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
239. Blizzards And French Fries For Dinner - Confessions Of A Widowed Mom! Interview With Christie Salava
Blizzards and french fries for dinner? There's nothing wrong with that!
In this heartfelt episode, we welcome back Christie Salava for an honest conversation about solo parenting after loss. Christie, who lost her husband Andy to cancer in 2020, opens up about the ups and downs of raising young children while processing her own grief. Christy shares personal stories, confessions, and wisdom—reminding listeners that there’s no handbook for widowed parenting, but there is always hope!
Listen in as we chat about:
- Christie’s journey as a widow and how she navigated sharing her husband’s illness and passing with her young children (ages 7 and 9)
- The struggle of “getting through the day”—from chicken nuggets for dinner to hiring a nanny just to grocery shop alone
- Honest confessions: hiding in closets, anyone??? And feeling the pressure to “not screw up” your children for life
- How Christie learned to balance talking about grief openly with her kids versus letting them be normal kids and honoring their unique ways of processing loss
- Special ways they honor Andy’s memory on milestone birthdays, such as custom engravings in his handwriting and heartfelt blessings
- Advice for other widowed or solo parents: embracing imperfection, evolving as a family, and trusting that joy and love will return
This episode is a comforting, candid look into the realities of widowed parenting—and a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, families can discover new meaning, resilience, and togetherness.
Tune in for support, solidarity, and hope, whether you’re newly widowed or years down the road!
Check out our resources for widows with our Widow 180 Workbook Series covering topics from new grief to dating again! Go to https://www.widow180.com/workbooks
Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
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Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com