The Widow Squad Podcast

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: Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/grief-podcasts

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 artwork that provide profound, relatable messages for those navigating significant life challenges. Key topics in this episode: Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/exploring-grief-through-drawing/

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: Get the full transcript and more at: https://widowsquad.com/covid-loss

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. Key topics in this episode include: Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/grief-in-the-workplace

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: Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/healing-strategies-for-widows

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 worldwide. Key topics in this episode include: Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/healing-toolbox

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 neglected. Key topics in this episode: Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/loneliness-after-loss

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 adventures. Key topics in this episode: Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/coping-with-grief

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. Elizabeth, a performer and widow based in Charlottesville, Virginia opens up about her path to finding herself again following the devastating losses of her dad and husband. Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/grief-and-self-compassion

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 totally okay, and normal, to feel the way we do. Key topics in this episode include: Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/book-recommendations-for-widows

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 something in these pages for you. Key topics in this episode include: Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/books-for-widows

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: Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/widowed-father/

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 and more here: https://widowsquad.com/widowhood-judgment

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-awareness tool. Key topics in this episode include: Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/enneagram-for-widows

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 self-discovery and self-care, free from judgment or external influence. Key topics in this episode include: Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/holistic-approaches-to-healing

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 diminishing stigma surrounding holistic practices makes it easier than ever to embrace these unique approaches to well-being. Key topics in this episode include: Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/healing-for-widows

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: Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/challenges-as-a-widow

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: A little bit of self-compassion can go a really long way and significantly impact your emotional and spiritual well-being.

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: These strategies are not limited to the holiday season but can be applied throughout the year whenever anxiety arises.

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 grief affects our bodies, digestion, and sleep patterns. Key topics in this episode: Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/how-grief-affects-the-body-and-mind