Most people think grief is something we manage only in waking life. But what if some of our greatest breakthroughs in healing, meaning, and connection happen while we sleep?
In this deeply moving conversation, grief researcher and
Grief Dreams Podcast host
Dr. Joshua Black joins us to explore one of the most universal yet overlooked aspects of loss: the powerful dreams we have of loved ones who have passed. These dreams—whether comforting, vivid, confusing, or painful—hold profound insight into our
consciousness,
spiritual growth, and the enduring
soul purpose of connection beyond physical life.
Dr. Black has spent years studying “continuing bonds”—the ways we maintain relationships with the deceased through memory, emotion, and yes, dreaming. His research offers a grounded, compassionate, and surprisingly hopeful look at how dreams support healing after loss, and why so many people experience visitation-like dream encounters during moments of deep emotional need.
Whether you’re processing grief, curious about
life after death, or seeking a more integrated understanding of
modern spirituality and
consciousness, this episode gives you tools to understand your own dream world through a new lens—one rooted in psychology, emotional intelligence, and the non-linear nature of healing.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: 🔹 Why dreams of the deceased are far more common than people think And why 80–90% of these dreams are actually
comforting rather than distressing.
🔹 The real meaning of “continuing bonds” How we maintain relationships with loved ones after death through memory, imagination, and nighttime experiences—and why it’s psychologically healthy.
🔹 What comforting dreams may be communicating Dr. Black breaks down why so many people report visitation-like dreams filled with peace, healing, and love—and why these moments are often turning points in one’s
spiritual awakening.
🔹 The surprising link between dream recall and grief dreams If you rarely remember dreams, you may never notice a grief dream even if you
have them—and there’s a science-backed reason why.
🔹 Why negative grief dreams occur—and what they actually mean Most aren’t visitations or warnings. They’re reflections of unresolved emotions such as guilt, trauma, or avoidance.
🔹 How these dreams can support intuition development & emotional healing Dreams often reveal what your waking mind avoids—giving you a pathway toward inner clarity and self-compassion.
🔹 Why dreaming doesn’t stop after the grief “settles” Many people experience dreams of their loved ones decades later—especially during transitions, illness, or moments of emotional overwhelm.
⭐ WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERS This conversation pushes beyond the clichés of grief and into the profound terrain where psychology,
spirituality, and
consciousness overlap.
If you’ve ever wondered:
- Was that dream a message?
- Why did I stop dreaming about them?
- Why did the dream feel more real than waking life?
- What is my grieving mind or soul trying to show me?
…you’ll find grounded, compassionate answers here.
For anyone experiencing loss—or supporting someone who is—this episode is a compassionate guide to navigating the inner world where healing truly begins.
ABOUT DR. JOSHUA BLACK Dr. Black is one of the world’s leading researchers on grief dreams and continuing bonds. He is a featured speaker for the International Association for the Study of Dreams (IASD) and host of the
Grief Dreams Podcast. His work bridges clinical research with deeply human...
