Episodes

In this episode of Forward to Joy, Alexandra reflects on the emotional shifts and energetic changes that come with the New Year, particularly as we transition into 2026. She discusses the importance of community, personal growth, and emotional awareness, encouraging listeners to contemplate what changes they want to make in their lives. Alexandra emphasizes the significance of self-reflection, setting boundaries, and understanding grief as part of the healing process. She invites listeners to jo...

In this final episode of 2025, Alexandra reflects on a year filled with love and loss, emphasizing the importance of healing, finding joy in difficult moments, and the continuous journey of personal growth. She shares insights on letting go of expectations, protecting one's energy, and the significance of dreaming and setting intentions for the new year. The episode serves as a reminder to appreciate the journey and the lessons learned along the way. Connect with Alexandra on her website, forwar...

This week, Alexandra is highlighting her interview on the She Diaries podcast with Krista Gregg. The conversation focuses on resilience and misconceptions that can arise with a loss by suicide. Krista does a great job asking poignant questions to help create an understanding that loss is not always predictable. Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ , or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Pleas...

This week, Alexandra discusses preparing for the holidays and reflects on the past year She chats about exploring the importance of setting intentions rather than resolutions, the significance of taking time for contemplation, and the ongoing journey of managing grief. Alexandra also chats with her friend Alena about the upcoming holidays, tools to get through them and all the randomness that comes with preparing for the holidays. Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

In this conversation, Phil Weiss returns and introduces the EVOKE life planning process, which helps individuals align their financial goals with their personal values. The discussion also touches on the significance of building trust in financial advisory relationships and how life planning can aid individuals in overcoming loss and envisioning a fulfilling life. Phil shares insights on the emotional aspects of financial management, including feelings of shame and guilt, and highlights the impo...

In this heartfelt conversation, Alexandra and Larry Carlat explore the profound journey of grief following the loss of a child. Larry shares his personal story of losing his son Rob and how it led him to write a survival guide for grieving parents. They discuss the importance of community, the role of writing in healing, and the unique challenges faced by men in expressing their grief. The conversation emphasizes the transformation that can occur through grief, the significance of maintaining co...

This week, Alexandra talks to Dr. Mark Sinyor is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, Staff Psychiatrist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and lead of Sunnybrook’s Suicide Prevention Research Collaborative. He has developed a mental health program using Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azakaban for middle schoolers to learn distress management and healthy coping skills. Connect with Dr. Mark Sinyor: mark.sinyor@sunnybrook.ca Connect with Alexandra on her website...

This week, Alexandra discusses navigating the holiday season while dealing with grief. She emphasizes the importance of creating new traditions, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care. Alexandra shares personal experiences and offers practical advice for managing emotions during this challenging time, encouraging listeners to find moments of joy amidst their grief. Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ , or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠...

In this conversation, Alexandra Wyman and Bijou Finney explore the transformative power of psychedelics in healing, particularly through microdosing. Bijou shares her journey from biohacking to becoming a psychedelic facilitator, emphasizing the importance of integrating various healing modalities. They discuss the significance of addressing grief and trauma, the necessity of personalized approaches to healing, and the empowerment that comes from trusting oneself. The conversation highlights the...

In this enlightening conversation, Alexandra Wyman and Kacy delve into the transformative power of astrology and its role in personal growth and self-discovery. Kacy shares her journey into astrology, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's natal chart as a roadmap for navigating life's challenges. The discussion covers the significance of planetary shifts, the twelve zodiac signs, and practical applications of astrology in everyday life. They explore the concept of surrendering to th...

This week, Alexandra delves into the complex journey of acceptance following the loss of a loved one. Drawing inspiration from Mary Frances O'Connor's book, The Grieving Body, Alexandra shares her personal struggles and insights on how acceptance is not a linear process but a fluid journey. She explores the emotional roller coaster of grief, the pressure of societal expectations, and the importance of embracing each moment as it comes. Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com...

In this episode, Alexandra Wyman interviews her brother-in-law Bob, who shares his incredible journey of resilience and healing through chronic pain, addiction, and recovery. Bob discusses his experiences with multiple surgeries, the impact of chronic pain on his mental health, and the importance of therapy and support systems. He emphasizes the need for connection, purpose, and community in overcoming life's challenges, and offers encouragement to those struggling with similar issues. Connect w...

