Grief Comadres | Real grief. Real women. Real healing. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:12:45 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2550295 en-us © 2026 Grief Comadres | Real grief. Real women. Real healing. yes 28ecbb80-cbc0-5250-8721-85199840d976 Jackie Alvarado episodic false Welcome to Grief Comadres, the podcast where we take off the mask and get honest about grief.


Hosted by Jackie—speech-language pathologist, grief coach, and fellow traveler on this journey—this show is about normalizing grief in all its forms. Whether you're healing from death, divorce, job loss, health challenges, or life's unexpected transitions, you'll find your people here.


We've been taught to hide our pain, to fake the smile, to say 'I'm fine' when we're anything but. This podcast changes that conversation. Through real stories shared sin vergüenza (without shame), cultural wisdom, and heartfelt connection, we create space for the grief that society tells us to hide.


Here, your grief is valid. Your story matters. And you're not alone.


 Join the Grief Comadres community and stop carrying your grief in silence.


]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Jackie Alvarado https://storage.buzzsprout.com/igumljkw19ox7z2t68rctub3khob?.jpg Grief Comadres | Real grief. Real women. Real healing. #11 Wisdom Beyond Her Years: Mia Rodriguez on Self-Love, Mindset, and Growing Up #11 Wisdom Beyond Her Years: Mia Rodriguez on Self-Love, Mindset, and Growing Up In this inspiring episode, Jackie sits down with 17-year-old Mia Rodriguez — co-founder of Mommy & Me Ah Coaching and a true force of wisdom beyond her years. From navigating bullying at age eight years old, to going plant-based at 11 years old to heal chronic stomach issues, to coaching other young women through life's hardest moments, Mia shares how she has built an unshakable inner foundation at such a young age.

Mia opens up about the power of comparison, gratitude, and affirmations — and introduces us to the beautiful philosophy of Sonder, a reminder that your struggles are just as valid and important as anyone else's. She also shares her game-changing mindset shift: trading "what if it goes wrong?" for "what if it goes right?"

Whether you're 17 or 70, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and ready to show up for yourself. Don't miss this one, comadre. ☕💛

]]> In this inspiring episode, Jackie sits down with 17-year-old Mia Rodriguez — co-founder of Mommy & Me Ah Coaching and a true force of wisdom beyond her years. From navigating bullying at age eight years old, to going plant-based at 11 years old to heal chronic stomach issues, to coaching other young women through life's hardest moments, Mia shares how she has built an unshakable inner foundation at such a young age.

Mia opens up about the power of comparison, gratitude, and affirmations — and introduces us to the beautiful philosophy of Sonder, a reminder that your struggles are just as valid and important as anyone else's. She also shares her game-changing mindset shift: trading "what if it goes wrong?" for "what if it goes right?"

Whether you're 17 or 70, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and ready to show up for yourself. Don't miss this one, comadre. ☕💛

]]> Jackie Alvarado Buzzsprout-18993828 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0400 2223 full false #10 Being the Strong One: A Conversation with Sonia Rodriguez, Master Life Coach #10 Being the Strong One: A Conversation with Sonia Rodriguez, Master Life Coach What happens when the woman who holds everyone else together finally lets herself be held? 

In this episode of Grief Comadres, I sit down with Master Life Coach, speaker, and educator Sonia Rodriguez — someone who has personally supported me on my own healing journey, and who has also worked with my daughter. We talk about the hidden grief that lives inside being "the strong one," what self-abandonment really looks like, and how healing can ripple across generations. 

Whether you're grieving a person, a relationship, or a version of yourself you thought you'd be — this conversation will meet you right where you are. 

📌 Connect with Sonia: https://www.facebook.com/Soniacoaches

]]> What happens when the woman who holds everyone else together finally lets herself be held? 

In this episode of Grief Comadres, I sit down with Master Life Coach, speaker, and educator Sonia Rodriguez — someone who has personally supported me on my own healing journey, and who has also worked with my daughter. We talk about the hidden grief that lives inside being "the strong one," what self-abandonment really looks like, and how healing can ripple across generations. 

Whether you're grieving a person, a relationship, or a version of yourself you thought you'd be — this conversation will meet you right where you are. 

📌 Connect with Sonia: https://www.facebook.com/Soniacoaches

]]> Jackie Alvarado Buzzsprout-18926101 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0400 3055 full false Aphasia Re-Imagined: Understanding the Levels & Stages of Grief Aphasia Re-Imagined: Understanding the Levels & Stages of Grief In this heartfelt episode of Aphasia Reimagined, Jackie explores the complex journey of grief—something many individuals with aphasia and their loved ones experience.

