The Widow's Walk

By Dr. Connie MarianoHealth & Fitness Mental Health

The Widow's Walk episodes

March 17, 2025 A Widow's Journey: The Ultimate in Interior Design Work
How does a widow navigate the painful first year after losing her husband? In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Connie welcomes back Scottsdale interior designer Barbara Kaplan, a returning guest on Dr. Connie's House Calls and Widow's Walk. Barbara, who once guided listeners on designing a new life after loss, now finds herself on that journey firsthand after the passing of her own husband. With wisdom and personal experience, she shares how creating a supportive and loving environment - both at home and at work - can be a powerful tool for healing. Listen as Barbara redefines the meaning of "interior design" in the most personal way.

About Barbara Kaplan

Barbara Kaplan, Allied ASID, IFDA, has been an Interior Designer for over 30 years. She has been voted a Top Interior Designer by Ranking AZ 2022 – 2024.

She specializes in creating beautiful personal environments that feel good; so people can experience awareness for well-being and healing.

Barbara is also an author of her book on the Bajaro Method: Rooms have no feelings but you do! She's also a columnist who has worked with many widows in their transition from married woman to widow living alone.

48 min
December 27, 2024 Wisdom During the Holidays
The holidays are often called "the most wonderful time of the year." But for widows, widowers, and anyone who has lost a loved one, they can bring a flood of memories - often accompanied with tears and sadness. In this heartfelt episode of Widow's Walk, Dr. Connie is joined by her friend and fellow widow, Sandra Maki, as they return to share their wisdom and experiences on embracing both grief and joy during December and the new year.
51 min
November 28, 2024 Helping Widows Heal
Dr. Connie explores how widows can find healing through support groups in this insightful episode. Her special guest, Barbara Olson, leads Heart-to-Heart Grief Support classes at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, AZ (visit www.lacasadecristo.com for more information). After 25 years of marriage, Barbara experienced the loss of her beloved husband, Duke. Drawing from her background in advertising, board service, and volunteer work, she developed a remarkable grief support program that has helped countless widows navigate their journey toward healing. As Barbara lovingly says, You'll come for the chocolate, stay for the grief support, and leave with love, laughter, and sunshine in your heart. This episode is a heartfelt resource for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one.
48 min
October 31, 2024 From Widow to Bride
Wives can often outlive their husbands by 10-15 years. But does this mean spending those years alone? In this inspiring episode of The Widow's Walk, Dr. Connie delves into the realities of love after loss with special guest Georgia Bunn, illuminating the seldom-discussed journey many women face in widowhood. With only 2% of widows over 65 remarrying (compared to over 20% of widowers), Georgia's story of finding love again after a decade alone is both remarkable and hopeful. A successful businesswoman and returning House Calls guest, Georgia shares her journey from grief to a new chapter of love. Join Dr. Connie and Georgia for a conversation that proves our hearts are capable of healing, growing, and embracing love again.
49 min
September 26, 2024 Finding Peace
After losing a loved one, will you ever truly find peace with their physical absence in this life? In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Connie welcomes back certified medium and spiritual coach, Michelle Clare, a familiar guest from House Calls and Widow's Walk. Michelle intimately understands the journey of death and loss. Having personally lost her sweetheart to suicide a year ago, she offers powerful insights on how widows, widowers, and grieving parents can navigate the pain and find peace after such a profound loss. If you're searching for comfort and peace amidst your sorrow, this episode is for you. Listen in to Michelle's inspiring story of hope and healing.
46 min
August 29, 2024 Living the Golden Life
Did you know that many widows outlive their husbands by 10 to 15 years, yet only 2% choose to remarry? So, what are the stories of the other 98%? In this engaging episode, Dr. Connie invites Linda Smith to share her journey over the past 18 years as a widow. Linda opens up about how she has remained active and fulfilled throughout widowhood. Tune in to hear Linda's inspiring story and discover how she continues to live a vibrant and meaningful life, proving that life after loss can indeed be incredibly rich and rewarding.
52 min
July 25, 2024 Angels Looking After Us
Many widows and widowers sense the presence of their late spouses through dreams, butterflies, and special songs. While some skeptics view these moments as mere coincidences or serendipity, Dr. Connie and special guest Sandra Maki share heartfelt stories that highlight the deep, enduring connections with their loved ones. Tune in for an enlightening and touching discussion that offers comfort and insight to those on their grieving journey.
54 min
June 27, 2024 Widows Who Age Alone
The loneliness of widowhood can be particularly painful and challenging for older widows. In the United States, 10% of widows live alone, 70% reside with adult children, and the remaining 20% are in home care facilities. What does this stage of life look like for widows, who often outlive their husbands by an average of 15 years? In this episode, we welcome Bonnie Shimko, a Certified Senior Advisor and advocate for seniors and individuals with special needs. As the co-founder and CEO of Arizona Care Management Solutions, Bonnie shares her insights and experiences in supporting widows and helping them navigate this complex phase of life.
51 min
May 30, 2024 The Wisdom of Widowhood
How can losing your spouse lead to a new, fulfilling life? What does that new life look like? How can it become the best life we can create? Dr. Connie, five years into widowhood, is joined by Reverend Dr. Michele Whittington, a widow of six years and the first guest on the show in February 2023. Together, they share an update on how widowhood has changed their lives and offer practical advice for embracing a new chapter.
54 min
April 25, 2024 New Life, New Home?
One of the most painful changes that happens to a widow is living alone after the death of her spouse. Barbara Kaplan is a sought-after interior designer in Phoenix, AZ, and is keenly aware of this transition for many of her widow clients. Barbara shares her expertise in helping widows shift from the shared existence of marriage to embracing solitude and independence. In this episode, she explains how to thoughtfully approach the reimagining of living spaces during the transition from we in a marriage to me as a widow.
54 min