Widowhood Real Talk with Dr. Tina

Hosted by Dr. Tina R. Fornwald

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Episodes

187

Latest episode

Aug 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

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/

September 3, 2026Episode 3437 min

Why Grief Feels So Overwhelming And How to Begin Healing With Dr. Audrey Davidheiser

In this episode of Widowhood Real Talk with Dr. Tina, Dr. Tina welcomes Dr. Audrey Davidheiser , licensed clinical psychologist and author of Grieving Wholeheartedly: Bringing Healing to Every Part of Your Soul . Together, they explore why grief can feel so overwhelming, how emotions deserve compassion rather than suppression, and practical ways widows can begin healing after the death of a spouse. Dr. Audrey combines psychological expertise with a deeply compassionate approach to help grieving people navigate loss with greater understanding and hope. Whether you're newly widowed, years into your grief journey, or supporting someone through loss, this conversation offers practical insight, emotional validation, and evidence-based tools for moving toward healing one wholehearted step at a time. 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/

August 27, 2026Episode 331 hr 2 min

Through Grief-Colored Glasses: Finding Hope After the Unthinkable with Vicky Edgerly

In this moving episode of Widowhood Real Talk with Dr. Tina, Dr. Tina welcomes grief educator, author, and speaker Vicky Edgerly , whose life was forever changed by the loss of her son to suicide, her daughter to cancer, and her husband to suicide. Rather than allowing grief to define her future, Vicky discovered a path toward healing that transformed her pain into purpose. Today, she helps others navigate life's most difficult losses with compassion, wisdom, and hope. Together, Dr. Tina and Vicky discuss surviving complex grief, supporting widows and bereaved parents, finding meaning after unimaginable heartbreak, and why healing doesn't mean forgetting; it means learning to carry love forward. Vicky also shares insights from her memoir, Through Grief-Colored Glasses: A Life Reinvented by Devastating Loss , and the lessons that continue to inspire grieving families worldwide. 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/

August 20, 2026Episode 3255 min

From Widower to Hope Again: Jack Church on Surviving Grief, Healing After Loss & Finding Love Again

Dr. Tina Fornwald welcomes author and broadcaster Jack Church for an honest conversation about finding healing after loss following the passing of his wife. Jack shares how writing daily letters became the foundation for his book, Year One of Grief , and offers honest insight into navigating sorrow, stepping out of isolation, and opening your heart to new possibilities. Whether you're newly widowed, years into your grief journey, or supporting someone who has experienced profound loss, this conversation offers compassion, practical encouragement, and hope that healing is possible. They address common misunderstandings about how men grieve, the physical release found in tears, and why taking simple steps outdoors can help rebuild daily life. Together, Dr. Tina and Jack explore faith, resilience, and the courage to embrace a new chapter while honoring the past. 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/

August 13, 2026Episode 3151 min

Can Grief Become Your Friend? Finding Hope After Loss With Patricia J. Williams

Dr. Tina Fornwald welcomes author, minister, and prophetess Patricia J. Williams to explore faith after loss and navigating the deepest seasons of grief. Walking through devastating bereavement requires immense spiritual strength, community, and trusting that God meets us in our pain. Together, they discuss Patricia's book, How to Flourish in Spiritual Seasons of Your Life , and how widows can discover renewed hope, healing, and purpose. Patricia's ministry focuses on helping people experience spiritual freedom and breakthrough through God's Word. Whether you're newly widowed, supporting a grieving loved one, or searching for encouragement, this powerful conversation provides practical guidance and biblical wisdom for taking the next step forward. 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/

