Widow, Wisdom & Wealth™: Thriving in Career and Parenthood After Loss

Hosted by Donna Kendrick

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Aug 2026

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Welcome to Widow, Wisdom & Wealth™ The podcast for widows and widowers balancing career, family, and loss. Hear and learn from those thriving in career and parenthood after loss. Interested in being a guest? Submit a request to join us and share your story: https://widowwisdomwealth.com/be-our-guest/ What does it mean to rebuild a life that feels whole after loss? Rebuilding after loss is not about forgetting—it's about finding new strength, purpose, and balance for yourself and your family. Through heartfelt stories and practical advice, this podcast offers hope and guidance from those who have walked this path before you. If your financial life feels unclear or uncertain, then listen to the episodes of this show to gain confidence and clarity. Meet Donna and Jim Donna, widowed in 2013, raise 3 kids on her own all while shifting careers and building a business. Later, she met Jim, a divorced dad of 3, and they blended their families. Shortly thereafter, Jim lost the mother of his children. Through their stories you'll hear lessons learned, guidance, as well conversations with others who have walked through widowhood and are now thriving in career, parenthood, and life. They offer inspiration and practical wisdom to help you find strength, healing, and direction in the face of life's big transitions. Donna is a Certified Financial Planner®, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, and the founder of Sephton Financial in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania. She is also the author of the Life Stages Financial Guides including A Guide for Widowhood: Navigating the First Three Years and A Guide for Blended Families: Merging Assets and Navigating Financial Challenges. Visit her website at https://sephtonfinancial.com/ or get in touch by calling 215-948-3945. Sephton Financial 8200 Flourtown Ave, Suite 1B Wyndmoor, PA 19038 Registered Representative offering securities through Cetera Financial Specialists LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Sephton Financial, LLC and Cetera are not affiliated.

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September 8, 2026Episode 3639 min

Dating After Loss: The Communication Skill Nobody Teaches You with Dr. Jessica Higgins

This conversation explores how criticism shows up in intimate relationships, why it often triggers defensiveness, and how to shift toward vulnerability instead. Donna Jean Kendrick speaks with Dr. Jessica Higgins about emotionally focused therapy, attachment patterns, and practical ways widows and widowers can navigate dating and new relationships more skillfully.Dr. Higgins brings over 20 years of experience in relationship coaching and psychology, and she shares concrete examples from her own marriage and clinical work to make the ideas immediately usable. Timestamps 00:00 - Meet Dr. Jessica Higgins and the focus on kinder, more connected relationships 01:20 - Why this conversation matters for widows and widowers dating again 02:51 - Donna Jean shares how widowhood and low self-worth affected her early relationships 03:41 - What criticism really is in a relationship 04:36 - Why criticism often masks pain and a need for responsiveness 05:34 - The criticism defensiveness loop and why both people feel dissatisfied 06:20 - Why criticism is valuable in some settings but not in intimacy 08:06 - The push pull between wanting connection and protecting against hurt 09:32 - How vulnerability creates a clearer signal than complaint or critique 10:45 - What happens when someone leads with their tender spot instead of armor 12:13 - Why family modeling, culture, and personality shape relational habits 14:06 - How competitive or hierarchical habits can spill into relationships 15:30 - Why vulnerable reveals often create a different response quickly 16:54 - Putting your vulnerable side forward without putting everything on the table at once 18:35 - Why Donna Jean's original question was about receiving criticism too 19:04 - How to respond when criticism is aimed at you without getting stuck in defensiveness 21:08 - The "ninja move" of pausing, staying curious, and not assuming reflection means agreement 22:29 - Questions that uncover meaning instead of staying stuck in facts 23:31 - Why the meaning behind a request matters more than the request itself 24:21 - What emotionally focused therapy is and how it differs from tapping 25:53 - The pursuer distancer cycle and attachment fears underneath conflict 28:32 - How EFT aims for enactments that send clear emotional signals 29:59 - Why this approach can be counter to standard dating advice 31:32 - Why Donna Jean and Dr. Higgins both think authenticity can start earlier than people expect 32:25 - The pool analogy for deepening intimacy gradually and safely 34:19 - A free guide for turning criticism into vulnerable requests 35:36 - The purpose of Dr. Higgins' podcast and her 11 plus years of weekly conversations 36:48 - Closing thoughts on practical wisdom, research, and storytelling Donna Kendrick is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and owner of Sephton Financial located at 314 Washington Ln, Jenkintown, PA 19046. If you'd like to contact Sephton Financial you can do so online at SephtonFinanical.com or by calling 215 948 3945 Registered Representative offering securities through Cetera Financial Specialists LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Sephton Financial, LLC and Cetera are not affiliated. The views depicted in this material are for information purposes only and are not necessarily those of Sephton Financial. They should not be considered specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Neither Sephton Financial nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice. The guests on the podcast are not affiliated or registered with Cetera Financial Specialist. Any information provided by the guests are in no way related to Cetera Financial Specialist or its registered representatives.

