The Widow Podcast

In this final episode of season four, I take some time to reflect on the journey we’ve been on together and what this season has taught me about healing after loss. Over the past few months I’ve spoken to so many incredible people who’ve shared their stories with such honesty and courage. I’ve also had my own moments of reflection, especially as I reach ten years since Simon died. My connection with him continues to evolve in beautiful ways, and I’ve come to understand that healing isn’t about moving on but about going deeper into ourselves, into life, and into love. I talk about what I’ve learned through this year’s grief retreats at Tofte Manor, the extraordinary women I’ve met, and a powerful moment of truth that reminded me how gratitude and growth can exist within grief. I share why I believe that life after loss can hold meaning, joy and purpose again, and how the gifts that come from our pain can become the foundation for a new and peaceful chapter. We explore: What it really means to go deeper into healing How community and shared stories help us feel less alone The evolving connection we have with the people we’ve lost Why transformation and gratitude are key to long-term healing The lessons from Toft Manor and the courage to speak our truth How joy, love and grief can all coexist For More Support:  The Widows Membership: karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Coaching and retreats: karensutton.co.uk

In this episode of The Widow Podcast, I'm joined by Debbie Dawson, mentor, retreat supporter and treasured community member, to talk about life beyond loss and what it truly means to live fully again after grief. Debbie shares her widow journey from joining the community in 2020, two and a half years after losing her husband suddenly in 2018, to where she is now, seven years on and living with a sense of freedom, purpose and excitement about the future she never thought possible. We explore how the shift from grief work to life work happened through Vibrant Living and the transformative Rise and Renew retreat, and why discovering hidden parts of yourself after loss can be both surprising and liberating.   We discuss:   The transition from surviving to thriving and living fully after widowhood How Vibrant Living and Rise and Renew created profound shifts in healing Discovering that it's a new connection with yourself, not just reconnection Moving from "second best life" to "my best life" as a widow Living with conscious intent and presence after losing your partner Why grief and life journeys become intertwined rather than separate The power of widow community, energy and being under one roof Finding permission to live without fear of the future Building trust in your inner compass after loss Creating a legacy you're proud of   It's an uplifting conversation about transformation, self-discovery, rebuilding after loss, and the beautiful truth that anything is possible when you're ready to do the work.   For More Support:  The Widows Membership: karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Coaching and retreats: karensutton.co.uk

In this episode of The Widow Podcast, I talk with Orla Blackburn, holistic widow guide, yoga teacher and mother, about what it really means to invest in yourself after loss. Orla shares how, seven years on from losing her husband, she’s found strength and self-belief through journaling, movement and meditation. We explore how yoga helped her reconnect with her body and emotions, how she’s learned to regulate her nervous system while parenting a neurodivergent child, and why small, consistent steps can lead to deep transformation. We discuss:  • How grief and identity evolve over time  • Why investing in yourself is an essential part of healing  • The role of movement, journaling and mindfulness in recovery  • Parenting and self-regulation through grief  • The power of community and accountability  • Rebuilding confidence, purpose and peace after loss It’s a grounded, compassionate conversation about healing and rediscovering who you are when life changes forever. For More Support:  The Widows Membership: karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Coaching and retreats: karensutton.co.uk

In this episode of The Widow Podcast, I speak to Sam Southern, suicide prevention and bereavement manager at Solace at Empowerment Charity in Blackpool. Sam shares her personal story of losing her husband Glen to suicide in June 2020, during the height of the COVID pandemic. He was 46 years old, and together they had six children, the youngest just two and five at the time. Sam talks about the shock and trauma of losing a partner to suicide, the complex grief that followed, and the stigma that still surrounds suicide loss. She also explains how blogging her experiences online became an unexpected lifeline, connecting her with others who truly understood. Today, that same community spirit drives her professional work supporting people bereaved by suicide. In this conversation, we discuss:  • The unique challenges of grieving a partner lost to suicide, including guilt, anger, and unanswered questions  • How stigma and silence around suicide complicate grief and isolate families  • Why asking directly about suicidal thoughts can be a powerful step in prevention  • The importance of peer support and online communities in surviving loss  • How language matters – why saying “died by suicide” helps reduce stigma  • Suicide statistics in the UK, and why more awareness and training are urgently needed   Sam’s openness helps break the silence around suicide bereavement and offers comfort to those facing similar heartbreak. Her story is a reminder that connection and conversation can save lives. For More Support:  The Widows Membership: karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Coaching and retreats: karensutton.co.uk Solace at Empowerment Charity: empowermentcharity.org.uk Follow Sam on Instagram: @sammysuns

