Widowhood Real Talk with Tina

Valentine's Day can be a bittersweet reminder of love and loss for those who are grieving a spouse. This episode offers gentle guidance and support for navigating this emotionally charged day. Discover thoughtful ways you can show up for a grieving friend or family member, from simple gestures of acknowledgment to practical offers of help. We also dive deep into self-care strategies for widows and...

After the unexpected loss of her husband, widowhood became a turning point that sparked a new chapter in Debbie Weiss' life. Debbie joins us to share how widowhood unexpectedly launched her on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Debbie opens up about navigating grief, redefining her identity, and finding the strength to embrace new possibilities after loss. From redecorating her bedroo...

Dating as a widow and widower is not just about finding companionship. This particular dating experience is also about rebuilding trust, rediscovering joy, and embracing new beginnings. In this thought-provoking conversation, I welcome Francisco Rodriguez and Jessica Zoeller to explore the unique challenges and profound opportunities widows and widowers face when stepping back into the dating worl...

I sit down with Francisco R. who opens up about his widower's journey, as well as his complex experiences with love, loss, and the complexities of grief. We delve into his unique perspective on navigating life after the sudden passing of his wife, Audra. From the challenges of long-distance dating, the unexpected health struggles, to the importance of open communication about death, this episode o...

When the therapist becomes a widow, what happens next? Who will be the one to support them? Can they support themselves? Jessica Zoeller, a therapist, candidly shares how she handled this very situation after the death of her husband. She recounts their whirlwind romance, the challenges of relocating and building a family, and the devastating impact of his cancer diagnosis. Jessica opens up about...

Taking care of your mental health is crucial, especially after losing an important person in your life. In this episode, I talk with clinical mental health counselor Jessica Zoeller about navigating grief and trauma while looking after your well-being. Jessica shares her experiences with loss and the importance of finding the right therapist for your mental health journey. We dive into the differe...

Welcome to the first episode of 2025! Join Tina Fornwald as she kicks off the year with a heartfelt message of gratitude and a vision for the future of the Widowhood Real Talk podcast and community. She reflects on the importance of community, connection, and creating a safe space for the bereaved to thrive. Plus, she shares insights from Brené Brown's book "Rising Strong," emphasizing the power o...

Even though children are expected to be the ones to take care of their parents later in life, losing them is still a challenging phase to get through. In this episode, we get a daughter’s perspective on grief and loss as I sit down with my own daughter, Catherine Fornwald. Together, we look back on the day we lost my husband and her father, as well as how we dealt with the grieving process that fo...

Before embarking on a new chapter in life, many face the profound and often isolating experience of widowhood. In this poignant episode, Joi Brooks shares her deeply personal journey through widowhood, reflecting on her life after the loss of her husband, Harry. With humor and heart, she navigates the complexities of adjusting to a new routine while cherishing the memory of Harry and the little th...

Love is not always easy, but it is always worth the journey. In this powerful episode, Dana Hueston shares her emotional journey of finding love, guided by God's plan. Dana embraced a period of singlehood, determined to honor her promise to God. When she married John, they were tested by life's challenges, including infidelity. Dana's faith and patience were pivotal in their relationship's growth,...

Grief is a universal experience, yet it manifests uniquely for each individual. In this episode, Nina Rodriguez delves into sibling grief and the often-unseen struggles of those who have lost a brother or sister. Nina discusses the challenges of navigating grief within a family dynamic, where parents may be consumed by their sorrow, and the importance of extending grace to one another. She highlig...

During the holidays, grief can feel particularly overwhelming. Happy memories with a loved one who already transitioned flood in amid the season’s festive mood, and it is certainly a bittersweet feeling. In this episode, I cherish the memories of my late husband Mark through letters, photos, and cherished possessions. As I reminisce on our time together, I also talk about the significance of findi...

