Podcast
Unsilence Grief
Hosted by Marie Alessi · EN
This podcast "Unsilence Grief" is dedicated to creating a safe space to talk about adversity - and how we heal through it.
I want to offer a platform for my mission of Bringing Lightness into Grief!
We need to normalise talking about such a heavy topic, and find language that is nurturing and supportive.
Let's Unsilence Grief!
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Brad Wolfe - Why Wait? Let's Reimagine!
2w ago00:30:59Tap to summarizeBrad Wolfe is a singer-songwriter, community activist, and the founder of Reimagine, a national movement helping people transform loss into meaning and action. His music and his mission come from the same source: a lifelong conversation with mortality, love, and the creative possibilities hidden inside pain. Wolfe has woven these experiences into a three EP collection, the Loss, Life and Love mixtapes, a project more than a decade in the making. The first volume, Loss, debuts this Summer. “It felt right to start with Loss because, in my work and life, I’ve seen loss as the catalyst for new meaning and, ultimately, for love,” Wolfe says. “The losses I’ve faced have redirected me in painful and also beautiful ways.” Wolfe’s musical story began in college, when his close childhood friend Sara was diagnosed with a rare pediatric cancer. For two years, until she died, he brought his guitar to the hospital to write and sing songs for her. “‘Sara’s Got a Sunbeam’ became our anthem of hope during that period,” Wolfe recalls. “I don’t know how I would have handled it without my guitar. Seeing how music eased Sara’s physical symptoms, and gave us a way to connect, was healing for both of us.” In Sara’s honor, Wolfe launched the Sunbeam Foundation in an attempt to find a cure for the rare cancer that took her life. He also started a musical project, Brad Wolfe & the Moon, so he could share the songs inspired by Sara with the world. The songs explore the connection between light and dark, joy and pain, and forces bigger than us. Both the foundation and the band debuted the same night, with Grammy-winning artist Sara Bareilles opening the show. Since then, Sunbeam has raised over one million dollars for cancer research. Through Sunbeam, Wolfe played music for kids and families facing cancer. Over time, he noticed that music didn’t just soothe, it opened people up. Parents, friends, and patients shared their stories in return. “It became clear that everyone was carrying something,” he says. “And it made me wonder what it would look like if more people had space to channel their pain in whatever way worked for them, the way music worked for me.” That question led Wolfe to create Reimagine, an organization that helps people discover creativity and purpose through their pain. Reimagine has hosted more than 4,500 events for over 250,000 people, including citywide arts and culture festivals focused on facing loss and mortality. They’ve become some of the largest community gatherings on these topics in the United States. At Reimagine, people share stories about the loss of loved ones, their lived experiences of different layers of loss, and the collective grief of modern life. “Being witness to these conversations has changed and deepened me,” Wolfe says. “They make the songs more honest and free.” During the decade he built Reimagine, Wolfe recorded the collection of songs that would become Loss. Produced with longtime collaborator Gawain Mathews (Mickey Hart, Ben Lee), the EP blends folk, pop, Americana and alt-rock, all held together by Wolfe’s acoustic guitar and warm, raw vocals. The Moon, a revolving lineup of Wolfe’s musical collaborators, augments the intimate tunes with full-band power. Mathews leads the charge on a variety of guitars and stringed instruments, with rocker Kyle Caprista on drums. KEEP UP WITH BRAD WOLFE & THE MOONWebsite: https://www.bradwolfe.comReimagine: https://letsreimagine.orgInsta: https://www.instagram.com/bradwolfemoonYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFyhVWgy4-uu6MT1pdOmSWw#epigenetics #holocaustsurvivors #kindness #healingmusic #grief
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Katie Rizzo on Shame and Addiction in Grief
3w ago00:36:19Tap to summarizeKatie Rizzo’s memoir, The Trimesters of Grief, a hybrid memoir and prescriptive guide, reframes the experience of losing a child to opioid addiction through the lens of gestation - moving readers through invisible, undeniable and public stages of grief toward the lifelong work of living with loss, blending raw journal entries, original poetry and pools. Pitched for readers of It’s OK that You’re Not OK and Beautiful Boy, with a foreword by Colin Campbell.Katie holds two masters: one from Yale University and another from the University of Colorado School of Medicine. For the last fifteen years, Katie Rizzo taught Anatomy and Biology at her local community college and public high school. Her short stories have been published in literary journals and in anthologies.In September of 2024, Katie lost her firstborn son to addiction. In a tragic irony, she found that grief mirrored pregnancy. After joining grief groups, listening to podcasts, and reading everything she could get her hands on, Katie carried her grief as long as she could.Finally, she found ways to help cope with the trauma and deliver this ‘grief baby.’ Her memoir, The Trimesters of Grief, will be released on 6th October 2026 by Koehler Books, with Blackstone Publishing handling audio licensing. None of Them Are You - A book of Poems is being published by Extra Extra Publishing on Dia de los Muertos, November 1st. Here's how to connect with Katie:Author website: https://katierizzo.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-rizzo-098978280Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rizzoboysandagirlInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/katierizzo007Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katie.rizzo007#addiction #shame #addictionawareness #grief #trimester
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Chris Workman on Laugh. Cry. Scream.
