In this episode of Our Genuine Connection, Hannah (@thatgrlhannah) reflects on navigating the holidays during the first year after losing her husband, Ian. She shares what Chanukah was like, how Christmas Eve and Christmas felt, and what it’s been like approaching New Year’s Eve — all while moving through the many “firsts” that come with grief.

Hannah speaks openly about the emotional weight of holiday traditions, the moments that felt grounding, and the ones that felt especially tender. She also shares that Ian’s birthday is coming up, and what it means to hold both love and loss as the calendar continues to move forward.

This episode is a quiet, honest conversation for anyone navigating grief through the holidays — a reminder that there is no right way to get through the first year, and that simply showing up is enough.

Welcome to episode nine of "Our Genuine Connection," where Hannah shares an intimate journey of self-love and resilience. In this heartfelt episode, Hannah reflects on her personal growth, the profound impact of her relationship with Ian, and the lessons learned through love and loss. Join us as we explore themes of emotional healing and the enduring power of self-worth. Whether you're navigating your own self-love journey or seeking inspiration, this episode offers a genuine connection to the heart.

In this episode of Our Genuine Connection, Hannah (@thatgrlhannah) sits down with Grant Garry, the director and producer of the film Meet Me Where I Am. Their conversation weaves together Hannah’s own experience losing her husband, Ian, just 19 weeks ago, and Grant’s work capturing the raw, complex truths of grief through film.

Hannah shares what the early weeks of widowhood have been like — the shock, the identity shift, and the emotional whiplash of sudden loss. Grant opens up about why he felt compelled to create Meet Me Where I Am, what he’s learned about grief, and why he personally reached out to Hannah with his film and a kind note in her early days of grief.

Together, they talk about what truly helps someone in acute grief, the things people often get wrong, and how storytelling can support healing in ways words alone can’t. This conversation is compassionate, grounding, and deeply human — a space where grief, art, and empathy come together.

If you’re grieving, supporting someone who is, or want to understand how to “meet someone where they are,” this episode offers honest insight, comfort, and connection.

In this episode of Our Genuine Connection, Stephanie (IG @lovingyoueverafter • TikTok @steph_ni_ni) joins Hannah (@thatgrlhannah) to share how widowhood changed their lives. Their grief journeys are very different, yet their conversation shows how loss can create connection, compassion, and understanding.

Hannah opens up about the sudden, tragic loss of her husband, Ian, while Stephanie reflects on losing her husband, Mike, after years of caregiving through cancer. Together, they explore the emotional and practical differences between sudden loss and anticipated loss, offering insight, hope, and community for those navigating grief.

In this deeply vulnerable episode, I talk about a moment that changed everything. Four weeks ago, I experienced the most frightening night I’ve had since the sudden loss of my husband, Ian. Grief can bring you to places you never expected, and this was one of those moments.

I share the events that led up to that night, why it felt so overwhelming, and the reasons I chose to stay. I also talk about the practical steps, mindset shifts, and emotional tools I’m using now to feel safe, supported, and confident as I move forward in my healing.

If you’ve ever felt lost, scared, or shaken by grief, I hope this episode reminds you that you are not alone and that choosing to stay is an act of strength.

Hannah shares her favourite camping memories with Ian and reads heartfelt stories from friends who joined those adventures. A touching reflection on nature, laughter, and love — and how the moments we share become the memories that keep us connected forever.

Join Hannah and her mom, Debra — a retired therapist and social worker — as they open up about their shared journey through grief after losing Ian. In this raw and heartfelt conversation, they talk about the tough parts of loss, the moments that tested their strength, and the ways they continue to heal. Through personal stories and a mother’s reflective perspective, they share what it means to live with grief, support one another, and keep Ian’s memory alive.

In this episode, I answer some of the beautiful questions you’ve sent about Ian — his favourite food, colour, the little things he loved, and how I knew he was the one. It’s a raw, honest conversation about love, loss, and the memories that still make me smile. Thank you for holding space for me and for Ian’s story.