Every Widow Thing

Every Widow Thing

Life after death can seem impossible, overwhelming, and just sad. We get it. Only people who have experienced this kind of loss can truly understand. We share our experiences, show you what grief looks like a year from now, or 2 or 6...even 10 for not only you but your family. Every Widow Thing will remind you that you are stronger than you think and that this grief does get less deep, less dark, and less often. Come join our widows' circle where trauma meets humor and we can encourage you to not only survive but thrive!

  1. Bonus Episode: Finding Your Footing in the New Year!

    JAN 14 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode: Finding Your Footing in the New Year!

    The "January Blues" hit a little differently when you’re navigating life after the loss of a spouse. In this episode, we’re keeping it real about why the start of a new year can feel so heavy for widows and how to manage those tough emotional hurdles. But it’s not all heavy talk—we’re also looking ahead! We’re diving into our upcoming Valentine’s Day events designed to bring us together. We talk about why having something fun on the calendar is so vital for healing, and how leanining into a community that "just gets it" can make all the difference. Come hang out with us as we chat about connection, shared stories, and finding a way forward together. Link to Tickets! https://every-widow-thing-valentines.eventbrite.com Connect with us! INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/everywidowthing/ FB INSIDERS GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17hYvAAdEK/ Takeaways It's hard to transition into a new year after loss.January can be particularly challenging for those grieving.Community events can provide support and connection.Planning events can help in coping with grief.Having something to look forward to is essential.The hosts are organizing Valentine's Day events for widows.Connection with others who understand is vital.The importance of humor and light-heartedness in healing.Raffles and community engagement can foster connection.It's okay to reach out for support during tough times.#griefsupport #lifeafterloss #widow #Valentinesday #AustinTexasEvent #grief #widowhood #new year #community #support #events #healing #loss #friendship

    9 min
  2. Episode 56: Thank You, Cancer: Finding Faith in Adversity

    11/12/2025

    Episode 56: Thank You, Cancer: Finding Faith in Adversity

    Meet Danny Leslie, a widower who turned his grief into a powerful message of hope and resilience. After losing his wife, Raffi, to cancer in December 2024, Danny compiled their journey into a remarkable book titled Thank You, Cancer. In this episode, Danny shares intimate details about their life together, the challenges they faced during Raffi's five-year battle with vulva cancer, and the profound way God showed up for them along the way. Discover how Raffi's adventurous spirit and unwavering faith shaped their experiences, and how they found moments of joy amidst the pain. Purchase Danny's book, Thank You, Cancer: https://bluehatpublishing.com/products/thank-you-cancer-by-raffaella-dobles-and-danny-lesslie?variant=46742469771500 Follow Danny here: momentumwithdanny Follow us here: everywidowthing Like and subscribe to the podcast! Time Stamps: 00:00:00 - Welcome to Every Widow Thing Introduction to the podcast and its mission. 00:00:25 - Danny Leslie's Story Overview of Danny's journey as a widower after losing his wife, Rafi, to cancer. 00:01:29 - Rafi's Spirit and Impact Danny shares insights about Rafi's vibrant personality and their relationship. 00:02:59 - Living Life Unplanned Discussion on their adventurous lifestyle, including selling everything to live in an RV. 00:04:41 - The Cancer Diagnosis The moment Rafi receives her cancer diagnosis and the impact it has on their family. 00:07:51 - Navigating the Unknown Danny describes the uncertainty and fear following Rafi's surgery. 00:13:34 - The Weight of Information Danny recounts the difficult conversation of informing Rafi about her cancer diagnosis. 00:14:46 - Life with Cancer Exploration of the daily challenges and logistics of caring for Rafi during her illness. 00:19:22 - The Role of Children in Grief Discussion on how their children help Danny cope with the loss of Rafi. 00:22:09 - Chronic Pain and Care Insight into the physical struggles Rafi faced and the emotional toll on the family. 00:30:12 - God Moments in Grief Danny reflects on the spiritual experiences and signs of God's presence during their journey. 00:36:31 - Radical Generosity Stories of community support and unexpected financial help during Rafi's treatment. 00:40:34 - Thank You, Cancer Understanding the title of the book and the lessons learned through adversity. 00:43:06 - Reconciliation with Loss Danny discusses how he reconciles his faith with the loss of Rafi and the absence of anger towards God.

    1h 14m
  3. Episode 55: Walking by Faith: How One Mother Navigated the Tragedy of Loss

