Are you facing Thanksgiving after the loss of a loved one? We are here to guide you through the heartache and help you create moments of comfort and connection. In this episode, we have five unique and meaningful ways to start your Thanksgiving meal, especially designed for widows, widowers, and anyone coping with grief during the holidays!

From the powerful idea that “hope grows where gratitude is planted,” we discuss how gratitude can coexist with grief and be a key healing tool. 

Actionable steps like the “Thankfuls and Giggles” round to balance sincerity with laughter, “Taste of Memory” moments to honor loved ones through food, distraction games to lighten the mood, help ease the pain of this day.

Whether your holiday is filled with bittersweet memories or unexpected sadness, these approaches help ease the heaviness, foster togetherness, and spark joy around the table. 

Also you are invited to sign up for the FREE Grief to Gratitude Five-Day Challenge where you can learn to incorporate gratitude as a way of healing. For FREE INSTANT ACCESS, go to http://widow180.kit.com/gratitude.

If your heart feels heavy this holiday season and the empty chair feels overwhelming, I also invite you to the Widow 180 Holiday Club! Part group coaching, part book club, part social group, this is exactly where you need to be this holiday season! Join us at https://www.widow180.com/holidayclub

Listen now for inspiration, practical support, and gentle encouragement to navigate Thanksgiving after loss. You’re not alone—Widow 180 is here for you.

Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927

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Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ

For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com

Questions? Email me at [email protected]

What to do when you're in the messy middle of grief? Sandi Waters' story highlights the complex challenges—and unexpected sources of strength—faced by widows.

In this episode, she candidly describes the overwhelming experience of watching her partner’s abilities slip away, caring for him, and the support she received from Rodney’s family and their adult daughter, who moved in to help.

Sandi and I talk about:

• Faith as Anchor: how faith became her main source of strength, especially in the darkest moments. She speaks openly about wrestling with anger, asking “why,” and ultimately trusting that something bigger was at work.
• The Messy Middle of Grief: the ongoing challenges of widowhood—the fear of being alone, learning to manage a household independently, and the uncertain “middle” phase of grief where the future feels unclear.
• Finding Community & Healing: Support from children, friends, church family, and fellow widows proved essential. Sandi also found solace and inspiration in the Widow 180 Podcast and started her own YouTube channel to document Rodney’s journey and help others facing dementia and loss.
• Giving Back & Looking Forward: She stepped out of her comfort zone with solo travels and is now leading a GriefShare group, discovering purpose in helping others. She emphasizes that healing comes from connection and support, not rushing the process.

Key Takeaways:

• Everyone’s grief journey is unique—there is no timeline for healing.
• Sharing stories and hearing from others who “get it” is crucial for widows feeling isolated.
• Allowing yourself to feel, to cry, and not judge your progress is important in the messy middle of grief.
• Faith, community, and giving back can become lifelines through the darkness.
• Practical steps—getting affairs in order, accepting help, and finding new routines—make the path a bit easier.
• Supporting others through grief (like leading support groups) can offer light, purpose, and even hope for the future.

Tune in to this episode for honest wisdom, real encouragement, and a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, hope and healing are possible.

Connect with Sandi:
Follow her journey and support others facing Alzheimer’s and widowhood on her YouTube channel: @thewaters9111

Join The Widow 180 Holiday Club here: https://www.widow180.com/holidayclub

Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927

Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/

Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ

For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com

Questions? Email me at [email protected]

After losing a spouse, many widows and widowers are haunted by guilt — guilt for what they did or didn’t do, guilt for surviving, or even guilt for feeling moments of happiness again. But what if that guilt isn’t proof of love, but a sign that your heart is still searching for peace?  

This eye-opening episode explores why widows hold onto guilt after loss and how it can become a false sense of control, loyalty, and purpose. Jen shares deep emotional insight into how guilt gives our pain somewhere to go — and how releasing it doesn’t mean letting go of love.

