Words Matter: What To Say When Someone Is Grieving - Shelby Forsythia

Shelby Forsythia is well acquainted with grief. After a series of losses that started in her late teens and culminated in the death of her mother from cancer, Shelby became an expert in avoiding and outrunning her grief. Then, an incident with a stolen wallet broke through that avoidance; in the aftermath of letting those feelings out, she realized she needed to give herself permission to grieve. Since then, Shelby's done so much in the realm of grief support—as a coach, author, and host of the Grief Grower podcast. Shelby's newest book, Of Course, I'm Here, Right Now , written for friends, family, and community members, provides answers to the ubiquitous question: "What do I say to someone who is grieving?" We discuss: The "four years of hell" when Shelby experienced multiple losses. The stolen wallet incident and the loud, messy grief eruption that followed. Why people fear falling into the abyss of grief if they start crying. Three stories people who are grieving tell themselves. The three phrases that help dismantle those unhelpful stories. What people said after Shelby's mom died vs. what they said after her best friend Tami died. How to start the conversation with someone who is grieving. Connect with Shelby Forsythia: Her latest book, Of Course, I'm Here, Right Now , is out on 3.31.26. Read transcript Want to learn more about supporting children and teens who are grieving? Sign up for our online courses here:

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Words Matter: What To Say When Someone Is Grieving - Shelby Forsythia is an episode from Grief Out Loud by The Dougy Center.

This episode is 51:12 long.

This episode was published on Mar 13, 2026.

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