A Mother Remembers Her Son And Rebuilds Life After Opioid Loss with Katie Rizzo

A Mother Remembers Her Son And Rebuilds Life After Opioid Loss with Katie Rizzo

Author: Victora Cuore; A Contagious Smile, Who Kicked First, Domestic Violence Survivor, Advocate, Motivational Coach, Special Needs, Abuse Support, Life Skill Classes, Special Needs Social Groups April 27, 2026 Duration: 53:05
Send us Fan Mail One phone call, one prescription, one quiet apartment, and a life splits into before and after. We sit down with Katie Rizzo, a former high school anatomy and AP biology teacher, to talk about the loss of her firstborn son Nicholas to opioid addiction and overdose, and the brutal moment she realised grief was no longer an event, it was part of her identity. Katie brings a rare mix of tenderness and clarity to subjects many of us avoid: bereaved parenthood, the stigma around ...

Hosted by Victora Cuore, a domestic violence survivor, advocate, and motivational coach, A Contagious Smile Podcast moves beyond simple survival stories. It’s a space dedicated to the complex, ongoing work of rebuilding a life after trauma, whether that stems from abuse or the unique pressures of advocating for a loved one with special needs. The conversations here are intentionally raw and authentic, featuring fellow survivors and experts, because healing often sounds less like a textbook and more like a real, sometimes messy, dialogue. You’ll hear people share not just their past pain, but the practical life skills and hard-won perspectives that helped them reclaim their power. This podcast understands that the path from trauma to thriving isn't a straight line, especially for families navigating disability systems or the lingering effects of narcissistic or childhood abuse. By focusing on tangible recovery and resilience, the show acts as an audio companion for those ready to transform their deepest challenges into a foundation for strength. Tune in for honest discussions that blend advocacy, personal growth, and the collective wisdom of a community that refuses to be defined by its struggles.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

A Contagious Smile Podcast
Podcast Episodes
The Road to Healing is Paved with Self-Love and Setting Boundaries [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:37
Send us Fan Mail Taking a deep breath becomes an act of revolution after escaping narcissistic abuse. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Faith and Dana step away from their usual format to share profound insights abou…
Put Down Your Phone and Pick Up the Conversation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:11
Send us Fan Mail Heartfelt celebrations and serious conversations collide in this candid episode where we start by toasting Michael's first colonoscopy (yes, really!) and the clean bill of health that followed. It's a pe…
When Leaving Is the Only Option: A Survival Guide TRIGGER WARNING [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:15
Send us Fan Mail Financial abuse remains one of the most powerful yet least understood tactics used by abusers to maintain control. In this raw, emotional conversation, two survivors share their hard-earned strategies fo…
Captain Jack, Socks, and Service Dogs: Life's Unexpected Heroes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:47
Send us Fan Mail When Malcolm Goodwin reached out to thank Victoria for saving his friend's life, it reinforced exactly why the Contagious Smile podcast exists. "I'm not looking for praise or notoriety," Victoria shares…
The Gift of Giving: Celebrating Life, Love, and New Beginnings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:02
Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode, It's a colorful tapestry woven from laughter, memories, and the anticipation of what lies ahead. We discuss the nuances of gifting experiences over material items and reflect o…

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