Feel Free Again with Cole James

023: Unspoken Goodbyes & Healing: Her Last Words to Her Dying Mom Were an Argument…

If you’ve ever carried unresolved grief and never quite knew what to do with it, this episode is for you. In today’s Feel Free Again Podcast, I sit down with certified grief recovery specialist Kelli Sheumaker, whose personal journey through traumatic brain injury and the death of her mother revealed just how deep grief can run. We talk candidly about the moments she never got to say “I love you,” the medical trauma she endured, and how grief shows up in unexpected ways—even decades later.
 
This conversation unpacks not just the pain, but the power of emotional healing through the Grief Recovery Method. Kelli vulnerability will resonate with anyone who’s experienced loss, chronic illness, or that silent question of “Why do I still feel stuck?” She shares how the recovery process gave her peace with her past and a renewed purpose to help others do the same. We also dive into societal avoidance of death, the emotional impact on children, and why “complicated grief” is often misunderstood.
 
Connect with Kelli: https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/grms/kelli-sheumaker

022: What Japan Taught Us About Grief // Why No One Talks About Grief in Japan – Until Now

In this episode of the Feel Free Again podcast, host Cole James speaks with Wakaba Nakamura-Taitano, president of What Recovery Incorporated, about her journey into grief recovery, the cultural nuances of grieving in Japan, and the importance of professional training in grief recovery methods. Wakaba shares her personal experiences with grief, the challenges of addressing emotions in a culture that values harmony, and the strategies she employs to help others navigate their grief.
 
The conversation highlights the universal nature of grief while acknowledging the unique cultural contexts that shape how individuals process loss. In this conversation, Wakaba Taitano and Cole James discuss the importance of grief recovery, the need for more specialists in the field, and the unique challenges faced in Japan regarding emotional expression.
 
They explore how the Grief Recovery Method can empower individuals, particularly women, to help others while also addressing their own grief. The discussion highlights the cultural differences in approaching grief, the significance of building trust in online settings, and the transformative experiences of individuals who have engaged with the method. The conversation concludes with an invitation for listeners to connect with Wakaba's organization and the work being done in Japan.
 
Website: https://hypnofertility.com/wakaba-nakamura-taitano/

021: I Faced 8 Major Losses in 6 Months — Here’s What Saved Me

Welcome to another powerful episode of the Feel Free Again Podcast. In this conversation, host Cole James is joined by grief recovery specialist Casey McBroom, who shares her heart-wrenching yet inspiring story of navigating eight major losses in just six months — including betrayal, health issues, the death of loved ones, and shattered dreams.
 
Casey opens up about the emotional darkness she faced, how she discovered the Grief Recovery Method, and why she’s now on a mission to help others heal — especially those who feel forgotten, isolated, or stuck. Whether you're struggling with miscarriage, loss of faith, chronic illness, or the quiet griefs we don’t always name (like moving, infertility, or lost identity), this episode offers tools, hope, and healing.
 
From personal trauma to creating Brave & Co., a healing center in Kansas City, Casey's story proves that it’s never too late to feel free again. Listen in for wisdom, courage, and the reminder that your pain matters — and that healing is possible.
 
Connect with Casey:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefrecoverycasey/
Website: braveandco.com
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@griefrecoverycasey?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

020: Is There Life After Loss? What It Means to Carry the Ones You’ve Lost in Your Heart

In this powerful episode of Feel Free Again, I sit down with my dear friend and grief recovery pioneer, Arturo Albin, to talk about life, legacy, and what it means to truly heal. Arturo shares his remarkable journey from being an industrial engineer to becoming a leader in emotional healing—bringing the Grief Recovery Method to Mexico and the broader Spanish-speaking world.
 
Together, we explore the pain of divorce, the loss of a child, and the silent heartbreaks so many carry. Arturo’s courage in facing his grief—and his choice to turn it into a mission to help others—is inspiring and deeply moving. From losing his wife to building something lasting for generations to come, this is a story about redemption, healing, and emotional resilience. We also discuss how grief isn't limited to death. It includes divorce, estrangement, broken dreams—even the loss of a pet. And most importantly, we dive into how grief recovery tools allow us to not only survive, but to love and live fully again. Whether you're heartbroken, curious about healing, or looking to help others, this conversation will leave a lasting imprint on your heart.
 
More about Arturo: https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/about-us/arturo-albin Arturo became involved with grief work when he volunteered at his parish to become part of their bereavement team. It was very rewarding, but he was not satisfied. He could listen to the grievers, but he didn’t know how to help them. And then he discovered The Grief Recovery Method and went through extensive training with the Grief Recovery Institute, both in Mexico and in the United States.
 