In this episode of The Widow Podcast, I’m joined by Meghan Riordan Jarvis, trauma trained psychotherapist, grief and loss specialist, TEDx speaker, and host of Grief is My Side Hustle. Meghan is also the author of End of the Hour and Can Anyone Tell Me, and creator of the Grief Mentor Method. Meghan’s story is both professional and deeply personal. After the loss of her father to cancer and the sudden death of her mother just two years later, she found herself plunged into a level of grief that no amount of training had prepared her for. Checking herself into inpatient care, she came face to face with the reality that most of us are never taught what to do with grief, even those who are supposed to help. In this conversation, we explore: • Why therapists are often not trained in grief, and what that means for those seeking support • The difference between “normal” grief and when grief becomes traumatic • How unresolved grief shapes our lives and sense of connection • The six core components of the Grief Mentor Method, and why movement, nourishment, and ritual matter • Learning to tolerate grief as energy in the body rather than something to “fix” • Why we need cultural change around grief education, support, and bereavement Meghan’s honesty about her own breakdown and recovery is powerful. She challenges the myths we are told about grief and shows how truth, embodiment, and simple practices can open a way forward. For More Support:The Widows Membership: karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membershipCoaching and retreats: karensutton.co.uk

In this episode of The Widow Podcast, I’m joined by the inspiring Joan, who shares her journey of sudden loss, resilience, and finding new ways to live with purpose. Joan lost her husband Mike unexpectedly in 2021, when she was 66. Overnight, her world changed, and with it all the plans they had made for their retirement together. Alone and uncertain, Joan found herself navigating widowhood while also adjusting to the realities of ageing, loneliness, and rebuilding life from the ground up. What’s remarkable is the way Joan has chosen to respond. From joining a Nordic walking group to travelling solo on a sewing retreat in the French Alps, she has steadily built a new life filled with courage, community, and connection. She shows us that it’s never too late to step out of your comfort zone, try something new, and discover joy again. In this conversation, we talk about:  • Living through the shock of sudden loss and the emptiness it leaves behind  • Facing widowhood in your late 60s and the unique challenges that brings  • Finding support through community, retreats, and friendship  • The role of hobbies, creativity, and travel in healing  • Learning to balance solitude with connection and joy  • Why it’s never about age, but about mindset, openness, and possibility Joan’s honesty, warmth, and adventurous spirit remind us that grief reshapes us, but it doesn’t have to confine us. Her story is proof that even in the hardest circumstances, new beginnings are possible. Awakening Hope  I’d love you to join me for Awakening Hope, a free five-day immersive experience for widows and surviving partners, running 22–26 September 2025. Together we’ll explore how to face feelings, cultivate self-compassion, and rediscover who we are after loss. Find out more and sign up here: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/awakeninghope For More Support:  The Widows Membership: karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Coaching and retreats: karensutton.co.uk

In this episode of The Widow Podcast, I’m joined by the wonderful Kerry Baggott as she shares her powerful story of love, loss, and finding herself again.  Kerry met her husband Jeremy as a teenager, and together they built a beautiful life in Dubai with their two daughters. When Jeremy was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in his late forties, everything changed. They returned to the UK, navigated treatment and remission, and cherished precious time together, until Jeremy died peacefully at home, surrounded by love and light. But Kerry’s journey didn’t end there. Alongside the loss of Jeremy, she also experienced the deaths of her stepdad, her aunt, and her father in quick succession. For a long time, she kept herself busy, raising her daughters, moving house, running marathons, even fronting a national charity campaign. It wasn’t until she hit rock bottom that she realised she hadn’t allowed herself to truly grieve. In this moving conversation, Kerry and I talk about what it means to reach that breaking point and how it can also be the start of something new. She shares her experience of delayed grief, the impact of multiple losses, and the importance of language, support, and friendship in rediscovering who you are after loss.   We discuss:  • Living with loss after the death of a soulmate to multiple myeloma  • What happens when grief is delayed, and why staying busy can’t keep it away forever  • Coping with the weight of multiple losses and the layers of grief they bring  • How bereavement can shake your sense of self, resilience, and daily life  • Finding strength through friendship, community, and shared support  • Shifting from self-criticism towards kindness and self-compassion  • Moving forward while holding on to love, joy, and hope If you’ve ever felt like you’ve “lost yourself” after bereavement, Kerry’s honesty and courage will remind you that healing isn’t about reinventing who you are, but rediscovering the person you’ve always been. Awakening Hope  I’d love you to join me for Awakening Hope, a free five-day immersive experience for widows and surviving partners, running 22–26 September 2025. Together we’ll explore how to face feelings, cultivate self-compassion, and rediscover who we are after loss. Find out more and sign up here: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/awakeninghope For More Support:  The Widows Membership: karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Coaching and retreats: karensutton.co.uk

