A Priest, a Doctor and a Therapist Walk Into a Grief Podcast

Guys and Grief

Nearly every episode of G&G has incorporated the topics of faith, the medical community, and/or therapy. So the guys brought in experts of each of these respected fields, all of whom have supported and guided the guys throughout their grief journeys.

Father Sam Kachuba is the pastor of St. Pius Parish in Fairfield, Connecticut. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in Trumbull in 2001 and entered St. John Fisher Seminary in Stamford. He studied philosophy at Fordham University in the Bronx, before continuing his seminary formation at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. There, he studied theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University. Fr. Sam was first assigned to St. Pius Parish as a seminarian in the summer of 2006. After he was ordained a priest in 2008, he was again assigned to St. Pius for the summer, before returning to Rome to complete his studies. He is also the host of “The Tangent” podcast where he and his guests look at how the Catholic faith connects to our work, the news, pop culture, sports, and more.

Dr. Franasiak is a board certified Obstetrician Gynecologist, board certified Reproductive Endocrinologists, board certified High Complexity Laboratory Director in Embryology and Andrology, and lead physician of RMA’s South Jersey. He serves as Chief Medical Officer of IVI-RMA American within IVI-RMA Global, the largest Assisted Reproduction group in the world, with more than 70 clinics in 13 countries. Dr. Franasiak graduated from The College of William & Mary Summa Cum Laude with focus in Biology and Biochemistry; he went on to pursue medicine at The University of Virginia, and he completed his residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of North Carolina. Dr. Franasiak completed his Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship training at Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey in the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson fellowship program.

Pam Presler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Erie, Pennsylvania. The services she provides are based on 20 years of developing new and innovative approaches to improving human relationships. Whether coaching couples, building "Grief Confidence" in individuals and families, or empowering parents to create a unified parenting plan to support their children’s needs, Pamela provides tools for healthy coping, guiding others in problem-solving their own outcomes. Pamela earned Bachelor of Science Degrees in Psychology and Business Administration from Heidelberg University and a Master of Clinical Social Work Degree from The Ohio State University. Pamela is certified in Perinatal Loss Care, specializing in grief. Recognizing that grief shows up in most adversities in life, Pamela generalizes the principles of grief support to all areas of practice. Utilizing a holistic approach to treating the mind, body and spirit, Pamela’s clients find education, peace and balance. Pamela is passionate about her role on the executive board for Emma’s Footprints and dedicates time creating innovative services for grieving families.