News and Happenings

Mother’s Day has great intentions behind it: taking a day out of the year to celebrate our moms and all the things they do for us. But for many people, for many reasons, that can be a painful proposition. Mother’s Day became extremely difficult for Stephanie Wittels Wachs and Maureen Wittels when Harris Wittels, Maureen’s son and Stephanie’s brother, died of a heroin overdose in 2015. In the years since, Stephanie and Maureen have learned to redefine this holiday so they can simultaneously honor Harris’s life and celebrate their family as it exists today. They tell Claire the various ways they’ve gotten through Mother’s Day over the years and share advice for those in similar situations.

The grief space, like most things in our society, has long been dominated by white voices. Marisa Renee Lee is doing her part to change that. In her new book “Grief is Love,” Marisa explores what makes Black grief unique through the lens of her own personal experiences with loss. She also shares the profound lesson about undying love she learned from Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin. This episode’s practice is about re-examining the cultural messages we’ve been taught about grief and creating space in your life for the grieving process.

It can be uncomfortable to think about death, but the end of life is a transition we should all learn how to embrace. So, this week we’re revisiting our conversation with Alua Arthur to talk about her work as a death doula, and all the ways it has taught her to live. This episode’s practice is about walking away from unfulfilling work, pursuing joy, and asking yourself: What must I do to be at peace with myself so that I may live presently and die gracefully?

There’s no way to have gotten through the last few years without some anxiety. But comedian and mental health advocate Kelsey Darragh has been experiencing anxiety-induced panic attacks for as long as she can remember. In the years since, she’s tried it all – therapy, medication, treating the physical symptoms caused by her anxiety – she shares her hard-won knowledge of what works to help her manage her anxiety, panic disorder, and depression. This episode is about slowing down, being realistic about what you can and can’t control, and how to create routines for yourself that bring a sense of calm and independence to your life.

You’re not weird. Making friends as an adult is just hard. But sometimes all it takes is opening up a little bit. Author Kelle Hampton knew when she wrote her memoir “Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected” that she was putting herself out there and revealing the most vulnerable part of her life. When the book came out, she realized her story resonated with more people than she expected. Our shared struggles bring us together both as a community, and one-on-one in our personal relationships. This episode’s practice is about sharing your story, forming new friendships, and keeping the ones you already have strong.

How are you supposed to go on after suffering an unimaginable tragedy? Shortly after comedian Michael Cruz Kayne welcomed his identical twin boys into the world, his son Fisher suddenly passed away at only 34 days old. Michael and his wife were left trying to grieve their son while raising a newborn at the same time. This week, we talk about what helps in the face of loss and how to tell people that you’re not ready to stop talking about your grief. Michael and Claire answer your questions on child loss, from how to cope with anxiety, to how to let go of what you dreamt for your child.

Domestic violence is pervasive and thrives in silence. But how do I know if my relationship has crossed a line? How do I identify abuse? And what exactly should I do if my partner becomes violent? Today, clinical psychologist Dr. Heidi Kar digs into what motivates violent behavior in the first place and how cycles of violence can actually be prevented. Most importantly, she provides insight on how to navigate a violent situation at home and what options are available when it’s time to leave.

Many of us never think to question our own gender identity… but should we? And what happens when someone close to us begins that kind of exploration? In this very personal episode, Claire sits down with her eldest child Vera, and trans activist Tuck Woodstock to talk about the world of gender identity. It’s been over a year since Vera started to identify as non-binary. While this has been an exciting new journey for Vera, it’s been a learning opportunity for Claire, as she struggles to remember to use Vera’s correct pronouns. Lines are crossed, mistakes are made, and lessons are learned in this vulnerable conversation. This episode’s practice is about exploring your own gender identity and how to support others as they do the same.

During the pandemic, the line between work life and home life got blurry. But that was already true for many people well before COVID-19 arrived. Tamara Taggart was a TV anchor in Canada for 28 years and had a really hard time drawing the line between what she did and who she is. It took suddenly losing that dream job to finally find her true self. This week’s practice is about identity, defining yourself, and staying true to your purpose above all else.

Despite what we’ve learned in fairy tales during our childhood, there’s no such thing as the perfect relationship. Marriage therapist Elizabeth Earnshaw has seen and heard it all and offers up practical advice on understanding the issues in your relationship, how to work through them, and when to consider calling it quits. This episode’s practice is about communication, getting your needs met, and building a relationship that works for you AND your partner.