4w ago00:30:38Tap to summarizeChris Workman is a registered nurse, grief educator, author, speaker, and podcast host who helps people navigate life after profound loss. Her own life was forever changed by the death of her younger son and later by estrangement from her older son — experiences that inspired her mission to create honest conversations about grief, resilience, identity, and rebuilding a meaningful life.She is the host of the Laugh Cry Scream Podcast, where she explores the many faces of loss, including child loss, suicide loss, catastrophic illness, caregiving, widowhood, estrangement, and the unexpected ways grief reshapes our lives. Through interviews, storytelling, and practical conversations, Chris creates space for people to discuss the realities of loss that are often overlooked or misunderstood.Known for her direct, compassionate, and occasionally humorous approach, Chris believes people deserve honest conversations about grief — not clichés, judgment, or pressure to simply “move on.”Here's how to connect with Chris:Website: https://www.griefandhealingwithchris.comTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisworkman1YouTube: https://youtube.com/@laughcryscreamPodcast: laughcryscream.transistor.fmFacebook:Grief & Healing with Chris: https://www.facebook.com/griefhealingwithchrisGrief, Loss & Life: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1640442856575091Podcast: https://www.facebook.com/laughcryscreamGroup: https://www.facebook.com/groups/laughcryscreampodcast#childloss #grief #suicideideation #estrangement
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Unsilence Grief with Zander Sprague on Sibling Survivors
May 1900:35:46Tap to summarizeZander Sprague is an award-winning public speaker, author, and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). His mission is to help millions of people make the EPIC choices that create an EPIC life. Drawing on his decades of work experience with companies of all sizes, his education, and events in his own life, Zander guides people to achieve EPIC. With his talks, books, and courses, he helps people fulfill their potential and achieve their dreams.Zander has a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Palo Alto University, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History and Psychology from Pitzer College. He is a member of the National Speakers Association, American Counseling Association, and California Association for Licensed ProfessionalClinical Counselors.The author of three books, Zander is often a featured guest expert on podcasts and other broadcasts.His internationally acclaimed books include:• EPIC Begins With 1 Step Forward: Plan, Achieve, and Enjoy the Journey• Making Lemonade: Choosing A Positive Pathway After Losing Your Sibling• Why Don’t They Cry?: Understanding Your Living Child’s GriefHis transformative training programs include:• EPIC Jumpstart• 30 Days to a Positive PathwayTM• EPIC ExcellenceHere's how you can connect with Zander:Website: https://zandersprague.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/epic_beginsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@epicbeginsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ZanderSprague#siblingloss #siblingsurvivors #grief #griefsupport
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Jodie Atkinson - Have You Met My Grief?
