Are you facing Thanksgiving after the loss of a loved one? We are here to guide you through the heartache and help you create moments of comfort and connection. In this episode, we have five unique and meaningful ways to start your Thanksgiving meal, especially designed for widows, widowers, and anyone coping with grief during the holidays! From the powerful idea that “hope grows where gratitude is planted,” we discuss how gratitude can coexist with grief and be a key healing tool. Acti...

What to do when you're in the messy middle of grief? Sandi Waters' story highlights the complex challenges—and unexpected sources of strength—faced by widows. In this episode, she candidly describes the overwhelming experience of watching her partner’s abilities slip away, caring for him, and the support she received from Rodney’s family and their adult daughter, who moved in to help. Sandi and I talk about: Faith as Anchor: how faith became her main source of strength, especially in the...

After losing a spouse, many widows and widowers are haunted by guilt — guilt for what they did or didn’t do, guilt for surviving, or even guilt for feeling moments of happiness again. But what if that guilt isn’t proof of love, but a sign that your heart is still searching for peace? This eye-opening episode explores why widows hold onto guilt after loss and how it can become a false sense of control, loyalty, and purpose. Jen shares deep emotional insight into how guilt gives our pain...

"I wanted the TV version of cancer". This week, guest Christine Fader talks openly about the realities of illness and loss, what real support looks like, and reveal the complexities of navigating life after the death of a spouse. From the challenges of anticipatory grief and survivor’s guilt to harnessing rage for positive impact, Christine offers insight, hope, and actionable advice for anyone on this hard journey. 7 Key Takeaways from today are: The Reality of Long Illness & Loss: Chris...

Today we dive deep into the often-unspoken "downside" of being too strong after the loss of a spouse. This episode explores what happens when widows feel pressured to always put on a brave face for their families—and the hidden costs of doing so. We talk about the importance of letting go of the constant need for strength and to make space for true healing. 3 Main Takeaways from today are: It's Okay to Show Vulnerability: Many widowed moms are always trying to be strong for the children, but ...

Widow 180: The Podcast welcomes Amber Vogt, a recent widow navigating life after the sudden loss of her husband, Jay, in April 2024. Amber opens up about the shock and trauma of that day, parenting through grief, and the unexpected challenges of solo adulthood. Her story is raw, vulnerable, and ultimately inspiring. Here are five standout takeaways from our conversation: Trusting Your Instincts: Amber shares how paying attention to a “weird feeling” caused her to go home from work and c...

Have you ever wondered how grief can completely change the direction of your life—and even help you discover your strength? I had the honor of sitting down with guest Rachel Blatt to explore her journey through sudden loss, the unexpected ways she coped, and how she’s found meaning and new purpose. Highlights from our chat include: Rachel’s Widow Story: The shocking diagnosis and rapid loss of her husband, Dave, to a rare form of sarcoma, and how she balanced caregiving, parenting, and her ow...

"I had no idea!" Here they are...5 things no one tells you about grief after losing your spouse—today I am sharing insights from my own journey through sudden loss and widowhood. If you’re struggling with fatigue, overwhelming fear, loss of motivation, unexpected waves of pain, or feeling like a stranger to yourself, you are not alone! We are diving deep into the emotional and practical realities of grief that often catch widows off guard, offering understanding and hope for those navigating ...

Navigating life after loss can feel overwhelming, but every widow needs to know there is hope and healing on the other side of heartbreak. Drawing from my own experience and the wisdom and personal journeys of the hundreds of widows I’ve interviewed on Widow 180: The Podcast, I’ve gathered 10 tips every widow needs to know, each designed to encourage self-compassion, practical action, and the rediscovery of joy in this next chapter. Whether you’re just beginning the journey or see...

What if less than a year after getting married, you're told you have only 3 months to live? This was the reality of this week's guest on the podcast, Stephanie Duran, who lost her husband to terminal cancer. Stephanie opens up about the realities of caregiving and also bravely discusses their experience with California’s Death with Dignity law, and the complexity of honoring Jeff’s wish for a compassionate, courageous end to his suffering. Stephanie and I chat about: ~Anticipatory...

