Brave Widow Show

Book a free consult here: https://calendly.com/bravewidow/widow-consult-call

 • • A gentle reminder: you’re allowed to hold big emotions at the same time; grief and moments of joy can coexist. 

Welcome to Episode 171 of The Brave Widow Show — and we’re nearly at Brave Widow’s 3rd birthday! Today we continue the Four Seasons of Grief (RISE) mini-series and go deep on Season 2: Isolation, that weird “I’m functioning… but I feel invisible” stage. 

You’ll learn my Self-Trust System (the exact 4 components I coach on to help you move from anxious second-guessing to grounded confidence):

You’ll Hear About 

Free Resources & Links 

Chapters
00:00 Intro + Brave Widow turns 3
02:00 RISE overview + Season 1 recap (Rawness / Chaos-to-Calm)
03:30 What Season 2 (Isolation) feels like
06:10 “Untethered” story & why decisions feel high-stakes
11:00 The Self-Trust System overview (Decisions, Confidence, Safety, Boundaries)
18:00 Building your Board of Advisors (money, legal, health, home)
24:00 How action builds self-confidence (+ Be-Do-Have)
27:00 Travel, grills, longhorns: practicing confidence in real life
31:00 Safety nets for firsts (travel groups, buddy systems)
48:00 Boundaries that protect your energy
50:30 Your custom plan + next steps (quiz + consult)

Work With Me
If you’re tired of feeling lost, lonely, and second-guessing everything, my coaching helps you find clarity, create real connection, and rebuild confidence—for good. Book a free consult at bravewidow.com.

#BraveWidow #GriefSupport #WidowLife #Loneliness #SelfTrust #ConfidenceAfterLoss #FourSeasonsOfGrief

📌 Subscribe & Stay Connected

👍 Like this video if it helped you

🎧 Subscribe for more stories and strategies for life after loss.

💬 Leave a comment if this story resonates with you or if you want to share your own experience.
📩 Share it with someone who needs encouragement

Ready for more support? 

Book a free consult here: https://calendly.com/bravewidow/widow-consult-call

Download the Brave New Widow Starter Kit: A free guide to help you navigate the first steps of widowhood. → https://bravewidow.com/start

Grief Recovery Method Group: Tuesdays 12–2 pm CT, Sept 30–Nov 18, $400 (credited toward Brave Widow Academy or 1:1).

Brave Widow Academy: Next cohort starts in November.

I’m Emily Tanner.  I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary.  Nathan and I have four beautiful children together, and my world was turned completely upside down when I lost him.  

Now, I love my life again!  I’m able to experience joy, achieve goals and dreams I thought I’d lost, and rediscover this next version of me.

I did the work.

I invested in coaching for myself.

I learned what I needed to do to move forward and took the steps.

I implemented the tools and strategies that I use for my clients in my coaching program.

This is for you, if:

Find and take the next steps to move forward (without “moving on”).

FOLLOW me on SOCIAL:

Twitter | @brave_widow

Instagram | @brave_widow

Facebook |   / bravewidow  

YouTube | @bravewidow

If you’re widowed and feel like you’re drowning, this episode gives you a clear starting line. I walk through my RISE framework: the 4 Seasons of Grief (Rawness, Isolation, Self-Discovery, Empowerment) and the Chaos-to-Calm Blueprint (the 5 foundations I use with clients). 

You’ll leave knowing your very next step and where to get help, free or paid.

What you’ll learn 

Resources mentioned 

 • • Book a free consult: https://bravewidow.com (Consult)

📌 Subscribe & Stay Connected

👍 Like this video if it helped you

🎧 Subscribe for more stories and strategies for life after loss.

💬 Leave a comment if this story resonates with you or if you want to share your own experience.
📩 Share it with someone who needs encouragement

Ready for more support? 

Book a free consult here: https://calendly.com/bravewidow/widow-consult-call

Download the Brave New Widow Starter Kit: A free guide to help you navigate the first steps of widowhood. → https://bravewidow.com/start

Grief Recovery Method Group: Tuesdays 12–2 pm CT, Sept 30–Nov 18, $400 (credited toward Brave Widow Academy or 1:1).

Brave Widow Academy: Next cohort starts in November.

I’m Emily Tanner.  I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary.  Nathan and I have four beautiful children together, and my world was turned completely upside down when I lost him.  

Now, I love my life again!  I’m able to experience joy, achieve goals and dreams I thought I’d lost, and rediscover this next version of me.

I did the work.

I invested in coaching for myself.

I learned what I needed to do to move forward and took the steps.

I implemented the tools and strategies that I use for my clients in my coaching program.

This is for you, if:

Find and take the next steps to move forward (without “moving on”).

