Episodes

  • Grief, Art, and Finding Beauty After Loss with Mary Marquiss - 22

    Grief, Art, and Finding Beauty After Loss with Mary Marquiss - 22
    May 12 2026

    What if the pain you never asked for could still become a place where beauty, courage, and connection grow? In this heartfelt Season 3 conversation of Enduring Grief, Sarah Peterson, LCSW welcomes artist and author Mary Marquiss to discuss Behind the Painting: An Artist’s Memoir. Mary shares how painting and writing helped her live through miscarriages, divorce, family suicide, stroke, cancer, betrayal, and deep grief. Together, Sarah and Mary talk about letting go, trusting change, asking for help, and honoring both anger and gratitude without shame. This episode offers a kind reminder that grief has no set timeline, healing can look many ways, and even in the darkest seasons, we do not have to face loss alone.

    Mary Marquiss has been an art teacher and artist for thirty years, and is the forthcoming author of ‘Behind the Painting – An Artist’s Memoir”. Through serious life challenges, including divorce, family suicide, and cancer, Marquiss discovered a relationship with her art in the form of a circular language. If you have ever faced what felt like insurmountable life challenges, her stories and paintings will inspire you. With a degree in psychology, and both an artist and writer, the most provocative element to her paintings is their personal content.

    Learn more about Mary:

    Web - https://marymarquiss.com/

    IG - https://www.instagram.com/mary.marquiss/

    FB - https://www.facebook.com/MaryMarquissArtist/

    Grab a copy of her book: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Painting-Artists-Mary-Marquiss-ebook/dp/B0GNSHVP86?ref_=ast_author_mpb

    Episode highlights:

    (1:03) Season 3 begins and Mary Marquiss is introduced

    (3:17) Mary shares the heart behind Behind the Painting

    (5:24) Living through loss, divorce, stroke, and cancer

    (7:05) Change, letting go, and choosing your response

    (8:40) Empathy, support, and being present with pain

    (14:57) Art as a way to listen to the body and heal

    (19:31) Betrayal, forgiveness, and the time it takes

    (25:21) Choosing beauty while still honoring darkness

    (33:42) Reaching out and remembering you are not alone

    (35:00) Self-kindness, rest, and caring for your whole self

    Connect with Sarah:

    ✅ Instagram: instagram.com/clearmourning

    ✅ Official Website: clearmourning.org

    Follow us on Instagram: @ClearMourning

    Stay inspired with daily reflections, quotes on healing, and behind-the-scenes content from the podcast.

    Love What You Hear?

    Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others discover these stories of healing. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might benefit. Word of mouth is the best way to spread healing and hope.
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • Grief Hit Me Again 10 Years Later -21

    Grief Hit Me Again 10 Years Later -21
    May 11 2026

    What happens when grief returns years later and knocks the breath out of you all over again? In this episode, Sarah Peterson, LCSW opens up about the deep waves of grief she faced nearly 10 years after losing her child and her dad within just a few months. With honesty and care, she shares why grief is not something we “finish,” but something we keep practicing as life changes. This season expands the conversation beyond death loss to include divorce grief, illness grief, mental health grief, and other painful life changes. Sarah also introduces the new video format, the mission of Clear Morning, and the heart behind this podcast: real stories, practical support, and a reminder that no one has to grieve alone.

    Key Timestamps:

    (0:32) Welcome to Enduring Grief and the mission of Clear Morning

    (1:20) Season 3 introduction and what listeners can expect

    (2:02) Expanding grief beyond death loss

    (3:42) Exciting new video format on YouTube

    (4:17) Sarah’s personal grief story

    (5:13) Why grief is a practice

    (6:36) Guests sharing healing practices and true stories

    (6:52) Clear Morning’s mission and podcast purpose

    (7:39) Looking for hope in later grief chapters

    (8:30) Building community and feeling less alone

    (9:45) Closing reminder: there is no right or wrong way to grieve

    Connect with Sarah:

    ✅ Instagram: instagram.com/clearmourning

    ✅ Official Website: clearmourning.org

    Follow us on Instagram: @ClearMourning

    Stay inspired with daily reflections, quotes on healing, and behind-the-scenes content from the podcast.

    Love What You Hear?

    Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others discover these stories of healing. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might benefit. Word of mouth is the best way to spread healing and hope.
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • “Am I Grieving Right?”: Honest Answers to Your Hardest Questions -20

    “Am I Grieving Right?”: Honest Answers to Your Hardest Questions -20
    Jul 8 2025

    Join host Sarah Peterson, LCSW, for an honest, heartfelt Q&A as she wraps up Season 2 of Enduring Grief. In this episode, Sarah responds to listener questions about the unpredictable journey through loss—touching on what changes to expect from grief counseling, why people grieve differently, and the complex emotions like guilt around finding joy after loss. Expect thoughtful reflections on “the relationship you have with your grief,” practical support for honoring your unique process, and reassurance that there’s no one “right way” to grieve.

    Whether you’re struggling with isolation, wondering if it’s okay to laugh again, or searching for coping strategies, this episode offers grounded guidance and encouragement. If you’re seeking grief support resources and real talk about healing after loss, tune in and see how Sarah helps create connection, hope, and understanding for anyone navigating bereavement.

    Sarah Peterson is a licensed clinical social worker with over 13 years of experience in medical social work, hospice care and in private practice. As the founder of Clear Mourning, a nonprofit organization dedicated to shifting the culture of grief through innovation, support, and awareness, Sarah brings a deep understanding of grief and loss to her work. Her personal experiences, including the tragic loss of her two-year-old daughter and father, have profoundly shaped her mission to provide compassionate support to others navigating grief.

    Sarah holds a Master of Social Work from Portland State University and has extensive experience in both private practice and nonprofit leadership. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at Portland State, runs her own private practice, and provides supervision for licensure candidates.

    Connect with Sarah:

    ✅ Instagram:

    instagram.com/clearmourning

    ✅ Official Website:

    clearmourning.org

    Follow us on Instagram: @ClearMourning

    Stay inspired with daily reflections, quotes on healing, and behind-the-scenes content from the podcast.

    Love What You Hear?

    Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others discover these stories of healing. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might benefit. Word of mouth is the best way to spread healing and hope.
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • Supporting Grievers: Compassionate Care for Sudden Loss and Natural Death -19

    Supporting Grievers: Compassionate Care for Sudden Loss and Natural Death -19
    Jul 1 2025
    In this thought-provoking episode of Enduring Grief, host Sarah Peterson is joined by Dr. Marlis Beier and Dr. Dean Sharpe to unravel the unique journeys of experiencing loss. Together, they explore the profound contrast between sudden loss—such as accidents or traumatic deaths—and natural, expected death. From the overwhelming physical shocks that grief creates to the distinct emotional landscapes of denial, guilt, and regret, the conversation offers listeners a compassionate look at the full range of grief reactions.If you’ve ever felt lost after a traumatic event, struggled with “what ifs,” or wondered why even anticipated losses can leave you reeling, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for personal stories, practical wisdom, and gentle reminders about support, healing, and finding new guideposts after life-altering change.Sarah Peterson is a licensed clinical social worker with over 13 years of experience in medical social work, hospice care and in private practice. As the founder of Clear Mourning, a nonprofit organization dedicated to shifting the culture of grief through innovation, support, and awareness, Sarah brings a deep understanding of grief and loss to her work. Her personal experiences, including the tragic loss of her two-year-old daughter and father, have profoundly shaped her mission to provide compassionate support to others navigating grief.Sarah holds a Master of Social Work from Portland State University and has extensive experience in both private practice and nonprofit leadership. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at Portland State, runs her own private practice, and provides supervision for licensure candidates.Connect with Sarah:✅ Instagram:instagram.com/clearmourning✅ Official Website:clearmourning.orgDean Sharpe trained as a general surgeon and worked in private practice from 1980 to2002. His interests expanded and in 1994 he earned a master’s degree in health administration, becoming the first Vice President of Medical Affairs at St. Charles Medical Center. He shared this position with his surgical practice until 2002 when he became a full-time administrator. Informatics and computerized medical records arrived, and he facilitated that change at St. Charles from 2004 to 2006 as VP Clinical Informatics. In his two administrative jobs, relationship and change facilitation were his major roles. His passion as facilitator and educator led to helping design and facilitate “People Centered Teams”, an organizational and personal seminar beginning 1992. The program grew from St. Charles to national, impacting the lives of over 5000 participants. He helped design and teach Death and Dying workshops at St. Charles in the 90’s with the goal that caregivers would become more comfortable with their own mortality as well as their patients. He believes the physician’s role is to facilitate the relationship between patients and their illness, which allows healing, regardless of physical cure. Teaching the Sacred Art of Living Community seminars are a natural extension of Dean’s interests because of the wedding of psychological and spiritual aspects of the inward journey. He has facilitated Healing the Healers seminars since 2008. Starting in 2017 he has facilitated with his wife the 10-month track (part of a program called Anamcara second year) Soul of Wellness: The course focuses on the lifelong questions “Who are you and what do you want? He is married to Marlis Beier, has two daughters and three grandsons. He lives in Bend, Oregon and enjoys cooking, skiing, hiking, gardening, traveling and being with his family.Marlis Beier started her professional career in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Bend, Oregon. She found gratification accompanying patients facing life transitions. She learned about grief when her best friend, brother and beloved patients died. Her chronically ill daughter asked her to help her die at age 5. Grief comes not with just the loss of someone but also loss of identity and ability. The diagnosis of MS meant repeated grieving loss of ability and with time, her identity as practicing physician. She found similar gratification volunteering in hospice being with the dying. That’s where she met Sarah. Their deep friendship held space for Sarah as she grieves the tragic loss of her daughter Marley at age 2 from a drunk driver on a Sunday morning. Marlis has been a spiritual seeker from an early age, learning from many traditions and teachers. She has become a mentor to many through teaching at hospice and the Sacred Art of Living Center. Although she teaches many diverse subjects, her intention is transformation of suffering. Her greatest love is her family, including husband Dean Sharpe, M.D., two daughters, Marissa and Anneliese, and grandsons Thielsen, Sawyer and Kepler. The saga of Anneliese’s health challenges since age one inspired her to become a better doctor, mother and companion to anyone facing illness or ...
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • The Gift of Being Heard: Grief, Therapy, and True Connection -18

