Katie Rizzo joins Something For Everybody this week. Katie Rizzo is a fiction writer. Trained in biology and psychology, Rizzo holds two master’s degrees—one from Yale University and another from the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
In this heartfelt episode, Katie shares her journey through grief after losing her son to addiction, exploring the complexities of grief, societal stigma, and the importance of compassion and community. Katie and I delve into the raw realities of loss, mental health, and the path to healing.
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Timestamps:
02:00 The Impact of Loss and the Phrase 'Everything Happens for a Reason'
03:58 Societal Expectations and the Reality of Grief
06:48 The Role of Support Systems and Community in Healing
09:59 Understanding Addiction and Its Effects on Families
15:12 The Stigma and Shame Surrounding Addiction and Mental Health
20:03 Medical System, Prescriptions, and Big Pharma's Role
25:07 Personal Stories of Nicholas and the Journey Through Addiction
30:08 The Process of Writing and Creating a Memoir of Grief
40:12 The Importance of Honesty and Authenticity in Grief
50:10 Tools and Strategies for Moving Through Grief
01:00:03 The Power of Connection, Community, and Living in the Moment
01:06:42 Final Thoughts, Resources, and Words of Encouragement
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Extra Stuff:
Get my free guide of 4 things to quit to transform your life here: https://aaronmachbitz.com/quit/
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Join our exclusive community: https://www.patreon.com/AaronMachbitz
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Katie’s Website:
https://www.katierizzo.com/
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(Filmed on May 11th, 2026)
Edited by Ben Rogerson (@BenRogerson_)
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https://everybodyspod.com/realhappy/
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https://everybodyspod.com/sugarman/
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