Within seconds of her husband’s last breath, Kim Murray became everything she never wanted to be. Discover how she overcame immense challenges, rebuilt her life, and found strength and hope in the most unexpected places. Key topics in this episode: The emotional and practical challenges a widow faces Societal expectations and misconceptions about w…

Explore the pivotal role of podcasts in providing support and connection for those dealing with the challenges of widowhood. We share our top recommendations for impactful grief podcasts that provide comfort, understanding, and practical advice for life after loss. Key topics in this episode include: Actionable strategies and tools for personal dev…

Jessica Schaffer, founder of The Chrysalis Imagery, discusses exploring grief through drawing and the transformative power of finding comfort in creativity. When her partner Patrice died, Jessica processed her grief through emerging creative impulses in her search for a new sense of direction. The result is a business selling greeting cards and art…

Discover the moving story of Tracy Quinn, a Widow Squad community member, who faced the unimaginable grief of COVID loss when her husband died suddenly at the beginning of a global pandemic. Tracy reflects on the unpredictable nature of grief, the enduring love for a lost spouse, and the gradual journey towards healing. Key topics in this episode: …

Jody LaVoie's life changed drastically when her husband was shot by a disgruntled employee, propelling her from stay-at-home mom to CEO of their $50 million company. Turning her pain into purpose, Jody now advocates for improved bereavement support in the workplace, aiming to create a more empathetic work environment for those dealing with loss. Ke…

Melissa gets real about the rollercoaster of healing after losing your partner, sharing five heartfelt tips that cover everything from being kind to yourself to finding light in the dark. It's like sitting down with a friend who's been there, offering a helping hand and some wise words to help you find your feet again. Key topics in this episode: T…

It's difficult to move forward after a profound loss, but following the death of her husband, Susan Hannifin-MacNab transformed her deep pain into a healing toolbox for others going through the rough journey of grief. Her book, A to Z Healing Toolbox: A Practical Guide for Navigating Grief and Trauma with Intention has reached and aided people worl…

One of the most profound struggles many widows face involves distinguishing between being alone and feeling lonely. Being alone is simply the absence of others. But the feeling of loneliness is a call to action. It's a nudge to reach out and connect, whether that's with others who understand, with new hobbies, or even with parts of yourself you've …

Kim explores coping with grief through the metaphor of life as a stage play, positioning you as the director who shifts grief from a leading role to a supporting one. She offers insights on how to keep your life story dynamic and engaging, ensuring that grief, while present, dosn’t consume the storyline or restrict the potential for joy and new adv…

When you're a widow, it's not often you think of grief and self-compassion in the same sentence. Guest Elizabeth Rose's candid conversation about her widow journey sheds light on the often overlooked aspect of empathy in the midst of grief, offering a fresh perspective that mixes the pain of loss with the healing power of being kind to yourself. El…

In your quest for some semblance of understanding in the crazy, confusing, and chaotic grief world you've landed in, you'll find some real gems tucked away in the pages of a few special books. These are the books we've read, passed on to friends, and flipped back through whenever we needed to remember that we're not going it alone, and that it's to…

We’ve curated a list of must-read books for widows that shine a light on the complexities of grief and the power of literature in healing. These aren’t just stories or guides; they’re companions for those of us finding our footing in a world that’s been turned upside down. Whether you’re in the thick of grieving or years down the road, there’s some…

CJ Infantino became a widower after losing his wife to Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. His honest talk about the tought stuff - grief, the struggles of being a young widower, and raising kids as a widowed father really hits home for everyone going through similar experiences. Key topics in this episode include: The multifaceted nature of grief an…

Melissa gets real about how tough it is for widows to take care of themselves without getting judged by others or feeling guilty. She shares stories and personal thoughts to remind listeners widowhood self-care is paramount, it's okay to grieve in your own way, and to find joy and healing, no matter what others might think. Get the full transcript …

When we think of the Enneagram for widows, we think about how it's more than just about personality types; it's like a roadmap to your deepest fears and motivations. Guest Tami Imlay discusses the Enneagram and how widows can find new ways to approach life challenges and understand their needs better using this ancient, yet ever-relevant self-aware…

Welcome back to the second part of our journey into holistic approaches to healing for widows. In this episode, we explore meditation, creative art therapy, EMDR, and spirituality as guiding lights on your healing journey. We encourage you to embrace these holistic modalities with an open heart and an open mind, as they offer valuable tools for sel…

