Turning Pain Into Purpose: Healing Through Celebration with Shiaka McIntosh

This week on Conversations with Coach LA, we’re talking about what it means to transform pain into purpose.

After losing her child’s father, Marcus Hall, to gun violence, Shiaka McIntosh could have let grief define her story — but instead, she decided to rewrite it. As the founder of Parties From Above, Shiaka has hosted more than 100 birthday parties and community events for children who’ve lost a parent to violence or overdose. Through balloons, music, and moments of joy, she’s creating healing spaces where grief meets celebration.

Join Coach LA as she and Shiaka explore:

✨ The power of post-traumatic growth and how purpose can emerge from pain

✨ Why play, joy, and community connection are vital in childhood grief recovery

✨ The emotional toll and triumph of grief-informed community work

✨ Practical ways to BET on SELF™ — even when your heart is heavy

This conversation is raw, real, and restorative — a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it’s possible.

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Clinical & Cultural Insights:

According to the CDC, over 48,000 people die from gun violence annually in the U.S., leaving tens of thousands of children grieving a parent.

Research from the National Alliance for Children’s Grief shows 1 in 12 kids will lose a parent or sibling by age 18.

Studies in positive psychology confirm that community connection and joyful rituals significantly reduce trauma symptoms and foster resilience.

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 10PM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at admin@weroclives.com to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you’re looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we’re here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent   www.daniellaurent.com 

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media