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Hope after Loss... Gentle conversations for grieving hearts

Hope after Loss... Gentle conversations for grieving hearts

By: Marilyn Burns M.S. L.P.C.C. Author
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About this listen

Hello, and welcome to Hope After Loss: Conversations on Grief.


My name is Marilyn Burns. I’m a licensed mental health counselor with 48 years of experience, an author, and a mother.

I'm creating this podcast several years after losing my son, Chris, to addiction. Learning first hand how to grieve with grace and hope is what it took for me to help you on your journey.

Grief is something we don’t talk about enough… especially the kind of grief that begins long before a loss actually happens. As parents, we often live with the fear that something could happen at any moment. And when it does, life changes in ways we never imagined.

In this space, we will have gentle, honest conversations about grief… about love, about loss, and about what it means to keep living when your heart is broken.

I will share my personal journey, the lessons I’ve learned over time, and the experiences of others who are walking this path.

We will talk about the hard things—guilt, regret, trauma, and the feeling that you don’t recognize your life anymore.

But we will also talk about hope.

About how love does not end.

About how we carry our children with us in ways we may not fully understand.

And about how, even in the deepest pain, there are moments that begin to bring us back to ourselves.

If you are grieving… if you feel alone… or if you are trying to understand how to move forward…

This space is for you.

You are not alone.



If you have a question or a topic that you would like me to gently explore,
you’re welcome to email me at hopeafterlosspodcast@gmail.com.

While I’m not able to provide individual counseling through email,
I would be honored to hold your question and possibly share it in a future episode so others may feel less alone.


This podcast is dedicated to my son, Chris.

This is Hope After Loss: Conversations on Grief with Marilyn Burns.

I’m so glad you’re here.


Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional counseling, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need support, please contact a licensed professional or appropriate services in your area.© 2026 Hope after Loss... Gentle conversations for grieving hearts
Episodes
  • Grief and the Emotional Brain

    Grief and the Emotional Brain
    Mar 29 2026

    thanks for taking the time to give feedback. If you have a topic that you would like me to address, I hope to get to it as soon as I can in future episodes.

    In this episode of Hope After Loss: Conversations on Grief, Marilyn Burns explores what happens in the brain during grief and why overwhelming thoughts can feel so powerful.

    When we experience loss, the emotional brain moves into protection mode. Thoughts like “I can’t do this” or “I won’t survive this” can feel very real, but they are not a reflection of your strength—they are your brain trying to help you cope with something overwhelming.

    Marilyn gently explains the role of the emotional brain and offers simple ways to reconnect with your senses and begin to feel grounded again.

    If you have ever felt lost in your thoughts while grieving, this episode will help you understand why—and remind you that you are stronger than you think.

    You are not your thoughts.

    You are not alone.

    Thank you for listening to Hope After Loss: Conversations on Grief.

    If this episode spoke to you, please consider sharing it with someone who may need support.

    You are not alone.
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • When Grief begins Before Loss

    When Grief begins Before Loss
    Mar 22 2026

    Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional counseling, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship. If you are in need of support, please seek help from a licensed professional in your area.

    In this first episode of Hope After Loss: Conversations on Grief, Marilyn Burns shares a deeply personal and honest reflection on how grief often begins long before a loss actually occurs.

    When a loved one struggles with addiction, families live with a quiet, constant fear—the possibility that life could change at any moment. This episode explores that experience through both personal story and professional insight.

    Marilyn speaks as both a mother and a counselor, offering understanding, validation, and gentle guidance for those navigating fear, helplessness, and emotional exhaustion.

    If you are walking alongside someone struggling… or living with the weight of loss… this conversation is for you.

    You are not alone.

    This episode is dedicated to my son, Chris.

    Thank you for listening to Hope After Loss: Conversations on Grief.

    If this episode spoke to you, please consider sharing it with someone who may need support.

    You are not alone.
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
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