Advertise on podcast: Widow 180 The Podcast with Jen Zwinck

Why do friends and family stop calling, texting, or checking in after you've lost your spouse? While every grief journey is unique, so many widows and widowers experience the pain of disappearing support just a few months after their loss. What starts as an outpouring of sympathy, calls, texts, and casseroles too often fades into quiet and isolation. This period of time, known as “the grief desert,” is a time when the world moves on, but you are left still coping with immense loss. In this episode we talk about 3 practical and compassionate pieces of advice: Permission to Reach Out: It’s perfectly okay to make the first move! Grief often tricks us into thinking we’re a burden, but being specific about your needs can open doors and invite support back in!Find Your People: Seek out others who understand your experience,  like the Widow 180 Facebook group! Create Small Rituals & Routines: Small routines can help anchor you when everything else feels uncertain.Even though the quiet is overwhelming, you are not forgotten!  Whether you’re new to the Widow 180 community or have been on this journey for a while, this episode is a compassionate, real-world guide to navigating the loneliness of grief when outside support grows scarce.  Share this episode with someone who needs reassurance that they are not alone and that brighter days—though different—are still ahead! Get the Widow 180 Workbook, Overcoming Loneliness, here: https://www.widow180.com/loneliness Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at [email protected]

"Don’t give up. Allow yourself to breathe, laugh, and dream again. Healing is possible, and you are not alone." ~Mary Henderson Mary Henderson sits down with us this week for an honest, heartfelt conversation about love, loss, and rebuilding life after unimaginable grief. She shares the traumatic story of losing her husband during the COVID pandemic, the raw challenges of navigating grief, and the struggle to rediscover her self-worth and identity.  Mary opens up about: ~ moving through anger and numbness, and still leaning on faith ~journaling to find her identity after wondering "Who am I now?" ~having an amazing therapist to guide her through grief ~daring to dream again!  ~ building a house in Honduras ~starting a blog called "Dream Big, Girl" to encourage women ~writing faith-filled romance novels that always have a happy ending! If you are in the early stages of grief or feeling lost, you’ll find inspiration, practical advice, and a message of hope here. Mary Henderson offers encouragement to take your “stone” from the floodwaters of pain and carry it to healing—reminding listeners that joy and purpose can be found again, and you are never truly alone. You can reach Mary at www.maryhendersonauthor.com Her blog is "Dream Big, Girl" Widow 180 Resources and all Widow 180 Workbooks can be found at www.widow180.com/workbooks Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at [email protected]

Welcome to this first ever Widow 180 roundtable discussion! We are bringing together an inspiring group of guests to explore the deeply personal process of rebuilding life after loss. Pam (4 years widowed), Becky (4 years widowed) and MaryBeth (14 years widowed), all bravely come forward today to share their unique stories of grief, resilience, rediscovering joy, and picking up the pieces of their shattered lives. The conversation covers: The overwhelming early days of widowhood and shifting from survival mode to finding purposeMoments that signaled the start of healing and concrete steps taken towards rebuildingThe challenge of moving from "we" to "me" and discovering identity apart from marriageCreating new traditions, making bold life changes, and the power of communityThe importance of patience, courage, daily gratitude, and grace on the journey forward!You will hear honest accounts of building new lives, facing uncertainty with bravery, honoring loved ones, and finding hope after heartbreak.  If you’re new to widowhood or feeling stuck in the messy middle of grief, this episode offers comfort, validation, and tangible tools for taking the next step! Resources and groups mentioned in this episode: Check out Pam's group at www.widowswhowine.comLouisville Widow and Widowers Meetup (meetup.com)Pam's Book: Where's the Key to the Safe?Remember - You’re not alone—listen in for wisdom, laughter, and solidarity on the road to rebuilding after loss. Check out the Widow 180 Workbook Series at https://www.widow180.com/workbooks Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at [email protected]