In this episode of The Widow Podcast, I talk with author, coach, and six-time bestselling writer Maya Dionne, also known as The Bounce Back Widow.  Maya shares the heartbreaking story of losing her husband suddenly on Easter Sunday, and the devastating impact it had on her and her two young children. She opens up about navigating guilt, trauma, and survival in the aftermath, and how she slowly began to reconnect with herself, symbolised by the hot pink shoes she wore to his funeral. We discuss:  • Maya’s journey into widowhood at just 27 years old  • Facing grief while raising two young children alone  • The pressure of societal and family expectations around funerals and grieving  • How small acts of colour and courage helped her reclaim a sense of self  • The role of intuition, self-trust, and personal truth in healing  • Writing her bestselling book Bounce Back Better and empowering other widows  • Why she calls herself “The Bounce Back Widow” and what that really means Maya’s energy, honesty, and wisdom are both inspiring and grounding. If you’ve ever wondered how to rebuild after devastating loss, or how to rediscover the parts of yourself that grief can bury, this episode offers strength, hope, and vibrant encouragement. Awakening Hope  I’d love you to join me for Awakening Hope, a free five-day immersive experience for widows and surviving partners, running 22–26 September 2025. Together we’ll explore how to face feelings, cultivate self-compassion, and rediscover who we are after loss. Find out more and sign up here: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/awakeninghope For More Support: The Widows Membership: karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Coaching and retreats: karensutton.co.uk

In this episode of The Widow Podcast, I explore what it really means to show up for yourself in grief. Grief can turn our world upside down, leaving us feeling lost, disconnected, and unsure of who we are anymore. In this conversation, I share my own experiences and offer gentle, practical ways to begin rebuilding trust, safety, and compassion within yourself. We discuss: • Why showing up for yourself in grief is so powerful • How grief changes our sense of identity and self-worth • The importance of small, consistent steps rather than perfection • Practical tools such as habit stacking, breathing, journaling, and pausing • How nervous system regulation plays a role in healing • Learning to listen to your body’s wisdom and needs • Why self-compassion is essential, not optional If you’re navigating life after loss and wondering how to care for yourself when everything feels overwhelming, this episode offers support, tools, and gentle encouragement to take one small step at a time. Awakening Hope I’d love you to join me for Awakening Hope, a free five-day immersive experience for widows and surviving partners, running 22–26 September 2025. Together we’ll explore how to face feelings, cultivate self-compassion, and rediscover who we are after loss. Find out more and sign up here: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/awakeninghope For More Support: The Widows Membership: karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membershipCoaching and retreats: karensutton.co.uk

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Mary-Frances O’Connor, neuroscientist, psychologist, and author of The Grieving Brain and The Grieving Body. Mary-Frances has spent her career researching what happens to our minds and bodies when we lose someone we love. Her work helps us understand why grief feels the way it does, how our brains adapt, and why love and loss are so deeply intertwined. This conversation is full of insight, science, and compassion. We explore what happens in the brain during grief, why waves of grief come and go, and how we can continue our bond with those who have died. Mary-Frances also shares why resilience is the most common response to loss, and why grief is less about “moving on” and more about learning to live with love in a different way. In this episode we talk about:  Why grieving is best understood as a form of learning  How the brain and body adjust when someone we love dies  The difference between grief (in the moment) and grieving (the ongoing process)  Why the second year of grief can sometimes feel harder than the first  The importance of internal bonds and how they continue after physical loss  What research shows about resilience, prolonged grief, and healing  How grief journeys differ with sudden loss compared to after long-term caregiving  Practical ways we can support ourselves, and each other, through grief   Explore Mary-Frances O’Connor’s books:  The Grieving Brain by Mary-Frances O'Connor | Waterstones The Grieving Body by Mary-Frances O'Connor | Waterstones   I’d love you to join me for Awakening Hope — a free five-day experience. Find out more at: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/awakeninghope   For Further Support: The Widows Membership: karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Coaching and retreats: karensutton.co.uk   Mary-Frances O’Connor – Photo credit: Eric Godoy 

In this episode of The Widow Podcast, I talk with author and campaigner Laurence Carter about his powerful journey through grief after losing his wife, Melitta, to stage 4 cervical cancer in 2015. Laurence shares their love story, Melitta's diagnosis, and the long goodbye they faced together as a family. He opens up about his year-long walk around the coast of England and Wales, a challenge that raised awareness of cervical cancer, encouraged women to attend smear tests, and helped him navigate life after loss. We discuss: Coping with the death of a spouse after a long illness The emotional and physical impact of grief How walking, nature, and connection helped Laurence heal Stories from strangers he met along the way Why listening without trying to fix can be the greatest gift Finding love again after bereavement If you or someone you know has experienced the loss of a partner or wants to better understand grief recovery, this episode offers comfort, hope, and inspiration. Find out more about Laurence on his site, including where to buy copies of his wonderful book. https://laurencecarter.com 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 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

