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. ☕💛

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

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.

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.

 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. 

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 

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 

 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, 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.

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!