latrese was overwhelmed with the challenges that came her way. Years back, Latrese had lost her oldest child, oldest sister, had faced a rough divorce, and was a single mother. Added to this, she was looked upon for her body figure and had also faced molestation. She felt disconnected from God, her belief system was shattered. When things like "If you cry, that means you don't have faith in God", "God took her because he needed an angel", "You're tough, you'll be okay" burdened her even more.
She did not grieve; until 20 years later, when she cried herself out through the misery— Latrese recollects how this started her healing process. When you don't face it, it keeps manifesting in very stressful ways. She put her faith in God only to realize she was blessed. However hard life could get, he had his presence over her and loved her no matter what. Latrese also shares how she made her way out of her divorce from her ex-husband and how eventually, she found love in her husband today.
Connecting strongly with God not only helped her heal herself but had her discover and redefine herself in unimaginable ways. She got the strength to endure and never quit. When she changed her mindset about her purpose, her value increased.
Sometimes, what you require is to pause and introspect. If Latrese could find her purpose in life, it was because she faced and told the truth. The Truth anchor is real. Listen in and learn how this conversation could resonate with you too!
About Our Guest
Latrese Kabuya is a recognized empowerment speaker, coach, makeup artist, beauty consultant, and media personality. She is the Founder of Let's Get P.R.E.T.T.Y.™, a company dedicated to bringing in a complete lineup of cruelty-free makeup, and It's All About You™, an Empowerment Seminar for young girls. Latrese’s primary passion for uplifting and encouraging others is achieved through her empowerment coaching. Her motivational speaking is frequently sought-after and featured on her Monday Motivation radio segment, Men and Women’s Wellness seminars, editorials for The RealKC & SheKC Lifestyle, beauty clinics, and more. Her journey not only moves anyone listening but also inspires them to make the best out of the gift of life!
Episode Quotes
- “If you don't deal with it, it's gonna manifest, it's gonna keep coming up.” - Latrese [11:09]
- “Oftentimes, I really do believe that we get so caught up in the business of life, in the business of what people told us how we should heal, that we don't even realize that we're being stagnant emotionally.” - Herdyne [12:43]
- “I allow myself I give myself permission to deal with the emotion that is attached to it.” - Latrese [15:13]
- “When I started getting a hold of the Word of God and it started resonating in my spirit, that's how I started healing from the inside out. “ - Latrese [25:28]
- “What's so interesting about my past is because I always dealt with insecurities and issues and self-esteem. But I was this makeup artist, you know. And so I was always making people pretty on the outside. “ Latrese [21:07]
Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions
- What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [37:36]
That I'm powerful, that I have value and purpose. And that I am an overcomer. I went against all odds.
- If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [38:04]
Live your life on purpose.
- During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [38:44]
The Story I’ll Tell by Maverick City. Because it's talking about overcoming. It's talking about who God is in your life.
Episode Time-Stamps
- [08:33] - Latrese’s thoughts on overcoming challenges
- [15:59] - How did healing from the inside out, look like for Latrese
- [19:33] - Dealing with divorce and how she came out of it
- [23:34] - About Latrese’s company
- [24:56] - How faith had her heal and redefine herself
- [29:08] - Latrese talks about knowing her husband
Reference Links
- YouTube link to Latrese’s favorite song (The Story I’ll Tell by Maverick City): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjY26wzFm2U
Connect with Latrese
- Website: https://www.latresekabuya.com/
- Email: info@latresekabuya.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tresekabuya/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tresekabuya/
This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader
Recommended Resources
- To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
- To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
- For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
- To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
- To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast
Social Media
Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

Feb 9, 2021
Feb 9, 2021
47 min
Whitney West: Grieving The Life You Had
Episode Introduction
Sometimes, life gets awfully messy and unpredictable en route to reaching your goals. Recentering yourself and accepting the changes that you are to undergo could be overwhelming. But remember, those are the times that actually trick you into discovering what you are truly capable of!
Have you been wanting to battle your way out through challenges to living the life you have always wanted to? The keys to your happiness and fulfillment often lie in your insides. Take a moment to listen in to this insightful conversation today with the incredibly inspiring Whitney West, who shares her powerful journey of finding light in the darkest times of her illness and discusses how truth and acceptance are her ultimate superpowers!
About Our Guest
Whitney West is a success strategist, coach, speaker, and the face of her brand The Whitney West. Her mission is to help chronically ill women strategize ways to redesign their lives and successfully overcome obstacles that prevent them from living abundantly despite their diagnoses.
She offers one on one coaching, group coaching, and speaking and has also created a community for black women with chronic illnesses on Facebook called Sistas with Chronic Illnesses. This community is a safe space for black women to discuss the struggles they go through with their chronic illnesses that are unique to our population.
Episode Summary
- Whitney West was diagnosed with a rare chronic illness that depleted her body of the required oxygen levels severely. She was alone, frustrated, and depressed. Managing her everyday work was inexplicably draining, both physically and mentally.
- She shares how she was fortunate to have found a good listener in her doctor, who helped her realize, accept and face the challenges that came her way.
- Whitney shares how she stepped on to relearning herself and how the death of her close friend who was battling a chronic illness herself, changed her in deeper ways. Whitney’s friend passed away doing what she really loved to. She realized that there is no perfect time to do what you have to do.
- We learn the importance of advocating for yourself by asking for help when you actually require it.
Episode Quotes
- “People do not understand that their healing is in their hands, the moment they have an awareness of what is going on.”- Herdyne
- “Anytime you ignore something, you're gonna run right into it.”- Whitney
- “I didn't want to be stagnant. I didn't want to stay the same.”- Whitney
- “I strongly believe if you really want to get to a place where you're at restoration, where you feel hold, and you feel like you can, whatever you face, you can move forward in faith, you first got to tell the truth.”- Herdyne
- “What comes with truth is freedom. Freedom for you to be yourself, freedom for you to show up. And freedom to realize who was really in your corner.”- Herdyne
- “It's harder to convince somebody that they can live a life of abundance and happiness if they haven't even begun to get on that journey.”- Whitney
Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions
- What have you learned about yourself since redefining the grief? [43:04]
That I am resilient. I always can find the light. It's like no matter how dark things get, I'll always bounce back.
- If today was your last day on earth, and you have the opportunity to say five words or less, what would those words be? [44:04]
Life is generous. It's just like the sky is beautiful today. Despite everything else, those small moments and just being thankful for having experienced such beautiful things, I would just say life is just life.
- During your dark times, was there a song that got you through? If so, what is that song? [45:33]
I Love The Lord by Whitney Houston. That song is very touching for me.
Episode Time-Stamps
- [04:54]- Whitney shares her journey
- [14:25]- Google searches gave no solid information about her illness
- [19:35]- Grieving the old Whitney and accepting changes
- [34:00]- Asking for help and being honest
- [35:57]- On allowing herself to mourn and then driving the purposeful living
- [38:39]- Whitney shares what her group is about
Connect with Whitney
- Website: thewhitneywest.com
- Email: info@thewhitneywest.com
- Instagram: com/thewhitneywest
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhitneywest
- Other: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17012988
This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader
Recommended Resources
- To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
- To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
- For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
- To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
- To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast
Social Media
Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

Feb 2, 2021
Feb 2, 2021
58 min
Ebony Tutora
Episode Introduction
As kids, our instinctual intelligence guided us when understanding right and wrong. We knew it when something was not right, we could sense danger and steer clear from it. What happens to that instinctive light as we grow older? Why does it get so clouded that you find yourself afar from the truth? Ebony Tutora is a revolutionary thinker and creator who emerged out through the darkest of times to become the best version of herself.
