How do you celebrate a loved one's birthday after they've passed? Join me for a very special episode as I talk about my late husband's birthday and how I've navigated the eight years since his passing. You'll hear about the pain, the healing, and the importance of community support. Listen as I talk about: The emotional journey of celebrating our loved one's birthday after they’ve passed The support from family and friends to help you cope with the grief The evolution of your grief over the year...
May 20, 2024•24 min
It’s never easy talking about, planning, or attending a funeral. Jess May, fully accredited and double Award-Winning Funeral Celebrant joins us as we open up the discussion around funerals and how we can approach funerals in a way that celebrates life. Jess is a specialist in Living Wakes and Memorials with a passion for telling your stories in meaningful ways. From unconventional funeral practices to living wakes, there are more options to explore that you may have not yet considered. Listen as...
May 06, 2024•56 min
It can sometimes feel hard to keep the memories of our loved ones going after they’ve gone. How do we continue on with their legacy so that they live on in our hearts even when the memories start to fade? Join Karen as she shares her journey and discusses how to continue the legacy and memory of your loved ones. Listen as she talks about: Ways to preserve the legacies and memories of your loved ones. Exploring the different parts of grief and its transformative power in shaping identity and rela...
Apr 22, 2024•31 min
How do we begin to build resilience after experiencing the loss of our loved one? Karen shares her ABC's of resilience and the importance of finding hope and purpose in widowhood. We’ll explore how to begin to bounce back and adapt when we are coping with grief. Listen as I talk about: Cultivating a growth mindset to overcome challenges and embrace possibilities Acknowledging everyday acts of bravery and stepping out of our comfort zone Practicing self-compassion and caring for your own needs Fi...
Apr 08, 2024•25 min
There is one thing that can be difficult to talk about after becoming a widow and yet it is one of the most important topics to discuss. How anxiety about your own heath can occur after losing your life partner. This is a common challenge that many widows face and it’s important to know that you are not alone. Listen as Karen talks about: Noticing and understanding the heightened health anxieties that often follow the loss of a loved one Listening to your body's signals and reaching out for supp...
Mar 25, 2024•29 min
Have you ever found yourself comparing your grief journey to others? You’re not alone. Many widows may compare their unique grief journey to others at some point but this can take a toll on your personal well-being. Join me as we discuss finding your own way through grief and releasing the need to compare yourself with others who are grieving too. Listen as I talk about: The common tendency among widows to compare their grief journeys Finding meaning and fulfilment in life rather than comparing ...
Mar 11, 2024•27 min
There’s no road map to navigating your way through relationships after the loss of a partner. Building new connections and engaging with others is important in this new chapter of your life. But let’s face it, it can be hard. In this episode we will look at the importance of building meaningful connections with supportive individuals and how these relationships can provide hope for the future. Listen as I talk about: Learning how to bounce back and adapt after loss How one mantra has helped me n...
Feb 26, 2024•24 min
Widowhood has taught me so much about grief, loss and life, things I didn't know when I first came into this chaotic world and things I wish I had known. I'm sharing these learnings with you so hopefully you can feel less like you're going mad and more like what you are feeling is normal in the world of grief. Resources: Join The Widows Membership: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Website: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/...
Feb 12, 2024•27 min
In this episode I have a very raw, honest and relatable conversation with friend and fellow widow Lisa. Lisa's husband Simon died in November 2019 leaving her and her children to navigate their way through life without Simon. Lisa is so inspirational and incredibly wise so I wanted her to share her story with you so you can draw from her strength and wisdom. There will be so much in this episode that will resonate on a deep and profound level, I know you will not leave without feeling truly insp...
Jan 29, 2024•1 hr 9 min
Dina Gachman, Pulitzer Center Grantee and award winning journalist discovered grief when her family lost the lives of her mother and her sister. For Dina, she found comfort in putting pen to paper and in 2023 she wrote a book of essays about grief, SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. Dina shares her story of grief, love, loss and even humour as she navigated her way through the passing of two family members and how the rest of the family came together for support. Listen as we talk about: Navigating your wa...
