In this powerful episode of Bold Book, host Dr. Denise Nicholson sits down with award-winning essayist and novelist Lisa Friedman, author of the gripping and emotionally charged book Hello Wife. Together, they dive deep into the hidden realities of the opioid crisis, family trauma, and the courage it takes to tell difficult stories.

Lisa shares how her inspiration for Hello Wife began with her volunteer work at the Smithsonian and her personal journey watching her sister unknowingly marry an addict whose dependence stemmed from a long-ignored medical injury. She reveals how the opioid epidemic hides in plain sight—affecting families from every background—and why she chose to tell this story as fiction to make the topic accessible, relatable, and less frightening for readers.

Dr. Denise and Lisa explore the complex themes woven throughout the novel, including:

Lisa discusses the alarming standard of care in postoperative pain management, where patients—herself included—are often sent home with excessive amounts of opioid medication. She explains how easy it is for addiction to form and why so many families suffer in silence.

Lisa introduces Charlotte, the multi-layered protagonist of Hello Wife. Through flashbacks and emotional depth, Charlotte’s story highlights the humanity behind addiction, emphasizing that people are far more than their struggles.

The conversation delves into the intricate relationships between mothers, daughters, and siblings. Lisa explains the challenge of portraying these bonds with honesty—balancing love, criticism, and humor to soften the heaviness of the topic.

Lisa and Dr. Denise discuss the brutal emotional toll of addiction—not just on the individuals, but on the entire family. They talk about overcoming shame, supporting loved ones, and the critical need for compassion and understanding.

Lisa encourages listeners to share Hello Wife, continue the conversation about addiction, and help break the stigma that keeps families suffering behind closed doors. She also invites aspiring writers to connect with her through her website.

Dr. Denise closes the episode by reminding listeners that telling your story is an act of bravery—and no one can share your truth better than you.

✨ The Opioid Epidemic & Medical Missteps✨ Character Development & Humanizing Addiction✨ Family Dynamics & Emotional Truths✨ Compassion, Shame & Breaking the Silence✨ A Call to Action