Brave Widow Show
Emily Jones
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Inspiration for young widows to help heal their heart, find hope, and dream again for the future.
Available episodes
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Oldest first
2 days ago
BW 069: Love Beyond Loss: A Story of Healing and Second Chances
Today I speak with Toni Donahue. So let me introduce you to her. Toni's late fiance was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017. By 2020, the disease metastasized and she lost him in 2021. It was an absolutely devastating four year battle. They fought hard. They were together for 14 years and had two children who were seven and nine when he passed. She met her chapter two in May of 2022, and they sold their homes, blended families, and were recently married
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The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future. Learn more at bravewidow.com.
Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones
I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have four beautiful children together. My world was turned completely upside down when I lost him. With faith, community, and wisdom from others, I’ve been able to find hope, joy, and dream again for the future. I want to help others do the same, too!
FOLLOW me on SOCIAL:
Twitter | @brave_widow
Instagram | @brave_widow
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/bravewidow
YouTube | @bravewidow :https://youtu.be/Yndf5cZ4c4s
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3 days ago
BW 068: Breaking Chains: A Widow's Journey from Darkness to Healing Light
As we share inspiring stories of widows finding joy after loss. In this episode, we dive into Tammy Denny's journey—a tale of overcoming trauma and discovering happiness again. Despite facing hardships, including an abusive past, Tammy's resilience shines through. Learn how she found laughter, smiles, and genuine joy, thanks to the support of a special person in her life. It's a heartwarming exploration of healing and hope. Tune in for stories that prove joy is possible after even the darkest moments. the pain of an abusive past. Tune in for stories of hope, resilience, and the rediscovery of joy after loss.
The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future. Learn more at bravewidow.com.
Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have four beautiful children together. My world was turned completely upside down when I lost him. With faith, community, and wisdom from others, I’ve been able to find hope, joy, and dream again for the future.
I want to help others do the same, too!
FOLLOW me on SOCIAL: Twitter | @brave_widow
Instagram | @brave_widow
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/bravewidow
YouTube | @bravewidow : https://youtu.be/OPBxFWGaH3o
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5 days ago
BW 067: Faith, Resilience, and New Beginnings: A Young Widow's Journey of Staying True to Herself and God's Plan
Laura is a 31 year old mama, educator, artist, and writer from Grand Rapids, Michigan with currently a four and two year old. She lives her life for them and keeps her zest for life and passion for love alive, even after loss. And she definitely has a zest and passion for life.
The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future. Learn more at bravewidow.com.
Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones
I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have four beautiful children together. My world was turned completely upside down when I lost him. With faith, community, and wisdom from others, I’ve been able to find hope, joy, and dream again for the future. I want to help others do the same, too!
FOLLOW me on SOCIAL:
Twitter | @brave_widow
Instagram | @brave_widow
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/bravewidow
YouTube | @bravewidow
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Dec 1, 2023
BW 066: Love Found, Love Lost: Michelle's Rollercoaster Tale
Michelle, a 37-year-old registered nurse from New Jersey, recounts meeting her late husband, Walter, while working in Atlantic City. Their friendship blossomed into love, marked by memorable dates and a surprise at a karaoke bar. Tragically, Walter passed away, and Michelle hints at the challenges. The story reflects a poignant mix of love, laughter, and loss in Michelle's life.
The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future. Learn more at bravewidow.com.
Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones
I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have four beautiful children together. My world was turned completely upside down when I lost him. With faith, community, and wisdom from others, I’ve been able to find hope, joy, and dream again for the future. I want to help others do the same, too!
FOLLOW me on SOCIAL:
Twitter | @brave_widow
Instagram | @brave_widow
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/bravewidow
YouTube | @bravewidow
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Nov 30, 2023
BW 065: Love in the Face of Adversity: The Courageous Story of Building a Life Beyond Loss
Sari Overby became a widow a little over two years ago after caregiving for her husband, Ben, during his 4.5 year cancer battle. Even after the cancer diagnoses Sari and Ben continued to live their life full of love and laughter and make their dreams a reality. They vacationed, had babies, bought a house and truly continued to enjoy life together. Sari is so proud of her family and the way we worked together to navigate cancer, death, and our life after death.
____________________________________________________________________________________For free resources and to get on the Brave Widow email list to stay up to date on what is happening within the community go to Brave Widow Resources.
____________________________________________________________________________________ The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future.
Learn more at bravewidow.com.
Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have four beautiful children together. My world was turned completely upside down when I lost him. With faith, community, and wisdom from others, I’ve been able to find hope, joy, and dream again for the future.
I want to help others do the same, too!
FOLLOW me on SOCIAL: Twitter | @brave_widow
Instagram | @brave_widow
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/bravewidow
YouTube | @bravewidow
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Nov 28, 2023
BW 064 : Love, Loss, and Second Chances: Navigating Life After Widowhood and Divorce
Join us as Alexandra shares her journey through love, loss, and rediscovery— from rebuilding after widowhood to navigating a second marriage that ended in divorce. Together, we explore the emotional nuances of each experience, address societal narratives, and find inspiration in the pursuit of happiness. Subscribe for a heartfelt conversation that illuminates the path to rediscovering light and love after life's challenges.
____________________________________________________________________________________For free resources and to get on the Brave Widow email list to stay up to date on what is happening within the community go to Brave Widow Resources.
____________________________________________________________________________________ The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future.
Learn more at bravewidow.com.
Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have four beautiful children together. My world was turned completely upside down when I lost him. With faith, community, and wisdom from others, I’ve been able to find hope, joy, and dream again for the future.
I want to help others do the same, too!
FOLLOW me on SOCIAL: Twitter | @brave_widow
Instagram | @brave_widow
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/bravewidow
YouTube | @bravewidow
How to Actually Help a Widow: https://www.bravewidow.com/help
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Nov 24, 2023
BW 063: Behind the Shadows: The Beautiful Tragedy of a Widow's Love
join us on an emotional journey as we engage in a heartfelt conversation with our guest speaker, Darcy Sober. Together, we explore the complexities of love, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a family in the face of tragedy. Her late spouse, a devoted father of three, found himself in the grips of addiction, yet his kindness and love for his family shone through even in the darkest times. As he battled his demons in a rehab center, he touched the lives of many with his warmth and genuine spirit. He spoke passionately about the love he had for his wife and children, leaving an indelible mark on those around him.
____________________________________________________________________________________For free resources and to get on the Brave Widow email list to stay up to date on what is happening within the community go to Brave Widow Resources.
____________________________________________________________________________________ The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future.
Learn more at bravewidow.com.
Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have four beautiful children together. My world was turned completely upside down when I lost him. With faith, community, and wisdom from others, I’ve been able to find hope, joy, and dream again for the future.
I want to help others do the same, too!
FOLLOW me on SOCIAL: Twitter | @brave_widow
Instagram | @brave_widow
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/bravewidow
YouTube | @bravewidow
How to Actually Help a Widow: https://www.bravewidow.com/help
playlist_add
Nov 23, 2023
BW 062- Gratitude in Grief
Today, here in the US, we are celebrating Thanksgiving. And what better day to talk about gratitude and grief, exploring how we can embrace both sides of this coin. There are moments in grief when we adopt a mindset and mentality of gratitude while still mourning the person we lost and cherishing who our loved one was.