August 25, 2026Episode 3532 min

What to do about the mortgage after a spouse dies with Gary Coggin

In this episode of Widow, Wisdom and Wealth™ , Donna welcomes mortgage expert and neighbor Gary Coggin for a compassionate, practical conversation about one of the most overwhelming parts of widowhood: what to do about the mortgage and home after a spouse dies.With more than 40 years in mortgage banking, Gary explains how widows, widowers, and families can better understand their options, reduce panic, and make informed decisions with the help of trusted professionals. What you'll learn in this episode What happens to a mortgage when a spouse passes away Why you usually don't need to panic if both spouses were on the mortgage How to contact the mortgage servicer and when to call an attorney How mortgage professionals can help if payments become difficult after a life change When a reverse mortgage may be a helpful option How reverse mortgages can support aging in place Why family conversations matter when heirs may be impacted How income sources like Social Security, pensions, and annuities can affect mortgage qualification Why mindset and comfort level matter just as much as numbers Key takeaways 1. Don't panic after a spouse's death. Gary explains that losing a spouse does not automatically trigger a mortgage call. If payments continue, homeowners are generally not in danger of immediate action from the lender. 2. Reach out to trusted professionals early. Donna and Gary stress the importance of contacting your attorney, mortgage servicer, financial advisor, and a mortgage professional you trust. A coordinated approach can help reduce confusion and stress. 3. Reverse mortgages are often misunderstoodGary breaks down how reverse mortgages actually work, including how they can help older homeowners tap into equity, eliminate monthly mortgage payments, and remain in their homes. 4. Family communication is essentialIf heirs may be affected, it helps to include them in the conversation early. Gary explains that understanding everyone's concerns can make the process smoother and less emotional. 5. Wealth is more than being debt-freeDonna and Gary discuss how real estate can be a powerful part of a long-term financial strategy, and how money decisions should support both security and quality of life. A memorable example from the episode Gary shares a real-world example of helping a homeowner qualify for a mortgage by working with her annuity and educating the underwriter on how those funds could support her situation. The story shows how the right guidance can uncover options that might otherwise be overlooked. Listener action steps If you're facing widowhood, a home transition, or questions about your mortgage: Don't panic. Contact the professionals you know, like, and trust. Ask questions about your mortgage, income sources, and home equity. Explore whether your current home, a refinance, or a reverse mortgage may fit your long-term goals. About Gary Coggin Gary Coggin is a mortgage professional with over 40 years of experience helping first-time homebuyers, homeowners, and families navigate the mortgage process with education, empathy, and care. He also hosts his own podcast, The Gary Coggin Mortgage and Real Estate Show . Contact Gary Coggin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-coggin-301b5411/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/philadelphiamortgage/ Give a call on the old-fashioned telephone: (215) 275-4402 "Don't panic and start to reach out to the people that you know, like and trust." Contact Donna Websites: https://sephtonfinancial.com/ https://donnajeankendrick.com _______________________________ Donna Kendrick is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and owner of Sephton Financial located at 314 Washington Ln, Jenkintown, PA 19046. If you'd like to contact Sephton Financial you can do so online at SephtonFinanical.com or by calling 215 948 3945 Registered Representative offering securities through Cetera Financial Specialists LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Sephton Financial, LLC and Cetera are not affiliated. The views depicted in this material are for information purposes only and are not necessarily those of Sephton Financial. They should not be considered specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Neither Sephton Financial nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice. The guests on the podcast are not affiliated or registered with Cetera Financial Specialist. Any information provided by the guests are in no way related to Cetera Financial Specialist or its registered representatives.