Get ready for an episode that’s as heartwarming as it is inspiring! In this week’s Widow 180 episode, I sit down with widow, author, and death doula Jackie Disch. Jackie takes us on a deeply personal journey through the loss of her beloved wife, Katie, during the pandemic. You’ll hear Jackie open up about:  becoming a caregiver in the isolating days of lockdown navigating the practical “business side” of grief and the agony of probate! learning how to honor both her pain and her partner's memory, by creating the time and space to grieve, like a 10 day writing retreat! how studying as a death midwife prepared her (in surprising ways!) for their final days together.why she’s a lifelong advocate for therapyhow she wrote the book In Losing Katie: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Living Grief.  how little steps—like the simple act of moving a dirty dish to the sink—can help you slowly find your way forward after loss.Plus, Jackie talks about the power of intention, the signs she believes showed her a new path, and the courage it took to start anew in a place she and Katie once dreamed of retiring.  If you’re navigating grief, wondering what “moving forward” looks like, or just want to hear a beautiful story about love and resilience, this episode is for you! Tune in for validation, hope, and a reminder that you’re not alone—grief changes us, but it also makes room for strength we never knew we had. Find Jackie’s book and connect with her at https://www.jackieldisch.com. Find all of the Widow 180 Workbooks for help with loneliness, confidence, purpose, guilt, new grief, and much more! Go to www.widow180.com/workbooks Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at [email protected]

Have you found yourself wondering, "Am I doing this right?" or "Is what I feel normal?" after losing your spouse? You're not alone — and this episode is for you. Grief after losing a husband or wife is unlike almost any other loss. The silence in the house. The missing half of every plan. The strange, disorienting feeling of moving through the world as "I" when you were "we" for so long.  It's exhausting, confusing, and deeply isolating — and so many widows and widowers are quietly asking the same question: Am I going to be okay? In this episode, we answer that question — not with empty reassurance, but with 5 real, honest signs that you are healing, even on the days it doesn't feel like it.  In this episode, you'll hear: Why showing up — even in the smallest ways — is an act of extraordinary strengthHow grief feels less consuming over time - and that's a sign of healingReaching out to others is a sign of healingWhy imagining even a small future is more powerful than you thinkAnd why everything you're feeling right now makes complete senseWhether you lost your spouse recently or years ago, whether you're having a hard week or just need someone to remind you that you're not broken — this episode will meet you exactly where you are! Friend, you are going to be okay! Get the Widow 180 workbook series: https://www.widow180.com/workbooks Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at [email protected]

Tammy and Bob Cranston join us on the podcast and open up about the tragedies that changed their lives—& the unexpected journey that brought them together! This episode is packed with wisdom on intentional grieving, goal-setting, and moving forward at your own pace—whether that means finding love again, creating new adventures, or embracing purpose in unexpected ways. Highlights include: Their individual journeys through spousal loss and support systemsMeeting in a bereavement group and the importance of intentional healingThe pivotal role of goal-setting and adventure (like biking all 50 states!)Navigating family relationships and the realities of blended familiesTheir passion for helping others on the grief journey through writing, volunteering, and educationCheck out their website for more resources, blog posts, and information about their books—including The Blank Journal and Tammy’s award-winning children’s series on loss Visit: www.tammycranston.com To be a guest and join one of our roundtable podcast episodes, email me at [email protected] Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at [email protected]

Join me as we sit down with the incredible Elle Davis—a mother, widow, professor, writer, and TEDx speaker! Elle bravely shares her deeply personal journey of the sudden loss of her husband Paul and the raw aftermath that followed as she navigated single motherhood with a toddler. Together Elle and I dive into the realities of widowhood:  ~coping with overwhelming grief and parenting challenges ~finding support in friends and family ~grappling with identity after loss ~ seeking therapy for healing ~ difficult conversations with children about grief ~ struggles with guilt and societal expectations. Elle also introduces her inspiring framework, "The Art of the Bounce Back," sharing how journaling, therapy, and building small routines helped her cultivate resilience and gradually rebuild a life she loves. This episode explores themes of choosing to move forward, the importance of community, the complexities of grief triggers, and the power of living fully, even when the future feels uncertain. If you're looking for honest wisdom, compassionate storytelling, and tangible hope for life after loss, this conversation will lift and encourage you! Don’t forget your pen and paper—you’ll want to take notes on resilience, healing, and the art of bouncing back. You can find Elle on her website at https://www.elledavisspeaks.com Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at [email protected]

