For the seventh episode and part two of the Honoring Memories and Finding Hope in the Holidays podcast, I have a very special guest! My oldest daughter, Sarah Cookingham, joins me for a heartfelt conversation as we explore her perspective on navigating grief during the holiday season. I felt it was important to hear the female heart and her insights on her personal journey with the loss of her mom.

There’s so much depth to what we’ve shared that I realized we needed more time to honor it fully. That’s why this conversation will continue into part three on episode eight! I hope you’ll tune in to part two and stay with us as we continue this meaningful discussion in the next episode

In this heartfelt episode of the NEXT podcast, Jay Cookingham shares his journey of navigating grief during the holiday season, reflecting on the memories of his beloved wife, Christine.

As the five-year anniversary of her passing approaches, Jay offers personal insights and practical steps for those facing the holidays with heavy hearts. From honoring traditions to finding moments of worship and gratitude, he explores ways to balance joy and sorrow, encouraging listeners to find comfort in God’s presence and purpose even in seasons of loss. Tune in for hope-filled encouragement and practical steps to help you through this holiday season.

In Episode 5 of The NEXT Podcast: Moving Forward with Grief and Loss, Jay Cookingham dives into practical ways to navigate the often messy, unpredictable path of grief. Using insights from his own experiences, he shares tips on embracing and processing emotions without rushing or suppressing them. Jay explores how recognizing, naming, and expressing feelings can transform pain into “productive” growth, tethering us to reality and opening the door to healing. Tune in to discover how to honor your grief journey with honesty and faith.

In this episode, Jay explores how societal expectations of toughness often keep men from expressing their emotions, complicating the process of navigating and moving forward after loss. Tune in as Jay shares insights and personal reflections on breaking through barriers to find healing and hope.

In this heartfelt episode of the NEXT podcast, host Jay Cookingham shares about the deeply emotional and often overwhelming process of dealing with the paperwork after the death of his wife, Christine. Titled "The Weight of Paper: A Widower’s Journey After Loss," Jay shares his personal experience navigating the endless forms, signatures, and legalities that come with losing a spouse. He reflects on the emotional toll it takes, offering insights into how grief complicates this already difficult process. Join Jay as he discusses the challenges of moving forward and the steps he took to cope, both practically and emotionally, with this burden. Whether you’ve faced loss yourself or are supporting someone who has, this episode is a compassionate guide through one of the hardest parts of grieving.

In this episode, Jay delves deeper into the tumultuous journey of grief. Drawing parallels between the unpredictability of the ocean and the overwhelming waves of sorrow, he shares personal experiences and lessons learned from losing his wife. Jay discusses the profound impact of grief on identity, relationships, and daily life, offering insights and encouragement for those navigating similar challenges. He emphasizes the importance of honoring feelings, finding coping mechanisms, and embracing the healing power of grief.

In this inaugural episode, Jay dives deep into the heart of the NEXT Podcast. Discover why he felt compelled to start this journey and what sets this show apart. It's not about fixing grief, but exploring the path forward. Join Jay as he sets the stage for honest conversations about loss, healing, and finding meaning in the aftermath.