Best of Show, Part 1: Conversations with Widowed Parents

“Perhaps I could seek out and interview people who could begin putting into place the various pieces of this puzzle. Perhaps I could even deliver these lessons to other widowed parents. And maybe—just maybe—I could to that in the form of a podcast.”

— Jenny Lisk, from "Future Widow"

I’m so glad to be back behind the microphone for this, Episode 100!

The podcast has been on hiatus for a couple of months as I’ve been juggling a number of other things — and what a great time to be back.

I feel like it’s time to reflect a bit.

To share with you why I started this podcast.

And, most importantly, to bring you messages from some of the widowed parents I’ve interviewed on the show over the past few years.

I hear so often from widowed parents that they feel lost and alone.

They don’t know anyone else who is widowed with kids or teens in their neighborhood or their kids’ school communities.

So, I’ve looked at all 100 episodes recorded to date, and I’ve pulled clips from eleven of my guests for today’s show. These are seasoned widowed parents. People who are down the path a bit, and have some reflections to share with all of us.

I hope you enjoy this Special Episode: Best of Show, Part 1: Conversations with Widowed Parents.

Links & resources for this episode

• Melissa Gould on her new book "Widowish" [WPP094]

• Actor & author Tembi Locke on food, grief, widowed parenting, and her beautiful new memoir [WPP032]

• Karen Paul on the "acts of defiance" of her first year of widowhood [WPP096]

• Will Owens on his journey as a widowed dad [WPP018]

• Elke Thompson reflects on losing her young husband and writing grief books for kids [WPP068]

• Leslie Gray Streeter on her new book "Black Widow" (WPP058)

• Reflections on being a widowed dad with Gary Ireland, Esq. [WPP078]

• Maria Quiban Whitesell & Lauren Schneider discuss their new book "You Can't Do It Alone" [WPP079]

• Pamela Addison on losing her young husband to COVID-19 [WPP093]

• Dennis Murphy on solo parenting and starting a group for widowed dads [WPP075]

• Karen Millsap on turning pain into purpose [WPP014]

More links for listeners

• Download: Kids & Grief: What You Need to Know

• Article: I’m a Widowed Mom: Here Are My 3 Tips for COVID-19 Widows

• Book: Widowed Parents Unite: 52 Tips to Get Through the First Year, from One Widowed Parent to Another

Thank you sponsors & partners:

Help Texts - Grief support text messaging service. Tips and support delivered all year long, personalized based on your loss. Listeners get $10 off: https://helptexts.com/jennylisk

BetterHelp - Talk with a licensed, professional therapist online. Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com/widowedparent

Support the show - Chip in at BuyMeACoffee.com

What is your biggest challenge as a widowed parent right now?

Call our voice mailbox at (669)257-3434 and leave a message. Or, answer this quick one-question survey. We’ll work with experts to answer listener questions in future episodes & articles.

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