August 11, 2026Episode 3440 min

Widowhood, Co-Parenting, and the Power of Parental Alignment with Michael Flores

Donna Jean Kendrick talks with Michael Flores, a counselor, family therapist, and founder of Brighter Possibilities Family Counseling, about helping families navigate widowhood, divorce, co-parenting, and court-ordered counseling. Michael shares how his own childhood experiences shaped his mission and why he centers therapy on what children need, not just what adults want.This conversation is especially useful for single parents, widows, widowers, step-parents, grandparents, and therapists supporting blended or high-conflict families. The big idea is simple: when parents align on the goal, kids have a much better chance to heal. Timestamps 00:00 - Donna Jean introduces Michael Flores and the families he helps 00:56 - Michael's background, training, and why counseling became his calling 02:49 - A quick name joke and the start of Michael's personal story 03:42 - Childhood loss, blended family dynamics, and growing up around family change 05:06 - Discovering psychology and realizing counseling was the right path 07:00 - Building Brighter Possibilities Family Counseling across Texas 07:52 - Job, career, and mission - what makes work meaningful 09:59 - How Michael approaches families facing divorce, widowhood, and co-parenting 10:24 - Why he centers therapy on the child's needs first 11:21 - Parental alignment versus co-parenting 12:01 - How therapy is structured with parents, kids, and family sessions 13:30 - Court-ordered reunification work and starting with the parents 14:29 - Gathering family history and deciding who joins sessions next 15:34 - Stepparents and grandparents as overlooked caregivers 17:03 - How Michael's father leaned on grandparents after loss 18:25 - Guilty parenting, helicopter parenting, and lawnmower parenting 20:26 - Donna Jean's own widowhood parenting experience and losing structure 22:08 - Creating a new normal after major family change 22:37 - Two questions that help people stay out of counseling: self-audit and stop avoiding 25:03 - Solution focused therapy and how it shifts attention to hopes and outcomes 26:31 - Working with resistant clients and why resistance may be on the therapist side 27:29 - A case example of role reversal with a daughter and her father 28:54 - The 4R exercise and how it quickly builds empathy 30:23 - Michael's book One Question Away and his upcoming professional book 31:19 - Silent sessions and helping clinicians work with high-conflict families 32:44 - The podcast Beyond Divorce, Embracing Change and why the team created it 34:45 - Where to find the podcast and how episodes connect across topics 36:00 - Michael's mission to help families, interrupt harmful patterns, and support healing 37:54 - Donna Jean reflects on the spiritual side of the work and generational impact Connect with Michael: Michael's Social Media and Website: Website Instagram YouTube Facebook Michael's Podcast: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music _______________________________ CONNECT WITH DONNA 🤝 Facebook: / donnajeankendrick LinkedIn: / donna-kendrick Instagram: / donnajeankendrick _______________________________ CONTACT DONNA ☎ Website: https://sephtonfinancial.com/ Phone: (215) 948-3945 Complimentary Consultation/Contact Us: https://calendly.com/donnakendrick/10... Downloadables and Resources: https://sephtonfinancial.com/resources/ _______________________________ Donna Kendrick is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and owner of Sephton Financial located at 314 Washington Ln, Jenkintown, PA 19046. If you'd like to contact Sephton Financial you can do so online at SephtonFinanical.com or by calling 215 948 3945 Registered Representative offering securities through Cetera Financial Specialists LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Sephton Financial, LLC and Cetera are not affiliated. The views depicted in this material are for information purposes only and are not necessarily those of Sephton Financial. They should not be considered specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Neither Sephton Financial nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice. The guests on the podcast are not affiliated or registered with Cetera Financial Specialist. Any information provided by the guests are in no way related to Cetera Financial Specialist or its registered representatives.

