Through the Darkness: Charlie Bynar’s Journey from Grief to Unshakable Knowing | EP 457 Artwork

Grief 2 Growth

"Transform your grief into growth with Brian Smith, an empathetic life coach, certified grief educator, public speaker, and author who has walked the treacherous path of profound loss. Grief 2 Growth unravels the intricacies of life, death, and the spaces in between, offering listeners a new perspective on what it means to be 'Planted. Not Buried.'

Join Brian and his compelling guests—bereaved parents, life coaches, mediums, healers, near death experiencers, and experts in various fields—as they discuss topics like survival guilt, synchronicities, and the scientific evidence supporting the existence of the afterlife. You'll come away with actionable advice, renewed hope, and the comforting knowledge that love and life are eternal.

One of the most powerful ways we know what awaits us and where we came from is Near Death Experiences. Much of Brian's knowledge is derived from extensive study of this phenomenon, along with interviewing dozens of near death experience experiencers.

Brian knows the soul-crushing weight of loss; his journey began with the sudden passing of his fifteen-year-old daughter, Shayna. It's not an odyssey he would have chosen, but it has been an odyssey that has chosen him to guide others.

Grief 2 Growth is a sanctuary for those grieving, those curious about the beyond, and anyone eager to explore the fuller dimensions of life and death. Each episode delves into topics that matter most—how to cope, grow, and connect with loved ones in the afterlife. If you ask: “Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going?” this podcast is for you.

This isn't about forgetting your loss or simply 'moving on'; it's about growing in a new direction that honors your loved ones and your spirit. It’s about finding joy and purpose again.

Grief 2 Growth is more than a podcast; it's a community of souls committed to supporting one another through the darkest valleys and highest peaks of human existence. Listen today and start planting seeds for a brighter, more spiritually connected tomorrow."

All Episodes

Grief 2 Growth

Through the Darkness: Charlie Bynar’s Journey from Grief to Unshakable Knowing | EP 457

October 28, 2025 • Brian D. Smith • Episode 457

0:00 | 1:12:10

“Our time on Earth is just one little page in a never-ending story.” – Charlie Bynar

After the tragic loss of her only child, 16-year-old Isaac, Charlie Bynar’s world fell apart. What followed was a breathtaking journey through unimaginable grief, mysterious signs, and undeniable communication from the other side. In this deeply moving conversation, Charlie and Brian explore love that doesn’t die — and what it means to forgive, to trust, and to believe again.

Charlie went from skeptic to spiritual seeker after receiving repeated dream visitations, unmistakable signs, and life-changing readings with mediums — including world-renowned Allison DuBois of the TV show Medium. Her memoir, Through the Darkness: A Story of Love from the Other Side, isn’t just a book — it’s a lifeline for grieving parents and a beacon for anyone questioning what happens after death.

In this episode, we discuss:

The medical negligence that changed Charlie’s life forever
The stunning signs Isaac gave after passing
What it’s like to connect with a child in Spirit
Forgiving injustice, even murder
The science of empathy and psychopathy
How Charlie turned grief into education and purpose

Whether you’ve lost a child, are questioning the afterlife, or are looking for hope in the darkest of places — this episode is for you.

Links & Resources

Through the Darkness (Book): https://www.charliebynar.com
Isaac’s Ant Foundation: https://www.charliebynar.com
Read the book free on BookSirens: https://www.booksirens.com
Join the conversation: https://grief2growth.substack.com

Join the conversation
Have you received a sign from a loved one in Spirit? What helped you believe in the afterlife? Share your story at https://grief2growth.substack.com
or reply directly in your podcast app.

Help others find this podcast

Subscribe and leave a review
Share this episode with someone who’s grieving
Tag @grief2growth on social media

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

The International Association for Near-Death Studies or IANDS will host its annual conference at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue. The event features an all-star lineup of keynotes like Proof of Heaven Author Eben Alexander, MD, and Dying to Be Me Author Anita Moorjani. I Early bird registration rates are available through July 15.

Visit IANDS.org to register

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.

Support the show

🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻 Join me on Substack- connect with others and me
👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)
📰 Get A Free Gift
📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call
📈 Leave A Review

Thanks so much for your support