In this episode, Rosie sits down with Kelly Orme for an achingly honest conversation about surviving sudden loss, parenting through heartbreak, and building a new life from the ashes. Kelly found herself widowed in 2021 after her husband Nick died unexpectedly from an undiagnosed heart condition. With her trademark warmth, Rosie lets Kelly take the lead, sharing how she and Nick met as teenagers, built a life together in Sheffield, and weathered years of ups and downs—including other family tragedies—before everything changed overnight.

Kelly details the wrenching day her daughter Holly found Nick and how grief ricocheted through their small family. The episode wrestles with the shock waves of sudden death, the messy admin and practical hurdles that come with it (spoiler: there's nothing fair about frozen bank accounts and endless forms), and how grief seeps into the daily grind—school runs, food shops, and negotiating new routines.

Rosie and Kelly don’t shy away from the tough stuff. They get into the guilt and the “what-ifs,” how trauma rewires your brain, and the way friendships and community can either buoy you or fall away. Parenting when your own world has collapsed is front and centre, with real talk about supporting a grieving teenager through unreliable mental health services and the weight of unanswered questions. Kelly shares how genetic testing has added complexity, and how both she and Holly have struggled—and grown—through it all.

But it’s not all bleak. There’s plenty of dry humour, a few wobbly laughs, and real hope: from Holly’s small triumphs to forging new traditions together and daring to take holidays again. Kelly’s story is a raw, relatable mix of pain, resilience, and the kind of fierce love that refuses to give up. Whether you’re newly grieving or finding your way years in, you’ll find solidarity, understanding, and maybe a bit of comfort in these honest moments.

If you felt seen by today’s episode, you’re not alone. Keep on keeping on—one slow step at a time.

In this episode, Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Colleen Clarke, a widow from Australia who shares her deeply personal story of losing her husband Steve to motor neurone disease (MND). Through a candid and honest conversation, they explore the realities of caregiving, the emotional toll of terminal illness, and the resilience required to parent a young child while facing unimaginable loss. This powerful episode touches on motor neurone disease, grief, widowhood, parenting through terminal illness, and the long arc of healing.

Colleen and Steve met as teenagers and spent over three decades together. Their love story, which began with a pub dance and grew through years of shared life, took a devastating turn when Steve was diagnosed with MND—also known as ALS. Colleen recounts how the illness slowly robbed Steve of his ability to speak and move, and how she shifted from being his partner to his primary carer. She explains the uncertainty that surrounds MND diagnosis, the slow progression of symptoms, and how the family held on to normality for their daughter, Sarah, for as long as possible.

Listeners hear how Sarah was conceived after years of IVF and a surprising encounter with Brazilian jungle herbs—an unexpected yet joyful part of Colleen’s story. But the joy of becoming a mother was followed just five years later by the slow, cruel advance of MND. Colleen explains the emotional and logistical challenges that came with managing a terminal illness at home: palliative care planning, home adaptations, medical equipment, and navigating grief in real-time. Her experience highlights just how fragmented the support system can be, but also shows the difference strong community networks and dedicated carers can make.

As Steve’s health declined over three years, Colleen found strength in peer support, online communities, and palliative care teams who helped maintain his comfort and dignity. She also reflects on the communication barriers that emerged as Steve lost his ability to speak and how they found new ways to stay emotionally connected—including using an alphabet board and pre-recorded messages. Her story underscores the emotional complexity of being both wife and caregiver and the internal conflict that arises when love and duty become indistinguishable.

Colleen also shares the impact Steve’s death had on Sarah, who was just eight at the time. They discuss the delicate balance of protecting a child while being honest, and how Sarah eventually returned to education after years of disengagement. Now 18, Sarah is pursuing a degree in film and media—testament to her strength and the care her mother put into helping her navigate grief on her own terms.

This conversation offers rare insight into life with MND and the long road of widowhood that follows. Colleen’s story is a vivid account of emotional survival, practical adaptation, and the enduring strength of mother-daughter connection. Her openness about depression, the challenges of solo parenting, and her cautious optimism for the future provides real-world understanding for anyone dealing with terminal illness, bereavement, or solo motherhood.

Key takeaways from this episode include the unpredictable progression of motor neurone disease, the importance of early palliative care involvement, the hidden toll on carers, and how children experience grief differently. It’s also a testament to how human connection—through peer support groups, counselling, and shared experience—can anchor someone through the darkest seasons of life.

Whether you’re supporting someone through illness, grieving a partner, or parenting alone, Colleen’s story will stay with you long after the episode ends.

In this episode, Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Charlotte Cannell about losing her fiancé Craig to a brain aneurysm when she was just 27 years old.