Jan 15, 2024•37 min
As we begin a new year it is a time for many to set goals. For others, it is the furthest thing on our mind. Finding hope and meaning in the new year after the loss of a loved one can be hard. It’s ok for it to be hard. From the challenges of loneliness to the importance of taking care of yourself during times of grief, I invite you to join me for a time of reflection and inspiration as we move forward into 2024 in a way that fulfils you and serves you in your grieving journey. Listen as I talk ...
Jan 01, 2024•21 min
How do we find hope during the holiday season when there’s grief? In a season that can be filled with emotional challenges, I hope you find solace and peace in this special Christmas episode. With the help of some of the members in my community we have brought together tips to honour the memories of your loved one, carry on with holiday traditions and practice self-care during the holidays. Join me on a journey of rediscovering joy while honoring the memories of our loved ones. Listen as I talk ...
Dec 25, 2023•22 min
In this special 100th episode of The Widow podcast, listen to other Widows share their story about love, grief and how they move forward with life after loss. Grief truly is not a problem that can be fixed. Instead it is something we learn to live alongside. What becomes important is how we learn to face the journey through our mindset. Listen as widows share: Coping with a sudden loss of a husband Grief and isolation after husband's death from cancer Finding solace in community after an unexpec...
Dec 18, 2023•1 hr 20 min
How does one find their way through the quiet moments that follow after the loss of a life partner? Tim, a recent widower, tells his story of losing his wife, Val, unexpectedly. From a chance encounter on a train to her final moments, we explore his journey through grief and the resilience that emerged to take care of his daughter and care for himself. Listen as we talk about: A chance encounter that led to love The battle with feelings of failure and regret that can happen after losing a spouse...
Dec 11, 2023•56 min
Sometimes one person's journey through grief and loss can become a source of inspiration and healing for others. When Ric Hart lost his wife just hours after the birth of their son, he channelled his grief into writing, becoming the author of numerous books for both adults and children. He also began his own podcast, "Real With Ric," so that he could share his grief story and support others on the grief journey as well. Listen as we talk about: How Ric navigated his story and the profound impact...
Dec 04, 2023•56 min
In today’s episode, discover how shamanic priestess Alex Vitillo went from working in finance for 15 years to finding respite in meditation, mindfulness and energy healing after losing her husband to cancer. Alex shares her profound wisdom and how she developed her own methodology to help heart-centred individuals reclaim their lives and ditch the self-doubt to create abundance and harmony in every aspect of their life. Listen as we talk about: The transformation one must go through in life afte...
Nov 27, 2023•49 min
How can you find hope and create a meaningful life after losing your life partner? The reality is grief is not a linear process and feelings will shift from sorrow, to anger, to confusion to frustration. Give yourself permission to grieve, to heal and know it is possible to move towards a positive and meaningful life after loss. Listen as I talk about: Seeking support during the grieving process and how it can positively impact your journey. Finding hope even in the darkest moments. Creating a l...
Nov 20, 2023•19 min
Have you ever wondered how to find hope again and the resilience to carry on after experiencing a profound loss? Pete Cohen is an expert in human behaviour and performance, business consultant, coach, motivational speaker and the founder of Mi365. Pete has dedicated his life to helping others discover their true passions, living life intentionally and become the best versions of themselves. The author of 20 published books, the Host of the Mi365 Daily Intentions podcast, the resident and life co...
Nov 13, 2023•44 min
What role does community play in the process of healing and recovery? Join us as I talk about finding hope after loss and creating a meaningful life with the support of others. Discover the significance of sharing to help yourself and to help others in their darkest times. Listen as I share: How grief can have both emotional and physical impacts on the body How self-care practices help alleviate physical and emotional symptoms Why community and sharing experiences can be therapeutic in your road...
Nov 06, 2023•16 min
What does life look like when love is intertwined with loss and grief? Melissa Gallagher shares how her world was turned upside down in 2020, when soon after learning she was pregnant with their third child, her previously healthy husband James was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with cancer at the age of 39. In the months that followed her young family faced unimaginable adversity trying to navigate pregnancy, cancer treatment and raising young boys in the middle of the pandemic. Although Jame...
