Brave Widow Show

Emily Tanner

Inspiration for young widows to help heal their heart, find hope, and dream again for the future.

  1. 1d ago

    How a Widow Keeps Her Husband's Memory Alive 10 Years Later with Author Dori Ann Dupré | BW: 208

    If you’ve ever wondered what life might look like 10 years after losing your spouse, this conversation will feel like a deep breath.   Connect with Dori Ann Dupré Instagram: @Author.DoriAnnDupre Facebook: @AuthorDoriAnnDupre Website: https://dorianndupre.wixsite.com/books   Brave Widow Resources   Free, Live “Four Seasons of Grief” Training + Quiz: bravewidow.com/live Held in Hope Conference (Oct 8–9, Jenks, OK): https://www.standinthegap.org/heldinhope/ Brave Widow Academy (join the waitlist or book a call): https://bravewidow.com/academy Join Brave Widow Foundations (gentle, faith‑based support for the first seasons of grief):👉 bravewidow.com/foundations Join the free Brave Widow Community: https://bravewidow.com/free     In this episode, Emily talks with author and widow Dori Ann Dupré about growing up in a family of widows, losing her husband to colon cancer, raising daughters without their dad, and turning generational grief into legacy through her new novel “Widows and Children” and an upcoming children’s book about a grandfather her granddaughter never met.   You’ll hear how writing became “medicine,” why grief feels like a heavy backpack you learn to carry, and the small, sacred ways we can keep our person’s memory alive for future generations.   In this episode: What it’s like to be widowed in a line of widows Loving and losing Eric: husband, dad, stepdad, West Point grad Writing her first two novels while caregiving through cancer How her daughter lost both her dad and first love in the same year The inspiration behind Widows and Children The “grief backpack” analogy and why you’re not going backwards Practical ways to weave your person into your kids’ and grandkids’ lives Hope from 10 years out: what gets lighter, what still hurts, and what’s possible   Chapters 00:00 – When your widow story spans generations 02:38 – Meeting Eric: love, integrity & young-onset colon cancer 06:25 – Keeping “Pop” alive for a granddaughter he never met 08:10 – Writing through cancer and finishing a book before he died 12:40 – Stepdads who stand in the gap (and the story behind Good Buddy) 15:05 – The “widow curse” in one family & the new novel Widows and Children 18:45 – Double loss: her daughter’s first love and her dad in the same year 21:40 – What widows recognize in each other across a room 22:55 – The grief backpack: learning to carry a weight that never fully leaves 24:35 – Hope for new widows + how to connect with Dori     💬 If this episode helped you, please:  Hit Subscribe  Leave a quick rating & review – it helps more widows find this support Share this with a friend who’s facing grief or the holidays without their person   If you’re new here, my name is Emily Tanner. I’m the founder of Brave Widow and Brave Widow Academy.   I help widows move from barely surviving their loss… to rebuilding a life they can actually love again without feeling like they’re betraying their person.   By day (and for 20+ years), I’ve led large teams and complex operations in the corporate world.    After my husband Nathan died in 2021, just shy of our 20-year anniversary, I took everything I knew about leadership, systems, and change — and started applying it to grief.   Since then, I’ve: Shared my story publicly to make widows feel less alone. Launched the Brave Widow podcast, now with 180+ episodes and listeners around the world. Coached hundreds of widows 1:1 and in groups, and talked with thousands more through the podcast, communities, and events. Built Brave Widow Academy, a 6-month coaching program with a clear framework for moving from deep grief to rebuilding a life you can love again.   I don’t teach “just think positive” grief tips.   I teach widows how to: Heal their heart. Stop waiting on “time” to fix everything. Take small, brave steps toward a life that feels meaningful again.   How I Got Here…   2021: My husband Nathan dies unexpectedly. I’m 4 kids in, overwhelmed, and drowning in paperwork, decisions, and pain. Therapy helps, but I still feel stuck with no roadmap.   2021–2022: I start devouring books, interviewing widows, trying grief groups, and studying coaching — desperate to find something that actually helps me feel different.   2022: I start the Brave Widow podcast, recording episodes while terrified and crying between takes — but determined that no widow should feel as alone as I did.   Year 1: I begin coaching widows 1:1. Word spreads quietly. The same patterns and problems keep showing up, so I start building frameworks instead of one-off advice.   Year 2: I launch Brave Widow Academy — a structured, 6-month coaching program with a step-by-step path: from deep grief, to stability, to rebuilding.   Year 3: Brave Widow has listeners around the world. I’ve personally coached hundreds of widows and spoken with thousands more through consults, lives, emails, and DMs.    Today: My work is simple:   Help widows stop surviving each day… and start rebuilding a life that makes them genuinely glad to be alive again.

