Widowhood Real Talk with Dr. Tina

Hosted by Dr. Tina R. Fornwald

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Episodes

197

Latest episode

Nov 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Many people talk about the ups and downs of married life, but few prepare for the worst-case scenario when a spouse passes away. Marriage is a journey, a stage in life shared by two people on a path that is meant to be walked together. But what happens when you lose your partner? How does one deal with this permanent separation? Welcome to Dr. Tina's Widowhood Real Talk, a safe space for widows and widowers, as well as their loved ones, to talk and listen to stories of love and loss. Dr. Tina R. Fornwald's life was turned upside down when her husband Mark died suddenly of a massive heart attack while on vacation on March 11, 2017. His death was both tragic and unexpected. She had no idea how to survive without him or even if she could. They were married for 29 years, raised two wonderful children to adulthood, traveled the world together, and loved each other unconditionally. With a strong faith in God, countless therapy sessions, and the support of family and friends, she was able to keep living and develop a new life. She also started talking to other widows and widowers to gain insight, understanding, and a new perspective on this hard journey. This step was critical to her well-being, and those numerous conversations inspired the podcast. She felt called to turn her most dreadful experience into a place of healing and hope for others. The purpose of the show is to give a voice to what it's like to be a widow or widower. It's time to let people in the community—children, friends, family members, funeral directors, therapists, or clergy—know they can help in the healing process. Beyond that, the goal is to give children of widows and widowers a voice to speak about their experience and reach others who feel alone. There is hope and a group of caring individuals who want to lend a hand. Each episode features stories from Dr. Tina and her guests as they share their experiences, lessons learned, insights, and more. Let these honest conversations give you hope and comfort. Discover a wealth of resources and learn how to connect with others who are traveling the same path. Learn about the experiences of other widows and widowers, and how they are coping and healing in their own ways. No two experiences are alike, and no two stories are the same. Finding out how other people have handled—or are handling—this unfortunate event can help you feel more confident that, in your own time and at your own pace, you're handling it just fine. You are not alone on this journey. You shouldn't feel like you have to keep quiet about your feelings of loss and grief after a spouse dies. As you venture back into the world and into a new life, learn to be open with others and to express your true feelings. Experiencing grief after the death of a spouse merely demonstrates how much love there is in your heart. Join Dr. Tina on Widowhood Real Talk to talk about your experiences as a widow, both good and bad, and to find support in your journey. Visit https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/ to join the community and access additional resources.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 12, 2026Episode 441 hr 13 min

A Widow's Journey To Rebuilding Life After Loss With Elizabeth Alvarez

Navigating spousal grief is never a straight path, but rebuilding life after loss proves healing remains possible even after sudden heartbreak. In this candid conversation, Dr. Tina Fornwald sits down with Elizabeth Alvare z, a board-certified nurse practitioner and functional wellness practitioner. Elizabeth recounts the devastating loss of her husband John during a family trip to Greece and shares the intense mental health battles that followed. She details how she faced profound survivor guilt, single parenting through trauma, and an unexpected legal nightmare while trying to move forward. Together, they explore holistic therapies, dance, grounding in nature, and the courage required to welcome love back into your home. Tune in to discover why honoring your own timeline is essential when stepping out of survival mode and reclaiming personal purpose. I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World . Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

November 5, 2026Episode 431 hr 1 min

Transforming Grief: 8 Secrets to Rediscovering Joy And Purpose With Dr. LaKrishia Cook

True grief transformation starts when you give yourself permission to feel deep sorrow and genuine hope at the same time. Dr. Tina Fornwald welcomes Dr. LaKrishia Cook for an honest conversation about navigating child loss, catastrophic family grief, and divorce. Dr. LaLa shares her personal journey through emergency open-heart surgery during childbirth, losing her father, and unlearning painful patterns to build a lasting legacy. You don't have to navigate deep heartache alone or pretend everything's fine when you're hurting. Practical coping tools, professional therapy, and community support work alongside faith to help you rebuild your life. Tuning in will help you release shame, discover meaningful connections, and begin taking small steps toward joy. I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World . Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

October 29, 2026Episode 421 hr 1 min

Rebuilding Life And Choosing Love After Loss As A Two-Time Widower With Tim Holt

Navigating deep loss reshapes your entire world, but rebuilding life after loss starts when you finally give yourself permission to feel. In this heartfelt conversation, host Dr. Tina Fornwald speaks with two-time widower Tim Holt about surviving heartbreak, letting go of emotional silence, and discovering true inner peace. Tim opens up about losing his first wife at twenty-two, walking through a difficult second marriage and loss, and learning how service to others helped heal his own grief. He shares why men struggle to put down their daily routines to process raw pain and how honest self-reflection changed his life. You'll learn why healing requires doing your own internal work before opening your heart to someone new. This raw dialogue offers practical encouragement for anyone ready to step out of survival mode and embrace a grounded life they love. I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World . Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

October 25, 2026Episode 4154 min

Navigating Anticipatory Grief: Facing The Long Nightmare Of Dementia With J. Shannell Evans