Their conversation explores the devastating impact of sudden loss on a young woman who had been with her partner since she was 16, and how she rebuilt her life through travel, family support, and finding new purpose.

Charlotte shares the harrowing twelve days she spent by Craig's bedside in intensive care after he collapsed during a council meeting in November 2020. Despite initial hope when he regained consciousness and recognised her, complications including sepsis ultimately led to his death.

The discussion delves into the unique challenges facing young widows, particularly those without children. Charlotte candidly explores grieving not just Craig, but the future they had planned together - their wedding booked for July 2023, the children they hoped to have, and the life they were building in Essex. Her decision to legally take Craig's surname through deed poll, despite never marrying, demonstrates the depth of their bond and her determination to honour their relationship.

In this episode, Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Adriana De Jesus, a young widow from New York state who lost her husband Jason to a fatal asthma attack when their son was just 14 months old. This powerful conversation explores the devastating reality of sudden widowhood, the challenges of single parenting after loss, and the unexpected journey of finding meaning through grief.

Adriana shares her love story with Jason, beginning at a soundstage studio in 2018 where their 15-year age gap didn't prevent an instant connection. Their relationship accelerated during the 2020 lockdown, leading to parenthood and what seemed like a bright future together. However, in June 2023, Jason's routine seasonal asthma took a fatal turn, possibly exacerbated by poor air quality from Canadian wildfires. Despite having managed his condition his entire life, Jason died from an asthma attack at home, leaving Adriana to navigate sudden widowhood at just 28 years old.

The conversation delves into the immediate aftermath of loss, including the trauma of performing CPR, arriving at the hospital with her infant son, and learning her partner hadn't survived. Adriana candidly discusses the guilt she felt about finally getting sleep after months of exhaustion with a newborn, only to lose Jason just as life was settling into a rhythm. She reveals the financial and legal complications of being engaged but not married in New York state, where common law marriages aren't recognised, creating additional stress during an already overwhelming time.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Adriana's honest exploration of grief's complexities. She discusses discovering both her and Jason likely had undiagnosed ADHD, which affected their relationship dynamics and her postpartum experience. The episode also touches on her unique healing journey, including her decision to train as a medium after a transformative reading that helped her process Jason's death. This unexpected path has allowed her to support other grieving individuals while maintaining her connection to Jason.

For parents concerned about asthma, Adriana offers perspective on managing fear after loss. When her son Parker was diagnosed with asthma, she drew strength from Jason's attitude about not letting the condition limit his life. She emphasises the importance of proper diagnosis, medication management, and understanding environmental triggers like air quality alerts. Her approach to explaining death to her toddler, teaching him that "Daddy is in our hearts," provides a touching example of age-appropriate grief conversations.

Adriana De Jesus works in the film industry while raising her son Parker in upstate New York. Following Jason's death, she trained as an evidential medium, offering readings professionally alongside her day job. Her story demonstrates how young widows navigate practical challenges like childcare, work-life balance, and financial planning while processing profound grief. She credits finding the Widowed AF podcast with helping her feel less alone in her journey, highlighting the importance of community and shared experiences in healing from loss.

In this episode, Rosie speaks to Cathy Brokenshire, widow of prominent politician, James Brokenshire , who died from lung cancer.

As you listen to Cathy’s story, you’ll discover how she turned a personal tragedy into a powerful mission to raise awareness about lung cancer, particularly for those who, like James, may not fit the typical profile.

This conversation is not just about loss, it’s about love, resilience, community, and the shared experiences that connect us all.

Cathy also maintains a tribute page in memory of James, where friends, family, and supporters can share messages and memories: jamesbrokenshire.muchloved.com.

In this episode, we have a heartfelt conversation with Eva Spiegel, who opens up about her journey through widowhood and the challenges of navigating life after loss. Eva shares her personal story of losing her husband, Terry, and how that experience reshaped her understanding of grief, parenting, and love. We explore the complexities of raising a child while dealing with profound sorrow, and Eva offers insights into how she and her son have built a strong bond through their shared experiences.

As we talk, we reflect on the importance of communication in families facing grief. How do we create a safe space for our children to express their feelings? What does it mean to find joy again after such a significant loss? Eva's perspective on dating after loss is also enlightening, as she discusses the challenges and rewards of opening her heart to new relationships while honoring her past.

This episode is not just about grief; it's about resilience, healing, and the connections we forge with others. We invite you to join us for this honest and relatable conversation that aims to resonate with anyone who has faced similar challenges. Whether you're navigating your own journey of loss or simply seeking to understand the experiences of others, we hope you find comfort and connection in Eva's story. Together, we can support one another and remind ourselves that while grief is a part of our lives, so is the potential for new beginnings.

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.