The Merry Widows Podcast

Some of the Merry Widows traveled to catch some sun and have some fun. While they were away, those left back in Pittsburgh missed their cohorts. But, what about traveling after your significant has passed.... even to a place that was YOUR place or a dream-to-go-to place?  Is it normal to feel guility but happy at the same time?

In this first episode of 2023, the Merry Widows discuss dating, the use of dating apps and what happens if one of them finds a date.

The Merry Widows, minus 2 of them due to illness, gathered to reflect on each other. Why do the lean on each other?  Each one at the table talks about the person, at the table, to their right!  I;s a sentimental episode but one that will possibly help you reflect on who your GALentine might be!

The Merry Widows are back together for the new year. The reflect on how the podcast has helped them stay close and what, if any, should be the new mission for '23.  But, there's a story about a guy with a kilt and someone trying to verify the storied question... does a man wear underwear under his kilt?

Donna and the rest of the girls reflect on the subtle sadness moments that can creep up during the holidays. They talk about who they lean on for support and Donna reflects on how she is currently supporting a friend whose mother recently passed away.  And, of course, we end it with a seasonal salutation! Stay tuned for more information on the first Merry Widows meet-and-greet in upcoming podcasts...

The winter holidays will never be the same. Not matter how long it has been since a passing, holidays seem to dredge up emotions and the Merry Widows are glad that they have each other. They know who, from their group, is going to have a tough time and can be proactive in calling each other.

The ladies discuss their losses.. were they sudden or over time?  Do the ladies miss their diceased mates and does the grief ever get easier?

First.. the ladies recap the weekend. Then they chat about how to stay busy, including Iris getting a new job.. but not full time!  They talk about having each other to rely on. 

One thing the Merry Widows talk about, regularly, is the closeness and bond that they have between each other and how it is not necessarily 1OO% fullfilling. That's because the loved ones that they have lost were there soulmates.  Is one able to find a second soulmate?

The ladies had an interloper this week! PR specialist, Colin, stopped by to interview the ladies for their first press pitch! Yes... they gave him all of the scoop...including who the best cook is!  Of course, the seranade Colin with a song too! 

The girls get back together to talk about what they all did over the long July 4th weekend.  A discussion of intimacy ensues. What is it? How do each define it?  How do they manage carrying on life without it?

The Merry Widows have had a few members off ill or taking care of family that had been ill. Some were even traveling so they are back together again and reflecting on Father's Day and who takes care of THEM when they are sick since they don't have spouses.

After the ladies talk about their Kentucky Derby winnings and non-winnings, including their homemade hats, they tell the story of how the Merry Widows Wagon came to be and, to add some color to the story, how they all get in and pile out of it!

As you transition to "widow life," you may have to pick up certain required life tasks that you never did before.. paying the bills, putting laundry away and washing the car. The Merry Widows share stories and, of course, you know there are a couple of odd ones in there!

A recent Dr. Phil episode talked about a group of women who interact with each other regularly.  Based on that, the Merry Widows talk about how the group started and why the group is relevant to each of them today.

After the ladies reflect on their Lenten Friday Fish.. the ended up with leaving a local pub at 12:3Oam, the reflected on new hobbies that they have attempted.. including a lemon cheesecake and Zumba classes,

The Merry Widows recap the weekend of eating such at the Penn Avenue Fish Market and then discuss memories.. like watching football or other activities that their spouses used to do regularly.

"Lean on me" is the theme for this episode. The Merry Widows reflect on their individual strengths as women but also their cohesive strength as a group of very close friends who are honest and straightforward with each other.

Is music a savior for the soul and memories or does it make you sad?  Dancing, singing, drinking wine... music is key to many emotions.

The ladies went out for dinner and drinks and then came home and sat around the fireplace recapping.  Oh, and one of them gets a surprise for her upcoming seventeith bday!

The Merry Widows talk about living alone.. security, dogs, regular contact with kids and siblings and cooking for one. But, before that, Donna and Eileen did some dog sitting in Chicago while some of the others spent the weekend out with Bob (The Bartender).

The Merry Widows talk about the "firsts." The first year is difficult. Adjusting to being alone varies between individuals. But, before they address the "firsts,", the talk about attending their first Halloween themed wedding in the Merry Widows Wagon!

After a review of hanging out at the V.F.W. and a few stories about a road trip, and a guy "falling" for Jan, The Merry Widows talk about the various phases of grief. Where are each of them on the grief spectrum? How did they move forward?  Do they ever slip backward?

We were so happy with the practice recording, we decided to publish it. What do we have to lose?  We are the proud Merry Widows of Pittsburgh and happy to be on the internet with our stories.