In this episode, Alexandra explores the complex relationship between grief and the stories we tell ourselves. She emphasizes the importance of understanding different perceptions and the role of empathy in navigating grief. Alexandra encourages listeners to reach out and connect with others, highlighting that we often project our own narratives onto others' experiences. The conversation serves as a reminder to be mindful of our perceptions and to foster open communication in times of hardship. C...

In this episode, Dr. Deanna Lerman and Heather Aberg discuss the transformative potential of ketamine-assisted therapy. They share their personal journeys into this field, the mechanisms by which ketamine operates in the brain, and the importance of integrating therapeutic practices with the use of ketamine. The conversation delves into the significance of individualized treatment approaches, the concept of ego death, and the precautions necessary for those considering this therapy. They also ex...

I discuss the concept of disenfranchised grief—when our losses aren’t openly acknowledged or supported by our communities. Drawing from my own experiences after my husband’s death, I share how isolating it can feel when you can’t grieve with those you wish could support you. I offer tips for navigating this kind of grief, such as creating personal rituals, finding new communities, and sharing positive memories. I emphasize the importance of naming and acknowledging our grief, even when it feels ...

This week, Alexandra chats with Laylani Colibri Jack. Laylani Colibri Jack (lay-la-nee - co-lee-bree) is a transformational speaker, Compassionate Transition Coach, and best-selling author of The Compassion Code. Through her LIGHT Method™, she helps individuals and organizations navigate change, grief, and burnout—while equipping everyday people to become a “Middle Class of Care” capable of showing up with compassion, clarity, and confidence in life’s hardest moments. Ways to connect with Laylan...

Quote this month is “Every challenge you face is an opportunity to grow.” Credit given to both Oprah Winfrey and Albert Einstein. So often we are raised not to trust ourselves and to have to rely on others or habits outside of ourselves to be able to function. Resilience is about looking inward and finding our own inner strength that exists to overcome what life hands us. We can do it. It is not easy, but we can do it. Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ , or send h...

This week, Alexandra chats with Phil Weiss. Phil is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and Registered Life Planner (RLP®). He is passionate about empowering women through financial independence, providing the necessary tools and knowledge. Having seen his mother struggle with stage 4 breast cancer and his father’s inability to handle finances, Phil managed the situation by taking over the family's financial responsibilities, including negotiating with creditors, paying overdue bills, and ensur...

This week, Alexandra chats about her ideas on the 3 components of suicide prevention. They include genuine connection, healthy coping skills, and finding meaning and purpose. Not all three things are necessarily easy to maintain or find, and yet engaging all three is doable. Alexandra takes an upstream approach hoping that if adults can start to work on themselves, they can guide young children on how to do the same. Doing so can help larger groups and communities have better brain health. Conne...

This week, Alexandra chats with Tami about her grief after suddenly losing her dad and the family dog. Through her process, Tami was able to tap into her intuitive skills and begin a journey of self-discovery. She has turned her grief into an opportunity to help others.

This week, Alexandra is inspired by a quote by Caroline Myss, “Whatever is in me is stronger than what is out there to defeat me.” This quote is a good reminder that no matter what life throws at us, we have the strength within us. We have to work through all the conditioning we receive that tells us we aren’t strong to find our inner strength. We all have it. We just have to believe we have it. Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ , or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alex...

Alexandra is a big believer in clearing physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and every kind of space you can. Doing so, helps move stagnant energy and increase creativity, no matter how that creativity comes in. Alexandra’s good friend Amy has been systematic in how she clears her space and has a process to doing so. Enjoy the helpful tips for how to breakdown a project to clear some space. Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ , or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexand...

This week, Alexandra chats about the importance of building community during the grief process. Sometimes, people we think will show up for us don’t and others will. Experiencing grief can be isolating. Alexandra gives some suggestions for how to start building community when feeling isolated or lonely. Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ , or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek p...

This week, Melissa Vera returns to discuss how being able to work through a loss does not mean that other losses will not be impactful. She tragically lost two dear friends and discusses how she began grieving them. Additionally, Melissa and Alexandra discuss a different type of grief and that of what is happening in the current US climate around immigration. Families are being ripped apart, racial profiling is occurring and there is an underlying anxiety that exists for families wondering if th...