Season 05 Episode 35

The Power of Showing Up: A Conversation on Grief with Counselor Melissa Minkley, Guest Co-host Laura Skinner, and Ollie — LISTEN HERE

Grief touches every one of us, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood human experiences. In this episode of the Dirty Laundry Podcast, grief counselor Melissa Minkley joins me for a powerful conversation about what grief really is, how it shows up in ways we don’t always recognize, and why presence often speaks louder than words.

We go beyond the idea that grief is only about the death of a loved one. Melissa explains how loss can take many forms—divorce, illness, infertility, career changes, even moving away from a community. She breaks down the misconceptions that grief follows a neat timeline or has an expiration date, reminding us that it’s unique to each person and can resurface long after we expect it.

We also explore how grief shows up emotionally, physically, and spiritually. From brain fog and exhaustion to questions of faith and identity, Melissa helps us understand the full impact grief can have if it goes unacknowledged.

One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation is Melissa’s training, The Power of Showing Up. She talks about why presence can be more healing than advice, introduces her “Three Legged Stool” approach to empathy and boundaries, and shares tools that help people truly listen without burning themselves out.

This episode is both practical and deeply moving. Whether you’re walking through grief yourself or simply want to better support the people in your life, Melissa’s wisdom will leave you with a new perspective on loss, resilience, and the importance of connection.

✨ Listen now on the Dirty Laundry Podcast with Ollie