If you are grieving after losing a spouse, you may feel like there's no way to ever feel joy again. But there is hope. And you'll get a picture of that hope from our guest, Ann Alessi, mother of Steve Alessi. With faith and family grounding her, she found a path to healing after losing her husband, who had been by her side for 65 years. 

In this emotional episode, Pastor Ann opens up about becoming a widow at 85, what helped (and what hurt) in early grief, how to support someone who lost a loved one, and why joy can still come after loss — without forgetting the person you love.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• How to grieve in a healthy, faith-filled way after losing a husband, wife or loved one
• What NOT to say to a grieving spouse or widow — and what to say instead
• How to handle fear, loneliness, and the holidays after loss
• Why you shouldn't make major life decisions in the first year after losing a spouse
• How family and community support healing after grief
• How to find joy again while honoring your loved one's memory

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Pastor Ann Alessi was married to Pastor John Alessi for over 65 years before his passing in October 2020. Now in her eighties, she shares wisdom from six decades of ministry and marriage on navigating widowhood, leaning on God, and embracing new roles as mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Whether you are a widow, widower, or supporting someone grieving a spouse, this episode offers practical, Christian encouragement for navigating grief, healing, and finding joy again.

The Family Business with The Alessis is a multi-generational podcast where a pastor's family says what they can't say on Sundays — with honest conversations about faith, family, marriage, grief and loss.

NEXT STEPS

If this helped you, please share it with someone walking through loss. 

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My Morning Devotional

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Why is it so hard to have a healthy and loving relationship with your siblings? Especially if you have to work right alongside them? 

In this flashback episode from Season 2, Steve Alessi sits down with his son, Chris Alessi, to discuss how they manage the challenges of serving with talented family members and how they avoid the dangers of sibling conflict in adulthood.  

In their business of ministry, the four Alessi children - Christopher, Stephanie, Lauren and Gaby - have had to learn how to navigate the day-to-day responsibilities and relational bumps in the road that can happen in an office environment. Press play and discover how the lessons they've learned can help you stay in step with your brothers and sisters, no matter where you interact. 

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MORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOY

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My Morning Devotional

Men's Morning Devotional

The Mary and Martha Show 

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In this flashback episode, you'll discover 7 practical ways to support your spouse through life's challenges and crises. Whether you are facing health scares, job loss, emotional struggles, or major life transitions in your marriage, this video shows you how to be there for your partner when you really can't figure out how to help. 

Steve and Mary Alessi dive into their own story of surviving a heart attack (the subject of Steve Alessi's debut book "Forty-Two") and other difficult seasons...and share the secrets that helped them survive and thrive despite facing situations that could have made their relationship crumble under the pressure. 

You'll learn:

• The importance of empathy, patience, and understanding in marriage
• Why stepping up as your spouse’s primary support is essential (not your kids, parents, or friends)
• How to be "Team Spouse" even when you don’t fully understand what they’re going through
• The difference between supporting and enabling, and why timing and grace matter
• How being a truly present spouse —trustworthy, present, and prayerful—can deepen your bond

With honest examples from their 35+ years together, Steve and Mary offer encouragement, practical advice, and a blueprint for handling marital storms with unity and strength.

Listen now to strengthen your marriage, grow as a couple, and become the support your spouse needs through thick and thin! 

Tap HERE to send us a text!

Support the show

JOIN THE FAMILY BUSINESS WITH OUR NEWSLETTER

Sign Up for Our Family Business Newsletter and get more inside news from the Alessis + tips and strategies for a happier family! 

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CONNECT WITH THE FAMILY BUSINESS

• Follow Us on Instagram and Facebook
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Leave a review

MORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOY

Find more podcasts coming from our Metro Life Studios team, including:

My Morning Devotional

Men's Morning Devotional

The Mary and Martha Show 

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It's time to celebrate...America is turning 250, and so is our podcast! 

In our final episode of season 8, Steve and Mary Alessi mark our 250th episode by sharing how faithfulness and consistency lead to success, whether you're starting a podcast or raising a family. 

From wrangling toddlers and tackling teens’ screen time battles to managing mistakes and arguments with grace (even after missing the mark), they unpack why showing up—imperfectly but persistently—matters most.

They'll share our audience's family stories that reveal how The Family Business has impacted families like yours for the past 5 years, and we'll go down memory lane by replaying some surprising moments from the past 8 seasons. 

