In this episode of the ‘Can You Just Sit With Me’ podcast, host Natasha Smith tackles the complex subject of grief with guest Dr. Wia Jia Tam. They discuss how to live with grief beyond the usual clichés, emphasizing the importance of integration and moving forward while honoring lost loved ones and oneself. Natasha shares seven practical ways to live with grief, including naming the loss, sharing the story, and allowing joy to coexist with sorrow.
Faith is not a common word to think about when you are in the throes of grief and in a deep valley, but I’m just learning that, like, wow… after the storm, there’s a rainbow.
Dr. wai jia tam
“Today, as a multi-award-winning, international humanitarian, physician, and nonprofit founder, Tam addresses the self-doubt and fear we all have. Through powerful stories, biblical insights, and practical principles, she invites readers to embrace risk and push past setbacks.
If you’ve ever felt too small to pursue your dreams, now is your time to step out in faith–and watch God do something far greater than you imagined. Dream brave.”
Get the book here.
Dr. Tam opens up about her personal journey through various losses, including significant career changes and trauma recovery, sharing how faith and recognizing God’s presence in small moments have been pivotal. Together, they offer listeners hope and encouragement, highlighting that every loss can signify a new beginning and a deeper connection with one’s true identity in faith.
Main Points
- Integration of Grief
- Identity and Loss
- Faith and New Beginnings
- Hope and Unshackling
Episode Talking Points
- 00:00 Introduction: The Biggest Question About Grief
- 01:17 Living Well with Grief: Seven Practical Steps
- 03:07 Welcome to the Podcast: Exploring the Faces of Grief
- 04:12 A Personal Journey: From Career Peak to Health Crisis
- 06:16 Meet Dr. Amp: Humanitarian, Speaker, and Author
- 06:56 The Many Faces of Grief: Beyond the Loss of Loved Ones
- 08:28 Navigating Identity Loss and God’s Guidance
- 12:51 Stripping Away the Old: Embracing a New Identity in God
- 24:37 A Chance Encounter in Tanzania
- 25:03 Trauma Therapy and Recovery
- 27:26 Realizing a Misguided Career Path
- 29:01 Embracing New Opportunities
- 33:51 Faith and New Beginnings
- 41:15 Unshackling from Old Identities
- 44:21 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Other Ways to Listen to this Podcast with Dr. Wai Jia Tam:
About the Guest
Dr. Wai Jia Tam is an award-winning humanitarian doctor, keynote speaker, author, and comedian whose journey through chronic pain, trauma, and faith has inspired thousands to find God in their darkest seasons. A Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 honoree and Fulbright Scholar, she has served with the World Health Organization and UNICEF across Asia and Africa.
After a cervical spine injury and years of endured chronic nerve pain, Wai Jia discovered the intersection of faith, neuroscience, and trauma recovery, which inspired her upcoming book on healing and identity. Through her sold-out stand-up show Dragon Lady! — performed in Singapore and Perth — she brings humor and hope through lament and laughter. Now based in Tanzania with her husband and two daughters, she speaks around the world on courage, obedience, and the joy of God’s healing — even when it looks like loss. Connect with Dr. Wai Jia here.
