Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavor-logo

Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavor

Kids & Family Podcasts

An outreach of The Empty Chair Endeavor designed to support and equip grieving parents and siblings in rediscovering hope, purpose, and joy after unspeakable tragedy. Additionally, our mission involves educating the public about the life altering impact the death of a child has upon survivors, both parents and siblings, and equipping them to better support and minister to them. Join us as guests share their stories of heartbreaking loss and how God has shown up on their journeys to restore hope, meaning and purpose. The host, Greg Buffkin, lives with his wife Cathy in South Carolina. Because Cathy and Greg lost their beautiful son Ryan to suicide in 2015, they understand the trauma and pain of losing a child. On a journey that began 9 years ago out of unspeakable trauma and brokenness, GOD has brought them through to a place of restoration, hope and joy with a passion to help other grieving families on their journeys. DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, and beliefs expressed by our guests are not necessarily shared by this podcast or its host. We believe there is only one GOD: the Father, His son Jesus Christ, and His Holy Spirit (the Trinity). We also believe that the Holy Bible is the inspired, inerrant, eternal word of GOD which is our source of all truth.

Location:

United States

Description:

An outreach of The Empty Chair Endeavor designed to support and equip grieving parents and siblings in rediscovering hope, purpose, and joy after unspeakable tragedy. Additionally, our mission involves educating the public about the life altering impact the death of a child has upon survivors, both parents and siblings, and equipping them to better support and minister to them. Join us as guests share their stories of heartbreaking loss and how God has shown up on their journeys to restore hope, meaning and purpose. The host, Greg Buffkin, lives with his wife Cathy in South Carolina. Because Cathy and Greg lost their beautiful son Ryan to suicide in 2015, they understand the trauma and pain of losing a child. On a journey that began 9 years ago out of unspeakable trauma and brokenness, GOD has brought them through to a place of restoration, hope and joy with a passion to help other grieving families on their journeys. DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, and beliefs expressed by our guests are not necessarily shared by this podcast or its host. We believe there is only one GOD: the Father, His son Jesus Christ, and His Holy Spirit (the Trinity). We also believe that the Holy Bible is the inspired, inerrant, eternal word of GOD which is our source of all truth.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Invisible Loss, with Cheryl Davis

9/16/2025
On this episode, Cheryl Davis, host of the Time for Mom podcast, shares her story of loss as a young mom whose heart was neither equipped nor prepared to deal with the grief of child loss. Cheryl’s is a story that represents over a million others just like hers every year in the U.S. suffering the death of a child by miscarriage. All too often, we have a tendency to rank or compare grief based on our own subjective views or experiences. This is especially true in loss due to miscarriage or stillbirth, and can result in too many of these women trying to process and navigate their grief in silence because so few us understand just how real their grief really is. You’ll be encouraged as Cheryl talks about the personal impact of grief and how GOD’s faithfulness and grace began healing and restoring all that was broken. Cheryl has a heart for helping busy moms drowning in daily responsibilities with marriage, family and work, rediscover meaning, purpose and peace in the middle of it all. Most importantly, Cheryl wants to help you see yourself as GOD sees you by offering personal experiences and Biblical encouragement relating to your identity, routines and priorities on her weekly podcast, Time for Mom, which can be accessed using the link below. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/time-for-mom-devotions-self-esteem-biblical-encouragement/id1828707938 Share your thoughts or suggestions by clicking here. If you find this conversation encouraging or hopeful, we invite you to follow us on your favorite podcast platform so that each new episode will be sent to you automatically. Please rate/review us on Apple Podcasts if you appreciate our podcast. Your feedback matters because it can help us continually improve as well as help others decide if our episodes might be beneficial to them. You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/ Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it. Thank you for listening!

