Welcome back for another powerful and deeply personal episode of Wake the F*** Up podcast. Our host Alix Long sits down with Dana Frost, widow, caregiver, cancer survivor, and founder of the Forced Joy Project. Dana brings her full, unfiltered story to the table: from losing her husband Brad and father to cancer, to surviving her own diagnosis, and navigating what healing actually looks like when the trauma doesn’t stop coming.

Dana challenges the myth that once you’ve hit rock bottom, nothing worse can happen. Nearly a decade post-loss, her nervous system still hasn’t "settled"—and she’s honest about the messy, non-linear path to healing. We talk about using wine as a coping mechanism, awkward dating app attempts, and a transformative cold water swim that cracked open the door to somatic recovery.

She opens up about the burnout that came from creating grief-centered businesses without boundaries and how even purpose-driven work can become a beautiful distraction from our own pain. Dana also shares how it feels to love again, live fully, and wrestle with the guilt of joy in a world that expects widows to stay quiet in their grief.

We also dive into her Book of Stories Project, an incredible initiative collecting personal stories from 50+ people who knew Brad—an emotional lifeline for grieving families, especially kids. Plus, Dana shares details on her upcoming retreats in Galapagos, Morocco, and Michigan, while Alix promotes her Mexico retreat this November for those looking to heal in community.

If you’ve ever wondered what it means to rebuild after unthinkable loss—or how joy and grief can live in the same room—this one’s for you.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Connect with Dana on Instagram @forcedjoyproject & @memorialbooks

• Book of stories website here - https://bookofstories.com/

• Forced Joy Project website here - https://www.forcedjoyproject.com/

• Follow Wake on Instagram: @thewakewellness

• Follow Alix Long on Instagram: @alixlongwinded

• Download the WAKE app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store

This week on the Wake the F*ck Up podcast, Alix sits down with trailblazing entrepreneur and widowhood advocate Nicky Wake for a conversation about loss, resilience, sobriety, and starting over. What unfolds is a story of surviving unthinkable tragedy and radically rebuilding a life with purpose, love, and honesty.

Nicky shares her harrowing personal journey, from the day her husband Andy suffered a catastrophic heart attack, through three years of anticipatory grief, to raising her son solo, navigating stigma, and ultimately becoming a voice for a new kind of widowhood. She opens up about the impossible parenting decisions she had to make, the loneliness of losing someone during COVID lockdowns, and the surprising grief dynamics between men and women.

But this episode is also about power. Nicky rebuilt her life and simultaneously built entire communities. Through Chapter Two Dating, WidowsFire.com, Sober Love, and nonprofit projects like SoberAF.club and The Widow Collective, she’s reimagining how we approach relationships, recovery, and connection after loss.

Now 259 days sober, Nicky describes this chapter as the happiest and healthiest of her life. She’s living proof that after devastation, your next chapter can be better and even more beautiful than your last.

For those of you who are frequent listeners of the Wake the F*ck Up podcast, you’re already familiar with the topics we explore in this episode, such as the emotional complexities of anticipatory grief, parenting in the aftermath of trauma, and society’s misconceptions about death, grief, and widowhood. 

If you’ve ever faced heartbreak, burnout, addiction, or grief—and wondered if there was life on the other side—this conversation is your wake-up call. Nicky shows us how to own your story, take up space in your healing, and create the kind of future you deserve to wake up for.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• ChapterTwoDating.com – Dating for widowed individuals

• widowsfire.dating – No-strings-attached connections post-loss

• soberlove.app – Dating for the sober & sober-curious

• SoberAF.Club – Peer-led alternative to AA

• Connect with Nicky Wake on LinkedIn 

• Follow @chapter2_dating on Instagram

• Follow @soberlove.app on Instagram

• Follow Wake on Instagram: @thewakewellness

• Follow Alix Long on Instagram: @alixlongwinded

• Download the WAKE app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store

Welcome back for another powerful and deeply personal episode of Wake the F*** Up podcast that’s all about navigating trauma, trust, and transformation. This week, our host Alix sits down with Danielle Sebastian, a trauma-informed relationship coach and bestselling author, for a raw, eye-opening conversation on healing, grief, and navigating relationships in the aftermath of trauma.

