Trying to explain what grief feels like can be one of the hardest parts of the experience. The feelings are often too big, too messy, and too personal to fit into simple sentences. That’s where listening can become its own form of healing. When you can’t find your own words, hearing someone else articulate a similar pain can bring a profound sense of relief and clarity. This list is for anyone who is struggling to talk about their loss. We’ve selected a top grief podcast for different needs, each one creating a safe space to process your emotions privately and at your own pace.

3 Best Podcasts to Listen to When You Are Grieving 

Have you ever tried to speak openly about your grief and found yourself struggling to find the right words? Look no further. We have three of the best podcasts to listen to when you are grieving so that you can find community with others experiencing similar loss.

To say grief is a difficult topic is an understatement. It’s immensely agonizing and feels impossible to comprehend. Grief is universal, yet we all experience it uniquely. If acknowledging and expressing your grief feels like an impossible mountain to climb, know that you are not alone. 

Many people find support through the stories of others who are grieving a similar loss. Will these podcasts cure your grief? Not exactly. But they will give you different perspectives and strategies for how to cope with your grief from others who are in a similar place. 

We selected three podcasts to provide diverse resources to support you through this unimaginable time. The virtue of podcasts is that they can be listened to anywhere, so take advantage of these resources on your next commute or during a yoga session, or however you feel comfortable.

Thoughtful Podcasts to Help You on Your Grief Journey

The "What's Your Grief" podcast promo.

What’s Your Grief 

Hosted by Litsa Williams & Eleanor Haley

Litsa and Eleanor began What’s Your Grief with a mission to educate, explore, and express grief creatively and practically. Whether you’re new to your grief or a seasoned veteran, Litsa and Eleanor provide all the resources to guide you through this confusing and emotional journey. Going beyond just a podcast, What’s Your Grief has built a community of grievers and healers alike.

When asked about her personal grief journey, Litsa opened up about her relationship with her grief following the passing of her father.

“When my dad died I was only 18. I had no way to know or understand that grieving, for me, would be the long process of learning to still have a relationship with my dad even though he was gone. My grief continues to evolve, like my relationship with my dad continues to evolve. I've now lived more years on this earth without my dad than I did with him. I find myself wondering, even now, what my life would look like if he were still here. And at the same time, I find myself deeply grateful for the life I have - a life I know my dad would be proud of.” - Litsa Williams, What’s Your Grief
"Grief Out Loud" podcast promo.

‍Grief Out Loud

Hosted by Jana DeCristofaro

Believing that no one should have to suffer alone, licensed clinical social worker Jana DeCristofaro tackles the difficult and often avoided conversation of grief with her podcast, Grief Out Loud. Aiming to break the stigma surrounding grief, Jana brings personal anecdotes, thoughtful tips, and professional interviews to her audience with a “platitude and cliché-free” promise. 

When asked about her personal grief journey, Jana shared her perspective on the prolongation of her grief throughout life’s big milestones. 

“The most helpful thing I've found in grief is recognizing how it shows up in any transition, even those that typically seen as positive. Big milestones, no matter how exciting, come with loss. Acknowledging this is vital. This practice helps me build emotional muscle memory for attending to grief, which I've been able to turn to in grieving the deaths of friends and family members. I've realized that if I don't give grief time and space, it'll take it from me, usually when I'm most unprepared!” - Jana DeCristofaro, Grief Out Loud
"The Good Mourning Podcast" promo.

Hosted by mental health professionals Eleanor Haley and Litsa Williams, this podcast covers everything from grief theory to practical situations like dating after a loss.

What really makes this podcast stand out is the hosts' professional background. As mental health professionals, Litsa and Eleanor offer a unique blend of clinical knowledge and genuine empathy in every episode. They go beyond just sharing stories by providing a framework to help you understand the complex emotions of loss, based on established grief theories and therapeutic practices. This expertise means they can tackle tough, specific situations with real nuance—from dealing with grief at work to handling family dynamics during the holidays. They also cover the practical side of rebuilding a life, with topics like dating after the death of a spouse or finding new hobbies. Their guidance is both compassionate and actionable, giving you concrete tools to use in your own life.

The Good Mourning Podcast 

Hosted by Sally Douglas & Imogen Cam

Whether you’re embarking on your own personal grief journey or supporting a loved one through theirs, Sally Douglas and Imogen Cam share tips and tricks for dealing with grief on their podcast, The Good Mourning. The pair met after losing their mothers, and noticing a lack of resources for young people grieving the loss of a loved one, decided to take matters into their own hands. Their podcast shares stories tackling all types of loss, however, and provides resources to help you move forward with your grief journey. 