Through a personal story, she introduces the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—while highlighting that grief is not linear and doesn’t follow a set path.

Jackie also shares a more hopeful framework of grief as a series of levels, showing how it can move from overwhelming pain to a place of resolution where life can feel meaningful again.

Whether you are navigating life after stroke or supporting someone with aphasia, this episode offers insight, validation, and encouragement. You are not alone—and healing is possible.

Disclaimer:
I am a Speech-Language Pathologist and Grief Coach, not a licensed counselor or medical doctor. This content is for educational purposes only. Please seek support from a licensed professional if needed.

]]> In this heartfelt episode of Aphasia Reimagined, Jackie explores the complex journey of grief—something many individuals with aphasia and their loved ones experience.

Through a personal story, she introduces the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—while highlighting that grief is not linear and doesn’t follow a set path.

Jackie also shares a more hopeful framework of grief as a series of levels, showing how it can move from overwhelming pain to a place of resolution where life can feel meaningful again.

Whether you are navigating life after stroke or supporting someone with aphasia, this episode offers insight, validation, and encouragement. You are not alone—and healing is possible.

Disclaimer:
I am a Speech-Language Pathologist and Grief Coach, not a licensed counselor or medical doctor. This content is for educational purposes only. Please seek support from a licensed professional if needed.

]]> Jackie Alvarado Buzzsprout-18888845 Sun, 22 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0400 1191 full false #9 What Facing Death Teaches Us About Life #9 What Facing Death Teaches Us About Life What does facing death teach us about truly living?

In this episode, I'm getting personal. I'm pulling from my years working in a hospital — sitting with patients at their most vulnerable, watching lives change in an instant — and sharing the lessons that have never left me.

I'm also talking about Eric Dane's Netflix special Famous Last Words, where he recorded a final message to his daughters before passing away from ALS at 53. His words stopped me in my tracks, and I think they'll stop you too.

We talk about what it means to show up for the people you love, why so many of us are living on autopilot, and why the most important thing you can do today is — stop waiting.

A reminder: I am a grief coach, not a licensed mental health provider. This podcast is meant to inspire, support, and start conversations — but if you are struggling, please reach out to a licensed professional who can give you the care you deserve.

]]> What does facing death teach us about truly living?

In this episode, I'm getting personal. I'm pulling from my years working in a hospital — sitting with patients at their most vulnerable, watching lives change in an instant — and sharing the lessons that have never left me.

I'm also talking about Eric Dane's Netflix special Famous Last Words, where he recorded a final message to his daughters before passing away from ALS at 53. His words stopped me in my tracks, and I think they'll stop you too.

We talk about what it means to show up for the people you love, why so many of us are living on autopilot, and why the most important thing you can do today is — stop waiting.

A reminder: I am a grief coach, not a licensed mental health provider. This podcast is meant to inspire, support, and start conversations — but if you are struggling, please reach out to a licensed professional who can give you the care you deserve.

]]> Jackie Alvarado Buzzsprout-18806136 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0500 1590 full false #8 Write It Down, Rip It Up: Finding Truth in the Spiral #8 Write It Down, Rip It Up: Finding Truth in the Spiral  In this episode, Jackie shares how she used the write and rip journaling tool to find clarity after letting her thoughts spiral out of control. After a difficult dinner with her family where anxious thoughts took over, she turned to this simple practice the next day—writing out everything that was bothering her, asking herself what was actually true, and then ripping up the page. The relief was immediate. She walks you through how to use this tool when negative thoughts are spinning, helping you separate what's real from what your mind is creating, so you can let go and move forward. 

]]>  In this episode, Jackie shares how she used the write and rip journaling tool to find clarity after letting her thoughts spiral out of control. After a difficult dinner with her family where anxious thoughts took over, she turned to this simple practice the next day—writing out everything that was bothering her, asking herself what was actually true, and then ripping up the page. The relief was immediate. She walks you through how to use this tool when negative thoughts are spinning, helping you separate what's real from what your mind is creating, so you can let go and move forward. 

