Losing a spouse is a life-altering event that can throw everything, especially finances, into disarray. In this episode, Tina Fornwald welcomes Philip Weiss, founder of Apprise Wealth Management and seasoned financial expert with over 25 years of experience, to unpack the complexities of navigating finances after widowhood. Phil, holding prestigious credentials like CFA, CPA, and RLP, delves into practical tips for regaining confidence in financial management, the crucial importance of tax planning, and strategies to secure financial futures. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking guidance and clarity during challenging transitions, as Phil shares his personal journey and professional expertise to empower listeners towards financial well-being.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others. 

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

Experiencing the profound journey of living with grief, especially after the loss of a spouse, can feel incredibly isolating and overwhelming. In this episode, Tina Fornwald welcomes Carol Banens, author of Kintsugi Your Heart and certified grief educator, to share her personal experience and expert insights. Carol unravels common myths surrounding grief, discusses the physical and emotional impacts of loss, and provides ten essential self-care practices to aid in the healing process. You’ll hear candid conversations about the lethargy of grief, the challenges of returning to daily life, and the power of community support, particularly through Carol’s monthly Grief Cafe. Learn about active mourning, the importance of self-compassion, and how to navigate the unique timeline of grief to find hope and healing. Whether you’re a widow or supporting someone through loss, this conversation offers valuable guidance and a reminder that you're not alone on this journey.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others. 

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/suicide/suicide-prevention-hotlines-resources-worldwide

In a world where loss leaves echoes, how do we navigate the labyrinth of memory? Join us as Shundra Chamberliss bravely confronts the hidden corners of grief, where the past intertwines with the present in unexpected ways. Discover how life's diverse experiences shape our sorrow and what happens when grief is complicated by more than just the absence of a loved one. Get ready for a candid conversation that will explore the power of unlocking buried memories and the profound impact of our moments of grief. This is widowhood, unfiltered.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.  

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

Have you ever felt like your world has been reduced to rubble? Like the very foundation beneath you has crumbled, leaving you lost and wondering if there's anything left to build upon? Our guest today, Rachel Powell, knows that feeling intimately. After the profound loss of her husband, she found herself navigating the bewildering landscape of life after widowhood. But what she discovered in the depths of her pain was not an ending, but a new beginning.

Join us as Rachel bravely shares her journey through unimaginable grief, the surprising pivot points that led her from despair to hope, and the powerful realization that even when life looks irrevocably broken, your story isn't over yet. Get ready for an honest and deeply moving conversation about finding strength in the ruins, rediscovering joy amidst sorrow, and the unexpected foundations that can emerge when everything else falls away. This is an episode you won't want to miss.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.  

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World.

What does it really mean to move forward—not just move on—after unimaginable loss?"

In this heartfelt continuation of last week's episode, AJ Coleman returns to The Widowhood to open up about his journey as a single father after the devastating loss of his wife, Cory. With rare vulnerability, he shares the quiet strength it took to raise his daughter alone, the moment he found his voice, and the surprising way writing a book helped him heal. We talk about grief, growth, and the pressure to find purpose too soon. If you’ve ever questioned how to start again, this episode reminds us: healing isn’t linear—and you don’t have to rush your way through it. Let’s dive in.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.  

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

Widows and widowers often become victims of catfishing schemes because of the false notion that they have immense wealth and overflowing bank accounts. But most of the time, they have already exhausted their money to pay for funeral and medical bills. AJ Coleman is here to share some preventive measures to avoid being catfished, especially if you are in the online dating scene. He breaks down some warning signs of fraud and the common tactics fraudsters use to target vulnerable individuals on the internet. AJ also explains how to report catfishing, why you do not have to suffer from shame after being a victim, and why trusting your gut is your most valuable weapon.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.  

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World.

What if the key to peace during grief isn’t moving on—but moving within? In this deeply meaningful episode, we sit down with the powerful and compassionate Eileen Bild—CEO of Ordinary to Extraordinary Life, founder of the Core Thinking Blueprint Method, Breakthrough S.P.A.R.K. coach, and host of OTEL Talk. With a Master’s in transpersonal psychology and a mission to help people become unstoppable, Eileen brings wisdom and warmth to a tender topic: finding peace in the journey of widowhood.

We dive into her five core principles for success, explore the science of neural pathways in the grieving process, and learn how to maintain a spiritual connection with those we’ve lost. Whether you’re navigating a personal loss or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers grace, grounding, and gentle guidance. So take a breath—this one’s for the heart.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.  

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

What happens when grief feels like crawling through hot lava? When the weight of loss makes it hard to breathe, let alone believe? In this deeply moving episode of The Widowhood, Dr. Maurice Ball joins us to share his raw and powerful journey of hope after heartbreak, anger at God, and the long road toward healing after the death of his father. Together, we unpack the messy mosaic of grief—how it shatters us, how we begin to pick up the pieces, and how, over time, we learn to separate pain from life. Whether you're deep in your own grief or walking beside someone who is, this conversation is a beacon of hope, truth, and community.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.  

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

Imagine being thrown into the depths of grief and coming out the other side with a heart that's not just healed, but stronger than ever. Today’s guest, Susan Peters, shares her transformative journey from heartbreak to hope. After the sudden loss of her beloved husband, Susan embarked on a path that not only helped her reconnect with her heart but also led her to embrace new dreams and a deeper purpose. In this heartfelt conversation, she shares lessons on how heartbreak can be a gateway to greater strength, resilience, and authenticity. Whether you're navigating grief or simply seeking a fresh perspective on life’s challenges, Susan’s wisdom and courage will guide you toward embracing your own heart's journey. Stay tuned for an enlightening discussion on how to transform loss into an opportunity for profound personal growth.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.  

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

Today, we’re honored to sit down with Mike Bernhardt, editor of Voices of the Grieving Heart—an extraordinary anthology of poetry, essays, and artwork created by 83 individuals from around the world. These aren’t polished poems from literary giants—they are raw, real expressions from people navigating the depths of grief and the slow rise toward healing. Mike isn’t just an editor—he’s lived this loss. After the sudden passing of his first wife over 30 years ago, his life was forever changed. In this deeply moving conversation, Mike opens up about the journey from devastation to transformation, and how writing—his own and others’—can be a light in the darkest of times. Whether your grief is fresh or decades old, this conversation will meet you where you are. Let’s step into this space together.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.  

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/