August 6, 2026Episode 3049 min

Healing Traumatic Loss And Death Scenes With Kelly Daugherty

Navigating spousal loss often exposes deep emotional wounds that require practical tools and a genuine community. Dr. Tina Fornwald connects with licensed clinical social worker, grief specialist, and one of the hosts of GRIEF Ladies , Kelly Daugherty , to discuss traumatic grief recovery and effective healing modalities. Many grieving individuals find themselves stuck on the painful death scene of their loved one, which prevents them from accessing fond memories. Processing trauma first allows you to clear the emotional roadblocks that keep you trapped in survival mode. Kelly shares her personal story of losing her mother at fourteen, navigating life with an alcoholic parent, and finding her calling as a grief therapist. Together, they explore how modalities like EMDR and progressive counting help reframe painful memories so you can move forward with love rather than pain. 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/

July 30, 2026Episode 291 hr 5 min

Finding Faith And Healing In Widowhood With Danny Lesslie

Dr. Tina Fornwald connects with author Danny Lesslie to discuss widowhood faith and healing through the lens of profound personal loss. They discuss the raw reality of losing a spouse to terminal illness and how to navigate the overwhelming isolation that follows. Danny shares how he and his late wife co-authored a unique memoir, Thank You, Cancer , that captures both of their voices during a five-year cancer battle. Together, they explain why friends need to sit in the mud with grieving spouses rather than trying to fix unfixable pain. You'll learn practical ways to involve children in family healing and honor your late partner while building a renewed life. 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/

July 21, 2026Episode 2821 min

Navigating Widowhood: Updates And The 2026 Retreat

This episode provides vital updates for the widowhood community as we progress through 2026. Dr. Tina shares details about the Children of Widowhood Secret Santa program and the upcoming Walk for Love initiative designed to foster connection. Listeners will hear about the exclusive Real Widowhood Weekend #NextYou retreat taking place in Virginia Beach this December. We discuss the success of the Hope Grows Here 2026 event and how it supports our new educational scholarship fund. Dr. Tina also outlines the upcoming annual butterfly release ceremony and the men's grief support group led by James Price. Tune in to learn how you can participate, donate, or find the support you need 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/

July 2, 2026Episode 271 hr 5 min

When Grief Never Fully Leaves: Eileen Bellew On Widowhood, Trauma & Healing

What happens when the 'before' and 'after' of your life is separated by a single, catastrophic moment? Today, we sit down with Eileen Bellew , author of After John Jumped , to talk about the raw, unfiltered reality of losing a spouse in the line of duty. Eileen opens up about the sudden transition from FDNY wife to widow, the struggle of raising four children while navigating her own PTSD, and the difficult, necessary journey of healing when grief feels like a permanent resident. We discuss: The 'Scarlet Letter' of Widowhood: How social dynamics and support systems shift instantly after a tragedy. Defining Trauma, Not Just Loss: Why Eileen had to face the specific, painful details of her husband's death to move forward. Finding Humor in the Hardest Places: How laughter and hope can exist alongside deep, lingering grief. Parenting Through Tragedy: How to hold space for children’s trauma when you are trying to survive your own. Eileen’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Whether you are walking this path yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to carry it alone. Tune in to hear why—even twenty years later—there is value in the struggle, and why healing is never about 'moving on,' but moving forward. 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/

June 25, 2026Episode 2657 min

Grief Is Not Linear: Jackie Disch On Love, Loss & Living With Grief

Grief isn’t a destination you arrive at; it’s a companion that changes alongside you. If you’ve felt the weight of loss, you know that the journey is rarely a straight line—it is complex, unpredictable, and deeply personal. In this moving conversation, author Jackie Disch joins us to discuss her powerful memoir, Losing Katy: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Living Grief . Together, we explore the raw, beautiful, and non-linear reality of losing her wife, Katy. Jackie introduces the concept of "living grief"—a framework that invites us to move beyond the pressure to "get over it" and instead learn how to integrate our loss into our daily lives. From the exhaustion of the early days to the shifting tides of memory and the importance of creating quiet spaces for healing, Jackie’s reflections offer a gentle, manageable path forward for anyone navigating the depths of sorrow. Whether you are in the early stages of widowhood or years into your journey, this episode is an invitation to honor your love while navigating the complexities of life after loss. Join us as we explore how to find authentic connection and quiet strength even when life feels overwhelming. 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/