Widowed AF: Real stories of love, grief and beyond - With Rosie Moss

We are BACK! 

Shiny new episode from Rosie and (alive) husband Jon. 
We discuss the trials and tribulations of the school holidays, and the added strain for those solo parenting throughout. 

Following on from Melissa's incredibly moving story, we delve a little deeper into our own mental health struggles and the coping strategies we use to mitigate them. 

Rosie opens up about navigating a diagnosis of PMDD and how that impacts the family as a whole and what treatments are available . 

Oh and the kids interrupted approximately 43 times. 

#widowed 
#widowedandyoung #Widowedparent #blendedfamily #pmdd #mentalheath #letstalkaboutdeathbaby
#adhdwomen #audhd #neurospicy  #addiction #recovery #widowed_af

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)

This has to be one of the most powerful episodes to date. 

When Melissa applied to be a guest, despite having suffered two enormous losses, she quickly revealed her to be an utter powerhouse of a woman. 

Melissa was widowed twice in two of the most horrific ways, a drugs overdose and suicide. Yet somehow she gets up every day and shows their children love, hope and the that life is worth fighting for. 

I am so pleased we spoke and that you her story will reach those that so badly need to hear it. It was an honour to record it it I know you will be as moved as we were. 

Today's topics include: drug abuse, alcohol abuse, mental  health,and suicide.
Please do listen with caution ⚠️

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)

Rosie and Jon sneak off inbetween child wrangling and laundry to update listeners on widded life. 

We talk holidays, snack frisbees and  Widstock..

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)

In todays episode our guest Michael Coulson Tab takes us through the endearing love story with his late wife Alice, their delight at starting a family, and the shattering news of Aly's cancer diagnosis. As he shares how they moved up the wedding date amidst the turmoil, you can't help but admire their courage and tenacity.

In the throes of grief, Michael had to navigate the difficult landscape of solo parenting. He talks candidly about the pain, the struggles, and the little victories that punctuated his journey. You'll hear how he keeps Aly's memory alive for their son Teddy, and manages to balance life as a single father. But it's not just about parenting. He also delves into his battle with alcohol addiction, the pivotal role of social services, and his road to recovery. It's a raw, honest revelation on grief, resilience, and personal transformation.

We hope Michael's story has touched you as deeply as it has us. Remember, whether you're grieving, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking to understand the complexities of loss, this conversation is a profound one to tune into.

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)

Rosie and Jon are back from a week off and raring to go!

We discuss the powerful episode shared by Sarah Swainson, in which she openly talks about loving someone in active addiction. The shame, stigma and isolation of living in that world. 

She is a powerhouse of a woman who survived the worst and chose to tell her story to help others.  You need to hear this one. 

We also cover blended families, holidays (or endurance tests) and Jon shares some health news. 

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)

Today’s episode opened our eyes to the realities of living with someone in active heroin addiction. The judgment, shame and secrecy that compounds the pain you are in. 

The reality is that this isn’t something that only to other people, and our guest Sarah Swainson was incredibly brave to share her story and give us some insight and compassion into this hidden world. 

 Sarah talks so openly about her late husband Paul's battle with heroin addiction, and the ripple effects it had on their family. But also about the love that they shared and they agony he was in. 

This episode will challenge your understanding of addiction as Sarah shares her intimate experiences from confronting Paul about his drug use, seeking help and ultimately how it ended his life. 

Hear how the lack of empathy and understanding in society can fuel the cycle of addiction and why it's crucial to view addiction as a coping strategy, and something that stems from pain and trauma, and is rarely a choice. 

Sarah recounts her healing journey, self-blame, and how she found the strength to rebuild her life and ensure a healthy future for her children. Prepare to hear insights into addiction, loss, and the unyielding spirit of those left behind.

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)

Links from the show :

Dr Alex George  on Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal  (click here)
Heres out affiliate link to the Grief Works app  

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)

This episode of Widowed AF brings you Erica’s story.

Erica is a strong and resilient woman who faced the harsh reality of her husband Julien's leukaemia diagnosis. 
Erica opens up about the initial months of grappling with her husband's symptoms, the struggle to get a proper diagnosis, and the emotional upheaval of dealing with his health crisis.

Erica's story is a powerful testament to the significance of advocacy in healthcare, the courage to assert oneself, and the necessity to prepare for the worst. They prepared for the worst, creating a 'Black Book of Doom' for all crucial information after he died. 

Despite the sorrow, Erica's resilience is truly inspiring - she organised a lockdown funeral, explained Julien's death to her children, and emphasised the importance of having difficult conversations. 

She talks about how she coped with grief, her struggle with seeking help, and the importance of finding joy in the present moment. 

 

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)

Imagine a scenario where your partner's last words to you  were "Shut the fu*k up" and it was still funny? That's the kind of story our guest Jimmy Wild brings to the table. 

When Jimmy lost his soulmate, Tom, at just 30, he was plunged into a whirlpool of grief. But in his darkest hours, he found unexpected moments of joy and humour. He shares this journey with us, illuminating the importance of cherishing the present and the power of last words.

Rosie bares her soul about a recent Mental Health wobble and the experience of asking for help and finding more closed doors. 

As we wrap up this episode, we reflect on the idea of recording our stories to preserve our legacies and staying resilient in the face of unpredictable endings. So, tune in as we navigate the bittersweet nuances of life, love, and loss.

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)

Today, I share a profound conversation with the incredible Jimmy Wild. He tells us his poignant story of love, loss, and a journey of resilience that is sure to leave an indelible mark on your heart. We journey through the joys of Jimmy's relationship, the unique challenges he faced as an unmarried partner, and the morning that turned his world upside down.

Let's face it; life is full of unpredictable turns, and sometimes the path we get thrust on can be a lonely one. Jimmy and I dive headfirst into the harsh realities of his world post-Tom. We unpack the gut-wrenching decisions, the tidal waves of grief, and the strength it takes to say goodbye, navigate loss, and redefine your identity. But grief, while merciless, can also be a powerful teacher. And Jimmy's story serves as a potent lesson in self-care, the importance of support networks, and dealing with societal stigma.

As we round up our conversation, Jimmy sheds light on his life now, how he's picked up the pieces, and is slowly but surely honoring Tom's legacy. From the financial security Tom left behind, to Jimmy's first car and home, it's a testament to their shared dreams and Tom's lasting impact. We also talk about his housemate, Eason, a beacon of support in these tumultuous times. Remember, while the journey might be tough, there's a whole world of compassion and connection waiting for you at the other end, and Jimmy's story is a shining example of that very resilience. So tune in, and let's heal together.

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)