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Mother’s Day might be a single Sunday on the calendar, but for us widowed moms, the balancing act never stops. In this episode of Every Widow Thing, we are pulling back the curtain on our recent Mother's Day experiences and diving deep into the beautiful, chaotic reality of solo parenting. From the laugh-out-loud madness of last-minute school projects to the sheer panic of discovering a missed final exam, we share the raw, unfiltered moments that define our day-to-day. The Chaos of Co-less Parenting: Our hilarious and stressful tales from the frontlines of raising kids without a co-captain. The Mental Load: An honest look at the heavy cognitive and emotional weight we carry as mothers, and how that burden intensifies after losing a partner. Navigating Widow Guilt: Breaking down the unique guilt that comes with parenting through our grief. The Power of Our Circle: Why community isn't just nice to have—it's a survival mechanism. We share how leaning on each other keeps us grounded. Grief changes you, but as we wrap up, we reflect on the unexpected growth and positivity we've found along the way. Tune in for a heavy dose of solidarity, a lot of laughs, and a gentle reminder that you don't have to walk this path alone. Join the Conversation!We want to hear from you. What does the mental load look like in your house? Share your stories, your survival tips, or your ideas for future episodes with us. Listen now, and if you love the show, please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Time stamp: 00:00:00 - Welcome to Every Widow Thing 00:00:29 - Mother's Day Reflections & Parenting Challenges 00:01:39 - Last-Minute School Projects & Stressors 00:03:20 - The Mental Load of Widowed Motherhood 00:04:14 - Navigating Solo Parenting Without a Partner 00:06:36 - The Vital Importance of Support Systems 00:08:29 - Hard Parenting Decisions & Finding Balance 00:10:58 - Transitioning Older Kids into Adulthood 00:12:06 - Mother's Day: Expectations vs. Reality 00:13:12 - Celebrating the Small Motherhood Wins 00:14:34 - Reflecting on the Early Years of Grief 00:16:15 - Finding True Community and Connection 00:18:34 - Thriving and Building a Life After Loss 00:19:11 - Gaining a Broader Perspective on Grief 00:22:09 - Surrounding Yourself with Positivity 00:24:16 - Encouragement to Live Life Fully 00:26:02 - Practicing Gratitude for Small Joys 00:27:08 - Growth & Learning to Manage Alone 00:28:39 - Facing Major Social Situations Solo 00:30:22 - Integrating Grief into Daily Life 00:32:40 - The Healing Power of Open Conversations 00:35:21 - Leaning on Community in Tough Times 00:37:37 - Navigating Big Life Events Through Loss 00:40:20 - Anticipating Future Family Milestones 00:41:11 - Reframing Grief as a Companion 00:42:27 - Book Recommendations & Self-Help 00:48:46 - Looking Ahead & Closing Thoughts

What do you do when the life you spent decades building burns to the ground in just 21 days? For Julie Halbert, the "fire" started in 2018 with her husband Jim’s sudden cancer diagnosis. By the time the smoke cleared, Jim was gone at just 51, and Julie was left standing in the ashes of her "old" life with their two sons. Instead of trying to rebuild what was lost, Julie chose to reflect, reinvent, and rise. She traded the courtroom for the bedside, becoming a death doula and transformational soul coach. Today, she is the living definition of our mission to survive and thrive. Listen in as Julie shares her love, her loss, and some helpful tips on how you can rise out of the ashes and live life fully awake. Resources & Links: Divine Ashes Ascending - Coming October 2023Rising Phoenix LifeMeditation PDFA Butterfly Has Been Released DocumentaryBlue Butterfly Grief Therapy ProgramThe Artist's Way by Julia CameronConnect with Julie Halbert: EmailLinkedInInstagramConnect with Every Widow Thing: EmailInstagramFacebookInsider's GroupYoutube