No mother should be burying their children, and no mother deserves to deal with their son’s murder. Unfortunately for Laureen Flood Rivers, she had to face the heavy burden of losing her son to gun violence in 2003. In this episode, she looks back on her story of grief, isolation, and coping after the brutal death of her son, as well as how it shook and ultimately transformed her relationship with...

"It is what it is. I'm going to live here out loud." Cheryl Scruggs joins Tina Fornwald for a raw and vulnerable conversation about navigating the turbulent waters of a mother’s grief. After experiencing a series of devastating losses, including the passing of her daughter, Stephanie, Cheryl opens up about her struggles with mental health, suicidal thoughts, and the complexities of grieving multip...

Estate planning is more than just paperwork—it’s about securing a legacy for your loved ones. In this powerful episode, Adam Zuckerman, founder of Buried in Work, shares how the loss of his father motivated him to build a company focused on transforming estate planning into a meaningful process for families. Adam talks about the importance of preparing for the unexpected and how his journey throug...

The journey of widowhood can be a lonely road, but remember, you're not alone. In this episode, you'll find a raw and honest look into the complexities of widowhood. It breaks down the enduring nature of grief, debunking the myth that it magically fades after a year. This episode reflects on how losing a spouse transforms identity and emphasizes the importance of community support during this diff...

Journey through love, loss, and healing with the heartwarming children’s book Here With You. Join Kellie Kaminskas, the author, as she shares her journey as a widow and how she found solace in writing a book to help children understand grief. Her son, who lost his father at a tender age, played a crucial role in the creation of this book. Together, they've found healing through the process, and th...

In this episode, we welcome Teresea Archaga, a Certified Grief Counselor and support group practitioner with the American Academy of Grief Counseling, who has turned her mourning into a mission to help others. Teresea has experienced several significant losses in her life which led her on a journey of healing and self-discovery, and she has made it her mission to help others navigate their own gri...

In a society that does not know how to properly deal with people who are getting through the loss of a loved one, one must learn how to give themselves permission to grieve in their own way. Suzanne Jabour, a certified grief educator and transformational coach, is changing the paradigm around grief through her very own three-pronged approach. She explains how individuals can navigate through grief...

Join Emily Curtis, as she shares her journey as a widow and how she transformed her challenges into hope and purpose through grief coaching. Emily shares her raw journey of loss, revealing the unique bond forged among those who have lost their partners. They explore the realities of widowhood, the challenges of discussing loss, and the community’s role in navigating grief. Discover how Emily’s gri...

As adults, we hold the power to make a world of difference in the lives of grieving children. Deborah Brown, Director of Grief Information for Teachers and Services, shares her journey and invaluable insights into supporting young people through difficult times in this enlightening conversation. She discusses the importance of understanding children’s grief reactions, providing emotional support,...

Losing a loved one so suddenly after a vicious accident is truly heartbreaking. They do not simply leave your life, but they do so without warning. Todd Lingel faced this same situation when he lost his mother and sister in a road crash. In this episode, he shares how he started Kares Foundation to honor their memories by guiding teens and young adults in dealing with grief and loss. Todd breaks d...

Moving through grief is like navigating a winding path, filled with unexpected twists and turns, but ultimately leading to a sense of peace and healing. In this poignant episode, Addie Green unravels her remarkable journey of moving through grief. From the emotional struggle of losing loved ones to the serendipity of new beginnings, Addie’s tale is a testament to the power of love and the indomita...

Many cliches have become cliches because they’re uncannily true, and one of those cliches is, “There is purpose in your pain.” It’s not some empty, abstract statement designed to console someone who’s grieving. When we truly understand what this means, that purpose shows up in concrete ways, often changing the lives of other people in the process. This is what Paula Foster’s journey has been. She...

Widowhood is a challenging journey, but it can also be empowering, not only to the widow herself, but to other widows around her. Widows thrive in community. They thrive in a place where they get to share their stories and hear the stories of others. This is what Shevetta Washington aims to achieve through her initiative, Widow with a Purpose. Shevetta had a harrowing widowhood experience herself,...