This season finale has everything you've grown to love about these conversations with the Alessis -  hilarious confessions, back-and-forth banter about parenting, marriage, and even wardrobe choices - all proving that laughter, honesty and humility are key ingredients to a strong home. 

Get ready for real talk, relatable stories, and practical encouragement you can start using today as we get ready for the next season! 

Tap HERE to send us a text!

Support the show

JOIN THE FAMILY BUSINESS WITH OUR NEWSLETTER

Sign Up for Our Family Business Newsletter and get more inside news from the Alessis + tips and strategies for a happier family! 

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• Follow Us on Instagram and Facebook
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MORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOY

Find more podcasts coming from our Metro Life Studios team, including:

My Morning Devotional

Men's Morning Devotional

The Mary and Martha Show 

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Ever wonder what first-time moms truly wish someone would tell them about pregnancy, birth, and becoming a mom?

In this transparent and often heartfelt episode, sisters Stephanie Alessi Muiña and Gaby Alessi Calatayud, who are both expecting, get real about the unspoken struggles, surprises, and joys of motherhood. You'll learn why comparing yourself to Instagram-perfect moms can set up unrealistic expectations, and how to handle the endless opinions thrown at you during each stage of pregnancy.

You’ll hear how surrounding yourself with other moms, asking for help, and leaning on faith can make all the difference—from managing fear and anxiety about the unknown, to handling postpartum blues with honesty and support.

With practical advice on navigating medical choices, labor anxiety, and the importance of community, Gaby and Stephanie show that you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Get ready for comforting honesty, relatable laughs, and heartfelt encouragement for new moms (or anyone who loves one).

Tap HERE to send us a text!

Support the show

JOIN THE FAMILY BUSINESS WITH OUR NEWSLETTER

Sign Up for Our Family Business Newsletter and get more inside news from the Alessis + tips and strategies for a happier family! 

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• Follow Us on Instagram and Facebook
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MORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOY

Find more podcasts coming from our Metro Life Studios team, including:

My Morning Devotional

Men's Morning Devotional

The Mary and Martha Show 

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When every other headline claims that the truth is being hidden from you...who can you REALLY trust? 

In this fascinating and timely conversation, Lauren Alessi Burgos and and her long-time friend Dania Montejo dive headfirst into the world of conspiracies—from the French presidency and Michael Jackson’s controversies to UFOs and cloud-manipulating chemtrails. 

Together, they unpack how curiosity, group chats, and modern journalism fuel these conversations, but also how exposing yourself to these constant debates can impact your mental health.

Find out why asking questions and staying open-minded matters, how to spot when a “good story” crosses into unhealthy territory, and where to set healthy boundaries—especially for your kids.

 With laughter, lived experience, and practical wisdom, Lauren and Dania  encourage you to enjoy digging into the unknown—without letting fear and mistrust run your life. Plus, they offer tips for handling heated family debates and staying calm when the truth feels stranger than fiction.

Tap HERE to send us a text!

Support the show

JOIN THE FAMILY BUSINESS WITH OUR NEWSLETTER

Sign Up for Our Family Business Newsletter and get more inside news from the Alessis + tips and strategies for a happier family! 

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CONNECT WITH THE FAMILY BUSINESS

• Follow Us on Instagram and Facebook
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MORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOY

Find more podcasts coming from our Metro Life Studios team, including:

My Morning Devotional

Men's Morning Devotional

The Mary and Martha Show 

You can listen to all of these shows on our Metro Life Studios app here! 

Get The Metro Life Studios app 

Good things come to those who wait - and sometimes, to those who wait at the YMCA! 

In this incredible episode, you'll be introduced to the final son-in-law in the Alessi family, Daniel Burgos. His journey to meeting and eventually marrying Steve and Mary Alessi's daughter, Lauren, is as surprising and miraculous as you can imagine - a winding road that started in his native Columbia and ended at the altar in Miami with the love of his life. 

Daniel sits down with his father-in-law Steve, and brother in law Chris Alessi, to share how God led him to make the decisions that would result in marriage and a new home. You'll hear how the entire family had to make adjustments and open their hearts to a new relationships in the midst of several other major events in the family. And you'll be inspired and motivated to see how having faith and being open to change can bring beautiful blessings into your life. 

Tap HERE to send us a text!

Support the show

JOIN THE FAMILY BUSINESS WITH OUR NEWSLETTER

Sign Up for Our Family Business Newsletter and get more inside news from the Alessis + tips and strategies for a happier family! 