____________________________________________________________________________________ For free resources and to get on the Brave Widow email list to stay up to date on what is happening within the community go to Brave Widow Resources.
____________________________________________________________________________________ The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future.
Learn more at bravewidow.com.
Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have four beautiful children together. My world was turned completely upside down when I lost him. With faith, community, and wisdom from others, I’ve been able to find hope, joy, and dream again for the future.
I want to help others do the same, too!
FOLLOW me on SOCIAL: Twitter | @brave_widow
Instagram | @brave_widow
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/bravewidow
YouTube | @bravewidow
How to Actually Help a Widow: https://www.bravewidow.com/help
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Nov 21, 2023
BW 061: Heartache in High Heels: A Career Woman's Guide to Healing and Empowerment after Loss
Meet Heather, a resilient 37-year-old woman who has faced life's challenges with strength and grace. Widowed at 35, she recently marked the three-year anniversary of her late husband's passing. Heather is a devoted mother, proudly donning the title of mom to two children. Her journey includes the loss of her first child at just a month old, adding the role of a grieving mother to her already complex life as a widow. Despite the hardships, Heather embraces her most significant role as a mother with unwavering determination. Professionally, she is deeply committed to senior living, having dedicated 15 years to the field. Currently serving as an assistant executive director and handling HR and business operations at an assisted living facility, Heather finds fulfillment in her work. Her outlook on life is characterized by resilience, taking each moment as it comes, and refusing to let the challenges define her.
Join us on our podcast as Heather shares her inspiring story, discussing resilience, motherhood, and finding purpose in the face of adversity.
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Nov 16, 2023
BW 060- From Grief to Glory: A Widow's Journey of Choosing Life, Taking Leaps, and Finding Light
From the depths of unimaginable loss to the heights of a renewed life—join me on 'Thriving Through Grief,' where we explore the raw journey of rebuilding after profound tragedy. Through tears and triumphs, we navigate the uncharted territory of widowhood, discovering resilience, purpose, and the extraordinary strength within. This is a testament that from the darkest moments, a powerful and inspiring phoenix can rise.
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Nov 15, 2023
In Sickness and in Health: Sara's Journey as a Devoted wife and Widow
Sara was a caretaker for her spouse all the way through their entire marriage. And even through all of the doctor visits, the surgeries, the ICU stays, just the overwhelmingness, is that even a word? The overwhelming points of her life.
She kept going and she has some really nice insights and encouragement for widows or those of you who are or have been caretakers for your spouse. And I think you're really going to enjoy her story
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Nov 10, 2023
BW 058: Love, Loss, and Life: Navigating Widowhood and Pregnancy
Cody Price, a resilient mother, musician, and educator hailing from the heart of West Tennessee, shares her poignant journey through loss and strength. In July 2016, tragedy struck when her husband was killed in a motorcycle accident, leaving Cody six months pregnant with their first child. Undeterred, she had just embarked on a new chapter, purchasing what seemed to be their forever home. Through the solace of counseling and unwavering support from close friends and family, Cody has not only found the courage to rebuild but has learned to embrace and love the life she has crafted for herself and her child. Her ongoing quest for personal growth and her dedication to being the best mom.
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Nov 9, 2023
BW 057 A Veteran's Journey From Service to Strength Through Grief and Advocacy
Bonnie is a veteran of the United state navy the wife to an angel and the mother to 5 amazing children. Since the death of her husband she stays busy advocating for veterans, trying to normalize grief and loss, and trying to provide her children the most normal after loss life she can.
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Nov 6, 2023
BW 056- From Grief to Grace: A Widow's Perspective on Finding Strength
In this heartfelt podcast, join a 35-year-old mother of three, who unexpectedly lost her beloved husband when he was just 38, as she shares her deeply personal journey of love, loss, and faith. Refusing to label herself as a widow, she instead celebrates her husband's promotion to heaven, describing him as the best husband and father, now watching over their family from above. Just 9 months into her grief-stricken journey, she opens up about leaning into her pain and finding strength and solace through her faith in God. Join her as she navigates the challenging path of survival and the occasional glimmer of thriving in the midst of her profound grief.
The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future. Learn more at bravewidow.com.
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Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones
I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year…
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Nov 2, 2023
BW 055- Discovering Spirit: Navigating Loss and Transformation with Jenna Wilson
: In this heartfelt and inspiring podcast, join Jenna Wilson, a licensed midwife turned spiritual guide, as she shares her profound journey of transformation and healing. Jenna's life took a dramatic turn when her husband tragically passed away in a powered hang-glider accident, leaving her to cope with acute shock and grief while also caring for their new baby. Just days after this devastating loss, Jenna experienced a series of inexplicable synchronicities that felt like messages from the spiritual realm, guiding her towards a new path of healing and understanding. This powerful encounter with the unknown led Jenna to embark on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and spiritual connection. Now, as a trained spiritual guide, Jenna dedicates her life to helping widowed individuals and new families navigate their own soul journeys. In this podcast, Jenna shares her wisdom and the wisdom of her guides to help you understand the mysteries of life and death, free yourself from fear and u…
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Oct 31, 2023
BW 054 -Halloween Masks Widows Wear
Welcome to 'Halloween Masks Widows Wear,' a podcast that offers insight, support, and empowerment to widows and anyone grappling with the weight of their past. We dive deep into the complex emotions and challenges that many widows face, such as guilt, feeling unworthy of happiness, and the struggle to move forward while keeping their loved ones' spirits alive. In this episode, we unravel the stories of these masked widows, shedding light on their journey to reclaim their lives from the shadows of the past. If you or someone you know resonates with these experiences, we provide valuable insights and resources to help you heal, grow, and honor your loved ones while creating a new future. Don't let the ghosts of the past hold you back. Tune in and discover how to move forward with resilience, hope, and the knowledge that you can wear a different mask – one that reflects your strength, resilience, and the enduring love that will guide you on your unique journey of healing and transformat…
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Oct 24, 2023
BW 053 - Launching a Dating App & Creating a Community for Widows and Widowers in Living Out Their Chapter Two - with Nicky Wake
Well if you are ready to date again, or maybe you're not sure, but you've been scoping out the dating apps and it's looking pretty abysmal. I have an amazing guest here for you. I have Nicky Wake, who is the founder of the Chapter 2 Dating App. Primarily based right now out of the UK, who's going to come on the show today.
She's going to share her story as a widow, her reason for founding this widow and a widower's only based dating app. And what to her was the reason she wanted to create this to be something different than the other dating apps that are out there. She also has a lot of great resources to share with you.
You can find Nicky on:
Email: nicky@chapter2dating.co.uk
Web https://www.chapter2dating.app/
Twitter https://twitter.com/chapter2dating
Facebook https://m.facebook.com/Chapter2Dating/
For free resources and to get on the Brave Widow email list to stay up to date on what is happening within the community go to Brave Widow Resources.