July 29, 2026Episode 3226 min

Planning for Long-Term Care, Love, and Legacy with Raymond Lavine

In this episode of Widow, Wisdom and Wealth™, Donna welcomes Raymond Lavine, host of Planning with Purpose and two-time EXPY award winner, for a candid conversation about long-term care planning. Rather than getting lost in policy jargon, the discussion focuses on why these conversations matter now—especially for widows, widowers, and families navigating major life transitions. Together, they explore caregiving, vulnerability, legacy, and the importance of having a plan that protects both your loved ones and your future. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why long-term care planning is really about love, responsibility, and protection The difference between caregiving for children and caregiving for adults Why people often avoid planning for care until it becomes urgent How long-term care planning can reduce anxiety and improve decision-making Why family conversations about care, legacy, and end-of-life wishes matter How planning ahead can support both the person needing care and their family The role of estate planning in shaping care, memorial, and transition decisions Key Takeaways: Long-term care is not just a financial issue—it's an emotional and family issue. A plan gives you more control, more dignity, and more options. Avoiding the conversation can create stress for family members later. Caregivers should be treated with respect and appreciation. Planning for care, legacy, and memorial wishes can bring peace of mind. Even difficult conversations become easier when they're handled early. Memorable Moments: Donna shares her own experience of becoming a widow at 40 and thinking about who would care for her if she got hurt or became ill. Raymond explains how caregiving changes when the person needing care is an adult. The conversation turns personal as they discuss planning funerals, legacy, and how people want to be remembered. Raymond shares a story about a client whose long-term care plan helped his family through a difficult transition. About the Guest and Contact Info Raymond Levine is the host of Planning with Purpose and a two-time EXPY award winner. He helps people think through long-term care planning in a way that supports real-life transitions, caregiving needs, and family peace of mind. Co-Author of the Amazon Best-Selling Book, Empathy and Understanding in Business Podcast Host of Planning with Purpose 2 Time EXPY® Award Recipient https://fountainofvitality.com/video/long-term-care-plan-considerations-and-challenges-ep-35-fountain-of-vitality https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S98UnoiyTrQ

July 14, 2026Episode 3123 min

How Forcing Joy Transformed a Widow's Grief into a Community of Healing with Dana Frost

In this episode of Widow, Wisdom and Wealth™ , host Don sits down with Dana Frost, founder of the Forced Joy Project, to talk about grief, resilience, and the power of community after loss. Dana shares the story behind her husband Brad's terminal cancer diagnosis, the "forced joy" mindset they created during his final 100 days, and how that practice evolved into a meaningful mission supporting widows, widowers, and others navigating life after loss. Listeners will hear how the Forced Joy Project grew into a community with retreats, the Joy Scout Club, and creative tools for honoring loved ones through Book of Stories. Dana also explains why healing often happens in connection, not isolation, and how shared experiences can help people move through grief while still building a full, joyful life. This conversation is heartfelt, honest, and surprisingly hopeful—especially for anyone looking for comfort, community, or a reminder that joy can still exist after profound loss. In this episode, you'll learn: How Dana Frost's "forced joy" philosophy began during her husband's illness Why the Joy Scout Club was created for widows and widowers What to expect from Dana's retreats, including Joy Scout Camp and Widows in the Wild How Book of Stories helps families preserve memories and stories of loved ones Why community can be a powerful part of healing after grief How Dana continues to find joy in everyday life Notable quote: "Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion." Resources mentioned: Forced Joy Project: https://forcedjoyproject.com Book of Stories: https://bookofstories.com About the guest: Dana Frost is the founder of the Forced Joy Project, a community and resource hub for people navigating grief and life after loss. Through retreats, online support, and memorial storytelling, she helps others find connection, meaning, and moments of joy in difficult seasons. Links: www.forcedjoyproject.com www.bookofstories.com www.joyscoutclub.com www.facebook.com/forcedjoyproject www.instagram.com/forcedjoyproject www.instagram.com/memorialbooks

June 9, 2026Episode 3030 min

Rebuilding Life After Loss: Wisdom from Lisa Woolery

In this heartfelt episode, Lisa Woolery shares her journey of overcoming widowhood, raising children, and rediscovering purpose through her mission of supporting widows. Her story offers powerful insights on healing, community support, and embracing a new chapter with hope and resilience. Main Topics: Lisa Woolery's personal widowhood story and early relationship with her husband Eric The importance of honesty, shared responsibility, and mutual support in coping with loss Building community and leaning on neighbors and friends for strength The concept of a widow's comeback and her inspiring memoir and resources Practical tips for widows to actively participate in shaping their new lives Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Lisa Woolery and her story of widowhood and rebuilding 00:30 - The significance of sharing her mission and the platform of Widow Wisdom and Wealth 01:22 - Seven years after loss: reflections on grief and rebuilding life 02:08 - Lisa's personal story: meeting Eric at age 14 and their lifelong love story 03:40 - The impact of Eric's sudden death and moving to Kansas City 05:05 - Their journey as a family, career changes, and adopting children from Russia 06:28 - Challenges during Eric's political career and move across states 07:55 - Navigating widowhood: the loss and the subsequent life adjustments 10:06 - Key lessons from Lisa's experience: honesty, responsibility, and support 11:06 - Honest communication with her children after Eric's death 12:28 - Practical strategies for managing responsibilities and setting boundaries 13:26 - The importance of neighborhood support and community involvement 16:34 - Asking for help and building a network of support 18:11 - The impact of vulnerability and openness in healing 19:09 - Creating a support system: writing names down and delegating help 20:35 - Practical examples of community help in times of crisis 21:56 - The power of neighborly acts and community bonds 22:15 - Introducing Lisa's book, The Widow's Comeback, and her mission to inspire widows 25:16 - Resources for widows: journal, grieving calendar, and guided support 26:13 - Lisa's current work: fiction trilogy and courses for widow reinvention 27:07 - How to connect with Lisa and follow her resources 28:09 - Final advice: Be an active participant in your healing and new life 29:02 - Words of encouragement from Lisa Woolery Resources & Links to Connect with Lisa Woolery: Website Facebook Instagram Amazon Author Page