Meet Tammy. Her widow journey is only five months in, but she is already leading with a healing perspective. Inspired by her husband Kim’s eight-year battle with cancer and his refusal to 'take a break' from living, Tammy is determined to honor his legacy by embracing life with purpose. In this episode, we discuss: How Tammy discovered our podcast through a chance encounter in an antique store. The challenges and triumphs of being a caregiver during Kim's illness. The importance of having open conversations about love and loss. Tammy's experience with a medium that helped her connect with Kim after his passing. The support system she found in friends and fellow widows, and how they have helped her cope. Tammy's story is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of community. Whether you're a widow or simply seeking inspiration, this episode is filled with wisdom, humor, and hope. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @EveryWidowThing Facebook: Every Widow Thing #EveryWidowThing #WidowSupport #GriefJourney #Inspiration #Podcast

In this episode, Holly and Whitney are joined by a very special guest: Holly's close friend and former business partner, Kym. Together, they step into one of the most intimate and daunting spaces of the grieving process—the closet. Years ago, Kym stood by Holly’s side to help reorganize her home after Toby passed away. Recently, the duo tackled the garage, proving that decluttering after loss isn't a one-time event, but a continuous journey of healing. Drawing on their shared history as professional organizers, Holly and Kym bridge the gap between the practical and the emotional. They share personal stories and compassionate strategies for navigating the items that hold the most weight. In this episode, you’ll learn: Where to Begin: How to overcome the "paralysis" of getting started. Transition Spaces: Creating physical areas that allow you to process items at your own pace. The Sentiment Filter: Tips for honoring memories while deciding what truly belongs in your future. The Power of Partnership: Why having a "Kym" in your corner makes all the difference. Whether you are weeks or years into your journey, this conversation offers a gentle roadmap for clearing physical space to make room for your heart to breathe. Marie Kondo's KonMari MethodSalvation ArmyGoodwillYellow Bike Project (Austin)Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Deathversary. Angelversary. Reunion Day. Why are we naming it? How do we navigate it every year? The widows sit down to talk about this jarring anniversary. From going to the cemetery, to having an adventure, to not acknowledging at all. There is no wrong way to handle it. We all just do the best that we can. #death #grief #anniversary #griefsupport Follow us on instagram, Facebook and Youtube! @everywidowthing Like and Subscribe! Join our Facebook Every Widow Thing Insider's Group Get in touch with us: [email protected]

After 29 years with Todd, Marybeth’s life changed in an instant. Now two years out, she is navigating the 'after' with incredible courage—including traveling solo to find connection in our community and leaning into the yes of life. While she spends her career as a therapist, Marybeth speaks from the heart about the gap between logic and loss. We discuss the tragic fall that changed everything, the signs Todd sends her today, and the brave steps she’s taking to figure out what comes next. A must-listen for anyone finding their way through the quiet moments of grief. Takeaways Marybeth's story highlights the importance of community support during grief.The unexpected nature of loss can lead to profound emotional challenges.Making decisions during a crisis can be overwhelming and complex.Living wills can provide clarity and guidance in difficult times.Grief is a journey that varies for each individual.Maintaining routines can help provide stability in times of upheaval.It's important to balance saying yes to support and knowing when to say no.Sharing experiences with others who have faced similar loss can be healing.Signs from loved ones can provide comfort and connection after loss.Therapy can be both a challenge and a source of strength during grief.Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:01 Marybeth's Journey with Todd 06:10 The Family Life and Todd's Personality 08:55 The Tragic Accident 12:03 Emergency Response and Hospital Experience 15:02 The Uncertainty and Waiting 17:57 The Final Days and Decisions 20:57 Coping with Loss and Moving Forward 23:28 The Medical Journey Begins 26:32 Confronting Harsh Realities 30:34 Navigating End-of-Life Decisions 32:01 The Role of Living Wills 33:47 Saying Goodbye 36:17 The Honor Walk and Organ Donation 39:32 The Aftermath of Grief 40:08 Therapy and Personal Healing 44:23 Navigating Grief on Significant Days 47:20 Signs from Beyond: A Personal Connection 51:09 Finding Routine in Grief 54:17 The Complexity of Moving Forward 57:15 The Healing Power of Shared Stories Follow us on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook @everywidowthing Join our Facebook Every Widow Thing Insiders Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cc3vkLneJ/ Like and subscribe!

