The Widow Squad Podcast

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

In this episode of the Widow Squad Podcast, Melissa had the pleasure of interviewing Ryane Moates of the popular YouTube channel “Ryane to the Rescue."

As a new widow, Ryane spiraled between hopelessness, despair and overwhelm as she tried to navigate her grief along with managing a myriad of new responsibilities.  As she continued to push through the hard, unfamiliar territory she stumbled upon a secret formula of empowerment - teaching other widows how to master new skills around home and vehicle maintenance. 
 
Listen in as we talk about: 

• Ryane’s widow story
• What it was like when the shock wore off
• Her inspiration for learning new skills 
• Empowering widows with her YouTube channel “Ryane to the Rescue”
• And so much more!

Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/tackle-home-repairs-as-a-widow

Deciding what to do with your wedding ring as a widow is a deeply personal and emotional decision.

Many widows grapple with questions like, when is the right time to take it off or is it okay if I wear my wedding ring forever?

In this episode, we open up about our own experiences and emphasize there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to dealing with your wedding ring as a widow. Every widow has a unique approach based on her individual circumstances.

Join us as we explore “all the questions” like:

• What’s “normal” in wearing or not wearing your ring?
• What if I want to date?
• How long “should” I wear my ring?
• And a lot more!

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

Hi and welcome to the Widow Squad podcast, where we come together to talk about life as a widow and all the challenges and triumphs that come with it. This is a space where we share our stories, offer support and encouragement, and celebrate the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

Whether you've been a widow for a few months or a few years, you know it's a journey unlike any other. It can be filled with heartache, loneliness, and confusion, but it can also be a time of growth, self-discovery, and uncovering a newfound purpose.

On the Widow Squad podcast, we'll be talking about navigating the ups and downs of widowhood. If you've ever wished somebody would just give it to you straight and share the what it's really like to be a widow, then you'll want to tune in as we cover the challenging topics like coping with grief, handling confusing emotions, deciding what's normal, navigating the dating world, raising children on your own, and so much more.

So, whether you're a widow yourself, or simply someone who wants to understand and support those who are, join us on the Widow Squad podcast every week where you’ll find comfort, community, and inspiration in our shared experiences.