Episodes
-
Megan Kopka joins us this week on the podcast! She lost her husband Keith to the devastating illness ALS. Megan is passionate about helping women, especially- caregivers and widows, find financial security and
freedom to live fulfilling lives supported through planning and investing.
In today's interview, we chat about:
~where she was able to find support after losing Keith
~her greatest fear as a widow
~finding healthy coping mechanisms
~finding the strength to show up every day and be a good role model for your kids!
~her involvement with Modern Widows Club
~her fierce dedication to helping widows and caregivers thrive!
Megan is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Registered Life Planner.
Megan co-founded the Cape Fear Community of the Modern Widows Club (MWC) in May 2020 and served as their community advocate until December 2023. She also served on the Golden Committee for the National Modern Widows Club,
a national non-profit organization that serves widows. Megan is now the Board Chair for MWC.
You can reach Modern Widows Club at https://www.modernwidowsclub.org
You can reach Megan at https://www.apprisewealthmanagement.comBe sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/
Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at [email protected] -
Capt. David Dorn tragically lost his life in 2020, while responding to a break-in during a protest in St. Louis.
His widow, Ann Wood-Dorn, joins me today on the podcast to talk about Dave, how she has coped with his loss, and how she is living out his legacy of generosity and kindness.
Ann and I talk about:
~the riots in St. Louis and the events around her husband's death in 2020.
~how she handled debilitating anxiety.
~going through a trial process and how to handle stress
~an incredible connection she formed with her service dog, Poncho!
~buying a new house only months after Dave passed away.
~starting a foundation in March 2022
~how she is finding purpose by giving back and helping first responders
If you would like to make a donation, please click below:
https://www.dornfoundation.com/meet-the-foundation-2Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/
Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at [email protected] -
Missing episodes?
-
We all experience guilt in some way after we lose our spouse.
We feel responsible for what happened.
We get trapped in this illusion of control, thinking that we could have or should have done something differently and they would still be here.
In this episode, you will hear how guilt shows up for widows, why we continue to blame ourselves, and how we can let go of guilt in grief.
As long as you feel the need to punish yourself, you cannot get on with the business of living a happy life.
Give yourself permission to move forward.
Please always be kind to yourself.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a kind rating and review for the podcast! It is always appreciated!Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/
Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at [email protected] -
"I just always knew in my heart that I had to keep living." ~Emily Curtis
Emily Curtis, widow and grief coach, joins us this week on the podcast to talk about how she was able to tap into her own resilience to move through grief after losing her husband Brad suddenly.
We chat about:
~ anger being such a HUGE emotion around grief
~ how her friends really became her family during this time.
~ her strategy for handling loneliness!
~ how EMDR was a game-changer for her trauma!
~ how medication from her therapist helped her slow down and BE IN her grief to process it all!
~ how she met her new love, Lyon and is embracing and living into this new relationship!
~ how she became a certified grief coach and is helping other widows navigate their grief.
~ you can find her at Awaken and Renew Grief Coaching:
https://www.awakenrenewcoaching.com
If you enjoyed this episode, please lave a rating and review!
Thanks!Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/
Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at [email protected] -
My guest this week on the podcast is MaryJo Newell. I've known MaryJo from really close to the beginning of her widowhood story. A few years later, I can see the changes in her, the growth, and her transformation of becoming who she is today. Join us in this conversation as she shares her insights, perspectives, and things she's learned about life and about herself.
We chat about:
~losing her husband in January 2020 and navigating loss, grief , and COVID isolation all at once
~how Facebook was her outlet and connection during COVID
~her decision to move despite people telling her what to do.
~dealing with guilt over feeling better!
~making the decision to give yourself permission to move forward in life
~how she learned to find new hobbies and new friends
~how she chose to travel solo and how it changed her world!
~her genius advice about going to concerts!
Mary Jo is such a light and such a joy!
If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Also, please leave a nice rating and review for the podcast so we can reach more widows around the world!
Thank you!
Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/
Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at [email protected] -
Ryane Moates joins us this week for a candid interview about losing her husband and her journey through losing her confidence, losing her faith, and losing hope.
She shares what she did to welcome God back into heart, what she did to regain that confidence, and what she chose to bring purpose and meaning into her life through her YouTube channel, Ryane To The Rescue!
We talk about:
~ how she lost her husband John 7 weeks after a horrible biking accident.
~How she embraces the word "acceptance"
~when she decided to take off her ring
~ How she struggled with her faith
~How she was able to rebuild confidence
~How she decided to launch her YouTube channel
~How she write her new book, Field Guide For WidowsBe sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/
Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at [email protected] -
This is Part 2 of my interview with Eva Still, widow, author, yoga therapist, and retreat leader.
In this episode, Eva walks us through some helpful breathing exercises to calm and regulate our nervous system when we feel anxious.