  2. Aug 11

    How To Start Wanting Life Again After Widow Grief (Without Big Dreams) | BW: 207

    Brave Widow Resources   Brave Widow Academy (join the waitlist or book a call): https://bravewidow.com/academy Join Brave Widow Foundations (gentle, faith‑based support for the first seasons of grief):👉 bravewidow.com/foundations Join the free Brave Widow Community: https://bravewidow.com/free   📍 In‑Person Events Mentioned: • Held in Hope Conference – Jenks, OK – Oct 8–9, 2026: https://www.standinthegap.org/heldinhope/ • San Antonio, TX meetup (September 2026) • Faith and Growth Summit – Miami, FL – Dec 3, 2026: https://faithbasedcoachingacademy.com/faith-and-growth-summit/     If you stand in front of the fridge asking, “What do I want?” and come up blank – not just about food, but about life – this episode is for you.   After losing your person, wanting anything can feel numb, wrong, or like a betrayal. In this Brave Widow episode, Emily gently helps you practice wanting again without forcing yourself into big dreams or a brand-new life purpose.   In this episode, you’ll hear: Why grief flattens desire and makes “neutral” feel safer than hope How to start with “coffee-level” wants instead of life purpose A simple way to design 90 minutes of your weekend to feel more like you How to try new things without promising an outcome A new way to see old dreams, shared dreams, and the dreams that belong to you now   🎁 Free “Desire Again” Worksheet Want help unpacking your own resistance and desires as you listen? Grab the free worksheet that goes with this episode: Click here to download: https://bravewidow.com/want     Chapters: 00:00 – “What do I want?” when the fridge question is really about life 01:18 – How grief suppresses desire and makes “neutral” feel safe 04:05 – Practicing tiny wants: coffee, mornings, and dinner plans 07:02 – Not “What do I want out of life?” but “What do I want more of?” 08:45 – Redesigning your weekends: three words and a 90‑minute block 11:35 – Trying without guarantees: experiments vs promised outcomes 13:40 – Frozen vs healing: numbness, overwhelm, and timing in grief 15:35 – Old dreams, shared dreams, and the dreams that are yours now 17:25 – “I’m allowed to want…” and giving yourself permission 18:40 – How to get the worksheet, join the community, and live events     Subscribe for more faith‑based, hopeful grief support for widows: @BraveWidow on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram & Facebook   💬 If this episode helped you, please:  Hit Subscribe  Leave a quick rating & review – it helps more widows find this support Share this with a friend who’s facing grief or the holidays without their person   If you’re new here, my name is Emily Tanner. I’m the founder of Brave Widow and Brave Widow Academy.   I help widows move from barely surviving their loss… to rebuilding a life they can actually love again without feeling like they’re betraying their person.   By day (and for 20+ years), I’ve led large teams and complex operations in the corporate world.    After my husband Nathan died in 2021, just shy of our 20-year anniversary, I took everything I knew about leadership, systems, and change — and started applying it to grief.   Since then, I’ve: Shared my story publicly to make widows feel less alone. Launched the Brave Widow podcast, now with 180+ episodes and listeners around the world. Coached hundreds of widows 1:1 and in groups, and talked with thousands more through the podcast, communities, and events. Built Brave Widow Academy, a 6-month coaching program with a clear framework for moving from deep grief to rebuilding a life you can love again.   I don’t teach “just think positive” grief tips.   I teach widows how to: Heal their heart. Stop waiting on “time” to fix everything. Take small, brave steps toward a life that feels meaningful again.   How I Got Here…   2021: My husband Nathan dies unexpectedly. I’m 4 kids in, overwhelmed, and drowning in paperwork, decisions, and pain. Therapy helps, but I still feel stuck with no roadmap.   2021–2022: I start devouring books, interviewing widows, trying grief groups, and studying coaching — desperate to find something that actually helps me feel different.   2022: I start the Brave Widow podcast, recording episodes while terrified and crying between takes — but determined that no widow should feel as alone as I did.   Year 1: I begin coaching widows 1:1. Word spreads quietly. The same patterns and problems keep showing up, so I start building frameworks instead of one-off advice.   Year 2: I launch Brave Widow Academy — a structured, 6-month coaching program with a step-by-step path: from deep grief, to stability, to rebuilding.   Year 3: Brave Widow has listeners around the world. I’ve personally coached hundreds of widows and spoken with thousands more through consults, lives, emails, and DMs.    Today: My work is simple:   Help widows stop surviving each day… and start rebuilding a life that makes them genuinely glad to be alive again.

