“Melissa's thoughtful interview style and thorough preparedness are an art that will draw you in. She makes connections and shows her listeners how life experiences with loss can lead us to cultivate unique paths toward changing our lives and empowering others. The Loss Encounters are inspirational, powerful, and heartwarming. Listen to any of her interviews and see for yourself!”

— Joyal Mulheron

“I am deeply grateful to Melissa for her insightful and compassionate interview. Her questions were deeply informed and cut right to the heart of the matter. Talking about grief and grieving can be emotionally challenging, but Melissa guided our conversation so deftly and with such grace and purpose. What a wonderful, uplifting podcast about such a difficult subject matter. I am honored to be among her esteemed guests in this field.”

— Colin Campbell

“I am very grateful to The Loss Encounters for the opportunity to talk about my time in federal jail. The podcast turned out better than I could have imagined. My conversation with Melissa helped me reconnect with old friends and share the whole story with my family. Melissa is an extraordinarily talented and compassionate journalist. I know the podcast will enlighten countless people in the years ahead.”

— Brad Rouse

“These are important messages, and you’re an amazing emissary. Thank you, again, for your great work.”

— Bernie Krause

“Melissa’s deft interviews ask all the questions you’d want to know if you were sitting with her guest and a cup of coffee. She handled our discussion of loss, love, and resilience with grace, always mining for tips others can use. What makes her podcast so compelling is the universality of the human experience that connects us all through good storytelling. I’m a huge fan!”

— Lee Woodruff

“I had the honor of sharing my story of "re-birth" and healing on The Loss Encounters podcast. It was an emotional experience as I talked about being a diva with a disability and sharing the love of dance to persons with disabilities in ZCO/DANCEPROJECT. Thank you, Melissa, for this incredible opportunity!”

— Zazel-Chavah O’Garra

“I loved spending that time with Melissa. She is a great interviewer with a talent for creating a meaningful, deep but also fun conversation. This gave me the opportunity to reflect and talk about the mission of The World Monuments Fund which was not only to prevent the loss of their most meaningful heritage for communities around the world but also to make sense of it and still retain a feeling of identity and history when that loss is inevitable.”

— Bénédicte de Montlaur

“I often reflect on the alchemy of displacement and how it demands a refugee to invest so much of their inner resilience into the journey of starting anew and forging a new life. When Melissa approached me for an authentic conversation on her podcast about the topic of loss, I quickly sensed a shared synchronicity. Our dialogue flowed effortlessly. Melissa's genuine care for the conversation is a container for those who courageously battle with the theme of loss. From the depths of nothingness, we can collectively create so much, sometimes simply by being acknowledged. Melissa, thank you for truly seeing me, for truly seeing all of us. I wholeheartedly recommend this podcast for anyone ready to delve into the complexities of this subject, seeking the gems within each interview.”

— Meymuna Hussein-Cattan

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Thank You

"The Loss Encounters," is a heartfelt work that deserves praise. Through her intimate interviews, Melissa has created a sacred space where the raw, transformative power of grief and loss is not only acknowledged but celebrated for its capacity to catalyze positive societal change. Each episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, offering listeners not just solace but also inspiration.

Pamela J, Bell, Feb 23, 2024

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Smart and uplifting

A wonderful interviewer who manages to show through each podcast that you can move forward no matter what life brings you. Well done !!

— Clem Feb 21, 2024

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Muchas gracias

As an avid podcast listener, I have been pleasantly surprised whilst tuning into Melissa’s podcast series. Her journalistic background shines through as she asks poignant questions with empathy & patience. Felicidades Melissa!

— Nadine Karachi, Feb 21, 2024

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Thank You

Melissa, thank you for shining a light on these incredibly moving stories, for reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there lies the potential for growth and impactful change. Your work is a beacon of hope, guiding your listeners towards finding purpose in our pain and turning our grief into a force for good in the world. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻bravo!

Pamela J, Bell, Feb 23, 2024

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Extraordinary

Inspiring and full of hope. ! This podcast proves that you can heal and move forward no matter the loss you have. I am sure it will make a difference in many people’s lives. Melissa’s way of interviewing is impeccable!

— Larry, Feb 13, 2024

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Uplifting

Meaningful, expansive conversations with inspiring leaders who have spun experiences of great loss into gold. Powerful and uplifting. Melissa Ceria's warm interview style is a pleasure to listen to.

— winnowbromes, Feb 9, 2024

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Wonderfully done

I found your podcasts very interesting. Can’t wait for next Thursday.

— Tanlessita, Feb 5, 2024

This is an incredible episode, Melissa. Thank you for allowing us to not only hear a little bit about who Ruby and Hart were, but to see their beautiful faces here, too. I look forward to reading Colin's book. There's so much wisdom coming through in this conversation. 💕

@modernheirloom

Just listened to the first two episodes... INCREDIBLE So thoughtful and thought- provoking, with warmth and depth and such a unique lens. Huuuuge congratulations, Melissa - what a huge achievement.

— Jennifer

Lee Woodruff... wow she is amazing! And you are amazing in doing this series and of course as an interviewer. 😘👏😘👏😘👏👏👏👏👏👏 It very much speaks to me and my own experiences. Learning a lot.

— Nicolas

I wanted to congratulate you on the podcasts! I listened to both of them this weekend. The resilience and strength that transpires from these two stories is moving, inspiring and full of hope. I can't get over how good your voice sounds. I am so waiting to hear more!!! ❤️

— Marcelle

"There are no limits. Just let it come from your heart." I found Zazel's interview deeply inspiring and so full of optimism. I love her message to embrace your body and to keep moving, keep dancing. 💃❤️

@a.jhaveri

I am deeply moved. Especially by Colin Campbell, what a soul. 🙏You are such a good listener and follow up with just the right questions. ❤️

I find Bernie Krause's journey so interesting; the way he tells the story of loss in sounds and environment makes the podcast so beautiful! I am so eager to keep following his story and learning more about him.

— Annabelle

“Anybody who has gone through something is going to be a new person." Hi Melissa, I'm reading your interview with Lee. What true words. It's wonderful.

— Laura

Ah, this is so inspiring and beautiful. Zazel, your spirit, your laugh and your love of life - you have a voice. Thanks, praise!

@slatedsue212

Hi! Great stories... Brad Rouse especially struck a chord, he is very humble but still so resilient through the process, I am listening to Colin Campbell now …

Powerful ... normalizing death and grief as they should be.

— Selina

I just listened to the Bernie Krause episode. Fantastic.

— Alicia

I find your podcast can help people feel grounded when people don't always know what their next steps will be or what's next. It also teaches us to be grateful for what we have.

— Oscar

In fact, your podcast just made me have a realization about something important in my life so thank you. 😘

— Nicolas

Congratulations on your podcast!! I was touched by Brad Rouse's story and the way he told it!

— Charlotte

Bonjour Melissa, Je voulais te féliciter vivement car j'ai écouté tes deux premières podcasts et j'ai adoré. Tu as une voix absolument fantastique pour ce genre d'interview, enthousiasme mais super posée. Bravo! J'ai hâte de continuer à t'écouter

— Camille