May 1200:40:10Tap to summarizeJodie Atkinson has a range of expertise. She is a Certified Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist®, Speaker, Author, and Entertainer. Her first book, "Have You Met My Grief?", not only serves as a written work but has also been adapted into a multi-award-winning Cabaret show that premiered at the 2023 Adelaide Cabaret Fringe Festival and was part of the 2024, 2025 and 2026 Adelaide Fringe Festival program.Since 1991, Jodie has made Adelaide her home. She is the mother of 2 adult sons and was overjoyed to become a grandmother in 2023. Following a profound personal loss, Jodie became acutely aware of her own lack of preparedness to handle grief. She felt this was largely due to society's reluctance to openly discuss the topic of grief. Driven by a deep passion to help others dealing with grief, Jodie wrote her book on the subject. She also pursued certification in the very program, that helped her navigate her own loss, The Grief Recovery Method®, all with the intention of helping others.Jodie actively engages in writing and presenting to offer support to those struggling with grief, as well as their families, friends and colleagues. She regularly participates in speaking engagements for various community groups, creates and facilitates programs and workshops tailored for both individuals and groups, addressing a wide spectrum of losses.With her wealth of knowledge and personal experience, Jodie uses a range of platforms to create a safe space where the emotions, thoughts, and behaviours accompanying loss and change are normalised. She is incredibly passionate about promoting awareness that healing and recovery from significant loss are the foundation to reclaiming a life of purpose, passion and connection.Here's how to connect with Jodie:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-atkinson-503664baBook: https://jodie-atkinson.com.au/product/book-have-you-met-my-griefFB page: https://www.facebook.com/JodieAtkinsonGriefRecoverySpecialistFB author page: https://www.facebook.com/jodieatkinsonauthor#widowhood #grief #healing #cabaret #author #humour
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Sally Anderson on The Alchemy of Becoming (part 3)
May 500:36:08Tap to summarizeIn Part III we bring it home: Transformation, transcendence, healing on an identity level, deep and irreversible. Who do you want to BECOME in your journey, when adversity has struck?If you missed part I & II, you can watch them here:Part 1: https://youtube.com/live/ZvrTZOkkJdEPart 2: https://youtube.com/live/wSaFXNjdeOgAbout Sally Anderson:Strategic Counsel to Exceptional Leaders & Visionaries | Founder: sallyandersoninternational.com | Founder: scandalcoach.com | Pioneer of Cancel Culture Leadership Development | Global Keynote Speaker | Author of 3 BooksHere is how you can JOIN US in YOUR BECOMING, including all details of the 90 day container, The Alchemy of Becoming:https://tinyurl.com/alchemy-of-becomingMany advisors guide clients to transcend limitations and achieve unprecedented growth, but none have survived the unfathomable, done the unexpected, and dare to go to the places Sally Anderson is willing to go as the only documented visionary at the "Forefront of sustainable human & organisational transformation — ending the oscillation between empowerment and disempowerment at the identity level”Sally has traversed the full spectrum of human devastation and alchemised every single experience into mastery. She has faced the extremity of the human condition and not only survived, she emerged forged — carrying an authority that cannot be credentialed, replicated, or arrived at any other way. What she has built from that devastation is the kind of counsel that changes the trajectory of a leader's entire existence.With 37+ years working with CEOs, politicians, celebrities, elite athletes and global influencers, her proprietary methodology — Equanimity & Co-Creative Leadership Mastery — delivers what conventional leadership development cannot: sustainable transformation at the deepest level of human identity and power, with incomparable impact from first engagement.Here's how to connect with Sally Anderson:Websites:https://www.sallyandersoninternational.comhttps://scandalcoach.comBeyond BRAVE Book, now available:https://www.kmdbooks.com/product-page/beyond-brave-the-art-of-living-courageously#trauma #transcendence #severetrauma #healing #traumahealing #love
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Sally Anderson on Love after Severe Trauma, Part II
Apr 2800:35:18Tap to summarizeIn Part II we focus on Love & connection. The healing it takes to love after severe trauma - expect a few #goosebumps and deep emotions...If you missed part I, you can watch it here: https://youtube.com/live/ZvrTZOkkJdEAbout Sally Anderson:Strategic Counsel to Exceptional Leaders & Visionaries | Founder: sallyandersoninternational.com | Founder: scandalcoach.com | Pioneer of Cancel Culture Leadership Development | Global Keynote Speaker | Author of 3 BooksMany advisors guide clients to transcend limitations and achieve unprecedented growth, but none have survived the unfathomable, done the unexpected, and dare to go to the places Sally Anderson is willing to go as the only documented visionary at the "Forefront of sustainable human & organisational transformation — ending the oscillation between empowerment and disempowerment at the identity level”Sally has traversed the full spectrum of human devastation and alchemised every single experience into mastery. She has faced the extremity of the human condition and not only survived, she emerged forged — carrying an authority that cannot be credentialed, replicated, or arrived at any other way. What she has built from that devastation is the kind of counsel that changes the trajectory of a leader's entire existence.With 37+ years working with CEOs, politicians, celebrities, elite athletes and global influencers, her proprietary methodology — Equanimity & Co-Creative Leadership Mastery — delivers what conventional leadership development cannot: sustainable transformation at the deepest level of human identity and power, with incomparable impact from first engagement.Here's how to connect with Sally Anderson:Websites:https://www.sallyandersoninternational.comhttps://scandalcoach.comBeyond BRAVE Book, now available:https://www.kmdbooks.com/product-page/beyond-brave-the-art-of-living-courageously#trauma #transcendence #severetrauma #traumahealing #healing #love