At last he could guide people to help them work effectively on their emotional recovery. Arturo was so excited with his new Grief Recovery skills that he left a 30-year career in finance and systems and along with his wife, Alejandra, decided to start the Institute affiliate in Mexico to be able to reach more grievers to help them move beyond their pain.

019: How to Parent Children With Disabilities // Importance of Emotional Awareness in Disabilities

In this conversation, Cole James and Dinah Simmons explore the profound themes of grief recovery, personal experiences with disabilities, and the cultural perspectives surrounding grief. Dinah shares her journey of becoming a grief recovery specialist during the COVID pandemic, her insights on the limitations of traditional bereavement support, and the importance of recognizing various forms of loss beyond death.
 
The discussion delves into the emotional complexities faced by individuals with disabilities, the impact of childhood experiences on grief, and the significance of emotional awareness in navigating life's challenges. Dinah emphasizes the need for ownership of one's grief and the freedom that comes from understanding what can and cannot be controlled in life.
 
They discuss the importance of recognizing various forms of loss, including the emotional toll of losing a service animal and the complexities of navigating life with a disability. The discussion emphasizes the significance of the loss history graph as a tool for understanding grief and the necessity of addressing unresolved grief to reclaim personal choices. Dinah shares her experiences and insights on how grief recovery can empower individuals and families, particularly parents of children with disabilities, to navigate their unique challenges and find peace.
 
Connect with Dinah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinahsimmons/?originalSubdomain=uk

018: Struggling with Loss? Here’s What Actually Works with Hannah Wachter

Hello everyone, and welcome back to the Feel Free Again podcast! I’m your host, Cole James, and today we have an incredible guest: Hannah Wachter—a life coach and certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist. Hannah has dedicated her work to helping people navigate loss, process grief, and rebuild their lives in a meaningful way.
 
In this episode, Hannah opens up about her personal journey with grief, including the sudden loss of her mother and how that experience shaped her career in helping others heal. We dive deep into what makes grief so misunderstood, why society struggles with loss, and how the Grief Recovery Method provides a powerful framework for emotional healing. Whether you’re dealing with personal loss, supporting a loved one, or looking for tools to guide your emotional well-being, this conversation will provide real, actionable steps to move forward.
 
We also explore topics like unconventional grief, the impact of loss beyond death (divorce, career changes, loss of identity), and how setting boundaries is essential in the grieving process. If you’ve ever felt unheard in your grief or struggled with what to say to someone experiencing loss, this episode is for you.
 
🔹 Want to work with Hannah? Visit her website: hannahwachter.com
🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayroyalqueen

017: Overcoming Grief and Finding Freedom: Jocelyn Jackson Williams’ Journey of Resilience and Healing

In this heartfelt episode of the Feel Free Again podcast, host Cole James sits down with Jocelyn Jackson Williams, a certified grief recovery specialist and close friend of over a decade. Jocelyn shares her profound personal journey, navigating loss, heartbreak, and the complexities of becoming a caretaker for her aging father. With candor and wisdom, she reflects on how the Grief Recovery Method has shaped her life, equipping her to heal from the past while building a hopeful and resilient future.
 
Jocelyn reveals the transformative power of addressing unresolved grief, not just for loss but for navigating life's transitions—like finding love later in life and facing the emotional challenges of helping a parent in need. From her early experiences as a grief recovery trainer to her remarkable personal growth, Jocelyn’s story offers invaluable insights into how grief recovery can empower individuals to release emotional burdens and embrace a new sense of freedom and joy.
 
Whether you're seeking tools to heal your own heart, improve relationships, or support a loved one, this episode is full of practical advice and inspiring lessons. Jocelyn’s story is a testament to the healing potential of grief recovery and the courage it takes to show up fully for life's challenges and opportunities. Tune in for an enriching conversation that will leave you feeling hopeful and uplifted.

016: Understanding Emotional vs. Intellectual Communication // Grief Recovery for First Responders with Rochelle Jones

In this heartfelt chat, I sat down with Rachelle Jones, someone who’s not only a certified grief recovery methods specialist but also a dear friend who’s been through the trenches of grief and come out stronger. We talked about her journey—how she found her way into the Grief Recovery Method and how it’s been a game-changer for her and her husband, especially given his tough job in law enforcement. We dug into the real stuff, like how unresolved grief can quietly sneak into our relationships and mess with our communication and emotional health.
 
Rachelle shared some eye-opening insights on why it’s so crucial for both partners to be all in when it comes to healing. We also touched on the sometimes messy world of parenting, managing expectations, and the importance of just being there for our kids as they find their way. This conversation left me with a lot to think about, and I hope it does the same for you. Grab a cup of coffee and join us—this one’s worth your time.
 
Connect with Rachelle:
Website: https://www.griefrecoverywithrachelle.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grwrachelle/?hl=en