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
232. How This Widow Is Redefining Widowhood! - Interview With Brandi Abbott
Brandi Abbott joins the podcast today. Brandi recounts the tragic Apache helicopter accident that claimed her husband Derek's life on what was supposed to be his retirement flight, and the wave of grief, faith, and unexpected blessings that followed.
Takeaways from the episode include:
- The Day Everything Changed: Brandi recalls the series of events leading up to Derek’s last flight, and the profound significance of a simple wrench left behind—a symbol that keeps mysteriously appearing, tying their story to a favorite family movie.
- Coping with “Death Words”: Brandi discusses how to redefine the words that trigger pain, transforming “widow” into a source of strength and identity.
- Solo Parenting Challenges: From navigating her kids’ grief to leaning on advice that “kids will flow from you,” Brandi shares her hardest moments and most helpful support systems.
- Finding Support Through Organizations: Brandy details the lifelines provided by groups like Snowball Express, TAPS, Tunnel to Towers, and A Soldier’s Child, and emphasizes the importance of not grieving alone.
- Honoring Derek’s Legacy: The family’s one-year remembrance at “The ABBA Site” (named for its meaning—Father) and the creation of “Becoming One Heart,” a foundation and blog dedicated to giving back.
- Signs, Songs, and a New Pup: Brandi shares the ways Derek sends signs—including the miraculous recovery of a flag, specific songs and their new puppy, Apache, who helps the family heal.
- Advice for Widows: Brandi encourages listeners not to do this journey alone, to share burdens, and to invite others into their story, no matter how hard it feels.
This episode is filled with grace, vulnerability, and practical advice for anyone navigating loss—or supporting someone who is. Listen for moments of laughter, honest tears, and the inspiring ways Brandi is choosing to move forward, one day at a time.
Learn more:
- Becoming One Heart — Brandy’s foundation and blog
- Resources mentioned: Snowball Express, TAPS, Gary Sinise Foundation, Tunnel to Towers, A Soldier’s Child
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For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com