The Widow Empowerment Project

The Widow Empowerment Project

In the wake of losing a life partner, finding a path through devastating grief – while also managing financial responsibilities and estate complexities – can be overwhelmingly challenging. Becoming a member of the widowed community instantly creates complex transactions and emotions that we’re (often) unprepared to deal with. Other than expensive estate attorneys, where does one turn for comprehensive guidance when countless critical decisions need to be made quickly? The Widow Empowerment Project aims to be the go-to resource for anyone who has lost a life partner, whether newly widowed or years into the journey. Our podcast is dedicated to helping all members of the widowed community navigate the terrain of their new reality by bringing together a community of guest speakers and library of resources in one centralized location. Listen in as host Andy Dziedzic, MBA discusses actionable advice with expert professionals in the financial, legal, and wellness fields, along with leaders from highly-respected community support agencies, like Soaring Spirits International, The Travis Manion Foundation, and more. Please contact hello@pri-llc.com with inquiries. — Hosted by Andrew Dziedzic, MBA Produced by Prepared Retirement Institute and ProudMouth Executive Producer | Megan LeBarron Assistant Producer | Nicole Floro Prepared Retirement Institute and the Widow Empowerment Project do not provide specific tax/legal advice and this information should not be considered as such. You should always consult your tax/legal advisor regarding your own specific tax/legal situation. Investment Advisory Services provided by Prepared Retirement Institute, LLC. Prepared Retirement Privacy Policy | Prepared Retirement CRS By clicking on the referenced links, you are leaving the website of Prepared Retirement Institute. In doing so, you assume total responsibility and risk for the use of the site to which you are linking. At Prepared Retirement Institute, we believe success is found through education and proactive preparation.

Episodes

March 4, 2025 29 mins
What role do trusts play in securing a future for your loved ones?  Andy Dziedzic, joined by co-host Megan LeBarron and guest Ashley Han, an esteemed trust professional from High Point Law Offices, delves into the significance of trusts in estate planning. With over 20 years of legal experience, Ashley offers invaluable insights into the world of trusts and how they can protect and manage your assets effectively. Listen as Andy, Me...
Mark as Played
What will your legacy say about you?  Andy Dziedzic and Megan LeBarron dig deep into estate planning essentials that widows and anyone serious about their financial health can’t afford to overlook. Join in as they discuss practical steps for ensuring financial clarity and control, even in trying times. With a focus on empowerment, Andy and Megan introduce actionable resources like their pre-planning checklists estate summaries, and...
Mark as Played
What would happen to your loved ones if you weren’t here tomorrow? In this episode of The Widow Empowerment Project, Andy Dziedzic and Megan LeBarron are joined by estate planning professional Ashley Han to address something we all know we need to do but often put off—getting our plans in order. Ashley breaks it down in simple terms, covering the must-haves like wills and powers of attorney, plus other options like trusts and plann...
Mark as Played
Grief changes everything—but what if it could also ignite a path to purpose? In this episode of The Widow Empowerment Project, Andy Dziedzic and Megan LeBarron welcome Emily Tanner, who shares her personal story of loss and how it inspired her to create Brave Widow, a transformative community for widows navigating life after loss. Brave Widow isn’t just about healing—it’s about empowering widows with practical tools, emotional supp...
Mark as Played
Grief is a deeply personal journey, but with the right support, it becomes more manageable, offering comfort in life’s toughest moments. In this episode, Andy Dziedzic and Megan LeBarron speak with Claire Drexler, a licensed clinical social worker and grief educator from the Center for Loss and Bereavement. Claire discusses a holistic approach to grief counseling and the wide range of services offered by the Center, including indiv...
Mark as Played
When faced with grief, illness, or the loss of a loved one, finding the right support can make all the difference.  Mandy Delp, a caregiving expert from Home Helpers, joins host Andy Dziedzic and co-host Megan LeBarron to discuss how compassionate in-home care can provide vital assistance for widows and families during life’s most challenging moments. Mandy shares the mission of Home Helpers, which offers personalized, non-medical ...
Mark as Played
End of life planning is a sensitive (and often uncomfortable) topic that is easy to avoid, yet it stands as one of the most profound gifts you can give to your loved ones.  In this episode, Andy Dziedzic, MBA, is joined by co-host Megan LeBarron, Director of Financial Planning at Prepared Retirement Institute. Together they sit down with Mike McDonald, a licensed funeral director at Scanlin-McDonald Funeral Home with 25 years of ex...
Mark as Played
What if your deepest pain could be transformed into your life’s greatest purpose? Losing a life partner is a profound and disorienting experience that can leave one grappling with feelings of intense anger and sadness.  Those emotions can create a paralysis that prevents us from moving forward or be the catalyst that forces us to reevaluate our entire lives.   In this episode of the Widow Empowerment Project, host Andy Dziedzic wel...
Mark as Played
The concept of widowhood seems like something only those in their twilight years should face.  Whenever this unexpected change might happen – earlier in life, or later – it can leave a person feeling lost, shocked and without direction. Thankfully, guidance exists for those who need it and the loved ones who support them. Join Andy Dziedzic as he sits down with Lauren Tella, Accredited Financial Counselor® and Gold Star Spouse, to ...
Mark as Played
Losing a loved one is a difficult milestone that often evolves into a crisis situation.  Frequently, many extremely important decisions need to be made quickly, under intense pressure and emotion.  Without an adequate support network of friends, family, and professionals, completing even simple tasks can seem insurmountable.  Join Andy Dziedzic, MBA as he talks with Debra Woog, a Crisis Navigation Partner® with over 30 years of exp...
Mark as Played
In the wake of losing a loved one, finding a path through the grief while managing financial responsibilities (among other estate complexities) can be overwhelmingly challenging. The Widow Empowerment Project aims to solve that problem. In this episode, you’ll learn everything you need to know about your host, Andy Dziedzic and the inspiration behind the Widow Empowerment Project Podcast. You’ll hear about Andy’s profound journey o...
Mark as Played
Complex emotions often accompany grief, and therapy can provide a safe space to express feelings such as sadness, anger, guilt, and loneliness. A therapist acts as a strategic guide through the healing process, offering empathy, understanding, and validation.  In this episode, Andy Dziedzic sits down with Jennifer McCarron, LMFT – a marriage and family therapist with over 30 years of experience to discuss effective coping strategie...
Mark as Played
Navigating life after the loss of a life partner is full of challenges – emotional, practical, financial.  Facing those challenges while grieving can be overwhelming and finding practical support feels impossible.  Join Andy Dziedzic as he sits down with Michele Neff Hernandez, the CEO of Soaring Spirits International, whose unique journey through widowhood after the tragic loss of her husband led her to create a beacon of hope for...
Mark as Played
Welcome to The Widow Empowerment Project, with CEO and Senior Wealth Planner for Prepared Retirement Institute, Andy Dziedzic. This podcast is committed to helping widows and widowers alike navigate the new complexities of their evolving financial journey with understanding, ease, and compassion. After the loss of his mother, Andy witnessed his step-father struggle to navigate the financial landscape, and he came to the stark reali...
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Good Hang with Amy Poehler

    Come hang with Amy Poehler. Each week on her podcast, she'll welcome celebrities and fun people to her studio. They'll share stories about their careers, mutual friends, shared enthusiasms, and most importantly, what's been making them laugh. This podcast is not about trying to make you better or giving advice. Amy just wants to have a good time.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.