Danielle shares her own story of love, loss, and rediscovery after uncovering her husband’s traumatic past. What followed was a journey through emotional isolation, complex PTSD, and a desperate search for support as a partner of a sexual abuse survivor—something rarely talked about, let alone resourced.

Together, Danielle and Alix unpack what it means to experience multiple layers of loss through trauma and the critical need for recommitment in relationships that have been impacted. They explore the role of communication, boundaries, and emotional safety—especially for men who often struggle to articulate pain.

Danielle introduces transformative tools like the trauma vortex vs. counter-vortex concept, the CARE Framework for trauma-informed conversations, and modern self-care practices like reflective journaling. This conversation is both a lifeline and a call to awareness for anyone who has loved through trauma, supported a survivor, or is working to rebuild trust and connection.

We know our WAKE listeners will connect deeply with this episode and the conversations between Alix and Danielle. Get ready to walk away with insight, validation, and real strategies for creating space, safety, and healing—even in the most wounded places.

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673 (800.656.HOPE) https://www.rainn.org/

Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor 24/7

https://www.crisistextline.org/

• Visit Danielle’s website https://www.daniellesebastian.com/ for resources including her script for communicating effectively in trauma-impacted relationships.

• Connect with Danielle on social media: 

• https://www.facebook.com/WifeCare/

• @daniellesebastian_wifecare on Instagram

• Follow Wake on Instagram: @thewakewellness

• Follow Alix Long on Instagram: @alixlongwinded

• Download the WAKE app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store

In this episode of Wake the F*** Up, Alix Long sits down with grief coach, writer, and founder of New Moon Mira—Mira Simone—for a raw and soul-deep conversation about what it means to navigate profound loss while continuing to show up for life. Mira shares the story of her partner Brian's shocking and sudden death just seven weeks after his cancer diagnosis, and how that experience unraveled everything she thought she understood—even as a trained mental health occupational therapist.

Mira unpacks the widespread misunderstanding around grief, including the myth that healing happens in a straight line. Instead, she insists, grief and joy aren’t opposites but companions, both expanding with us as we move forward. Parenting through grief, she says, is one of the most brutal, sacred paths—one where perfection is impossible, and self-compassion becomes a lifeline. Mira and Alix bond over the impossibly hard decisions they've had to make for their children in the wake of death, and the messy, real love that carries them through.

Mira shares how she eventually came back to her body through somatic work, after initially resisting it for years. Her cold plunge breakthrough at the family cottage was a turning point, reawakening her nervous system and her ability to feel again. That healing inspired her to create a somatic grief course for others, addressing a massive gap in grief-literate practitioners who also understand the body’s role in trauma healing.

What started as grief writing on Instagram has evolved into a full-scale business offering group support, retreats, and now the ICU Sister Community—an intimate platform for widows featuring live calls, workshops, and somatic video resources. Mira discusses how she continues to integrate Brian’s energy into daily life with her daughter, holding space for both mom and dad roles while focusing on pleasure, presence, and the simple joy of being alive.

Follow Mira on Instagram and Facebook at @newmoonmira, and learn more about her grief offerings, including the ICU Sister Community and upcoming retreats.

In this episode of Wake the F** Up*, Alix Long is joined by writer and pet-loss advocate E.B. Bartels for an honest, tender, and unexpectedly uplifting conversation about what it means to love—and lose—our animal companions. With her book Good Grief: On Loving Pets, Here and Hereafter coming out in paperback in November 2024, E.B. shares how a few personal essays written during her MFA at Columbia led to years of deep cultural research into how we mourn our pets—and why it matters.

