If you grew up carrying things no one else could see, you may feel yourself in this story. Maria Gallucci was a bridge from the very beginning. As a child of deaf adults, she learned early how to interpret not just words, but emotion, context, and belonging. She understood how small acts of inclusion can change the way someone feels in a room. And later, she found herself interpreting the hardest words a person can hear when she had to tell her mom she was dying.

In this conversation, Maria reflects on growing up between worlds, the weight and beauty of being the one who explains life to others, and how grief continues to shape us long after the moment of loss. She also shares how parenting through grief deepened her sense of compassion and clarified her commitment to building a more inclusive world. This is a story about love, responsibility, and learning how to stay soft while carrying so much.

Take your time with this one. It is tender and real.

What you’ll hear in this episode

• 
  

  What it feels like to grow up as the bridge in your family

  
  


• 
  

  The moment Maria had to interpret her mother’s terminal diagnosis

  
  


• 
  

  How grief reshapes identity and relationships

  
  


• 
  

  Parenting while grieving

  
  


• 
  

  Why small acts of inclusion matter

  
  


• 
  

  A reminder that your story matters too

  
  

Guest Bio

Maria Gallucci is a multi-award-winning real estate agent and proud CODA (Child of Deaf Adults). Growing up as one of six hearing children raised by Deaf parents, she learned ASL before English and helped her parents buy a home at just 12 years old. This experience shaped her passion for inclusive communication and helping those who are often overlooked.

For over 30 years, Maria has supported homebuyers from all walks of life, with special focus on the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and LGBTQ+ communities. She’s the founder of Uptown Realty Group, Gallucci Homes, ASL @ Compass Affinity Group, and ASL Realty, a national platform connecting Deaf & Hard of Hearing clients with signing agents. She ranks in the top 1% of agents in Colorado and top 1.5% nationwide.

Maria also serves on boards for Rocky Mountain Deaf School, DOVE, and Colorado Association of the Deaf. Her motto, "just try," reflects her belief that meaningful connection starts with one small step. Her debut book, Raised in Silence, is both a love letter to the Deaf & Hard of Hearing community and a guide for bridging communication gaps.

Connect with Maria:

• Website: aslrealty.com


• Website: galluccihomes.com

If this conversation moved you, please share it and consider supporting the show:

• Listen and follow: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/follow


• Support on Patreon for ad-free and early-release episodes: www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast


• Subscribe to the newsletter and join the conversation: https://thelifeshiftpodcast.beehiiv.com/