Grief doesn’t follow rules, timelines, or tidy emotional stages, and Kim Murray knows that deeply. A young widow at forty-four with two children, Kim learned firsthand how confusing, exhausting, and disorienting life becomes when the world keeps moving but yours stops. She opens up about the early days of widowhood, parenting through grief, the pressure to keep traditions alive, the weight of other people’s expectations, and the process of learning to honor both sadness and joy. Kim also shares practical wisdom around boundaries, emotional permission, navigating finances during grief, and the mindset shift that helped her believe she was still allowed to live, love, and build a future. Through honesty, humor, and vulnerability, this conversation reminds widows they are not broken, they are not alone, and there is no “right way” to grieve — only the next step forward.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

The emotional turmoil of loss requires more than just time; it demands the intentional "work" of navigating grief. Certified grief educator and certified life coach Brian D. Smith, host of the Grief 2 Growth podcast, joins the conversation to share how he transformed his own pain after the sudden loss of his daughter, Shayna, into a calling to help others. Brian details his practical GEMS method—Gratitude, Exercise, Mindfulness, and Self-care—as a foundational daily practice for healing and discusses why the expectation of happiness during the holidays can be so difficult, the power of forgiveness to release emotional ties, and how to offer genuine support to those who are grieving without unintentionally minimizing their experience.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

Grief is quite challenging to deal with all year round, but it can be specifically tougher during the holiday season. Keynote speaker Marie Alessi talks about her mission to bring lightness into grief, not to make it completely go away, but instead make it much easier to handle. Reflecting on the sudden passing of her husband, she stresses the importance of embracing joy despite the sadness – regardless of what other people may think. Marie also offers practical advice on raising children after your partner passes away, responding to insensitive comments about grief, and finding your very own North Star amid your grieving journey.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

For a grieving person, the holiday season can be a painful reminder of loss while the whole world celebrates. Linda Findlay shares how she helps people in their own bereavement world to get through the holidays without sacrificing their peace of mind. She explains the importance of proactive communication with your loved ones about grief and the simple yet profound comfort of creating new traditions to remember those who have passed. Linda also explains how to take advantage of bereavement services through local hospices and getting grief care from funeral homes.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

Losing a spouse is devastating, but for widowers, the journey through grief often feels isolated and uncharted. Are you a widower searching for a roadmap? Wondering how to navigate the overwhelming emotional and practical challenges, especially during the holidays? In this exclusive conversation, we sit down with Herb Knoll, a widower, author, and founder of the Widowers Support Network, who spent seven years researching and developing the definitive guide for men coping with loss.

Herb cuts through the silence and shares:

• A FREE 15-Step Action Plan to manage grief and recovery.
• The critical reasons why men need their own space to heal.
• Essential advice on health, dating, and avoiding common pitfalls after loss.
• Insights from his acclaimed book, "The Widower's Journey," and his international support network of over 3,000 men.

Stop feeling lost. This conversation offers practical steps, a powerful community, and the encouragement you need to move forward. Tune in now to get your action plan and start your journey toward healing.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

Grief changes everything, but storytelling can help us find our way back to ourselves. Dr. Tina Fornwald opens her heart to share the journey behind The Five Widows Club, her upcoming book that explores love, loss, and the raw reality of grief. Drawing from her own story of widowhood and the collective experiences of five women—Monique, Carmen, Ava, Trish, and Joyce—Tina reveals how storytelling helps us see ourselves in others’ pain and find light in the darkness. Through these women’s intertwined paths, she reflects on what it means to grieve honestly, love deeply, and continue living with hope. More than a book, The Five Widows Club is a testament to community, compassion, and the power of sharing our stories so no one has to heal alone.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

Learning to share your story after loss can feel daunting—but it’s also one of the most powerful ways to heal. Writing coach Romana Hasenöhrl joins Tina Fornwald to explore how creative expression helps us navigate grief, remember our loved ones, and rediscover joy. Through her own experience of losing her grandmother, Romana found comfort in writing, eventually transforming her pain into purpose by helping others find their voices. Together, they discuss the emotional release that comes from storytelling, why joy and sorrow can coexist, and how sharing your story can bring light, connection, and meaning back into your life.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

After the passing of their partners, widows are left alone to deal with grief. But despite the sadness and loneliness, they should not be deprived of enjoying a good sex life. I chat with sex coach Lexus Powell to find out how widows can enjoy pleasure and intimacy unapologetically – even while navigating grief. Inspired by her own experiences as a divorced person, Lexus explains the benefits of dating yourself and acknowledging your sexiest aspects to reclaim your sensual self. She also breaks the stigma and shame surrounding self-pleasure, emphasizing how this solo activity can empower and boost your sex life.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/