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

Hosted by Donna Kendrick

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Nov 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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November 11, 2026Episode 4024 min

Blended Families After Loss: Step-Parenting Advice for Widows and Widowers with Robin Breuner

What can help a blended family find its footing after a parent has died? On Widow, Wisdom and Wealth™ , Robin Breuner, host of Step Stories: Thriving and Surviving Life in Blended Families , shares perspective shaped by her own childhood experience of losing her mother and having two stepmothers. This conversation explores ways a new stepparent can support children while honoring the parent who died. Robin also discusses how partners can get on the same page about household expectations and discipline, especially in the early stages of blending a family. She speaks from personal experience, not as a therapist or professional coach. In this episode Why children may need to keep their connection to a deceased parent, including photos and relationships with that parent's family. How respecting that bond can help build trust between children and a new stepparent. Why the couple should discuss household rules and find compromises together. Why, especially early on, each biological parent should take the lead in disciplining their own children. How different family histories and parenting styles can shape a blended household. Chapters: • 0:00 — Introducing Robin Breuner and Step Stories • 0:47 — Welcome and Robin's background • 2:06 — What inspired Robin to start her podcast • 3:36 — Blending families after loss • 4:39 — How grief shapes each family's experience • 7:56 — Keeping a late parent's memory part of the children's lives • 10:11 — Adjusting household rules and expectations • 11:24 — Getting on the same page about discipline • 13:29 — Listening to kids while making decisions as parents • 13:57 — Building connection without forcing a "one big happy family" • 15:26 — Timing a new relationship after a loss • 18:04 — Giving children time before introducing a new partner • 19:03 — Sharing stories about the parent who died • 20:41 — Where to find Robin's podcast • 21:37 — Robin's closing advice: listen, show tenderness, and set ego aside About Robin Breuner Robin Breuner is an author, a freelance journalist, and host of the podcast StepStories: Thriving and Surviving Life in Blended Families. Now, Robin is not a widow, but she did loose both of her parents at a young age thus her own experiences were part of the inspiration of StepStories. She is an occasional contributor to Marin Magazine, the regional publication for Marin County, California where she lives with her husband Dave, golden retriever Luna, and children from time to time. Robin is a member of A Writing Room and has volunteered through the years at Sunny Hills Services for troubled and abused children, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and the SF/Marin Food Bank. Her debut memoir is awaiting publication. "I wanted to be able to be the Mom that I didn't get to have"

October 27, 2026Episode 3917 min

How to Make a Vision Board: A Beginner's Guide for Widows and Widowers

Janet Tanguay explains vision boarding in simple terms: what it is, why it works and how to start. You don't need to be "woo" or like the word "manifest" to get something from it. The conversation is for widows and widowers who are balancing kids and careers, and it includes examples of how vision boards have helped people through change. About Our Guest Janet Tanguay is an SBA certified business advisor, creative strategist, mixed media artist and CEO of the Hammock Way of Life. She works with 100 certified vision board coaches worldwide. She has written two children's books, a book series on doing business in New York State, and the memoir The Hammock Way of Life: Leaping Towards Joy , which was featured on a Times Square billboard. Two anthologies are coming out this year: Inspiration to Success, The Entrepreneurial Journey and The Unstoppable Woman in Business . She runs a weekly virtual creative mastermind. What you'll learn What a vision board is: a visual way to show what you want in life, using images and words. Why specifics help, such as dollar amounts, and how a board puts your goals on your radar. How to shift your language from "I want" or "I wish" to "I intend," "I have" and "I own." How to replace jealousy with "I love that they have that. I'm going to have that too someday." Where to keep your board so you see it often: near your workout bike, in your closet, or as a phone or computer screensaver. How to use it for accountability by taking one small step at a time, like an email or a conversation. How to check that what you're doing supports your personal, family, community or business goals. Easy ways to start: a Ziploc bag of clipped images, vision board kits, or cake boxes with a clear window. The boxes hold 3D items like seashells, keys and love letters, and let you keep private parts of your board private. How the Hammock Way of Life works with individuals, couples, teams and corporations. Its program is now accredited by CPD in the UK. Resources Book: The Hammock Way of Life: Leaping Towards Joy by Janet Tanguay Book a Discovery Call with Janet at janettanguay@hammockwayoflife.com or 518-527-6397.

October 13, 2026Episode 3829 min

The Physical Effects of Grief: How Loss Impacts Your Body and Mind with Carol Banens