No matter the culture or religion, grieving pet parents speak in the same terms: “unconditional love,” “my angel,” “my baby.” And yet, despite this shared experience, our society still undervalues the pain of pet loss—often minimizing it or rushing the grieving process. E.B. challenges that narrative by naming what many feel but rarely say: pet grief is real, deep, and often more immediate than the grief we feel for some people.

Alix and E.B. both share personal stories that speak to the profound, sacred moments that can exist at the end of an animal’s life. Alix opens up about her boxer Layla, who held on through her husband Carl’s illness and passed peacefully at home from stomach cancer. E.B. recalls her dog Seymour’s final moments—his in-home euthanasia was the calmest he had ever been. These experiences aren’t just sad; they’re beautiful, even healing. And they’re reminders that, when it’s possible, death can be full of love, grace, and dignity.

There’s also no one-size-fits-all timeline for opening your heart to a new pet. For some, it’s a matter of weeks. For others, years. What matters is honoring what feels right for your life, your grief, and your capacity to love again. E.B. and her husband have decided to wait until their toddler, Luca, asks for a dog—choosing to make space for the next companion when the time feels organic and mutual.

What emerges through this conversation is a philosophy of love that’s rooted in presence. Animals teach us to be here now, to feel joy in small things, and to love without holding back. Yes, it ends. And yes, it’s still worth it. As E.B. says, we keep opening our hearts to new pets even when we know they’ll break them—because the love is just that good.

Good Grief has become a beloved resource for people navigating the raw and often invisible grief of losing a pet. With the paperback release on the horizon, E.B. hopes to reach more people in more accessible ways—reminding us all that this grief is real, valid, and shared. This is a conversation about love, loss, and the quiet beauty of showing up fully—for our animals, and for ourselves.

In this inspiring episode of the Wake the F*ck Up Podcast, our host Alix Long sits down for a profound conversation with John Mollura—a former NASA test engineer turned award-winning photographer and personal development coach. We know our listeners are going to love hearing about John's journey of transformation, healing, and discovering the courage to redefine one's path.

The conversation begins as John reflects on his 15-year tenure at NASA, where he led test operations for missions that landed on Mars. Despite his professional success, he struggled with impostor syndrome and a deep-seated fear of being unworthy. This internal conflict led him to hide his achievements and question his place in the world. His turning point came with the tragic loss of his best friend, Nathan, to suicide. As we know so well here at Wake Wellness, grief and loss can sometimes be the catalyst that allows us to awaken to who we truly are. This event forced John to confront his own emotional turmoil and reevaluate his life choices. He realized that his pursuit of perfection and external validation had been masking his need for emotional healing and authenticity.

In his quest for personal growth, John applied the analytical skills honed during his engineering career to understand and manage his emotional responses. He learned to pause between stimulus and reaction, allowing for more thoughtful and intentional actions. This shift not only improved his emotional well-being but also transformed his relationships and sense of purpose.

John's coaching philosophy centers on the idea that confidence is built through consistent action and bravery. He emphasizes the importance of self-trust and the courage to take risks, even in the face of fear. His approach encourages individuals to focus on their future selves and make choices that align with their true values and aspirations.

We hope this episode gives our listeners fresh insights on themes of grief, healing, and personal transformation, as well as some tools for overcoming internal struggles and embracing a path of growth and self-discovery. John's story serves as a powerful reminder that healing is possible and that by honoring our losses and embracing our authentic selves, we can create a life of fulfillment and impact.

Resources

• Discover John’s Elite Level Action Playbook mentioned in this episode 

• Visit John’s website https://johnmollura.com/

• Follow Wake on Instagram: @thewakewellness

• Follow Alix Long on Instagram: @alixlongwinded
  

  Download the WAKE app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

In this powerful episode of the Wake the F*ck Up podcast, Alix welcomes somatic trauma practitioner Steph Harland, who shares her deeply personal journey into trauma healing following the loss of her father to complications from an autoimmune disease. Steph opens up about how his passing inspired her to work with women suffering from similar chronic conditions by addressing the unresolved trauma that often manifests in the body. Their conversation lays the groundwork for understanding the physiological effects of trauma and how nervous system dysregulation can lead to illness.

