Widow 180 The Podcast with Jen Zwinck
When you become a widow, the heartache can be overwhelming. You feel lost. You feel broken. You feel alone. And you find yourself trying to pick up the pieces of your life and function. But I believe that every widow has the capacity to endure, that every widow has the power to overcome and the determination to create a new life filled with meaning and purpose. The Widow 180 Podcast is about turning tragedy, loss and fear into strength and creativity and a new passion for life. It's about self-reflection and realizing that we only have this one precious life to live and that a new life and a new you is achievable.Each week I will be interviewing widows, incredible survivors of loss. These women have taken the lessons they've learned and the insights they've gained and used them to grow and transform themselves. Some have started businesses, went back to school, run marathons, lost 100 pounds, and moved across the world! They made a choice not to be held down.How did they do it? How did they get through their grief? What's their secret? What lessons can we learn from them that will transform our own lives? How can we write our own story because our story isn't over yet? How can we begin our Chapter 2? I hope that you are as inspired by these women as I am. And maybe hearing even just one story will be life-changing for you.
Widow 180 The Podcast with Jen Zwinck
227. A Widow's Walk From Heartache To A Whole New Chapter! - Interview With Becca McLeroy
Do you think it's impossible to find love again after losing your spouse? You will want to hear Becca's story this week!
Becca’s journey through sudden widowhood, parenting three children (each with unique stories of their own), rebuilding her life, and eventually finding love again is both humbling and inspiring.
She speaks candidly about the reality of life after loss: solo parenting, making impossible decisions, and waking up in a new “normal” that never feels quite right. Despite feeling fiercely independent, Becca learned to let others in—both as support and, eventually, as friends and new family members.
Here are three key takeaways from the episode:
- Be Vulnerable Enough to Ask for (and Accept) Help: Even someone as independent as Becca struggled to accept support. But she found that when she clearly listed what she needed—whether it was tree removal or meals—her network showed up in amazing ways. Giving others clear, simple ways to help makes a huge difference for everyone!
- Community & Connection are Non-Negotiable: Attending a widow’s conference with Never Alone Widows seemed morbid and overwhelming to Becca at first—but it turned into a lifeline. She eventually created her own thriving widows group, reminding us all that “you’re not alone.” Just one conversation or gathering can spark healing and friendship, even for those who think group support isn’t their thing.
- New Beginnings Don’t Negate Previous Love: Through patience, honesty, and intentional blending, Becca opened herself to a new relationship and family while continuing to honor the legacy of her late husband and everything they built together. It’s a powerful reminder that it’s possible to both grieve and embrace joy, sometimes at the same time.
Becca’s experience is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the beauty that can emerge from saying “yes”—even when it feels impossible.
Becca's Instagram: @thewidowswalk
To join our 60 Days Of Summer Healing Quest For Widows and Widowers and GET YOUR FREE downloadable progress tracker, go to https://www.widow180.com/healingquest
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Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com