You’ll learn:

• Why guilt often feels like a form of love after loss
• How the mind uses guilt to stay “busy” during grief
• The truth about control, loyalty, and self-blame
• Gentle steps to begin letting go of guilt while keeping your connection alive

If you’ve ever wondered how to stop feeling guilty after your spouse’s death, this episode is for you! It will remind you that love doesn’t need to be proven through suffering. Releasing guilt is not betrayal — it’s an act of love, for both you and your partner.

Tune in to rediscover peace, forgiveness, and the courage to live again.

Discover more about guilt and grief and start healing today with the newest workbook in the Widow180 Workbook Series, The Let Go Of Guilt Workbook. Download your copy today at https;//www.widow180.com/guilt

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Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ

For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com

Questions? Email me at [email protected]

"I wanted the TV version of cancer". This week, guest Christine Fader talks openly about the realities of illness and loss, what real support looks like, and reveal the complexities of navigating life after the death of a spouse. From the challenges of anticipatory grief and survivor’s guilt to harnessing rage for positive impact, Christine offers insight, hope, and actionable advice for anyone on this hard journey.

7 Key Takeaways from today are:

1. The Reality of Long Illness & Loss: Christine’s experience caring for Michael shatters expectations set by popular media, highlighting the unpredictable, deeply painful, and sometimes traumatic reality of terminal illness and caregiving.
2. Navigating Guilt and Regret: Christine candidly discusses feelings of guilt and regret about the choices made in Michael’s final months, and shares how she learned to make peace with decisions that were out of her control.
3. The Importance of Honest Conversations: Avoiding conversations about death to protect a partner’s hope often leads to missed opportunities for deeper connection. Christine encourages listeners to have open, meaningful discussions—even if they feel uncomfortable.
4. Unexpected Impact of Grief: Even with preparation and anticipatory grief, the shock and physical consequences of losing a spouse—difficulty reading, headaches, disrupted sleep and eating patterns—can be overwhelming. Recognizing these as normal can help with processing the experience.
5. Seeking Support and Connection: Christine highlights the value of widow support groups, online communities, and social media as lifelines, especially for those who might otherwise isolate. Finding others who “get it” is essential.
6. Harnessing Rage for Good: Fueled by anger over Michael’s suffering and trauma, Christine turned her rage into action by volunteering and advocating for trauma-informed cancer care and awareness—showing how channeling negative emotions can lead to positive change.
7. Finding Purpose Through Advocacy and Legacy: Christine’s work—creating a scholarship in Michael’s name and sharing their story with cancer care professionals—reflects the power of transforming personal tragedy into support and hope for others.

Listen in for inspiration, practical advice, and heartfelt wisdom—whether you’re grieving, caring, or seeking ways to make a difference. Christine’s courage and honesty will touch your heart and help you feel less alone.

Visit ChristineFader.com and follow her on Instagram at @awidowswalk to learn more about her advocacy and writing. For community support, join the Widow180 Facebook group.

Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927

Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/

Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ

For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com

Questions? Email me at [email protected]

Today we dive deep into the often-unspoken "downside" of being too strong after the loss of a spouse. This episode explores what happens when widows feel pressured to always put on a brave face for their families—and the hidden costs of doing so. We talk about the importance of letting go of the constant need for strength and to make space for true healing.

3 Main Takeaways from today are:

1. It's Okay to Show Vulnerability: Many widowed moms are always trying to be strong for the children, but need to realize that allowing them to see pain could help their healing, too. Modeling vulnerability gives permission for others—especially children—to process their own feelings.
2. The Cost of Suppressing Grief: How striving to "just endure" and pushing down emotions is not sustainable. Carrying unprocessed feelings can lead to numbness and anxiety, making true healing much harder.
3. Strength Isn’t Always What Heals: While resilience is important, authentic healing comes from allowing yourself to grieve, mourn, and feel—instead of simply performing strength for others. It's crucial to make time to face grief, ask for support, and let go of the guilt that so many widows carry.

