Two Dancing Widows

Season 2 may be coming to a close, but Toni and Hettie are far from finished dancing. In this season finale episode of Two Dancing Widows , the ladies reflect on the emotional, funny, inspiring, and deeply human moments that shaped this season. From grief and healing to rediscovering joy, purpose, friendship, and community, this episode is a celebration of how far they, and their listeners, have c...

In this week's episode of Two Dancing Widows , Toni and Hettie explore the powerful metaphor of life as a boat — and the people who travel alongside us through different seasons. What begins as a simple question, “Who’s in your boat?”, unfolds into a thoughtful conversation about friendship, grief, loyalty, emotional support, and the surprising ways people show up during life’s hardest moments. Th...

In this episode, Toni and Hettie explore that all too familiar feeling of having “all your pots boiling over.” Through personal stories and honest reflection, they unpack how grief, responsibilities, financial pressures, and emotional weight can stack up until everything feels urgent. With warmth and relatability, Toni and Hettie remind us that we don’t have to fix everything at once and that smal...

In Episode 10, Toni and Hettie explore the complex and often surprising experience of joy after loss. What happens when happiness no longer feels natural? When laughter feels distant, or even undeserved? This conversation dives into the emotional tension between grief and healing where moments of joy can feel unfamiliar, guarded, or even like a betrayal. Together, they unpack the fear of opening u...

Toni and Hettie explore the quiet, everyday moments where grief lingers, often unnoticed by the outside world but deeply felt within. Through honest reflection and heartfelt conversation, they share how small rituals, like a simple cup of coffee, can become anchors in the healing process. This episode is a gentle reminder that even in the midst of grief, there is space for connection, comfort, and...

In this episode, Toni and Hettie explore the delicate and often complicated journey of reconnecting after loss. From rebuilding social connections to rediscovering joy in everyday moments, they share honest reflections on what it means to open yourself back up even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain. The conversation highlights how connection isn’t a single moment, but a series of small step...

In this episode of Two Dancing Widows , Toni and Hettie sit down with Yohance Lacour—an artist, writer, and Chicago native whose life story is as compelling as it is inspiring. Yohance opens up about his early love for storytelling, the path that led him into the streets, and the choices that ultimately resulted in a 10-year federal prison sentence. What follows is not just a story of hardship, bu...

In Flying Away Part 2 , Toni and Hettie continue their conversation about the dream of “flying away” and what it could really mean to begin again somewhere new. This episode goes beyond wishful thinking and gets into the practical questions: Which places feel safe? Which are affordable? Where is healthcare strong? And what kind of environment supports peace, joy, connection, and healing? As they c...

In Episode 5, “Flying Away,” Toni and Hettie explore the longing many grieving people feel to escape — not necessarily forever, but long enough to catch their breath. From dreams of extended stays abroad to simpler ways of stepping away at home, they talk candidly about what it means to seek change while carrying loss. This episode is a thoughtful conversation about grief, reinvention, community,...

In this uplifting episode, Toni and Hettie are joined by Brenda , who shares how she embraced a whole new chapter after retirement. From a long career in speech therapy to discovering her voice as a singer and songwriter, Brenda’s story is a moving reminder that it is never too late to pursue joy, creativity, and purpose. Brenda’s story speaks to anyone standing at the edge of change and wondering...

This week’s episode of Two Dancing Widows is one of the most personal conversations the podcast has ever shared. Toni turns the microphone toward her co-host Hettie Collins , who opens her heart about the life and loss of her daughter Brandi Collins-Dexter . Brandi was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on December 31, 2024 , and passed away on June 25, 2025 , just six months later. In this emotiona...

In this episode of Two Dancing Widows , Toni reflects on the fall that closed out Season One — the broken ankle, the forced pause, and the long road of recovery. What began as an unexpected accident became an opportunity for growth, perspective, and deeper awareness. With honesty and warmth, Toni shares what she learned during that season of healing — and how sometimes life’s interruptions carry l...

Season Two begins with a powerful and heartfelt conversation about rebuilding life after loss, emotionally and practically. In this episode, Toni and Hettie welcome Toni Adams Richardson , who shares insight into what happens when grief collides with real-world challenges like housing, financial stability, and major life transitions. This conversation extends beyond widows, it speaks to anyone nav...

