If you've been wondering why you can't sleep after someone dies, you're not alone. Grief and insomnia often go hand in hand — especially in the weeks and months after a loss.

In this episode (22) of The GRIEF Ladies Podcast, Kelly Daugherty and Karyn Arnold are joined by sleep expert Kelly Myerson to explore the powerful connection between grief and sleep disruption. We talk about why nights can feel harder, why your nervous system stays on high alert, and why sleep problems after loss are more common than most people realize.

You'll learn:

• Why grief affects your sleep cycle

• How anxiety and loss impact the nervous system at night

• Practical strategies to calm your body before bed

• How to create a sleep-friendly environment while grieving

• Gentle coping tools you can experiment with right away

We also discuss how staying connected to the person who died through ritual, memory, and intentional reflection — can ease some of the emotional intensity that surfaces at night.

This episode connects to the Grounding trail marker in our G.R.I.E.F. Framework, focusing on stabilizing your nervous system and creating small, steady routines for sleep when everything feels disrupted.

If sleep has felt impossible since your loss, this conversation offers validation, practical support, and realistic strategies you can try tonight.

Guest Bio: Kelly Myerson is a Human Design–informed leadership guide, facilitator, and speaker who supports people navigating moments of transition, reorientation, and becoming. Her work lives at the intersection of Human Design synthesis, intuitive pattern recognition, somatic attunement, and reflective dialogue.

Rather than teaching Human Design mechanically, Kelly approaches it with artistry and depth, helping people understand how their energy moves and how to work with it in real life. She is especially skilled at holding liminal spaces, moments when clarity is emerging but not yet fully formed.

Kelly offers private Threshold Sessions as well as group facilitation for retreats, summits, and intentional communities. Her work is grounded, compassionate, and deeply human, designed to foster self-trust, meaningful leadership, and sustainable change.

Connect with Kelly:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-myerson-b6217843/

Substack: https://substack.com/@kellymyersonvoiceamplifier

Calendly: https://calendly.com/kellymyerson/building-the-bridge-conversation

GRIEF Ladies: Your Guide to What Comes Next

If you're ready to move forward without moving on—this show is for you.

🎧 Follow and connect: https://www.griefladies.com/

Kelly Daugherty: https://www.kellydaugherty.com/
Karyn Arnold: https://www.griefincommon.com/

Stay up to date with all the latest information about The GRIEF Ladies- Sign up for our newsletter at: www.griefladies.com

Join the FREE, Private Facebook GRIEF Ladies Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16WuZNsNGu/

The GRIEF Ladies podcast offers education and support for people living with grief after someone they love has died. Our content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care or crisis services. If you are in crisis or concerned about your safety, call 988 in the U.S. or contact local emergency services.

Many grieving people wonder how to stay connected to someone who has died. Is it healthy to keep talking to them? To celebrate them? To include them in your life moving forward?

In this episode of The GRIEF Ladies Podcast, Kelly Daugherty and Karyn Arnold are joined by Dave Roberts to explore the concept of continuing bonds — the idea that connection doesn't end with death. We discuss practical ways to maintain meaningful connection while still living forward.

In this conversation, we explore:

• What continuing bonds theory means in grief

• Healthy ways to stay connected to loved ones

• Why grief evolves over time

• Shadow work and meaning-making after loss

• Celebrating the life of the person who died

This episode connects to the Finding trail marker in our G.R.I.E.F. Framework — focusing on discovering what comes next and integrating connection into everyday life.

If you've ever questioned whether staying connected is "normal" or helpful, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and practical ideas you can explore in your own grief journey.

Guest Bio: David J. Roberts, MSW, LMSW, became a parent who experienced the death

of a child, when his daughter Jeannine died of cancer on March 1, 2003, at

the age of 18 due to a rare and aggressive form of cancer.. He is a retired

addiction professional and an adjunct professor in the psychology child life

department at Utica University in Utica, New York. Dave also teaches

psychology classes at Pratt Munson School of Art and Design. He is the host

of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, which can be found on most podcast

platforms and YouTube. Dave has presented grief workshops nationally and has been a keynote

speaker as well.

He has been a past HuffPost contributor and has contributed numerous

articles to other online publications. Dave also co-authored a book with

Reverend Patty Furino titled, When The Psychology Professor Met The

Minister, which was published on March 1, 2021.

Connect with Dave:

Email: bootsyandangel@gmail.com

Podcast Link: https://rss.com/podcasts/theteachingjourneys/

Web Links and Social Media Links:

Personal Website: https://davidrobertsmsw.com/

Author Website: https://psychologyprofessorandminister.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.j.roberts1/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-roberts-56690513/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daver3103/

YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@daveroberts301/podcasts

GRIEF Ladies: Your Guide to What Comes Next

If you're ready to move forward without moving on—this show is for you.