Duration:00:40:58

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Child Loss and Work with Shelly Kolwinska, Margaret Roses’ Mom

9/2/2025
In this episode you’ll hear Shelly Kolwinska share her profound journey of grief following the stillbirth of her daughter, Margaret Rose. In our conversation we discuss the importance of community support for grieving parents and the unique services offered by The Child Loss Foundation. Shelly's personal story intertwines with her professional mission as Director of Child Loss@Work to help others navigate their grief, emphasizing the need for understanding and compassion in the workplace for those who have experienced child loss. Threaded throughout our conversation you’ll hear Shelly talk about GOD’s faithfulness and goodness along her grief journey and the passion He’s given her to help other grieving families. Navigating grief in the workplace is most often very difficult and lonely. You don’t want to miss this episode! https://www.childlossfoundation.org/ Share your thoughts or suggestions by clicking here. If you find this conversation encouraging or hopeful, we invite you to follow us on your favorite podcast platform so that each new episode will be sent to you automatically. Please rate/review us on Apple Podcasts if you appreciate our podcast. Your feedback matters because it can help us continually improve as well as help others decide if our episodes might be beneficial to them. You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/ Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it. Thank you for listening!

Duration:00:53:56

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“Finding the Gold in Grief” with Sarah Beth Gerbers

8/19/2025
Finding anything good in grief might seem impossible for you today, and if so, you’re not alone. Grief often feels like it has taken on a life of its own, and even wants to become your new identity. How can there possibly be anything resembling gold in our grief journey? On this episode you’ll hear a conversation I recently had with Sarah Beth Gerbers about how she began to discover gold on her multiple grief journeys; yes, Sarah has experienced the loss of a precious, beautiful child five(5) times by miscarriage! By any standard, that’s more heartbreak, loss and pain than any parent should ever have to endure. Sarah talks about her struggles with the multi-pronged impact of grief with refreshing honesty and transparency. You will also hear about how GOD’s tenderness, compassion, and grace carried Sarah through the darkest moments of her life and began weaving in threads of healing and beauty along her journey. Today, Sarah is passionate about introducing other grieving parents to the hope, meaning and purpose she knows through her relationship with her Savior and friend, Jesus Christ. That passion led Sarah to author a newly published book entitled” Moonflower: Defiantly Blooming in the Face of Great Darkness”, which you’ll be hearing about in our conversation. Send us a text If you find this conversation encouraging or hopeful, we invite you to follow us on your favorite podcast platform so that each new episode will be sent to you automatically. Please rate/review us on Apple Podcasts if you appreciate our podcast. Your feedback matters because it can help us continually improve as well as help others decide if our episodes might be beneficial to them. You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/ Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it. Thank you for listening!

Duration:00:41:45

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“Sibling Lifeline” with Bobby and Gabby Bisterfeldt

8/5/2025
They are known as “the forgotten mourners.” On this episode you’ll be hearing a conversation I had with Bobby and Gabby Bisterfeldt, founders of Sibling Lifeline, as we talk about how the death of a child affects surviving children. Both have experienced the tragic loss of two siblings each. As they share their stories, you’ll learn how each tried to process their own pain and grief while attempting not to be an additional burden on their grieving parents. It’s a common dilemma most siblings face after such a loss, but often overlooked or misunderstood by others who tend to be more focused on the parents. As a result, their grief is often delayed or suppressed, but nevertheless, is just as real and has a lasting impact on their lives. Bobby and Gabby are an amazing father in law, daughter in law team who have a heart for these forgotten mourners demonstrated by providing retreats where they can get away for a weekend with others who understand their loss and discover they’re not alone on their grief journey. These retreats are Christ centered and designed to offer hope, encouragement, and support. Click the link below to find out more about Sibling Lifeline and upcoming retreat opportunities. https://siblinglifeline.org/ Send us a text If you find this conversation encouraging or hopeful, we invite you to follow us on your favorite podcast platform so that each new episode will be sent to you automatically. Please rate/review us on Apple Podcasts if you appreciate our podcast. Your feedback matters because it can help us continually improve as well as help others decide if our episodes might be beneficial to them. You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/ Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it. Thank you for listening!

