In this episode, Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Charlotte Cannell about losing her fiancé Craig to a brain aneurysm when she was just 27 years old.

Their conversation explores the devastating impact of sudden loss on a young woman who had been with her partner since she was 16, and how she rebuilt her life through travel, family support, and finding new purpose.

Charlotte shares the harrowing twelve days she spent by Craig's bedside in intensive care after he collapsed during a council meeting in November 2020. Despite initial hope when he regained consciousness and recognised her, complications including sepsis ultimately led to his death.

The discussion delves into the unique challenges facing young widows, particularly those without children. Charlotte candidly explores grieving not just Craig, but the future they had planned together - their wedding booked for July 2023, the children they hoped to have, and the life they were building in Essex. Her decision to legally take Craig's surname through deed poll, despite never marrying, demonstrates the depth of their bond and her determination to honour their relationship.

In this episode, Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Adriana De Jesus, a young widow from New York state who lost her husband Jason to a fatal asthma attack when their son was just 14 months old. This powerful conversation explores the devastating reality of sudden widowhood, the challenges of single parenting after loss, and the unexpected journey of finding meaning through grief.

Adriana shares her love story with Jason, beginning at a soundstage studio in 2018 where their 15-year age gap didn't prevent an instant connection. Their relationship accelerated during the 2020 lockdown, leading to parenthood and what seemed like a bright future together. However, in June 2023, Jason's routine seasonal asthma took a fatal turn, possibly exacerbated by poor air quality from Canadian wildfires. Despite having managed his condition his entire life, Jason died from an asthma attack at home, leaving Adriana to navigate sudden widowhood at just 28 years old.

The conversation delves into the immediate aftermath of loss, including the trauma of performing CPR, arriving at the hospital with her infant son, and learning her partner hadn't survived. Adriana candidly discusses the guilt she felt about finally getting sleep after months of exhaustion with a newborn, only to lose Jason just as life was settling into a rhythm. She reveals the financial and legal complications of being engaged but not married in New York state, where common law marriages aren't recognised, creating additional stress during an already overwhelming time.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Adriana's honest exploration of grief's complexities. She discusses discovering both her and Jason likely had undiagnosed ADHD, which affected their relationship dynamics and her postpartum experience. The episode also touches on her unique healing journey, including her decision to train as a medium after a transformative reading that helped her process Jason's death. This unexpected path has allowed her to support other grieving individuals while maintaining her connection to Jason.

For parents concerned about asthma, Adriana offers perspective on managing fear after loss. When her son Parker was diagnosed with asthma, she drew strength from Jason's attitude about not letting the condition limit his life. She emphasises the importance of proper diagnosis, medication management, and understanding environmental triggers like air quality alerts. Her approach to explaining death to her toddler, teaching him that "Daddy is in our hearts," provides a touching example of age-appropriate grief conversations.

Adriana De Jesus works in the film industry while raising her son Parker in upstate New York. Following Jason's death, she trained as an evidential medium, offering readings professionally alongside her day job. Her story demonstrates how young widows navigate practical challenges like childcare, work-life balance, and financial planning while processing profound grief. She credits finding the Widowed AF podcast with helping her feel less alone in her journey, highlighting the importance of community and shared experiences in healing from loss.

In this episode, Rosie speaks to Cathy Brokenshire, widow of prominent politician, James Brokenshire , who died from lung cancer.

As you listen to Cathy’s story, you’ll discover how she turned a personal tragedy into a powerful mission to raise awareness about lung cancer, particularly for those who, like James, may not fit the typical profile.

This conversation is not just about loss, it’s about love, resilience, community, and the shared experiences that connect us all.

Cathy also maintains a tribute page in memory of James, where friends, family, and supporters can share messages and memories: jamesbrokenshire.muchloved.com.

In this episode, we have a heartfelt conversation with Eva Spiegel, who opens up about her journey through widowhood and the challenges of navigating life after loss. Eva shares her personal story of losing her husband, Terry, and how that experience reshaped her understanding of grief, parenting, and love. We explore the complexities of raising a child while dealing with profound sorrow, and Eva offers insights into how she and her son have built a strong bond through their shared experiences.

As we talk, we reflect on the importance of communication in families facing grief. How do we create a safe space for our children to express their feelings? What does it mean to find joy again after such a significant loss? Eva's perspective on dating after loss is also enlightening, as she discusses the challenges and rewards of opening her heart to new relationships while honoring her past.

This episode is not just about grief; it's about resilience, healing, and the connections we forge with others. We invite you to join us for this honest and relatable conversation that aims to resonate with anyone who has faced similar challenges. Whether you're navigating your own journey of loss or simply seeking to understand the experiences of others, we hope you find comfort and connection in Eva's story. Together, we can support one another and remind ourselves that while grief is a part of our lives, so is the potential for new beginnings.

In this episode, we welcome Katie and Natalie from the podcast "Those Two Widows," who share their candid experiences of widowhood and the unique bond they formed through their shared journeys. The conversation dives into the complexities of grief, the challenges of navigating life after loss, and the importance of finding community among those who truly understand. With a warm and straightforward approach, Katie and Natalie discuss how they turned their personal struggles into a platform for connection and support, creating a safe space for others who are grieving.

Throughout the episode, listeners will find valuable insights into coping mechanisms and the realities of being a young widow. Katie reflects on her unexpected loss and the feelings of anger and guilt that accompanied it, while Natalie shares her experience of caring for her husband during his battle with cancer. Their stories highlight the raw emotions that come with widowhood, as well as the dark humour that often serves as a coping mechanism. As they navigate their grief, they emphasise the importance of being honest about their feelings and the necessity of allowing oneself to grieve without the pressure of societal expectations.

One of the key takeaways from this episode is the significance of community in the grieving process. Katie and Natalie discuss how their friendship blossomed from shared experiences, allowing them to support each other through the ups and downs of widowhood. They challenge the notion of toxic positivity, advocating for a more authentic approach to grief that acknowledges the complexities of emotions. Their conversation serves as a reminder that it’s okay to feel lost and that seeking help from others who understand can be incredibly healing.

As the episode wraps up, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences with grief and to reach out for support when needed. Katie and Natalie’s journey is a testament to the power of connection and the importance of sharing stories to foster understanding and healing. For those navigating similar paths, this episode offers not only comfort but also actionable advice on how to build a supportive community. Tune in to discover how these two widows are transforming their pain into purpose, and be sure to follow their podcast for more heartfelt discussions on grief and friendship.

Here's the corrected version with the Clear Minds Hypnosis App properly attributed:

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, which she found helpful for changing her 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.