Tune in for this honest conversation that reminds us strength doesn’t mean ignoring our own pain—and that real healing begins with permission to be vulnerable.

Get the latest workbook in the Widow 180 Workbook Series, The Let Go Of Guilt Workbook today and start releasing the burden and weight of the guilt you've been carrying. Go to https://www.widow180.com/guilt

Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927

Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/

Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ

For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com

Questions? Email me at [email protected]

Widow 180: The Podcast welcomes Amber Vogt, a recent widow navigating life after the sudden loss of her husband, Jay, in April 2024. Amber opens up about the shock and trauma of that day, parenting through grief, and the unexpected challenges of solo adulthood. Her story is raw, vulnerable, and ultimately inspiring. Here are five standout takeaways from our conversation:

1. Trusting Your Instincts: Amber shares how paying attention to a “weird feeling”  caused her to go home from work and check on her husband—reminding us to listen to our gut, especially during uncertain times.
2. The Fog of Grief: The initial days following loss can be a blur; Amber only remembers fragments and emphasizes that it’s normal to struggle with memory, planning, and focus after trauma.
3. Importance of Hard Conversations: Having discussed funeral wishes and life plans with Jay helped tremendously—Amber encourages everyone to talk openly about end-of-life decisions, no matter how uncomfortable.
4. Seeking Help and Letting Go: From home maintenance to parenting and finances, Amber’s journey highlights the value of asking for support and accepting that independence sometimes means leaning on others.
5. Giving Yourself Grace in Change: Whether it’s tackling household projects as a form of coping, adapting to new routines, or learning to forgive yourself for not having all the answers—Amber’s story illustrates that healing requires patience, self-compassion, and permission to keep moving forward.

Tune in every week for honest widow talk  and conversations about loss, resilience, and learning to rebuild life!

Get our latest workbook in the Widow 180 Workbook Series, The Let Go Of Guilt Workbook if you need help releasing the tiring burden of guilt after losing your spouse. Get all of the details at https://www.widow180.com/guilt

Get support from our community and join our Facebook Group, Widow 180 The Community on Facebook!

Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927

Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/

Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ

For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com

Questions? Email me at [email protected]

Have you ever wondered how grief can completely change the direction of your life—and even help you discover your strength?

I had the honor of sitting down with guest Rachel Blatt to explore her journey through sudden loss, the unexpected ways she coped, and how she’s found meaning and new purpose. Highlights from our chat include:

• Rachel’s Widow Story: The shocking diagnosis and rapid loss of her husband, Dave, to a rare form of sarcoma, and how she balanced caregiving, parenting, and her own survival during and after his illness.
• The Early Days of Widowhood: Why she dove into life with a sense of urgency—traveling to Paris, sending her sons to camp, and even adopting a new dog in a moment of “manic” decision-making.
• Navigating Grief with Kids: The unique challenges and bittersweet solutions she found to help her boys cope, especially around Father’s Day and family milestones.
• Distraction Actions & Dating Again: Rachel’s candid take on seeking distraction (including jumping into dating), the guilt and judgment widows face, and the unexpected friendships that blossomed from those choices.
• Healing Through Writing: How Rachel’s lifelong love of writing became a lifeline in her grief, leading to published work in The Washington Post and a supportive writing group.
• Signs and Spiritual Connection: Fascinating stories about connecting with her late husband through signs, lost-and-found wedding rings, and sessions with mediums.
• Becoming a Grief Educator: Rachel’s journey to becoming a certified grief educator with David Kessler’s program, the insights it brought her, and the importance of “witnessing” grief in a safe community.

This conversation is packed with wisdom, relatable moments, and hard-earned hope. 

Don’t miss it—follow Rachel at @widow-tales on Instagram and Widow Tales on Substack!

