Wife. Widow. Mum. The Shark Attack That Changed Everything.

Follow Katie on Instagram:@fromwifetowidowtomum

In this deeply moving episode, Em sits down with Katie Thompson for an unfiltered conversation about love, loss, and resilience. Katie had just married the love of her life, Tim, and was pregnant with their first child when tragedy struck—Tim was killed in a shark attack while surfing.

Katie opens up about that devastating day, the overwhelming grief that followed, and the complexities of navigating widowhood while raising their daughter, Elka. She shares the harrowing experience of identifying Tim’s body, the conflicting emotions she feels toward sharks, and how she explains his death to their little girl.

We dive into the raw reality of grief—the layers of loss, the pressure to stay strong, and the unexpected ways people cope. Katie reflects on preserving Tim’s memory, finding joy amid heartache, and her mission to support other widows while building a beautiful life for herself and Elka.

This is a conversation about love that never fades, grief that never truly ends, and the courage it takes to keep moving forward.

Takeaways:

• The love story of Katie and Tim before tragedy struck
• The painful process of identifying Tim’s body and processing the unthinkable
• How Katie explains Tim’s death to their daughter and navigates life as a widow
• The emotional complexities of grief—its layers, logistics, and lifelong impact
• Why practical tasks can become coping mechanisms in the aftermath of loss
• The importance of preserving memories and finding meaning after tragedy
• How to truly support someone who is grieving—beyond just words

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced loss, supports someone in grief, or simply wants to hear a story of extraordinary strength and love.

LINKS:

@saltandwhistle

www.saltandwhistle.com