FOLLOW me on SOCIAL:

Twitter | @brave_widow

Instagram | @brave_widow

Facebook |   / bravewidow  

YouTube | @bravewidow

Most widows aren’t “stuck”—they’re undecided on their next step. In this episode, I walk you through the exact 10-minute self-audit I use on consults so you can see where you are (and what to do next) today.

What You’ll Learn

Find the free download at www.bravewidow.com/consult 

Chapters: 

00:00 — Welcome + why this episode is different (watch with a pen!)

01:00 — What actually happens on a Brave Widow consult (no pressure, real clarity)

04:00 — How the 5-Bucket Self-Audit works (score 1–10, gut check > perfection)

06:00 — Bucket 1: Routine (from “always behind” → predictable rhythms)

11:00 — Bucket 2: Relationships (friendships, family, community, dating readiness)

12:00 — Bucket 3: Confidence (decisions without second-guessing; fear under the surface)

18:00 — Bucket 4: Purpose (“little-p” purpose you can do daily; meaning after loss)

21:00 — Bucket 5: Direction (near-term plan, next right step, momentum map)

25:00 — Turn scores into action: close your gap (what would make it an 8–10?)

26:00 — How to use the free Consult Sheet to track progress over time

28:00 — Inside Brave Widow Academy: live-taught curriculum + step-by-step supports

30:00 — Is Grief Recovery Method or Academy the better starting point for you?

31:00 — Wrap + invitations (download, consult, programs)

✨ Work with Emily: Ready to stop just surviving and start rebuilding? Book a free consult at bravewidow.com.

📌 Subscribe & Stay Connected

👍 Like this video if it helped you

🎧 Subscribe for more stories and strategies for life after loss.

💬 Leave a comment if this story resonates with you or if you want to share your own experience.
📩 Share it with someone who needs encouragement

“What was your lowest score and why? Comment it below, and I’ll reply with one tiny step you can take this week.”

Ready for more support? 

Book a free consult here: https://calendly.com/bravewidow/widow-consult-call

Download the Brave New Widow Starter Kit: A free guide to help you navigate the first steps of widowhood. → https://bravewidow.com/start

Grief Recovery Method Group: Tuesdays 12–2 pm CT, Sept 30–Nov 18, $400 (credited toward Brave Widow Academy or 1:1).

Brave Widow Academy: Next cohort starts in November.

I’m Emily Tanner.  I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary.  Nathan and I have four beautiful children together, and my world was turned completely upside down when I lost him.  

Now, I love my life again!  I’m able to experience joy, achieve goals and dreams I thought I’d lost, and rediscover this next version of me.

I did the work.

I invested in coaching for myself.

I learned what I needed to do to move forward and took the steps.

I implemented the tools and strategies that I use for my clients in my coaching program.

This is for you, if:

Find and take the next steps to move forward (without “moving on”).

FOLLOW me on SOCIAL:

Twitter | @brave_widow

Instagram | @brave_widow

Facebook |   / bravewidow  

YouTube | @bravewidow

In this gentle gathering, we name the pain of recent headlines, settle our nervous systems, read Scripture honestly about evil days, and look for how God is at work, even now. 

Expect box-breathing, short prayers, Habakkuk 1:2–5, Psalm 94, Psalm 46, four simple “anchors,” and journaling prompts you can use this week. 

What you’ll learn

How to set a calm boundary with media overload

A trauma-aware way to lament (without fixing or debating)

Four anchors: Name the pain • Normalize reactions • Turn to Scripture • Nurture one next step

Why Scripture says God works in dark days, not just after them (Gen 50:20; Hab 1:5; Acts 8; Phil 1)

Chapters

00:00 Welcome & why this matters

02:10 When headlines overwhelm your nervous system

04:30 Opening prayer + box breathing (4×4)

10:50 Reading: Habakkuk 1:2–5 (“How long, LORD… I am doing a work…”)

16:10 “Even now” narration: God at work amid evil days (Gen 50:20; Isa 60; Acts 8; Phil 1; Eph 5)

18:40 Signs of awakening + honest questions we’re asking

21:00 The 4 Anchors for hard weeks (name • normalize • Scripture • one next step)

30:20 Guided journaling (4 prompts you can reuse)

36:00 Reading: Psalm 94 (selected lines)

39:10 Reading: Psalm 46 (refuge and strength)

40:40 Reading: Psalm 34:15–19 (near to the broken-hearted)

45:00 How to bring complaints to God without shame

47:30 Blessing, resources, gentle close

Scriptures referenced

Habakkuk 1:2–5 • Genesis 50:20 • Isaiah 60:1–3 • Acts 8:1–4 • Philippians 1:12–14 • Ephesians 5:14–16 • Psalm 94 (selected) • Psalm 46 • Psalm 34:15–19

Resources:

Book a free consult here: https://calendly.com/bravewidow/widow-consult-call

Download the Brave New Widow Starter Kit: A free guide to help you navigate the first steps of widowhood. → https://bravewidow.com/start

Free Training: Four Seasons of Grief — Mon, Sept 22: https://bravewidow.com/live

Grief Recovery Method Group: Tuesdays 12–2 pm CT, Sept 30–Nov 18, $400 (credited toward Brave Widow Academy or 1:1).