Watching someone you love slip away slowly brings a heavy burden known as anticipatory grief and dementia. In this moving conversation, host Dr. Tina Fornwald welcomes author Joan Shannell Evans to discuss her personal journey caring for family members living with memory loss. Joan shares what happened when her mother began declining after her father died suddenly, revealing how loss triggers deep emotional pain. You'll learn practical ways to ask for family support early, avoid severe caregiver burnout, and lean into personal faith during impossible seasons. Joan also shares insights from her book, The Long Nightmare: My Family's Journey with Dementia , offering comfort to anyone feeling completely isolated in their caregiving role. I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World . Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

October 15, 2026Episode 4044 min

Finding Purpose In The Midst Of Grief With Eyum Ejiga

Navigating the loss of a child reshapes every part of your world, but grief transformation shows us how love outlasts physical presence. In this heartfelt conversation, host Dr. Tina Fornwald speaks with inspirational author and grief-informed leadership coach Eyum Ejiga about honoring her late daughter Grace. Eyum explains why healing doesn't mean moving on or leaving your child behind. Instead, she shares how parents can move forward while carrying their loved one's legacy into new purpose. You'll hear practical wisdom on answering painful everyday questions, giving yourself permission to speak about your loss, and building community through advocacy. Eyum also shares how her daughter's journey inspired the Grace Miracle Foundation , which provides mobility equipment to children with disabilities across Africa. I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World . Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

October 8, 2026Episode 391 hr 16 min

The Conversations About Rebuilding Life After Loss With Anita Coyle and Mel Shore

Navigating spousal loss can leave you feeling disoriented, exhausted, and completely isolated in survival mode. Rebuilding life after loss isn't about rushing to feel okay, but about discovering compassionate space to honor your pain at your own pace. In this heartfelt conversation, host Dr. Tina Fornwald welcomes Anita and Mel , hosts of the podcast Widow We Do Now . Together, they discuss the physical reality of trauma, passive suicidality, and why dark humor often becomes a vital lifeline. They reveal practical ways to support a grieving friend without offering shallow platitudes that do more harm than good. You'll learn how small daily choices and authentic community connections can slowly restore hope. Tune in to discover why honoring your own timeline is the kindest choice you can make today. I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World . Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

October 1, 2026Episode 3837 min

The Silent Burden: Understanding Grief Through The Eyes Of Black Women With Natasha Smith

Host Dr. Tina Fornwald welcomes author and grief educator Natasha Smith to discuss how loss impacts individuals through a distinct cultural lens. Why is grief experienced differently by Black women, and what do we need to understand that we've been missing. Natasha Smith shares her personal story of carrying decades of unspoken loss, including family deaths, pregnancy loss, and silent caregiving. Together, they break down the cultural expectations of being the strong Black woman and explore how faith communities can create safer places for emotional healing. This powerful conversation offers practical guidance for releasing internal pressure and giving yourself full permission to feel seen. I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World . Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

September 24, 2026Episode 3738 min

How To Dream Again After Losing Your Spouse: Finding Hope, Healing & Purpose With Chanoa Inez

In this inspiring episode of Widowhood Real Talk with Dr. Tina, Dr. Tina welcomes Chanoa Inez , author of Dream On: How to Create the New Life of Your Dreams After Upheaval or Loss . Chanoa shares her remarkable journey after the sudden loss of her partner while traveling abroad and the long road of healing that followed. Together, they discuss what it takes to move beyond survival mode, rediscover hope, and intentionally create a meaningful life after devastating loss. Whether you're newly widowed or years into your grief journey, this conversation offers practical strategies, heartfelt encouragement, and the reminder that while grief changes your life forever, it doesn't have to end your dreams. If you've been wondering whether joy, purpose, and hope are still possible, this episode is for you. I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World . Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

September 17, 2026Episode 361 hr 2 min

The Wise Widow: Finding Hope, Healing, And Identity After Losing Your Spouse With Yulonda Hill

In this heartfelt episode of Widowhood Real Talk with Dr. Tina, Dr. Tina welcomes Yulonda Hurst Hill —speaker, author, storyteller, life coach, and Director of The Widowed Well. Together, they explore the emotional, spiritual, and practical decisions widows face after loss, how to rediscover identity, and what it means to build a meaningful life while honoring the love that came before. Yulonda shares insights from her digital guide, The Wise Widow: The First 7 Decisions After Loss , along with her passion for helping widows heal through storytelling, faith, and legacy. This conversation offers compassionate encouragement, practical guidance, and hope for anyone navigating grief after the death of a spouse. I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World . Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

September 10, 2026Episode 3540 min

What A Hospice Chaplain Wants Every Widow To Know About Grief With Phil Allen

In this episode of Widowhood Real Talk with Dr. Tina, Dr. Tina welcomes Phil Allen , a hospice chaplain and author who has spent more than three decades walking alongside people facing loss, death, and life's most difficult seasons. Together, they discuss what grief really looks like, why healing cannot be rushed, and how faith can become a source of comfort rather than pressure during widowhood. Drawing from his book, The Ache in the Ordinary , Phil shares gentle wisdom about finding God's presence in everyday moments, embracing honest conversations about pain, and discovering hope even when answers are hard to find. Whether you're newly widowed, supporting someone who is grieving, or seeking encouragement in your own journey, this conversation offers compassionate insight and practical hope. I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: Psychology Today Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World . Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/