    The Gift of Being Heard: Grief, Therapy, and True Connection -18
    Jun 24 2025

    On this episode of Enduring Grief, host Sarah Peterson, joined by special guest Shanan Kelley, explores the real-life complexities of navigating loss in our fast-paced world. Listen as they address topics like the power of listening, the underestimated skill-building needed for grief, and why being “kinder to yourself” might be among the most important healing practices. The conversation weaves through moments of miscommunication, the challenge of changing your mind in relationships, and how the natural world can offer solace—even if it’s just a bouquet of flowers.

    If you’re interested in authentic grief stories, mental health strategies, individual therapy experiences, and real advice on supporting yourself or a loved one through hard times, this episode is for you. Join us for honest insights and practical guidance that don’t shy away from uncomfortable truths but always point toward hope.

    Shanan Kelley is a writer, storyteller, and creativity coach known for her ability to infuse humor and heart into meaningful conversations. As a seasoned speaker and workshop leader, Shanan is dedicated to helping people embrace their authentic selves through self-expression and resilience. Her work invites audiences to explore the deep and often messy experiences of being human—grief, joy, disappointment, and everything in between—with honesty and compassion.

    When she’s not sharing her wisdom on podcasts or stages, Shanan creates and facilitates workshops that help individuals connect to their creative voices and embrace self-compassion as a daily practice.

    Sarah Peterson is a licensed clinical social worker with over 13 years of experience in medical social work, hospice care and in private practice. As the founder of Clear Mourning, a nonprofit organization dedicated to shifting the culture of grief through innovation, support, and awareness, Sarah brings a deep understanding of grief and loss to her work. Her personal experiences, including the tragic loss of her two-year-old daughter and father, have profoundly shaped her mission to provide compassionate support to others navigating grief.

    Sarah holds a Master of Social Work from Portland State University and has extensive experience in both private practice and nonprofit leadership. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at Portland State, runs her own private practice, and provides supervision for licensure candidates.

    Connect with Sarah:

    ✅ Instagram:

    instagram.com/clearmourning

    ✅ Official Website:

    clearmourning.org

    Follow us on Instagram: @ClearMourning

    Stay inspired with daily reflections, quotes on healing, and behind-the-scenes content from the podcast.

    Love What You Hear?

    Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others discover these stories of healing. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might benefit. Word of mouth is the best way to spread healing and hope.
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • Compassionate Listening and Grief Support: How to Truly Hear and Uplift Others -17

    Compassionate Listening and Grief Support: How to Truly Hear and Uplift Others -17
    Jun 17 2025
    Compassionate listening is at the heart of grief support—but what does it truly look like in practice? In this episode of Enduring Grief, host Sarah Peterson teams up with guests Dr. Marlis Beier and Dr. Dean Sharpe to unpack the subtle art of "being with" rather than "fixing" in moments of loss. Discover why grievers themselves might need to learn the skill of compassionate self-listening, and why well-intentioned advice can sometimes fall flat. With real stories, honest confessions about common missteps, and practical strategies, this episode offers fresh insight for anyone navigating their own grief or supporting someone they love. If you’ve ever wondered what to say (or not say) to someone in pain—or how to set healthy boundaries while healing—tune in and pick up essential tools for authentic, empathetic connection.Sarah Peterson is a licensed clinical social worker with over 13 years of experience in medical social work, hospice care and in private practice. As the founder of Clear Mourning, a nonprofit organization dedicated to shifting the culture of grief through innovation, support, and awareness, Sarah brings a deep understanding of grief and loss to her work. Her personal experiences, including the tragic loss of her two-year-old daughter and father, have profoundly shaped her mission to provide compassionate support to others navigating grief.Sarah holds a Master of Social Work from Portland State University and has extensive experience in both private practice and nonprofit leadership. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at Portland State, runs her own private practice, and provides supervision for licensure candidates.Connect with Sarah:✅ Instagram:instagram.com/clearmourning✅ Official Website:clearmourning.orgMarlis Beier started her professional career in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Bend, Oregon. She found gratification accompanying patients facing life transitions. She learned about grief when her best friend, brother and beloved patients died. Her chronically ill daughter asked her to help her die at age 5. Grief comes not with just the loss of someone but also loss of identity and ability. The diagnosis of MS meant repeated grieving loss of ability and with time, her identity as practicing physician. She found similar gratification volunteering in hospice being with the dying. That’s where she met Sarah. Their deep friendship held space for Sarah as she grieves the tragic loss of her daughter Marley at age 2 from a drunk driver on a Sunday morning. Marlis has been a spiritual seeker from an early age, learning from many traditions and teachers. She has become a mentor to many through teaching at hospice and the Sacred Art of Living Center. Although she teaches many diverse subjects, her intention is transformation of suffering. Her greatest love is her family, including husband Dean Sharpe, M.D., two daughters, Marissa and Anneliese, and grandsons Thielsen, Sawyer and Kepler. The saga of Anneliese’s health challenges since age one inspired her to become a better doctor, mother and companion to anyone facing illness or challenge.Dean Sharpe trained as a general surgeon and worked in private practice from 1980 to2002. His interests expanded and in 1994 he earned a master’s degree in health administration, becoming the first Vice President of Medical Affairs at St. Charles Medical Center. He shared this position with his surgical practice until 2002 when he became a full-time administrator. Informatics and computerized medical records arrived, and he facilitated that change at St. Charles from 2004 to 2006 as VP Clinical Informatics. In his two administrative jobs, relationship and change facilitation were his major roles. His passion as facilitator and educator led to helping design and facilitate “People Centered Teams”, an organizational and personal seminar beginning 1992. The program grew from St. Charles to national, impacting the lives of over 5000 participants. He helped design and teach Death and Dying workshops at St. Charles in the 90’s with the goal that caregivers would become more comfortable with their own mortality as well as their patients. He believes the physician’s role is to facilitate the relationship between patients and their illness, which allows healing, regardless of physical cure. Teaching the Sacred Art of Living Community seminars are a natural extension of Dean’s interests because of the wedding of psychological and spiritual aspects of the inward journey. He has facilitated Healing the Healers seminars since 2008. Starting in 2017 he has facilitated with his wife the 10-month track (part of a program called Anamcara second year) Soul of Wellness: The course focuses on the lifelong questions “Who are you and what do you want? He is married to Marlis Beier, has two daughters and three grandsons. He lives in Bend, Oregon and enjoys cooking, skiing, hiking, gardening, traveling and being with his family.
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • Will I Survive This? Uncertain Futures & Not Knowing How to Cope with Grief. -16

    Will I Survive This? Uncertain Futures & Not Knowing How to Cope with Grief. -16
    Jun 10 2025

    In this heartfelt episode of Enduring Grief, host Sarah Peterson is joined by Elizabeth Johnson, Director of the Peaceful Presence Project, for a moving conversation about the realities of living after significant loss. Together, they unpack the raw experience of child loss, exploring the shock, isolation, and “life-cracking eruption of hell” that accompanies sudden, unexpected tragedy. Listeners are given a glimpse into Elizabeth’s personal story and learn how the pain of her son’s death ultimately shaped her path—personally and professionally.