  3. Jul 28

    10 Things I Wish I Knew As A New Widow | 5 Years Later, What Actually Helps| BW: 205

    If you’ve ever wondered what your future self would say to you 5 years after losing your spouse, this episode is for you. July 17 marked 5 years since my husband Nathan died, and I sat down with our Momentum Monday community to share the 10 things I wish I had known as a brand‑new widow.   Brave Widow Resources   Brave Widow Academy (apply or book a call): https://bravewidow.com/academy Learn more about Brave Widow Foundations (gentle, faith‑based support for the first seasons of grief):👉 bravewidow.com/foundations Join the free Brave Widow Community: https://bravewidow.com/free   We talk about feeling like a zombie, wondering if you’ll ever laugh and mean it again, how unprocessed grief can show up in your body, why “bad days” don’t mean you’re going backwards, and the brutal belief that moving forward means leaving your person behind. I also share how my faith shaped the way I think about time, legacy, and building a life Nathan would be proud of.   You will hear live reactions and questions from other widows who joined this Momentum Monday call, so you can imagine your future self and your widow friends sitting with you as you listen.   Chapters 0:00 Five Years Out: A Message From Your Future Widow Self 2:00 1 - You Really Can Feel Like A “Normal” Human Again 4:00 2 - When Unprocessed Grief Shows Up In Your Body 7:30 3 - You’re Not Going Backwards In Your Grief 11:30 4 - Moving Forward Is Not Leaving Them Behind 16:00 5 - Healing Comes From Action, Not Just Time 21:30 6 - Expanding Your Capacity For Grief And Joy 25:30 7 - Your Life Grows Where Your Attention Goes 30:00 8 - You Don’t Have To “Find Yourself” – You Decide Who You’ll Be 36:00 9 - The Story You Tell Matters More Than What Happened 39:00 10 - Not Everyone Will Understand (And That’s Okay) 43:00 Bonus - You Were Never Meant To Do This Alone 46:00 How To Get Support Inside The Brave Widow Community     Subscribe for more faith‑based, hopeful grief support for widows: @BraveWidow on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram & Facebook   💬 If this episode helped you, please:  Hit Subscribe  Leave a quick rating & review – it helps more widows find this support Share this with a friend who’s facing grief or the holidays without their person   If you’re new here, my name is Emily Tanner. I’m the founder of Brave Widow and Brave Widow Academy.   I help widows move from barely surviving their loss… to rebuilding a life they can actually love again without feeling like they’re betraying their person.   By day (and for 20+ years), I’ve led large teams and complex operations in the corporate world.    After my husband Nathan died in 2021, just shy of our 20-year anniversary, I took everything I knew about leadership, systems, and change — and started applying it to grief.   Since then, I’ve: Shared my story publicly to make widows feel less alone. Launched the Brave Widow podcast, now with 180+ episodes and listeners around the world. Coached hundreds of widows 1:1 and in groups, and talked with thousands more through the podcast, communities, and events. Built Brave Widow Academy, a 6-month coaching program with a clear framework for moving from deep grief to rebuilding a life you can love again.   I don’t teach “just think positive” grief tips.   I teach widows how to: Heal their heart. Stop waiting on “time” to fix everything. Take small, brave steps toward a life that feels meaningful again.   How I Got Here…   2021: My husband Nathan dies unexpectedly. I’m 4 kids in, overwhelmed, and drowning in paperwork, decisions, and pain. Therapy helps, but I still feel stuck with no roadmap.   2021–2022: I start devouring books, interviewing widows, trying grief groups, and studying coaching — desperate to find something that actually helps me feel different.   2022: I start the Brave Widow podcast, recording episodes while terrified and crying between takes — but determined that no widow should feel as alone as I did.   Year 1: I begin coaching widows 1:1. Word spreads quietly. The same patterns and problems keep showing up, so I start building frameworks instead of one-off advice.   Year 2: I launch Brave Widow Academy — a structured, 6-month coaching program with a step-by-step path: from deep grief, to stability, to rebuilding.   Year 3: Brave Widow has listeners around the world. I’ve personally coached hundreds of widows and spoken with thousands more through consults, lives, emails, and DMs.    Today: My work is simple:   Help widows stop surviving each day… and start rebuilding a life that makes them genuinely glad to be alive again.

