The Widow Squad Podcast

Within seconds of her husband’s last breath, Kim Murray became everything she never wanted to be. Discover how she overcame immense challenges, rebuilt her life, and found strength and hope in the most unexpected places.

Key topics in this episode: 

• The emotional and practical challenges a widow faces
• Societal expectations and misconceptions about what it means to be a widow
• How loss can shift spiritual perspectives 

Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/widows-journey/

Explore the pivotal role of podcasts in providing support and connection for those dealing with the challenges of widowhood. We share our top recommendations for impactful grief podcasts that provide comfort, understanding, and practical advice for life after loss.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Actionable strategies and tools for personal development and healing
• Discussions about grief and mental health struggles
• The power of vulnerability and openness in conversations about loss and widowhood

Get the full transcript and more here:
https://widowsquad.com/grief-podcasts

Jessica Schaffer, founder of The Chrysalis Imagery, discusses exploring grief through drawing and the transformative power of finding comfort in creativity.  When her partner Patrice died, Jessica processed  her grief through emerging creative impulses in her search for a new sense of direction. The result is a business selling greeting cards and artwork that provide profound, relatable messages for those navigating significant life challenges. 

Key topics in this episode: 

• The societal pressure to present curated, glamorous lives versus the reality of grief and loss
• Redefining resilience with a broader definition that includes allowing oneself to fall apart and take time for healing
• Finding moments of safety by anchoring towards tangible physical sensations as a coping mechanism

Get the full transcript and more here:
https://widowsquad.com/exploring-grief-through-drawing/

Discover the moving story of Tracy Quinn, a Widow Squad community member, who faced the unimaginable grief of COVID loss when her husband died suddenly at the beginning of a global pandemic. Tracy reflects on the unpredictable nature of grief, the enduring love for a lost spouse, and the gradual journey towards healing.

Key topics in this episode:

• The sudden and devastating impact of COVID-19
• The complexities of healing and starting anew after a spouse’s death
• The personal growth and insights gained from coping with significant loss

Get the full transcript and more at: https://widowsquad.com/covid-loss

Jody LaVoie's life changed drastically when her husband was shot by a disgruntled employee, propelling her from stay-at-home mom to CEO of their $50 million company. Turning her pain into purpose, Jody now advocates for improved bereavement support in the workplace, aiming to create a more empathetic work environment for those dealing with loss.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Balancing personal grief with professional responsibilities
• The need for organizations to understand and support employees dealing with loss
• Finding new meaning and purpose after a significant life change

Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/grief-in-the-workplace

Melissa gets real about the rollercoaster of healing after losing your partner, sharing five heartfelt tips that cover everything from being kind to yourself to finding light in the dark. It's like sitting down with a friend who's been there, offering a helping hand and some wise words to help you find your feet again.

Key topics in this episode: 

• The importance of self-talk 
• Prioritizing self-care over self-sacrifice
• Embracing and processing emotions

Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/healing-strategies-for-widows

It's difficult to move forward after a profound loss, but following the death of her husband, Susan Hannifin-MacNab transformed her deep pain into a healing toolbox for others going through the rough journey of grief. Her book, A to Z Healing Toolbox: A Practical Guide for Navigating Grief and Trauma with Intention has reached and aided people worldwide.Key topics in this episode include:The need for a diverse set of tools to address the multifaceted nature of lossThe importance o...

One of the most profound struggles many widows face involves distinguishing between being alone and feeling lonely. Being alone is simply the absence of others. But the feeling of loneliness is a call to action. It's a nudge to reach out and connect, whether that's with others who understand, with new hobbies, or even with parts of yourself you've neglected. 

Key topics in this episode:

• Understanding the difference between the being alone and feeling lonely
• How reaching out, engaging in self-care practices, and finding support groups can provide comfort during the grieving process
• The significance of self-care and engaging in activities that promote personal growth and emotional healing

Get the full transcript and more here:
https://widowsquad.com/loneliness-after-loss

Kim explores coping with grief through the metaphor of life as a stage play, positioning you as the director who shifts grief from a leading role to a supporting one. She offers insights on how to keep your life story dynamic and engaging, ensuring that grief, while present, dosn’t consume the storyline or restrict the potential for joy and new adventures.Key topics in this episode: The power and agency widows have in directing the course of their lives, even in the face of griefThe impo...

When you're a widow, it's not often you think of grief and self-compassion in the same sentence. Guest Elizabeth Rose's candid conversation about her widow journey sheds light on the often overlooked aspect of empathy in the midst of grief, offering a fresh perspective that mixes the pain of loss with the healing power of being kind to yourself. Elizabeth, a performer and widow based in Charlottesville, Virginia opens up about her path to finding herself again following the devastating losses...