Phoenix Rising With Dr Z: Conversations About Grief and Loss

0061: Rising from Chronic Illness (Part 1)

Rising from Chronic Illness: Dr. Samantha Sanderson Brown's MS Journey
In this episode of Phoenix Rising with Dr. Z, host Dr. Christina Za Patella engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Samantha Sanderson Brown. Dr. Samantha shares her personal journey and experiences of being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2017. They discuss the early symptoms, the challenges in getting a diagnosis, and how her life has been altered since. Samantha talks about her athletic background, the impact of chronic illness on her daily life, and her professional focus on helping athletes transition from sport using grief theory. This episode offers a deep insight into the silent struggles of chronic illness and the journey towards healing and acceptance.
00:00 Introduction to Phoenix Rising with Dr. Z00:47 Meet Dr. Samantha Sanderson Brown01:56 Samantha's Background and Journey02:47 Living with a Chronic Illness05:32 Early Symptoms and Initial Diagnosis14:35 Navigating Life with MS20:52 Internship at Mount Sinai22:02 First Symptoms Appear23:39 Seeking Medical Help26:19 Misdiagnosis and Frustration29:53 Comprehensive Testing34:42 Diagnosis Confirmed

0060: Losing A Grandparent (Part 2)

Losing A Grandparent (Part 2)
Navigating Grief and Family Bonds: A Conversation on Loss and Healing
In this episode of Phoenix Rising with Dr. Z, host Dr. Christina Za Patella sits down to discuss the intricacies of grieving the loss of grandparents and the restorative love within family dynamics. The conversation covers personal stories of grief, the importance of maintaining family bonds, and how to navigate the complexities of mourning in healthy ways. Dr. Z emphasizes the need to give oneself space and grace to grieve while maintaining connections through shared stories and traditions. This heartfelt discussion offers a holistic view on coping with loss and the impact of generational ties.
 
00:00 Introduction to Phoenix Rising
00:28 Family Dynamics and Caregiving
01:26 Impact of Loss on Family
02:15 Grandparents and Their Legacy
02:52 Coping with Grief and Memories
11:42 Selling the Family Home
14:57 Reflecting on Grandparent Relationships
24:38 Reflecting on Mortality and Loss
25:40 Grandma's Final Moments
27:57 The Role of Food in Family Traditions
33:49 Nurturing Family Relationships
37:36 Dealing with Ambivalent Relationships
41:28 The Importance of Grieving
43:54 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

0060: Losing A Grandparent (Part 1)

In this two-part episode, Dr. Christina Zampitella sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Marcus Scarfo for an open and heartfelt conversation about what it’s like to grieve the loss of a grandparent — particularly when that grandparent played a central, stabilizing role in the family.Marcus shares the story of his grandfather’s death and how it quietly unraveled parts of his identity, relationships, and sense of emotional safety. Together, they explore how grief shows up in adult grandchildren, how family systems shift after a loss, and why the death of a grandparent is often underestimated or overlooked.This episode invites reflection on the layers of grief, the importance of rituals, and the subtle ways we search for emotional grounding when we lose someone who once provided it.
Chapters00:00 – Welcome and episode overview 01:02 – Introducing guest: Marcus Scarfo, LMFT 02:25 – What made Marcus’s grandfather so special 04:20 – How grief hit differently as an adult 06:10 – Recognizing secondary losses after death 08:40 – Family roles and dynamics shifting 10:50 – The emotional undercurrent of stability and safety 13:30 – Disenfranchised grief around grandparents 15:00 – The complexity of letting go of family traditions 17:25 – Navigating grief as a therapist 19:00 – How Marcus’s grief impacted his work and relationships 21:12 – Closing reflections and what’s coming in Part 2
💬 Have you ever felt the ripple effects of losing a grandparent? Share your experience in the comments or tag someone who might relate.🔔 Subscribe to catch Part 2 next week, where Dr. Z and Marcus go deeper into the healing process, internalized messages around masculinity and grief, and how to keep someone’s legacy alive.#PhoenixRisingPodcast #GriefSupport #GrandparentLoss #FamilyGrief #TherapistPerspective #GriefHealing #MentalHealthAwareness #GriefPodcast #DrZampitella #MarcusScarfo #NewEpisode

