As a couples and relationship therapist, this question is foremost in my mind much of the time. It’s a question I’ve found great value in answering for myself, and it’s a pivotal question for each of us to answer in order to understand what is most important to us. Answering it also reveals what frightens us, what worries us, what makes us tick in moments of vulnerability. In this episode of Empathi with Figs, Figs debuts his new series “Who are you in Love,” in which he explores his guest’s story of love — including feelings, thoughts, magical moments, and tough moments of disconnect. Today he speaks with storyteller and magic-maker, Marisa Goudy, to find out who is Marisa in Love. Marisa is a story healer, writing coach, and word witch.
In his debut episode of the Who Are You In Love series, Figs interviews Marisa Goudy. Marisa is a writer, magic maker, and storytelling coach living in the Hudson Valley of New York with her husband and kids. She released her book, The Sovereignty Knot: A Woman’s Way to Freedom, Power, Love, and Magic, in 2020. The Sovereignty Knot was released in 2020. Marisa is the host of the KnotWork Storytelling podcast, which focuses on storytelling and Celtic mythology, and she combines her passion for story with her love of Irish literature, culture, and folklore on the podcast. She has a particular love of stories of heroines, goddesses, and women whose tales were forgotten by history. Marisa nurtures writers and storytellers in her long-running online writing community, the Sovereign Writers’ Knot, and she founded the Writers’ Knot and the Authors’ Knot, online communities for authors. She shares insights on ancestral wisdom and the Celtic year through her Substack newsletter, Myth Is Medicine. Marisa collaborates with the Celtic Junction Arts Center to teach courses on Irish divine femininity and folklore. She is the co-author of Divine Embodiment, which focuses on holistic healing arts. Marisa holds a BA in English and Irish Studies from Boston College and an MA in Anglo-Irish Literature and Drama from University College Dublin. The KnotWork Method encourages finding the internal shape of a book before full-length writing begins. She emphasizes the importance of community in writing, as it helps maintain creative momentum. Marisa suggests using personal stories and mythological archetypes to stand out in a crowded marketplace. She aids entrepreneurs in developing marketing strategies that emphasize connection without compromising their values. Marisa believes exploring ancient stories, especially from Irish/Celtic mythology, aids in understanding modern struggles. She encourages using writing prompts that connect to the body and the more-than-human world to overcome creative blocks. Marisa promotes authentic writing that reflects the individual’s voice rather than sounding like a generic marketer. She focuses on remythologizing ancient tales for contemporary audiences, particularly through feminine wisdom. Marisa emphasizes making a long-term commitment to a writing project, such as her 6-month coaching packages. She advises connecting with ancestral roots and using word witchcraft to enhance written work’s depth. Marisa believes writing serves as a tool to heal and explore personal history.
On her experience as a guest on the show, Marisa shared the following:
I woke in the middle of the night with this warm fuzzy feeling and Figs´ voice in my head. Then I realized it was because I was in the bliss of having husband on one side and Mairead on the other. Thanks for giving voice to my happy place!´
Want to learn more about who YOU are in love? Take the free quiz on Empathi.com.
Who Are You in Love is a recurring interview series in the Empathi with Figs podcast that features real people sharing their own stories of love, conflict, and repair. With humor, compassion and authenticity, Figs and his guests dive deeply together into the struggles and joys of navigating relationship all while highlighting our universal need for love and connection. If you´d like to be interviewed, or have someone you think would be great for the show, please email Figs.
Marisa Goudy is a true modern-day word witch, weaving together the ancient threads of knotwork myth and the art of storytelling to help others find their voice and their place in the world. As a writing coach, Marisa guides her clients through the twists and turns of their own stories, drawing on the wisdom of the Sovereignty Knot—a concept she explores deeply in her acclaimed book and podcast. Her fascination with Celtic mythology and Irish folklore infuses her work with a sense of magic and timelessness, inviting others to reconnect with the stories that have shaped humanity for generations.
As an author, coach, and host, Marisa believes that storytelling is more than just words on a page—it’s a living, breathing practice that can transform lives and create lasting connections. Whether she’s leading a workshop, sharing insights on her podcast, or posting on Facebook, Marisa’s approach is always rooted in authenticity, compassion, and a touch of enchantment. She encourages her community to log in to their accounts or sign up for free to access a treasure trove of resources, from her latest book releases to exclusive podcast episodes. For those just beginning their journey, creating a new account opens the door to a world of inspiration and support, while the option to cancel remains available for those who wish to step back.
Marisa’s work is a testament to the enduring power of magic, love, and storytelling. In every moment—whether it’s a quiet morning spent writing or a lively conversation with fellow seekers—she invites others to continue exploring the mysteries of the heart and the world. By sharing her knowledge and passion, Marisa helps others create new stories for themselves, stories filled with hope, transformation, and a deep sense of belonging. To stay connected and discover more about her journey, readers can visit her Facebook page or website, where the adventure of love and self-discovery is always unfolding.
Inspirations and Influences
Marisa Goudy’s creative world is deeply rooted in the ancient soil of Celtic history and knotwork myth. As a self-described word witch and sought-after writing coach, Marisa draws inspiration from the timeless stories and symbols of Irish folklore, weaving the sovereignty knot through much of her work. Her fascination with the Irish Divine Feminine—especially the goddess Brigid—infuses her storytelling with a sense of magic and reverence for the cycles of life.
As the author of The Sovereignty Knot: A Woman’s Way to Freedom, Power, Love, and Magic, Marisa explores how myth and story can help us reclaim our own sovereignty and create meaning in a fast-changing world. The seasonal rhythms of the Celtic year guide her creative process, offering moments of reflection and renewal that she shares with her community. Whether she’s hosting a new episode of the KnotWork Storytelling podcast or releasing a fresh chapter in her ongoing log of mythic tales, Marisa invites listeners and readers to sign in, create an account, or follow along on Facebook to access exclusive content and continue their journey into the heart of storytelling.
Marisa’s role as a coach extends beyond the page—she offers free resources and guidance to help others create their own stories, encouraging everyone to tap into the magic of the sovereignty knot. Even in challenging times, Marisa believes in the power of storytelling to bring people together, offering hope, love, and a sense of belonging. Each book she releases, every podcast she hosts, and every story she shares is an invitation to explore the world through the lens of myth and magic.
For those ready to embark on their own storytelling adventure, Marisa’s platform is a welcoming space to log in, sign up, and discover the transformative power of words. With every moment she dedicates to her craft, Marisa continues to inspire her audience to create, connect, and find their own place in the ongoing story of love.
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Every couple has a pattern they cannot see. Find yours.
In love, each of you is a Relentless or a Reluctant, which makes you one of three kinds of couple: Relentless and Reluctant, two Relentless, or two Reluctant. The free quiz reveals your creatures and the cycle they fall into together. About three minutes.
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The Relentless
The Reluctant
