
#99 - Debbie Weiss
03/11/24 • 63 min
In this episode of Widowed AF, Rosie talks with Debbie Weiss, a widow who lost her husband George to male breast cancer in 2013 after nearly 40 years together. Debbie opens up about the extreme isolation she felt after George's death, as they had no children and little family support. She shares how George shut her out of his medical care as he struggled to accept his terminal diagnosis
However, Debbie made the courageous choice to rebuild her life step-by-step. After a time she tentatively dipped into the often funny but challenging world of online dating as an older widow, an experience she hilariously recounts in her book "Available As Is: A Midlife Widow's Search for Love." Debbie persevered through many disappointing dates until finally meeting her current partner of five years.
She emphasises that despite the devastation of losing a spouse, there is hope if you choose to move forward. Debbie found new joy by joining social groups, getting a graduate degree, and ultimately buying her dream home by the water. Her inspiring story shows that with courage and perseverance, widows can rediscover hope, happiness and even love again.
For more information about Debbie' s Book can be found at https://debbieweissauthor.com/
Connect with Us:
- Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
- Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
- Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
- Watch on (YouTube)
In this episode of Widowed AF, Rosie talks with Debbie Weiss, a widow who lost her husband George to male breast cancer in 2013 after nearly 40 years together. Debbie opens up about the extreme isolation she felt after George's death, as they had no children and little family support. She shares how George shut her out of his medical care as he struggled to accept his terminal diagnosis
However, Debbie made the courageous choice to rebuild her life step-by-step. After a time she tentatively dipped into the often funny but challenging world of online dating as an older widow, an experience she hilariously recounts in her book "Available As Is: A Midlife Widow's Search for Love." Debbie persevered through many disappointing dates until finally meeting her current partner of five years.
She emphasises that despite the devastation of losing a spouse, there is hope if you choose to move forward. Debbie found new joy by joining social groups, getting a graduate degree, and ultimately buying her dream home by the water. Her inspiring story shows that with courage and perseverance, widows can rediscover hope, happiness and even love again.
For more information about Debbie' s Book can be found at https://debbieweissauthor.com/
Connect with Us:
- Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
- Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
- Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
- Watch on (YouTube)
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#98 - Chatty
This episode explores the vital importance of self-care and finding healthy outlets to recharge, especially for widowed parents dealing with grief while raising children. Rosie and John discuss taking breaks when needed, whether it's spending a night alone at a hotel or engaging in hobbies and activities that allow you to temporarily remove yourself from the pressures of parenting. They emphasise not feeling guilty about prioritising your own wellbeing, and not judging others' self-care practices. Throughout, the message is clear - as a widowed parent, you cannot pour from an empty cup, so making time for your own emotional, mental and physical needs is essential, not selfish.
#selfcare #widowedparenting #griefandloss #parentalwellbeing #recharging #emotionalhealth #mentalhealth #prioritizingyourself #breaksfromparenting #findingbalance
Connect with Us:
- Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
- Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
- Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
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Next Episode

#100 - Chatty
⭐️ Episode 100!!!! ⭐️
This landmark episode ends Season 1, and we are so grateful to everyone who has listened to and supported the show, and the legacy that’s been created for those we have lost. There is power in these shared conversations and Season 2 is preparing to launch. As long as you keep listening we will keep talking!
Alongside me (Rosie) and Jon (the alive husband) you will hear from some previous guests, and former co-host Lulu joins us for a catch up on what life looks like for her now.
To date we have spoken to over 50 guests, they have courageously shared their pain, and their secrets, demonstrating an incredible determination to survive the worst days of their lives. This episode is for them, I remain humbled by their bravery.
Thank you for listening, and for being part of this incredible adventure.
(Widstock tickets and merch are now available at www.widowedaf.com)
Connect with Us:
- Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
- Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
- Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
- Watch on (YouTube)
Widowed AF: Real stories of love, grief and beyond - With Rosie Gill-Moss - #99 - Debbie Weiss
Transcript
hello and a very warm welcome back to Widowed AF. You're here with your host, that's me, Rosie Gilmoss, and joining me all the way at 5am in the morning from California is Debbie Weiss. Hello Debbie.
Debbie WeissHello, Rosie.
Rosie Gill-MossUm, thank you so much for joining us today. Now. I know a little about your story because you sent me an applicat
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