Widow 180 The Podcast with Jen Zwinck

Jen Zwinck
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  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

When you become a widow, the heartache can be overwhelming. You feel lost. You feel broken. You feel alone. And you find yourself trying to pick up the pieces of your life and function. But I believe that every widow has the capacity to endure, that every widow has the power to overcome and the determination to create a new life filled with meaning and purpose. The Widow 180 Podcast is about turning tragedy, loss and fear into strength and creativity and a new passion for life. It's about self-reflection and realizing that we only have this one precious life to live and that a new life and a new you is achievable.Each week I will be interviewing widows, incredible survivors of loss. These women have taken the lessons they've learned and the insights they've gained and used them to grow and transform themselves. Some have started businesses, went back to school, run marathons, lost 100 pounds, and moved across the world! They made a choice not to be held down.How did they do it? How did they get through their grief? What's their secret? What lessons can we learn from them that will transform our own lives? How can we write our own story because our story isn't over yet? How can we begin our Chapter 2? I hope that you are as inspired by these women as I am. And maybe hearing even just one story will be life-changing for you.

  1. 2D AGO

    265. These Widows Are Rebuilding Life After Loss, One Brick (Or Peanut Butter Parfait!) At A Time! - Roundtable Discussion With Pam, Becky, And MaryBeth

    Welcome to this first ever Widow 180 roundtable discussion! We are bringing together an inspiring group of guests to explore the deeply personal process of rebuilding life after loss. Pam (4 years widowed), Becky (4 years widowed) and MaryBeth (14 years widowed), all bravely come forward today to share their unique stories of grief, resilience, rediscovering joy, and picking up the pieces of their shattered lives. The conversation covers: The overwhelming early days of widowhood and shifting from survival mode to finding purposeMoments that signaled the start of healing and concrete steps taken towards rebuildingThe challenge of moving from "we" to "me" and discovering identity apart from marriageCreating new traditions, making bold life changes, and the power of communityThe importance of patience, courage, daily gratitude, and grace on the journey forward!You will hear honest accounts of building new lives, facing uncertainty with bravery, honoring loved ones, and finding hope after heartbreak.  If you’re new to widowhood or feeling stuck in the messy middle of grief, this episode offers comfort, validation, and tangible tools for taking the next step! Resources and groups mentioned in this episode: Check out Pam's group at www.widowswhowine.comLouisville Widow and Widowers Meetup (meetup.com)Pam's Book: Where's the Key to the Safe?Remember - You’re not alone—listen in for wisdom, laughter, and solidarity on the road to rebuilding after loss. Check out the Widow 180 Workbook Series at https://www.widow180.com/workbooks 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 jen@widow180.com

    51 min

  2. MAR 25

    264. Creating Space For Grief AND Your New Life - Advice From Widow & Author Jackie Disch

    Get ready for an episode that’s as heartwarming as it is inspiring! In this week’s Widow 180 episode, I sit down with widow, author, and death doula Jackie Disch. Jackie takes us on a deeply personal journey through the loss of her beloved wife, Katie, during the pandemic. You’ll hear Jackie open up about:  becoming a caregiver in the isolating days of lockdown navigating the practical “business side” of grief and the agony of probate! learning how to honor both her pain and her partner's memory, by creating the time and space to grieve, like a 10 day writing retreat! how studying as a death midwife prepared her (in surprising ways!) for their final days together.why she’s a lifelong advocate for therapyhow she wrote the book In Losing Katie: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Living Grief.  how little steps—like the simple act of moving a dirty dish to the sink—can help you slowly find your way forward after loss.Plus, Jackie talks about the power of intention, the signs she believes showed her a new path, and the courage it took to start anew in a place she and Katie once dreamed of retiring.  If you’re navigating grief, wondering what “moving forward” looks like, or just want to hear a beautiful story about love and resilience, this episode is for you! Tune in for validation, hope, and a reminder that you’re not alone—grief changes us, but it also makes room for strength we never knew we had. Find Jackie’s book and connect with her at https://www.jackieldisch.com. Find all of the Widow 180 Workbooks for help with loneliness, confidence, purpose, guilt, new grief, and much more! Go to www.widow180.com/workbooks 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 jen@widow180.com

    37 min

  3. MAR 20

    263. Am I Going To Be Okay? 5 Signs You're Healing After Losing Your Spouse

    Have you found yourself wondering, "Am I doing this right?" or "Is what I feel normal?" after losing your spouse? You're not alone — and this episode is for you. Grief after losing a husband or wife is unlike almost any other loss. The silence in the house. The missing half of every plan. The strange, disorienting feeling of moving through the world as "I" when you were "we" for so long.  It's exhausting, confusing, and deeply isolating — and so many widows and widowers are quietly asking the same question: Am I going to be okay? In this episode, we answer that question — not with empty reassurance, but with 5 real, honest signs that you are healing, even on the days it doesn't feel like it.  In this episode, you'll hear: Why showing up — even in the smallest ways — is an act of extraordinary strengthHow grief feels less consuming over time - and that's a sign of healingReaching out to others is a sign of healingWhy imagining even a small future is more powerful than you thinkAnd why everything you're feeling right now makes complete senseWhether you lost your spouse recently or years ago, whether you're having a hard week or just need someone to remind you that you're not broken — this episode will meet you exactly where you are! Friend, you are going to be okay! Get the Widow 180 workbook series: https://www.widow180.com/workbooks 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 jen@widow180.com

    13 min

  4. MAR 10

    262. Second Chances & Endless Adventures For This Couple: Finding Love, Healing, and Purpose After Loss! Interview With Tammy And Bob Cranston

