Widower's Journey

How will you overcome tragedy in your life? Facing life after loss is an ominous task. The subsequent journey will consist of many trials, revelations, and missteps in a continual evolution throughout life. There is not a straight, clear path to living after trauma. Instead, we learn from our own experiences while gaining valuable perspectives on moving forward to a life with deep awareness and ultimate emotional recovery. This book will help guide you along this path to recovery. Our guest today is Bob Millsap, author of "Shake Yourself Free: Take Control of Your Life to Move Through the Pain." Bob lost his fiancé at the age of 22. Thirty years later he offered the experience of his journey to help others going through their widower's journey.

What do Ted Koppel, Charles Gibson, and Diane Sawyer have in common with the Widower's Journey Podcast host, Herb Knoll? Answer: They have all had the opportunity to work with Warren Kozak. A noted writer for ABC News, former on-air reporter for NPR, and most importantly, a widower, Warren has just released Waving Goodbye, Life After Loss, a new book (released in April 2024) in which Warren shares deeply personal moments from his journey following the loss of his wife, Lisa. At times, Warren's poignant thoughts suddenly turn funny, leaving Herb and him in laughter. Listen in as the Widower's Support Network visits with Warren Kozak, Herb's new friend. Warren…what a great guy.

The Widower's Journey is pleased to present an interview with Bradley Vinson, the Grieve Coach. Bradley's life's path took a profound turn following a life-altering event – the tragic loss of his 4-year-old granddaughter, Alanna. Join your host, Herb Knoll as Bradley – a Baptist Minister, shares how his loss, coupled with his studies at Dallas Theological Seminary changed the trajectory of what would become his future ministry dedicated to those who grieve. A popular keynote speaker and trainer, Bradley authored the book Good Grief, True Stories of Hope and Healing. Join us for a light-hearted and informative visit with Bradley Vinson, The Grieve Coach.

Chris Bentley is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). One day, Chris discovered a need among the recently widowed to help them sort out what can be a horrifying task, their finances when first widowed. This was the beginning of Wings for Widows, a not-for-profit. With his volunteer team of experienced CFPs from across the United States, thousands of newly widowed men and women have been guided to a better financial tomorrow. And this is all provided for FREE. Listen in and learn what services are available to the widowed and how to seize them.

Learn what widowers are talking about and what advice our nearly 2,200 widowed members provide each other. Sit back and enjoy listening to your host, Herb Knoll, as he presents the 40th Widower's Journey Podcast, Widowers Ask – Widowers Answer, Vol 8. Learn as Herb shares some of the more insightful discussions straight from the Widower's Support Network - Members Only Facebook private page established exclusively for men. Topics discussed include the merits of attending a grief support group. Learn about one widower who admits he really screwed up and there is no way to recover. Then listen to a widower who fell in love with his "2nd chance," only to have his past life end it all. Or hear about a widower's chance encounter with an attractive woman in a grocery store, and much, much more.

Medical Power of Attorney, Living Will, Revocable Trusts, Probate, Estate Taxes, etc., do you even need to be concerned about these Estate planning tools? Only if you wish to control what becomes of your assets and monies following your death. Listen in as your host; Herb Knoll, discusses these and other legal documents and processes with Attorney and Estate Planning Expert Diedre Braverman. A Stanford University Law School graduate, Diedre clears the fog surrounding estate planning and related sensitive topics. You may remember Diedre's name if you read Herb's book, The Widower's Journey, as she contributed to its content.

Suicide! Why do people die of Suicide? Learn the answers to this and other questions provided by four Suicide surviving widowers to Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, Psy.D., Co-Founder & President of United Suicide Survivors International. Dr. Spencer-Thomas is a highly acclaimed expert on the causes of Suicide, and the impact suicide has on those left behind. Hear the story of why Dr. Spencer-Thomas focused on Suicide as a field of study following her first-hand and painful experience with Suicide. Learn, as your host, Herb Knoll, queries Dr. Spencer-Thomas on what to look for in troubled others and what steps survivors can take in their recovery.

Lynda Cheldelin-Fell shares her touching story of grief and how she used it to provide gracious love and support to others who have also lost a loved one. Lynda published thirty-five Grief Diaries books and formed the International Grief Institute. She provides certification programs for those entering the grief industry and even stages Grief Cruises in the Caribbean, to name just a few of her healing creations. Lynda Cheldelin-Fell is a woman of action with a loving heart, which shows in everything she does. Interviewed by our host, Herb Knoll, in what is becoming his trademark fashion, this is one podcast you won't want to miss.

Soaring Spirits International is a dynamic organization that comforts widows and widowers worldwide. Among its offerings is its very popular Camp Widow, held each year in multiple cities and featuring its world-class programming. Listen as your host, Herb Knoll, visits with the founder and CEO of Soaring Spirits, Michele Neff Hernandez, as she shares her story and her newly released book, Different After You… Rediscovering Yourself and Healing after Grief and Trauma.

Listen as Widower's Journey Podcast host Herb Knoll presents Widowers Ask – Widowers Answer, Vol 6. Learn what widowers are talking about and what advice our 1,800+ widowed members provide. Learn as Herb shares some of the more insightful discussions recently held on the Widower's Support Network - Members Only Facebook page. Topics discussed include what to do after learning your late wife may have had an affair, how to respond to a friend who asks, "Why are you still in love with a dead person?" and what to do with the new home you shared with your wife briefly before she died.

The Widower's Journey Podcast once again virtually travels outside the U.S., to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to visit with Richard Dri, who as a widower, he thought he could handle life as a widower and being a single dad to three kids, but this was not the case. At times, he struggled greatly. Join us as Richard shares details about his journey. As a financial planner, Richard also shares a few suggestions in managing one's financial resources while embarking on their grief journey.

Resilience – A must-have human trait if you are recovering from grief following the loss of a spouse or life partner. Imagine losing three of your children, your husband, an infant brother, her parents, and then her sight in one eye. Join our host, Herb Knoll, as he interviews the founder of "A Butterfly's Journey," the remarkable Dr. Barbara Hopkinson. Dr. Hopkinson will explore the secrets to developing one's resilience and share some best practices in its application and uses. Among Dr. Hopkinson's many credits are "Top Professional in Resilience After Loss" from the International Association of Top Professional and is an inductee into the "WAW (Women Appreciating Women) Hall of Fame.

Frank Vaughan and Don Murray were each widowed in recent years. Listen in as each share the stories of their grief journeys. From diagnosis to where they find themselves today, nothing is held back. From deep despair to their discovery that joy awaited them. Join Herb Knoll as he and his guest co-host, Mike Chepiga, uncover two journeys worth repeating, perhaps by you.