Oct 30, 2023•1 hr 2 min
There is a powerful connection between grief and the physical response that can occur within our body. In fact, grief can show up in a variety of ways in our body. Our body is communicating too us and in this episode we explore the impact of grief on our immune system and how to alleviate physical symptoms through self-care practices. Listen as I talk about: The physical toll of grief on your body and how it can manifest as symptoms The impact of the stress response and how it affects your overa...
Oct 23, 2023•22 min
Grief. It doesn’t follow a linear path. In fact, it can often be unpredictable. There is no making sense of grief. It is a journey of rebuilding life after loss, one day at a time. Explore the importance of acknowledging your feelings, finding support, and rediscovering joy amidst grief's challenges in today’s episode. Listen as I talk about: Learning to find happiness after loss Rebuilding your life after loss and the journey that will require patience and support Getting past the guilt to allo...
Oct 16, 2023•19 min
Have you ever wondered how to find purpose and joy again after losing your loved one? If you've ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or uncertainty about creating a meaningful life after loss, listen as I reveal the path to rediscovering yourself. Explore practical steps to help you navigate this difficult journey on today’s episode. Listen as I share: How rebuilding life after loss is a gradual and evolving process, and why that's okay. Discovering your purpose and the importance of self- discovery. Tr...
Oct 09, 2023•23 min
How do you navigate your way through grief after the loss of a loved one? Grief is a natural part of the healing and it can be a challenging part of the journey. Discover how to build a healthy relationship with grief and find ways to express and release the emotions that accompany loss. Listen as I talk about: How grief is multifaceted and can impact every aspect of life Allowing yourself to feel and express your emotions, even when it feels uncomfortable Finding healthy coping mechanisms and s...
Oct 02, 2023•21 min
Glimmers, tiny micro moments of joy that offer a sense of calm and inner peace. Did you know that glimmers can be a powerful source of support in your grieving journey? Join me as I explore what glimmers are, why they matter, and how they can help you navigate through grief. We will be taking time to notice and appreciate the glimmers as part of your path to healing. Listen as I talk about: Seeking out these small moments of joy, even in the midst of profound grief How glimmers activate your par...
Sep 25, 2023•21 min
When we are grieving sometimes we forget to be kind to ourselves. If we are to become resilient for ourselves and our loved ones, we must first start with nurturing the relationship with yourself. In this episode, I invite you to slow down, to lie in the stillness and quiet where there is no pressure and no expectation. Listen as I talk about: Listening to your body to tune in to your physical and emotional needs during times of grief Understanding the delicate balance between setting goals for ...
Sep 18, 2023•19 min
Seven years can feel like a lifetime when you are a widow. When you lose your life partner, one chapter closes and another chapter opens with new experiences, lots of growth and moments of grieving in between. Join Karen as she shares her experiences and guidance on navigating through the complex emotions and discoveries that come with widowhood. Listen as we talk about: Taking time to reflect on your achievements and allowing yourself the space for personal growth and to find peace and love. Re...
Sep 11, 2023•34 min
Join Karen for season 3 of The Widow Podcast as she shares the value in receiving support and guidance during widowhood. From retreats, The Widows Choir to our 12 month programme, Finding Hope in Widowhood, discover what becomes possible when you find your community of support. Be inspired and discover how you can reclaim the next steps in life through your own personal development journey in finding hope. In this episode, you will hear: Why community is the foundation for moving trough grief an...
Sep 04, 2023•24 min
Join Karen for a recap of the episode’s in season 2 of The Widow Podcast. There have been so many powerful conversations, insights and stories shared with us through the guest speakers this season. While we have different experiences, belief systems, upbringings and different people around us, when you bring people together that are going through something similar, magical things happen. Listen as I discuss: How we can become more resilient in our grief Finding joy, peace and hope after loss The...
Jun 26, 2023•28 min
How do we find meaning and purpose in our life as a widow? As you navigate your way through your grief one of the first steps will be to decide what kind of life you want to create for yourself that is meaningful and purposeful. The road may be rocky and so in this episode I invite you to reimagine a future that can look meaningful. Listen as I discuss: The first steps to creating a meaningful and purposeful life Stepping out of your comfort zone to try something new Reimagining your goals and d...
Jun 19, 2023•28 min