    10/18/2025

    Episode 55: Walking by Faith: How One Mother Navigated the Tragedy of Loss

    In this special episode of Every Widow Thing, our friend, Stephanie, joins us to share her experience of profound loss and grief after her 15-year-old daughter, Kobi, died in a horrific home accident. Stephanie honors Kobi's life as an artist and photographer, recounts the tragic accident, and reflects on moments of spiritual connection that followed. Join us for a testament to resilience, enduring love, and finding light through signs, faith, and the healing power of family and nature. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Stephanie's StoryOn today's episode, the host introduces Stephanie, a mother sharing her journey of grief after losing her 15-year-old daughter, Kobi. 00:01:30 - Kobi's Life and PersonalityStephanie reflects on Kobi's vibrant personality, her talents, and the love she had for her family and community. 00:03:00 - Foreshadowing Before the TragedyStephanie shares significant events leading up to Kobi's death, highlighting moments that seemed to foreshadow the tragedy. 00:05:30 - The Day of the AccidentA detailed account of the day Kobi passed away, including her symptoms and the family's interactions before the incident. 00:09:00 - The Moment of ImpactStephanie describes the moment Kobi was injured and the spiritual connection she felt during that time. 00:12:00 - Emergency ResponseThe family's frantic efforts to get help and the chaos that ensued as they awaited emergency responders. 00:14:30 - Arrival at the HospitalThe family's experience at the hospital, including the difficult discussions about Kobi's condition and organ donation. 00:18:00 - Creating Lasting MemoriesStephanie recounts the emotional process of making handprints with Kobi and the significance of those memories. 00:20:30 - Signs and Spiritual ConnectionsThe discussion of signs from Kobi and how Stephanie and her family have felt her presence since her passing. 00:25:00 - Healing and GriefStephanie reflects on the healing journey for her family, the different ways they cope with grief, and the importance of self-care. 00:30:00 - Advice for Other Grieving ParentsStephanie shares insights and advice for parents who have lost children, emphasizing the importance of hope and openness to signs. 00:35:00 - The Role of Faith in GriefThe conversation shifts to the role of faith in navigating grief and the importance of being open to spiritual experiences. 00:40:00 - Conclusion and ReflectionThe episode wraps up with reflections on the lasting impact of Kobi's life and the ongoing journey of healing for Stephanie and her family.

    1h 6m
  4. Episode 54: Love, Loss, and Legacy: A Conversation with Jeff on Coping with Cancer

    10/03/2025

    Episode 54: Love, Loss, and Legacy: A Conversation with Jeff on Coping with Cancer

    In this episode of "Every Widow Thinks," we had the privilege of speaking with Jeff, a widower from Austin, who shared his deeply personal journey following the loss of his wife, Mona, in 2019. Jeff opened up about their love story, which began with a blind date in Seattle, and how they built a life together in Austin, raising their daughter, Julia. Mona's battle with a rare cancer, liposarcoma, lasted nearly nine years, during which Jeff and Mona navigated the complexities of treatment while striving to maintain a sense of normalcy for their young daughter.  Resources: https://flatwater.org https://wondersandworries.org https://www.hospiceaustin.org/our-services/christopher-house/ 00:00:00 - Introduction to Jeff and His Story00:01:00 - Meeting Mona: A Blind Date in Seattle00:02:40 - Moving to Austin and Starting a Family00:04:20 - Mona's Cancer Diagnosis: Liposarcoma00:05:50 - The Journey of Treatment and Family Support00:07:30 - Living with Cancer: A New Normal00:08:50 - Mona's Determination to Maintain Normalcy00:10:20 - Navigating the Medical Community as Physicians00:12:00 - Traveling and Creating Memories Together00:14:10 - The Shift in Health: Rapid Progression00:16:00 - Emergency Surgery and Hospital Stays00:18:15 - Transitioning to Hospice Care00:19:40 - Final Days at the Christopher House00:21:00 - Talking to Julia About Cancer and Loss00:22:30 - Julia's Coping Mechanisms and Support00:25:00 - Reflections on Grief and Milestones00:27:10 - Adjusting to Life After Loss00:28:40 - Therapy and Support Resources00:30:30 - Planning for the Future: Wills and Wishes00:32:00 - Mona's Legacy: Letters and Memories00:34:00 - Navigating Dating After Loss00:36:00 - Julia's Growth and Challenges00:46:00 - Conclusion and Reflections on Parenting

    47 min
  5. Episode 53: From Heartbreak to Healing: Understanding Suicide and Self-Compassion

    09/26/2025

    Episode 53: From Heartbreak to Healing: Understanding Suicide and Self-Compassion