The discussion moves into the emotional weight of grief and trauma, with both Alix and Steph reflecting on missed signs in their late loved ones. They explore the complex interplay between healing and loss, emphasizing that personal transformation often begins with awareness and a willingness to face difficult emotions.

A major focus of the episode is on the body’s role in storing trauma. Steph explains that talk therapy alone can’t resolve deeply embedded trauma because much of it resides in the nervous system and subconscious body responses. Techniques like somatic tracking, breathwork (including her favorite “buzz breath”), and body awareness exercises are explored as powerful tools for breaking free from the chronic 'freeze' state often seen in those with autoimmune issues.

Listeners are introduced to the concept of nervous system regulation through small, incremental practices that help rebuild trust and safety in the body. Steph and Alix share personal stories of how reconnecting with bodily sensations helped them heal, highlighting that the journey to joy can be just as challenging as navigating pain.

Finally, the episode turns to the impact of trauma on relationships. Both speakers candidly examine how past wounds shaped their relational patterns and how somatic healing has allowed them to develop more honest, secure connections. They close with a reminder of the value in learning from loss, forgiving oneself, and choosing new, healthier paths—personally, physically, and emotionally.

Resources: 

• Follow Steph on Instagram @feelslikehealing

• Discover somatic resources on Steph’s website 

• Follow Wake on Instagram: @thewakewellness

• Follow Alix Long on Instagram: @alixlongwinded

• Download the WAKE app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Welcome back to the Wake the F*ck Up podcast. This week we are walking between worlds as our host Alix interviews Natashia Mack, a small-town reverend and evidential psychic medium. The conversation kicks off as Natashia explaines the nuances of mediumship. She describes the full-body experience of “blending” with spirit and offers vivid insights into how spirits communicate through physical sensations, personality impressions, and unsearchable evidence. She also distinguishes between general anxiety and “spirit anxiety,” helping listeners understand how sensitivity may signal intuitive connection rather than fear.Natasha shares her recent battle with a rare cancer, describing the physical toll of 30 rounds of radiation and the profound inner transformation that came with it. She and Alix connect over the shared impact of cancer, revealing how proximity to death can awaken gratitude, compassion, and deeper purpose.In a powerful discussion on the afterlife, Natasha offers reassurance that our loved ones are not only at peace but remain connected to us. From witnessing her grandmother speak to spirit at the moment of death to explaining how spirits encourage the living to find joy again, Natasha brings comfort and clarity to the mystery of what lies beyond.Forgiveness also takes center stage, as Natasha explores how unresolved pain with the deceased can block our energy. She offers healing practices like letter-writing and sacred space creation, especially for parents guiding grieving children—who she describes as naturally intuitive and closest to spirit.Wrapping up the episode, Natasha discusses how to recognize signs from spirit—like sudden waves of grief, symbolic songs, and synchronicities—and encourages listeners to embrace them as messages of love. She highlights her upcoming virtual workshop, Is it Anxiety or Intuition?, and shares resources for highly sensitive individuals seeking to develop their intuitive gifts.Curious about connecting with spirit or developing your intuition? Don’t miss this heartfelt, transformative conversation.Resources: Explore Natashia’s "Intro to Intuition Bundle"Listen to Natashia’s podcast “The Hot Mess Medium Show”Follow Natashia on Instagram @mediumnatashiamackFollow Wake on Instagram: @thewakewellnessFollow Alix Long on Instagram: @alixlongwindedDownload the WAKE app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