Before the start of Season Two, Two Dancing Widows brings you a light-hearted Valentine’s Day bonus episode. In this special, Toni and Hettie step away from their usual deep reflections to share laughter, memories, and the many ways love shows up in our lives — from childhood Valentine’s traditions to the meaning behind the holiday, and a joyful celebration of Galentine’s, honoring the friendships...

 This special message marks the close of Season One of Two Dancing Widows. Toni and Hettie share their heartfelt thanks for the love, support, and community that have grown around the podcast. Toni gives a lighthearted update on her recent ankle-breaking tumble down a few stairs, and the hosts announce a short holiday break while she heals. They invite listeners to revisit past episodes, share ide...

 In this episode of Two Dancing Widows , Toni and Hettie sit down with Alan Randall, a widower whose story of love and loss radiates hope and grace. Alan shares his beautiful 27-year journey with his late wife, Victoria, a spirited journalist whose light continues to guide him even after her battle with Alzheimer’s. From their first meeting at church to his experience as her devoted caregiver, Ala...

 In this holiday episode, Toni and Hettie explore the tender territory of grief and joy during a season that can feel both magical and achingly heavy. They discuss how beloved traditions can unexpectedly trigger sorrow, why guilt often surfaces when happiness returns, and how we can "unwrap joy" through intentional rituals, storytelling, service, creativity, and connection. Blending personal stori...

In this episode, Toni and Hettie explore the idea of gifting yourself the freedom to live again through travel. From Toni’s recent adventure in Bali, filled with reflection, friendship, culture, and a few comical street-crossing moments to the joy of stepping outside your comfort zone, the conversation highlights how travel can refresh your spirit and reconnect you with the world. They discuss pla...

In this deeply personal episode of Two Dancing Widows , Toni and Hettie open their hearts in a conversation that blends vulnerability, courage, and compassion. Hettie shares the story of her daughter Brandi Collins-Dexter, who passed away at just 44 years old from pancreatic cancer. To honor Brandy’s life and explore the journey of grief from a different lens, Toni and Hettie sit down with Brandy’...

After 47 years together and Sharon's passing following a long battle with cancer, Ralph Carter found himself starting over. In this heartfelt episode, Ralph and his new wife Pat join hosts Toni and Hettie to share their remarkable story of finding love again in their later years.  From navigating dating as seniors to having the courage to open their hearts again, Ralph and Pat prove that joy and c...

 In this episode of Two Dancing Widows, Toni and Hettie welcome Felicia Lofton, employee performance expert and certified life coach from Lofton and Associates. They explore how grief affects performance at work, in families, and in daily life, and why seeking professional support is a crucial part of the healing process. Felicia shares practical strategies for building support networks, reaching...

In this week’s episode of Two Dancing Widows , hosts Toni and Hettie sit down with the insightful and candid Naina Hill, a woman navigating life after loss. Together, they explore the highs and lows of stepping into the modern dating world, especially through the lens of grief and self-discovery. Naina opens up about her experiences on dating apps, the lessons she’s learned about setting boundarie...

In this deeply moving episode of Two Dancing Widows , Toni and Hettie welcome the inspiring Erica Collins, Ph. D. to share her incredible journey through life-altering illness and the unyielding resilience that carried her forward. From the challenges of misdiagnoses and the emotional toll of chronic conditions to the power of self-advocacy and a supportive community, Erica’s story is a testament...

In this heartfelt episode of Two Dancing Widows , Toni and Hettie share candid reflections on resilience, reinvention, and finding joy in life’s unexpected chapters. From the challenges of navigating loss to the small victories of trying something new, they discuss what it truly means to believe in yourself. Through humor and honesty, the duo explores themes of self-discovery, stepping out of comf...

 In this first episode of Two Dancing Widows , we introduce our hosts, Toni and Hettie, two remarkable women who’ve each faced profound loss and emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. They share the personal journeys that inspired them to create this podcast—a space dedicated to stories of resilience, hope, and finding joy again after life-altering challenges. Join us as we dive into their heart...