  4. Jul 21

    From Alone to Supported: Building Widows Ministry in Your Church | Amy Woody | BW: 204

    If you’ve ever felt invisible at church after your spouse died, this episode is for you. Emily talks with Amy Woody, Director of the Widows Program at Stand In The Gap Ministries in Tulsa, OK. After losing her husband suddenly at 36, Amy went from feeling totally alone to helping churches around the world build intentional widows ministries so that no widow grieves in isolation.   We talk about: What to do when your church doesn’t know how to support widows How you (yes, you) can help start a widows ministry in your church Practical ways churches can care for widows in the first year and beyond The upcoming Held in Hope widows conference (October 8–9 in the Tulsa, OK area)   If you’ve been waiting for someone to “fix” your church… this may be your invitation to stand in the gap.   Learn more about Stand In The Gap & Held in Hope: Website: Stand in the Gap Ministries – https://www.standinthegap.org Held in Hope Conference (Jenks, OK) October 8–9: https://www.standinthegap.org/heldinhope/ Amy’s Book: What I Wish I Could Tell Myself: My Journey Through Grief: https://a.co/d/00KBgecL   Connect with Amy & Stand in the Gap Email: widows@sitgm.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StandintheGapMinistries/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standinthegapministries/   CHAPTERS  00:00 Intro: When church doesn’t know how to help widows 02:30 Amy’s sudden loss at 36 and feeling completely alone 06:45 “It won’t always feel this way” – 10 years of perspective on grief 10:20 How Stand In The Gap equips churches to care for widows 14:40 Plug‑and‑play tools for starting a widows ministry at your church 18:30 From deep hurt to leading: God using broken pieces to serve others 21:10 Why widows are some of the most generous, resilient people 22:40 Held in Hope Conference: who it’s for and what to expect 25:45 How churches, leaders, and widows can get involved 28:30 Brave Widow: next steps if you don’t want to grieve alone       Brave Widow Resources   Brave Widow Academy (apply or book a call): https://bravewidow.com/academy Learn more about Brave Widow Foundations (gentle, faith‑based support for the first seasons of grief):👉 bravewidow.com/foundations Join the free Brave Widow Community: https://bravewidow.com/free     Subscribe for more faith‑based, hopeful grief support for widows: @BraveWidow on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram & Facebook   💬 If this episode helped you, please:  Hit Subscribe  Leave a quick rating & review – it helps more widows find this support Share this with a friend who’s facing grief or the holidays without their person   If you’re new here, my name is Emily Tanner. I’m the founder of Brave Widow and Brave Widow Academy.   I help widows move from barely surviving their loss… to rebuilding a life they can actually love again without feeling like they’re betraying their person.   By day (and for 20+ years), I’ve led large teams and complex operations in the corporate world.    After my husband Nathan died in 2021, just shy of our 20-year anniversary, I took everything I knew about leadership, systems, and change — and started applying it to grief.   Since then, I’ve: Shared my story publicly to make widows feel less alone. Launched the Brave Widow podcast, now with 180+ episodes and listeners around the world. Coached hundreds of widows 1:1 and in groups, and talked with thousands more through the podcast, communities, and events. Built Brave Widow Academy, a 6-month coaching program with a clear framework for moving from deep grief to rebuilding a life you can love again.   I don’t teach “just think positive” grief tips.   I teach widows how to: Heal their heart. Stop waiting on “time” to fix everything. Take small, brave steps toward a life that feels meaningful again.   How I Got Here…   2021: My husband Nathan dies unexpectedly. I’m 4 kids in, overwhelmed, and drowning in paperwork, decisions, and pain. Therapy helps, but I still feel stuck with no roadmap.   2021–2022: I start devouring books, interviewing widows, trying grief groups, and studying coaching — desperate to find something that actually helps me feel different.   2022: I start the Brave Widow podcast, recording episodes while terrified and crying between takes — but determined that no widow should feel as alone as I did.   Year 1: I begin coaching widows 1:1. Word spreads quietly. The same patterns and problems keep showing up, so I start building frameworks instead of one-off advice.   Year 2: I launch Brave Widow Academy — a structured, 6-month coaching program with a step-by-step path: from deep grief, to stability, to rebuilding.   Year 3: Brave Widow has listeners around the world. I’ve personally coached hundreds of widows and spoken with thousands more through consults, lives, emails, and DMs.    Today: My work is simple:   Help widows stop surviving each day… and start rebuilding a life that makes them genuinely glad to be alive again.