Holly, Keira and Whitney sit down with a live audience on Valentine's Day! In this live podcast, the ladies discuss the complexities of grief, connection, and the journey of widowhood. Audience members share personal stories and explore the challenges and joys of dating after loss. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support, the healing power of laughter, and recognizing signs from loved ones. A reminder for everyone to embrace life and connection, even amidst grief. takeaways Grief is a universal experience that needs to be openly discussed.Connection with others who understand grief is vital for healing.Valentine's Day can evoke both joy and sadness for those who have lost loved ones.Dating after loss is a complex journey that requires patience and self-discovery.It's important to recognize and honor the love languages of our partners.Finding joy and laughter is possible even in the depths of grief.Community support can provide strength and understanding during tough times.Signs from loved ones can manifest in unexpected ways, offering comfort.Becoming a 'yes' person can help in navigating life after loss.Hope and love can elevate our spirits and open us to new possibilities.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Grief and Connection 06:05Valentine's Day Memories and Stories 19:26Navigating Dating After Loss 25:09Navigating Grief and Finding Joy 27:35Becoming a 'Yes' Person 28:57The Power of Community and Connection 31:08Finding the Podcast: A Lifeline 34:24The Importance of Support Systems36:10Discovering Resources and Relatability 38:35Hope and Healing Through Shared Experiences 41:29Signs and Connections in Grief 44:50Stories of Signs and Meaning #griefsupport #youngwidow #signs #community #lifeafterloss

In this episode of Every Widow Thing, we are joined by Shelly —a school principal and mother of triplets who shares a story that challenges our understanding of timing and intuition. Shelly walks us through her life with her husband, Steve: from their unexpected journey into parenthood with triplets to the sudden loss that turned her world upside down. At the center of her story is a moment of unexplainable clarity. Shelly shares the specific, haunting "gut feeling" that led her to make a last-minute change to the family’s plans—a decision that came straight from her soul and changed the landscape of her grief forever. Join us as we explore the power of the internal whisper that knows the way even when the mind isn't ready. Connect with us: Instagram: @everywidowthing Email: [email protected] Website: https://everywidowthing.com Keywords: Widowhood | Triplets | Intuition | Grief Support | Sudden Loss | Premonition #EveryWidowThing #GriefJourney #Widowhood #Intuition #LifeAfterLoss #SoloParenting #PowerOfPremonition

The "January Blues" hit a little differently when you’re navigating life after the loss of a spouse. In this episode, we’re keeping it real about why the start of a new year can feel so heavy for widows and how to manage those tough emotional hurdles. But it’s not all heavy talk—we’re also looking ahead! We’re diving into our upcoming Valentine’s Day events designed to bring us together. We talk about why having something fun on the calendar is so vital for healing, and how leanining into a community that "just gets it" can make all the difference. Come hang out with us as we chat about connection, shared stories, and finding a way forward together. Link to Tickets! https://every-widow-thing-valentines.eventbrite.com Connect with us! INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/everywidowthing/ FB INSIDERS GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17hYvAAdEK/ Takeaways It's hard to transition into a new year after loss.January can be particularly challenging for those grieving.Community events can provide support and connection.Planning events can help in coping with grief.Having something to look forward to is essential.The hosts are organizing Valentine's Day events for widows.Connection with others who understand is vital.The importance of humor and light-heartedness in healing.Raffles and community engagement can foster connection.It's okay to reach out for support during tough times.#griefsupport #lifeafterloss #widow #Valentinesday #AustinTexasEvent #grief #widowhood #new year #community #support #events #healing #loss #friendship

Grief doesn’t take a break for the holidays, and neither do the demands of parenting. Today, we’re opening up about the emotional rollercoaster of being the "only" parent during the most wonderful (and sometimes hardest) time of the year. We explore how to create new joy when the old traditions feel heavy, the power of community, and the beauty of prioritizing experiences over things. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the weight of it all, this conversation is for you. 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 01:18 Holiday Reflections and Family Traditions 04:25 Traveling During the Holidays 08:42 Experiences Over Material Gifts 12:00 Navigating Grief and Parenting Challenges 43:33 The Weight of Single Parenting 52:55 Creating New Traditions and Moving Forward