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Oct 17, 2023
BW 052 - Raising a Child After Losing Her Husband and Rediscovering Who She Really Is - with Nicole Repecka
Finding out that she was pregnant only two days before her husband was put into a coma and ultimately passed. Nicole Repecka shares her experience with raising a child post losing her husband and rediscovering really who she is and what helped her through some of that.
Nicole has a beautiful spirit with a beautiful presence and I can't wait to introduce you to her on today's show.
For free resources and to get on the Brave Widow email list to stay up to date on what is happening within the community go to Brave Widow Resources.
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The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future. Learn more at bravewidow.com.
Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones
I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have four beautiful children together. My world was turne…
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Oct 10, 2023
BW 51 - Taking Charge: A CFO Relocates from NYC to China and Recreates Her Life Post Loss - with Mano
In episode 51 of the Brave Widow podcast I get to speak with Mano who is a former chief financial officer hailing from New York City and relocated all the way to China in 2016 after the loss of her husband.
Motivated by her desire to spend more quality time with her three sons, she made the decision to move to China. She freelances as an account analyst and is also actively engaged in teaching a range of subjects, including economics, accounting, physics and mathematics at an international school in China.
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The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future. Learn more at bravewidow.com.
Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones
I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have four beautiful children together. My world was turned completely upside down when I…
playlist_add
Oct 3, 2023
BW 50 - Exploring Resilience with Alan Bracegirdle
Today I am going to take you on a journey across the pond to Liverpool, England. Just kidding. I really wish we were going there, but we are going to virtually be there with Alan. And Alan joins us today to share his story of being a young widower. He's 44, he's a father of two, and he was a caretaker for his wife.
He saw her go from a vibrant, loving, healthy lifestyle to being in a much more debilitative state. He's very open and vulnerable about the things that he went through with that experience. And then he gives some great advice and encouragement for other widows who are going through something similar or who are really struggling.
The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future. Learn more at bravewidow.com.
Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones
I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have four beautiful children togethe…
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Sep 26, 2023
BW 049 - Giving Back and Grieving as a Mother of Young Children - with Jessica Gonzales
Jessi is a young widow and a mother of three young children who felt like no one was there for her when she lost her spouse.
She planned the funeral all by herself. She continued to raise her children all by herself, and she really felt very lonely. During a time when most people feel that they're angry with God or they become distanced from God, Jessi views her experience of losing her spouse as a wake up call and a way that God used her to pull her closer to him.
I hope you enjoy this podcast episode as much as I did. Jessi gives back to other widows. She's written a book. She's given advice. She's physically gone out and served other widows and given other people what she wished she would have had during that experience.
You can find Jessi's book under her pen name, Amber Faith at:
Barnes & Nobles
Amazon
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The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, fin…
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Sep 19, 2023
BW 48 - Gratitude in Grief and Finding your Why - with Wensday Stanley
Today I talk with Wensday Stanley. We talk about gratitude and grief. We talk about finding your why and your purpose in this next chapter of life. And we talk about how faith and God plays a role in your grieving and healing journey, or at least how it did for the two of us.
Wensday is a 49 year old gymnastics coach. She has two daughters and a stepson, one granddaughter, and married the love of her life at 21. They were married for 27 years. And yes, I asked her what the secret to a happy, successful marriage of 27 years is, and she does give the answer. Her husband died three days after their 27th anniversary. And she's a faithful follower of Christ.
You can find Wensday at:
Facebook | Wensday Schlitzberger Stanley
Instagram | Wensday Schlitzberger Stanley
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The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again f…
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Sep 12, 2023
BW 047: Clear Your Way Through the Blur of Grief - with Susan Ford Collins
I have Susan Ford Collins, who is a fellow widow, a successful leadership coach, and has has proven to be a brave and courageous person throughout her entire career, throughout her entire grieving process, and she has had some significant challenges and obstacles that she's had to overcome.
Susan Ford Collins is the founder and CEO of the Technology of Success, a training, consulting, and coaching company, which teaches the 10 success and leadership skills she discovered highly successful people use unconsciously and so struggle to consciously pass on.
She is the author of the Technology of Success book series, which includes the bestselling Joy of Success, Success Has Gears. Our children are watching and now her fourth book, Blur, Clear the Way Ahead, Even in the Worst of Times, is available on Amazon and Audible.
She's facilitated more than 4, 000 training sessions and major corporations, educational and governmental organizations. She has coached individuals and teams worldwide i…
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Sep 5, 2023
BW 046: Seven Myths about Dating as a Widow
Today in episode 46 of the Brave Widow Show, we are going to do some myth busting. I've got seven myths about dating that I want to cover. I get asked tons of questions about dating, when is too soon? What are the safety tips that are out there for dating apps? Meeting someone in person? Listen to episode 46 as we dive in more to these questions!
For free resources and to get on the Brave Widow email list to stay up to date on what is happening within the community go to Brave Widow Resources.
____________________________________________________________________________________
The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future. Learn more at bravewidow.com.
Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones
I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have four beautiful children together. My world was turned completely upside down when I lost him. With…
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Aug 22, 2023
BW 045: Journeying Forward: Embracing New Paths When Grieving the Loss of Your Future - with Codi Loughrin
From the board room to a hospital room, Codi's life changed quickly when faced with a life changing diagnosis of a chronic nervous system disorder. This mama of five, foster mom, healthcare executive and community advocate knew life may look different but her faith must remain anchored. Grief was no stranger, losing her brother at a young age, Codi knew the importance of finding the goodness of God even in the hardest moments. Despite her trials, Codi works daily to help others remember how loved they are, and no one will walk alone.
Find Codi on:
Instagram | @anchored_wildflower or @thefaithfulfoster
Facebook | Anchored Wildflower or The Faithful Foster
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The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future. Learn more at bravewidow.com.
Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones
I was widowed at ag…
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Aug 15, 2023
BW 044: Getting Unstuck from Grief
In episode 44 of the Brave Widow Show we are talking about why it feels like you get stuck in grief.
Now, this is something that I hear commonly from widows or people who are grieving a loved one. Maybe it's been months or years or decades, and people just feel like they're as stuck almost as much as they were in the very beginning or even worse, that at times they're healing, they're getting better, they're getting better, and then all of a sudden they're going backwards and that thought is really overwhelming of how can I be getting better and feel like I'm healing and feel like I can smile and laugh a little bit. Then the next day feel like I've gone three steps backwards.
So today we're going to talk about why is it that you feel that you get stuck in grief.
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The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the futu…
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Aug 8, 2023
BW 043: Grow Your Wealth, Grow Your Life with Rick Salmeron
In episode 43 of the Brave Widow Show, I had the opportunity to speak with Rick who has some really great insights and tips for widows specifically when it comes to financial planning.
Rick Salmeron is a financial advisor with clients throughout America, based in Dallas, Texas.
He's a certified financial planner and CEO of Salmeron Financial. He entered the business in 1990, then branched out to begin his own firm in 2001. His guidance and experience helps clients spend less time worrying about their money so that they can enjoy other areas of their life.
