In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts converses with Arik Housley, an author, speaker, and entrepreneur who shares his profound journey through grief and resilience following the tragic loss of his 18-year-old daughter Alaina in a mass shooting. Arik discusses the impact of Alaina's death on his family, the support from various communities, and the formation of Alaina's Voice Foundation which promotes kindness, empathy, and mental well-being. The conversation delves into how Arik's book, 'Always November,' and his podcast, 'Lessons in Loss, Love, and Resilience,' are extensions of his mission to help others navigate their grief and find hope. Arik emphasizes the importance of open communication, forgiveness, and the transformative power of collective healing.
Arik’s Bio, Resources and Contact Information
For nearly 30 years, Arik Housley has been a pillar of Napa Valley’s business community, operating grocery stores, Housley’s Century Oak Winery, and the beloved Italian restaurant Il Posto Trattoria. He also owns Napa Valley 1839 FC—men’s and women’s soccer teams competing in national leagues— built around a vision of family-friendly, soccer-centric entertainment.
Arik’s book, Always November: Lessons in Loss, Love, and Resilience (Amazon
Bestseller) chronicles his family’s journey through unimaginable grief and the search for hope after the tragic loss of his daughter, Alaina. At just 18, Alaina was a freshman at Pepperdine University when she was killed in the 2018 Borderline mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California. Seventeen-time bestselling author Jon Gordon praised the book, saying: “Housley’s journey shows that even unimaginable grief can become a catalyst for growth. Always November is a powerful testament to faith’s ability to transform pain into purpose, inspiring others
to choose resilience, love, and hope even in life’s darkest moments.”
In Alaina’s honor, Arik and his wife, Hannah, founded Alaina’s Voice Foundation, which promotes kindness, empathy, and mental well-being through education, music, and community support—anchored by the motto, “Be the positive change.”
As a speaker, Arik combines vulnerability, humor, and authenticity to connect with audiences of all sizes. His heartfelt message encourages individuals and organizations to cultivate strength and compassion in the face of adversity. Congressman Mike Thompson describes him as “a tremendous speaker whose passion is tangible.”
Resources:
📖 Book: "Always November" - Available on Amazon
🌐 Website: ArikHousley.com
🎙️ Podcast: Lessons in Loss, Love, and Resilience
To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com
