In this episode, Kayla G. welcomes her big sister Amanda for an emotional and candid discussion. They share the memories and experiences leading up to their mother's passing, revealing the differences in their grieving processes and the emotional complexities of dealing with loss. The sisters reflect on the signs they missed, the guilt and frustration they felt, and the importance of vulnerability and family support. They also touch on broader issues such as the need for better bereavement leave policies in workplaces and the impact of grief on mental health. This episode is an intimate look at how two sisters navigated their journey through heartbreak, offering insights and relatable moments for anyone facing similar challenges.

00:00 Welcome to Whole Lot of Heart

00:25 Introducing a Special Guest: Amanda

00:37 A Raw Conversation on Grief

01:59 Amanda's Perspective: The Stroke

03:53 Revealing the Diagnosis

04:19 Hospital Days and Guilt

04:58 Signs We Missed

08:29 The Final Days

19:29 The Transition and Aftermath

32:19 Coping with Loss

52:38 The Role of Friends and Family

56:16 Opening Up About Vulnerability

56:47 The Burden of Sharing Personal Struggles

57:13 The Importance of Friendship and Support

58:04 Sisterly Bond and Age Differences

58:38 Reflecting on Family Relationships

01:03:23 The Impact of Therapy and Counseling

01:06:35 Grieving Beyond Death

01:07:48 The Need for Better Bereavement Policies

01:11:24 Navigating Life Amidst Grief

14:57 The Final Days and Hospital Experience

28:28 Reflecting on Parental Traits

29:37 Sharing the News of Illness

32:19 Navigating Grief and Vulnerability

35:40 Coping with Anniversaries and Birthdays

38:01 The Role of Family Support

41:17 The Impact of Grief on Daily Life

48:57 The Importance of Therapy and Support Systems

01:07:53 Workplace Policies on Grief

01:17:12 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of Whole Lotta Heart, Kayla G. is talking about the day on the calendar that can feel like a punch to the gut—the death anniversary of someone you love. But instead of bracing ourselves for a tidal wave of sadness, what if we reimagined it as a day to celebrate their life? We’ll chat about how to shift the focus from grief to gratitude, creative ways to honor their memory, and how to give yourself grace if the day feels heavier than expected. Whether you’re planning a tribute, quietly reflecting, or avoiding the date altogether, this conversation is all about finding what works for you—and remembering that love doesn’t have an expiration date.

In this episode, Kayla G. gets real about the difference between grieving in public vs. grieving in private — and why both are equally valid, even when they look completely different. From posting on social media to crying in silence, she explores how grief shows up when people are watching… and when no one is.

Whether you’re the girl who shares your pain openly or the one who keeps it close to your chest, this episode is your reminder that there’s no “right” way to grieve. Kayla breaks down the different types of public and private grief, the pressure to appear okay, and how to hold space for your healing — whether it’s seen or unseen.

If you’ve ever felt like your grief wasn’t loud enough to matter or too visible to be respected, this one’s for you.

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In this episode, Kayla G. gets real about the different types of grief — the ones no one talks about but so many of us are quietly carrying. From secondary losses and ambiguous grief to the heartbreak of losing a version of yourself… she's naming it all. Because naming it? That’s the first step to healing.

If you’ve ever felt “off” but couldn’t explain why, or wondered if you were allowed to be this sad over something that wasn’t death — this one’s for you. Your grief is valid. Your feelings are real.

In this episode of Whole Lotta Heart, host Kayla G. shares her personal journey of recognizing when she was not okay after the loss of her mother. She discusses the importance of acknowledging one's feelings, the process of seeking help through therapy, and the lessons learned about healing and self-care. Kayla emphasizes that it's okay to not be okay and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. The conversation encourages listeners to check in with themselves and to understand that their experiences are valid, regardless of how they manifest.

In this episode of Whole Lotta Heart, host Kayla G. explores the themes of grief, healing, and the signs that loved ones may send after they have passed. Through personal stories and reflections, she discusses the significance of signs, dreams, and symbols that can provide comfort and connection during the grieving process. Kayla shares her own encounters with butterflies and dreams of her mother, illustrating how these experiences can serve as reminders of love and presence. The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring these signs as part of the healing journey.

In this episode of Whole Lotta Heart, host Kayla G. delves into the emotional complexities of the 'year of firsts' after losing a loved one. She discusses the significant dates that can feel overwhelming, such as birthdays and holidays, and shares personal anecdotes about navigating these moments. Kayla emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to grieve, creating new traditions, and seeking support from friends and family. She also highlights the unexpected moments of grief that can arise throughout the year, encouraging listeners to honor their feelings and remember that healing is a personal journey without a set timeline.

In this episode of Whole Lotta Heart, host Kayla G. delves into the complexities of grief, emphasizing that it is a non-linear journey filled with various stages. She discusses the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—while sharing personal anecdotes to illustrate each stage. Kayla encourages listeners to embrace their feelings, acknowledge that it's okay to not be okay, and understand that grief is a lifelong process that can lead to personal growth and healing.