Feeling festive? In this episode, Jonathan and I are sitting down for a Christmas catch-up to wrap up two incredible years of Widowed AF. We’re taking a moment to reflect on what the podcast has meant to us, the changes we made this year, and—most importantly—the impact your messages and feedback have had. Honestly, we couldn’t do this without you.

We’re chatting about life as a blended family (it’s messy, but we wouldn’t have it any other way), the emotional challenges of recording episodes, and how we navigate grief during the holidays. It’s not always easy, is it? But you’re not alone in it—we’re right here with you.

We’ve also got some exciting plans brewing for next year, and we’d love to hear from you. What do you want to hear more of? What’s helped you most? Drop us a message and let us know. In the meantime, grab a mince pie, pop on your cosiest socks, and join us for this warm (and slightly rambling) end-of-year chat.

Chapters
[00:00] Festive Welcome
[07:15] Blended Family Life
[12:45] Grief During the Holidays
[22:30] Looking Ahead to 2025
[28:15] Closing Thoughts and Festive Farewell

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)

Episode Overview
Content Warning: This episode discusses themes of murder, trauma, and grief that may be triggering for some listeners.

In this episode of Widowed AF, Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Katrina Smith about the traumatic night her husband was murdered in their home. Katrina shares her harrowing experience of losing her husband, Josh, during a home invasion, exploring profound grief, loss, and trauma.

The discussion not only highlights the emotional turmoil that accompanies such a devastating event but also addresses the failures of law enforcement in responding to domestic violence situations. Through her story, Katrina emphasises the critical importance of victim advocacy, providing listeners with valuable insights into the complexities of navigating life after such a tragedy.

Episode Timeline

• [00:00] Introduction
• [00:16] Content warning and episode context
• [01:00] Katrina's background and relationship with Josh
• [05:00] The night of the murder
• [10:00] Police response and aftermath
• [20:00] Legal proceedings and frustrations
• [30:00] Healing and therapy
• [40:00] Advocacy work and support for victims
• [50:00] Reflections on love and loss

Key Topics

• The impact of sudden loss
• The role of law enforcement in domestic violence cases
• Navigating grief and trauma recovery
• The importance of victim advocacy
• Personal growth and finding love after loss

About Katrina

Katrina Smith is an advocate for victims' rights and a survivor of violent crime. She shares her story to raise awareness and support for others who have experienced similar tragedies.

Contact Information

• Widowed AF: @widowedafpodcast
• Katrina Smith: please contact the show
• Website: Widowed AF Podcast

Support Organisations

• Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice: Provides resources and advocacy for crime victims.(https://cssj.org/)

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)

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In this special episode, Rosie Gill-Moss shares her reaction to the historic news that the UK Parliament has voted in favour of legalising assisted dying. Recorded just hours after hearing the announcement, Rosie reflects on the significance of this decision, drawing from personal stories shared on Widowed AF and the emotional conversations that shaped the podcast’s early episodes.

As the host of Widowed AF, Rosie has spoken with over 100 individuals about some of the darkest times of their lives, often compounded by the suffering they have witnessed. She questions, “Why are we denied dignity and autonomy at the end of our lives, when we value them above almost all else?”

While end-of-life care is often excellent, it does not alleviate all suffering. Rosie explores the deeply personal choice of assisted dying, the fear and dignity involved, and the relief this new law may provide to those facing terminal diagnoses. “None of us can predict how we might feel when facing a terminal diagnosis,” Rosie states. “I personally want this option to be available. I can’t say if I would use it, but I know I want the choice.”

Tune in for a deeply personal and thought-provoking commentary on this historic moment of compassion, choice, and dignity.

Key Topics:

The emotional impact of the vote

Reflections on stories shared in Widowed AF episodes “Dignity” and “Thought-Provoking AF”

Why dignity and autonomy matter at the end of life

Related Episodes:

Episode 11: Dignity - Anonymous Guest

Episode 12: Thought-Provoking AF

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)

Episode Overview
In this episode of the "What About The Children" series, host Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Otis Middleton, who shares his experience of losing his father to cancer at the age of seven. Otis discusses the impact of his father's death on his life, his feelings surrounding the loss, and the importance of open conversations about grief.

Key Discussion Points
Childhood Memories: Otis reflects on his close relationship with his father and shares memories of visiting him in the hospital, highlighting the innocence of childhood during such a difficult time.
The Day of Loss: He recounts being taken out of class to be informed of his father's death, describing his immediate emotional response and the confusion that followed.
Support Systems: The episode discusses the support he received from teachers and friends at school, including how his classmates were informed and the kindness they showed him.
Coping Mechanisms: Otis shares how he coped with his grief, including moments of hiding his emotions and the comfort he found in drawing and spending time with family.
Open Dialogue: The importance of discussing feelings and memories of his father is emphasised, as Otis expresses that he is not afraid to talk about his dad and values the memories they share.

Related Episodes in the Series
Jess Yeldon: Discusses her experience of losing her father at a young age and the long-term effects of grief.
Stephanie Dixon: Shares her story of losing her father to suicide and the impact it had on her childhood and family dynamics.
Roisin Aldridge: Talks about her experience of losing her father just before her 10th birthday and the importance of support from peers and family.