Where to find Rick:
Facebook | Salmeron Financial
Instagram | ricksalmeron
Youtube | Salmeron Financial
Website | RICK SALMERON, CFP®Financial Advisor
Email | hello@salmeronfinancial.com
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The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future. Lea…
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Aug 1, 2023
BW 042: 40 Things I've Learned by 40
Watch the video here or on _YouTube_; listen anywhere podcasts are played (_Apple_, _Spotify_, _Google…_)
The Transcript is below.
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Today is a special day because it's my 40th birthday, and I thought, what an amazing time for me to share 40 things that I have learned since being a widow and what I would tell someone who's widowed, especially someone who's early on or they're still trying to figure out what this grief stuff is all about.
I broke these up into 3 different categories:
1. What to expect - just getting your mindset in the right direction of what to expect in being a widow.
2. Being in survival mode - you're just trying to get through the day. Some things I've learned and would tell people.
3. Healing - moving forward in your grief journey.
Resources Mentioned:
Free Live Event | Get Unstuck from Grief
Free Resources | bravewidow.com/free
Episode 027 | Grief = "And", no…
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Jul 25, 2023
BW 041: Rebuilding Life Post Loss with Marie Scott
Today I speak with Marie Scott, she is the creator and founder of Happy and Healthy After Widowhood.
She is a bestselling author, speaker, and functional medicine health coach. After losing her beloved husband Dave, after 30 years along with her mom in the same year. It set her on a path to not only heal herself, but to find her mission and purpose for life part two, helping other widows and widowers to be happy and healthy after widowhood.
Marie talks about how to rebuild this next part of your life and some of the things that she has seen that's worked well, some of the tips, some of the pitfalls. And for those of you maybe like me, who were spoiled and had your husband cooked everything for you, she also has some really encouraging news about this cookbook that she's working on that will help even the newbies to cooking and their cooking skills and allow you to cook for one person or 20 people.
Download her Top Ten Tips to Dating Safely
You can connect with Marie on:
In…
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Jul 18, 2023
BW 040: Grief, Trauma, Mental Health and Healing with Kimberly Koland
In episode 40 of the Brave Widow Show I get to speak with Kimberly (@hopefully_kimberly). Kimberly is a widow living in Minneapolis. Her husband, a school principal, died by suicide four months and 19 days after their wedding.
Kimberly's hope is that others who are walking a similar journey of love and trauma during and after loss will find an ally and will find hope. She wants you to know that you matter. When she's not scrolling on Instagram. She is teaching or watering flowers.
You can find Kimberly on:
Instagram | @hopefully_kimberly
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The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future. Learn more at bravewidow.com.
Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones
I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have four beautiful children together. My world was tu…
playlist_add
Jul 11, 2023
BW 039: How to Make it Through the Financial Forest after Losing a Spouse - with Nicole Roberts
On today's episode of The Brave Widow Show podcast I get to introduce you to Nicole.
Nicole Roberts, CFP® hosts the podcast, He's Gone But the Money's Not, where she and co-host, Summer Parry, interview widows about their financial journies. She works as a financial advisor for Rock House Financial working with business owners and widows. Nicole has been working with families and individuals to build their financial plans for 11 years.
Check out this week's episode as we dive in to all things financial planning.
You can find Nicole on:
Website | He's Gone But the Money's Not
Instagram | @hesgonethemoneysnot
Find out more about Nicole or sign up for a financial consultation with Nicole here https://rockhousefinancial.com/
Find the podcast He's Gone But the Money's Not on your favorite podcast player
Things mentioned:
Financial Planning For Widows | Wings for Widows
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The Br…
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Jul 4, 2023
BW 038: Expectations Widows Experience During the Grieving Process
In episode 38 of the Brave Widow Show we are talking about freedom from expectations that people have of us during the grieving process and some things that you can do to lighten the burden of those expectations and maybe even understand why people have certain expectations.
As we think about grief and the healing journey, there's a lot of mixed messages and communication around expectations. If you were to ask someone, well, how long should I grieve? How long should I mourn? How long should this go on? On one hand, you might get a very concrete answer like you should grieve for a year or two years. But on the other hand, you'll hear people and grievers say, it never goes away.
Grief is a very complex thing because we are humans. Our lives are complex. We have all different timelines.
So we are going to chat about seven different expectations that we experience as we're moving through grief and, my thoughts on them, how I think they apply, and maybe some things that you can do to fr…
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Jun 27, 2023
BW 037: Finding Rest when You're Overwhelmed - with Alexandra Tanon Olsson
Today on the Brave Widow Show I am so excited to host a personal friend and someone who served as my life coach. She is just a genuinely amazing human being. She's worked with me a lot to understand as best she can, widowhood and grief and what it's like to have that experience.
Alexandra Tanon Olsson (under_thejunipertree) is a mental health coach who helps driven individuals slow down, avoid burnout, and get clear on their goals leading to an intentional present and purpose-filled life.
After navigating through her personal life challenges, Alexandra was sparked with the yearning to help others. She learned that the most sustainable way to gain clarity and reach goals in life is by getting out of your head, slowing down and being present with yourself, avoiding burnout. She was inspired by the slow pace of living in Sweden, her newfound home, which was polar opposite to her fast pace upbringing in Miami. She learned a new, more sustainable way of living, a life of presence, intenti…
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Jun 20, 2023
BW 036: Married for 29 Years with a Condition that Most Children Don't Survive - with Dave Every
In today's episode, I get to speak with Dave Every. Dave was married to his wife for 29 years before she passed just over a month ago, and they were partnered together for 32 years. Dave's story is unique in that when him and his wife got married, He knew that she had a type of condition that most kids don't survive. Most people don't make it to adulthood. Most people don't make it out of those kid or teenage years. So him and his wife knew early on that there was a high risk that she would die early. So they got to talk about things like life after she might pass and DNRs and what the future really could look like and have a special appreciation for the time that they had together.
Dave has done a lot of work online to give back to others who are grieving, and I would love for him to share with you today some of the things that he's thought about, some of the things that he's learned and what he's doing to share his journey with others.
We talk about:
~ forcing yourself to deal…
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Jun 13, 2023
BW 035: Ideas for Celebrating Father's Day as a Widow + Mother
Being a widow makes celebrating Mother's Day and Father's Day a little tricky and a little tough at times, and one of the of the questions that I've been hearing most recently is, What can I do with my kids to honor my late spouse on Father's Day?
So I have some ideas. I have some things that I've done, but more importantly, I went to the experts. I asked various groups of widows what they do to honor their late spouse on Father's Day, and they came back with some really, great suggestions and ideas. So I'm hoping that in today's episode, although it'll be shorter and sweeter than normal, that you walk away with some ideas and some inspiration of things that you can do to honor your light spouse, with your kids.
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The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future. Learn more at bravewidow.…
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Jun 6, 2023
BW 034: Sue Peters Love, Gratitude, and Service
In episode 34 of the Brave Widow show we have a really amazing person. Her name is Sue Peters. She is a fellow widow and she's going to share some parts of her story and some insights of what she's learned through her grief journey, and Sue is just a beautiful person on the inside and out.