In this soul-stirring episode of the Wake The F*** Up podcast, host Alix Long welcomes Katre Keinast, founder of Untamed Hero—a movement forged in the fire of abuse, loss, and radical self-reclamation. More than a survivor, Katre is a mother, a warrior, and a wellness advocate on a mission to help others heal, honor, and grow through their darkest seasons. Originally from Estonia, Kat moved to the U.S. at 17, chasing a new life but ultimately finding herself caught in a series of toxic relationships. What began as controlling behavior (phone checks, manipulation, suicidal threats), intensified into life-threatening abuse during and after her pregnancy. Her story, shared with powerful honesty, is a visceral reminder of how trauma takes root, how it isolates, and how escape often means leaving everything behind—except your will to survive.With her newborn son in her arms and only minutes to gather her life into a bag, Katre walked away from 16 years of her past. But the journey was far from over. Landing first in Utah and then back in Estonia, she faced the silent aftermath of survival: fear, insomnia, and the crushing weight of grief—not only for what was done to her, but for the version of herself she had to bury to stay alive.And yet, this is where her healing began.Throughout this conversation, Alix and Kat reflect on the way that grief is not just about death, but about loss in all its forms: loss of safety, identity, trust, and dreams. We found some incredible symmetry between Katre’s path and WAKE’s pillars:Heal Loss – through physical movement and the courage to face trauma head-onHonor Love – by embracing motherhood as both motivation and mirrorGrow from Grief – by transforming pain into purpose with Untamed Hero, her initiative to support survivors of narcissistic abuseAlix and Katre explore how wellness—true, whole-person wellness—is more than just surviving. It’s about rebuilding from the ground up: body, mind, and spirit. From CrossFit and somatic healing to the gaps in traditional therapy and the power of community, this episode doesn’t shy away from the messy, miraculous reality of growth after devastation.Katre reminds us that the journey through grief and trauma isn’t linear, and it isn’t clean—but it is deeply human. And through intentional healing, we can wake the f** up* to our worth, our strength, and our power to begin again.

Follow Kat on Instagram: @untamedhero

Visit her website: https://www.untamedhero.com/

Follow Wake on Instagram: @thewakewellness

Follow Alix Long on Instagram: @alixlongwinded

Download the WAKE app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

In this powerful episode of the Wake the F** Up* podcast, our host Alix Long sits down with best-selling author and TEDx speaker, Widow, and Grief Advocate Marie Alessi to explore her transformative journey through unimaginable loss. After the sudden death of her husband Rob from a brain aneurysm, Marie was faced with the impossible—and yet, she chose joy. Marie’s story also dives deep into the mysterious realm of intuition, sharing how her body and soul sensed the moment something shifted. It wasn’t just grief—it was a message, a knowing, a call to action.

Marie opens up about her journey from Austria to Australia, where she met Rob just ten months after arriving. They built a beautiful life together, until everything changed in an instant when Rob died unexpectedly of a brain aneurysm while away on a business trip.

Marie recounts the haunting premonition she had the night before his death—an intuitive knowing that something was terribly wrong. In the hours after receiving the devastating news, she heard Rob’s voice in her head saying, “Take the boys and create the happiest life possible.” That sentence became her North Star in the chaos of grief.

Later in the interview, Marie reflects on the years leading up to Rob’s death, including a poignant “what if” conversation they had after hearing about another young father’s passing. That conversation unexpectedly prepared her to see grief differently—not as a final blow, but as something she could meet with love and strength.

Here on the the Wake the F** Up* podcast, we like to challenge the typical perceptions of grief, and Alix and Mari’s conversation is a prime example of that. To Marie, grief doesn’t have to be a permanent identity focused on terms like “suffering,” “loss,” and “forever broken.” As Marie explains, grief can be a visitor, not a roommate. She emphasizes the importance of reshaping our words to reshape our experiences. By shifting the narrative, she’s been able to help others feel less isolated in their pain and more empowered in their healing.

• Connect with Marie on her website here - https://www.mariealessi.com/

• Check our Marie’s books - https://www.mariealessi.com/books

• Follow Marie on Instagram - @marie.alessi.speaker

• Follow Wake on Instagram: @thewakewellness

• Follow Alix Long on Instagram: @alixlongwinded

• Download the WAKE app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.