She also mentions several books that she recommends for grief and mindfulness. Here's a list:
Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief (David Kessler)Writing to Heal the Soul: Transforming Grief & Loss Through Writing (Susan Zimmerman)
Anxious Grief: A Clinician's Guide to Supporting Grieving Clients Experiencing Anxiety, Panic & Fear(Claire Bidwell Smith)
Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory (Deb Dana)
When Life Hits Hard: How to Transcend Grief, Crisis & Loss with Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (Russ Harris)
The Chakras in Grief & Trauma (Karla Helbert)
In Spanish... El Duelo Duele... y eso está bien (grief hurts... and that's ok) (Camilo Russi)
Breath techniques:Physiologica sigh - two sips in through the nose, filling the lungs, long slow exhale through the mouth
Lengthen the exhale - inhale for four, exhale for five, six or seven
Box breathing - inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4, inhale 4... etc.
Grounding/self-soothing
Butterfly hug - bilateral stimulation, hands crossed on the chest or to the opposite shoulder, gently tapping while breathing deeply
Orienting - look around your space and name three things you see
5 senses orienting - name something you can see, hear, smell, feel touch
You can reach Eva at:
Instagram @evastillyoga
Website: https://www.evastill.comBe sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/
Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at [email protected] -
Today's podcast guest, Eva Still, has an incredible story to share! Her life has taken her down so many different, unexpected paths and I can't wait for you to hear all about her adventures!
This interview is broken up into 2 parts, so you will hear the first half today, where Eva talks about:
~visits from her late husband and the conversations they had!
~Her take on how the universe is always guiding you in the right direction.
~ how she turned to yoga as a "safe place" to grieve
~ how she spent over a month in Bali getting her yoga training.
~how she quit her job and spent 7months backpacking in South America before settling in Colombia!
I hope you find her story inspiring! I know I did! I hope this motivates you to go out and have your own adventures because life is too short to miss out!
Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/
Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at [email protected] -
Feeling isolated and lonely can be one of the most challenging parts of widowhood. But, that's actually putting it lightly, right?
I know that loneliness is not just a "challenge". It's all-encompassing. It's life-altering. It's anxiety-inducing and triggering.
I also know that a really good quote has the power to to get you through a really bad day.
So, today on episode 187 of Widow 180: The Podcast, I am sharing a selection of quotes that will hopefully strike a chord with you, help bring some self-awareness to your situation, cause some perspective shifts, and give you something to hold onto during this difficult time in your life.
If you would like more help and support with loneliness, be sure to sign up for The Overcoming Loneliness Workshop for Widows.
The LIVE Zoom session will be held on Sunday April 21, 2024 at 8pm EST!
Join us at https://www.widow180.com/lonelyBe sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/
Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at [email protected] -
You know that awful feeling when you find out after the fact that there was a party or a get-together thrown by a friend or family member?
It's the dreadful, gut-wrenching feeling of being left out.
It stings.
Today, I want to offer you 7 tips on how to deal with feeling left out.
These are some things you can do to help soothe the sting of rejection.
For more help and guidance with loneliness, be sure to sign up for our upcoming workshop, Overcoming Loneliness Workshop for Widows.
It's happening on Sunday April 21, 2024 at 8pm EST. This LIVE 60-90 minutes Zoom session will cover ways to help you stop feeling lonely.
Sign up at https://www.widow180.com/lonelyBe sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/
Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at [email protected] -
"Stay open to the universe and the void gets filled."
These are the wise and brilliant words of advice from this week's guest, Julie Hanrahan.
Julie lost her husband Paul suddenly and unexpectedly on October 27, 2021 at only 33 years old. Julie's life went into a tailspin.
In today's episode she shares:
~how she was struck with PTSD, panic attacks, and breathing problems following the loss of her husband.
~how she decided immediately to sell her house and move to the next town over to start a new life.
~how she had to pivot from her high-stress career in social work to now teaching yoga classes.
~ how she was able to boost her confidence by travelling the world.
~ how her relationship with her dad strengthened after living with him for 6 months.
~how she was able to open her heart to a new love with a new partner!
~ how she is still struggling with the fact that Paul passed away on the same day as her birthday.
~how she is paving her own way in her new life!Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/
Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at [email protected] -
Is social media slowing down your grieving process? Find out here!
Do you LOVE Facebook? Are you obsessed with Instagram? Social media has changed everything about the way we interact with each other.
You may see on Facebook that you have hundreds, maybe even thousands of Facebook "friends". But how many of those people really know you? Do they know the struggles you're going through?
Social media can give us a false sense of connection to others.
Find out in this episode how social media could be hindering your healing process.
Key takeaways from this episode:
~ Start noticing how social media is making you feel. Is it uplifting? Or is it bringing you down?
~ Make an intention to have more face-to-face interactions with those Facebook friends! That's where the true connection happens!Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/
Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at [email protected] -
Maybe you've heard some phrases like "You have to feel in order to heal" or "Feel your feelings, don't try to escape them."
As a person who helps widows figure out this whole "widowhood mess", I know there is so much truth to these statements.
But what if those feelings pop up right before a big work presentation?
