Meet Nina Rodriguez | Certified Grief Support Specialist & Podcast Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nina Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nina, how does your business help the community?
In a world that all too often shies away from the realities of grief, my mission is to challenge the silence that surrounds loss. Too often, people are left to navigate the complexities of grief on their own, contributing to the growing loneliness epidemic*. This disconnection, both from self and community, has profound consequences—affecting our mental and physical health, relationships, workplaces, and beyond.

Grief is a natural, human response to profound loss and change, evolving as we do. By shining a light on this universal experience, I strive to help grievers feel seen, understood, and less isolated in their journey. Grief needs to be witnessed, expressed, and often shared in community.

Through the Grief and Light Podcast and our social media community @griefandlight, I aim to create a grief-informed world. My work is about giving a voice to the nuanced human experience of grief, and lighting the way for others to find hope in their new reality.

Each person’s grief is unique, and it’s crucial to meet individuals where they are. That’s why I offer personalized grief support through one-on-one sessions, a monthly virtual grief tending circle, and in-person events. These spaces are carefully curated to help us reconnect with ourselves, trust our inner nature, and find a sense of agency in life after loss.

These intentional spaces are designed to honor each person’s grief journey, allowing all emotions to be acknowledged and expressed without judgment. Together, we witness, we trust, we allow, and we nurture.

Through open, authentic conversations about the lived experience of grief and through intentional grief-tending spaces, I help empower individuals to navigate the layered and nuanced experience of loss. This work not only transforms how each person shows up for themselves but also how they engage with their families, communities, and the world around them.

*https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
This work was born from one of the most profound losses of my life—the unexpected death of my only sibling, Yosef, who passed away at the age of 32, almost five years ago. This life-altering loss shattered my reality, reshaped my beliefs, and transformed the way I show up in the world. It also led me to a significant career shift, moving from real estate into grief-informed support.

Grief has been both a teacher and an alchemizing force, guiding me toward my true purpose. Through this journey, I’ve become more patient, empathetic, and deeply curious about the varied ways people experience and express grief. My brand stands out for its authentic, empathetic, and open approach to conversations around grief and other challenging topics.

I’m particularly proud of being one of the few, if not the only, Latina podcasters focusing on grief. In a world that often avoids these difficult conversations, I am working to redefine how we approach life, loss, grief, and hope. I want grievers to feel seen, validated, and to understand that their voice, their story, and their lived experience truly matter.

The path to where I am today has been anything but easy. The challenges have been deeply personal, and the lessons have been hard-won. But through it all, I’ve learned the importance of resilience, the power of vulnerability, and the necessity of creating spaces where people can feel supported and understood. My hope is that by sharing my story, others will feel less alone in theirs, and together, we can build a more grief-informed world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Miami is a city that most people already have on their radar, but I like to offer a different perspective, one that aligns with the work I do and the things I’m passionate about. If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d focus on experiences that foster connection and mindfulness, highlighting some of my favorite spots.

One of my top recommendations is the monthly full-moon yoga and sound healing meditation hosted by Synergy Yoga at South Pointe Beach. This event is truly special—it’s a beautiful way to connect with yourself, the community, and the natural beauty of our beach and city. It’s an intentional space to release what no longer serves us and embrace what does, all while surrounded by the peaceful energy of the ocean and like-minded neighbors.

Another place I’d take them is Margaret Pace Park in Edgewater. It’s become a beloved communal gathering spot with stunning views of the bay. The park offers a variety of activities—whether you want to play volleyball or tennis, do yoga, meet up with friends, or simply walk your dog, it’s a wonderful experience. The park’s atmosphere is both vibrant and relaxing, making it a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the best of what Miami has to offer.

These experiences, rooted in mindfulness and community, are what I believe make Miami truly special, and they reflect the essence of what I try to embody in my work.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a heartfelt shoutout to several incredible individuals who have deeply influenced my journey. My holistic career coach, Vilma Usaite, has been instrumental in guiding my path with wisdom and compassion. Kera Sanchez, the Editor-in-Chief of Get Griefy Magazine, has been a source of inspiration and support. Dr. Mekel Harris, a licensed psychologist, has provided invaluable insights into the psychology of grief. Megan Devine, a best-selling author, psychotherapist, podcaster, and grief advocate, has profoundly shaped my understanding of grief and how we navigate it. And, of course, my parents and brother, Yosef, whose unwavering love and support have been the foundation of and reason for everything I do.

Website: https://www.griefandlight.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefandlight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griefandlight

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@griefandlight

Other: Threads: https://www.threads.net/@griefandlight
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-and-light-podcast/id1680003901
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2FI3TSz9wPBYu8Eymdegaj?si=cbb8167f437641ac

Image Credits
Headshot: Angie Keam