    Tammy and Bob Cranston join us on the podcast and open up about the tragedies that changed their lives—& the unexpected journey that brought them together! This episode is packed with wisdom on intentional grieving, goal-setting, and moving forward at your own pace—whether that means finding love again, creating new adventures, or embracing purpose in unexpected ways. Highlights include: Their individual journeys through spousal loss and support systemsMeeting in a bereavement group and the importance of intentional healingThe pivotal role of goal-setting and adventure (like biking all 50 states!)Navigating family relationships and the realities of blended familiesTheir passion for helping others on the grief journey through writing, volunteering, and educationCheck out their website for more resources, blog posts, and information about their books—including The Blank Journal and Tammy’s award-winning children’s series on loss Visit: www.tammycranston.com To be a guest and join one of our roundtable podcast episodes, email me at jen@widow180.com 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 jen@widow180.com

    1 hr

  5. MAR 3

    261. Bouncing Back After Loss & Cultivating Resilience in Grief! Interview With Elle Davis

    Join me as we sit down with the incredible Elle Davis—a mother, widow, professor, writer, and TEDx speaker! Elle bravely shares her deeply personal journey of the sudden loss of her husband Paul and the raw aftermath that followed as she navigated single motherhood with a toddler. Together Elle and I dive into the realities of widowhood:  ~coping with overwhelming grief and parenting challenges ~finding support in friends and family ~grappling with identity after loss ~ seeking therapy for healing ~ difficult conversations with children about grief ~ struggles with guilt and societal expectations. Elle also introduces her inspiring framework, "The Art of the Bounce Back," sharing how journaling, therapy, and building small routines helped her cultivate resilience and gradually rebuild a life she loves. This episode explores themes of choosing to move forward, the importance of community, the complexities of grief triggers, and the power of living fully, even when the future feels uncertain. If you're looking for honest wisdom, compassionate storytelling, and tangible hope for life after loss, this conversation will lift and encourage you! Don’t forget your pen and paper—you’ll want to take notes on resilience, healing, and the art of bouncing back. You can find Elle on her website at https://www.elledavisspeaks.com 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 jen@widow180.com

    1 hr

  6. FEB 24

    260. How To Take Brave Baby Steps Forward After Loss: Micro-dosing Discomfort & Moving Through Widowhood!

    A heartfelt and encouraging message this week for anyone navigating widowhood! Drawing inspiration from the concept of "micro-dosing discomfort," this episode explores how small, courageous choices can make a big impact over time.  The biggest takeaway: that healing and growth don’t require giant leaps, but rather gentle, manageable steps that build confidence and resilience. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own journey, identifying one tiny brave step they can take this week. Whether it’s sending a text, accepting a coffee invitation, or simply walking into a room you’ve been avoiding, every action counts and adds up to meaningful progress!  If you’re looking for motivation to move forward, this episode is packed with wisdom and support for the path ahead. And if you need more support for building confidence after loss, check out the Boost Your Confidence Level After Loss Workbook at www.widow180.com/confidence 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 jen@widow180.com

    11 min

  7. FEB 12

    259. A Crash Course In Dating As A Widow!

    Ready to dip your toes—or maybe just test the water—when it comes to dating after loss? Get ready for a heartfelt crash course in venturing back into the dating world as a widow! This solo episode is filled with honest advice& relatable stories as we cover the three essential things every widow should consider before dating:  timing, guilt, and redefining what you want in a new relationship. You'll hear real questions from listeners like Dan, discover how to navigate the complicated feelings of guilt and loyalty, and get empowered to honor your own timeline—no matter what those around you say. Whether you’re just starting to think about dating again or feeling overwhelmed by all the emotions that come with it, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable tips to help you move forward with confidence and compassion. Don’t forget to check out the Dating Again After Losing Your Spouse Workbook and a curated list of resources to support you along your journey. Tune in and let Jen remind you: you deserve joy, love, and maybe even some fun along the way! 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 jen@widow180.com

    16 min

  8. FEB 3

    258. 7 Reasons Why It's Better To Date A Widow (And Why She's Worth It!)

    To all the men who are questioning whether or not to date a widow, this is for you! And to all the widows who need to remember just how amazing they are - this is for you too! In terms of relationships and love, dating a widow just might be the best decision you'll ever make! Widows and widowers, not sure if you're ready to date? Take this QUIZ to find out: https://widow180.kit.com/datingquiz Watch the "Where Can I Meet A Partner?" Workshop 20 minute VIDEO at https://www.widow180.com/datingworkshop 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 jen@widow180.com

    14 min
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About

When you become a widow, the heartache can be overwhelming. You feel lost. You feel broken. You feel alone. And you find yourself trying to pick up the pieces of your life and function. But I believe that every widow has the capacity to endure, that every widow has the power to overcome and the determination to create a new life filled with meaning and purpose. The Widow 180 Podcast is about turning tragedy, loss and fear into strength and creativity and a new passion for life. It's about self-reflection and realizing that we only have this one precious life to live and that a new life and a new you is achievable.Each week I will be interviewing widows, incredible survivors of loss. These women have taken the lessons they've learned and the insights they've gained and used them to grow and transform themselves. Some have started businesses, went back to school, run marathons, lost 100 pounds, and moved across the world! They made a choice not to be held down.How did they do it? How did they get through their grief? What's their secret? What lessons can we learn from them that will transform our own lives? How can we write our own story because our story isn't over yet? How can we begin our Chapter 2? I hope that you are as inspired by these women as I am. And maybe hearing even just one story will be life-changing for you.

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