Duration:01:01:23

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A Heart Stopping Call, with Mary McNamara, Zack's Mom

7/22/2025
A phone call on Christmas morning 2020 brought heart shattering news she never could have imagined. On this episode, Mary McNamara talks with me about how one phone call forever altered her life that day. Her beautiful 28 year old son, Zack, had died during the night alone. We talk about the questions such a sudden, unexpected tragedy leaves a parent facing and trying to process. You'll also hear Mary talk about what a caring, sensitive, and funny young man Zack was as well as some of his struggles. With courage, transparency, and grace, Mary shares her own struggles along her grief journey and how her relationship with Jesus Christ has been her source of comfort and strength. Send us a text If you find this conversation encouraging or hopeful, we invite you to follow us on your favorite podcast platform so that each new episode will be sent to you automatically. Please rate/review us on Apple Podcasts if you appreciate our podcast. Your feedback matters because it can help us continually improve as well as help others decide if our episodes might be beneficial to them. You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/ Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it. Thank you for listening!

Duration:00:45:11

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“I Will Praise Him in the Storm” (Hannah Sullivan) with Brad and Jill Sullivan, Hannah’s parents

7/8/2025
On this episode, Brad and Jill Sullivan join me to talk about their sweet daughter Hannah, and their grief journey since losing her to a glioblastoma brain tumor in February 2009 after a year long battle. Hannah loved Jesus, and her faith in Him enabled her to not only endure this battle, but to live each day with purpose to honor Him even as she underwent radiation therapy and surgery. Brad shares a very touching conversation he had with Hannah at one point that year as the two of them talked about why GOD allows us to suffer through storms in our lives, and the bold, unforgettable prayer she offered to Him prior to her diagnosis. Learn how Jill and Brad dealt with the questions, anger and trauma in learning the tumor had returned with a vengeance after months of healing and recovery and an initially positive response to treatment. With grace and transparency, they talk about the impact grief made in their lives and their marriage. You will also hear about the impact Jesus had on their grief! After losing Hannah, GOD inspired them to co-found While We’re Waiting, a non-profit ministry for grieving parents offering Christ-centered retreats, both near their home in Hot Springs, Arkansas, as well as venues in several other states, at no cost to their guests. Since 2020, their ministry now includes a very successful podcast by the same name where bereaved parents share their own stories of loss and GOD’s faithfulness to restore hope, meaning, and purpose. Their story is sure to offer you, our listeners, a message of hope and encouragement in your own storm. Learn more about their ministry by clicking the link below https://whilewerewaiting.org/podcast/ Send us a text If you find this conversation encouraging or hopeful, we invite you to follow us on your favorite podcast platform so that each new episode will be sent to you automatically. Please rate/review us on Apple Podcasts if you appreciate our podcast. Your feedback matters because it can help us continually improve as well as help others decide if our episodes might be beneficial to them. You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/ Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it. Thank you for listening!

Duration:00:59:29

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Name Change Announcement

7/1/2025
Send us a text If you find this conversation encouraging or hopeful, we invite you to follow us on your favorite podcast platform so that each new episode will be sent to you automatically. Please rate/review us on Apple Podcasts if you appreciate our podcast. Your feedback matters because it can help us continually improve as well as help others decide if our episodes might be beneficial to them. You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/ Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it. Thank you for listening!