Get the newest Widow 180 Workbook, The New To Widowhood? Start Here! Workbook at https://www.widow180.com/newwidow

Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927

Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/

Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ

For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com

Questions? Email me at [email protected]

"I had no idea!" Here they are...5 things no one tells you about grief after losing your spouse—today I am sharing insights from my own journey through sudden loss and widowhood. If you’re struggling with fatigue, overwhelming fear, loss of motivation, unexpected waves of pain, or feeling like a stranger to yourself, you are not alone!

We are diving deep into the emotional and practical realities of grief that often catch widows off guard, offering understanding and hope for those navigating life after loss.

Tune in as we discuss:

• The exhausting physical effects of grief, even in simple daily tasks
• Fears and anxieties about facing life without your spouse, even if you’ve always been independent
• How old priorities like work, health, and routine can suddenly feel meaningless
• The shocking intensity of pain—especially when it comes to parenting and supporting your children
• Feeling unrecognizable to yourself, with unpredictable emotions and reactions

This episode is a must-listen for new widows, those supporting grieving loved ones, or anyone seeking honest conversation about the realities of widowhood.

 Plus, we're introducing the New to Widowhood? Start Here! Workbook, a resource designed to help you navigate the first few months after loss.

Get the workbook at https://www.widow180.com/newwidow

Find community and additional support in the Widow 180 Facebook group and on Instagram (@widow180). For more resources, check out the Widow 180 YouTube channel with 200+ videos on everything from dating to parenting to handling in-law relationships after loss.

Whether you're newly widowed or further along in your healing journey, this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and less alone!

Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927

Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/

Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ

For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com

Questions? Email me at [email protected]

Navigating life after loss can feel overwhelming, but every widow needs to know there is hope and healing on the other side of heartbreak. 

Drawing from my own experience and the wisdom and personal journeys of the hundreds of widows I’ve interviewed on Widow 180: The Podcast, I’ve gathered 10 tips every widow needs to know, each designed to encourage self-compassion, practical action, and the rediscovery of joy in this next chapter. 

Whether you’re just beginning the journey or seeking new ways to honor your healing, these tips offer guidance and inspiration rooted in real experience.

Check out our newest workbook in the Widow 180 Workbook Series, The New To Widowhood? Start Here! Workbook. This is 60 pages of validation, hope, and healing in the form of tips, exercises, and journal prompts to help you through grief. 

Get more details and get the workbook at https://www.widow180.com/newwidow

Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927

Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/

Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ

For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com

Questions? Email me at [email protected]

What if less than a year after getting married, you're told you have only 3 months to live? This was the reality of this week's guest on the podcast, Stephanie Duran, who lost her husband to terminal cancer.  

Stephanie opens up about the realities of caregiving and also bravely discusses their experience with California’s Death with Dignity law, and the complexity of honoring Jeff’s wish for a compassionate, courageous end to his suffering.

Stephanie and I chat about:

~Anticipatory grief

~The challenge of rediscovering oneself

~The delicate balance of self-care and moving forward. 

~Her decision to become a grief coach

~How trusting your own heart is essential in grief recovery.

She also shares the liberating adventures that helped her reconnect with herself (including a solo trip to the Caribbean), the creation of her memoir, “Because I Loved You: Surviving the Unthinkable,” and her beautiful story of finding new love and building a life in Australia.

If you’re looking for inspiration, practical advice for widows, or simply a story that honors both the pain and hope in loss, this episode is sure to move you!

 Tune in for wisdom on navigating grief, letting go with love, and choosing courage in life after loss.

Learn more about Stephanie and find her grief coaching resources at StephanieDuran.com or connect with her on Instagram at @StephanieDuranOfficial.

Don’t miss this heartfelt, hope-filled conversation with someone who’s walked the road and found meaning—and even new love—after heartbreak.

Interested in a second chance at love? If you would like some support on how to date as a widow, I encourage you to get our latest workbook, The Dating Again After Losing Your Spouse Workbook! Get the downloadable workbook here: https://www.widow180.com/dating

Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927

Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/

Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ

For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com

Questions? Email me at [email protected]