Brutally Anna Episode Summary: "How to Laugh at Death with Kelly Rizzo"

Release Date: December 2, 2024

In this poignant and insightful episode of Brutally Anna, host Anna Kai sits down with Kelly Rizzo, a multifaceted creator and expert who shares her profound journey through love, loss, and self-discovery. The conversation delves deep into Kelly's personal experiences, offering listeners a candid exploration of navigating relationships, coping with unexpected loss, and finding humor amidst tragedy.

1. Introduction and Kelly's Background

Anna Kai opens the episode by introducing Kelly Rizzo, highlighting her achievements as the creator of the award-winning production company Eat Travel Rock, host of the podcast Comfort Food, and star on Fox's reality series Special Forces. Anna emphasizes Kelly's unconventional path to success, underscoring her resilience and ability to reinvent herself after heartbreaking losses.

Anna Kai [01:00]: "In a society that wants to tell women their life begins or ends at a certain age, my guest today, Kelly Rizzo, has proven that age is merely just a number and that there is no timeline on finding love or living the life you imagined."

Kelly reacts emotionally to the introduction, showcasing her genuine connection and the emotional depth she brings to her narrative.

Kelly Rizzo [01:47]: "I'm gonna cry. That was so lovely."

2. Early Life and Education

Kelly recounts her high school years, painting a vivid picture of her as both a "biggest slacker" and a member of the National Honor Society—a testament to her complex personality and ability to balance contradictions.

Kelly Rizzo [03:14]: "I was the biggest slacker because I never went to class... but I got really good grades and was in the National Honor Society."

Her college experience at the University of Iowa and later DePaul University is discussed, highlighting her struggle with the family real estate business and her eventual burnout following the 2008 market crash.

3. Transition to Media and Entrepreneurship

Faced with a failing real estate market and a personal divorce, Kelly decides to pivot to her true passions: food, travel, and music. She launches her own blog, eattravelrock.com, and begins creating content, eventually establishing herself as an influencer and content creator long before the term became mainstream.

Kelly Rizzo [08:48]: "If I'm not going to have my own show... I'm just going to make my own."

Kelly's first brand deals, including her notable stint as a mattress model, illustrate her early forays into monetizing her online presence.

Kelly Rizzo [12:29]: "I had, like, three different mattress ads. And one was a commercial I got paid $1,500 for. Even my agent was like, 'Oh my God, that's crazy.'"

4. Personal Relationships and Marriages

Kelly shares her experiences with love and loss, beginning with her first marriage at 29, which ended abruptly during the 2008 market crash. She candidly discusses the emotional turmoil and the unexpected nature of her divorce.

Kelly Rizzo [20:16]: "It was just scary because all of a sudden you're like, where am I gonna live? What am I gonna do?"

She also reflects on a subsequent relationship that ended suddenly, emphasizing the recurring theme of unforeseen endings in her romantic life.

Kelly Rizzo [20:53]: "It was like three times back to back where I was like, I didn't even do anything. And my life went from this to this."

5. Choosing Not to Have Children

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around societal expectations of motherhood and Kelly's personal decision to remain child-free. She challenges the stigma associated with women who choose not to have children, advocating for authenticity in one's life choices.

Kelly Rizzo [27:05]: "People are so scared if they do feel that way to actually say that out loud. But it is a real feeling."

Anna shares her own reflections on motherhood and societal pressures, creating a relatable dialogue about personal choices and societal norms.

6. Relationship with Bob Saget and Coping with Loss

The heart of the episode centers on Kelly's relationship with Bob Saget, their marriage, and his sudden passing. Kelly describes their meeting, the age difference, and the deep bond they shared.

Kelly Rizzo [38:14]: "Bob just gave me the space to do what I love to do. He was my biggest fan and support system."

Following Bob's unexpected death, Kelly delves into her coping mechanisms, emphasizing the role of humor and open conversations about death. She discusses how Bob's approach to humor about mortality influenced her own healing process.

Kelly Rizzo [45:46]: "And my dad's 83... I had to practice. I couldn’t let myself worry because, of course, everything's fine."

Kelly highlights her newfound ability to talk openly about death through her podcast Comfort Food, where she creates a therapeutic space for others to discuss loss with humor and candor.

Kelly Rizzo [52:10]: "Even just making light of it sometimes helps you feel better, at least in the moment."

7. Reflections on Death and Afterlife Beliefs

In an introspective segment, Kelly shares her evolving beliefs about death. Raised Protestant but later identifying as a Christian based on logic and scientific reasoning, she expresses a belief in intelligent design and an afterlife.

Kelly Rizzo [62:35]: "I believe that we're here based on some sort of intelligent design, way more intelligent than us."

She recounts a haunting experience during an ocular migraine, where she felt a spiritual connection with Bob even in his absence, further solidifying her beliefs about his continued presence in her life.

Kelly Rizzo [68:15]: "He told me, Auntie Kelly's sick. Uncle Bob told me."

8. Strength and Resilience

Towards the end of the episode, Kelly discusses her participation in Special Forces, emphasizing the mental challenges over the physical ones. She acknowledges moments of vulnerability and the continuous effort required to maintain emotional strength.

Kelly Rizzo [73:27]: "It's constant work in progress and something that I never thought of until just now is strength. And not physical strength, but emotional strength is."

Anna commends Kelly's ability to inspire and support others through her content, recognizing the mutual support they offer each other in their healing journeys.

Anna Kai [75:54]: "It is such an honor to not only talk to you, but to have you actually enjoy my content on a consumer level."

9. Closing Thoughts

The episode concludes with heartfelt exchanges between Anna and Kelly, highlighting the importance of community, support, and open dialogue about life's most challenging moments. Kelly expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share her story and help others navigate similar experiences.

Kelly Rizzo [77:35]: "What a treat. Thank you so much and can't wait to feed you on Comfort Food."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Anna Kai [01:00]: "In a society that wants to tell women their life begins or ends at a certain age, my guest today, Kelly Rizzo, has proven that age is merely just a number..."

• Kelly Rizzo [03:14]: "I was the biggest slacker because I never went to class... but I got really good grades and was in the National Honor Society."

• Kelly Rizzo [20:16]: "It was just scary because all of a sudden you're like, where am I gonna live? What am I gonna do?"

• Kelly Rizzo [27:05]: "People are so scared if they do feel that way to actually say that out loud. But it is a real feeling."

• Kelly Rizzo [38:14]: "Bob just gave me the space to do what I love to do. He was my biggest fan and support system."

• Kelly Rizzo [45:46]: "And my dad's 83... I had to practice. I couldn’t let myself worry because, of course, everything's fine."

• Kelly Rizzo [62:35]: "I believe that we're here based on some sort of intelligent design, way more intelligent than us."

• Kelly Rizzo [73:27]: "It's constant work in progress and something that I never thought of until just now is strength. And not physical strength, but emotional strength is."

• Kelly Rizzo [77:35]: "What a treat. Thank you so much and can't wait to feed you on Comfort Food."

This episode of Brutally Anna offers a raw and authentic look into the complexities of love, loss, and personal growth. Kelly Rizzo's story serves as a beacon of hope and resilience, inspiring listeners to embrace their truths and find humor even in life's darkest moments.