Ebony joins us on this episode of the Redefining Grief podcast, to talk right everything that needs to be about shielding from the truth in the most disheartening times. She also elaborates on why it is important to view your grief experiences as a learning journey and repeat healthy everyday habits that help heal. Listen in to experience the magic of the conversation for yourself!
Ebony experienced a fair share of childhood trauma- from having a chaotic household with a drug-addicted father, and living month-to-month on public assistance, she saw it all. When 15, Ebony got into a relationship with a guy from Ghana who was 10 years older. It had been an extremely violent relationship that ended with her being raped and held hostage. She kept going back to her abusive boyfriend: it was like a vicious cycle until she took some time to learn about it for herself. She dated him for over 3 years before breaking up with him finally. This experience had Ebony learn a major life lesson- You have to trust your instincts and face the truth.
All this childhood trauma finally led her to this wake-up call and she found that the right books made their way into her hands. Being open to the ways of the universe, God began showing her the path. Ebony narrates a life-changing experience that is not just exciting, but also mystical. When she was in New York City, she met a guy on the train she was traveling on. He sat next to her and whispered in her ear- “You are beautiful, beautiful in your soul”. And ended with, “You should go to Church”. And she did. But she was never able to find him there. Never. Later she talked to a person who sees angels, and she said, “That’s who he was, an angel.”
Repeating everyday healthy habits and doing necessary things to heal every day or, you know, in a way that is intentional can make all the difference in the world.
About Our Guest
Ebony Tutora is a revolutionary thinker and creator. Her purpose and passion are to share her truth authentically via transformational Life Coaching so that others who have faced the same struggles can be inspired to know there is hope. With a passion to teach about self-worth, and finding it so we can find our purpose; she has done this through her empowerment brand Queens Recognize Queens®. Giving others a platform to gain clarity around who they are, by encouraging them to harness the divinity within. Ebony specializes in holistic coaching, one on one, and her mission is to globally impact and uplift 1 million women and girls by encouraging them to love themselves and one another, heal, and walk boldly and courageously into a lifelong goal of becoming the best version of themselves.
Episode Quotes
- “If you have a belief that you shouldn't experience storms, you have no wisdom.” - Ebony [8:03]
- “If you continue to look for the light in your storm, the day is just going to get brighter and brighter.” - Herdyne [18:10]
- “Wisdom has taught me that I need to learn to surrender because I cannot control every waking hour. “- Ebony [30:29]
- “Sometimes, growing means pruning or cutting off the people that are not growing with you.” - Herdyne [39:23]
- “The inability to take wisdom, the inability to say goodbye, that inability to cut off things, people, and places that are what is creating strife in your life.” - Ebony [40:51]
Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions
- What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [44:34]
I learned that life doesn’t happen to you. But you happen to live. Everyone has the power to change and when you share your stories with each other, you help each other heal and evolve.
- If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [33:35]
Turn your pain into power.
- During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [35:48]
Tasha Cobbs – For Your Glory
Episode Time-Stamps
- [10:35] – Ebony shares her life story with us
- [19:12] – Ebony reinforces how examining the truth is the only way to gain liberation from your grief
- [25:04] – How to release your grief
- [27:49] – Wisdom is not solidified ideas, but a current. You need to catch the wave.
- [34:29] – Ebony shares a miraculous story
- [42:22] – How to turn your pain into power
Reference Links
- YouTube link to Ebony’s favorite song:
- Book:
Connect with Ebony
- Website: https://www.queensrecognizequeens.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebony-tutora-358608149
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/QueensRecognizeQueens/photos/
This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader
Recommended Resources
- To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
- To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
- For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
- To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
- To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast
Social Media
Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

Jan 26, 2021
Jan 26, 2021
11 min
Do you find it hard to communicate with your creator? Do you not know what to say? Maybe you are at a place in your heartbreak that the prayers of others are providing you strength. In today's episode, Herdyne will be praying for The Grief Crusader Community.
This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community.
Join here https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader
Recommended Resources
To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or
http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast
Social Media
Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/