June 2, 2026Episode 2919 min

Rebuilding Joy Through Travel: Tiffany Rampey's Journey from Widowhood to Empowered Global Explorer

Discover how Tiffany Rampey transformed her grief into a movement that empowers widows to travel the world responsibly and joyfully. In this episode, she shares her inspiring story of resilience, the innovative Travel More Method, and practical tips for leveraging points and miles to unlock global adventures. Main Topics: Tiffany's personal journey from widowhood to reinventing her life through travel The development and principles of the Travel More Method How widows can use points and miles to travel affordably Overcoming mindset blocks like guilt and fear after loss The importance of travel for healing, education, and creating lasting memories Practical steps for responsible credit card use for travel rewards The role of flexibility and adaptability in family travel Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Tiffany Rampey and her journey from widowhood 00:29 - Tiffany's early life, career, and the impact of her husband's sudden passing 02:20 - The emotional and practical reasons behind embracing travel after loss 03:34 - How travel helped Tiffany escape grief and community judgment 04:32 - Meeting her current husband and discovering travel's potential for financial reset 05:34 - The credit card strategy that made international travel accessible 06:55 - The core of the Travel More Method: using points and miles to unlock affordable travel 07:34 - Simplifying the system: one card, minimum spend, full repayment 09:02 - How points can fund trips to Europe, luxury hotels, and more 10:02 - Overcoming mindset blocks: guilt, judgment, and permission to travel 11:45 - The empowering importance of creating joyful, experiential memories for kids 12:27 - Real-life travel lessons from international adventures and challenging situations 14:11 - The value of flexibility, resilience, and living fully through travel 15:28 - Balancing structure and spontaneity in life post-widowhood 16:09 - Tiffany's mission statement: empowering widows to find relief and build joyful lives

