About this episode
The Million Stages of Grief begins with a fire that changed everything. When Michael Reed lost his wife and two daughters in the 2016 Gatlinburg wildfire, his life was reduced to ashes in an instant. What followed was a journey through darkness, heartbreak, and ultimately, healing. Guided by love, faith, and the belief that pain can lead to healing and purpose, Michael wrote The Million Stages of Grief to help others navigate loss and rediscover meaning. In this moving conversation, he shares how signs, forgiveness, and connection became the anchors that helped him rise out of the darkness. His story is a testament to resilience, the enduring power of love, and the truth that even in the deepest sorrow, we are never truly alone. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR ABOUT THINGS LIKE: Grief is not a linear process with five stages; it’s a complex journey with “million stages.” The body remembers trauma and grief, even years later, manifesting in physical and emotional ways. Finding purpose in pain can be a powerful catalyst for healing and growth. Professional support, such as EMDR therapy, can be immensely helpful in processing trauma. Rebuilding after loss involves reshaping one’s landscape and sometimes saying goodbye to old connections that no longer align with who you’ve become. Signs from lost loved ones can provide comfort and a sense of continued connection. Forgiveness, even for those who caused immense pain, is a crucial step in releasing the weight of anger and preventing oneself from becoming a “monster.” It’s possible to experience joy alongside grief; one does not exclude the other. Sharing your story and helping others through their grief can be a profound source of healing and purpose. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: The Fire that Rewrote My Life : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEVZMuSA7Fg&list=PL7judgDzhkAWmfyB5r5WgFD6ahombBvoh Grab a copy of Michael’s The Million Stages of Grief at https://a.co/d/5TdaDnK --- ✨ Grief & Rebirth: Healing Resources & Tools ✨ 🎧 Irene's Books (Including a Free Audiobook!) They Serve Bagels in Heaven—Irene’s heartfelt story of love and life beyond. Listen Free on Audible as a First Time User: https://amzn.to/4dG4l4w Get the Paperback or Hard copy: https://amzn.to/3XrE995 📚 Embrace Life’s Third Chapter Good to the Last Drop—A powerful anthology on aging with purpose: https://amzn.to/3VJgEa5 🛍️ Healing & Self-Care Picks Curated books and essentials from Irene: https://kit.co/GriefandRebirth 📚 Grief & Rebirth Bookshop Books by podcast guests for healing & wisdom: https://bookshop.org/shop/griefandrebirth 🎙️ Podcast & Community Inspiring stories of transformation on the Grief and Rebirth website: https://griefandrebirth.com 📱 Stay Connected Subscribe to Grief and Rebirth on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOSDru2EU1djRZaZxxFkMig?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irenesweinberg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IreneSWeinberg TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@irenesweinberg 🎥 Irene’s Spiritual Awakening Story Watch how the podcast began: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0mJWKfg5PM 🎙️ Be a Podcast Guest Have a story or healing work to share? Apply Here: https://ireneweinberg.com/be-on-the-podcast/ 📰 Newsletter Get updates, tips, and new episodes by signing up to the Grief and Rebirth Substack: https://substack.com/@griefandrebirth 💖 Affiliate Disclaimer Some links may earn us a commission. We only share trusted, personally recommended resources.