Duration:00:03:37

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Honoring His Son with David Corvi, Charlie’s Dad

6/24/2025
On this episode, David Corvi and I explore the many facets of how grief after child loss affects men. The impact of such trauma is often overlooked or downplayed with dads, due, in large part, to cultural norms and unrealistic expectations of men in our society. While men and women grieve differently, men do indeed grieve, but the impact is not often visible. Having experienced the unthinkable pain of losing his beautiful son Charlie to late term stillbirth in October 2021, David candidly shares a dad’s unique journey from brokenness and disbelief to experiencing GOD’s loving kindness and grace, eventually inspiring David to author a book entitled, “Dear Charlie, Letters to my Son: A Father’s Journey of Loss, Grief, and Remembrance.” Additionally, David and his wife, Katherine, have established The Charles Martin Corvi Fund that partners with organizations that support families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. https://www.charlesmartincorvi.org/ Please click here to share any thoughts or questions you might have about this episode; we would love to hear from you! If you find this conversation encouraging or hopeful, we invite you to follow us on your favorite podcast platform so that each new episode will be sent to you automatically. Please rate/review us on Apple Podcasts if you appreciate our podcast. Your feedback matters because it can help us continually improve as well as help others decide if our episodes might be beneficial to them. You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/ Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it. Thank you for listening!

Duration:00:46:08

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Finding Hope After Loss, A Young Mom’s Journey with Rachel Maxwell

6/10/2025
Seemingly unpredictable and random, miscarriage loss leaves parents, more especially moms, devastated and brokenhearted. Pregnant yesterday, but suddenly today, no longer. She’s left with countless questions that often have no answers, feelings of guilt that she didn’t do something right, fear that it might happen again, and so much love in her heart that now has no where to go. In this episode, Rachel Maxwell shares her story and we talk about these challenges and how she faced them. With a deep compassion for others borne out of her own pain and loss, Rachel shares how she was able to process and begin moving through the questions, fears and anger out of a deep faith and trust in Jesus who is our hope. Please click here to share any thoughts or questions you might have about this episode; we would love to hear from you! If you find this conversation encouraging or hopeful, we invite you to follow us on your favorite podcast platform so that each new episode will be sent to you automatically. Please rate/review us on Apple Podcasts if you appreciate our podcast. Your feedback matters because it can help us continually improve as well as help others decide if our episodes might be beneficial to them. You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/ Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it. Thank you for listening!

Duration:00:41:02

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Crushed But Not Broken, with Tracy Dailey, Emma’s Mom

5/27/2025
In this episode, Tracy Dailey and I talk about her journey that began without warning on May 30, 2007. Eight months into her pregnancy and only 24 years old, Tracy was told by her doctor, after performing an ultrasound, that her sweet, precious daughter Emma, had no heartbeat. Everything seemed to slip into slow motion, and denial took over temporarily. Prior to the previous day, it had been a picture perfect pregnancy, and now the unthinkable had become reality and her life forever changed. Prior to this day, Tracy had never experienced grief. Now, without any support network, Tracy and her husband, Bryan, found themselves ill-equipped and unable to even begin processing the trauma and pain. Listen as Tracy shares how GOD rescued both of them from a very dark place and began healing and breathing new life back into both of them. Today, she’s Co-Founder and Board President of Emma’s Footprints, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing care and support for pregnancy and infant loss families ensuring that no family has to walk alone. https://www.emmasfootprints.com/ Please click here to share any thoughts or questions you might have about this episode; we would love to hear from you! If you find this conversation encouraging or hopeful, we invite you to follow us on your favorite podcast platform so that each new episode will be sent to you automatically. Please rate/review us on Apple Podcasts if you appreciate our podcast. Your feedback matters because it can help us continually improve as well as help others decide if our episodes might be beneficial to them. You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/ Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it. Thank you for listening!