In this episode, we uncover various holistic approaches to healing for widows, offering alternative paths beyond traditional methods like talk therapy and support groups. We explore options like Reiki, acupuncture, and EFT tapping, emphasizing the importance of finding what resonates with you and prioritizing self-care without judgment. The diminis…

Embracing new challenges as a widow can be daunting, but it's also an opportunity for growth and rediscovery. In this episode we explore the theme of pivotal widowhood moments and finding your way through the emotional complexities and practical challenges of handling change. Key topics in this episode include: The transformative nature of embracin…

In today's episode, we delve into the depths of self-compassion for grieving hearts. We explore how there is a common tendency for widows to be overly critical of themselves, especially when faced with the overwhelming challenges of single parenthood, managing a household, and navigating the complex emotions of grief. Key topics in this episode: th…

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's the perfect time to address the added stress and anxiety that many of us experience during the holiday season. This episode explores the impact of grief triggers and how they can unexpectedly derail your day. Key topics in this episode: Self-awareness is the first step to managing anxiety Replace intru…

Sabine Horner is a widow, grief nutritionist, Ayurvedic health coach, and yoga therapist, who shares her deeply personal story of coping with the loss of her husband to leukemia. She discusses the emotional and physical challenges she faced during her husband’s illness, her transformation through Ayurvedic practices, and valuable insights into how …

Join us at the Holiday Hope Summit from November 16-18, 2023, for a transformative and FREE event designed specifically for widows. We've gathered 20+ grief and widow experts to empower widows with strategies and tools for navigating the emotionally challenging holiday season. For more information and to get your free ticket, head to www.widowsquad…

We know that the holidays and grief can be particularly challenging and in this episode, we share our personal journeys through the holiday season as widows. Whether it was seeking solitude, going on a cruise, or simplifying holiday decor, we all found our own ways to navigate the emotions that come with grieving during a time that’s traditionally …

Can you believe it? The Widow Squad is celebrating its 1-year anniversary! It’s been an incredible journey filled with growth, support, and deep connections, and we are so grateful to have you all on this path with us. Listen in as we share remarkable insights and experiences that have shaped the last year. Key topics in this episode: How embracing…

We can all agree that parenting brings with it emotional struggles, self-doubt, and overwhelming responsibilities. But parenting through grief is on a whole other level. In this episode, we go straight to the intersection of grief and parenthood after your spouse and your child’s parent dies, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs that come …

In this episode, Donna Kendrick, a fellow widow and Certified Financial Planner, talks about finding a new community, embarking on a new career path, and the importance of financial planning when you’re a widow. Key topics in this episode include: Maintaining your privacy vs. sharing financial information with well-meaning friends and family Addres…

We’ve lived through all the complexities of friendship dynamics after losing a spouse. We know firsthand how during times of immense grief it may not feel natural or easy to reach out to others. However, keeping the opportunity for connection open is crucial because you never know who might become a lifeline of support. Key topics in this episode: …

Linda, a fellow widow and expressive art therapist, shares how she has used art as a powerful tool for healing after her husband's death. Key topics in this episode: How using expressive art therapy can aid in the grieving process The need for open conversations about death and grief in our society Challenging outdated grief theories and why it’s e…

Creating a bucket list after loss allows you to explore new experiences and find joy in life again. But what if your grief is so overwhelming you can’t even think about any bucket list ideas for widows? Well, tune into this podcast episode where share our personal journeys of crafting a bucket list and discover how curating your own list can be a p…

Navigating the business side of death after your spouse dies is no joke. From handling the post-death paperwork and contacting credit card companies to dealing with health insurance and organizing belongings, the list of to-dos seems never ending. If you're looking for guidance and resources on topics like death of a spouse checklist or what should…

Widows face difficult decisions when it comes to your living situation after your spouse or life partner dies. These big life changes for widows can start an endless loop of self-doubt about what to do, when to do it, and how to manage it all. There are so many factors to consider when it comes to finding the right living situation for yourself and…

When your spouse dies and grief hits hard it’s tempting to let it take over completely. But that wasn’t how Astarie Dennis thought her life was supposed to look after her husband Steven died. Astarie's journey through loss and grief is marked by her husband's death, her determination to rebuild amidst adversity, and the transformative power of entr…

The choice of widows returning to work or not after the loss of a spouse or life partner is a difficult one. From emotional struggles to practical considerations, this podcast episode sheds light on the complexities of this decision and the variety of ways widows can find flexibility, support, and empowerment navigating the professional world while…

In the midst of grief and the complex emotions that follow, finding a way to express yourself can be a challenge. Explore how to journal for widows and discover the way words can become a powerful tool in processing grief and unveiling hidden emotions. Key topics discussed: The therapeutic benefits of journaling and writing as a means of processing…

