How do you move from the depths of grief to a life of joy, purpose, and transformation?

On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Alisa Cooper, founder of Cocoon to Butterfly—a movement, program, and experience designed to guide people through the painful seasons of loss and help them emerge with renewed hope and joy. Alisa shares her deeply personal journey, the lessons she's learned along the way, and the practices that allow her to support others on their own paths of transformation.

This conversation is as much about resilience as it is about healing. Whether you're navigating grief yourself, supporting someone you love, or simply seeking more joy and alignment in your life, Alisa's story and methods will leave you inspired to embrace transformation.

⏱ Episode Highlights with Timestamps

[02:27 ] – Alisa's personal journey: how grief became the catalyst for her mission

[05:43 ] – The importance of creating safe, supportive spaces for healing

[08:19 ] – How transformation often feels like a cocoon stage before joy can emerge

[11:06 ] – Practices and rituals Alisa uses to help people move through grief

[14:52 ] – Why joy and grief can coexist—and how to honor both

[18:17 ] – Kyle and Alisa discuss the power of vulnerability in building community

[21:44 ] – Stories of participants who found new strength and clarity through her program

[25:09 ] – The role of movement, creativity, and ritual in the healing process

[28:35 ] – Closing thoughts: embracing the transformation from cocoon to butterfly in your own life