Duration:00:43:11

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Processing Grief as a Dad With Tommy Henderson, Nick’s Dad

5/13/2025
Critically injured by a hit and run driver on 10/5/23, Tommy’s beautiful 23 year old son Nick died from his injuries on October 21, 2023, a day that would forever change Tommy’s life. Parents shouldn’t have to bury their children. Like other dads, Tommy had dreams of seeing Nick discover his purpose in life, possibly get married and have a family of his own, and enjoy activities he and Nick loved doing together. Like those dreams, Tommy’s life was shattered that day. I hope you’ll listen as he shares his story and we discuss the impact of grief on a dad’s heart, his mind, his work, and relationships. You’ll also learn how Tommy’s faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ are getting him through his grief journey one day at a time, healing the brokenness, and restoring hope and joy. Please click here to share any thoughts or questions you might have about this episode; we would love to hear from you! If you find this conversation encouraging or hopeful, we invite you to follow us on your favorite podcast platform so that each new episode will be sent to you automatically. Please rate/review us on Apple Podcasts if you appreciate our podcast. Your feedback matters because it can help us continually improve as well as help others decide if our episodes might be beneficial to them. You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/ Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it. Thank you for listening!

Duration:00:41:35

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Multiple Losses, Unspeakable grief, and Resilient Hope with Betty Ringeisen

4/29/2025
In this episode, pastoral counselor, author, and Bible teacher, Betty Ringeisen, talks with me about a grief/healing journey that began 20 years ago after miscarriage. Tragically, what lay ahead was unthinkable ... over the course of a few more years, Betty and her husband would experience the life altering loss of four (4) other children by miscarriage. How can a young mom survive, let alone process, that level of pain and trauma? Can a heart so deeply wounded ever heal? Betty's story is one of resilient faith and endurance in the face of deep loss and brokenness. It's also the story of GOD's love and faithfulness to restore joy, purpose and hope in Betty's life and then surprise her with a long awaited, beautiful gift. This is a message of encouragement and hope! Please click here to share any thoughts or questions you might have about this episode; we would love to hear from you! If you find this conversation encouraging or hopeful, we invite you to follow us on your favorite podcast platform so that each new episode will be sent to you automatically. Please rate/review us on Apple Podcasts if you appreciate our podcast. Your feedback matters because it can help us continually improve as well as help others decide if our episodes might be beneficial to them. You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/ Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it. Thank you for listening!

Duration:00:59:42

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Feeling Isolated and Disconnected with Martha McGeehon, Everly’s Mom

4/15/2025
Have you ever felt utterly alone and helpless when your heart has been shattered and your world turned upside down? Did the people you thought you could count on let you down? After losing her precious, beautiful 4 month old baby daughter Everly, Martha found herself in a battle with grief that severely challenged her faith as a Christian. At a time when she needed unconditional love, support and understanding, what she got from too many people were well meaning “platitudes “ poorly timed or thought out, while others were either silent or nowhere to be found. Most were kind, sensitive and supportive, but the responses of the others yielded more pain and feelings of betrayal. Many of us can identify with Martha’s experience but, perhaps, have hesitated to talk about it. As you listen, I believe you will find Martha’s honesty and transparency refreshing as we discuss this and other aspects of her grief journey. Send us a text If you find this conversation meaningful or helpful, we invite you to follow us on your favorite podcast platform so that each new episode will be sent to you automatically. Please rate/review us on Apple Podcasts if you appreciate our podcast. Your feedback matters because it can help us continually improve as well as help others decide if our episodes might be beneficial to them. You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/ Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it. Thank you for listening!

Duration:00:45:39

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Processing and Navigating Grief as a Dad with Richard Wons, Trinity’s Dad

4/1/2025
“After Trinity died, I was barely functional”, is how Richard described himself after he and his wife Stacey lost their precious daughter shortly after being born. Doctors described it as a “medical mystery”. In a previous episode (12/10/24) Stacey shared about her grief and healing journey as Trinity’s mom, and in this episode Richard and I talk about the impact of grief and trauma from a dad’s personal experience. It’s no secret that men and women both process and navigate grief differently, and in our conversation, Richard shares how Trinity’s death affected his identity as a protector and defender in his roles as a husband and dad, as well as the impact it had upon his relationship with GOD. After the death of a child, it’s not uncommon for a man to “dive into” his work as a distraction from the pain, a subject we also explore in our conversation. I hope you’ll join us for this thoughtful and insightful look into a dad’s grief journey. Click here to share your thoughts about this episode If you find this conversation meaningful or helpful, we invite you to follow us on your favorite podcast platform so that each new episode will be sent to you automatically. Please rate/review us on Apple Podcasts if you appreciate our podcast. Your feedback matters because it can help us continually improve as well as help others decide if our episodes might be beneficial to them. You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/ Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it. Thank you for listening!