May 12, 2026Episode 2830 min

Navigating Real Estate Transitions After Loss or Divorce with Dana Friedman

In this episode of "Widow Wisdom and Wealth," Dana Friedman shares insightful advice on managing real estate decisions during emotional life transitions, particularly after widowhood or divorce. Whether you're considering selling your family home, downsizing, or exploring 55+ communities, Dana's expertise offers practical guidance and emotional support. Main Topics Covered: How to use the long-term capital gain exclusion within the first two years of widowhood Strategies for accurately determining home value amidst fluctuating markets Important updates and improvements that can increase your home's basis and sale value The role of decluttering and emotional resources during urgent moves Key considerations in choosing 55+ communities, including HOA fees and amenities Building a trusted team of professionals for a smooth transition Tips for recent widows/widowers on making quick decisions and processing emotional hurdles Dana's concierge-style service connecting clients nationwide and internationally Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Dana Friedman and her work supporting families in transition 01:01 - Capital gains exclusion rules for surviving spouses within two years of loss 01:57 - Dana's background and her focus on empathetic real estate support 03:36 - Importance of honest communication in family situations involving divorce or widowhood 05:17 - How to prepare clients emotionally and practically for home selling 06:19 - Approaching home valuation and market analysis in divorce scenarios 07:15 - Guiding clients on affordability and market value considerations 08:14 - Factors influencing home value, including market demand and renovations 09:39 - Using comparative market analysis (CMA) to reevaluate house worth 12:08 - Impact of updates and improvements on home basis and sale price 14:48 - Resources and professional help for decluttering during emotional times 16:19 - Celebrating life and downsizing with memorial events and donation options 18:24 - Decision-making exercises for stay or go in widowhood 19:52 - Processing emotional readiness for moving and emotion-driven timing 20:37 - Dana's network of trusted professionals for every step of the transition 22:22 - Understanding 55+ communities, amenities, and costs 25:44 - Final advice Connect with Dana: Cell: 215-901-4522 Email: Downtown2Devon@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanaFriedman1124 Instagram: @DBF136 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-friedman-aba59849/ _______________________________ CONNECT 🤝 Facebook: / donnajeankendrick LinkedIn: / donna-kendrick Instagram: / donnajeankendrick _______________________________ CONTACT ☎ Website: https://sephtonfinancial.com/ Phone: (215) 948-3945 Complimentary Consultation/Contact Us: https://calendly.com/donnakendrick/10... Downloadables and Resources: https://sephtonfinancial.com/resources/ _______________________________ Donna Kendrick is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and owner of Sephton Financial located at 314 Washington Ln, Jenkintown, PA 19046. If you'd like to contact Sephton Financial you can do so online at SephtonFinanical.com or by calling 215 948 3945 Registered Representative offering securities through Cetera Financial Specialists LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Sephton Financial, LLC and Cetera are not affiliated. The views depicted in this material are for information purposes only and are not necessarily those of Sephton Financial. They should not be considered specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Neither Sephton Financial nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice. The guests on the podcast are not affiliated or registered with Cetera Financial Specialist. Any information provided by the guests are in no way related to Cetera Financial Specialist or its registered representatives.

April 28, 2026Episode 2733 min

What Your Next Best Minute Can Do When Disaster Hits with Erika Andresen

In this episode of Widow Wisdom and Wealth, we dive deep into resilience, life pivots, and practical strategies for navigating business and personal challenges after loss. Erika Andresen shares her inspiring journey from military service and law to becoming a business continuity expert, emphasizing the importance of planning, action, and living in alignment with your passions. Key Topics The parallels between business continuity planning and handling life's disruptions Erika's personal story of evolving careers and overcoming hardships How resilience builds through proactive planning and practice Practical steps to increase your resilience, including estate and business succession planning The emotional aspects of managing relationships and assets after loss The importance of testing your plans regularly for preparedness Aligning your life and business with your purpose and passions Strategies for widows and widowers to support their mental health and community connections Erika's insights on making sense of big life changes and trusting your intuition Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Erika Andresen and episode overview 02:32 - Erika's background in law, military, and disaster preparedness 04:47 - Drawing parallels between business resilience and widowhood challenges 06:40 - Erika's personal journey of career pivots and overcoming loss 08:33 - How her military and emergency management experience inform her current work 09:54 - The impact of unexpected life changes and the importance of adaptability 12:23 - Moving from military service to entrepreneurship amid personal upheaval 14:26 - Pivoting after personal loss and managing family estate issues 16:11 - Explaining risk management and probability in disaster preparedness 17:25 - Supporting aging parents with estate planning and emotional resilience 19:27 - The significance of planning, testing, and practicing for crises 21:14 - Practical advice on creating and maintaining resilient personal and business plans 22:12 - The difference between recovery and thriving after disruptions 23:22 - How to test and improve continuity plans regularly 24:46 - Building stronger relationships through shared planning and communication 26:39 - The importance of documenting plans and addressing emotional barriers 28:04 - Erika's advice on authentic career pivots and trusting your intuition 29:30 - How finances and lifestyle adjustments support reinvention 31:01 - The power of reflection and celebrating progress in resilience journeys 31:43 - Resources available through Erika's website for ongoing support Resources & Links Erica Andresen's Website: https://www.eaasc.com

April 14, 2026Episode 2627 min

How Mindfulness Can Help Widows Heal and Thrive: Being Present for Life with Harriet Stein