    In this episode of Every Widow Thing, we welcome Suzanne, a dear friend of Holly's, who shares her deeply personal journey of loss and healing after the suicide of her ex-husband, Michael. Suzanne reflects on their 11-year marriage, the struggles he faced with alcoholism and depression, and the impact of his tragic death on their children. Join us as we discuss the complexities of grief, the importance of self-compassion, and the healing modalities that helped Suzanne navigate her trauma, including acupuncture, compassion classes, and even a psilocybin journey. We also touched on the loss of her beloved dog, Mojo, and the beautiful way she honored his memory. Suzanne's story is a testament to resilience and the power of self-compassion in the face of unimaginable loss. 00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest IntroductionWelcome back to the podcast; introduction of Suzanne, the guest who lost her ex-husband to suicide. 00:01:00 - Memories of San FranciscoSuzanne shares her memories of meeting Holly in San Francisco and their friendship. 00:02:00 - Michael's StrugglesDiscussion about Suzanne's ex-husband, Michael, his struggles with alcoholism and depression, and the impact of COVID. 00:03:00 - The Tragic DiscoverySuzanne recounts the traumatic experience of discovering Michael after his suicide. 00:05:00 - Relationship DynamicsExploration of the relationship between Suzanne and Michael post-divorce, including co-parenting challenges. 00:06:00 - Notifying the ChildrenSuzanne describes the painful process of informing her children about their father's death. 00:08:00 - The Kids' ReactionsDiscussion on how Suzanne's children reacted to the news and the immediate aftermath. 00:09:00 - Grief and ShockSuzanne reflects on her feelings of shock and helplessness after Michael's death. 00:10:00 - Understanding SuicideDiscussion on the misconceptions surrounding suicide and the importance of understanding it as a disease. 00:12:00 - The NoteSuzanne talks about the note left by Michael and its impact on her grief. 00:14:00 - Children's Involvement in GriefHow Suzanne's children took charge of planning their father's memorial service. 00:15:00 - Self-Care and HealingSuzanne shares her journey of self-care and healing after Michael's death. 00:18:00 - Exploring Different ModalitiesDiscussion on various healing practices Suzanne engaged in, including Reiki and acupuncture. 00:20:00 - Compassion ClassSuzanne describes her experience in a compassion class and its significance in her healing journey. 00:22:00 - Psilocybin JourneySuzanne explains her psilocybin journey and its effects on her healing process. 00:25:00 - Finding Joy After GriefSuzanne reflects on how her experiences have led to a greater appreciation for life. 00:27:00 - Advice for Those in GriefSuzanne offers advice for individuals currently experiencing grief. 00:30:00 - The Importance of Self-CompassionDiscussion on the necessity of self-compassion during difficult times. 00:32:00 - Body Language and EnergyExploration of how body language can affect emotional energy and mindset. 00:34:00 - Mojo's StorySuzanne shares the story of her beloved dog, Mojo, and the impact of his passing. 00:39:00 - Healing Rituals for MojoDetails about the rituals Suzanne performed to honor Mojo after his death. 00:42:00 - The Book of AwakeningSuzanne discusses a book that has been meaningful to her during her healing journey. 00:44:00 - Conclusion and ResourcesWrap-up of the episode, including resources for compassion and healing. resources mentioned the episode: Into the Magic Shop- James Doty The Book of Awakening - Mark Nepo Compassion Class

    48 min
  6. Episode 52: Reunion Day: Celebrating Love and Loss with Deb Pilcher

    09/19/2025

    Episode 52: Reunion Day: Celebrating Love and Loss with Deb Pilcher

    Deb Pilcher's grief journey began years before her husband's death, with the stillbirth of their first daughter, Anna. In a surprising twist, that first devastating loss was the catalyst for healing and hope when her husband, Wally, was killed in a driving accident that left her oldest son in critical condition. Deb was given an image that to this day allows her to reframe her grief and feel joy in spite of her devastating losses. Deb's story—marked by child loss, widowhood, two battles with cancer, and a new marriage—is shared here to bring hope to others who are grieving. Hope is a superpower! 00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction Whitney introduces Holly and Deb, sharing the significance of Deb's support during her early widowhood. 00:01:30 - Deb's Grief Journey Begins Deb recounts the beginning of her grief journey with the stillbirth of her first daughter and the subsequent loss of her husband, Wally. 00:02:50 - The Impact of Wally's Death Deb shares the details of Wally's tragic death in a car accident and the immediate aftermath for her and their children. 00:05:00 - Jacob's Survival and Trauma Discussion about Jacob's injuries from the accident and the challenges of communicating the news of Wally's death to him. 00:08:00 - The Role of Friends and Family Deb reflects on the support she received from friends and family during the crisis and the importance of community. 00:10:30 - Navigating Grief and Denial Deb discusses her initial denial of Wally's death and her focus on Jacob's recovery. 00:12:30 - The Long Road of Grief Deb explains how she coped with her grief over the years, focusing on her children and gradually processing her loss. 00:15:00 - Finding Joy Amidst Grief Deb shares how she reframed her grief and found moments of joy, including the concept of "reunion day." 00:20:00 - The Challenge of Moving Forward Discussion on the fear of moving on from grief and the struggle to let go of memories. 00:23:00 - Humor in Grief Deb and Whitney talk about the importance of humor in coping with grief and share funny anecdotes. 00:27:00 - Dating After Loss Deb discusses her journey to dating again after Wally's death and the challenges she faced. 00:30:00 - Meeting Clay Deb shares the story of how she met her current husband, Clay, through her friends. 00:35:00 - The Wedding and Family Dynamics Deb describes her wedding to Clay and how her children have adjusted to the new family dynamics. 00:40:00 - Balancing Memories of the Past Deb talks about the importance of acknowledging Wally's flaws while celebrating his memory and ensuring her children understand that no one is perfect.

    1h 14m
5
out of 5
122 Ratings

About

Life after death can seem impossible, overwhelming, and just sad. We get it. Only people who have experienced this kind of loss can truly understand. We share our experiences, show you what grief looks like a year from now, or 2 or 6...even 10 for not only you but your family. Every Widow Thing will remind you that you are stronger than you think and that this grief does get less deep, less dark, and less often. Come join our widows' circle where trauma meets humor and we can encourage you to not only survive but thrive!

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