A Widow's Heart

Can grief and joy really live in the same heart? My guest, Lara Silverman, has faced serious illness, the loss of her career, and then the death of her husband, Matt. But somehow, her story also includes love, laughter, and a faith that has survived the fire. Today, we're talking about finding joy even when the hard things don't go away. I'm Pam Lundell, and this is A Widow's Heart. https://larasilverman.com/

Grief can make everything feel unfamiliar. Your life has changed, and you may have no idea what comes next. My guest, Pamela Joy, knows that feeling. After losing her husband, Jim, she began discovering how God could meet her in the grief and gently lead her forward, one step at a time.

There really isn't a roadmap for becoming a widow. We make new decisions, learn when to ask for help, and eventually begin to wonder what the rest of life might look like. Dr. Susan Walton, author of Lunch with the Widows, has spent years learning from other widows. And I love her reminder that there's no one right way to do this.

My guest is Bishop Daniel, president of GFA World. He's going to introduce us to widows in parts of Asia and Africa who are often forgotten, rejected, and even blamed for the death of their husbands. But we're also going to hear about the people who are showing up, learning their names, listening to their stories, and reminding them that they are deeply loved by God.

If you have ever wondered whether you'll laugh again, dream again, or even feel like yourself again after losing the love of your life, you're not alone. Today, you will hear from Rachel Powel, a previous guest of A Widow's Heart, whose journey through heartbreaking loss reminds us that while grief changes us, it doesn't have to define us. In today's conversation, you'll find a little hope, a little peace, and another reason to trust Jesus with your heart. Rachel Powel is a contributing author in the Scars to Stars anthropology book series and the founder of Hope Speaker, where she serves as a Christian widow coach. You can learn more about Rachel and her ministry at hopespeaker.com.

What does one do after unimaginable heartbreak? On this episode of A Widow's Heart, Pam Lundell talks with Shawn Mathews, a woman whose story has touched hearts across Minnesota and far beyond. Shawn Mathews lost her beloved husband, Wayzata police officer Bill Mathews, in the line of duty following a tragic crash in 2017. This conversation isn't just about lost, it's about love, faith, family, resilience, and the legacy one life can leave behind. Shawn joins us today to share memories of Bill, what grief has looked like for her and their son, and how hope can still shine even after unimaginable heartbreak.

How do you trust God's plan in an unexpected season? Today, you will hear from Jamie Bollinger. She is an encourager, worship leader, and songwriter with a recent release, "Even So." She recently spoke at the Widow Might Spring Lunch-in and was struck by how gently and honestly she talks about grief, loss, and learning to keep walking. Jaimie shares how God meets us in quiet ways when life feels very different from what we thought it would be.

How do you balance great loss with great blessings? On today's episode of A Widow's Heart, you'll hear from Kirby Kelly, an author, YouTuber, and podcaster. She shares her experience of joyful anticipation mixed with grief and loss.

Healing after loss is hard, but it can be a beautiful journey. On today's episode of a widow's heart, you'll hear from my returning guest, Averil Shadd, about a time where she had to care for her children and herself in a moment of grief. You'll hear how God met her in a powerful way.

Experience the story of Jesus like never before in THE CHRIST, a four-part Easter audio epic. THE CHRIST brings the gospel narrative vividly to life—from the humble manger to the victorious resurrection—through world-class voice talent, cinematic soundscapes, and stirring music. From the halls of Roman power to the wilderness of Judea and the hills of Galilee, this immersive audio drama follows the life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth—and the people forever changed by Him. Follow the podcast now so you hear each new episode the moment it releases. Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-christ-an-easter-audio-epic/id1870710176 Or here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oaFRx79AiROdosDof8FME Learn more at TheChristPodcast.com

Today, you're going to hear from Gary and Mari. And as I listened to them share, I just kept thinking… this is one of those stories that will really stay with me. It's a story of grief, faith, and forgiveness… and of God being present in ways we may not expect. Book: https://www.amazon.com/Remembering-Hannah-Journey-Through-Loss/dp/B0FY5KFKG3

Have you ever felt like you had to be strong for everyone else… even when your own heart was breaking? Hi, I'm Pam Lundell, and today on A Widow's Heart I'm talking with Deedee Lindelien. Deedee shares honestly about grief, faith, and what it looks like to keep walking forward when life changes in ways you never expected. If you're navigating loss, or learning how to trust God in a difficult season, I think you'll find encouragement in this conversation.

