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,” “...

Grief 2 Growth

Brian D. Smith

The Million Stages of Grief: Surviving the Unthinkable with Michael Reed | EP 465

DEC 9, 202572 MIN
Grief 2 Growth

The Million Stages of Grief: Surviving the Unthinkable with Michael Reed | EP 465

DEC 9, 202572 MIN

Description

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

🧭 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 to

Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:

  • Guided Meditations
  • My book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)
  • My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved ones
  • Mini-courses
  • Mini-guides

Check it out at https://grief2growth.com/store

I'm excited to announce a new resource I'm very proud of. This guide outlines the four daily practices I discovered on my grief journey. These techniques have helped dozens of my clients. Get it free today.

GEMS- 4 Steps To Go From Grief To Joy

This deck is a labor of love. It's a 44 card oracle deck that's about connecting you to your loved one in spirit. The deck comes with a companion digital guide that gives you an affirmation, a reflection, and an activity for the day.

Check it out at https://stan.store/grief2growth/p/oracle-deck

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