In this special episode of The Widow Podcast, I’m sharing something really close to my heart. Earlier this year, I invited three amazing women, Nikki, Becky and Wendy, into the Remember community to share their stories. Stories of love, of loss, of navigating life after the unthinkable. They spoke with such honesty and vulnerability, and it was one of the most powerful sessions we’ve had. I knew straight away I wanted more people to hear it. What I love about this conversation is how different each of their experiences have been. It show us how there’s no right way to grieve, and hearing those contrasts side by side really brings that home. They talk about what helped, what didn’t, the pain of parenting through grief, the shifts in friendships, the moments that caught them off guard, and the ways they’re slowly creating a new version of life.  In this episode, we explore: • The very real, very messy early days of widowhood • How grief affects identity and friendships • The fear of forgetting and the ways we stay connected • The little things that help, and the things that really don’t • What it looks like to build a life around your loss • Giving yourself permission to feel joy, without guilt   Resources and Links Join the Widows Membership: karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Explore my retreats and coaching: karensutton.co.uk

How I’ve Found Peace, Purpose and Possibility After Loss – And How You Can Too Welcome back to Season Four of The Widow Podcast. It feels really good to be back. Nearly nine years since Simon died, I’ve been reflecting on everything that’s changed, not just in my own life, but in the way I support other widows. Over the past year, I’ve gone through some huge shifts. I trained as a Master Intuitive Psychology Coach, ran retreats here in the UK and in the US, and launched a new programme called Vibrant Living, which is all about what comes next. This episode is a bit of a catch-up, but also a conversation about growth. The kind that happens quietly, over time, as we keep showing up for ourselves. I’ll talk honestly about where I’ve been, how I’ve changed, and what I’ve learned about creating a life that feels full again, not in spite of the grief, but alongside it. In this episode, I share:  What’s changed for me since the last season  How I think about grief now, and what peace looks like  The power of community when you’re rebuilding after loss  What led me to retrain and deepen the work I do  Why I created Vibrant Living for widows ready for something more   Resources and Links Join the Widows Membership: karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Explore my retreats and coaching: karensutton.co.uk

In this week's episode I speak to an incredibly honest and inspiring lady, Stacey Macdonald. Stacey’s husband Chris died suddenly in December 2013 from a heart attack when their daughter was only 12 years old.   Stacey shares her journey of loss and how she navigated her way through her grief in her own unique way, a way in which we could all learn a lot from.   We discuss;  How Stacey and her daughter dealt with that first Christmas The coping strategies Stacey used in her grief The pivotal moment Stacey realised she had to make some changes Supporting Children through their grief Navigating new relationships Deciding to live again after loss The importance of leaning into your own intuition Worrying about other people's judgements and assumptions Guilt Finding joy in today and writing the new chapters in our books with love and peace in our hearts   This really is such a wonderful conversation and I know you’ll be able to draw so much from this. We got unexpectedly cut off at the end (the joys of living on a small island), so there is an abrupt finish to the conversation. We contemplated arranging another time to record an ending but I actually felt that Stacey’s final words of wisdom were so beautiful, it felt like the perfect end to a wonderful conversation, so we left it as it was.

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 overall health Practical tips and exercises to help you manage and alleviate grief Ways to activate your parasympathetic nervous system and find relief   Resources: Join my Free Facebook Group ‘Widowed and Rising’ https://www.facebook.com/groups/widowedandrising My website https://www.karensutton.co.uk/

This podcast is from last September. However, with more anniversaries, birthdays and holidays arising, I wanted to share it with you again. These are often huge triggers for us in our grief leaving us unsure of what we should do to mark the occasion and how we can best support ourselves through them. In this episode I talk about things you can do to honour your loved one, ways you can nurture your own needs and how our grief evolves over time. It is a journey and we will all travel it at different paces and in different ways, there is no right or wrong, it's just finding the way that works best for you and being ok with that. As hard as these days are it's important not to think of them as setbacks, but as an invitation to connect with our loved one, remember them and celebrate their life, eventually we will be able to do this with more love than pain.   Resources: Join The Widows Membership: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Website: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/    

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 Finding inner drive and desire to create a meaningful life after loss   Resources: Join The Widows Membership: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Website: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/