Meet Danny Leslie, a widower who turned his grief into a powerful message of hope and resilience. After losing his wife, Raffi, to cancer in December 2024, Danny compiled their journey into a remarkable book titled Thank You, Cancer. In this episode, Danny shares intimate details about their life together, the challenges they faced during Raffi's five-year battle with vulva cancer, and the profound way God showed up for them along the way. Discover how Raffi's adventurous spirit and unwavering faith shaped their experiences, and how they found moments of joy amidst the pain. Purchase Danny's book, Thank You, Cancer: https://bluehatpublishing.com/products/thank-you-cancer-by-raffaella-dobles-and-danny-lesslie?variant=46742469771500 Follow Danny here: momentumwithdanny Follow us here: everywidowthing Like and subscribe to the podcast! Time Stamps: 00:00:00 - Welcome to Every Widow Thing Introduction to the podcast and its mission. 00:00:25 - Danny Leslie's Story Overview of Danny's journey as a widower after losing his wife, Rafi, to cancer. 00:01:29 - Rafi's Spirit and Impact Danny shares insights about Rafi's vibrant personality and their relationship. 00:02:59 - Living Life Unplanned Discussion on their adventurous lifestyle, including selling everything to live in an RV. 00:04:41 - The Cancer Diagnosis The moment Rafi receives her cancer diagnosis and the impact it has on their family. 00:07:51 - Navigating the Unknown Danny describes the uncertainty and fear following Rafi's surgery. 00:13:34 - The Weight of Information Danny recounts the difficult conversation of informing Rafi about her cancer diagnosis. 00:14:46 - Life with Cancer Exploration of the daily challenges and logistics of caring for Rafi during her illness. 00:19:22 - The Role of Children in Grief Discussion on how their children help Danny cope with the loss of Rafi. 00:22:09 - Chronic Pain and Care Insight into the physical struggles Rafi faced and the emotional toll on the family. 00:30:12 - God Moments in Grief Danny reflects on the spiritual experiences and signs of God's presence during their journey. 00:36:31 - Radical Generosity Stories of community support and unexpected financial help during Rafi's treatment. 00:40:34 - Thank You, Cancer Understanding the title of the book and the lessons learned through adversity. 00:43:06 - Reconciliation with Loss Danny discusses how he reconciles his faith with the loss of Rafi and the absence of anger towards God.

In this special episode of Every Widow Thing, our friend, Stephanie, joins us to share her experience of profound loss and grief after her 15-year-old daughter, Kobi, died in a horrific home accident. Stephanie honors Kobi's life as an artist and photographer, recounts the tragic accident, and reflects on moments of spiritual connection that followed. Join us for a testament to resilience, enduring love, and finding light through signs, faith, and the healing power of family and nature. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Stephanie's StoryOn today's episode, the host introduces Stephanie, a mother sharing her journey of grief after losing her 15-year-old daughter, Kobi. 00:01:30 - Kobi's Life and PersonalityStephanie reflects on Kobi's vibrant personality, her talents, and the love she had for her family and community. 00:03:00 - Foreshadowing Before the TragedyStephanie shares significant events leading up to Kobi's death, highlighting moments that seemed to foreshadow the tragedy. 00:05:30 - The Day of the AccidentA detailed account of the day Kobi passed away, including her symptoms and the family's interactions before the incident. 00:09:00 - The Moment of ImpactStephanie describes the moment Kobi was injured and the spiritual connection she felt during that time. 00:12:00 - Emergency ResponseThe family's frantic efforts to get help and the chaos that ensued as they awaited emergency responders. 00:14:30 - Arrival at the HospitalThe family's experience at the hospital, including the difficult discussions about Kobi's condition and organ donation. 00:18:00 - Creating Lasting MemoriesStephanie recounts the emotional process of making handprints with Kobi and the significance of those memories. 00:20:30 - Signs and Spiritual ConnectionsThe discussion of signs from Kobi and how Stephanie and her family have felt her presence since her passing. 00:25:00 - Healing and GriefStephanie reflects on the healing journey for her family, the different ways they cope with grief, and the importance of self-care. 00:30:00 - Advice for Other Grieving ParentsStephanie shares insights and advice for parents who have lost children, emphasizing the importance of hope and openness to signs. 00:35:00 - The Role of Faith in GriefThe conversation shifts to the role of faith in navigating grief and the importance of being open to spiritual experiences. 00:40:00 - Conclusion and ReflectionThe episode wraps up with reflections on the lasting impact of Kobi's life and the ongoing journey of healing for Stephanie and her family.

