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Grief is tough—but so are we. "Grief, I Didn't Sign Up for This," is a space for real, raw, and sometimes even humorous conversations about navigating loss, healing, and faith. Hosted by Shaleka Smith, this podcast explores the many faces of grief—not just losing loved ones but also the loss of relationships, identity, dreams, and expectations. We’ll laugh, we’ll cry, and we’ll keep it real as we unpack the messy emotions that come with grief. Through personal stories, faith-based encouragem ...
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In this powerful and honest episode of Grief, I Didn’t Sign Up for This, host Shaleka Smith breaks down the well-meaning but often hurtful things people say to those who are grieving—and what you should say instead. From “Everything happens for a reason” to “Be strong,” we explore why these phrases can unintentionally deepen someone’s pain and how …
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In this episode of Grief, I Didn’t Sign Up for This, we dive into one of the most complex emotions that grief brings—guilt. Inspired by Milton Butler’s story from Grief, I Didn’t Sign Up for This, we explore the overwhelming feeling of wishing we had done things differently and how those thoughts can consume us. Whether it’s the regret of missed mo…
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Empty Seat - Teacher's Grief After Losing Students to Gun Violence
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33:27
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In this powerful episode of Grief, I Didn’t Sign Up for This, host Shaleka Smith sits down with Alea Allen, an educator who previously taught in Chicago and who has faced the unimaginable—losing multiple students to gun violence. Inspired by the heartfelt chapter Empty Seat by Alea Allen, this conversation sheds light on the grief teachers carry wh…
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In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Grief, I Didn't Sign Up for This, Shaleka Smith invites listeners to explore the idea of writing their own obituary—both literally and metaphorically. Inspired by the New York Times article “Write Your Own Obit,” Shaleka discusses why taking ownership of your life story is a gift to your loved ones and a gu…
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In this episode of Grief, I Didn't Sign Up for This, we discuss the emotional masks we wear while grieving. So many of us say "I'm fine" when we're anything but. We feel the pressure to be strong, keep busy, and hold it all together—often at the cost of our healing. But what happens when we remove the mask and allow ourselves to grieve honestly? Jo…
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Grieving the Death of an Abuser – A Complex Journey
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47:39
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What happens when the person who caused you deep pain dies, and the world expects you to grieve them? In this powerful episode, host Shaleka Smith sits down with a sexual assault survivor and advocacy worker, Saunté Harden-Tate, to explore the complicated emotions that surface when an abuser passes away. From unexpected relief to lingering guilt, a…
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In this episode of Grief, I Didn't Sign Up for This, we reflect on the journey to Resurrection Sunday and the deep emotions that come with life's challenges. Just as Jesus experienced grief and anguish before His Resurrection, we, too, go through painful processes before breakthrough moments. Even when we know victory is ahead, the weight of the jo…
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In this episode of Grief, I Didn't Sign Up for This, we dive into one of the most unexpected and painful experiences—losing a friend who is in your age range. Inspired by DeAnna Gibson's heartfelt story in Grief, I Didn't Sign Up for This, we explore the shock, sadness, and reality check that comes with losing a peer far too soon. How do we process…
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On this episode of Grief, I Didn't Sign Up for This, we explore the importance of slowing down and allowing ourselves the time and space to process grief. In a world that often pressures us to "move on" quickly, we discuss why true healing requires patience, self-compassion, and intentional reflection. I'll share personal experiences, practical str…
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In this episode of Grief, I Didn’t Sign Up for This, we explore the delicate balance between sorrow and joy. Can you experience moments of happiness while still carrying deep grief? Is it possible to honor your loss while allowing yourself to embrace joy without guilt? Join me as I dive into this emotional and thought-provoking topic, sharing perso…
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Turning 40 is a significant milestone filled with celebration, reflection, and maybe a bit of panic! In this episode of Grief, I Didn't Sign Up for This Podcast, I’m sharing my thoughts on reaching this new decade and the grief that comes with aging and not having loved ones around to celebrate with you. We’ll talk. We'll embrace life, trust God's …
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Grief is a universal experience, yet it is often misunderstood. In this episode of Grief, I Didn't Sign Up for This, we embark on a heartfelt journey to explore the many facets of grief—its complexities, unexpected forms, and the ways we can navigate it with faith, compassion, and resilience. Hosted by Shaleka Smith, this podcast provides a safe sp…
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