]]> Jackie Alvarado Buzzsprout-18630007 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500 648 full false Spotting Grief Symptoms in the Aphasia Community Spotting Grief Symptoms in the Aphasia Community Hi friends, 

    In today's episode we will talk about how grief presents itself in the aphasia community and how to spot symptoms and take action. Remember, I am a speech-language pathologist and grief coach. Please talk to your doctor and seek counseling from an LPC for more help!

Sending you my love, Jackie 

]]> Hi friends, 

    In today's episode we will talk about how grief presents itself in the aphasia community and how to spot symptoms and take action. Remember, I am a speech-language pathologist and grief coach. Please talk to your doctor and seek counseling from an LPC for more help!

Sending you my love, Jackie 

]]> Jackie Alvarado Buzzsprout-18583854 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0500 1200 full false #7 What Grew from the Ashes: Finding Meaning in Loss #7 What Grew from the Ashes: Finding Meaning in Loss Here's the link for my upcoming free workshop: Understanding Grief: From Stuck to Moving Forward- Free Workshop 

https://jacqueline-alvarado.mykajabi.com/pl/2148728485

 After a rare movie marathon with her daughters and mom, the host discovers a powerful thread connecting three seemingly different films: Soul on Fire, People We Meet on Vacation, and My Girl. All three stories reveal the same truth—pain and loss will transform us, but we get to choose what they transform us into. In this episode, explore the difference between surviving your grief and letting it bury you, learn "The Ashes and the Growth" exercise for honoring both your losses and your strength, and discover how to keep your heart open even when it's terrifying. Plus, get details on the upcoming free grief workshop on January 25th. Because grief and growth aren't opposites—they're companions. 

Please note that I am a grief coach, not a licensed professional counselor (LPC)—if you need professional mental health assistance, please seek help from a doctor or licensed therapist 

]]> Here's the link for my upcoming free workshop: Understanding Grief: From Stuck to Moving Forward- Free Workshop 

https://jacqueline-alvarado.mykajabi.com/pl/2148728485

 After a rare movie marathon with her daughters and mom, the host discovers a powerful thread connecting three seemingly different films: Soul on Fire, People We Meet on Vacation, and My Girl. All three stories reveal the same truth—pain and loss will transform us, but we get to choose what they transform us into. In this episode, explore the difference between surviving your grief and letting it bury you, learn "The Ashes and the Growth" exercise for honoring both your losses and your strength, and discover how to keep your heart open even when it's terrifying. Plus, get details on the upcoming free grief workshop on January 25th. Because grief and growth aren't opposites—they're companions. 

Please note that I am a grief coach, not a licensed professional counselor (LPC)—if you need professional mental health assistance, please seek help from a doctor or licensed therapist 

]]> Jackie Alvarado Buzzsprout-18519227 Fri, 16 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0500 1088 full false #6 Finding Joy in 2026: Faith, Free, and Fun #6 Finding Joy in 2026: Faith, Free, and Fun  Starting 2026 with honesty about grief and hope for healing. In this episode, we reflect on navigating the holidays after loss, share Anderson Cooper's powerful New Year's Eve message about grief, and explore David Kessler's idea that while grieving is necessary, staying stuck in grief is optional. Plus, a year-in-review exercise to help you find meaning, set intentions, and choose words to guide your journey forward. 

Here's the link to Mel Robbins podcast: https://youtu.be/GeD8tpOCyIY?si=ZuqGxD2JpShGyidj

You are not alone, Comadre. 

]]>  Starting 2026 with honesty about grief and hope for healing. In this episode, we reflect on navigating the holidays after loss, share Anderson Cooper's powerful New Year's Eve message about grief, and explore David Kessler's idea that while grieving is necessary, staying stuck in grief is optional. Plus, a year-in-review exercise to help you find meaning, set intentions, and choose words to guide your journey forward. 

Here's the link to Mel Robbins podcast: https://youtu.be/GeD8tpOCyIY?si=ZuqGxD2JpShGyidj

You are not alone, Comadre. 

]]> Jackie Alvarado Buzzsprout-18467804 Wed, 07 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0500 1411 full false The Story Behind Aphasia Re-imagined The Story Behind Aphasia Re-imagined Jackie Alvarado, speech-language pathologist with over 15 years of experience, shares her journey working with people with aphasia and the moment she realized that recovery cannot focus on language alone. A profound loss within her professional life exposed the silent crisis of depression and grief that too often accompanies aphasia.

This podcast is a place to talk openly about the emotional side of aphasia: the grief, the isolation, the resilience, and the hope that comes from being seen and supported.