  5. Jul 14

    Love Doesn’t Die: A Widow’s Story of Grief, Faith, and Healing Through Music | BW: 203

    If music has been part of your healing, or you wish it could be, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale.    In this episode, I’m talking with Victoria (artist name: SH3), a music therapist, grief counselor, and widow who created The Blue Album after the sudden loss of her partner.   We talk about using music to process grief, the power of community and support groups, continuing bonds with your person, and why love truly doesn’t die.   IN THIS EPISODE: • Victoria’s story of sudden loss and turning to music for survival   • How being a grief counselor did (and didn’t) prepare her for her own grief   • Why grief support groups and community changed the way she practices   • The faith and meaning that keep her grounded working in hospice   • How The Blue Album maps to Worden’s Tasks of Mourning   • The story behind “Love Doesn’t Die” and continuing your bond   • Finding real hope that this is not the end of your story together     CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Music, grief, and why this episode matters if you’re hurting   01:12 – Victoria’s loss story and turning to music after her partner died   03:35 – Grief groups, community, and how support changed her work   06:10 – Hospice work, faith, and going back to supporting other grievers   08:32 – Creating The Blue Album using the Tasks of Mourning   13:40 – “Love Doesn’t Die”: continuing bonds instead of “goodbye”   19:05 – Hope, reunion, and how to connect with Victoria + next steps     LINKS MENTIONED:   Learn more about SH3 (Victoria) + her music: https://www.sh3official.com   Follow SH3 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sh3official Link to stream The Blue Album:  https://li.sten.to/apjayenf?fbclid=PAVERFWASqAIlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAaf9GjSfdnsHMRwRzo1derS1-LF46s5U-Iu19dwjsKkO1wk1UnlX1sY8LS7YbA_aem_JDtvN9ihPugXtZTwzeYr0A   If this helped you, please: • Hit Subscribe • Leave a quick rating & review • Share this episode with a widow who needs hope today

  6. Jul 7

    Life After Losing Your Spouse: How Widows Are Rebuilding Purpose | Brave Widow Academy | BW: 202

