In this episode, we welcome Katie and Natalie from the podcast "Those Two Widows," who share their candid experiences of widowhood and the unique bond they formed through their shared journeys. The conversation dives into the complexities of grief, the challenges of navigating life after loss, and the importance of finding community among those who truly understand. With a warm and straightforward approach, Katie and Natalie discuss how they turned their personal struggles into a platform for connection and support, creating a safe space for others who are grieving.

Throughout the episode, listeners will find valuable insights into coping mechanisms and the realities of being a young widow. Katie reflects on her unexpected loss and the feelings of anger and guilt that accompanied it, while Natalie shares her experience of caring for her husband during his battle with cancer. Their stories highlight the raw emotions that come with widowhood, as well as the dark humour that often serves as a coping mechanism. As they navigate their grief, they emphasise the importance of being honest about their feelings and the necessity of allowing oneself to grieve without the pressure of societal expectations.

One of the key takeaways from this episode is the significance of community in the grieving process. Katie and Natalie discuss how their friendship blossomed from shared experiences, allowing them to support each other through the ups and downs of widowhood. They challenge the notion of toxic positivity, advocating for a more authentic approach to grief that acknowledges the complexities of emotions. Their conversation serves as a reminder that it’s okay to feel lost and that seeking help from others who understand can be incredibly healing.

As the episode wraps up, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences with grief and to reach out for support when needed. Katie and Natalie’s journey is a testament to the power of connection and the importance of sharing stories to foster understanding and healing. For those navigating similar paths, this episode offers not only comfort but also actionable advice on how to build a supportive community. Tune in to discover how these two widows are transforming their pain into purpose, and be sure to follow their podcast for more heartfelt discussions on grief and friendship.

Here's the corrected version with the Clear Minds Hypnosis App properly attributed:

In this episode, Rosie chats with returning guest Nicky Wake about something that doesn't get talked about enough - the messy reality of using alcohol to cope with grief, and what it's like to get sober as a widow.

Nicky gets brutally honest about how her drinking escalated when her husband was sick, and how it became her go-to coping mechanism after he died. She doesn't sugarcoat it - she talks about the real stuff, the dark moments, and how alcohol became both her comfort and her problem.

But this isn't just a story about addiction. It's about what happens when you decide enough is enough, and the tough journey of getting sober while you're still deep in grief. Nicky shares how therapy and support groups literally saved her life, and why reaching out for help was the hardest but most important thing she ever did.

Then there's the dating bit - because let's be real, dating as a widow is complicated enough without adding sobriety into the mix. Nicky talks about navigating relationships when you're carrying both grief and recovery, and how she's trying to make it easier for others through dating apps specifically for sober people and widows.

She mentions some brilliant resources too - the Sober Love App for people in recovery looking for connection, and the Clear Minds Hypnosis App, which she found helpful for changing her relationship with alcohol.

What really comes through is Nicky's message that recovery is possible for anyone willing to take that first scary step. She's living proof that you can come through the other side of both grief and addiction.

If you're struggling with similar issues, Nicky's available for support and guidance. Sometimes knowing you're not alone in this mess makes all the difference.

More honest conversations about the tough stuff coming your way - stay tuned.

Resources mentioned: SoberAF (⁠www.soberaf.club⁠) is Nicky's rebellious take on recovery support. None of that one-size-fits-all approach - this is sobriety without apologies, and it's completely free. They're launching their forum and events in June 2025, but you can sign up now to be part of this movement that's flipping the script on traditional recovery.

Chapter 2 Dating (⁠www.chapter2dating.app⁠) is the dating platform Nicky created specifically for widows and widowers. Because let's face it, explaining grief to someone who's never been there is exhausting. This is a safe space where everyone gets it - the complexity, the guilt, the hope, all of it.

Widows Fire (widowsfire.dating) tackles something nobody talks about but many of us feel - the physical desires that don't disappear with grief. It's for flirty, no-strings connections when you're not ready for something serious but still crave intimacy. Honest, raw, and judgment-free.

In this episode, host Rosie Gill-Moss chats with Louise about her experience of losing her husband unexpectedly. Louise shares the tough realities of widowhood and how her husband's battle with alcoholism shaped their lives together.

Her husband died from a heart attack related to severe alcoholic liver disease, a struggle that Louise faced for years as she tried to support him through his addiction.

She talks about the signs of his drinking, the challenges of loving someone with an addiction, and the feelings of helplessness that often come with it.

Louise also addresses the stigma surrounding alcoholism and how it can complicate relationships.A must listen for one of the most candid insights yet into loving someone in addiction.