Duration:00:35:55

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Discovering Hope after Brokenness with Rachael Chumney, Jamie’s Mom

3/18/2025
The unspeakable pain and trauma from losing her beautiful 2 year old son Jamie, left Rachael crushed, broken and rudderless. How does a young mom deal with such tragedy alone? Where does she turn to soothe the pain and find comfort? In the aftermath, Rachael’s life began to take some unfortunate twists and turns and she shares how GOD showed up on that journey and began making something beautiful out of all those broken pieces. Click here to share your thoughts about this episode If you find this conversation meaningful or helpful, we invite you to follow us on your favorite podcast platform so that each new episode will be sent to you automatically. Please rate/review us on Apple Podcasts if you appreciate our podcast. Your feedback matters because it can help us continually improve as well as help others decide if our episodes might be beneficial to them. You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/ Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it. Thank you for listening!

Duration:00:41:06

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A Mom’s Grief Journey with Heather West, Adalyn and Maelyn’s Mom

3/4/2025
When her eight month old daughter Adalyn died of two congenital medical conditions in May 2017, Heather’s heart was shattered and her life upended with grief. Three short years later, the unimaginable happened when her daughter Maelyn was stillborn in July 2020. How does a parent even begin to comprehend and process such unspeakable trauma? How can a mom navigate such grief and loss while trying to take care of another living child? Heather and I explore these and other questions as we talk about her journey over the past eight years from brokenness to rediscovering meaning, purpose, and hope through her relationship with GOD. Heather’s transparency and honesty offer us glimpses into a grieving mom’s heart reminding our listeners that grief doesn’t have to define our identity, but rather is an expression of the deep love parents have for their children. Click here to share your thoughts about this episode If you find this conversation meaningful or helpful, we invite you to follow us on your favorite podcast platform so that each new episode will be sent to you automatically. Please rate/review us on Apple Podcasts if you appreciate our podcast. Your feedback matters because it can help us continually improve as well as help others decide if our episodes might be beneficial to them. You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/ Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it. Thank you for listening!

Duration:00:42:23

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Emerging Through the Crushing Pain of Grief with Kim Peacock, Nicole's Mom

2/18/2025
"When Nicole went to Heaven, darkness invaded our world, and we wondered if our family would survive the crushing pain of grief." Kim Peacock When Kim's daughter Nicole died in a tragic off-roading accident three days after Christmas in 1998, it left her shattered, and her whole world seemed to stop. No parent is ever prepared for such trauma and pain, much less equipped to deal with it. Kim and I talk about what that season was like, the struggles that descended, and how, by GOD's grace, she began to experience healing, and emerging through the darkness of grief as she started rediscovering hope and purpose in the aftermath. I believe Kim's transparency and open heartedness will inspire hope and encouragement for your own journey. To discover more about Kim’s journey and how she’s now helping other bereaved parents, please visit her website below and check out her newly published book, “Victorious Heart: Finding Hope and Healing After a Devastating Loss”. https://www.wildvictoriousheart.com/about Click here to share your thoughts about this episode If you find this conversation meaningful or helpful, we invite you to follow us on your favorite podcast platform so that each new episode will be sent to you automatically. Please rate/review us on Apple Podcasts if you appreciate our podcast. Your feedback matters because it can help us continually improve as well as help others decide if our episodes might be beneficial to them. You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/ Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it. Thank you for listening!

