The Widow Empowerment Project

The Widow Empowerment Project

Based in the Philadelphia-metro area, Prepared Retirement Institute is a fee-only financial planning firm comprised of advisors who serve as ‘Chief Financial Officer’ for high-net-worth members of the widowed community, business owners, individuals & families across the country. We know that every investor’s journey is deeply unique so our advisors utilize a collaborative investment philosophy that emphasizes a team approach to decision making, empowering our members to confidently navigate the complexities of retirement planning and financial security. Advisor-Client partnerships also include a dedicated Relationship Manager who provides white glove concierge-level service, ensuring any ask of our members is minimal (including paperwork). Visit our website preparedretirementinstitute.com to learn more or book a call here.

Episodes

Defining Trusts with Ashley Han (Ep. 13)

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, M...
Mark as Played

Estate Planning Essentials for Widows (Ep. 12)

February 5, 2025 • 34 mins
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, an...
Mark as Played

Planning for Peace: Estate Planning Made Simple with Ashley Han (Ep. 11)

January 10, 2025 • 30 mins
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 pla...
Mark as Played

Life After Loss: How Brave Widow Helps Women Rebuild with Emily Tanner (Ep. 10)

December 11, 2024 • 21 mins
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 su...
Mark as Played

Empowered Grief: Navigating Loss and Rebuilding Life with Support with Claire Drexler (Ep. 9)

October 21, 2024 • 35 mins
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 indi...
Mark as Played

Supporting Widows with Dignity: The Role of In-Home Care with Mandy Delp (Ep. 8)

October 2, 2024 • 37 mins
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

Funeral Planning and Preparation with Licensed Funeral Director, Mike McDonald (Ep. 7)

August 26, 2024 • 31 mins
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

The Travis Manion Foundation – Finding Healing Through Service to Others (Ep. 6)

August 5, 2024 • 19 mins
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

An Unexpected Loss: Finding Support as a Gold Star Spouse, with Lauren Tella (Ep. 5)

July 15, 2024 • 24 mins
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

Building Your Support Network with Crisis Navigation Partner, Debra Woog (Ep. 4)

July 1, 2024 • 26 mins
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

From Loss to Legacy: Introducing Your Host, Andy Dziedzic (Ep. 3)

June 17, 2024 • 22 mins
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 ...
Mark as Played

Grief and Trauma Therapy With Jennifer McCarron (Ep. 2)

June 17, 2024 • 31 mins
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

Building a Community with Michele Neff Hernandez (Ep. 1)

June 17, 2024 • 30 mins
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

The Widow Empowerment Project Coming Soon

June 10, 2024 • 39 secs
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

    New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

    New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

    Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!

    The Breakfast Club

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    Fudd Around And Find Out

    Fudd Around And Find Out

    UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!

    Dateline NBC

    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

    24/7 News: The Latest

    24/7 News: The Latest

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

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

Connect

Explore

iHeart

Live Radio

Podcasts

Artist Radio

Exclusives

News

Features

Events

Contests

Photos

Information

About

Advertise

Blog

Brand Guidelines

Contest Guidelines

Subscription Offers

Jobs

Get the App

Automotive

Home

Mobile

Wearables

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.