Redefining Grief: Why You Don’t Just “Get Over It!” With Dr. Gloria Horsley & Dr. Heidi Horsley – #690

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In this episode:

Grief is not something to “get over”—it’s a lifelong journey of learning how to live while honoring the memory of those we love. In this powerful episode, grief experts Dr. Gloria Horsley and Dr. Heidi Horsley share compassionate wisdom on navigating loss, breaking free from unrealistic timelines, and embracing the personal process of creating a “new normal.”

Together, we explore the emotional, biological, social, and spiritual dimensions of grief, and highlight the unique challenges faced by families who’ve lost loved ones in service roles such as the military and firefighting. Gloria and Heidi discuss the importance of peer-to-peer support through organizations like TAPS, share personal stories of resilience, and reflect on gender differences in grieving and remarriage.

You’ll learn how unresolved grief can resurface years later, how joy and laughter can coexist with sorrow, and how forgiveness and post-traumatic growth can bring deep healing and purpose. Above all, this conversation reminds us that grief is not linear—it is unique, unpredictable, and filled with moments of both pain and profound spiritual growth.

Join us for this heartfelt discussion on love, connection, and the strength of community in the face of loss.

Guest Biography:

Heidi Horsley, PhD is a licensed psychologist, social worker, and bereaved sibling. She is the Executive Director and co-founder of the Open to Hope Foundation, and co-hosts the award-winning Open to Hope cable television show and podcast. An Adjunct Professor at Columbia University and an award-winning author of eight books, Dr. Heidi maintains a private practice in NYC and has been featured on numerous media outlets, including 20/20. She serves on the advisory boards of TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation, and Peace of Mind Afghanistan (POMA). For a decade, she worked with the FDNY-Columbia University Family Guidance Program, supporting families of firefighters lost in the 9/11 attacks. Her doctoral research focused on the sudden death of a sibling.

Gloria Horsley, PhD is a licensed marriage and family therapist, clinical nurse specialist, and president/cofounder of the Open to Hope Foundation. She co-hosts the award-winning Open to Hope TV and podcast, and previously served on the faculty of the University of Rochester School of Nursing and the Academy of Intuition Medicine. Gloria has co-authored 10 books, contributed to numerous publications, and appeared on major media outlets including The Today Show. She is a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council and serves on the advisory boards for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation. Widowed after 60 years of marriage, she is the mother of four children (including a deceased son) and grandmother to 10. Gloria and her partner, Dr. Frank Powers, divide their time between Palo Alto, CA, and Scottsdale, AZ.

📣 Heidi and Gloria’s Website:

➡️https://www.opentohope.com/

Episode Chapters with Short Key Points:

(0:00:01) – Understanding Grief and Healing

Grief is a personal process that cannot be rushed, involving biological, psychological, social, and spiritual changes.

(0:14:20) – Navigating Loss and Moving Forward

Families of fallen service members rely on peer support and organizations like TAPS, while facing challenges of transitioning and finding happiness again.

(0:24:19) – Grieving Without Set Stages

Grief is complex and non-linear, can resurface later, and revisiting it can lead to healing.

(0:38:31) – Navigating Grief and Finding Joy

Letting go and embracing the journey of life, managing grief, supporting others, and finding joy amidst loss.

(0:46:01) – Lessons in Grief and Spiritual Growth

Grief, laughter, and spirituality are intertwined in the journey of post-traumatic growth, forgiveness, and finding purpose in life’s lessons.