This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only. Jackie Alvarado is a speech-language pathologist, not a licensed professional counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. The information shared in this podcast is not intended to replace mental health therapy, counseling, or medical care. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or emotional distress, please contact your physician or a qualified mental health professional to discuss appropriate treatment options.

If you are in the United States and experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.

]]> Jackie Alvarado, speech-language pathologist with over 15 years of experience, shares her journey working with people with aphasia and the moment she realized that recovery cannot focus on language alone. A profound loss within her professional life exposed the silent crisis of depression and grief that too often accompanies aphasia.

This podcast is a place to talk openly about the emotional side of aphasia: the grief, the isolation, the resilience, and the hope that comes from being seen and supported.

This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only. Jackie Alvarado is a speech-language pathologist, not a licensed professional counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. The information shared in this podcast is not intended to replace mental health therapy, counseling, or medical care. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or emotional distress, please contact your physician or a qualified mental health professional to discuss appropriate treatment options.

If you are in the United States and experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.

]]> Jackie Alvarado Buzzsprout-18440438 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500 745 full false #5 The Comadre's Guide to Finding Your Therapist (or Coach) #5 The Comadre's Guide to Finding Your Therapist (or Coach) In this episode, we're talking about something I hear all the time: "I tried therapy once, but I didn't like the therapist, so I stopped going." Sound familiar? Here's the truth, comadres—finding the right therapist or coach is just like dating. Sometimes you have to "date around" until you find the one who truly gets you.

I'm sharing research-backed tips on how to find a therapist or life coach who clicks with your needs, your vibe, and your healing journey. From checking their specialty to scheduling discovery calls, we'll walk through what to look for (and what red flags to avoid). Plus, I'm sharing my mom's wild story about a therapist who literally fell asleep during her session—because yes, that really happened!

Whether you're dealing with grief, divorce, life transitions, or just need support, this episode will help you advocate for the care you deserve.

Important Disclaimers: I am a grief coach and speech-language pathologist, not a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or therapist. The information shared in this episode is based on research and my experience as a coach, but it is not meant to replace licensed mental health services. If you are in crisis or need clinical mental health support, please reach out to a licensed therapist or counselor.

Resources:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Join Our Community: Want to connect with other comadres navigating grief and healing? Join our private Grief Comadre Community on Facebook for support, resources, and real talk about the journey. Search "Grief Comadre Community" on Facebook or find the link in the show notes!

]]> In this episode, we're talking about something I hear all the time: "I tried therapy once, but I didn't like the therapist, so I stopped going." Sound familiar? Here's the truth, comadres—finding the right therapist or coach is just like dating. Sometimes you have to "date around" until you find the one who truly gets you.

I'm sharing research-backed tips on how to find a therapist or life coach who clicks with your needs, your vibe, and your healing journey. From checking their specialty to scheduling discovery calls, we'll walk through what to look for (and what red flags to avoid). Plus, I'm sharing my mom's wild story about a therapist who literally fell asleep during her session—because yes, that really happened!

Whether you're dealing with grief, divorce, life transitions, or just need support, this episode will help you advocate for the care you deserve.

Important Disclaimers: I am a grief coach and speech-language pathologist, not a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or therapist. The information shared in this episode is based on research and my experience as a coach, but it is not meant to replace licensed mental health services. If you are in crisis or need clinical mental health support, please reach out to a licensed therapist or counselor.

Resources:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Join Our Community: Want to connect with other comadres navigating grief and healing? Join our private Grief Comadre Community on Facebook for support, resources, and real talk about the journey. Search "Grief Comadre Community" on Facebook or find the link in the show notes!

]]> Jackie Alvarado Buzzsprout-18416837 Fri, 26 Dec 2025 14:00:00 -0500 1522 full false #4 Grieving the Living: Types of Loss We Don't Talk About #4 Grieving the Living: Types of Loss We Don't Talk About  In this episode, we explore the grief that lives in the in-between—anticipatory grief when you know loss is coming, living grief when someone is here but already gone, and disenfranchised grief that society tells us doesn't count. Through the story of a patient facing a terminal diagnosis and the song, we uncover how these hidden forms of grief shape caregivers and families. If you're loving someone through dementia, terminal illness, addiction, or estrangement, this episode is for you. You're not alone, Comadres. 

Join our private Facebook group "Grief Comadres"!

