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.

At just 24, Thea Claire found herself widowed and navigating the overwhelming world of grief while grappling with revelations she discovered about their relationship.

In this episode of Widowed AF, host Rosie Gill-Moss chats with Thea, who shares her journey after the sudden death of her husband, T, from a brain tumour.

Thea opens up about the emotional ups and downs of T's diagnosis, the challenges they faced together, and the unexpected twists that came to light during this tough time. She also shares her experiences with neurodiversity, including ADHD and anxiety, which shaped how she coped with everything happening around her.

Her story is a raw and honest look at widowhood, highlighting the unique ways neurodivergence can influence grief and relationships. Thea emphasises the importance of community support and the healing power of sharing your story, reminding us all that while grief can feel isolating, we’re not alone on this journey.

Join us for an engaging conversation that resonates with anyone who has faced loss, offering insights into rebuilding life after heartbreak and embracing the complexities of our emotional experiences.

Connect with Us:

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

In this episode of Widowed AF, host Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Sophie Ransom from Suffolk. At 25 years old, Sophie's fiancé, Paul was killed in a motorcycle accident when she was 17 weeks pregnant with their daughter. Now 27, Sophie shares her experience of widowhood at a young age and the reality of navigating pregnancy, birth, and raising a child on her own.

Sophie recounts meeting Paul at 19, marrying at 24, and becoming pregnant shortly after their wedding. She describes their last evening together sharing a Colin the Caterpillar cake before Paul's fatal collision with a lorry while riding to work the next morning. The conversation covers Sophie's experience of learning about his death, attending hospital appointments without him, and giving birth via emergency C-section without Paul by her side.

The episode addresses Sophie's thoughts of not wanting to continue living without Paul and how her daughter Poppy gave her purpose. Sophie discusses practical aspects of her situation, including her approach to telling a child about a parent they never met, reading "I Have an Angel" nightly, and moving away from their shared home. She also shares her process of working through anger toward Paul, connecting with others in similar situations through WAY (Widowed and Young), and finding happiness again 18 months after his loss.

Topics: Young widowhood, pregnancy after loss, parenting after loss, motorcycle accident, sudden death, raising children who never met their parent

Connect with Us:

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

In this episode of the Widowed AF podcast, host Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Mark Heazle, a widower who shares his experiences following the death of his wife, Sharon, from a rare form of cancer. Mark discusses the practical aspects of navigating life as a single parent while managing grief. He provides insights into the challenges of parenting after loss, including the dynamics of raising children in a blended family setting.

Mark details the process of advocating for his wife’s health during her illness, highlighting the importance of understanding medical conditions and the healthcare system. He addresses the impact of cancer on family life and the necessity of mental health support for both himself and his children.

The conversation also covers the significance of support networks, including family and friends, in coping with loss. Mark shares how these relationships have played a role in his life and the lives of his children. He discusses the balance between remembering a loved one and moving forward with life, including how to acknowledge significant dates such as anniversaries and birthdays.

Listeners will gain practical insights into the realities of widowhood, parenting, and the formation of blended families. This episode serves as a resource for those who are widowed, as well as for individuals who support someone experiencing loss.

Connect with Us:

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

In this episode of "Widowed AF," host Rosie Gill-Moss engages in a conversation with Rachel Hart, who shares her personal experience of losing her husband to suicide while she was pregnant. Rachel discusses the profound impact of this loss on her life and the complexities of navigating grief during such a pivotal time.

The episode addresses the stigma surrounding suicide, highlighting how it affects the grieving process and the perceptions of those left behind. Rachel emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness, particularly in understanding the signs that may precede such tragedies.

Listeners will hear about the challenges of parenting after the death of a partner, including how to communicate the situation to children in an age-appropriate manner. Rachel reflects on her own experiences and the support she received from family and friends, illustrating the critical role of support networks in coping with grief.

The conversation also touches on the process of finding love again after loss. Rachel shares her thoughts on the complexities of entering a new relationship while still navigating the emotions tied to her late husband.

Throughout the episode, Rachel provides insights into the realities of widowhood, offering a candid perspective on the ongoing process of healing and the adjustments required in daily life. This episode serves as a resource for those in the widow and widower community, providing factual information and relatable experiences.

Connect with Us:

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

In this episode, Rosie welcomes Andrew Medlycot to the studio for an open and insightful conversation about how life can change in an instant. Andrew shares his personal journey, from facing a life-altering cancer diagnosis to navigating the ripple effects it has had on every aspect of his world.

Through this conversation, Andrew reflects on the unexpected ways that cancer reshaped his priorities, relationships, and outlook. He discusses the challenges of accessing healthcare when time is of the essence, the importance of a supportive family, and the emotional and practical adjustments required to adapt to a new reality.

Andrew also opens up about living with undiagnosed ADHD, how it influenced his life before he even knew about it, and the transformative impact of finally receiving a diagnosis and treatment. He looks back on his past with a new perspective, identifying moments and patterns that suddenly make more sense.

Key topics discussed in this episode include:

•Adjusting to sudden, life-altering circumstances.

•The struggles of accessing healthcare when waiting isn’t an option.

•The value of family support during difficult times.

•Living with undiagnosed ADHD and the transformation that comes with diagnosis.

•Reflecting on the past and how new insights change our understanding of it.

Whether you’re navigating a major change yourself, supporting someone close to you, or simply curious about how others adapt when life throws the unexpected, this episode offers practical reflections, candid insights, and a grounded perspective.

Tune in to hear Andrew’s story and discover a conversation that’s as thought-provoking as it is relatable.

Connect with Us:

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