🎧 Follow and connect: https://www.griefladies.com/

Kelly Daugherty: https://www.kellydaugherty.com/
Karyn Arnold: https://www.griefincommon.com/

Stay up to date with all the latest information about The GRIEF Ladies- Sign up for our newsletter at: www.griefladies.com

Join the FREE, Private Facebook GRIEF Ladies Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16WuZNsNGu/

The GRIEF Ladies podcast offers education and support for people living with grief after someone they love has died. Our content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care or crisis services. If you are in crisis or concerned about your safety, call 988 in the U.S. or contact local emergency services.

In this episode of the GRIEF Ladies podcast, Karyn Arnold and Kelly Daugherty engage with Amanda McCoy Flanagan, a certified intuitive loss and empowerment coach, to explore the complexities of grief and loss. Amanda shares her personal journey through grief, including the impact of significant losses in her life and how she maintained her sobriety amidst these challenges. The conversation delves into coping mechanisms, the importance of connection in recovery, and actionable steps for those navigating grief. Amanda emphasizes the significance of celebrating the lives of loved ones and maintaining connections while also encouraging listeners to practice self-compassion and reach out to others.

Guest Bio: Amanda McKoy Flanagan, LMSW is a certified loss + empowerment coach and energy healer, an award-winning author, writing coach, motivational speaker, and host of the Sol Rising podcast. Taking her passion to the next level, she offers 1:1 private energy-infused coaching and facilitates workshops and retreats with the intention of helping people heal, transform, and empower themselves to move into the next phase of their lives with resilience, enthusiasm, and purpose.

Connect with Amanda:

https://www.amandamckoyflanagan.com/

https://www.instagram.com/amandamckoyflanagan/

https://www.facebook.com/amandamckoyflanagan

https://open.spotify.com/show/0sUF9yQkEXl5j925qqM1J1?si=cbcfc3c6aff74272

GRIEF Ladies: Your Guide to What Comes Next

If you're ready to move forward without moving on—this show is for you.

🎧 Follow and connect: https://www.griefladies.com/

Kelly Daugherty: https://www.kellydaugherty.com/
Karyn Arnold: https://www.griefincommon.com/

Stay up to date with all the latest information about The GRIEF Ladies- Sign up for our newsletter at: www.griefladies.com

Join the FREE, Private Facebook GRIEF Ladies Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16WuZNsNGu/

The GRIEF Ladies podcast offers education and support for people living with grief after someone they love has died. Our content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care or crisis services. If you are in crisis or concerned about your safety, call 988 in the U.S. or contact local emergency services.

In this episode of the GRIEF Ladies podcast, hosts Karyn Arnold and Kelly Daugherty are joined by grief coach and author Shelby Forsythia. Together, they explore the complexities of grief and relationships, focusing on the challenges of communication during times of loss. Shelby shares insights from her Life After Loss Academy, discussing the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing supportive allies in one's grief journey. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with practical advice and personal stories that illuminate the path to healing.

Guest Bio: Shelby Forsythia (she/her) is a grief coach, author, and podcast host. In 2020, she founded Life After Loss Academy, an online course and community that has helped dozens of grievers grow and find their way after death, divorce, diagnosis, and other major life transitions. Following her mother's death in 2013, Shelby began calling herself a "student of grief" and now devotes her days to reading, writing, and speaking about loss. Through a combination of mindfulness tools and intuitive, open-ended questions, she guides her clients to welcome grief as a teacher and create meaningful lives that honor and include the heartbreaks they've faced. Her work has been featured in Huffington Post, Bustle, and The Oprah Magazine

Connect with Shelby: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

GRIEF Ladies: Your Guide to What Comes Next

If you're ready to move forward without moving on—this show is for you.

🎧 Follow and connect: https://www.griefladies.com/

Kelly Daugherty: https://www.kellydaugherty.com/
Karyn Arnold: https://www.griefincommon.com/

Stay up to date with all the latest information about The GRIEF Ladies- Sign up for our newsletter at: www.griefladies.com

Join the FREE, Private Facebook GRIEF Ladies Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16WuZNsNGu/

The GRIEF Ladies podcast offers education and support for people living with grief after someone they love has died. Our content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care or crisis services. If you are in crisis or concerned about your safety, call 988 in the U.S. or contact local emergency services.

In this episode of the Grief Ladies podcast, Kelly Daugherty and Karyn Arnold welcome Larisa Makuch, a transformational coach and founder of Abundance Academy. Together, they explore the journey of rebuilding after loss, emphasizing the importance of routine, motivation, and overcoming subconscious blocks. Larisa shares practical strategies for creating structure and finding purpose amidst grief, offering insights on how to transform challenges into opportunities for healing and empowerment.