Sue is from Indiana. She was married to her husband John for almost 35 years until his untimely passing due to the bursting of his pancreas and the complications that arose from that.
She has three grown and married children who have wonderful spouses, three awesome grandkids, and three fun Grand Pups. The new Road of Widowhood has led her on a very interesting soul journey of finding and getting to know and love the new Sue Peters.
She is passionate about sharing the life, love and joy that can be found even on such a challenging road. She hopes that by sharing her stories, she can bring hope and a new view of life to those who face similar challenges, as well as a deeper connection to the storie…
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May 30, 2023
BW 033: We Get to Choose How Long We Stay Buried in Grief - with Yolanda Mitchum
I have a special guest on the show today. Yolanda (@h3haven) and I met through a mutual life coaching certification program that we're a part of. We connected on a topic of grief. And while Yolanda isn't a widow, she has personally experienced a very deep grief and loss, which she'll tell you about. I think you're really going to enjoy hearing from Yolanda.
We talk about:
~ Giving yourself grace
~ Don't compare your journey with someone else's
~ Allow yourself to feel whatever the feelings are
~ You have to be proactive in your healing journey
Quotes:
~ "I wanted to heal properly and not just go through the motion because we can have an Academy Award performance that everything is okay, and then at home when we're all alone, we're really struggling. I think we have to be honest with where we are. And know that it's okay for you to struggle."
~ "I allow myself to feel whatever the feelings are. I don't deny myself of being human and feeling those things. And it's a proce…
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May 23, 2023
BW 032: Juggling Motherhood, Widowhood, and Going back to school with Donna Kendrick
In episode 32 of the Brave Widow Show, I get to talk with Donna Kendrick (@widowandwisdom).
Donna is someone who lost her husband nearly 10 years ago, and she's done a lot of work to give back to the widow and the grief communities, and I think you'll agree after watching this episode that she's just a lovely person, so I think you'll really enjoy the episode today.
Donna's husband, Greg passed away suddenly in November, 2013, and during that time of grieving, she had to take control of her family's finances and learn how to navigate this new season of life. Donna has made it her life's work to help other widows and widowers navigate their own financial decisions in the first days, weeks and months of widowhood and the years to follow. She is the author of a Guide to Widowhood, navigating the first three years, which is here to help the first days, weeks, and months of widowhood and the years to follow. She is also the host of Widow Wisdom and Wealth Podcast, which aims to remove the…
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May 16, 2023
BW 031: A Letter to my Friends: What Widows Want you to Know but Don’t Want to Tell You
Oftentimes in grief, Widows feel very misunderstood. That's pretty common. And in all of the widow communities that I'm involved in, I hear a lot of times people say, "oh, I just wish that people understood this, or I wish that my family or friends could know this, but I don't wanna have to tell 'em. I wish I could just say it, but I can't".
So what I've done over the past few months is really compile a list of things that widows want you to know as family and friends, but they don't want to have to tell you. I have eight things that I'm going to share with you. Things that oftentimes I wish that my family and friends knew or understood, but you just don't always find the right words in how to say it or to explain it.
Join me in episode 31 on the Brave Widow Show.
We talk about:
~ There’s nothing you can say to take away the pain.
~ How to say things that reassures your support for me.
~ It's okay to talk about my spouse.
Quotes:
~ "There's nothing that you can say to…
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May 9, 2023
BW 030: Five Mindset Changes that Happen when Your Spouse Dies
Losing a spouse sends you to the edge of the earth. You may often feel like you’re living in a different reality from everyone else. Things that used to be important to you may no longer matter as new priorities and interests emerge over time.
In episode 30 of the Brave Widow Show we talk about 5 mindset changes that can happen when your spouse dies.
We talk about:
~ Shift in priorities
~ Greater appreciation for life
~ Increased empathy and compassion
~ Acceptance of impermanence
~ Heightened awareness of your own mortality
~ Apathy for things you used to prioritize
Quotes:
~ "All of a sudden when your spouse dies, you realize how many frivolous things that you spent time on, how you might have gotten so worked up about certain things that now you couldn't care less about."
~ "The experience of loss makes you more aware of the value of life and how quickly that can be taken away from us."
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May 2, 2023
BW 029: Social Circle Changes Post Loss and What to Do
Commonly widows report having a completely new social circle once their spouse dies. They may feel abandoned, misunderstood, judged, rejected, forgotten, and lost.
You will be disappointed by people who don’t show up for you the way you wish they would; alternatively you will be delighted by people who show up for you who you never thought would.
When you become a widow, your social circle can change in significant ways.
In today's episode we talk about 5 reasons why:
We talk about:
~ Loss of shared friends
~ Changed interests and priorities
~ Emotional pain and isolation
~ Communicating your needs
Quotes:
~ "Losing a spouse is like being reborn. You're trying to figure out who you are as a person individually instead of who you are as a couple."
~"The biggest thing that you can do is help communicate your needs, tell your friends and your family what you need from them and let them know."
Things mentioned:
~ BW 024 : How to Network Like an Introvert - an…
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Apr 25, 2023
BW 028: Grief Community: Why it’s important and what to look for
Being a widow is lonely. Isolating. Brutal.
Today in episode 28 of the Brave Widow show, I’m going to share five reasons why having a community during grief is important and five things to look for to find the community that’s a good fit for you.
We talk about:
~ Grief must be felt
~ We're not taught how to process loss
~ Shared experience of loss
~ Wisdom and insight for decision making
~ A way to give back to others
Quotes:
~ You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. - Jim Rohn
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The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future. Learn more at bravewidow.com.
Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones
I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have four beautiful children together. My world was turned comp…
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Mar 28, 2023
BW 027: Grief and the New Normal: Living with "and" not "or"
Today’s episode covers why grief and the new normal is so tough. We know it’s hard, living this new life without our person, but we don’t always think about all the little things that feed into that.
Grief is about embracing the concept of AND not OR.
You now live a life with an evident and strange duality…
The past two weeks have been incredibly challenging for me. I’ve experienced some real highs and lows, which painfully remind me how much grief changes every little thing about our lives.
As we experience grief, we no longer are naive to the fragility of life. That everything can be snatched away from us and changed in an instant. Our hopes, our dreams, our plans… all gone.
We value the little things more, may be less easily offended or annoyed, and focus on the bigger picture of things.
Challenges with grief and the new normal examples:
* Secondary grief
* Another death of a loved one/significant loss
* Happy and sad…
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Mar 21, 2023
BW 026: Building a Marriage, Growing a Family and Then a Diagnosis That Changed Everything - with Alosina Wellington - Advice for Young Widows
In today's episode I get to talk to an amazing young woman by the name of Alosina Wellington, and Alosina is gonna share with us not only her overall story, but also some of her best tips and advice for other young widows. Alosina has been widowed for about seven years now, so she has more perspective on her experience and time for when she was first widowed and actually came across a post that she made in a mutual Facebook group where she shared some of her best tips and pieces of insights for young widows, and I was just really impressed with how beautifully she articulated them and what she shared from her heart that I just randomly reached out to her and asked her to come on the show, and I'm so glad that she agreed. So let me introduce you to Alosina. She is a widowed mother of three, a full-time legal assistant and a God-fearing woman.