0059: The Anniversary of My Cancer Diagnosis

The Anniversary of My Cancer Diagnosis
In this deeply personal solo episode, Dr. Christina Zampitella opens up about the emotional weight of the two-year anniversary of her leukemia diagnosis. From lingering fears and disrupted sleep to a powerful reminder that grief and trauma don’t follow a linear timeline, Dr. Z shares how even after healing begins, the body and mind continue to carry echoes of the past.
Whether you're a survivor, a caregiver, or someone supporting a loved one through illness, this short but powerful reflection reminds us of the importance of compassion — especially toward ourselves.
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Introduction 00:49 – Remembering the gap in podcast episodes 01:10 – Cancer diagnosis, multiple losses, and memory triggers 02:00 – Signs of emotional and physical distress around the anniversary 03:00 – Lingering fear of symptoms returning 04:00 – Practicing self-compassion and facing mortality 04:52 – Reflection on hair loss, visual comparisons, and milestones 05:45 – Sharing as a way to heal 06:20 – Final thoughts: Navigating anniversaries with honesty and hope
 
💬 Let’s Talk
Has an anniversary ever hit you harder than expected? Do you feel your body remembering even before your mind catches up?
Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments — we’d would love to hear from you.
#PhoenixRising #CancerAnniversary #GriefSupport #TraumaHealing #Survivorship #MentalHealthAwareness #DrZ #PodcastForHealing #SelfCompassion

0058: Unanticipated Loss with Jennifer Levin, FT (Part 2)

Unanticipated Loss with Jennifer Levin, FT – Part 2
Grieving the unimaginable takes more than time — it takes validation, stabilization, and the space to be fully human. In Part 2 of this deeply moving conversation, Dr. Christina Zampitella continues her discussion with grief and trauma expert Dr. Jennifer Levin, diving into what it really means to navigate unanticipated loss.
This episode offers a rare and honest look at:
The internal and external experiences of traumatic grief
How the body carries the weight of sudden loss
What it means to "resource" someone before they’re ready to process
How grief shows up in real life — not just theory
The dangers of toxic positivity and forced timelines for healing
How to find the right kind of therapeutic support for traumatic grief
Whether you're grieving or supporting someone who is, this episode is filled with insight, warmth, and clarity.
 
⏱️ CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Welcome back & setting the stage 01:10 – Why trauma work doesn’t begin right away 04:50 – Stabilization and building a therapeutic alliance 06:00 – Moving the trauma out of the center of the grief 08:30 – Resourcing clients: what it means and why it matters 12:00 – When your way of grieving makes others uncomfortable 14:45 – The power of group support and shared grief 17:20 – How unanticipated loss can reshape who we are 21:10 – The body keeps the score — even in grief 23:30 – Why avoidance can feel protective (but isn’t sustainable) 25:30 – Oscillation in grief: approach and withdraw 27:00 – Advice for people navigating unanticipated loss 28:30 – The pain of losing a child and the depth of guilt 30:00 – What not to say to someone grieving 32:00 – Finding the right therapist for traumatic grief 35:00 – The need for trauma-informed grief care 36:00 – Dr. Levin’s resources and closing reflections

058: Unanticipated Loss with Dr. Jennifer Levin (Part 1)

Unanticipated Loss with Dr. Jennifer Levin (Part 1):
Unanticipated loss can shake the very core of who we are — leaving us not only grieving but questioning, searching, and trying to make sense of the senseless. In this special two-part episode, Dr. Christina Zampitella sits down with Dr. Jennifer Levin, a nationally recognized expert in traumatic grief, to explore what makes these sudden losses so different — and why the healing process often looks unlike anything else.
Together, they explore:
The distinction between traumatic and non-traumatic grief
How rumination and the need for a cohesive narrative impact healing
The emotional fallout of ambiguous or unexpected loss
Why grief isn't something to "fix" but rather something to companion
Whether you’ve experienced a sudden loss or support others who have, this episode offers insight, compassion, and powerful validation for anyone navigating the unthinkable.
Part 2 drops next week, so stay tuned!
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome + Intro to Dr. Jennifer Levin 02:00 – How Jennifer got into traumatic grief work 08:30 – The difference between anticipated and unanticipated loss 13:45 – Why sudden loss is uniquely disorienting 18:15 – “Unexpected but not surprising” vs. “sudden and shocking” deaths 23:20 – The emotional and psychological aftermath of traumatic loss 25:00 – Rumination, narrative gaps, and meaning-making 29:30 – The addiction model of grief: Is rumination a form of coping? 32:00 – The long arc of healing and why it takes time

057: Chronic Illness and Grief with Angela Dean (Part 2)

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Dr. Christina Zampitella and Angela Dean continue exploring the complex emotional landscape of chronic illness. From rebuilding identity after diagnosis to understanding the nuances of grief in long-term illness, this episode dives deep into what it means to live fully — even when your body won’t cooperate.
Whether you're navigating illness yourself or supporting a loved one, this episode offers insight, compassion, and validation for the many ways grief shows up when chronic illness changes everything.
 
