Episode Details

In this deeply moving conversation, Brian sits down with Michael Reed, author of The Million Stages of Grief, whose life changed forever on the night of the 2016 Gatlinburg fires. Michael lost his wife Constance and daughters Chloe and Lily in the tragedy—and today, he shares not only his story, but the wisdom, compassion, and hard-earned insight that grew from unimaginable loss.

This episode explores what grief really looks like—messy, nonlinear, human—and why comparing grief (“less than,” “more than,” “should be over it”) only creates more suffering.

You’ll hear how Michael went from suicidal despair to becoming a voice for grievers everywhere.

💡 What You’ll Learn

• Why the “five stages of grief” don’t reflect most people’s real experience
• How men are socialized to hide grief—and how to break that cycle
• The truth about survivor’s guilt
• Faith after tragedy: doubt, anger, surrender, and transformation
• What helped Michael choose to live when he didn’t want to
• How writing became a lifeline
• What it means to move forward without “moving on”

🔗 Guest Links

• 🌐 Website: https://themillionstages.com
  
  
• 📘 Book: The Million Stages of Grief (available on Amazon)
• 📱 Follow Michael on social media: listed on his website

🎙️ Listen & Support Grief 2 Growth

• 💌 Join our community & weekly reflections: https://grief2growth.substack.com
• ⭐ Please rate & review the show to help others find support.

🧭 Interactive Elements

👉 Your Reflection Prompt:
What is one memory of your loved one that brings both pain and comfort?
Share it with us in the comments or reply on Substack—we honor them together.

👉 Your Action Step:
Choose one person who might feel alone in their grief today. Send them this episode and a simple message:
“You don’t have to go through this alone.”

👉 Feedback Request:
We want to uplift more voices like Michael’s.
What topics or guests would you like us to feature next?

Tell us in the comments, or send Brian a message through the website.

💬 Episode Quote Highlight

“We don’t move on. But we must move forward.” — Michael Reed

You've been listening. You're doing the work. But there's still this feeling that you're circling the same place.

Maybe you've thought about working with me one-on-one. Maybe something's held you back. 

I get that. And I want you to know there's still a place for you.

All of it, pay what you want. You decide what it's worth. Nobody gets turned away because of money.

https://grief2g

The International Association for Near-Death Studies or IANDS will host its annual conference at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue.  The event features an all-star lineup of keynotes like Proof of Heaven Author Eben Alexander, MD, and Dying to Be Me Author Anita Moorjani. I Early bird registration rates are available through July 15.

Visit IANDS.org to register

The International Association for Near-Death Studies or IANDS will host its annual conference at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue.  The event features an all-star lineup of keynotes like Proof of Heaven Author Eben Alexander, MD, and Dying to Be Me Author Anita Moorjani. I Early bird registration rates are available through July 15. 

Visit IANDS.org to register

Want to go deeper? My Substack i