Donna introduces Carol Banens, a grief educator, coach, author, and speaker who combines lived experience with professional training to help people understand grief without feeling broken by it. Carol shares how the death of her husband, along with earlier losses, reshaped her path from physical therapy into grief education, writing, and community support.In this episode, they explore how grief affects the whole body, why the five stages model is often misunderstood, and how support, journaling, and time away from daily responsibilities can help people begin living again with self-compassion and hope. Key topics Donna introduces Carol Banens and her work as a grief educator, coach, author, and speaker. Carol shares her backstory as a physical therapist for 36 years before transitioning into grief work after her husband Brian died in 2018. She explains how an earlier childhood loss of her sister in the UK shaped her family's approach to grief and her own early beliefs about "keeping calm and carrying on." Carol describes returning to work three days after her husband's funeral and later realizing that grief's lethargy and exhaustion were overwhelming her. She shares how time away at a quiet retreat helped her let grief surface, journal, and begin reshaping her life. Donna and Carol discuss how grief can follow many kinds of loss, including divorce, job loss, relocation, homesickness, and life transitions. Carol explains how grief can affect emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual well-being. They unpack the five stages of grief and why they shouldn't be treated as a rigid roadmap. They discuss the importance of community, including supportive friends, family, and grief groups where people can share openly. Carol shares her work with the Grief Gurus and the Grief Cafe, as well as an upcoming grief retreat in Torino focused on helping women rediscover joy and confidence. Timestamps 00:00 - Donna opens with why Carol's grief work is worth listening to 01:27 - How Carol was introduced through a mutual widow friend 02:02 - Carol's story begins with physical therapy and her husband's cancer diagnosis 02:56 - Childhood loss in the UK and the "keep calm and carry on" family pattern 04:20 - A month away from work becomes a turning point 05:19 - Writing poetry becomes part of Carol's healing 06:02 - Grief can come from divorce, relocation, and other life losses 08:09 - Why Google searches and the five stages can make grievers feel like they're doing it wrong 09:16 - The five stages were not originally written as a griever's roadmap 10:44 - Recognizing grief in job loss, divorce, and homesickness 11:44 - Grief as a whole-body experience affecting heart, brain, emotions, and faith 14:37 - Why stepping away from home can help people rest and process loss 15:20 - Donna's family retreat story and the role of disconnection in healing 16:41 - Why community matters in grief 20:33 - The Grief Gurus, the Grief Lifeline course, and early-grief support 21:23 - The Grief Cafe as a free monthly space for shared support 22:16 - Shared grief groups becoming lasting friendships 23:13 - Why grief can return years later through memories, songs, smells, and anniversaries 24:40 - Carol's upcoming grief retreat in Torino, focused on joy, beauty, and rediscovering self 27:41 - Carol's parting wisdom: give yourself permission to grieve Connect with Carol https://carolbanens.com/ ______________________________ 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.

September 22, 2026Episode 3730 min

Career Pauses, Identity, and Rebuilding a Professional Path with Dr. Ann Marie Peters

This episode explores how to navigate a career pause after widowhood, divorce, caregiving, or another major life transition—and how to return to work with clarity and confidence. Donna speaks with Dr. Ann Marie Peters, an executive coach, leadership strategist, organizational psychologist, and author who combines research and lived experience to help people relaunch professionally. Together, they discuss the emotional side of career breaks, the practical steps for re-entering the workforce, and why networking, mindset, and self-reflection matter just as much as updating a resume.In this episode, you'll hear about: Dr. Ann Marie Peters' personal journey from corporate work to staying home with her children, entrepreneurship, consulting, and earning her PhD later in life Why a career pause can be a deliberate choice rather than a failure How to determine whether you truly want to return to work—or are responding to guilt and outside expectations The inspiration behind Dr. Peters' book about career pauses and returning to the workplace Identity loss and imposter syndrome after stepping away from a career Why confidence is like a muscle that can be strengthened through small, consistent steps The hidden skills people develop during a career pause, including caregiving, resilience, organization, and problem-solving How to align your next career move with your values, purpose, and need for balance The importance of networking when returning to the workforce How volunteering can help rebuild professional confidence and sharpen skills The 90-day plan featured in Dr. Peters' book Why you should ask people for advice—not necessarily a job How to create a resume, LinkedIn profile, and professional presence that reflect your full experience Why it's okay to test a new direction, "dip your toes in the water," and pivot when something doesn't feel right Key timestamps 00:00 – Why this conversation matters for people facing career transitions 01:00 – Meet Dr. Ann Marie Peters 02:42 – Giving yourself permission to pause after loss or family change 03:05 – Asking, "Why do I want to return?" 05:15 – Creating a flexible work arrangement in 1995 07:13 – Leaving work to raise children and returning as an entrepreneur 08:36 – Going back to school and earning a PhD later in life 09:22 – How dissertation research inspired Dr. Peters' book 11:14 – The joys, challenges, and hidden skills of a career pause 13:40 – Turning a pause into a reset and relaunch point 14:49 – Identity loss, imposter syndrome, and rebuilding confidence 15:19 – Why confidence grows through baby steps 17:58 – Balancing work and family after the loss of a spouse 18:27 – Creating a proposal when your current role no longer works 19:54 – The importance of balance, authenticity, and purpose 21:16 – Inside the book's 90-day plan 22:43 – Using LinkedIn and career platforms effectively 24:59 – Rebuilding professional skills through volunteering 25:42 – The top three priorities for returning to work 27:34 – Where to find Dr. Ann Marie Peters and her book 28:30 – Final thoughts for widows, widowers, and people navigating career pivotsThree key Connect with Dr. Ann Marie: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annmariepeters Facebook: We'll Be Right Back TikTok: @amp_is_back Instagram: backwithamp

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