When asked about their personal grief journeys, Sally and Imogen opened up about the evolution of their grief over time. 

"Grief changes shape over time and ebbs and flows. No matter where you are in your journey, know this – you are not alone. Whatever you are feeling today, be proud of how you're handling your healing and remember that you are doing the best you can. Go at your own pace." - Sally Douglas and Imogen Carn, Co-hosts, The Good Mourning Podcast


While these podcasts are all great resources to listen to while you’re grieving, we know not everyone loves podcasts. If this sounds like you, check out our best songs for grieving, recommended by 146 people.

More Recommended Grief Podcasts

If the podcasts above don’t quite resonate with you, don’t worry. The world of grief support is vast, and there are so many incredible creators sharing their stories and expertise. Finding the right voice and format can make all the difference, offering a sense of companionship when you need it most. Think of it like finding a friend who just *gets it*. Below is a list of other highly-recommended podcasts, each with a unique perspective on loss, healing, and what it means to move forward with grief.

Shapes of Grief

Hosted by grief therapist Liz Gleeson, Shapes of Grief is a beautiful exploration of loss through personal stories. Each episode features an intimate conversation with someone who has experienced a profound loss, allowing them to share their journey in their own words. This podcast is less about providing advice and more about creating a space for authentic storytelling. By listening to others articulate their experiences, you can often find language for your own feelings and realize that the complex, often messy, shape of your grief is valid and understood.

Grief Works

If you’re looking for practical, expert-backed guidance, Grief Works is an incredible resource. Host Julia Samuel is a leading psychotherapist with decades of experience helping people through bereavement. In each episode, she has a conversation with someone who is grieving and offers compassionate, actionable insights. Julia’s approach is rooted in helping you understand your grief and find ways to live with it. It’s a masterclass in therapy, offering listeners tools and perspectives that can help them process their own loss in a healthy, constructive way.

Griefcast

Grief isn’t always somber, and sometimes, laughter is a necessary release. Griefcast, hosted by comedian Cariad Lloyd, embraces this idea wholeheartedly. Each week, she invites fellow comedians and other guests to talk about the death of a loved one. The conversations are funny, honest, and incredibly human. By blending humor with heartache, the podcast works to normalize conversations around death and grief, making a taboo topic feel more approachable. It’s a powerful reminder that it’s okay to find moments of joy and laughter, even in the midst of sorrow.

All There Is with Anderson Cooper

When a public figure opens up about their personal struggles, it can be profoundly moving. In All There Is, journalist Anderson Cooper explores his own long-term grief after the deaths of his parents and brother. He shares deeply personal reflections and speaks with others about their experiences with loss. The podcast feels like you’re listening in on an intimate, vulnerable conversation, and it tackles the big questions about what we do with the love and pain that remain after someone is gone. It’s a raw and honest look at how loss shapes us throughout our lives.

Coming Back: Life After Loss

After a major loss, the idea of "coming back" to life can feel impossible. Host Shelby Forsythia tackles this very challenge in her podcast, Coming Back: Life After Loss. The show explores grief as a transformative experience, sharing stories and ideas that help listeners navigate their new reality. It acknowledges that life will never be the same, but it offers hope and practical strategies for finding your footing again. It’s a great listen for anyone who is starting to think about what life looks like moving forward, without leaving their loved one behind.

The Mindfulness & Grief Podcast

Grief can feel like a storm of overwhelming emotions. The Mindfulness & Grief Podcast, hosted by Heather Stang, offers a calming anchor in that storm. The show teaches listeners how to use mindfulness practices—like meditation and gentle awareness—to cope with the difficult feelings that come with loss. It’s not about getting rid of the pain, but about learning to hold it with more compassion and less struggle. Each episode provides gentle guidance and practical techniques for self-care, helping you honor your grief without letting it completely consume you.

Everything Happens with Kate Bowler

Kate Bowler, a historian at Duke Divinity School, was diagnosed with stage IV cancer at age 35, which led her to explore life’s biggest questions. Her podcast, Everything Happens, features conversations with guests about what they’ve learned from life’s darkest moments. The show tackles pain, uncertainty, and loss with incredible wisdom, warmth, and a surprising amount of humor. It’s a podcast for anyone trying to find meaning when life doesn’t go as planned, offering insights on how to live with vulnerability and support others through their own hardships.