A heartfelt and encouraging message this week for anyone navigating widowhood! Drawing inspiration from the concept of "micro-dosing discomfort," this episode explores how small, courageous choices can make a big impact over time.  The biggest takeaway: that healing and growth don’t require giant leaps, but rather gentle, manageable steps that build confidence and resilience. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own journey, identifying one tiny brave step they can take this week. Whether it’s sending a text, accepting a coffee invitation, or simply walking into a room you’ve been avoiding, every action counts and adds up to meaningful progress!  If you’re looking for motivation to move forward, this episode is packed with wisdom and support for the path ahead. And if you need more support for building confidence after loss, check out the Boost Your Confidence Level After Loss Workbook at www.widow180.com/confidence Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at [email protected]

Ready to dip your toes—or maybe just test the water—when it comes to dating after loss? Get ready for a heartfelt crash course in venturing back into the dating world as a widow! This solo episode is filled with honest advice& relatable stories as we cover the three essential things every widow should consider before dating:  timing, guilt, and redefining what you want in a new relationship. You'll hear real questions from listeners like Dan, discover how to navigate the complicated feelings of guilt and loyalty, and get empowered to honor your own timeline—no matter what those around you say. Whether you’re just starting to think about dating again or feeling overwhelmed by all the emotions that come with it, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable tips to help you move forward with confidence and compassion. Don’t forget to check out the Dating Again After Losing Your Spouse Workbook and a curated list of resources to support you along your journey. Tune in and let Jen remind you: you deserve joy, love, and maybe even some fun along the way! Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at [email protected]

To all the men who are questioning whether or not to date a widow, this is for you! And to all the widows who need to remember just how amazing they are - this is for you too! In terms of relationships and love, dating a widow just might be the best decision you'll ever make! Widows and widowers, not sure if you're ready to date? Take this QUIZ to find out: https://widow180.kit.com/datingquiz Watch the "Where Can I Meet A Partner?" Workshop 20 minute VIDEO at https://www.widow180.com/datingworkshop Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at [email protected]

In the final 35 minutes of this heartfelt Widow 180 episode, I continue my deep and honest conversation with Courtney Pray Duke as we explore how to move forward after loss.  Episode Highlights: Turning Pain Into Purpose: Courtney Pray Duke shares how her deepest wounds led her to discover her calling, emphasizing: "The thing that you thought was going to take you out might just be the very thing God uses to bring people all the way through their brokenness and into wholeness and victory."Insights from Her Book, "And She Got Up": Courtney unpacks her writing process, the dream that led to the book’s completion, and why sharing hope—especially for widows and those facing grief—is her motivation!Declarations in the Dark: Courtney explains the practice of speaking truth and hope over your life during the hardest, rock-bottom moments that we all encounter: The darkness wants to drown out your life and I was thinking, "You’re going to have to change what you’re declaring—that this is not the end of your life."Navigating the Messy Middle: Jen and Courtney discuss the slow, unpredictable shifts in grief and healing: Courtney encourages listeners not to rush this process!Life After Loss & Remarriage: Courtney opens up about remarriage, blending families, and letting herself experience joy again! And the addition of a new baby into the family! "A man isn’t the goal. A man isn’t going to fix our issues or save the day!"Listener Takeaways: Permission to grieve at your own pace and embrace each small shift toward healing.The importance of surrounding yourself with supportive community and allowing yourself to imagine future joy.That hope, beauty, and even laughter can re-emerge after the darkest nights.FREE Workshop for you! The "Where Can I Meet A New Partner?" Workshop, a 20 minute video that just might change your life! Watch it now: https://www.widow180.com/datingworkshop Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at [email protected]