Brave Widow Academy: Next cohort starts in November.

The 4 Seasons of Grief: Why “Just Give It Time” Keeps You Stuck

Join the Brave Widow Academy here: https://www.bravewidow.com/academy

Schedule your consult call here: https://calendly.com/bravewidow/widow-consult-call

Join Grief Recovery Method here: www.bravewidow.com/grief

Take the quiz to learn what season of grief you’re in here: https://www.bravewidow.com/seasons

Grief isn’t something you “get over.” It’s something you move through.

In this webinar replay, Emily Tanner (founder of Brave Widow) shares her story of loss, healing, and rebuilding — plus the framework she created after coaching hundreds of widows: The 4 Seasons of Grief (RISE Method).

🌱 Season 1 – Rawness: survival mode, brain fog, emotional overload

🍂 Season 2 – Isolation: loneliness, loss of confidence, craving connection

❄️ Season 3 – Self-Discovery: shaky first steps toward identity and purpose

🌸 Season 4 – Empowerment: clarity, confidence, and creating a life you love again

You’ll also hear inspiring stories from real widows who moved from devastation to confidence, purpose, and even joy again.

And if what you hear resonates, now is the perfect time to take the next step.

My next round of Brave Widow Academy begins in November. 

But if you pre-enroll now, you’ll unlock my fast action bonuses:

✨ 3 private 1:1 coaching calls with me

✨ Early access to the full Academy curriculum + content

✨ Pre-launch group coaching calls before November

This is the support I wish I’d had when I was lost in grief: a clear roadmap, a safe community, and practical tools to heal and rebuild.

Don’t wait for “time” to make things better. Healing happens when you take the first step.

Join the Brave Widow Academy here: https://www.bravewidow.com/academy

Schedule your consult call here: https://calendly.com/bravewidow/widow-consult-call

: BW 167: When Grief Days Get Hard: The 3-R Bad Day Protocol (Regulate • Relate • Reengage)

What to do when a hard day (or season) won’t let up — Emily’s 3-R Bad Day Protocol: Regulate, Relate, Reengage.

If you’re tired of feeling like you “went backwards,” this episode gives you a gentle, doable plan for the worst days — plus how to move through a longer season of suffering without burning out.

Key Takeaways 

Chapters: 

0:00 — Announcements: Free Four Seasons of Grief live training (Wed, Sept 10) + Grief Recovery Method group (Tuesdays, 12–2 pm CT, Sept 30–Nov 18; $400 creditable toward Academy or 1:1).

2:30 — Farm-life update: the donkeys! The “messy middle” analogy.

5:00 — Why healing looks worse before it looks better (closet/brush-clearing analogy).

6:30 — When milestones, dates, and “the body remembers” make life heavy.

10:00 — We’re not chasing “happy”; we’re building capacity for multiple emotions + grounded peace.

12:00 — Why many widows get stuck between Isolation (Season 2) and Self-Discovery (Season 3).

14:00 — The 3-R Bad Day Protocol: 

20:00 — If it’s not a “bad day” but a season of suffering: switch to a fuller framework.

24:00 — The Chaos to Calm Blueprint: help, emotional healing, routine, movement, spiritual connection.

27:00 — A soft place to land + your next brave step.

✨ Work with Emily: Ready to stop just surviving and start rebuilding? Book a free consult at bravewidow.com.

📌 Subscribe & Stay Connected

👍 Like this video if it helped you

🎧 Subscribe for more stories and strategies for life after loss.

💬 Leave a comment if this story resonates with you or if you want to share your own experience.
📩 Share it with someone who needs encouragement

Ready for more support? 

Book a free consult here: https://calendly.com/bravewidow/widow-consult-call

Download the Brave New Widow Starter Kit: A free guide to help you navigate the first steps of widowhood. → https://bravewidow.com/start

Free Training: Four Seasons of Grief — Wed, Sept 10 (replay available).

Grief Recovery Method Group: Tuesdays 12–2 pm CT, Sept 30–Nov 18, $400 (credited toward Brave Widow Academy or 1:1).

Brave Widow Academy: Next cohort starts in November.

I’m Emily Tanner.  I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary.  Nathan and I have four beautiful children together, and my world was turned completely upside down when I lost him.  

Now, I love my life again!  I’m able to experience joy, achieve goals and dreams I thought I’d lost, and rediscover this next version of me.

I did the work.

I invested in coaching for myself.

I learned what I needed to do to move forward and took the steps.

I implemented the tools and strategies that I use for my clients in my coaching program.