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CONNECT WITH THE FAMILY BUSINESS

• Follow Us on Instagram and Facebook
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Leave a review

MORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOY

Find more podcasts coming from our Metro Life Studios team, including:

My Morning Devotional

Men's Morning Devotional

The Mary and Martha Show 

You can listen to all of these shows on our Metro Life Studios app here! 

Get The Metro Life Studios app 

What happens when a young couple has to shift from talking about dream dates, honeymoons and wedding bells, to discussing bills and bank accounts? 

In this transparent and real-life talk, Gaby Alessi Calatayud and her husband Christian share their experience of learning to manage their finances together—without losing their unity or peace of mind. They share why they are doing their best to learn wise strategies from the beginning - from balancing individual spending habits and setting up budgets to tackling debt and resisting the pressure to “look rich” on social media.

You’ll hear honest reflections on learning to merge money personalities, create open communication about spending, and keep generosity and teamwork at the core - no matter how long (or shortly) you've been married. 

With actionable advice and plenty of relatable moments, discover how putting trust, grace, and shared goals above the numbers on your bank account can transform how you handle money—and your marriage.

If you enjoyed this episode, here's another great TFB episode on managing money and family! 

Money Matters S4 E10

Tap HERE to send us a text!

Support the show

JOIN THE FAMILY BUSINESS WITH OUR NEWSLETTER

Sign Up for Our Family Business Newsletter and get more inside news from the Alessis + tips and strategies for a happier family! 

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CONNECT WITH THE FAMILY BUSINESS

• Follow Us on Instagram and Facebook
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MORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOY

Find more podcasts coming from our Metro Life Studios team, including:

My Morning Devotional

Men's Morning Devotional

The Mary and Martha Show 

You can listen to all of these shows on our Metro Life Studios app here! 

Get The Metro Life Studios app 

Are your kids talking back to you? Ignoring your directions? Giving you attitude? 

Every child has a way of making their parents feel rejected and disrespected. But how do you know when it's getting out of hand? What are the signs that a child's behavior is crossing the line from misbehavior to a total rejection of your parental authority?

In this episode, Steve and Mary Alessi unpack what rebellion really looks like in kids and teens. You'll hear candid stories from their own parenting journey, as they share why every child has a seed of rebellion that must be handled early, with wisdom and love—not fear or anger. 

You’ll see how bad behavior often hides deeper issues, from sibling jealousy to struggles with identity, and hear practical strategies for setting loving boundaries that restore, not just punish. Steve and Mary get honest about tattoos, piercings, and cultural pressures, challenging you to look past appearances and connect with what’s happening in your child’s heart.

Get ready to rethink discipline, communication, and why being proactive today sets your family up for a healthier tomorrow.

Tap HERE to send us a text!

Support the show

JOIN THE FAMILY BUSINESS WITH OUR NEWSLETTER

Sign Up for Our Family Business Newsletter and get more inside news from the Alessis + tips and strategies for a happier family! 

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CONNECT WITH THE FAMILY BUSINESS

• Follow Us on Instagram and Facebook
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Leave a review

MORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOY

Find more podcasts coming from our Metro Life Studios team, including:

My Morning Devotional

Men's Morning Devotional

The Mary and Martha Show 

You can listen to all of these shows on our Metro Life Studios app here! 

Get The Metro Life Studios app 

Can moms love their sons too much? 

No mother wants to hinder their son from becoming a man, but the mother-son dynamic can create major headaches for the entire family if not handled properly. 

In this flashback episode from Season 6, we delve into the intricate dynamics of the mother-son relationship and the valuable roles both parents fill in their young man's life. 

From discussing the differences in parental roles to highlighting the importance of respect and clear communication, Steve and Mary Alessi sit down with their son Chris to offer insightful perspectives on family relationships and the impactful roles of mothers and fathers in shaping a son's development. 

Tap HERE to send us a text!

Support the show

JOIN THE FAMILY BUSINESS WITH OUR NEWSLETTER

Sign Up for Our Family Business Newsletter and get more inside news from the Alessis + tips and strategies for a happier family! 

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CONNECT WITH THE FAMILY BUSINESS

• Follow Us on Instagram and Facebook
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Leave a review

MORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOY

Find more podcasts coming from our Metro Life Studios team, including:

My Morning Devotional

Men's Morning Devotional

The Mary and Martha Show 

You can listen to all of these shows on our Metro Life Studios app here! 

Get The Metro Life Studios app