Otis's story serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health and grief openly. By sharing his experiences, he hopes to encourage others to have conversations about loss and seek support when needed.

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)

Episode Overview

In this episode of the "What About The Children" series, host Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Jess Yeldon, who shares her experience of losing her father to cancer at the age of 11.

Jess discusses the impact of her father's death on her life, her relationships, and the importance of open conversations about grief and mental health.

Key Discussion Points

• Childhood Memories: Jess reflects on her close relationship with her father and the memories of their time together before his illness.
• The Day of Loss: She recounts the day she learned of her father's death, including the confusion and emotions she experienced.
• Support Systems: The episode highlights the support Jess received from her family and friends, as well as the lack of resources available at the time.
• Coping Mechanisms: Jess shares how she navigated her grief, including her experiences with therapy and the challenges of processing her emotions.
• Open Dialogue: The importance of discussing mental health and grief openly with children is emphasised, as Jess talks about how her mother encouraged conversations about their loss.

Related Episodes in the Series

• Stephanie Dixon: Shares her story of losing her father to suicide and the impact it had on her childhood and family dynamics.
• Roisin Aldridge: Discusses her experience of losing her father just before her 10th birthday and the long-term effects of grief.
• Ottis Middleton: Offers insights into coping with the loss of a parent and the importance of support systems.

Jess's story serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health and grief openly. By sharing her experiences, she hopes to encourage others to have conversations about loss and seek support when needed.

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)

Episode Overview
In this episode of the "What About The Children" series, host Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Roisin Aldridge, who shares her experience of losing her father just two days before her 10th birthday. Roisin discusses the impact of her father's death on her life, her relationship with her family, and the importance of open conversations about grief.

Key Discussion Points

• Childhood Memories: Roisin reflects on her close relationship with her father and the normalcy of their life before his sudden death.
• The Day of Loss: She recounts the day her father died, including the confusion and emotions she felt when her mother delivered the news.
• Support Systems: The episode highlights the support Roisin received from her family, friends, and school, including counseling and peer support.
• Coping Mechanisms: Roisin shares how she and her family have created traditions to honour her father's memory, such as celebrating his favorite meals on anniversaries.
• Open Dialogue: The importance of discussing grief openly within families is emphasised, as Roisin talks about how her mother encouraged conversations about their loss.

Related Episodes in the Series

• Jess Yeldon: Discusses her experience of losing her father at a young age and the long-term effects of grief.
• Stephanie Dixon: Shares her story of losing her father to suicide and the impact it had on her childhood and family dynamics.
• Ottis Middleton: Offers insights into coping with the loss of a parent and the importance of support systems.

Roisin's story serves as a reminder of the importance of open communication about grief and the need for support systems for children who experience loss. Her experiences highlight that while the pain of losing a parent is profound, it is possible to navigate life and find joy again.

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)

Episode Overview

In this episode of the "What About The Children" series, host Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Stephanie Dixon, who shares her experience of losing her father to suicide at the age of 14. Stephanie discusses the complexities of her childhood, the impact of her father's death, and the importance of open conversations about mental health and grief.

Key Discussion Points

• Childhood Memories: Stephanie reflects on her early memories of her father and the signs of his struggles with mental health and addiction.
• The Day of Loss: She recounts the moment she learned of her father's death and the emotional aftermath.
• Support Systems: The conversation highlights the support she received from family and friends, as well as the lack of resources available at the time.
• Coping Mechanisms: Stephanie shares her journey through grief, including her experiences with therapy and the challenges of processing her emotions.
• Open Dialogue: The episode emphasises the need for open discussions about mental health and grief, particularly with children, to help them process their emotions.

Related Episodes in the Series

• Jess Yeldon: Discusses her experience of losing her father at a young age and the long-term effects of grief.
• Roisin Aldridge: Shares her perspective on losing a parent and the importance of support from peers and family.
• Ottis Middleton: Offers insights into how losing a parent at a young age has shaped his life and relationships.

Stephanie's story serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health and grief openly. By sharing her experiences, she hopes to encourage others to have conversations about loss and seek support when needed.

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)

Join Rosie as shares her experience of widowhood and its impact on children.

In this series Rosie addresses the critical question:

What about the children?

This series features four guests who have lost a parent at a young age, each sharing their unique perspectives on coping with loss and the support systems that helped them.

Featured Guests:

S2 - EP20 - Jess Yeldon:
Jess lost her father at age 11 and discusses the importance of communication about grief and how it shaped her life.

S2 - EP18 - Stephanie Dixon:
Stephanie shares her experience of losing her father to suicide at 14, highlighting the stigma surrounding mental health and the need for open conversations.

S2 - EP19 - Roisin Aldridge:
At 10, Roisin speaks of the day her father passed away and how her family has navigated their grief together.

S2 - EP21 -Ottis Middleton:
Also 14, Ottis reflects on losing his father to cancer and the ways he has learned to cope with the loss over the years.

Key Themes:
- The significance of discussing grief and loss with children.
- Strategies for supporting children through their grief.
- The long-term effects of losing a parent and how children can adapt and thrive.

Join Rosie as she explores these important topics, offering insights and resources for parents and caregivers navigating the challenges of grief with their children.

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)