We talk about:
~ Memorizing scripture
~ Practising gratitude
~ Feel your feelings
~ Give yourself grace
Quotes:
~ "...memorize Phil…
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Mar 14, 2023
BW 025: Reorganizing Your Space and Finding the Right Time to go Through Your Spouses Belongings - with Laura Sinclair
Laura Sinclair (@flourishorganizing) is a professional home organizer and the owner of Flourish Organizing. She works with clients one-on-one, helping guide them through decluttering their belongings and reorganizing their spaces to maximize their storage and increase efficiency in their homes. Laura has taught students and adults of all ages and enjoys working with clients individually, as well as in groups, to teach skills for creating spaces in which they can thrive.
What Laura loves the most about her job is connecting with people. She is honored to walk alongside her clients as they reflect on their lives, their homes, their memories, and how their belongings can help support their current goals, responsibilities, and desires. Laura brings the tenants of her Christian faith, such as gratitude and joy, into her work. In her spare time, Laura volunteers as a prayer minister.
We talk about:
~ When is it time to go through your spouses belongings
~ How to get s…
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Mar 7, 2023
BW 024: How to Network Like an Introvert - and Actually Enjoy it!
In today's episode I share five tips for networking as an introvert and how to actually enjoy it!
And I know what you're probably thinking, especially if you're an introvert, this is not even possible. But I promise you, someone who is a hardcore, introverted preference type like myself. I am at a place where I really enjoy networking and meeting new people, and you can too! This is actually a course that's going to be hosted within the Brave Widow community. So if you're not a member yet, go to brave widow.com and sign up for our membership community, because this is just a taste of the types of courses and education and things that we offer to our members inside of the community.
We talk about:
~ What defines an introvert
~ Why introverts are good at networking
~ How you can enjoy networking as an introvert
~ My view on small talk
Quotes:
~ "Introverts have a lot of strengths when it comes to networking and my recommendation is that if you're an introvert, you really…
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Feb 28, 2023
BW 023: Personal Financial Habits for Widows - with Seth Connell
In today's episode we talk about finance basics. How to get started with finances, how to create a budget, how to start thinking about getting out of debt, when to work with a financial coach and more.
Our guest speaker is financial coach, Seth Connell (@coach_connell) who has been a financial coach since 2018. In his time coaching, he has helped his clients pay off over 2 million dollars of debt. He also earned his law degree completely debt free in 2022. Using the practices and principles he teaches, he is passionate about helping people achieve financial freedom and create the lives they want to have.
We talk about:
~ Learning to be okay with discomfort because that is where growth happens.
~ There's no biological growth into personal financial knowledge.
~ How to see budgeting in a good way.
~ When it would be a good time to talk to financial coach
~ A budget being our way to freedom, not a way of just being restricted in life.
Quotes:
~ "...money and the way that…
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Feb 21, 2023
BW 022: When Grief Gets Stuck and Time Doesn’t Heal all Wounds: Why We are Not Prepared to Handle Loss and Grief
Today we're gonna talk about why it feels like we get stuck in grief. Why time doesn't magically heal all wounds. Why we're ultimately not prepared to handle grief and loss and what you can actually do about it.
We talk about:
~ Power of words.
~ Misconceptions that we have learned about grief and how to process loss.
~ How others are ill prepared to help us navigate grief
~ Who is ultimately responsible
Quotes:
~ "..no one else has the ability to influence how you feel, how you feel, and how you respond to something is controlled by you."
~ "Grief is a human response that is normal and natural. There's nothing wrong or defective with you. Loss can cause us to experience all sorts of emotions, sadness, anger, bitterness, denial, frustration, so many different emotions that grief can bring upon us, that is totally normal."
~ "We’re taught how to acquire things; not how to lose them."
Resources Mentioned:
~ How to Talk to a Widow (bravewidow.com) - BW episode 0…
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Feb 14, 2023
BW 021: Do Widows and Puppies Go Well Together? - with Michele Lennon
Have you thought recently:
-Should I get a new puppy?
-I have a new puppy, and I'm so frustrated!
-I've tried training my dog, but it's not working
Puppies are amazing and they bring all kinds of joy and sometimes frustration into our world. But the reality of it is that many times when someone loses a significant other or any loved one, they may get a dog or people may gift them one. And while I don't recommend that you gift anyone the responsibility of a dog, I do think that it's important that if you have a new companion, a new dog, or a new puppy in the house, that you have a really good relationship and are fully trained in order to train and have the best relationship possible with your dog. So let me introduce you to Michele.
Michele Lennon has been in the pet care industry for over 20 years. She started her career in a veterinarian's office as an assistant while learning the ropes of the animal care industry. She started a pet sitting dog daycare business. She was…
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Feb 7, 2023
BW 020: Year Two vs. Year One
Grief: Is Year Two Harder than Year One?
For some people, it seems like the second year of grief is harder. For other people, it seems like the first year of grief is harder, and this is often a question that newly widowed folks really want the answer to, because let's be honest, those first few months and probably that first year, you are in full survival mode and you want to know, am I ever going to get out of feeling lost, of feeling overwhelmed, of feeling like I don't know who I am?
We talk about:
-Everyone processes grief on their own unique timeline
-Complicated grief or trauma impacts the time it takes to heal or return to a normal state of functioning
-Some people choose not to heal or process grief; they deflect/avoid or cling onto the pain refusing to let go
Quotes:
“We don't have to live in pain and suffering in order to remember and show that we love our loved one. But for some people, they really just dig into that pain.”
“Everyone has unique pro…
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Jan 31, 2023
BW 019 : Learning to Serve after a Tragic Loss - with Sheyna James
Sheyna James is extremely transparent and authentic. She has overcome tragic loss and uses that time of her life to help others who are going through difficult times to discover God's unique purpose and divine destiny as disciples of Jesus. She was a widow and single mom of two boys for 13 years, and recently was blessed to find love again.
She is now married to Anthony James and they are a blended family with six children. Sheyna is a certified coach, speaker and trainer with John Maxwell team and the owner of Top Dots Digital Marketing Agency.
We talk about:
-the fear of loving again
-it's okay to be where you are
-blocking off time for yourself
Quotes:
"Feel the feels, that's the only way you're gonna get out of it."
"You cannot keep filling everybody's cup from empty. You have to take care of yourself.
"It's okay to be where you are. I think so many times people are trying to pull us so quickly out of our grief that we don't have the time to properly grieve so that…
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Jan 24, 2023
BW 018: Financial Planning with Daniel Kopp
Daniel Kopp is a fee-only fiduciary financial planner and founder of Wise Stewardship financial planning, where he helps young widows and widowers, as well as service members organize their financial lives by aligning their money with their deeply held values. He is an Air Force veteran after almost nine years as an officer on active duty.