In this episode of "Every Widow Thinks," we had the privilege of speaking with Jeff, a widower from Austin, who shared his deeply personal journey following the loss of his wife, Mona, in 2019. Jeff opened up about their love story, which began with a blind date in Seattle, and how they built a life together in Austin, raising their daughter, Julia. Mona's battle with a rare cancer, liposarcoma, lasted nearly nine years, during which Jeff and Mona navigated the complexities of treatment while striving to maintain a sense of normalcy for their young daughter.  Resources: https://flatwater.org https://wondersandworries.org https://www.hospiceaustin.org/our-services/christopher-house/ 00:00:00 - Introduction to Jeff and His Story00:01:00 - Meeting Mona: A Blind Date in Seattle00:02:40 - Moving to Austin and Starting a Family00:04:20 - Mona's Cancer Diagnosis: Liposarcoma00:05:50 - The Journey of Treatment and Family Support00:07:30 - Living with Cancer: A New Normal00:08:50 - Mona's Determination to Maintain Normalcy00:10:20 - Navigating the Medical Community as Physicians00:12:00 - Traveling and Creating Memories Together00:14:10 - The Shift in Health: Rapid Progression00:16:00 - Emergency Surgery and Hospital Stays00:18:15 - Transitioning to Hospice Care00:19:40 - Final Days at the Christopher House00:21:00 - Talking to Julia About Cancer and Loss00:22:30 - Julia's Coping Mechanisms and Support00:25:00 - Reflections on Grief and Milestones00:27:10 - Adjusting to Life After Loss00:28:40 - Therapy and Support Resources00:30:30 - Planning for the Future: Wills and Wishes00:32:00 - Mona's Legacy: Letters and Memories00:34:00 - Navigating Dating After Loss00:36:00 - Julia's Growth and Challenges00:46:00 - Conclusion and Reflections on Parenting