Duration:00:51:27

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Navigating the Grief of Stillbirth with Leslie Burman, Willow's Mom

2/4/2025
After waiting the long arrival of their precious daughter Willow, June 8, 2017 was supposed to be a day of joyful celebration for Leslie and Andrew Burman. When their sweet baby was born still that day, their hopes were crushed and their hearts shattered. It wasn't supposed to be that way! How do young parents begin to process something so painful and traumatic? How do they go back to an empty home and try to figure out the way forward? "Through it all, though, I felt a sense of calmness and peace. It was out of my hands. There was a bigger plan for our sweet daughter, Willow ..." Leslie I hope you'll listen as Leslie and I talk about her journey, and shares how GOD began mending all those broken pieces, giving her a passion to help others and create "Be Like the Willow, a non-profit organization striving to provide comfort through acts of kindness, resources to aid grief and support like-minded charitable organizations." https://www.belikethewillow.com/ Click here to share your thoughts about this episode If you find this conversation meaningful or helpful, we invite you to follow us on your favorite podcast platform so that each new episode will be sent to you automatically. Please rate/review us on Apple Podcasts if you appreciate our podcast. Your feedback matters because it can help us continually improve as well as help others decide if our episodes might be beneficial to them. You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/ Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it. Thank you for listening!

Duration:00:55:29

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A Grieving Dad’s Journey with Dr. Allan MacDonald, Josh’s Dad

1/21/2025
On this episode, my friend, Dr. Allan MacDonald and I talk about his journey with grief that began on December 31, 2018 when his 26 year old son Josh died after a valiantly fought, odds-defying battle with a congenital medical condition. Allan shares how Josh not only survived the initial heartbreaking medical prognosis, but went on to embrace life with a contagious zeal for living and doing all the things that weren’t supposed to be possible. We discuss the impact that deep trauma left Allan to process and try to navigate after losing not only Josh, but his marriage just a few months later. Even today, Allan sometimes has to contend with grief triggers as he rounds on patients in the same hospital, the same floor, and same room where Josh died in his arms that day in December. Allan’s is also a story of how, in his brokenness, GOD began taking all those shattered pieces and restoring beauty out of the ashes. This is a story of hope! Click here to share your thoughts about this episode If you find our episodes meaningful and helpful, we invite you to follow us on your favorite podcast platform so that each new episode will be sent to you automatically. Please rate/review us on Apple Podcasts if you appreciate our podcast. Your feedback matters because it can help us continually improve as well as help others decide if our episodes might be beneficial to them. You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/ Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it. Thank you for listening!

Duration:00:38:53

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Surviving the Unthinkable Loss of a Baby … Twice, with Kendall and Andy Reid, Ruby and Jack’s Parents

1/7/2025
For most people, the thought of losing their child is almost more than their hearts can bear, seemingly unsurvivable. Unfortunately for Kendall and Andy Reid, this became a reality in 2017 when their precious 2 day old daughter, Ruby died suddenly in the hospital. Still grieving such a tremendous loss, their lives were once again shattered by the death of their second child, Jack, as a result of stillbirth in 2019. How does a young couple even begin trying to accept and process something so unimaginably painful? How does one maintain their sanity, return to work, and carry on with the routines of daily life? Is it possible for even a good marriage to survive? In my conversation with Kendall and Andy, we explore these questions and other challenges, as well as how their faith and relationships with JESUS sustained them, held them together, and began a journey of healing that eventually led them to get involved with Ashlie’s Embrace, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing CuddleCots (TM) to U.S. hospitals and medical centers. https://www.ashliesembrace.org/ Please click here to let us know your thoughts about this episode. If you find our episodes meaningful and helpful, we invite you to follow us on your favorite podcast platform so that each new episode will be sent to you automatically. Please rate/review us on Apple Podcasts if you appreciate our podcast. Your feedback matters because it can help us continually improve as well as help others decide if our episodes might be beneficial to them. You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/ Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it. Thank you for listening!

Duration:00:37:01