On the personal front, Daniel is a widower After his wife Sarah passed away in late 2017 while he was still on active duty. Daniel is now married to his wife, Anna. And lives in the Sarasota, Florida area where they love to explore new places and learn new things, try interesting cuisines and serve in their local church.
We talk about:
-Working with money is not about dollar and cents.
-The financial pyramid
-Identifying goals
-Now, Soon and Later buckets
Quotes:
"The thing that I've found over the years working with people is money is not really about dollars and cents. It's about the hopes, the fears, the dreams that we attach to th…
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Jan 17, 2023
BW 017: Resilience, Faith + Generosity - with Cindy Lupica
Cindy Lupica has been through so many traumatic events in her life, and yet she still pours into others, wants to give back to others, and is able to share her story here with you today. Cindy is a cancer survivor, advocate and coach, a dancer, teaches ballet and a widow. After losing her late husband, suddenly and unexpectedly, she was left with young children to raise and find her second new normal.
With her faith, she found her way now helping others as she entered into the widows ministry. Cindy is also an author. Her book is entitled, widowed After Cancer and Financial Loss, How One Woman Overcame Her Losses. Which can be found on all major platforms as well as an eBook.
We talk about:
-How to focus on healing and not on the past
-Finding community
-How every child grieves in their own way
Quotes:
"Keep hope there is light at the end of the tunnel. Take each moment at a time, each day at a time. Sometimes it's minute to minute at a time."
"If you stay in your grief and…
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Jan 10, 2023
BW 016: Four Reasons Why Grief is Hard
Have you ever wondered why grief hurts so much? Or why we can feel like we're adapting to the new way of life. We've accepted that our person isn't coming back, but then we find ourselves almost reverting or going back to being in denial and thinking that we have this weird balance of I know they're not coming back, but I think this is just a bad nightmare and I'm having a hard time reconciling that. But wait a minute, I felt like I already settled those feelings. I got to nerd out a little bit and I spent some significant time reading a really cool book that I want to share with you, and I wanted to better understand why our brains work the way they do. Why we have such a hard time battling grief or understanding what's normal, what's not normal, if there is such a thing, and just why our minds and our emotions kind of work the way that they do.
We talk about:
* The 5 stages of grief
* Why we don’t go backwards in grief
* How grief is like a broken bone
* The lack of unde…
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Jan 3, 2023
BW 015: Dating after Loss -with Teresa Taylor Williams
Teresa is very open, vulnerable, and incredibly brave as she shares about her experience with dating too soon. Being intimate too soon and dealing with this thing that those of us in the industry call Widows Fire. So let me introduce Teresa. Teresa Taylor Williams is a widow, an award-winning newspaper journalist, and a self-proclaimed grief butt kicker first losing her job to downsizing.
Then her husband, Ricky in 2014. She has found the true meaning of resilience. After her home was foreclosed, she lived in subsidized housing while raising her two teenage sons, worked various jobs to make ends meet and engaged in self-sabotaging behaviors in her attempts to cope with life. Without Ricky. Her grief journey has been a rocky one, and Theresa deems herself an expert in how not to grieve.
She found comfort in grief groups and therapy. In 2021, she founded two Become One Grief Support where she hosts a weekly virtual grief support group, as well as a podcast Just a Widow Talk, voices of…
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Dec 27, 2022
BW 014: Learning to Live with Grief While Finding Joy in Life - with Jennifer Mullins
Jennifer Mullins became a widow in 2012 after her husband's sudden death from an accidental overdose. She was not prepared for the heartache that would follow. She found solace in support groups and other widows and reading stories of others who have traveled this path.
She has gradually learned to live with grief and find joy in life. She believes in paying it forward by being there for others who are experiencing grief. You can visit her and learn more more@beautifulbittersweetlife.com for her experience.
We talk about:
* The benefits of having a gratitude journal
* How its okay that traditions change
* The first year is hard but the second year can be harder
* The importance of joining community groups
* What grief looks like after 10 years
* Picking up hobbies that can help you feel connected to your loved one
* Giving yourself permission to allow change
* Living with uncertainty in life while still finding joy
Quotes-
“You're gonna hit a wall, it cou…
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Dec 20, 2022
BW 013: Life Insurance - What you Need to Know - with Jarrett Weiss
Jarrett’s mom was widowed with ten kids, five of which were still at home; their life insurance had expired only a few months before. As widows, we should know best that life insurance is something we need, yet it’s something we can easily put off or ignore until it’s too late. Jarrett’s passion for widows, life insurance, and eternal life is evident and contagious!
Making decisions as a widow can be overwhelming. Today, Jarrett Weiss breaks down the basics of what to consider when purchasing life insurance, why using a broker instead of your current insurance can benefit you, how much coverage you may need, and more. We even talk about the one kind of insurance greater than life insurance - eternal life insurance!
We talk about:
* The difference between term and whole life insurance
* The pro’s of using an insurance broker vs. directly seeking coverage
* What to consider when deciding how much life insurance you need
* What financial burden occurs…
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Dec 16, 2022
BW 012: Freedom from Overwhelm in Grief + Tragedy with Janine Cowie
Content Warning: miscarriage, suicide, drugs, alcohol, PTSD, and death.
At the age of 26, Janine tragically lost her husband (age 27) to suicide. She shares her experience navigating the traumatic events and offers advice for young widows. She was able to find freedom from overwhelm by asking for help, designating a point person to speak with companies, and accepting help from family members.
Janine recommends:
* Find a support person
* Accept help
* Using creativity as an outlet
* “What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, resilience and Healing.” - Bruce Perry
Quotes-
I don't wanna force him to get help if he doesn't want to.
…the day after he died, I actually found out I was pregnant the next day.
And so I was terrified…what am I gonna do? I have another child on the way, and he's not here.
I didn't want their pity or I didn't want people saying, oh, I'm so sorry for your loss.
I wish people would've been like, how can I help you? Ho…
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Dec 13, 2022
BW 011: How to Talk to a Widow
This episode is designed with supporters of widows and the grieving in mind! Widows, share this with your family, friends, or support group to help them better understand your mindset, how grief has affected you, and how to best support you.
Learn how being widowed impacts a person, the mindset widows have, sayings (platitudes) to avoid, and what to say instead. Help support widows in a way that means the most to them.
Today I share:
* What really happens when you become a widow
* The mindset of a widow
* What to say to a widow (and not to say)
* Things widows think but will never tell you
* How “let me know if there’s anything you need” is almost a guarantee widows will never reach out (and what to say instead)
* The keys to making a widow feel seen, comforted, and safe to be herself (himself)
* The best things you can do
* How widows -really- feel when you “bring up” their person
The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with…
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Dec 7, 2022
BW 010: The Illusion of Control and Anticipatory Grief - with Renee Clark
As humans we like to think we have control, even with the timing of a terminal diagnosis.
Renee openly shares her journey of anticipatory grief, control, invalidation, dark humor as an outlet, and so much more.
