Sudden Loss of a Spouse: What Helps, What Hurts, and How to Show Up with Heidi Dunstan

What do you say to someone who’s grieving—when you’re afraid of saying the wrong thing?

In this episode, I’m joined by Heidi Dunstan, a certified grief educator, to talk about the real-life impact of sudden loss, what widows and grievers actually need, and why so many people disappear when grief enters the room.

Heidi shares her personal story of losing her husband suddenly just two days after Christmas and the day before her 40th birthday—and how that experience revealed how unprepared most people are to support someone in grief.

We talk about:

• Why people avoid grievers (and how to have the courage to show up anyway)

• What to say when you don’t have the words

• What NOT to say (and why common platitudes can cause real harm)

• How to offer support in practical, specific ways (not “call me if you need anything”)

• How judgment shows up in grief—and what true compassion looks like

If you’re grieving, supporting someone who is, or you’ve ever frozen up unsure of what to do—this conversation will help you show up with more confidence, care, and humanity. Because grief doesn’t need fixing. It needs presence.