In this week's episode, I'm joined by Phillipa and Hazel, the brilliant duo behind Music to Die For, a beautiful project exploring how music connects us to those we've lost.

Phillipa lost her husband Rob suddenly four and a half years ago. What's fascinating is that music - which had been her whole life as a musician and teacher - completely disappeared after Rob died. But it came back in the most powerful ways.

Hazel, a clinical psychologist with a deep love of music, met Phillipa at a grief and music think tank. Their instant connection sparked Music to Die For, where people share stories about pieces of music that connect them to someone they've lost.

This is such a beautiful conversation about how music supports us through grief and helps us stay connected to our loved ones.

In this episode we explore:

• Why music either becomes our greatest comfort or completely disappears after loss
• How grief is our brain learning to rewire without our person - and why it takes so much longer than society expects
• The beautiful reframe: "grief has taught me how to live" rather than learning to live with grief
• How Music to Die For creates a safe space for sharing stories and feeling less alone
• Their plans for retreats, walking weekends, and a book of 365 musical stories
• Why music helps us "time travel" to precious memories whilst building new ones

Resources mentioned:

• Music to Die For: https://www.musictodiefor.co.uk/ (free to share your story)
• Widowed and Walking UK Facebook group
• "The Grieving Brain" by Mary Frances O'Connor

For More Support:

The Widows Membership: karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership

Coaching and retreats: karensutton.co.uk

In this week's episode, I'm joined by Becky and Matt, a couple brave enough to share their story of finding love after loss.

Becky became a widow when her husband Steve died suddenly while they were on holiday. Steve's unexpected death left Becky heartbroken but determined not to let grief define her forever. Nearly two years later, she found herself ready to explore what came next, including the possibility of love again.

This episode is a lovely, thoughtful, and open conversation about the complexities of dating as a widow, and the courage it takes to open your heart again. Becky and Matt share their journey from a dating app match to moving in together, navigating everything from children's reactions to in-laws' acceptance. It's a story about resilience, hope, and the truth that love - even after devastating loss - is always worth the risk.

In this episode we talk about:

• How Becky found her way from heartbreak to healing after Steve's sudden death
• The moment she knew she was ready to date again - and why it felt like the right time
• Practical wisdom about online dating as a widow, from profile tips to handling rejection
• How Matt approached dating someone who had been widowed, and what he learned
• The importance of keeping your deceased partner real - not putting them on a pedestal
• How they navigated introducing children, meeting in-laws, and creating space for everyone
• Why Matt chose to move into Becky's home, and what that gesture means
• How grief and new love can coexist beautifully - "I am who I am because of Steve"
• The gift of experiencing two great loves in one lifetime

Resources and Links

Join the Widows Membership: karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership

Explore my retreats and coaching: karensutton.co.uk

What does living fully again really look like after loss?

This week, I’m joined by someone really special. Lynne Atkin MBE is part of our community, and from the start, I was genuinely amazed by how she was navigating her grief. Not long after the first year of her widowhood, Lynne was making remarkable progress, showing up with strength, clarity and real purpose. And I remember thinking, how is she doing that?

Over time, I saw it wasn’t a fluke. Lynne kept showing up. She kept leaning into the process and doing the work, with such openness and intention. And she’s built something powerful: a life that holds both her love for Michael and her hope for what comes next.

In this conversation, Lynne shares what helped her move through the early pain and start building something new. It’s a reminder that healing doesn’t mean forgetting. It means learning how to live fully again.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Rebuilding identity after a long marriage
• What helped Lynne feel safe in her grief
• Making peace with guilt and giving yourself permission to live
• Creating a vision for your future when everything has changed
• How community and coaching helped her move forward

Whether you’re newly widowed or further along, this is a powerful story of resilience, growth and hope. It’s one I know will stay with you.

Resources and links:

Join the Widow Membership: karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership

Explore retreats and coaching: karensutton.co.uk