Chapters
0:00 – Intro: Picking up where we left off1:45 – How relationships shift after illness6:10 – Parenting while managing chronic illness9:40 – The grief of changed routines and abilities12:30 – Fear of being a burden15:18 – “Who am I now?” – identity grief and self-worth19:55 – The trauma of medical care and being dismissed24:12 – Reclaiming agency and reframing the narrative
28:30 – Creating space for both joy and grief32:00 – Final thoughts and what helps in the hard moments

057: Chronic Illness and Grief with Angela Dean (Part 1)

Description:In this two-part series, Dr. Z sits down with psychologist Dr. Angela Dean for a powerful, candid conversation about chronic illness and its impact on mental health, relationships, identity, and grief. Drawing from their personal and professional experiences, they unpack the uncertainty, systemic barriers, and invisible losses that come with chronic conditions — as well as the deeply emotional work of advocating for yourself (or someone you love) in a complex and often disconnected medical system.
Whether you’re living with a chronic illness, supporting someone who is, or working in the healthcare or mental health space, this conversation offers a validating look into the human side of chronic care.
Stay tuned for part 2 dropping 11/25.
Chapters 0:00 – Welcome & Intro to the Episode 1:25 – Meet Dr. Angela Dean 4:10 – From Set Design to Psychology 7:00 – Why Chronic Illness & Grief Matter 10:00 – Defining Chronic vs. Terminal Illness 12:45 – The Weight of Medical Uncertainty 17:20 – The Grief of Not Knowing 20:45 – Advocacy, Coordination, & the Healthcare Maze 24:30 – The Emotional Toll of Managing Chronic Illness 27:15 – Identity and Illness: “I have” vs. “I am” 33:00 – Shifting Language & Reclaiming Identity 35:30 – Medication Compliance & Psychological Resistance 41:00 – The Cost of Care: Financial Strain & Systemic Barriers 44:15 – Secondary Losses (Relationships, Intimacy, Self-Worth) 51:30 – Wrap Up & What’s Coming in Part 2
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056: Understanding and Helping Grieving Children with Jacey Ludlam, M.S. (Part 2)

Understanding and Helping Grieving Children with Jacey Ludlam, M.S. (Part 2)
In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Dr. Christina Zampitella and licensed counselor Jacey Ludlam continue exploring how grief shows up in children — and how caregivers, teachers, and clinicians can recognize the signs, respond with compassion, and support healing over time.
From behavioral shifts to developmental impacts, Jacey unpacks how grief manifests across different ages — including misdiagnoses like ADHD, internalized shame, and dissociation. The episode also offers practical insights for caregivers: how to talk to kids about death, what art and play can reveal, and when it’s time to seek professional help.
Whether you're a parent, therapist, or someone who supports children, this episode offers grounded, trauma-informed guidance you can use right now.
 
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro 01:00 – How grief shows up in children’s play, art, and behavior 03:45 – Misdiagnosis: Grief vs. ADHD 07:00 – The role of trauma in overlapping mental health conditions 10:00 – Judgment, shame & guilt in 7–9 year olds 12:00 – Using art to process grief 14:00 – Giving children safe choices when expressing emotions 17:00 – Signs of healing in grieving children 20:00 – Why grief resurfaces across developmental stages 23:00 – 3 key ways to support a grieving child 25:00 – How to answer difficult questions about death 28:00 – Age-appropriate language & metaphors 30:00 – Should kids attend funerals or viewings? 33:00 – The danger of leaving kids in the dark 36:00 – Creative expression & storytelling as tools for healing 38:00 – Why peer groups matter for grieving kids 40:00 – When is professional help necessary? 44:00 – The long-term effects of dissociation 46:00 – What happens when a child’s self-concept breaks down 47:30 – How serious illness changes a child’s understanding of death 49:00 – Closing thoughts & what’s coming next
 

056: Understanding and Helping Grieving Children (Part 1)

Understanding and Helping Grieving Children
Grief doesn’t skip over children — but it often gets overlooked or misunderstood.
In this episode, Dr. Z is joined by childhood bereavement expert Jacey Ludlam, M.S. from the Center for Grief and Trauma Therapy to talk about what grief looks like at different developmental stages, how to spot the signs in children who “seem fine,” and how adults can offer the kind of support that truly helps.
Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or clinician, this conversation offers compassionate, practical insights into how to show up for grieving kids — without overwhelming them or shutting them down.
Chapters
00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview 01:48 – How Cindy got into grief work 04:30 – Do children really understand death? 07:02 – Developmental stages of childhood grief 09:45 – Signs of grief in younger kids vs. teens 13:15 – What children often fear but won’t say 15:40 – Why honesty matters (and how to do it right) 19:22 – Common mistakes adults make with grieving children 23:10 – Using rituals and legacy items to support healing 25:55 – Grieving in schools: what teachers should know 29:15 – How to keep the door open for hard conversations 32:40 – When to consider therapy for a grieving child 35:20 – Final thoughts & practical takeaways