Widows That Wine Together Podcast

Episode 27 When Life Gets Lifey: Finding Connection After Loss

In this episode of Widows That Wine Together, Jen Newberg—widow and founder of It’s Lifey and HopeHub—shares a meaningful conversation about grief, connection, and rebuilding life after loss.
After the sudden loss of her husband, Jen turned toward connection as a way to navigate her grief. Today, she creates spaces where widows can feel supported, understood, and less alone.
This episode explores the realities of early grief, the power of community, and what it looks like to move forward while still honoring your story.
If you have any questions regarding this episode please reach out to me at widowsthatwine@gmail.com.

Episode 26 From Shock To Strength: A Widow's Early Courage

What does healing look like just three months after losing your spouse?
In this powerful episode of Widows That Wine Together, I share the story of a widow who said “yes” to connection earlier than most — booking a flight and joining a Temecula wine country weekend only three months after her husband’s passing.
While many widows are deep in brain fog, shock, and survival mode during those early months, this guest chose movement and community. But her story does not stop there.
After a transformational weekend surrounded by women who truly understand grief, she experienced what I call the “widow’s crash” — the emotional drop that can happen when connection fades and loneliness returns.
In this episode, we explore:• The courage it takes to show up early in grief• Why healing timelines look different for everyone• The power of safe community• What the widow’s crash feels like — and why it is normal• How connection can accelerate healing without eliminating pain
If you are newly widowed, feeling alone, or wondering if you are “behind” in your grief, this episode will remind you: there is no right timeline — and you do not have to do this alone.
If you have any questions on this episode you can reach me at widowsthatwine@gmail.com.
 

Episode 25 Gratitude During Grief

In today’s episode, I had the honor of sitting down with Jen Mejares Pham for a deeply moving conversation about gratitude during grief. Jen shares her story of losing her husband at just 35 years old, while raising three little ones—including a newborn. In the rawness of those first hours, another widow introduced her to the concept of “tender mercy,” a moment that would become pivotal in how Jen began to notice light, love, and grace even in the darkest season of her life.
I am incredibly grateful to Jen for her openness and willingness to share her story so honestly, in hopes that other widows listening will feel less alone and more seen. 
If you ever have ideas for future episodes or topics you would like me to explore, please do not hesitate to reach out at widowsthatwine@gmail.com. 💛
 

Episode 24 The Anniversary Effect - The Lead Up To The Death Anniversary

For this episode I talk about something many of us on this widowed journey know all too well—the anniversary effect, or what I like to call the lead-up to the death anniversary. For me, September 12 will always carry weight, but what I have learned over these past four years is that the emotions do not just show up on the date itself. They build quietly, weeks before, and sometimes in ways I do not expect.  This is a very emotional episode where I share my personal experience of the lead up period.
Thank you for listening.  If you have any questions on this episode please reach out to me at widowsthatwine@gmail.com.

Episode 23 Weddings Without Them: A Widow's Perspective

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.

Episode 22 Growing In Your Grief

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. 

Episode 21 The Number One Life Stressor: Loss of a Spouse

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.

Episode 20 Widow Judgment - Breaking The Stigma

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.

Episode 19 Hitting Rock Bottom After Losing A Spouse

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. 

Episode 18 Year of Showing Up

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.