Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
When we think of grief, we often picture death. But what about the silent grief that comes from illness — the kind that alters your identity, steals your energy, and isolates you from the world?
In this powerful episode, I speak with Brenda Snow, a woman who turned a life-changing diagnosis into a movement that’s touched millions. After being dismissed by doctors and told her symptoms were “all in her head,” Brenda found herself at rock bottom — until a single moment with her young daughter re-ignited her will to fight.
Now the founder of Snow Companies and author of Diagnosed: The Essential Guide to Navigating the Patient Journey, Brenda shares how she walked through grief, reclaimed her identity, and built a life of purpose.
We cover:
• The “unnamed grief” of chronic illness
• Why hope is essential — even before a diagnosis
• How Brenda went from patient to pioneer
• The power of storytelling in healing and advocacy
• What the healthcare system must do better
• Rebuilding identity when your body feels like a stranger
• The difference between giving up and accepting what is
I was especially moved by Brenda’s metaphor of taking MS “by the hand.” It reminded me of the core truth of Grief 2 Growth: we’re not buried—we’re planted. 🌱
Links & Resources:
📘 Diagnosed: The Essential Guide to Navigating the Patient Journey
🛒 Order the Book on Amazon (amazon.com/dp/B0CH2BDJZP)
💌 Need a free copy due to hardship? Contact Brenda directly at brenda@brendasnow.com
🌐 Brenda’s Website: brendasnow.com
📰 Related article & community discussion:
👉 Join us on Substack (https://grieftogrowth.substack.com)
✨ Listener Reflection Prompt:
Have you ever grieved something that didn’t involve death? How did it change your sense of self?
💬 Tell us in the comments on Substack or reply to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Let’s Connect:
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast
❤️ Rate & review — it helps others find this message
📣 Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that they are not alone
You've been listening. You're doing the work. But there's still this feeling that you're circling the same place.
Maybe you've thought about working with me one-on-one. Maybe something's held you back.
I get that. And I want you to know there's still a place for you.
All of it, pay what you want. You decide what it's worth. Nobody gets turned away because of money.
https://grief2g (grief2growth.com/store)
Want to go deeper? My Substack is where I share solo essays on grief, consciousness, and continuing bonds — thoughts that don't always make it into the podcast. It's also home to a community of listeners who get it, because they're living it too. Free to subscribe. Find it at substack.com/grief2growth. (grief2growth.com/substack)
I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.
grief2growth.com/ndelessons
Support the show (pages.grief2growth.com/products/grief-2-growth)
🧑🏿🤝🧑🏻 Join me on Substack (https://grief2growth.substack.com) - connect with others and me
👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes) (buzzsprout.com/695488/supporters/new)
📰 Get A Free Gift (grief2growth.com/gifts)
📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call (grief2growth.as.me/30-minute-complimentary)
📈 Leave A Review (ratethispodcast.com/grief2growth)
Thanks so much for your support
When we think of grief, we often picture death. But what about the silent grief that comes from illness — the kind that alters your identity, steals your energy, and isolates you from the world?
In this powerful episode, I speak with Brenda Snow, a woman who turned a life-changing diagnosis into a movement that’s touched millions. After being dismissed by doctors and told her symptoms were “all in her head,” Brenda found herself at rock bottom — until a single moment with her young daughter re-ignited her will to fight.
Now the founder of Snow Companies and author of Diagnosed: The Essential Guide to Navigating the Patient Journey, Brenda shares how she walked through grief, reclaimed her identity, and built a life of purpose.
We cover:
• The “unnamed grief” of chronic illness
• Why hope is essential — even before a diagnosis
• How Brenda went from patient to pioneer
• The power of storytelling in healing and advocacy
• What the healthcare system must do better
• Rebuilding identity when your body feels like a stranger
• The difference between giving up and accepting what is
I was especially moved by Brenda’s metaphor of taking MS “by the hand.” It reminded me of the core truth of Grief 2 Growth: we’re not buried—we’re planted. 🌱
Links & Resources:
📘 Diagnosed: The Essential Guide to Navigating the Patient Journey
🛒 Order the Book on Amazon (amazon.com/dp/B0CH2BDJZP)
💌 Need a free copy due to hardship? Contact Brenda directly at brenda@brendasnow.com
🌐 Brenda’s Website: brendasnow.com
📰 Related article & community discussion:
👉 Join us on Substack (https://grieftogrowth.substack.com)
✨ Listener Reflection Prompt:
Have you ever grieved something that didn’t involve death? How did it change your sense of self?
💬 Tell us in the comments on Substack or reply to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Let’s Connect:
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast
❤️ Rate & review — it helps others find this message
📣 Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that they are not alone
You've been listening. You're doing the work. But there's still this feeling that you're circling the same place.
Maybe you've thought about working with me one-on-one. Maybe something's held you back.
I get that. And I want you to know there's still a place for you.
All of it, pay what you want. You decide what it's worth. Nobody gets turned away because of money.
https://grief2g (grief2growth.com/store)
Want to go deeper? My Substack is where I share solo essays on grief, consciousness, and continuing bonds — thoughts that don't always make it into the podcast. It's also home to a community of listeners who get it, because they're living it too. Free to subscribe. Find it at substack.com/grief2growth. (grief2growth.com/substack)
I've been studying Near Death Experiences for many years now. I am 100% convinced they are real. In this short, free ebook, I not only explain why I believe NDEs are real, I share some of the universal secrets brought back by people who have had them.
grief2growth.com/ndelessons
Support the show (pages.grief2growth.com/products/grief-2-growth)
🧑🏿🤝🧑🏻 Join me on Substack (https://grief2growth.substack.com) - connect with others and me
👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes) (buzzsprout.com/695488/supporters/new)
📰 Get A Free Gift (grief2growth.com/gifts)
📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call (grief2growth.as.me/30-minute-complimentary)
📈 Leave A Review (ratethispodcast.com/grief2growth)
Thanks so much for your support
