In this episode, Rosie chats with returning guest Nicky Wake about something that doesn't get talked about enough - the messy reality of using alcohol to cope with grief, and what it's like to get sober as a widow.

Nicky gets brutally honest about how her drinking escalated when her husband was sick, and how it became her go-to coping mechanism after he died. She doesn't sugarcoat it - she talks about the real stuff, the dark moments, and how alcohol became both her comfort and her problem.

But this isn't just a story about addiction. It's about what happens when you decide enough is enough, and the tough journey of getting sober while you're still deep in grief. Nicky shares how therapy and support groups literally saved her life, and why reaching out for help was the hardest but most important thing she ever did.

Then there's the dating bit - because let's be real, dating as a widow is complicated enough without adding sobriety into the mix. Nicky talks about navigating relationships when you're carrying both grief and recovery, and how she's trying to make it easier for others through dating apps specifically for sober people and widows.

She mentions some brilliant resources too - the Sober Love App for people in recovery looking for connection, and the Clear Minds Hypnosis App for anyone wanting to change their relationship with alcohol.

What really comes through is Nicky's message that recovery is possible for anyone willing to take that first scary step. She's living proof that you can come through the other side of both grief and addiction.

If you're struggling with similar issues, Nicky's available for support and guidance. Sometimes knowing you're not alone in this mess makes all the difference.

More honest conversations about the tough stuff coming your way - stay tuned.

Resources mentioned:

SoberAF (www.soberaf.club) is Nicky's rebellious take on recovery support. None of that one-size-fits-all approach - this is sobriety without apologies, and it's completely free. They're launching their forum and events in June 2025, but you can sign up now to be part of this movement that's flipping the script on traditional recovery.

Chapter 2 Dating (www.chapter2dating.app) is the dating platform Nicky created specifically for widows and widowers. Because let's face it, explaining grief to someone who's never been there is exhausting. This is a safe space where everyone gets it - the complexity, the guilt, the hope, all of it.

Widows Fire (widowsfire.dating) tackles something nobody talks about but many of us feel - the physical desires that don't disappear with grief. It's for flirty, no-strings connections when you're not ready for something serious but still crave intimacy. Honest, raw, and judgment-free.

In this episode, host Rosie Gill-Moss chats with Louise about her experience of losing her husband unexpectedly. Louise shares the tough realities of widowhood and how her husband's battle with alcoholism shaped their lives together.

Her husband died from a heart attack related to severe alcoholic liver disease, a struggle that Louise faced for years as she tried to support him through his addiction.

She talks about the signs of his drinking, the challenges of loving someone with an addiction, and the feelings of helplessness that often come with it.

Louise also addresses the stigma surrounding alcoholism and how it can complicate relationships.A must listen for one of the most candid insights yet into loving someone in addiction.

In this episode of the Widowed AF podcast, host Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Shirley Pegram, who shares her journey through widowhood following the death of her husband, Adrian, due to liver disease. Shirley reflects on their 30-year relationship, the challenges they faced, and the impact of addiction on their lives.

Shirley discusses the complexities of grief, the stigma surrounding addiction, and the importance of mental health awareness. She emphasises the need for empathy and understanding for those dealing with similar struggles. Throughout the conversation, Shirley highlights her personal growth and the steps she has taken towards healing, including travel and self-care practices.

Despite the pain of loss, Shirley shares her journey towards healing, including her travels and newfound independence. She encourages listeners to embrace life and seek support when needed.

If you have been affected by today's episode or have a story to share, please reach out to Rosie Gill-Moss through the podcast's contact information. Your experiences matter, and support is available.

Join us for more conversations on grief, healing, and the journey of widowhood. Remember, you are not alone in this experience.