Have you ever answered the question "How are you?" with "I'm fine," but didn't really mean it? HI, I'm Pam Lundell, and on this episode of A Widow's Heart, Darla Nelson shares how God's strength lifted her in the middle of grief. We talk about anxiety, giving yourself permission to grieve, and what it means to truly move from stress and sorrow into peace and purpose. If you are walking through loss or simply feeling overwhelmed, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone. Find Darla's book I'm Fine. Really. here: https://www.amazon.com/Im-Fine-Really-Moving-Anxiety/dp/1949813452

Pastor Londa Lundstrom will help you move through grief with one word that can change your life. She wrote "Living with a YES in your life" just for you!

Loss can change everything in a moment. And when it comes without warning, it can leave you feeling stunned. On this episode of A Widow's Heart, Pam Lundell talks with Annalee, a young widow who shares what it was like to walk through deep grief during an already overwhelming season of life. She opens up about loss, faith, and the quiet ways God met her when she needed Him most. This honest and compassionate conversation is for anyone walking through loss, or for those who love someone who is.

Loss can change everything in a moment. And when it comes without warning, it can leave you feeling stunned. On this episode of A Widow's Heart, Pam Lundell talks with Annalee, a young widow who shares what it was like to walk through deep grief during an already overwhelming season of life. She opens up about loss, faith, and the quiet ways God met her when she needed Him most. This honest and compassionate conversation is for anyone walking through loss, or for those who love someone who is. If you want a slightly shorter, more podcast-store friendly version, here's an alternate description: When loss comes without warning, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed and alone. On this episode of A Widow's Heart, Annalee shares her story of unexpected loss, grief, and the ways God met her in the middle of heartbreak. A hopeful and compassionate conversation for anyone navigating loss or supporting someone who is.

Grief can affect every part of your life. It can change how you feel, how you think, and even how close you feel to God. On this episode of A Widow's Heart, Pam Lundell talks with licensed psychologist and author Audrey Davidheiser about grief and healing after loss. They talk about common emotions many widows experience, including sadness, anger, guilt, and loneliness. Audrey shares gentle encouragement for those who feel tired, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. She offers a compassionate way to understand grief without rushing the process or trying to be strong all the time. This conversation is a reminder that healing takes time and that you are not alone as you walk through grief.

Grieving during the holidays can feel overwhelming, especially when Christmas traditions and family gatherings bring up painful memories. In this heartfelt conversation, host Pam Lundell welcomes life coach and widow advocate Erin Hente to share gentle, practical wisdom for navigating the holiday season with grace, honesty, and hope. Whether you're newly widowed or years into your grief journey, this episode offers encouragement, grounding insights, and simple ways to honor your loved one while caring for your own heart.

Lori Larson Heller is a writer, speaker, fierce ALS advocate, and a widow. She is also the President of the Jim Heller 'End ALS' Memorial Fund. Lori was a previous guest on the podcast (EP 6) and since then has written a book called "Buckle Up" about her life, loss and the power of moving forward. Lori doesn't tell you to "move on" or offer cliches that don't help. She encourages you to emerge stronger, roll down the windows, listen to some tunes and begin to enjoy life again. I hope you are encouraged by her story, humor and faith.

When Rachel Powell lost her husband to suicide at 31, her world fell apart. But in the midst of pain, God met her with healing, purpose, and a new calling to help other widows find hope. In this heartfelt conversation, Rachel and Pam talk about surviving deep loss, breaking the silence around suicide, and discovering life and light again through Christ.