We recently connected with Tammy Isaac and have shared our conversation below.

Tammy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

Yes, there was a defining moment that changed everything for me: the passing of my mother in 2016. At the time, I was serving as an Associate Pastor in full-time ministry, fully immersed in the work of preaching, teaching, and leading. Her death, which happened on my 40th birthday, stopped me in my tracks. The grief was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It forced me to pause, reflect, and eventually step away from traditional ministry to tend to my own healing.

That season of loss became a sacred turning point. It led me into the work I do now as a chaplain, grief advocate and educator, author, and host of The Permission to Breathe Podcast.. Instead of simply preaching about healing, I began to walk with people through it. I discovered that ministry wasn’t confined to a pulpit. It could show up in hospital rooms, hospice bedsides, or even in a quiet counseling office.

That moment taught me that purpose can evolve. Grief redirected my calling, and in that redirection, I found my most meaningful work. It showed me that healing and helping can happen side by side and that some of the greatest clarity comes from our most painful experiences.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Rev. Dr. Tammy Isaac, a chaplain, author, grief advocate and educator, and host of the Permission to Breathe podcast. I serve as a full-time hospital chaplain, where I support patients, families, and healthcare staff through moments of crisis, uncertainty, and loss. My background includes a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry, and I’ve completed advanced training in grief counseling and clinical pastoral education.

My journey into this work wasn’t linear. I began in full-time church ministry, but after the death of my mother on my 40th birthday, I found myself called to meet people in their pain rather than preach from a platform. That shift led me to chaplaincy, where I’ve found the most meaningful and impactful form of ministry, one that listens, supports, and shows up when people need it most.

Through my private practice, Breathe Counseling Center, I offer grief support, faith-based counseling, and workshops focused on healing and emotional wellness. I’ve written several books and workbooks, including Collateral Beauty and Let the Church Grieve, which speak to the intersections of faith, grief, identity, and healing. I also speak at conferences and events about grief, emotional health, and the spiritual needs of those navigating loss or change.

What sets my work apart is my ability to make space for raw honesty. I bring a real-world understanding of grief that goes beyond sympathy. My approach is grounded, spiritual, and practical. I meet people where they are without rushing them through their pain. I also use storytelling and education to normalize conversations about grief, especially in communities of faith and among Black women.

What I’m most proud of is that I’ve built a life and brand that holds space for others. Whether it’s through a podcast episode, a hospital visit, or a page in a book, I want people to know they are not alone in what they’re feeling. My work exists to give people permission to slow down, breathe, and believe that healing is possible, even if it doesn’t look like what they expected.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Consistency, authenticity, presence, and ongoing learning have shaped my reputation. I do not just show up when it is convenient; I show up when it matters. Whether I am supporting a grieving family in the hospital, leading a community workshop, or sharing a reflection on my podcast, people know what to expect from me and they know that I care.

I remain committed to staying knowledgeable. I read the latest research on grief and chaplaincy, attend professional conferences, pursue additional certifications, and engage in peer consultation. This steady intake of new information deepens my practice, keeps my resources current, and allows me to offer evidence‑based support.

I stay rooted in who I am and in what I am called to do. I do not try to be everywhere or do everything. My focus is on the individuals and communities I serve: people living with grief, those navigating change, and those often overlooked in their pain.

Word of mouth, trust, and real relationships have opened more doors than marketing ever could. People trust me because I live what I teach, honor the process of healing, guide others at their own pace, and continuously sharpen my knowledge so I can serve them well. That integrity and visible commitment to learning keep people coming back and encourage them to refer others to my work.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

Yes, I would. Serving as a chaplain, grief advocate and educator matches my calling and my gifts, even though it is demanding. Walking with people in their hardest moments shows me every day that this work matters and I am called to it.

Honestly, I did not know that grief work or caring for the dying would become my purpose. I do not feel like I chose this work; it chose me. I would let it choose me again, even though the early years were painful. Knowing how much good comes from it, I would walk the same path every time.

If I could adjust anything, I would start my clinical training sooner and begin my studies in thanatology earlier. Still, being present, listening, guiding, and educating would remain the heart of my work.

The lessons learned through loss, study, and practice have shaped my approach. I would not trade that growth for anything. Understanding this outcome only deepens my commitment and confirms that I am where I belong.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.drtammyisaac.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtammyisaac/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drtammyisaac/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtammyisaac/