The Fiery Redhead / Formerly, Wide Open Spaces with Ilise

Episode 201: Her Story Didn't End When He Did

In this deeply personal episode of The Fiery Redhead, I sit down with a remarkable young widow whose life changed forever when she lost her husband far too soon.
Grief has a way of convincing us that our story is over. But what happens when you decide to keep writing the next chapter?
Nearly two years after devastating loss, she shares the raw reality of navigating heartbreak, rebuilding her identify, and finding the strength to keep moving forward when every step feels impossible.  This is not a story about "getting over" grief. It's a story about learning to live alongside it, rediscovering purpose, and proving that even after life's darkest moments, hope can still emerge.
If you've ever experienced loss, faced a major life transition, or wondered how to find yourself again after everything changes, this conversation will remind you that your story isn't over. #TheFieryRedhead #WomenWhoRise #LifeAfterLoss #WidowLife #PodcastCommunity #ListenNow

Episode 200: The Fire That Changed Me: Solo Episode

Welcome to the very first episode of The Fiery Redhead. This episode is not just the pivot to a new podcast name. It is about the moments that change us at our core, the pain we survive, the lessons we carry and the strength we discover when everything familiar begins to burn away. If you've ever had to rebuild yourself, rediscover your voice, or rise from a version of yourself you no longer recognized...this conversation is for you. Because sometimes the fire that nearly destroys us... becomes the fire that defines us. 
Welcome the The Fiery Redhead. It's time to Ignite Your Fire.
#TheFieryRedhead #PodcastLaunch #RiseFromTheAshes #IgniteYourFire #ViralPodcast #RedHeadEnergy

Feb 4, 2026 12:08 Episode 198 Put a fire under your A**

Feb 2, 2026 12:30 Episode 197: The Great Pivot! Thanks Joey!

Episode 197 — Pivot: The Fiery Redhead Returns

The host returns after a long break, recording from a café while navigating grief, major life changes, and a search for self. She reflects on feeling detached, the need to pivot, and contemplates renaming the show to The Fiery Redhead.This episode explores coping with loss, reclaiming connection, adapting to change, and invites listeners to join the journey and share their own pivots and stories.

Season 7: Episode 196: Losing your MOM is Life Altering

Before I can continue with Podcast Interviews and further topics, I need to share how I have been Cracked Open by Grief. I am hoping that my personal story will be relatable and might just help someone who is struggling like me. Grief is not linear and can be Life Altering. Grief can come from all different types of loses but they all have one thing in common, sadness and pain. Listen to my latest Podcast and let's get through loss together, in whatever form it may come in. 

Season 7: Episode 194: CRACKED OPEN with Gail, from Divorce to a New Beginning. Can YOU Relate?

Welcome to a brand new season as we discuss being Cracked Open in this thing called life. This week Gail who is a Social Worker, shares with us her story of one of life's greatest challenges. Gail shares how she has evolved into the person she is today. Gail's story is very empowering and helps us to understand that good can always come from a challenging life block. Join us this week as we Listen, Talk and Evolve together, after we have been CRACKED OPEN. #divorce #dating #LifeChallenges  #failing #Evolving #SocialWork #EmptyNest #LifeAfterKids #FindingYourself #Podcast #NewSeason

Season 7: Episode 193: Let's get Freaking Real with Ourselves!

Welcome to the New: Wide Open Spaces with Ilise CRACKED OPEN Podcast. This season will bring many guests and insights into what cracks us open in our own individual lives.  I share my life shattering experiences and how I was CRACKED OPEN. This Fiery Redhead will take you on a journey that you can relate too and guide you in the direction of healing, celebrating and looking at yourself and your life in a new way.  Come take the ride of life with me. #NewSeason #Grief #Life #Joy #coping #insight #self-help #empowerment 

Season 6: Episode 192: You Are Not Your GRIEF!

Take a listen to the new episode from the Fiery Redhead, where she takes you on a journey of the recent loss of her Mom and how she does not let Grief define her. Ilise will make you realize that YOU ARE NOT YOUR GRIEF and how you can take sadness and heartache and turn it into a new chapter in your life. Ilise's story is poignant and anyone who has experienced grief of a loved one, pet or lifestyle can benefit from her wisdom and concrete ways to accept that your Grief does NOT DEFINE YOU! #Grief #loss #GrievingProcess #GriefJourney 

Season 6: Episode 191: Mental Health Awareness Month: How do YOU Grieve?

Listen Now, to the Fiery Redhead as she discusses how to plan time to grieve. The grieving process is multidimensional and requires time and awareness. The Fiery Redhead will share her own grief with you and how she believes you can grieve and still live a healthy, functional life.  Time to let it out! This Episode is Dedicated to one of my BFF's, Cheryl Luckman Simmons, I will miss you forever my Sista. #MentalHealthAwareness #StopTheStigma #Grief #Grieving #Loss #Coping