Life often throws unexpected challenges our way and establishing a sense of stability can feel like an insurmountable task. This is where the power of routines for widows comes into play – those daily rituals that provide structure, comfort, and a semblance of control. In this episode, we share our personal experiences and thoughts on how routines …

Kim had the pleasure of interviewing the lovely Mindy Lawhorne: owner and founder of Team FitLife, Hope in Struggle Podcast Host, fitness professional, as well as founder of The Bible Babes, an uplifting online Christian community for women. Behind the vibrant personality and successful ventures lies Mindy's poignant tale of love, loss, and triumph…

Petra Gordon is a motivational speaker, author, fellow widow, and life coach who shares the profound impact of sudden widowhood on her life and how she navigated the overwhelming emotions that followed. She also discusses her best widow coping mechanisms including the importance of finding peace in solitude and leaning on her faith. Key topics in t…

When you’re searching for a therapist to help you with your grief, it can be challenging to find a good fit. Where do you find a good therapist? How do you know if they can help you? What do all those letters behind a therapist’s name mean? In this episode, we talk all about the different education and certification levels of therapists and counsel…

Widow Squad Podcast co-host, Melissa Pierce, shares her inspiring story and offers valuable insights on widowhood, resilience, and the power of finding support. It’s important to surround yourself with people who truly understand what you’re going through and can speak the language of grief and loneliness. Meliss speaks this language beautifully. T…

In this episode, we dive into the importance of hobbies for widows and how different hobbies helped us cope with grief and find joy in our lives. Key topics in this episode: Jen shares her deep love for reading and how she developed a profound interest in the afterlife and explored books on spirituality and near-death experiences Melissa talks abou…

In this episode Melissa engages in a candid conversation with co-host Kim Murray, a remarkable caregiver who supported her husband through his battle with terminal brain cancer. Kim's story is an emotional journey that touches upon the challenges of balancing care-giving, parenting responsibilities, and managing her husband's business. Key topics i…

On this episode, Melissa speaks with health coach and widow, Marie Scott, about her journey of healing after losing her late husband and finding love again. Key topics in this episode: How changing her approach to food and lifestyle helped her achieve a dramatic health transformation Her transformation from facing severe health issues to becoming a…

Are you your own worst critic? Well then it’s time to uncover a few practical techniques for cultivating self-compassion as a widow. On this episode of the podcast, we talk about the importance of positive self-talk and how to break the cycle of negative thoughts – aka “stop being so mean to yourself!” Key topics in this episode: How mindfulness ca…

On this episode Jen is joined by guest Alissa Butterfass. They discuss the lack of support for widows after their spouse's death, and the importance of being comfortable with asking for help. Alissa shares her experiences of raising her children who are coping with their father's death and creating a safe space for them to express their emotions. K…

On this week’s episode, we talk about our journey from anger and pain to gratitude and share some practical strategies that helped us along the way. Find out how we got to a place of nurturing gratitude in the face of our losses and answer some burning all widows have. Key topics in this episode: Is there a way to embrace gratitude even when everyt…

Prioritizing self-care while traversing the complex journey of widowhood isn’t easy. But, then again, nothing about widowhood is easy. On this week’s episode, find out how self care helped us find a way through the grief and chaos after our husbands' deaths and how you can show up as a better parent, friedn and advocate for yourself when you invest…

Join us for an inspirational story on this week’s episode as we talk with Rob Kenney, the creator of the "Dad, How Do I?" channel on YouTube. In April 2020, Rob embarked on a mission to assist people with basic life skills. Little did he know that his channel would become a beacon of hope for millions. Today, with over 4.5 million subscribers, Rob'…

When her beloved husband took his life, and with it her life as she knew it, Suzanne Anderson faced a choice: would she be broken down and defeated, or broken open and transformed? Part memoir, part guidebook, her book, You Make Your Path By Walking, accompanies readers on their own journey through the barren landscape of trauma and grief. Today, w…

In the midst of suffering and heartache, you might find it’s incredibly hard trusting your widow intuition. In this episode, Jen helps listeners learn how to trust themselves again. Key topics in this episode: How to use your intuition and discover how it speaks to you Five practical methods to tap into your intuition and find the answers you seek …

Do you ever feel like a third wheel or odd person out after losing your partner? On this episode, we share our personal experiences around the awkwardness of widowhood in social settings. Because let’s face it. It’s awkward, right? Key Topics in this episode: How we pushed through the social discomfort Unovering how we create feelings based on thou…