]]>  In this episode, we explore the grief that lives in the in-between—anticipatory grief when you know loss is coming, living grief when someone is here but already gone, and disenfranchised grief that society tells us doesn't count. Through the story of a patient facing a terminal diagnosis and the song, we uncover how these hidden forms of grief shape caregivers and families. If you're loving someone through dementia, terminal illness, addiction, or estrangement, this episode is for you. You're not alone, Comadres. 

Join our private Facebook group "Grief Comadres"!

]]> Jackie Alvarado Buzzsprout-18370731 Wed, 17 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500 1316 full false #3 Your Grief Brain Survival Kit: Getting Your Daily DOSE #3 Your Grief Brain Survival Kit: Getting Your Daily DOSE When grief hits, your brain chemistry crashes. Learn about the four chemicals your brain is starving for—Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins—and get practical, daily strategies to support your survival through any kind of loss. Whether you're grieving a person, a relationship, your health, or your old life, this episode gives you a bare minimum protocol for the days when everything feels impossible. Because getting your daily DOSE isn't about being happy—it's about keeping yourself alive. 


Head over to Facebook and join our private Grief Comadres group! 

]]> When grief hits, your brain chemistry crashes. Learn about the four chemicals your brain is starving for—Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins—and get practical, daily strategies to support your survival through any kind of loss. Whether you're grieving a person, a relationship, your health, or your old life, this episode gives you a bare minimum protocol for the days when everything feels impossible. Because getting your daily DOSE isn't about being happy—it's about keeping yourself alive. 


Head over to Facebook and join our private Grief Comadres group! 

]]> Jackie Alvarado Buzzsprout-18315280 Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0500 1466 full false #2 When God Feels Distant: Grief, Faith, and Healing #2 When God Feels Distant: Grief, Faith, and Healing In this deeply personal episode, I share the story of losing my stepdad Martin during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a healthcare worker watching the crisis unfold, my worst fears came true when both my parents contracted the virus. Through tears, prayers, and questions for God, I learned that grief and faith don't have to be enemies—they can walk together. If you've ever felt abandoned by God in your darkest moment, this episode is for you, Comadre.  Please note: This episode discusses loss, grief, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which may be difficult for some listeners. I am a grief coach and speech pathologist, not a medical doctor or licensed professional counselor—if you need medical or mental health support, please seek care from your physician and/or LPC. 

]]> In this deeply personal episode, I share the story of losing my stepdad Martin during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a healthcare worker watching the crisis unfold, my worst fears came true when both my parents contracted the virus. Through tears, prayers, and questions for God, I learned that grief and faith don't have to be enemies—they can walk together. If you've ever felt abandoned by God in your darkest moment, this episode is for you, Comadre.  Please note: This episode discusses loss, grief, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which may be difficult for some listeners. I am a grief coach and speech pathologist, not a medical doctor or licensed professional counselor—if you need medical or mental health support, please seek care from your physician and/or LPC. 

]]> Jackie Alvarado Buzzsprout-18285696 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500 920 full false #1 Comadre, Let's Talk About The Grief We've Been Carrying #1 Comadre, Let's Talk About The Grief We've Been Carrying Welcome to the very first episode of Grief Comadres! Join Jackie, a speech-language pathologist and certified grief coach, as she shares the heartbreaking moment that changed everything and led to the creation of this community. Discover why grief isn't just about death—it shows up in divorce, job loss, broken friendships, and so many unexpected places. If you've been carrying sadness you can't quite name, this episode is for you, comadre. You're not alone anymore.

Important Note: Jackie is a certified grief coach and speech-language pathologist, not a licensed professional counselor (LPC). If you're experiencing depression or mental health concerns, please seek support from your doctor or a licensed mental health professional. Crisis support is available 24/7 at 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

]]> Welcome to the very first episode of Grief Comadres! Join Jackie, a speech-language pathologist and certified grief coach, as she shares the heartbreaking moment that changed everything and led to the creation of this community. Discover why grief isn't just about death—it shows up in divorce, job loss, broken friendships, and so many unexpected places. If you've been carrying sadness you can't quite name, this episode is for you, comadre. You're not alone anymore.

Important Note: Jackie is a certified grief coach and speech-language pathologist, not a licensed professional counselor (LPC). If you're experiencing depression or mental health concerns, please seek support from your doctor or a licensed mental health professional. Crisis support is available 24/7 at 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

]]> Jackie Alvarado Buzzsprout-18264905 Thu, 27 Nov 2025 21:00:00 -0500 615 full false