This conversation wrecked me in the best way. In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Methven, a mother, author, breathwork facilitator, and widow who lost her husband to suicide. Melissa shares the raw truth behind her picture-perfect life and how grief shattered and ultimately awakened her. We talk about finding purpose after loss, raising children through trauma, and the painful yet beautiful path of healing. Her courage to speak what most people hide is something I’ll never forget. If you've ever felt broken or silenced by grief, this is the episode your heart needs.

Watch the full episode on YouTube here or head to https://www.youtube.com/@RealHeidiPowell

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Melissa’s book: The Truth Behind the Smiles: https://amzn.to/4j07QFF

Melissa’s podcast: Not Alone with Melissa Sue Methven

TV segment about Melissa’s story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MZIqKP1U4o

Here are the key moments from the episode:

0:41 Meeting Melissa and Watching Her Rise

6:05 Her Husband’s Death by Suicide

9:17 The Day Everything Changed

13:12 The Hidden Pain Behind a “Perfect” Life

15:04 Suppressing Her Voice and the Toll on Her Health

20:02 Telling the Kids Their Dad Was Gone

26:00 Leaving Alaska to Start Fresh

33:12 Calling Her Pain a Gift

39:03 The Weight of Regret and Guilt

45:02 Why Telling the Truth Matters

54:15 Giving Her Kids Tools She Never Had

1:02:13 Living a Life of Purpose

Connect with Heidi:


Website: https://heidipowell.net/

Email: podcast@heidipowell.net

Instagram: @realheidipowell

Facebook: Heidi Powell

YouTube: @RealHeidiPowell


Train with Heidi on her Show Up App: https://www.showupfit.app/

Connect with Melissa Methven:

Website: https://www.melissagratitude.life/

Instagram: @melissa_gratitude

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tremblaymel

Tiktok: @melissa_gratitude

About Melissa Methven:


Mélissa-Sue Methven was born in Quebec City and raised in Vancouver, BC. In her early 20s, she became a flight attendant, flying globally on commercial and private jets, including trips with celebrities and a U.S. president. In 2006, she moved to Wasilla, Alaska, to be with her husband, Scott, and later became a dental hygienist. After Scott’s passing in 2022, Mélissa, now a widowed mother of two, has devoted her life to helping others navigate grief, reclaim their voice, and live with purpose. Her work is rooted in healing, truth-telling, and empowering others to rise from their deepest pain.