Guest Bio: Larisa Makuch is a transformational coach, speaker, and author of Stop Procrastinating Your Life Away. As CEO of Abundance Academy, she helps ambitious, heart-centered women overcome subconscious blocks and create success on their own terms. Drawing from her expertise in NLP, hypnotherapy, and mindset mastery, Larisa blends science with soul to foster clarity, confidence, and sustainable growth—without burnout.

Connect with Larisa:

Website: https://myabundanceacademy.ca/

https://resources.myabundanceacademy.ca/elevation-playbook

IG: https://www.instagram.com/myabundanceacademy/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larisa-makuch/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyAbundanceAcademy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larisa.makuch

GRIEF Ladies: Your Guide to What Comes Next

If you're ready to move forward without moving on—this show is for you.

🎧 Follow and connect: https://www.griefladies.com/

Kelly Daugherty: https://www.kellydaugherty.com/
Karyn Arnold: https://www.griefincommon.com/

Stay up to date with all the latest information about The GRIEF Ladies- Sign up for our newsletter at: www.griefladies.com

Join the FREE, Private Facebook GRIEF Ladies Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16WuZNsNGu/

The GRIEF Ladies podcast offers education and support for people living with grief after someone they love has died. Our content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care or crisis services. If you are in crisis or concerned about your safety, call 988 in the U.S. or contact local emergency services.

In this episode of the Grief Ladies podcast, Kelly Daugherty and Karyn Arnold welcome Melissa Armstrong, a trauma-informed functional health practitioner. They discuss the importance of grounding in the grief process, exploring practical strategies for healing after loss. Melissa shares her personal journey through trauma and grief, emphasizing the mind-body connection and the significance of nervous system regulation. The conversation highlights common misconceptions about grief, the physical symptoms associated with it, and practical steps for healing, including the power of breath and self-care. Melissa's story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that healing is always possible, and she encourages listeners to honor their loved ones through purposeful action.

Guest Bio:

GRIEF Ladies: Your Guide to What Comes Next

If you're ready to move forward without moving on—this show is for you.

🎧 Follow and connect: https://www.griefladies.com/

Kelly Daugherty: https://www.kellydaugherty.com/
Karyn Arnold: https://www.griefincommon.com/

Stay up to date with all the latest information about The GRIEF Ladies- Sign up for our newsletter at: www.griefladies.com

Join the FREE, Private GRIEF Ladies Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18B8qpVeqv/

The GRIEF Ladies podcast offers education and support for people living with grief after someone they love has died. Our content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care or crisis services. If you are in crisis or concerned about your safety, call 988 in the U.S. or contact local emergency services.

As the holiday season fades, January offers a unique opportunity for connection and renewal. In this episode, we explore how to embrace the post-holiday valleys by fostering meaningful connections and setting intentions for the new year. Tune in for practical tips and heartfelt stories that inspire a fresh start and a deeper sense of community.

GRIEF Ladies: Your Guide to What Comes Next

If you're ready to move forward without moving on—this show is for you.

🎧 Follow and connect: https://www.griefladies.com/

Kelly Daugherty: https://www.kellydaugherty.com/
Karyn Arnold: https://www.griefincommon.com/

Stay up to date with all the latest information about The GRIEF Ladies- Sign up for our newsletter at: www.griefladies.com

The GRIEF Ladies podcast offers education and support for people living with grief after someone they love has died. Our content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care or crisis services. If you are in crisis or concerned about your safety, call 988 in the U.S. or contact local emergency services.

In this episode of the Grief Ladies podcast, hosts Kelly Daugherty and Karyn Arnold explore the challenges of facing New Year's while grieving. They discuss evolving through grief, dealing with emotions like anger and guilt, and the importance of setting intentions over resolutions. The conversation offers insights into navigating this time with mindfulness and self-compassion, highlighting the unexpected nature of New Year's for those who have experienced loss.

GRIEF Ladies: Your Guide to What Comes Next

If you're ready to move forward without moving on—this show is for you.

🎧 Follow and connect: https://www.griefladies.com/

Kelly Daugherty: https://www.kellydaugherty.com/
Karyn Arnold: https://www.griefincommon.com/

Stay up to date with all the latest information about The GRIEF Ladies- Sign up for our newsletter at: www.griefladies.com

The GRIEF Ladies podcast offers education and support for people living with grief after someone they love has died. Our content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care or crisis services. If you are in crisis or concerned about your safety, call 988 in the U.S. or contact local emergency services.