Deciding what to do with your partner’s belongings after their death can be super challenging. In this epsiode, we share some unique ways that made this process a little bit easier.

Key topics in this episode:

• The profound significance these objects hold
• The emotional connection momentos provide
• What we did  with the buckets of rocks, sweatshirts, cell phones, shoes, baseball cards and more.

Remember, there's no right or wrong way to do this. There are no rules so take the time you need and do what feels best for you.

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

We live in a society that doesn’t understand grief and we’re talking all about it in this episode with John Polo.

John is a widower, an international coach, best-selling author and keynote speaker. From grief to dating, self-growth and everything in between, John offers a style that is powerful, authentic and also very unique.

Key topics in this episode:

• Tips on grieving the way that's best for you
• The loss of identity after the death of your partner
• Getting to know yourself again and making your needs a priority

Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/stupid-remarks-while-grieving/

On this week's episode, we’re talking about the physical effects of grief we experienced in those early days of widowhood and how it affects us in the present. From lack of sleep to constant stress and somatic pain, we share our personal experiences and the profound impact grief had on our bodies. 

Key topics in this episode:

• Kim recounts her journey with knots in her shoulders, sore hips, and all manifestations of the stress and fear she carried
• Melissa opens up about her sudden loss and the immediate changes she noticed in her body, from loss of appetite to irregular heartbeats
• Jen describes how her state of shock caused everything to go numb

We cover not sleeping, bad tasting food, adrenal fatigue, where trauma is stored in our bodies, irregular heartbeats, anxiety, and so much more. 

Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/how-grief-affects-your-body

You’ve all heard the widow rule, “don’t make any big changes or decisions within that first year." On this episode, we’re talking about our first hand experiences with bending this and other so-called "rules."

Key topics in this episode: 

• The liberating concept of embracing individuality
• Finding healing in unexpected places
• Redefining what it means to live fully in the widowhood’s first year

Tune in and find out if we made big changes, little changes or no changes at all.
 
Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/making-big-changes-in-widowhoods-first-year

On this episode, Melissa is joined by Jenny Lisk, an award-winning author and widowed mom who is dedicated to helping widowed parents increase their family's well-being. Her book, Future Widow, and her podcast, The Widowed Parent Podcast, bring much-needed resources to widowed parents, helping them feel less lost and alone.

Key topics in this episdode: 

• Anticipatory grief
• What Jenny wishes she would have known as a solo-parent 
• Grief and its effect on kids

She shares a lot more widow-wisdom so grab a cup of coffee or tea and listen in on the conversation!

Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/supporting-grieving-children/

On today’s episode, you’re getting the “inside scoop” on our dating experiences as widows which led to meeting our husbands in this new life!

We all shared some crazy synchronicities and coincidences on this episode and if we had any advice or widow-wisdom to give it would be to:

• Pay attention to those signs and synchronicities
• Open that “dating door” and walk through it if it feels right
• And much more!

Also, Melissa confirms (again) that she has literally “no game” when it comes to dating and Kim shares the dream she had that was the “clincher” in her getting remarried.

Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/dating-experiences-as-widows/

You know, there really are no “rules” or timelines for widows to know when they’re ready to date.

So, on today’s episode, we share our thoughts, wisdom and personal stories on dating and widowhood. 

Listen in as we talk about what helps like:

• Paying attention to specific signs that come up for you to know when you’re ready
• Keeping your mind open to the possibility of dating
• Experimenting and having fun (it takes the pressure off yourself)
• And much more!

Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/dating-after-widowhood

On today’s episode, the discussion revolves around the challenges faced by suicide loss survivors, specifically those who have lost a spouse or life partner to suicide. 

Michelle Collins, widow and best-selling author of Surviving Spouse or Partner Suicide Loss: A Mindful Guide for Your Journey Through Grief and Supporting a Survivor of Spouse or Partner Suicide Loss: A Mindful Guide for Co-journeying through Grief shares her personal grief journey and how she struggled to cope with the overwhelming emotions that came with it. 

We discuss the unique challenges faced by suicide loss survivors, such as the stigma associated with it and the guilt and shame that often accompanies it. 

Michelle’s books on suicide loss are a valuable resource for anyone dealing with the aftermath of spouse suicide and for those supporting the grieving.

We hope this episode provides insight and comfort to those in need.

Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/suicide-loss-survivor

What kinds of things help in those early days of widowhood?  

In this episode, we share the things that supported us through the confusion and chaos of early widowhood. Listen in as we talk about:

• Journaling (lots and lots of journals)
• Being with other widows who “get it” - having a widow buddy
• A special book and guide for young widows
• And much more!

Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/coping-lessons-learned-from-early-widowhood

What’s a widow to do on the “death-iversary” or “spirit day” aka the anniversary of your spouse’s death?  

In this episode, we share our experiences around: 

• Acknowledging the date with our kids, family and friends
• Reflecting on the memories that helps keep their spirit alive
• Embracing the feelings - it’s okay to feel sad and to grieve, no matter how much time has passed
• And so much more!

Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/how-to-handle-the-death-anniversary