What if those emotions well up in the middle of a parent-teacher conference?
Join me this week for a realistic conversation around putting strong feelings ON HOLD until the time is appropriate to release them.
This means, YES, you do have to feel the feelings, but NOT RIGHT NOW!Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/
Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at [email protected] -
Becky Long joins us on the podcast today for a candid interview about how she is rebuilding her life after losing her husband Don in 2022.
My favorite quote from this episode: "This new chapter in my life...I'm gonna play the hell out of it." ~Becky Long
Becky shows so much strength and resilience in this raw and honest interview. We talk about:
~ how she started hiking, journaling, and listening to podcasts to help her cope with the loss.
~ How we should educate ourselves on grief to get a better understanding of what we're going through.
~ How NOT to stay stuck!
~ How you can't rush through the grieving process.
~ How moving to a new condo and making new friends is helping her re-identify with her new self.
~ How we should not put the burden of our own healing on our grown children.
~How it helped her so much to have a vision of who she wanted to be.
~How your healing is your responsibility and no one else's.Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/
Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at [email protected] -
Today on the podcast Tiffany Coleman shares her story of loss, but it's also a story of strength and how she was able to power through and prevail, how she is raising her children, and how she is choosing joy despite the pain of losing her husband.
Tiffany and I talk about:
~ how her husband Dwight passed away from a pulmonary embolism in their home on her daughter's birthday.
~ How she grappled with her faith, but ultimately leaned on God for healing and hope.
~ How she and the kids are celebrating the "heaven day" each year.
~ How to schedule "grief time" as a busy mom.
~ How year 2 was not as bad as year 1 for her!
~ How people say the most awful things, with the best intentions!
~ how a change in her environment/ redecoration project helped her to step into her new life
You can find Tiffany on Insta: @tiffanycoleman316
Her website is www.tiffany-coleman.comBe sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/
Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at [email protected] -
Kali Sakai's husband Ken was diagnosed with glioblastoma and ultimately passed away in 2021. In this heartfelt, honest interview, Kali shares:
~ Ways to celebrate your loved one (quilts, special ceremonies, etc.)
~ How to talk to your kids about the hard things in life.
~ Forming a "Wellness Team" to keep you sane!
~ Changing friendships and NEW friendships
~ Ways that grief changes us as a person
~ Dating long distance as a widowed mom (Hint: It works!)
Kali is an author who writes for an online parenting magazine called parentmap.com. She also has a blog called evidentlyblog.com
Be sure to sign up for The Miracle Month group coaching program starting Monday March 4, 2024 at 8pm EST!
Get all the info at https://www.widow180.com/miraclemonthBe sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/
Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at [email protected] -
Are you feeling stuck?
Having trouble believing that you will ever be able to move forward?
Stuck in a place of fear and indecision?
Let's talk.
Mentioned in this episode:
Grab your spot in the Miracle Month 4 week group coaching program! We kick off Monday March 4, 2024!
For more info go to www.widow180.com/miraclemonthBe sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/
Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at [email protected] -
Kim Seewald is our special guest this week on the podcast! She is sharing her story of losing her husband to cancer and how she has navigated the changes that came along with widowhood, including building a house, selling a car, moving, selling property, and learning how to manage her new life without her husband.
Kim's positive attitude and motivation to make her husband proud are what keep her going every day.
We chat about:
~ making big changes in the first year of widowhood (and that it's ok!)
~ strange physical effects of grief on the body
~ how moving was the best thing she ever did
~ when she took off her wedding ring
~ how she is filling up her calendar with trips and dates with grandbabies!
If you found this episode to be inspiring, we would love to hear the feedback! Email me at [email protected]Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/
Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at [email protected] -
How will YOU be spending Valentine's Day this year?
If you're dreading Valentine's Day this year, it's totally understandable.
But, instead of making this a day of suffering and sadness, let's make it a day of treating yourself and doing something special!
This is a list of 3 ways to celebrate Valentine's Day as a widow.
Remember, you control this day. You have the power to take back and enjoy this day and celebrate whatever way you choose.
How are YOU spending this Valentine's Day? If you have any other ideas on how to spend Valentine's Day, I would love to hear it!
Email me at [email protected]
Please subscribe and leave us a rating and review! I would really appreciate it! It helps the podcast reach even more widows across the world!Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/
Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at [email protected] -
It's already February. Valentine's Day is coming up. For many widows, it's a time when we start to think about new love and new relationships.
Maybe you're at that point, and maybe you're not quite ready for that.
Either way, you will want to listen to today's episode where we talk about WHY you want to start dating again. We will doing the work and asking some important questions to figure out the intent behind your decision to date again!
If you're not sure if you're ready to start dating, you need to take THIS QUIZ, Are You Ready To Date?
To get the list of the TOP 5 Online Dating Sites and Apps for widows, Click HERE
Other podcast episodes about dating you will definitely want to check out...
Episodes 31, 73, 99 101, 128, and 163!Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/
Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at [email protected] - Show more