Discover how mindfulness can transform your daily life, reduce stress, and help you find joy amidst chaos, especially for widows and widowers navigating grief, careers, and parenting. Harriet Stein shares practical insights, her personal story, and tools to incorporate mindfulness into busy routines. Key topics: The true meaning of mindfulness: paying attention without judgment Practical ways to practice mindfulness in everyday activities like driving, washing hands, and walking How mindfulness can ease stress and grief, especially during challenging times The nine attitudes of mindfulness according to John Kabat-Zinn Harriet's journey from nursing to coaching, and writing her book, Perfect Attendance The importance of being present for life, not work, as highlighted in Harriet's story about her mother Easy resources for beginners: books, YouTube channels, and mindfulness practices The value of daily mindfulness practices like pause, gratitude, and sensory awareness Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to mindfulness and its relevance for widows and widowers 00:29 - The definition of mindfulness: paying attention without judgment 00:59 - How to practice mindfulness in daily life: red lights, walking, and chores 02:01 - Harriet's personal journey from nurse to mindfulness coach 03:20 - Incorporating mindfulness in corporate settings: stress reduction and focus 04:05 - Simple exercises to develop mindfulness: noticing thoughts and sensations 06:20 - Lessons learned from Harriet's grief process and its duration 07:43 - Strategies for maintaining mindfulness with busy schedules and grief 08:05 - The nine attitudes of mindfulness, with an emphasis on non-striving 11:17 - Harriet's book: Perfect Attendance, Being Present for Life 13:01 - The story behind the book's title and the importance of presence over work 14:05 - Clarifying myths about mindfulness and its practical application 17:23 - Practical resources: books, online courses, and community practices 18:49 - Incorporating mindfulness into daily transitions and breaks 20:19 - The significance of sensory-grounding techniques, like hand-washing, for stress relief 21:56 - Recommended mindfulness resources: Jon Kabat-Zinn, YouTube channels, and retreats 23:38 - Harriet's website: harrietstein.com and how to connect 24:23 - Words of wisdom: you are enough, and authenticity matters 25:35 - Final encouragement to prioritize self-care through mindfulness Connect with Harriet Stein: Website: harrietstein.com More about Harriet Stein HARRIET STEIN, RN, MS Harriet Stein understands the unique challenges that businesses face today. An inspirational teacher and professional speaker, Harriet is passionate about speaking to organizations of all sizes about how a culture of mindfulness can reduce stress, increase performance, lower healthcare costs, and boost employee engagement. A cookie-cutter app cannot effectively show you how to use mindfulness to combat work overload, answer your specific questions, or address your unique challenges. Harriet's mindfulness programs teach essential skills through hands-on instruction that provides practical tools for achieving a more fulfilling and productive life. Harriet is the author of Perfect Attendance: Being Present for Life and creator of Take a Pause, the award-winning international mindfulness training program that won first place in Impact on the Organization and second place in Innovation and Creativity at Sindusfarma's Boomerang Awards, which recognize the best-in-class training and development programs in the pharmaceutical industry in Brazil. She has extensive experience teaching mindfulness practices and strategies at Fortune 500 companies to improve corporate culture. During her tenure at Johnson & Johnson, she used her expertise and passion to directly instruct more than 5,000 worldwide employees on the practice of mindfulness through engaging programs and at leadership summits. Mixing research and science with levity and fun, Harriet's proven strategies teach tangible ways to live in the present and be accessible, both professionally and personally. Learn how to reduce stress, increase patience, and create space in your life to accomplish what you want to achieve – more creativity, more efficiency, or just a better night's sleep! Harriet's first teacher was Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. She completed extensive professional training at the Myrna Brind Center for Mindfulness at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. This advanced training, interwoven with her background as a Registered Nurse and her Master of Science degree in Health Administration, is foundational to the compassion and purpose she brings to her mindfulness programs. _______________________________ CONNECT with Donna Jean Kendrick Facebook: @donnajeankendrick LinkedIn: linked.com/in/donna-kendrick Instagram: @donnajeankendrick Website: https://sephtonfinancial.com/ Phone: (215) 948-3945 Complimentary Consultation/Contact Us: https://sephtonfinancial.com/contact/ Downloadables and Resources: https://sephtonfinancial.com/resources/ _______________________________ Donna Kendrick is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and owner of Sephton Financial located at 314 Washington Ln, Jenkintown, PA 19046. If you'd like to contact Sephton Financial you can do so online at SephtonFinanical.com or by calling 215 948 3945 Registered Representative offering securities through Cetera Financial Specialists LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Sephton Financial, LLC and Cetera are not affiliated. The views depicted in this material are for information purposes only and are not necessarily those of Sephton Financial. They should not be considered specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Neither Sephton Financial nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice. The guests on the podcast are not affiliated or registered with Cetera Financial Specialist. Any information provided by the guests are in no way related to Cetera Financial Specialist or its registered representatives.