Redefining Resilience: A Mother’s Journey Through Loss, Love, and Injury

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Rebecca Faye Smith Galli — columnist, resilience expert, advocate, and bestselling author — about what it truly means to live with resilience in the face of unimaginable loss and change.

A mother of four (including two children with special needs) and a grandmother, Smith Galli’s journey has been marked by profound challenges — from losing her brother at a young age, to raising children with epilepsy and autism, to becoming paralyzed just days after a divorce. Through it all, she’s discovered practical wisdom and hope that continue to inspire parents and caregivers around the world.

Together, the conversation unpacks the real meaning of resilience — how to face adversity with honesty, accept what cannot be changed, and still find ways to live fully and joyfully. Smith Galli shares her strategies for staying “possibility-driven,” teaching children about emotional awareness, and nurturing family connection amid uncertainty.

Key themes:

• Defining resilience through lived experience
• Parenting children with special needs
• Coping with grief, loss, and unexpected change
• Finding hope through journaling, mindfulness, and daily intention
• Modelling resilience and emotional honesty for kids

Takeaways:

• Hormonal changes during adolescence can significantly affect communication and discipline in young adults.
• Social media usage has created new avenues for bullying, impacting emotional and mental health among teens.
• Establishing independence is crucial for teens, but it's equally important to foster open communication with them.
• The integration of physical health and emotional well-being is vital for resilience in facing life's challenges.
• Understanding consent and relationships is essential for teaching teens about healthy interactions in a digital age.
• Parents should embrace the concept of resilience, encouraging their children to adapt and thrive despite life's adversities.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Pathfinders for Autism

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.