Darnell Lamont Walker is a successful writer for children's tv, an adventure seeker and the author of Never Can Say Goodbye. Since childhood, Darnell has helped others who are at the end of their lives and became a death doula to continue to support them. You can learn all about Darnell's speaking engagements, work, and how to contact him at https://www.darnellwalker.com/.

We know from your questions and comments that our first episode and discussing the grief that comes with infertility was something you wanted to hear more about, so we welcome Racquel Hill, who shared her own journey through infertility, multiple miscarriages, and grieving through each step of that process. Her story is one of resilience and hope. Keep sharing the topics that would be beneficial for you. We love bringing you authentic stories.

Jennifer Chase is a survivor of generational trauma, sexual assault and addiction. Her story and telling it has enabled her to help others. You can find more about her and set up time to connect wit her at www.riseaddictionlc.com.

Dr. Dale Atkins is a psychologist and a relationship expert with 40 years experience. She is based out of New York City and also is a writer of many popular books. Most recently, she penned our new favorite children's book, The Turquoise Butterfly which delves into the important relationship between a grandparent and grandchild and the impact that grandparents leave. For more information about Dale, please visit www.drdaleatkins.com.

John Dedakis is an award-winning novelist, a writing coach, and a manuscript editor and public speaker, as well as a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer" and a former White House Correspondent.John is also a bereaved parent and has had numerous losses in his life that has shaped his writing and speaking today. You can learn more about John, his books, and upcoming events and workshops at https://johndedakis.com/.

We know that art, theater, and music have the power to make change in so many ways. That's why we invited Kira Lace Hawkins, the Outreach and Education Director for the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts, and Sam Engle, who serves as the theater's Communications and Donor Relations Coordinator. To learn more about Kira and Sam, visit https://wagonwheelcenter.org/about/staff-and-board/. For more information about the Wagon Wheel, you can find everything at wagonwheelcenter.org and find them on Instagram and Facebook.

Avonley Lightstone is the author of Strength of Scars, a raw and redemptive autobiography that takes readers through a childhood marked by tragedy, trauma, and abuse — and the unwavering faith that helped her rise from it all. At just three years old, she tried to save her mother from a house fire. Tragically, her mother didn’t survive, and shortly after, her father placed her up for adoption.What followed was a journey through emotional, physical, and mental abuse — but also a path toward healing, resilience, and forgiveness. Through her book, her speaking, and her bold transparency, Avonley helps others find beauty in brokenness and strength through their scars.She’s here today to share her powerful testimony, how God carried her through the darkest valleys, and how listeners can find freedom and purpose — no matter what they’ve been through. You can learn more about Avonley and get a copy of her book at https://avonleylightstone.com.

​Catherine Newman is the New York Times bestselling author of the memoirs Catastrophic Happiness and Waiting for Birdy, the middle-grade novel One Mixed-Up Night, the kids’ craft book Stitch Camp (co-authored with Nicole Blum), the best-selling how-to books for kids How to Be a Person and What Can I Say? and the novels We All Want Impossible Things, Sandwich, and Wreck . She writes the Substack newsletter Crone Sandwich and has been a regular contributor to the New York Times, Real Simple, O, The Oprah Magazine, Cup of Jo, and many other publications. She lives in Amherst, Massachusetts. For more information and to buy her books, visit https://www.catherinenewmanwriter.com.

NFDA.org Spokesperson, Stephen R. Kemp, CFSP, is the owner of Kemp Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. His professional journey began in scientific research, working as a research associate at the Henry Ford Heart and Vascular Institute, VA Medical Center, and Biosan Laboratories. Transitioning to funeral service, Stephen earned his mortuary science degree from Wayne State University and has since dedicated his career to serving families with compassion and professionalism.At the national level, Stephen represented Michigan on the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Policy Board and served as an at-large representative on the NFDA Board of Directors. His national service also includes work on the Professional Development and Advocacy Committees and the Environmental Workgroup. Stephen’s expertise has been recognized through invitations to lead workshops on embalming and risk management at the NFDA International Convention & Expo.Stephen has played a significant leadership role within the Michigan Funeral Directors Association (MFDA), serving on numerous committees and the association’s board of directors. Notably, he made history as the first African-American president in MFDA’s 125-year history, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the profession and fostering inclusivity. In addition to his leadership in Michigan, Stephen has contributed to funeral service education as an instructor and clinical preceptor at Wayne State University, mentoring the next generation of funeral professionals. Learn more about funeral homes like Stephen's at https://www.rememberingalife.com/.

Leslie has lost many loved ones, including two babies in infancy. When her twenty year old son, Austin, died in 2016, she began to speak out suicide prevention and awareness. Leslie's story continues to impact and inspire many and we know that her story has something that we can all learn from. For more about Leslie and her work, visit https://leslieshope.org/.