Terrible, Thanks For Asking

When someone asks, "How are you?" the default answer is usually "Fine," even when it’s not true. Nora McInerny’s podcast, Terrible, Thanks For Asking, creates a space for more honest answers. The show features raw, unfiltered stories from people who have been through tremendous loss and difficulty. It validates the complex, messy, and often uncomfortable reality of grief. Listening feels like being part of a community that isn’t afraid to talk about the hard stuff, reminding you that it’s okay to not be okay.

Good Grief

Hosted by Blake Kasemeier, Good Grief offers a mix of expert interviews, personal stories, and cultural discussions about mourning. The podcast dives into the many facets of loss with honesty and curiosity. Blake brings a thoughtful and empathetic approach to each conversation, creating a show that is both informative and deeply comforting. It’s a well-rounded resource that acknowledges the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of the grieving process, making it a valuable companion for anyone navigating loss.

Grief/Relief

The experience of grief can be incredibly isolating, but Grief/Relief aims to change that by sharing real stories from real people. The podcast focuses on building connection and showing listeners that they are not alone in their feelings. It also explores how loss, as painful as it is, can sometimes lead to unexpected growth and change. By highlighting these moments of transformation, the show offers a sense of hope and resilience, demonstrating the many ways people find their way through the darkness of grief.

Common Themes in Grief Podcasts

As you explore different grief podcasts, you’ll start to notice some recurring themes. These common threads are what make these shows so powerful—they tap into the universal aspects of the human experience of loss. From validating lesser-known types of grief to breaking down the science of what’s happening in your brain and body, these podcasts offer a multi-faceted approach to healing. Understanding these themes can help you find episodes that speak directly to your situation, providing the specific comfort and information you need at any given moment on your journey.

Understanding Different Types of Loss

One of the most validating themes in grief podcasts is the broad definition of loss. These shows recognize that grief isn't limited to the death of a person. You can find episodes that explore the heartbreak of a divorce, the disorientation of a major career change, or the profound sorrow of losing a beloved pet. By giving voice to these experiences, podcasts help listeners feel seen and understood, affirming that all significant loss deserves to be acknowledged and mourned. This inclusive approach creates a space where no one has to justify their pain.

Navigating Disenfranchised Grief

Some losses are not openly acknowledged or socially supported, a phenomenon known as disenfranchised grief. This can include experiences like a miscarriage, the death of an ex-spouse, or losing a loved one to suicide. Podcasts have become a vital platform for these stories, offering a sense of community and validation to those who may be grieving in isolation. Hearing others speak openly about these complicated losses can be incredibly healing, breaking the silence and shame that so often accompany them.

Exploring the Science of Grief

For some, understanding the "why" behind their feelings can be a great comfort. Many podcasts feature interviews with neuroscientists, psychologists, and other experts who explain the science of grief. They discuss how loss affects the brain, why you might feel physically exhausted, or what’s happening with your hormones. Learning about the biological and psychological mechanisms at play can demystify the experience, helping you understand that your reactions are normal. It’s a reminder that grief is a whole-body experience, right down to the elemental level of our being.

Other Helpful Grief Resources

While podcasts are an amazing, accessible resource, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Support for grief comes in many forms, and what works for you one day might not be what you need the next. It’s helpful to have a variety of tools at your disposal. Books can offer a quiet, private space for reflection, while expert videos can provide structured, science-backed information. Building a toolkit of different resources allows you to find the right kind of support for whatever you’re feeling at any given moment.

Expert Interviews and Videos

Sometimes, you just want to hear from an expert. Grief therapists like Claire Bidwell Smith and neuroscientists like Andrew Huberman share their knowledge through interviews and video content that can be incredibly illuminating. These resources often break down complex topics—like how grief rewires the brain or the different stages of mourning—into understandable concepts. Watching or listening to these experts can provide a sense of clarity and control, offering a framework for understanding the otherwise chaotic feelings of loss.

Books on Grief and Support

There’s a unique comfort in the quiet companionship of a book. Titles like Kate Bowler’s *Everything Happens for a Reason (And Other Lies I've Loved)* offer profound reflections on navigating life’s most difficult moments. Reading about another person’s journey can feel like having a conversation with a wise friend. Books provide the space to pause, reflect, and absorb ideas at your own pace. They can be a source of solace during sleepless nights or a guide for friends and family who want to learn how to offer meaningful support.