Blizzards and french fries for dinner? There's nothing wrong with that! In this heartfelt episode, we welcome back Christie Salava for an honest conversation about solo parenting after loss. Christie, who lost her husband Andy to cancer in 2020, opens up about the ups and downs of raising young children while processing her own grief. Christy shares personal stories, confessions, and wisdom—reminding listeners that there’s no handbook for widowed parenting, but there is always hope! Lis...

We're always searching for things to help us cope with loss. Is it books? Is it YouTube videos? Is it live events? Maybe, just maybe, it's these 2 little words that help get you through... Everything counts. Let that sink in for a bit. And start becoming aware of every decision, every interaction, every contribution you make. Every small step counts. Small steps are still progress. Start applying this to your life today and see what a difference it can make! For more resources, check ou...

I hope you're ready to listen in on an honest conversation about grief, growth, and finding new footing after profound loss! I had the privilege of interviewing Linda Davis this week. This chat was rich in wisdom — not just about surviving widowhood, but about rebuilding yourself in the years that follow. Linda dropped more than a few gems that anyone moving through monumental change might want to tuck away for later. Here are the five that most spoke to me: Baby Steps Are L...

Having now circled marriage, dating, and second chances at love on Widow 180: The Podcast, I thought I’d finally share a handful of my favorite pieces of advice—many pulled directly from my chat with my now husband Doug for Episode 236! Widows have so much stress and concern over dating again, so I wanted to share a guy's point of view about it all. Did he have any concerns? Was there any hesitation about dating a widow? We also talk about his experience and advice about online dating! ...

Debbie Weiss originally joined us for this interview on episode 140 of the podcast. In today's episode we hear her story of losing her husband George to cancer after a 4 year battle. Debbie recounts the loneliness and isolation she struggled with and talks about what she did to overcome those struggles, including turning to writing as a way to heal through grief. With writing as a passion and outlet, Debbie decided to return to school to pursue her Master's Degree! She then published her book...

Sleep deprivation is a major problem for those of us who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Sleep disorder insomnia after loss is more common than you may think, so if this is affecting you, you're not alone! In this episode we are talking about some strategies for coping with sleep disorders and getting better sleep while grieving. Some of these include: ~Sleep sounds or sleep music ~Using a sleep mask Listen here for more suggestions! Want to share your own "widow success story" on...

What does it mean to truly start over after unimaginable loss? From learning how to ask for help in her "season of yes," to the strength it took to finally take off her wedding ring, Christie Salava's story is raw, honest, and inspiring—and a powerful reminder that you’re never alone, even in your darkest moments! Here are 5 key takeaways: The Power of Saying "Yes" to Support Christie shared valuable advice she received early in her journey: embrace a "season of yes." She learned ...

Brandi Abbott joins the podcast today. Brandi recounts the tragic Apache helicopter accident that claimed her husband Derek's life on what was supposed to be his retirement flight, and the wave of grief, faith, and unexpected blessings that followed. Takeaways from the episode include: The Day Everything Changed: Brandi recalls the series of events leading up to Derek’s last flight, and the profound significance of a simple wrench left behind—a symbol that keeps mysteriously appearing, ...

Today, I had the honor of sitting down with Kara Jordan Wright, a courageous widow who transformed unimaginable tragedy into real and lasting change. After losing her husband Jesse in a workplace accident, Kara not only navigated grief with her daughter, Avery, but she also fought to change state laws—making life better for widows and children in Tennessee. From surviving those darkest days to launching a new glampground business and inspiring a movement, Kara’s story is the...

One of the topics that we cover in the new Finding Purpose and Meaning After Loss Workbook is life's synchronicities. These are those seemingly random events that happen to us all the time. It's those little nudges from the universe pushing us in one direction and guiding us. This happens to all of us. The key is just to pay close attention so you can recognize it when it happens! In this episode I share a couple of examples of synchronicities. There is magic here. There is mystery here. It's...