In this powerful episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, we’re joined by Marie Alessi — grief advocate, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author. After the sudden loss of her husband, Marie found herself raising two young sons while navigating an ocean of grief. But instead of sinking, she built a new life rooted in healing, purpose, and compassion.
This episode is an honest and inspiring conversation about choosing resilience over despair, finding strength in vulnerability, and how emotional intelligence transforms the way we support each other through grief.
We’re honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, with over 2 million downloads and a growing global community.
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https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442aQuote from the Episode
“When you fall apart, you see what's left in you — and that was power.” — Marie Alessi
Episode Description
After losing her husband to a sudden brain aneurysm,
Marie Alessi was thrust into a new reality: single parenthood, unimaginable grief, and a choice — stay buried in sorrow or rise and heal. She chose healing.
In this episode, we explore the mental, emotional, and spiritual components of grief, parenting through trauma, and how mindset can change everything. Whether you're experiencing loss or supporting someone who is, Marie’s journey will leave you with tools, hope, and a reminder that light can exist even in the darkest spaces.
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Meet Our Guest: Marie Alessi
Marie Alessi is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and internationally recognized grief advocate. She became a widow at age 45 and turned her personal tragedy into a movement to help others heal after loss. Through books, retreats, and coaching, Marie has guided thousands in transforming grief into a catalyst for growth.
Key Takeaways
- Grief isn’t just sadness — it can also be the gateway to empowerment and connection.
- Children need more than comfort — they need the language to name their emotions.
- Allowing support into your life is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Actionable Items
- When helping a grieving friend, offer specific options (e.g., “Tuesday or Thursday?”) instead of saying “Call me if you need anything.”
- Use affirming grief language: “There’s a space in my heart for them,” rather than “There’s a hole in my heart.”
- Write a letter from your loved one to yourself — a powerful reframe for healing and self-connection.
Chapters & Timestamps
- [00:01:36] Marie on Being in a Good Place — mindset, structure, and allowing help
- [00:04:20] Therapy at 21 — breaking out of the victim mindset
- [00:20:53] The Day Rob Died — shock, intuition, and loss
- [00:27:13] Spiritual Epiphany — soul contracts and acceptance
- [00:29:51] Grieving Kids — helping children name and process emotions
- [00:40:26] Power in Falling Apart — grief as transformation
- [00:56:56] Self-Love as the Hardest Lesson — unconditional acceptance
Mental Health & Grief Resources: Tools, Books, and Education
Books & Tools
- Women Who Love Too Much by Robin Norwood
This book helped Marie recognize relationship patterns that were rooted in unresolved emotional trauma, and ultimately led her to therapy. *(Search on Amazon or local bookstores.)* - Books by Marie Alessi
Explore Marie’s personal stories and healing frameworks in her published works.
https://www.mariealessi.com/
Education & Community
Special Shout-Out: Women Supporting Women
A big thank you to
Melissa Crook of
The F.E.E.L Podcast, who is helping women reconnect with themselves through intentional wellness.
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If You Need Support, Reach Out
If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference.
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