Finding Hope and Strength Through Life’s Challenges

What does it really mean to be resilient — and how do we find hope in the face of grief, loss, or serious illness? We welcome Dr. Brian Pennie—a neuroscientist, resilience specialist, and author of Bonus Time. He **joins us to explore emotional awareness, personal transformation, and the power of radical acceptance. Drawing from his own lived experience and academic research, Brian offers insights and encouragement for anyone navigating difficult life transitions.

We talk about how grief affects the body and mind, what real emotional awareness looks like in crisis, how caregivers can protect their own wellbeing, and why acceptance—not resistance—is the foundation of peace.

Discover The Journey Together, a podcast by North West Hospice Charity. Hear advice, personal stories, guidance and emotional support for patients, families, and caregivers navigating palliative care.

“ Imagine that you have a beautiful garden. You love your garden… but then a weed grows. A loved one gets sick, passes away. You try to fight that weed, pull it up—but it just keeps growing.

The more you resist it, the stronger it gets. So what do you do? You accept the weed is there… and still enjoy the rest of your garden.

That’s resilience. Being there for your life. Watering your other flowers.

It’s not about fixing the loss—it’s about living with it.”

Guest: Dr. Brian Pennie

*Host: Tara Rafter, The Navigation Coach*⁠

Show music: #mobygratis @mobygratis

Episode Sponsor: ⁠ Verver Visual Ltd

This podcast is produced by ⁠⁠Verver⁠⁠

by ⁠⁠⁠⁠North West Hospice Charity⁠⁠