Widowed AF: Real stories of love, grief and beyond - With Rosie Gill-Moss – Details, episodes & analysis

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)

In this episode, Rosie sits down with Sari Overby, a mother from Maryland with a story that balances the joys and heartbreaks of life after a devastating diagnosis. Sari met her husband Ben as a teenager, and together they built a life full of love, laughter, and shared dreams. But when Ben was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, they faced a new reality—one where time was limited but their commitment to each other and their family remained strong.

Sari and Ben didn’t let the diagnosis define them. They bought a house, started a family through IVF, and found ways to continue living life on their own terms. Whether it was savoring simple pleasures like family movie nights or tackling tough moments together, they made the most of their time, all while managing the ups and downs of Ben’s illness.

The episode is a reflection on the choices we make in the face of uncertainty. How do you keep living when you know what’s coming? Sari shares what it was like to balance hope and acceptance, especially as a mother of two young children. She talks about helping her daughter understand loss and how, even in Ben’s final days, there was space for connection and love.

This conversation is about more than loss—it’s about the choices we make to keep living, loving, and finding moments of joy, even when things get hard. It’s an honest, relatable discussion on life’s most difficult moments and the strength it takes to navigate them.

Tune in for a story about family, resilience, and finding meaning in the everyday, even when faced with loss.

Connect with Us:

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

Lulu is back! 
Join us as we delve into the murky world of grief once more. 
There’s inappropriate giggling, the food shop arrives (thank goodness  for editing!) and lovely Julie makes a guest appearance. 

Happy listening!

Links

https://www.coronerscourtssupportservice.org.uk/

Connect with Us:

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

This week we speak to Nicky, a former national champion racer who turned her tragedy into strength.

Nicky's husband Mike was an avid biker. He lost his life in a bike accident, leaving Nicky to navigate life as a widow.

Nicky's journey to find peace after losing Mike was not without challenges. When the coroner indicated that Mikes blood contains illegal drugs, Nicky new this couldnt be true when set about to challenge the coroners findings to  protect her husbands legcay.

Despite the odds, Nicky refused to let her grief hold her back. She used her passion for racing to stay connected with the Motorsport community and became a regular marshal at races on weekends.

Nicky's story of resilience and determination is an inspiration to all. Hear more about her journey on the podcast Widowed AF. Tune in to be inspired and learn how Nicky turned her tragedy into strength.

Connect with Us:

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

Husband and Wife team Rosie and Jon discuss the enormous impact Covid had on them personally and what stating into the abyss (again!) really felt like. 

We have never spoken publicly about this before, both of us cry. 

This is genuine emotion, along with some candid insights  into married life, and blended families. 

We are very grateful to both Emma and our anonymous contributor for helping us make this happen.

Connect with Us:

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

Back in April 2020, as the world stood still, Emma’s husband Jamie died  from Covid 19, he was just 38. 

Emma is incredible, you can’t help but like her and respect the way she has chosen to live for them both. 

This is a hard listen and we both got  upset during recording.  But it’s an invaluable insight into what losing someone at this unprecedented time was really like. 

On Friday we will bring you  the perspective of a nurse who worked in the ICU at this time. Don’t miss it. 

Available at the usual places, tell your friends yeah 😉

Connect with Us:

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

Join Rosie and husband Jon as they discuss the week’s episode and go down the odd rabbit hole. 

Pyramid schemes, unscrupulous practices and health anxiety all expose the vulnerabilities of widows.

Connect with Us:

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

This is Laura’s story. Simon died suddenly, and at home, in 2021 leaving Laura and their young children reeling. 

In a cruel twist of fate, within months of this tragedy she received a cancer diagnosis.

Listen as Laura bravely describes how she lived through one of every mother’s greatest fears. 

Marvel at how even in the pits of despair a glimmer of light can be found. 

As always, the mascara warning is high but respect and awe levels are even higher. 

⚠️Trigger Warnings ⚠️: sudden death, cardiac arrest, cancer


Paced breathing DBT : TIPP - Skills, Worksheets, Videos, & Activities

Connect with Us:

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

Join Rosie and her  (alive) husband, Jon,  as they discuss the recently published findings of how grief impacts the whole body. 

A thought provoking insight into another unknown facet of widowhood. 

You’ll a message from Lu who has since been discharged from hospital and is recovering  safely at home with Scarlett. 

Click Download to hear new episodes first.

Connect with Us:

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