    If you’re interested in practical support, the need for community, the difference between anticipatory and sudden grief, and how humor and small moments matter in the healing process, this episode offers insights you won’t want to miss. Join us as we acknowledge disenfranchised grief and the importance of honest, informed support for anyone navigating loss.

    About Our Guest:

    Elizabeth Johnson is the Executive Director of the Peaceful Presence Project, where she supports individuals and families facing the end of life. With deep compassion and a rich sense of humor, she brings a unique perspective to conversations about loss, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit.

    Links & Resources:

    Learn more about the Peaceful Presence Project

    Connect with us on social media:

    Instagram - @peacefulpresencedoulas

    LinkedIn- The Peaceful Presence Project

    Join the conversation using #LetItGoOrWatchItGrow

    Sarah Peterson is a licensed clinical social worker with over 13 years of experience in medical social work, hospice care and in private practice. As the founder of Clear Mourning, a nonprofit organization dedicated to shifting the culture of grief through innovation, support, and awareness, Sarah brings a deep understanding of grief and loss to her work. Her personal experiences, including the tragic loss of her two-year-old daughter and father, have profoundly shaped her mission to provide compassionate support to others navigating grief.

    Sarah holds a Master of Social Work from Portland State University and has extensive experience in both private practice and nonprofit leadership. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at Portland State, runs her own private practice, and provides supervision for licensure candidates.

    Connect with Sarah:

    ✅ Instagram:

    instagram.com/clearmourning

    ✅ Official Website:

    clearmourning.org

    Follow us on Instagram: @ClearMourning

    Stay inspired with daily reflections, quotes on healing, and behind-the-scenes content from the podcast.

    Love What You Hear?

    Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others discover these stories of healing. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might benefit. Word of mouth is the best way to spread healing and hope.
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Creating Comfort and Connection in Helping Families with Anticipatory Grief -15

    Creating Comfort and Connection in Helping Families with Anticipatory Grief -15
    Jun 3 2025

    In this eye-opening episode of Enduring Grief, host Sarah Peterson sits down with Lesley Sacks, Executive Director of Hopewell House, to explore the unique realities of anticipatory grief- the grief we carry before a loss fully arrives. Drawing on years of experience in hospice care, Lesley offers insights into supporting families and individuals facing the slow goodbye. The conversation uncovers the complexities of family dynamics, caregiver burnout, and the transformative rituals that help loved ones navigate the path toward end-of-life acceptance.

    Whether you’re a caregiver, support professional, or someone preparing for loss, you’ll find practical wisdom on shifting hope, embracing honest conversations, and making each moment meaningful. Don’t miss this compassionate look at what it really means to "walk through grief together"—and why acknowledging the hard truths about dying can open the door to deeper connection and healing.

    Lesley Sacks, LCSW, is the Executive Director of Hopewell House, a nonprofit hospice residence in Portland, Oregon. Lesley brings extensive experience in hospice care and social services. A Portland native, Lesley holds a Master of Social Work from Portland State University and a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Willamette University.

    Lesley was drawn to Hopewell House for its community-centered mission and commitment to serving individuals with limited access to end-of-life care. Under her leadership, the organization has continued to provide compassionate, inclusive, and dignified care to hospice residents.

    Sarah Peterson is a licensed clinical social worker with over 13 years of experience in medical social work, hospice care and in private practice. As the founder of Clear Mourning, a nonprofit organization dedicated to shifting the culture of grief through innovation, support, and awareness, Sarah brings a deep understanding of grief and loss to her work. Her personal experiences, including the tragic loss of her two-year-old daughter and father, have profoundly shaped her mission to provide compassionate support to others navigating grief.

    Sarah holds a Master of Social Work from Portland State University and has extensive experience in both private practice and nonprofit leadership. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at Portland State, runs her own private practice, and provides supervision for licensure candidates.

    Connect with Sarah:

    ✅ Instagram:

    instagram.com/clearmourning

    ✅ Official Website:

    clearmourning.org

    Follow us on Instagram: @ClearMourning

    Stay inspired with daily reflections, quotes on healing, and behind-the-scenes content from the podcast.

    Love What You Hear?

    Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others discover these stories of healing. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might benefit. Word of mouth is the best way to spread healing and hope.
    Show More Show Less
    53 mins