• Episode 23 Weddings Without Them: A Widow's Perspective
    Aug 24 2025

    Welcome back to Widows That Wine Together. Today’s episode is such a special one, because we are talking about a milestone so many of us dream about as parents — our child’s wedding day. But when you are a widow, that day comes with layers of both joy and grief.

    I am joined by two amazing women, Julie and Mary, who each recently walked through this experience — one as the mother of the bride, and the other as the mother of the groom. They share what it was like from the moment of the engagement news, through the planning, and finally, to the wedding day itself.

    For me, this episode feels like I am sitting down with two big sisters, passing down wisdom to help me — and all of us — navigate these big milestones on our widowed journey. I cannot wait for you to hear their stories.

    If you have any questions on this episode I can be reached at widowsthatwine@gmail.com.

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Episode 22 Growing In Your Grief
    Jun 22 2025

    Today’s episode is one filled with hope, growth, and gentle truth. Grief can feel like a place you are stuck in — like the weight will never lift, and the darkness will never clear. But what if we told you that where you are right now is not where you will stay? Our guest today brings both honesty and encouragement as we talk about how life can shift in the most unexpected ways.

    Thank you for listening to this episode. If you have any questions I can be reached at widowsthatwine@gmail.com.

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    52 mins
  • Episode 21 The Number One Life Stressor: Loss of a Spouse
    May 10 2025

    Welcome to The Widows That Wine Together podcast. This episode explores something deeply personal and universally impactful—the death of a spouse, which research has consistently shown to be the number one most stressful life event a person can experience.

    Dr. Debra Oliver, professor at Washington University in St. Louis and an expert in grief and psychological resilience joins me to unpack the far-reaching effects of this life-altering loss—and why it's so important to recognize and talk about what really happens behind the scenes when you're the one left behind.

    Thank you for listening to this episode. If you find this conversation helpful, please share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. If you have any questions on this episode please reach out to me at widowsthatwine@gmail.com.

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Episode 20 Widow Judgment - Breaking The Stigma
    Apr 6 2025

    In this episode, we are diving deep into widow judgment and the stigmas surrounding it. I am joined by Liz, Marie, and Sue who have walked this road and experienced firsthand what it’s like to have their grief and choices picked apart. We will talk about the weight of these expectations, the impact they have on the healing process, and most importantly, how we can challenge these judgments and reclaim our own narratives.

    Thank you for listening. If you have any questions on this episode please send an email to widowsthatwine@gmail.com.

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Episode 19 Hitting Rock Bottom After Losing A Spouse
    Apr 4 2025

    This was an on-the-fly podcast at an airport in Kentucky as I reflected on how far I have come in 3.5 years. This was a vulnerable and deeply meaningful episode as I shared my story and shined the light on a part of widowhood that is not talked about enough. It is the moment when the widow's fog lifts, the numbness fades, and you are left facing the true weight of the loss. This is when I hit rock bottom in late March 2022/early April 2022. There are no guests on this episode. It is just me sharing my story. This timeframe was pivotal for me as I picked up the pieces and started to rebuild my life. Take a listen and may what I have to share give you some hope as you take each step forward after your loss.

    If you have any questions please reach out to me at widowsthatwine@gmail.com. Thank you for listening.

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    16 mins
  • Episode 18 Year of Showing Up
    Jan 20 2025

    Welcome to 'The Widows That Wine Together' podcast where we share stories of hope, resilience, and transformation after loss. For this episode I am joined by a truly inspiring guest, Jacqueline Bussie. Three years ago, she faced the unimaginable loss of her husband. Since then, she’s embarked on a journey of rediscovery, and in the last year, she’s taken a bold step forward—'showing up' to life in ways she never imagined. From trying new activities to embracing transformative experiences, her story is one of courage and restoration. Let's dive into her journey of loss, growth, and the power of living fully in the present.

    If you have any questions on this episode please contact me at widowsthatwine@gmail.com.

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    49 mins
  • Episode 17 Grief Literacy Crusaders
    Jan 7 2025

    Welcome to The Widows That Wine Together podcast where we explore the complexities of grief and the ways we can grow through loss. Today, we’re diving into a crucial topic: grief literacy. My guest, Julie Martella, is a self-proclaimed ‘grief literacy crusader,’ passionate about helping others understand what grief literacy is and why the words we use matter. In this episode, we will explore how we can all be more mindful and sensitive in our conversations with those who are grieving. Together, we will unpack the power of language and how it can either support or unintentionally hurt someone navigating loss.

    If you have any questions on this episode please send an email to widowsthatwine@gmail.com.

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    44 mins
  • Episode 16 It's OK To Set Boundaries During The Holidays
    Nov 11 2024

    This episode highlights the challenges that the holidays can bring for widows, such as overwhelming expectations, triggering traditions, or feeling pressured to participate in events. The host, Jenny Salkeld, shares her our own story along with key points on setting boundaries for self-care and emotional well-being.

    If you have any questions on this episode please send an email to widowsthatwine@gmail.com.

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    22 mins