Join us today for Part 1 of this heartfelt episode of Widow 180 as I sit down with guest Courtney Pray Duke for an incredibly raw and honest conversation about sudden loss, the journey through early widowhood, and finding faith in the darkest moments. Episode Highlights: Becoming a widow at just 29, Courtney was left to raise their kids alone.What the immediate aftermath of loss feels like. How  "there's no way to plan for" that moment.Facing birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas just weeks after Andrew's death. Courtney remembers her friend posting a note that read "just today" as a reminder to survive moment by moment.The struggle of parenting through personal heartbreak shines through: “Not only is your heart broken, but it’s broken for your children on a whole other level. And that is probably the worst pain in the world.”Key Takeaways: The trauma of sudden loss creates a world that is both foreign and disorienting—there is no preparation, no handbook, and few words of comfort in those first hours and days.Honest conversations about how to talk to children about tragedy, and the unique pain of not being able to protect or fix their heartbreak, are central to the episode.Gratitude for the community, even in chaos.Tune into these first 35 minutes of our interview for a touching, authentic look at grief, faith, and the power of vulnerability during life’s hardest seasons. This episode is filled with wisdom, empathy, and hope for anyone walking through loss or supporting someone who is. To be a guest on the podcast, email me! [email protected] Find out about all of our Widow 180 Workbooks at https://www.widow180.com/workbooks Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at [email protected]

Can hope help us heal? Absolutely! Today's podcast dives deep into the healing power of hope as we approach 2026. We explore what hope really means—believing with confidence that good things are still possible—and why it’s such a vital part of moving forward after loss. There are challenges of holding onto hope while coping with grief, but hope can truly shift your perspective, inspire action, and help you find meaning and purpose in a new chapter of life. Learn practical ways to make hope a priority, even when it feels out of reach! Whether you’re newly widowed or further along the path, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and that hope can truly help you heal. Listen in and make 2026 a year of transformation, one hopeful step at a time! Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at [email protected]

Angela Enloe, a true adventurer at heart, joins us on the podcast today to share her incredible journey through love, loss, and rebuilding her life. Tragedy struck when her husband Dan passed away unexpectedly, leaving Angela to face the unimaginable: grief, uncertainty, and starting over without her life partner or even a home base. Hear Angela’s wisdom on facing fear, creating a new identity beyond being a widow, and the importance of embracing adventure—even through heartache. This episode is packed with hope, actionable advice for widows and anyone facing a life-altering loss, and inspiration to step into what’s next—no matter how uncertain it may be. Angela also talks about her blog, “Adventures on Angelique,” and her upcoming book on embracing adventure and overcoming fear. Key topics covered: Choosing an adventurous, yacht-living lifestyle after retirementNavigating grief and shock after the sudden loss of a spouseRebuilding life and identity with no home or belongingsThe power of social support, travel, and trying new thingsPractical tips for moving forward while honoring your partner's memoryInsights on overcoming fear and living life nowDon't miss Angela’s touching stories, breakthrough moments, and practical wisdom for anyone seeking inspiration in tough transitions. Tune in and discover how to keep your adventurous spirit alive—even in the darkest moments. Read more about Angela’s adventures and healing journey at adventuresonangelique.com. If this episode resonates with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who’s navigating grief, change, or reinvention. Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at [email protected]

I want to thank all of our amazing guests for coming on the podcast this year! Thank you for sharing your stories....the good, the bad, the ugly! Thank you for your honesty and most of all, thank you for your wisdom that you share with us from your own widowhood experiences. We learn so much from each other. In today's episode, we have a compilation of several pieces of advice from our guests on the podcast in 2025. I hope you find these helpful and if something resonates please go back and listen to the full episodes! Don't forget to grab the FREE INSTANT download of the 10 powerful questions to set your self up for a better year! Go to www.widow180.com/newyear Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at [email protected]