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Sally Anderson, Beyond Brave *Warning: deep trauma and extreme v*olence
Apr 2100:36:35Tap to summarize* Disclaimer - please read before watching: Today’s interview includes deeply confronting content, including descriptions of extreme violence and trauma. It’s shared not for shock value, but in the spirit of truth-telling, and in service of breaking the silence that so often surrounds these experiences.In Sally’s words, the world was not prepared to hold her truth.If at any point you feel overwhelmed, please honour yourself and step away, pause, or come back when you feel ready. This is a conversation about courage, about what it means to face what we would rather turn away from, and ultimately, about the possibility of rebuilding a life of meaning and impact, even after enduring hours of the rawest, unimaginable attack.What you are about to hear demonstrates that even from hell itself, transcendence is possible.About Sally Anderson:Many advisors guide clients to transcend limitations and achieve unprecedented growth, but none have survived the unfathomable, done the unexpected, and dare to go to the places Sally Anderson is willing to go as the only documented visionary at the "Forefront of sustainable human & organisational transformation — ending the oscillation between empowerment and disempowerment at the identity level”Sally has traversed the full spectrum of human devastation and alchemised every single experience into mastery. She has faced the extremity of the human condition and not only survived, she emerged forged — carrying an authority that cannot be credentialed, replicated, or arrived at any other way. What she has built from that devastation is the kind of counsel that changes the trajectory of a leader's entire existence.With 37+ years working with CEOs, politicians, celebrities, elite athletes and global influencers, her proprietary methodology — Equanimity & Co-Creative Leadership Mastery — delivers what conventional leadership development cannot: sustainable transformation at the deepest level of human identity and power, with incomparable impact from first engagement.Strategic Counsel to Exceptional Leaders & Visionaries | Founder: sallyandersoninternational.com | Founder: scandalcoach.com | Pioneer of Cancel Culture Leadership Development | Global Keynote Speaker | Author of 3 BooksWebsites:https://www.sallyandersoninternational.comhttps://scandalcoach.comBeyond BRAVE Book:https://www.kmdbooks.com/product-page/beyond-brave-the-art-of-living-courageously#traumahealing #griefjourney #widowhood #transcendence
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Phil Cohen and his Inner Garden for Grievers
Apr 1400:36:10Tap to summarizePhil Cohen is a grief coach, speaker, and creator known online as “The Grief Guy.” After losing his 14-year-old son, Perry, in a tragic accident at sea, Phil dedicated his life to helping others navigate the unbearable pain of loss. His signature workshop, The Inner Garden, blends science, metaphor, and simple practices to help people heal with purpose and hope. Phil’s message is honest, real, and deeply human: that grief isn’t something to get over, it’s something to grow through.To connect with Phil or to inquire about The Inner Garden workshop, visit philcohen.com, or follow him on social media.Website: https://www.philcohen.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/philthegriefguyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philthegriefguyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGuyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegriefguy#childloss #spirituality #resilience #healing #grief #innergarden
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Kelly Edmondson with her gift to the world, The Timely Presence
Apr 600:33:53Tap to summarizeKelly Edmondson is a nurse, bereaved mother, and grief counselor who is redefining what compassionate support looks like after loss. As the founder of Timely Presence, a year-long grief support service, she helps grieving families feel remembered through meaningful, heirloom-quality gifts intentionally delivered on emotionally significant days.Drawing from her clinical background in trauma nursing and her personal journey through loss, Kelly brings a rare blend of emotional intelligence, professional experience, and lived understanding to the grief space. Her work centers on presence, remembrance, and the belief that no one should navigate the first year after loss alone.Here's how you can connect with Kelly and The Timely Presence:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-edmondsonFB: https://www.facebook.com/TimelyPresenceIG Kelly: https://www.instagram.com/the.kellyedmondsonIG Biz: https://www.instagram.com/thetimelypresenceWebsite: https://thetimelypresence.com#childloss #epilepsy #thetimelypresence #griefsupport #love
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