In this episode, Matthew sits down with artist, activist, and author Mary Fisher (@maryfisher), whose landmark 1992 speech at the Republican National Convention changed the face of AIDS awareness and made her a global icon of truth-telling and compassion.
Now in a new chapter of her life, Mary reflects on what it means to grieve not just people, but old lives, family, identity, and the loss of a place in the world. Together, she and Matthew explore how we rebuild, find chosen family, use creativity to heal, and speak up after a lifetime of being told to stay quiet.
This conversation is for anyone feeling disconnected, disempowered, or unsure of how to move forward when life has drastically changed. Mary’s words are a reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent your life, speak your truth, and create beauty from pain.
Topics Covered:
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The distinction between grief and depression—and how naming grief gave Mary her life back
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What it feels like to lose family who are still alive, and how to navigate that emotional terrain
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How to build a chosen family when your biological one isn’t safe or supportive
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The courage behind Mary’s 1992 speech and how mortality shifted her priorities
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Why radical honesty can be the foundation for deep connection
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Finding the right level of vulnerability early in relationships
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How to let go of the fantasy of who someone was “supposed to be”
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Creating through pain—how art and creativity became her medicine
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Learning to speak up after a lifetime of silence, guilt, and being told to “be a good girl”
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How to rewire your inner voice and create safety to be heard
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Understanding the difference between connection and one-sided emotional dependence in relationships
Resources & Links:
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Mary Fisher’s new book: Uneasy Silence
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Mary’s website: MaryFisher.com
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Instagram: @maryfisherart
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Project Angel Food (charity supported by Mary’s book): angelfood.org
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