In this unforgettable episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker shares the story of the exact moment her life split into “before” and “after.” Through a searingly honest account of the phone call that changed everything—the loss of her nephew Austin—Sharon takes listeners inside the collapse that grief can cause. This isn’t a conversation about “moving on” or checking boxes—it’s a journey through the mess, the silence, and the search for truth. If you’ve had that day—the one where it all fell apart—this episode is for you.

• The moment grief hit: June 17, 2006—the call that shattered Sharon’s life

• The illusion of “ordinary” before a loss, and the unbearable clarity after

• How the world keeps spinning while your life stops

• The raw, physical, full-body nature of grief

• Society’s failure to understand or support grieving people

• The myth of strength: why being “strong” isn’t always helpful

• Why no one is coming to save you—and how Sharon created the help she needed

• The role of silence, breaking down, and choosing to face the pain head-on

• Why The Grief School and Grief Study Hall were born—from brokenness to building

• The truth: You are not broken. You are grieving. And you don’t have to do it alone.

• What was the moment that split your life into “before” and “after”?

• How did your body respond to the shock of your loss?

• What lies about grief or “being strong” have you believed or been told?

• Where in your life have you been waiting for someone to save you?

• What truth are you ready to say out loud about your grief?

Grief isn’t polite. It doesn’t knock first. It wrecks, rewires, and reshapes everything. But even in the rubble, there is still breath, still hope, and still a path through. If you’ve had that day—the one that broke you—you are not alone. And if no one ever told you: you don’t have to carry this forever. You just have to walk through it. One breath at a time. One truth at a time.

Need more support or want to connect with Sharon?
📝 Join Grief Study Hall: Every Tuesday, 1–3 PM CST
📚 Read the Book: Grieve That Sht* — grab it at clickhereforhope.com
📸 Follow Sharon on TikTok: @thegriefschool
💌 Email: hello@sharonbrubaker.com