In this episode of Every Widow Thing, we welcome Suzanne, a dear friend of Holly's, who shares her deeply personal journey of loss and healing after the suicide of her ex-husband, Michael. Suzanne reflects on their 11-year marriage, the struggles he faced with alcoholism and depression, and the impact of his tragic death on their children. Join us as we discuss the complexities of grief, the importance of self-compassion, and the healing modalities that helped Suzanne navigate her trauma, including acupuncture, compassion classes, and even a psilocybin journey. We also touched on the loss of her beloved dog, Mojo, and the beautiful way she honored his memory. Suzanne's story is a testament to resilience and the power of self-compassion in the face of unimaginable loss. 00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest IntroductionWelcome back to the podcast; introduction of Suzanne, the guest who lost her ex-husband to suicide. 00:01:00 - Memories of San FranciscoSuzanne shares her memories of meeting Holly in San Francisco and their friendship. 00:02:00 - Michael's StrugglesDiscussion about Suzanne's ex-husband, Michael, his struggles with alcoholism and depression, and the impact of COVID. 00:03:00 - The Tragic DiscoverySuzanne recounts the traumatic experience of discovering Michael after his suicide. 00:05:00 - Relationship DynamicsExploration of the relationship between Suzanne and Michael post-divorce, including co-parenting challenges. 00:06:00 - Notifying the ChildrenSuzanne describes the painful process of informing her children about their father's death. 00:08:00 - The Kids' ReactionsDiscussion on how Suzanne's children reacted to the news and the immediate aftermath. 00:09:00 - Grief and ShockSuzanne reflects on her feelings of shock and helplessness after Michael's death. 00:10:00 - Understanding SuicideDiscussion on the misconceptions surrounding suicide and the importance of understanding it as a disease. 00:12:00 - The NoteSuzanne talks about the note left by Michael and its impact on her grief. 00:14:00 - Children's Involvement in GriefHow Suzanne's children took charge of planning their father's memorial service. 00:15:00 - Self-Care and HealingSuzanne shares her journey of self-care and healing after Michael's death. 00:18:00 - Exploring Different ModalitiesDiscussion on various healing practices Suzanne engaged in, including Reiki and acupuncture. 00:20:00 - Compassion ClassSuzanne describes her experience in a compassion class and its significance in her healing journey. 00:22:00 - Psilocybin JourneySuzanne explains her psilocybin journey and its effects on her healing process. 00:25:00 - Finding Joy After GriefSuzanne reflects on how her experiences have led to a greater appreciation for life. 00:27:00 - Advice for Those in GriefSuzanne offers advice for individuals currently experiencing grief. 00:30:00 - The Importance of Self-CompassionDiscussion on the necessity of self-compassion during difficult times. 00:32:00 - Body Language and EnergyExploration of how body language can affect emotional energy and mindset. 00:34:00 - Mojo's StorySuzanne shares the story of her beloved dog, Mojo, and the impact of his passing. 00:39:00 - Healing Rituals for MojoDetails about the rituals Suzanne performed to honor Mojo after his death. 00:42:00 - The Book of AwakeningSuzanne discusses a book that has been meaningful to her during her healing journey. 00:44:00 - Conclusion and ResourcesWrap-up of the episode, including resources for compassion and healing. resources mentioned the episode: Into the Magic Shop- James Doty The Book of Awakening - Mark Nepo Compassion Class

Deb Pilcher's grief journey began years before her husband's death, with the stillbirth of their first daughter, Anna. In a surprising twist, that first devastating loss was the catalyst for healing and hope when her husband, Wally, was killed in a driving accident that left her oldest son in critical condition. Deb was given an image that to this day allows her to reframe her grief and feel joy in spite of her devastating losses. Deb's story—marked by child loss, widowhood, two battles with cancer, and a new marriage—is shared here to bring hope to others who are grieving. Hope is a superpower! 00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction Whitney introduces Holly and Deb, sharing the significance of Deb's support during her early widowhood. 00:01:30 - Deb's Grief Journey Begins Deb recounts the beginning of her grief journey with the stillbirth of her first daughter and the subsequent loss of her husband, Wally. 00:02:50 - The Impact of Wally's Death Deb shares the details of Wally's tragic death in a car accident and the immediate aftermath for her and their children. 00:05:00 - Jacob's Survival and Trauma Discussion about Jacob's injuries from the accident and the challenges of communicating the news of Wally's death to him. 00:08:00 - The Role of Friends and Family Deb reflects on the support she received from friends and family during the crisis and the importance of community. 00:10:30 - Navigating Grief and Denial Deb discusses her initial denial of Wally's death and her focus on Jacob's recovery. 00:12:30 - The Long Road of Grief Deb explains how she coped with her grief over the years, focusing on her children and gradually processing her loss. 00:15:00 - Finding Joy Amidst Grief Deb shares how she reframed her grief and found moments of joy, including the concept of "reunion day." 00:20:00 - The Challenge of Moving Forward Discussion on the fear of moving on from grief and the struggle to let go of memories. 00:23:00 - Humor in Grief Deb and Whitney talk about the importance of humor in coping with grief and share funny anecdotes. 00:27:00 - Dating After Loss Deb discusses her journey to dating again after Wally's death and the challenges she faced. 00:30:00 - Meeting Clay Deb shares the story of how she met her current husband, Clay, through her friends. 00:35:00 - The Wedding and Family Dynamics Deb describes her wedding to Clay and how her children have adjusted to the new family dynamics. 00:40:00 - Balancing Memories of the Past Deb talks about the importance of acknowledging Wally's flaws while celebrating his memory and ensuring her children understand that no one is perfect.