This is for you, if:

Find and take the next steps to move forward (without “moving on”).

FOLLOW me on SOCIAL:

Twitter | @brave_widow

Instagram | @brave_widow

Facebook |   / bravewidow  

YouTube | @bravewidow

What if the future version of you isn’t years away; she’s one brave decision away? In this episode, Emily breaks down the Be-Do-Have principle, how to stop shaming yourself into action, and a simple visualization exercise that pulls you forward (instead of pushing from willpower). You’ll also hear a personal life update (hello, donkeys 🫏) and three mindset blockers that keep widows in a holding pattern—and how to flip each one. Resources & links Free training (Sept 10 @ 12 pm CT): Four Seasons of Grief register here: bravewidow.com Take the Four Seasons Quiz: bravewidow.com Join the free Brave Widow Community on Skool (weekly coaching + starter courses): https://www.skool.com/brave-widow-community-5482/about?ref=ea7d7d79e5c847b2a3b9146bc0cb6fe0 Book a free consult: bravewidow.com Listen for: A gentle way to meet “Future You” (even if you can’t picture her yet) Why confidence comes after the action, not before A 2-minute room visualization that jump-starts momentum Three common blocks (“I should do this alone,” “Now’s not the time,” “What if I fail?”) and better beliefs to borrow How investing time/energy/money changes your identity and your results Chapters 00:00 Welcome + why “if you knew what was possible, nothing would hold you back” 01:45 Free training (Wed, Sept 10 @ 12 pm CT): The Four Seasons of Grief + what to focus on in each season. Quiz now at bravewidow.com. 03:20 Free Brave Widow Community on Skool (weekly coaching + starter courses) 05:35 Life update: land, shop, and the surprise donkey adoption 10:00 Seeing clients’ potential before they can (how to paint a believable vision) 16:40 Stop self-shaming; create an inspiring vision that pulls you 18:55 The 2-minute room visualization (try this today) 25:20 Reverse-engineering “Future You” 26:00 The Be-Do-Have principle (and why “Have-Do-Be” keeps you stuck) 27:30 The solo-cruise example: book it now, build confidence by spring 32:30 Client wins traveling solo for the first time 35:00 Action compresses timelines (land → shop → office → donkeys!) 41:00 3 blocks + reframes (support, timing, failure) 43:30 Why people use what they invest in (gym vs. trainer analogy) 49:00 Treating the podcast like a profession from day one 52:00 Don’t know the future? Choose one feeling to create more of 54:30 Recap + next steps Quotable “Confidence doesn’t arrive first. You become the person, do what she’d do, and then confidence shows up.”

I Lost My Husband. Here’s How I Learned to Live Again (Bonus x Grief Observed)

Bonus Episode — My Story on the Grief Observed Podcast (with Brad Morrell)
In this bonus crossover, I share the raw story of losing my husband in 2021, parenting four teens through that storm, the day everything cracked open on a garden bench, and the simple, brave decision that started my life again. We talk identity after loss, faith when answers don’t come, why “moving forward” beats “moving on,” and how Brave Widow began.  

You’ll hear:

The ICU goodbye and the identity freefall after loss

The bench moment: choosing to live when grief felt endless

Practical grief help vs. platitudes (what actually helps)

Faith, guilt, and finding peace without tidy answers

Rebuilding: community, confidence, and remarriage after widowhood

Why I named it Brave Widow (not Fearless Widow)

Resources & next steps:

Work with me / free consult: bravewidow.com

Brad’s show: Grief Observed Podcast (griefobserved.com)

Connect with Brad: 

Emily’s episode on the Grief Observed Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-observed-podcast/id1714188718?i=1000722104513

✨ Work with Emily: Ready to stop just surviving and start rebuilding? Book a free consult at bravewidow.com.

Bonus Episode — My Story on the Grief Observed Podcast (with Brad Morrell)
In this bonus crossover, I share the raw story of losing my husband in 2021, parenting four teens through that storm, the day everything cracked open on a garden bench, and the simple, brave decision that started my life again. We talk identity after loss, faith when answers don’t come, why “moving forward” beats “moving on,” and how Brave Widow began.  

You’ll hear:

The ICU goodbye and the identity freefall after loss

The bench moment: choosing to live when grief felt endless

Practical grief help vs. platitudes (what actually helps)

Faith, guilt, and finding peace without tidy answers

Rebuilding: community, confidence, and remarriage after widowhood

Why I named it Brave Widow (not Fearless Widow)

Resources & next steps:

Work with me / free consult: bravewidow.com

Brad’s show: Grief Observed Podcast (griefobserved.com)

Connect with Brad: 

Emily’s episode on the Grief Observed Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-observed-podcast/id1714188718?i=1000722104513

✨ Work with Emily: Ready to stop just surviving and start rebuilding? Book a free consult at bravewidow.com.