How to Support Someone Who Is Grieving

Watching someone you care about navigate the pain of loss can leave you feeling helpless. You want to say and do the right thing, but it’s hard to know what that is. The good news is that meaningful support is often simpler than we think. It’s not about having the perfect words or fixing their pain, but about showing up with consistency and compassion. The goal is to lighten their burden, not erase their grief. Here are a few practical, actionable ways to offer genuine support to someone who is grieving.

Offer Specific Help

The phrase "Let me know if you need anything" is well-intentioned, but it puts the burden on the grieving person to identify a need and ask for help—something they likely don’t have the energy for. Instead, offer concrete, specific help. Say, "I'm going to the grocery store, what can I pick up for you?" or "I have a few free hours on Tuesday to help with yard work." You can also offer to take on a specific task, like walking their dog, picking up their kids from school, or simply bringing over a meal.

Talk About Their Loved One

Many people avoid mentioning the person who died, fearing it will cause more pain. In reality, most grieving individuals want to hear their loved one’s name and share memories. Talking about the person keeps their memory alive and validates the significance of their life. Share a fond story, mention something you admired about them, or simply say, "I've been thinking about [Name] today." This act of remembrance is a beautiful way to honor their legacy and show the grieving person that their loved one is not forgotten.

Avoid Clichés

While often said with the best intentions, clichés can feel dismissive of a person’s pain. Phrases like "They're in a better place," "Everything happens for a reason," or "At least they lived a long life" can minimize the griever's experience. It’s much more powerful to acknowledge their pain without trying to explain it away. Simple, honest statements like "This is so hard, and I'm so sorry," "I'm thinking of you," or "I don't know what to say, but I'm here for you" are far more comforting.

Just Be There

Sometimes, the most profound support you can offer is your quiet presence. Grief can be incredibly lonely, and just having someone sit with you in your sadness can make a world of difference. You don’t need to have a deep conversation or offer advice. You can watch a movie together, go for a quiet walk, or simply sit in the same room. Your steady, non-judgmental presence communicates that they are not alone in their pain, and that you are willing to witness their grief without trying to fix it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would listening to stories about loss actually help? It sounds like it would just make me feel worse. That’s a completely fair question. It might seem counterintuitive, but hearing someone else put words to the messy, confusing feelings of grief can be incredibly validating. It’s not about dwelling on sadness, but about connection. When you hear a story that mirrors your own, it can make you feel less isolated in your experience. It can also give you the language to understand your own emotions, which is a powerful step in processing them.

There are so many recommendations. How do I pick the right one for me? Think about what you need in this moment. Are you looking for practical, expert-backed advice on how to handle specific situations? A show hosted by therapists like Grief Works might be a good fit. If you think a bit of humor would be a welcome release, you could try Griefcast. If you just want to hear raw, honest stories from people who get it, Terrible, Thanks For Asking is a great place to start. Don’t be afraid to sample an episode or two from a few different shows to see which host and style feels most like a comforting friend.

My loss wasn't a recent death. Is it still okay for me to listen to these? Absolutely. Grief doesn't follow a schedule, and it isn't limited to one type of loss. Many of these podcasts explore how grief changes over months and years, often resurfacing during big life moments. They also acknowledge that we grieve many things: relationships, jobs, health, and the futures we imagined. Your feelings are valid no matter how long it’s been or what the circumstances of your loss are.

What if I'm not ready to hear other people's stories yet? Then you are right where you need to be. There is no pressure to engage with anything that doesn’t feel supportive. Your grief journey is yours alone, and your pace is the right pace. If podcasts feel too intense right now, perhaps the quiet companionship of a book or the emotional release of a playlist is a better fit. The most important thing is to honor what you need, and that can change from one day to the next.

I want to support a friend who is grieving. Should I just send them this list? It’s so thoughtful of you to want to share helpful resources. Instead of sending the whole list, which might feel overwhelming, you could try a more personal approach. Consider listening to a few episodes yourself and then recommending one specific podcast that made you think of them. You could say something like, "I was listening to this show and the way they talked about [topic] felt really honest. No pressure to listen, but I wanted to share it in case it felt helpful." This makes the suggestion feel more like a caring, personal gesture rather than an assignment.

Key Takeaways

  • Podcasts offer a voice for your grief: When you struggle to articulate your own feelings, listening to others share similar stories can make you feel understood and less isolated in your experience.
  • Explore different formats to find what you need: Grief support is deeply personal, so try shows that offer humor, therapeutic advice, or authentic storytelling to discover what comforts you most right now.
  • Support others through presence, not platitudes: To help a grieving friend, focus on practical actions like offering specific help or sharing a memory of their loved one; your quiet company is often more valuable than perfect words.

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