Renee talks about:
* Challenges of being a caregiver while maintaining a home and family
* Frustrations and challenges with treatment of a rare cancer
* Balancing thought patterns between daily life vs. existential reality of what’s to come
* Dark humor in grief
* Invalidation of grief - when everyone tells you to think positive in spite of reality
* We have no control
* Losing a husband suddenly when you’ve been grieving four years
* No longer having your person’s input to help guide you
* Having a purpose of the day
Show quotes:
“Miracles are of God and cancer treatments are of reality.”
“People wanna feel like they have control over their lifestyle and what they can prevent. But I think through all of this, through the four years of caregiv…
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Dec 5, 2022
BW 009: Surviving the Holidays While Grieving - a Panel Discussion
The holidays can be a brutal time for people who are grieving. Even songs like “All I Want for Christmas is You” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” feel different when you’re missing your person.
Today, our panel of guests discuss tips for surviving the holidays, ways to honor your loved one during the holidays, and alternative ideas for skipping them altogether.
You’ll also hear our take on whether grief gets easier or harder (or something else) after year one.
Our speakers (Bio’s below):
Suzanne Elvidge
https://www.thewidowshandbook.com/
Twitter: @HandbookWidows
Dr. Clark Roush
Twitter: @DrClarkRoush
Keri and Brittany Young - GriefBox
https://grief-box.com/
Instagram: @shopgriefbox
TikTok: @griefbox
Tips for surviving the holidays:
Lean into the pain
Light a candle and tell stories/memories
Find a purpose in the pain
Pain is a non-negotiable
Change the tradition
Announce your holiday intentions early and clearly
Treat yourself to something or make a…
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Dec 2, 2022
BW 008: Give Yourself Grace While Grieving
While grieving, we aren’t able to function at the levels we’re used to, and that’s hard! I’ve always been a high achieving, self-driven, ambitious person. Telling myself to slow down, minimize expectations of myself, and letting go has been one of the hardest things I’ve done. In today’s episode, I share my thoughts on: Giving yourself grace Learning to be patient Managing expectations Setting boundaries It’s okay to say “No, thank you”. :) The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future. Learn more at bravewidow.com.
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Nov 30, 2022
BW 007: Intense Joy and Grief Post Loss - with Shyla Nash
What does life look like after loss? Does grief ever just “go away”? When can you find joy again? In today’s episode, Shyla Nash shares her experience with: Diagnosis to loss within two months Living with intense joy and grief at the same time Widowhood with three young children Dating post loss Shyla openly shares her experience, thoughts, struggles, and joy. The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future. Learn more at bravewidow.com. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have four beautiful children together. My world was turned completely upside down when I lost him. With faith, community, and wisdom from others, I’ve been able to find hope, joy, and dream again for the future. I want to help others do the s…
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Nov 28, 2022
BW 006: Young Widow Now Published Author Chases Her Dreams and How You Can, Too - with Elaine Roth
Many times as widows we feel like our future dreams and plans evaporate along with our spouse. We feel insecure about the future and may even have to relearn who we are and what we want in this new version of life.
In today’s episode, Elaine Roth shares her experience with:
* Anticipatory grief struggles; when you’re holding on to that 1% chance
* Reality of loss as it sets in
* Feeling overwhelmed
* Fear from others and friendships
* Chasing her dream
* Bittersweet milestone moments
Elaine has a beautiful story of resilience, vulnerability, hope, and perseverance. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with grief and need help with household tasks but aren’t sure how to ask for it, you can find a full checklist of ideas in the free resource toolkit at bravewidow.com/free. __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding annivers…
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Nov 21, 2022
BW 005: Five Ways to (Actually) Help a Widow
There’s a big gap between people who need help but have a hard time accepting it and people who want to help but don’t know how or what to do. In today’s episode, I share five ways that you can (actually) help a widow. You can find a full checklist of ideas in the free resource toolkit at bravewidow.com/free. __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have four beautiful children together. My world was turned completely upside down when I lost him. With faith, community, and wisdom from others, I’ve been able to find hope, joy, and dream again for the future. I want to help others do the same, too! FOLLOW me on SOCIAL: Twitter @brave_widow Instagram @brave_widow Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bravewidow Don't forget to give this video a thumbs up if it helped you today, subscribe to the channel, hit t…
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Nov 18, 2022
BW 004: Live with Confidence Regardless of What Others Say - with Brittany Weinke-Newton
Widowed at the incredibly young age of 26, Brittany Weinke-Newton shares her experience with:
* The legal challenges of being engaged and limited ability to make decisions
* Strained family relationships
* How to truly help widows
* Timing and perceptions of moving on
* Society’s expectations and criticism from others
* Finding love post loss Introducing a new partner to your children
In spite of the traumatic loss of her fiance, Brittany lived life post loss courageously and prioritized her needs. __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have four beautiful children together. My world was turned completely upside down when I lost him. With faith, community, and wisdom from others, I’ve been able to find hope, joy, and dream again for the future. I want to help others do the same, too! FOLLOW me…
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Nov 16, 2022
BW 003: Traumatic Loss and Widowed at the Age of 25 - with Angie Lopez
Widowed at the incredibly young age of 25, Angie Lopez shares her experience with: Traumatic death and loss of her husband The aftermath of PTSD and guilt Loneliness as her social circle dynamics changed What helped during her healing journey The importance of consistently reaching out to widows Advice for other widows going through a similar experience Angie is a mom to her beautiful four year old daughter and hopes to encourage other young grieving widows. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have four beautiful children together. My world was turned completely upside down when I lost him. With faith, community, and wisdom from others, I’ve been able to find hope, joy, and dream again for the future. I want to help others do the same, too! FOLLOW me on SOCIAL: Twitter @brave_widow Instagram @brave_widow Fac…
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Nov 16, 2022
BW 002: Eight Ways to Honor Your Loved One
I help young widows heal their heart, find hope, and dream again for the future. In this episode, I briefly cover eight ways you can honor your loved one without leaving them behind. Check out the full mini-course and workbook full of over 50 ideas at bravewidow.com/free. ___________________________________________________________ Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have 4 beautiful children together. My world was turned completely upside down when I lost him. With faith, community, and wisdom from others, I’ve been able to find hope, joy, and dream again for the future. I want to help others do the same, too! FOLLOW me on SOCIAL: Twitter @brave_widow Instagram @brave_widow Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bravewidow
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Nov 15, 2022
BW 001: Welcome to the Brave Widow Show!
I help young widows heal their heart, find hope, and dream again for the future. In this episode, I share an overview of my story, the purpose of Brave Widow, and what to expect going forward.
Being widowed is tough!
Not only do you miss your spouse and what you shared, but you grieve for the future. Milestones and goals are tinged with pain and sadness. Dreams and plans seem to evaporate.
So much of your identity changes.
But it IS possible to find hope and joy again. ____________________________________________________________
Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have 4 beautiful children together. My world was turned completely upside down when I lost him. With faith, community, and wisdom from others, I’ve been able to find hope, joy, and dream again for the future. I want to help others do the same, too! FOLLOW me on SOCIAL: Twitter @brave_widow Instagram @brave_widow Facebook https://www.fac…
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