Widowed AF
In 2018, Rosie Gill-Moss’s life changed forever. Her husband, Ben, died suddenly in a scuba diving accident, leaving her widowed at 37 with three young children. Overnight, she found herself in a world that seemed to have no roadmaps for the reality she faced. Conversations about grief felt shallow or filled with empty platitudes, and practical guidance was hard to find.
Rosie created Widowed AF because she knew others were out there, feeling just as lost and alone. She wanted a place where people could talk openly about grief, share their experiences, and find support without judgment or sugar-coating. What started as a way to process her own loss has grown into a global community, providing honest conversations about what it really means to lose someone you love.
Each episode of Widowed AF focuses on real-life stories, bringing in guests who share their unvarnished experiences with grief and loss. Topics include the practical side of widowhood—managing finances, raising grieving children, or navigating a new identity—as well as the deeply personal challenges of coping with anger, loneliness, and even the unexpected moments of joy. Rosie also invites professionals, advocates, and others who offer useful perspectives for listeners trying to rebuild their lives.
At its core, the podcast exists to show that while grief is deeply personal, it’s also a shared experience. Widowed AF isn’t about offering easy answers—it’s about helping people feel less alone and providing tools and stories that might help them along the way.
Widowed AF
S2 - EP21 - What About The Children - Otis Middleton
Episode Overview
In this episode of the "What About The Children" series, host Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Otis Middleton, who shares his experience of losing his father to cancer at the age of seven. Otis discusses the impact of his father's death on his life, his feelings surrounding the loss, and the importance of open conversations about grief.
Key Discussion Points
Childhood Memories: Otis reflects on his close relationship with his father and shares memories of visiting him in the hospital, highlighting the innocence of childhood during such a difficult time.
The Day of Loss: He recounts being taken out of class to be informed of his father's death, describing his immediate emotional response and the confusion that followed.
Support Systems: The episode discusses the support he received from teachers and friends at school, including how his classmates were informed and the kindness they showed him.
Coping Mechanisms: Otis shares how he coped with his grief, including moments of hiding his emotions and the comfort he found in drawing and spending time with family.
Open Dialogue: The importance of discussing feelings and memories of his father is emphasised, as Otis expresses that he is not afraid to talk about his dad and values the memories they share.
Related Episodes in the Series
Jess Yeldon: Discusses her experience of losing her father at a young age and the long-term effects of grief.
Stephanie Dixon: Shares her story of losing her father to suicide and the impact it had on her childhood and family dynamics.
Roisin Aldridge: Talks about her experience of losing her father just before her 10th birthday and the importance of support from peers and family.
Otis's story serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health and grief openly. By sharing his experiences, he hopes to encourage others to have conversations about loss and seek support when needed.
Connect with Us:
- Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
- Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
- Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
- Watch on (YouTube)
