If you’ve ever wondered what hides behind even the most loving relationships, this episode reveals how a psychologist faced love, betrayal, and loss—and found healing by writing the truth no one talks about.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Dr. Bonnie Comfort, a licensed psychologist with over 30 years of experience working with individuals and couples. Her therapeutic focus has long centered on the emotional intricacies of marriage, intimacy, and identity. In her candid memoir, Staying Married is the Hardest Part, she shares the deeply personal story of her own marriage—one marked by love, painful conflict, and profound transformation. Through her writing and speaking, Dr. Comfort strives to challenge the assumption that therapists have it all figured out, using her voice to normalize conversations around sexual shame, grief, and the complexities of long-term relationships.

Throughout this episode, Bonnie opens up about the 33-year journey she shared with her late husband, reflecting on how their struggles often paralleled those of her clients. She speaks with disarming honesty about topics rarely discussed openly—like body image, emotional disconnect, and the shame surrounding sexual incompatibility. Writing became a powerful tool in her healing process, allowing her to explore grief, process loss, and rediscover who she was outside the identity of a wife. Her insights highlight the ongoing connection we can maintain with lost loved ones and the importance of creative expression, vulnerability, and community as pathways to healing.

Tune in as Dr. Bonnie Comfort shares how love, loss, and personal struggle led her to write a bold memoir—offering a heartfelt path to healing and self-discovery after grief.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Love, conflict, and loss (1:40)

Why therapists write (3:12)

Breaking the silence on sexual shame (4:45)

The illusion of therapist perfection (6:30)

Conversations with the dead (7:40)

Loving more than one person (9:05)

Rituals for grief and rediscovery (13:50)

Saying yes to life again (18:40)

Final reflections and resources (27:00)

Connect with Dr. Bonnie Comfort:

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Book: Dr. Bonnie Comfort - Staying Married is the Hardest Part

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The Grief and Happiness Alliance

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When the times comes to handle money at the time of someone’s death, you will be grateful to be prepared.

Let's Connect:

• You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking here
• You can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.
• You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:
• You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking here
• Request your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

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Discover how finding joy in the darkest moments can ease the weight of loss—and why laughter might be the most underrated tool in your grief journey.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Howard Miller, a seasoned business and communication coach, author, and founder of Fulcrum Point Partners. At his firm, he supports leaders in fostering clarity and human connection within organizations. With decades of experience teaching leadership and management, Howard brings a deep understanding of how communication shapes not only professional environments but also personal transitions, including caregiving and grief. He is the author of Burdens and Blessings: A Light-Hearted Approach for Middle-Age Folks Dealing with Aging Parents, a reflective and humorous account of navigating the emotional and logistical complexities of elder care. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Howard uses his voice to normalize conversations around death, aging, and finding moments of levity amid loss. His passion lies in helping others find clarity, humor, and peace—even during life’s most difficult chapters.

Throughout this episode, Howard brings that same depth and authenticity to the mic, blending practical experience with heartfelt emotion. He candidly shares how caring for his elderly parents shaped his understanding of grief, responsibility, and love. His humorous yet thoughtful approach to writing—especially in Burdens and Blessings—demonstrates how storytelling can help others feel seen and supported. Howard emphasizes the healing power of laughter even in the darkest moments, describing how humor became a bridge to connection within his family. He also reflects on the emotional weight of witnessing his mother’s final moments and the challenges of unclear communication from healthcare providers. His insights offer both personal catharsis and broader value, encouraging listeners to plan ahead, speak clearly, and make space for both sorrow and joy.

Tune in as Howard Miller shares how caring for his aging parents—and ultimately saying goodbye—led him to embrace humor, reflection, and resilience, offering a heartfelt guide for navigating grief with grace, clarity, and even laughter.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

From son to caregiver: The spark behind his book (2:00)

The power of writing in grief (3:22)

Can you laugh through grief? Absolutely. (4:25)

That final breath: The unspoken moment of death (10:35)

The cost of euphemisms: When doctors don’t say “die” (12:27)

The importance of Advance Directives and clear wishes (15:37)

Grief, logistics, and letting go (22:45)

From personal loss to workplace wisdom (25:40)

Independence, aging, and the hard conversations (31:26)

Connect with Howard Miller:

Website

LinkedIn

Facebook

Book: Howard Miller - Burdens & Blessings: A Lighter-Hearted Approach for Middle-Aged Folks Dealing with Aging Parents

Let's Connect:

Website

LinkedIn

The Grief and Happiness Alliance

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.