Turning Grief into Growth: The Journey of Transformation

Come join Greg Jacobs and Don Lipstein on this journey of transformation as we explore what it truly means to turn grief into growth. Both Greg and Don are fathers who have lost sons, and together they share the realities of their paths—both the deep pitfalls and the unexpected triumphs. This podcast walks alongside anyone experiencing grief, no matter what your relationship to the one you’ve lost or the circumstances of their passing. Our hope is that as you journey with us, you’ll find space to heal, to grow, and to feel the strength of shared companionship along the way. You can email us with feedback at: TurningGriefIntoGrowth@Gmail.com Discover more about who we are by visiting our websites: Greg Jacobs: www.yourdadforever.com Don Lipstein: www.imaginefamilyrecovery.net</

Turning Grief into Growth: The Journey of Transformation is a health podcast hosted by Greg Jacobs and Don Lipstein, with 38 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Greg Jacobs and Don Lipstein hosts Turning Grief into Growth: The Journey of Transformation, a health show with 38 episodes published.

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  Turning Grief into Growth: The Journey of Transformation

  Episode #39-Charles Mwungura

  Aug 20, 202636 min

  "Send us a Comment" In this episode, we are joined by Charles Mwungura, pastor of the Southeast Christian Church Multinational Campus in Louisville, Kentucky. Charles shares his journey as he recently passed the two-year anniversary of losing his 18-year-old son, Isaac, in a drowning accident. While grief remains a constant companion, life has continued to move forward. Over the past six months, Charles and his wife, Esperance, welcomed a newborn baby in April 2026, and their oldest son is preparing to be married this September. Charles reflects on navigating the tension of holding both joy and sorrow at the same time. He shares how he has coped through profound loss, how his faith has sustained him, and how he is learning not just to survive, but to thrive. His story is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of heartbreak, life continues, hope remains, and joy can still be found among what is missing and broken.

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  Turning Grief into Growth: The Journey of Transformation

  Episode #38-Sharon Strouse

  Aug 13, 202641 min

  "Send us a Comment" In this episode, Sharon Strouse shares the heartbreaking story of losing her 17-year-old daughter, Kristin, who died by suicide on October 11, 2001, after jumping from her 15th-floor dorm room at Parsons School of Design in New York City. As an art therapist, Sharon discusses how painting and collage became powerful tools in her own healing and have since helped countless others navigate the trauma of loss. While she affirms that traditional talk therapy is valuable and necessary, she explains that creating art allowed her to express emotions that words alone could not capture—transforming chaos into meaningful expression. Sharon reminds us that grief is "not all darkness, but about exploring the fullness and richness of life." She shares how, in the wake of unimaginable tragedy just one month after 9/11, she was able to transform the horror of losing Kristin into a journey of healing and hope. By first embracing her own healing, Sharon has gone on to help others do the same—truly turning grief into growth. You can learn more about Sharon at: www.artfulgrief.com

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  Turning Grief into Growth: The Journey of Transformation

  Episode #37-Andy McNiel

  Aug 6, 202647 min

  "Send us a Comment" In this episode, Don and I are joined by Andy McNiel, CEO of The Compassionate Friends. Andy shares why supporting those who are grieving isn't about having all the answers. Instead, he explains the importance of simply holding space for others and recognizing that we don't have to be experts in someone else's grief to walk alongside them. He also offers a powerful perspective on healing after loss—not as a return to who we once were, but as a transformation into someone new, forever shaped by love and loss.

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  Turning Grief into Growth: The Journey of Transformation

  Episode #36-Brett Sylver

  Jul 30, 202641 min

  "Send us a Comment" In this episode, Brett Sylver joins us to share the heartbreaking story of losing his son, Harrison, to suicide on January 13, 2024. Brett also reflects on earlier losses that shaped his life, including his father leaving when he was just five years old and the death of his brother when Brett was only nineteen. Throughout our conversation, Brett shares how participating in a Coping After Suicide support group has been instrumental in his healing. The group has given him a safe place to speak openly about his grief, reconnect with others, and rediscover a renewed sense of purpose. His story is a powerful reminder that while the pain of loss never fully disappears, hope, healing, and meaning can emerge through community and connection.

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  Turning Grief into Growth: The Journey of Transformation

  Episode #35-Communication

  Jul 23, 202633 min

  "Send us a Comment" In this episode, Don and Greg explore the importance of effective communication—knowing not only what to say, but also when to speak and when silence may be the better choice. They discuss the value of communicating with both accuracy and clarity, recognizing that our words can either build bridges or create misunderstandings. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of humility. When we communicate poorly or make mistakes, we should be willing to acknowledge them, apologize when necessary, and learn from the experience. At the same time, Don and Greg encourage listeners to extend grace to others who may not know the best way to communicate with someone who is grieving. Patience, understanding, and compassion can go a long way in strengthening relationships during life's most difficult seasons.

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