Today’s episode is one filled with hope, growth, and gentle truth. Grief can feel like a place you are stuck in — like the weight will never lift, and the darkness will never clear. But what if we told you that where you are right now is not where you will stay? Our guest today brings both honesty and encouragement as we talk about how life can shift in the most unexpected ways.

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you have any questions I can be reached at [email protected]. 

Welcome to The Widows That Wine Together podcast. This episode explores something deeply personal and universally impactful—the death of a spouse, which research has consistently shown to be the number one most stressful life event a person can experience.

Dr. Debra Oliver, professor at Washington University in St. Louis and an expert in grief and psychological resilience joins me to unpack the far-reaching effects of this life-altering loss—and why it's so important to recognize and talk about what really happens behind the scenes when you're the one left behind.

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you find this conversation helpful, please share this episode with someone who might need to hear it.  If you have any questions on this episode please reach out to me at [email protected].

In this episode, we are diving deep into widow judgment and the stigmas surrounding it. I am joined by Liz, Marie, and Sue who have walked this road and experienced firsthand what it’s like to have their grief and choices picked apart. We will talk about the weight of these expectations, the impact they have on the healing process, and most importantly, how we can challenge these judgments and reclaim our own narratives.

Thank you for listening. If you have any questions on this episode please send an email to [email protected].

This was an on-the-fly podcast at an airport in Kentucky as I reflected on how far I have come in 3.5 years. This was a vulnerable and deeply meaningful episode as I shared my story and shined the light on a part of widowhood that is not talked about enough.  It is the moment when the widow's fog lifts, the numbness fades, and you are left facing the true weight of the loss.  This is when I hit rock bottom in late March 2022/early April 2022. There are no guests on this episode.  It is just me sharing my story.  This timeframe was pivotal for me as I picked up the pieces and started to rebuild my life. Take a listen and may what I have to share give you some hope as you take each step forward after your loss. 

If you have any questions please reach out to me at [email protected].  Thank you for listening. 

Welcome to 'The Widows That Wine Together' podcast where we share stories of hope, resilience, and transformation after loss. For this episode I am joined by a truly inspiring guest, Jacqueline Bussie. Three years ago, she faced the unimaginable loss of her husband. Since then, she’s embarked on a journey of rediscovery, and in the last year, she’s taken a bold step forward—'showing up' to life in ways she never imagined. From trying new activities to embracing transformative experiences, her story is one of courage and restoration. Let's dive into her journey of loss, growth, and the power of living fully in the present.

If you have any questions on this episode please contact me at [email protected].

Welcome to The Widows That Wine Together podcast where we explore the complexities of grief and the ways we can grow through loss. Today, we’re diving into a crucial topic: grief literacy. My guest, Julie Martella, is a self-proclaimed ‘grief literacy crusader,’ passionate about helping others understand what grief literacy is and why the words we use matter. In this episode, we will explore how we can all be more mindful and sensitive in our conversations with those who are grieving. Together, we will unpack the power of language and how it can either support or unintentionally hurt someone navigating loss. 

If you have any questions on this episode please send an email to  [email protected].

This episode highlights the challenges that the holidays can bring for widows, such as overwhelming expectations, triggering traditions, or feeling pressured to participate in events.  The host, Jenny Salkeld, shares her our own story along with key points on setting boundaries for self-care and emotional well-being.

If you have any questions on this episode please send an email to  [email protected].

In today's episode, I'm joined by Elizabeth Horn and John Polo as we dive into the complex and often emotional journey of dating after the loss of a spouse. John opened our discussion with his powerful analogy about "how they get their own damn cup," setting the tone for a candid conversation on navigating uncharted territory. 

We talked about the range of emotions you may encounter—fear, guilt, and vulnerability—and how essential it is to give yourself patience and grace. 

John also shared insights from his book, How to Date a Widow 101, and how you can find beauty in life again. 

This episode offers a heartfelt exploration of embracing life after loss and finding new ways to celebrate it.

If you have any questions on this episode or have ideas for future episodes please reach out to me at [email protected].

Enjoy the episode.

Welcome to the podcast! I'm thrilled to have our special guest, Rachel Kodanaz, speak about a deeply personal and often challenging topic: what to do with a loved one's possessions after they pass. In our conversation, we highlighted the important understanding that there is no specific timeline for when to begin this process—it's all about recognizing when you feel ready.  Whether you're just starting this journey or considering it for the future, this episode offers heartfelt advice and valuable strategies to navigate this emotional terrain. 

If you have any questions on this episode please reach out to me at [email protected]

Welcome to the episode “Life is NOW” where we have a thoughtful and heartfelt conversation about embracing the philosophy that "Life is NOW". 

In this episode, we explore the profound journey of Sandy Moore who shares how she was motivated to embrace the "Life is NOW" philosophy. 

Her journey is a testament to resiliency and hope, providing invaluable insights for anyone facing similar challenges. Whether you're a widow seeking solace or someone striving to live more fully, Sandy’s story will inspire you to take life on with renewed purpose and joy.

Join us for this moving conversation that highlights the beauty of living fully.

If you have any questions regarding this episode or have ideas for future episodes please reach out to me at [email protected]