Navigating Grief with Heidi Dunstan

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Heidi Dunstan, a renowned grief advocate, educator, and speaker. Named "Grief Advocate of the Year" by the IOFP, Heidi shares her personal story, her passion for supporting grievers, and her mission to transform the conversation around grief.

The Journey into Grief Advocacy

Heidi's journey began after the unexpected loss of her husband in 2018. She realized how unprepared society is to handle grief and how isolating it can be. Drawing from her personal experiences, she dedicated herself to educating others about grief, teaching them how to support those in pain with compassion and understanding. “Grief is love,” Heidi explains, emphasizing that the depth of grief reflects the depth of love shared.

Debunking Myths About Grief

A common challenge Heidi addresses is the misconceptions surrounding grief. People often try to relate by sharing their own experiences—divorce, a grandparent’s passing—when these comparisons may unintentionally minimize the mourner’s pain. Heidi teaches that offering empathy without judgment and simply being present is far more impactful than attempting to “fix” grief.

A Story of Transformation

Heidi recounts a poignant story of a woman grappling with the sudden loss of her mother. Through guided conversations, she helped the woman navigate her emotions, showing her that grief isn’t about moving on—it’s about moving through the pain while honoring love. Heidi likens grief to carrying a boulder that eventually becomes a rock in her pocket—always present but easier to carry.

The Role of Community and Connection

Dr. Lycka and Heidi discuss how connections, like those formed through the IOFP, provide crucial support. Heidi values the opportunity to collaborate with professionals across industries, facilitating introductions that spark meaningful projects. She acknowledges that the pandemic has magnified grief worldwide, yet grief extends beyond death to encompass all forms of loss and change.

Elevating Grief Conversations

Heidi’s visibility through media appearances, including Fox News and the NASDAQ billboard, has amplified her message. As the events and operations manager for BLU Talks (Business, Life, Universe), she helps others share their stories through collaborative books and speaking engagements at prestigious venues like Harvard, Cambridge, and UCLA. Heidi’s mission is to create spaces where grief is acknowledged and embraced.

Living a Fantastic Life

Heidi’s secret to living a fantastic life is rooted in gratitude and grace. Despite her profound losses, she finds beauty in the simple moments—sunsets in Mexico, meaningful relationships, and living life with authenticity. Her advice: “Love people where they’re at, free from judgment.” Dr. Lycka adds that taking the time to appreciate life’s moments is vital for a fulfilling existence.

Final Thoughts

Heidi encourages listeners to embrace grief as a natural response to loss and change. By offering love and grace, we can support each other through life’s most challenging moments. Dr. Lycka invites listeners to learn more about the IOFP and Heidi’s work at iofp.co and heididunstan.ca

Bio:

Heidi is a Certified Grief Educator, International Best-Selling Co-Author, and International Speaker. She has spoken at Harvard University, and Oxford University with a passion for changing the narrative on grief. She educates people about grief, and how to support others who are grieving, as she learned firsthand after losing her husband unexpectedly in 2018. Her experience with friends and loved ones saying the wrong thing or completely disappearing gave her first-hand knowledge that many people have never learned how to grieve, which often leaves grievers to grieve in isolation. Heidi is changing the narrative on grief and helping people to feel equipped to lean in and support their loved ones so we can grieve with grace together.