    Brave Widow Resources Mentioned  Brave Widow Academy (apply or book a call): https://bravewidow.com/academy Scholarship Application for Academy: https://www.bravewidow.com/scholarships1 Learn more about Brave Widow Foundations (gentle, faith‑based support for the first seasons of grief):👉 bravewidow.com/foundations Join the free Brave Widow Community: https://bravewidow.com/free     If you’re a widow who looks “fine” on the outside but feels empty, stuck, or like you’re just getting through the day, this episode is for you.   In this deep dive, I walk you through: Who Brave Widow Academy is really for (and who it’s not for) The 5 areas widows struggle with most after the early grief fog lifts Real data from Academy graduates (how their scores actually changed over 6 months) Honest stories from widows who went from “What’s the point?” to waking up with purpose again How our scholarships work, including how much we’ve already awarded and what’s available for this cohort   If you’ve done GriefShare, counseling, or Facebook groups and you’re still asking, “Now what? Is this really the rest of my life?” I made this episode for you.   Our next Brave Widow Academy cohort starts Monday, July 13 at 5–7 pm Central.   Chapters 0:00 – Are you “functioning” but not really living? 2:18 – Why I created Brave Widow Academy (and where I was in my grief) 10:20 – Foundations vs Academy: which season of grief are you in? 17:45 – What you actually get inside Academy (structure, calls, community) 26:30 – How we measure “intangibles” like confidence, purpose, and moving forward 35:40 – Real student results: from dreading days to wanting to live 90% of them 47:05 – Midpoint check‑ins: what current students are noticing in real time 59:10 – Objections: money, time, “maybe it’s been too long,” “maybe I’m broken” 1:09:35 – Scholarships: how they work and what’s available this round 1:16:50 – How to apply and how to know if Academy is your next step If you’re ready to stop just surviving and start intentionally rebuilding a life you could actually love again, apply for the next Brave Widow Academy cohort (starting Monday, July 13, 5–7 pm CT with coaches Allyson and Nicole). Apply here: bravewidow.com/academy     Links & Next Steps Learn more about Brave Widow Foundations (gentle, faith‑based support for the first seasons of grief): 👉 bravewidow.com/foundations Join the free Brave Widow Community and get Momentum Monday calls: 👉 bravewidow.com/free 💛 Ready for deeper support? Brave Widow Academy is my 6‑month, faith‑based program to help you heal your heart and rebuild a life you can love again. Small group, step‑by‑step roadmap, and weekly support. Learn more and apply here: bravewidow.com/academy   Subscribe for more faith‑based, hopeful grief support for widows: @BraveWidow on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram & Facebook   💬 If this episode helped you, please:  Hit Subscribe  Leave a quick rating & review – it helps more widows find this support Share this with a friend who’s facing grief or the holidays without their person   If you’re new here, my name is Emily Tanner. I’m the founder of Brave Widow and Brave Widow Academy.   I help widows move from barely surviving their loss… to rebuilding a life they can actually love again without feeling like they’re betraying their person.   By day (and for 20+ years), I’ve led large teams and complex operations in the corporate world.    After my husband Nathan died in 2021, just shy of our 20-year anniversary, I took everything I knew about leadership, systems, and change — and started applying it to grief.   Since then, I’ve: Shared my story publicly to make widows feel less alone. Launched the Brave Widow podcast, now with 180+ episodes and listeners around the world. Coached hundreds of widows 1:1 and in groups, and talked with thousands more through the podcast, communities, and events. Built Brave Widow Academy, a 6-month coaching program with a clear framework for moving from deep grief to rebuilding a life you can love again.   I don’t teach “just think positive” grief tips.   I teach widows how to: Heal their heart. Stop waiting on “time” to fix everything. Take small, brave steps toward a life that feels meaningful again.   How I Got Here…   2021: My husband Nathan dies unexpectedly. I’m 4 kids in, overwhelmed, and drowning in paperwork, decisions, and pain. Therapy helps, but I still feel stuck with no roadmap.   2021–2022: I start devouring books, interviewing widows, trying grief groups, and studying coaching — desperate to find something that actually helps me feel different.   2022: I start the Brave Widow podcast, recording episodes while terrified and crying between takes — but determined that no widow should feel as alone as I did.   Year 1: I begin coaching widows 1:1. Word spreads quietly. The same patterns and problems keep showing up, so I start building frameworks instead of one-off advice.   Year 2: I launch Brave Widow Academy — a structured, 6-month coaching program with a step-by-step path: from deep grief, to stability, to rebuilding.   Year 3: Brave Widow has listeners around the world. I’ve personally coached hundreds of widows and spoken with thousands more through consults, lives, emails, and DMs.    Today: My work is simple:   Help widows stop surviving each day… and start rebuilding a life that makes them genuinely glad to be alive again.

About

Inspiration for young widows to help heal their heart, find hope, and dream again for the future.