Return to Joy w/ Marianne Leone

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How A Group of Bichon’s Helped Marianne Leone Through Grief

About The Episode

Marianne Leone and Chris Cooper’s son, Jesse, was born prematurely. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, making his life more difficult. But when they got Jesse a dog named Goody, he found a special companionship.

After Jesse unfortunately passed away at 17-years-old, Goody took on a new role. Instead of being by Jesse’s side all the time, he was always there to make Marianne and Chris laugh, or force them to get outside on walks. 

Not long after losing Jessie, however, doctors had discovered that Marianne had a tumor. And on the night of her surgery to have it removed, Goody passed away. The continual emotional blows were difficult to weather.

It didn’t take long for Marianne and Chris to bring in not one but two new dogs with Lucky and Frenchie. They were both bichon’s, but were rescue dogs, which were more of a challenge. However, they all soon formed a relationship as well before the dogs passed in 2020. Now, Titi and Sugar are the latest bichon rescue dogs in the household – though this time they are both girl dogs. 

In her latest book, Five-Dog Epiphany, Marianne writes about the life stories she’s had with these dogs and how they’ve impacted her mental health through their unconditional love when she’s needed it most.

About The Guest - Marianne Leone

Marianne Leone is an actress, screenwriter, essayist, and book author. She has appeared in The Sopranos, Goodfellas and more. Her first memoir was Jesse: A Mother’s Story, about her son who developed cerebral palsy and suddenly passed away when he was only seventeen years old. Her follow-up memoir, Ma Speaks Up, looked at the journey of her outspoken Italian immigrant mother. Her latest book, Five-Dog Epiphany, remembers the dogs she’s had since Jesse passed in 2005 and how they’ve helped her find a way to keep going amidst emotional hardships.

About The Host - Dr. Sharon Holland

Dr. Sharon Holland is a Distinguished Professor of American Studies at the University of North Carolina (UNC). She teaches a popular class on animal studies, where Sharon challenges students to re-think the way we co-exist with other beings in the world through philosophical discussions. Her most recent book, an other: a black feminist consideration of animal life, explores this concept from a personal perspective as well. She is a lifelong equestrian, who has found strong connections with both horses and dogs. Sharon currently lives in North Carolina with her two rescues: Winnie, a senior lab mix, and Saol Sa'ed, a German Shepherd / Husky / Cattle puppy.

Featured Links

  1. Marianne Leone on Facebook - facebook.com/p/Marianne-Leone-100063492820223/

InterviewJack Sommer