The Merry Widows Podcast: Recent Episodes
YaJagoff Media, LLC
The Merry Widows meet for dinner every Tuesday evening. Some times, they hit a record button on the computer to capture the conversation and a podcast episode is created. A podcast by widows for widows.
It's a vacay recap and fall event planning with 2 special guests, Poker Mary and another Donna! Let's go!
Jan and Linda ascended on New York City... including an attempt to get on the Today Show! How well did it all go? Will NYC be the same since they visited? This is probably going to become your new favorite episode!
Donna made it back just in time to order the pizza, gather with the Merries and settle in for an episode filled with laughter, friendship, and plenty of summertime chatter. From what's happening around town to the everyday adventures that keep life interesting, the conversation flows as easily. Pull up a chair, grab your own slice and sippy-drink, and join the Merry Widows as they catch up and remind us all why good friends are one of life's greatest treasures.
The Merry's have a full weekend coming up but, before that, they recap the NFL Draft coming to town and Linda's meet-up with former Steelers wide receiver, Lynn Swann. No song to end this episode :)
Chocolate and dinner leftovers help the ladies reflect on Easter as and the last podcast guest! And by the way, maybe age a "state of mind!"
The Merries spice things up for dinner.... with a guest! Joan is 93 years young and a widow twice but, you will hear her spice up the episode with her quick quips and humor! Enjoy!
The first episode of 2026 as the ladies catching up including talking about the big snow storm, Donna's driving it the snow storm and what the vacation plans are for this year! At the end, a couple of b-day shoutouts!
It seems to be a fine line between what defines isolation vs. what defines independence... shoveling snow, getting gas in your car.... all of it. And the ladies finish up with a little rendition of Jingle Bells!
The Merries talked about their loved ones that had been veterans initially and then moved on to talk about putting up Christmas trees, decorations, their plans for Thanksgiving and New Years Eve!
2 of the Merries were out sick but we made it work. Time for Iris to review her trip to Chautauqua celebrating her 75th bday and Donna headed to Stuart, Florida! Get better soon Lynn and Jan! Meantime, what will be this year's group Halloween costume?
The Merries are planning.. scheming.. getting ideas for this year's Halloween costumes. Will it be award winning again? And one of them talks about a little trip over the big pond to London.
The Merry's did some separate traveling, some traveling together and then entered themselves into a Sing the Signs contest being held to promote Pittsburgh's Market Square retailers! They sang a parking sign!
Here them discuss their internal "contest" to gather Facebook followers!
The Widows gatthered at Eileen's house for a pasta and meatball dinner. Lots of on-lookers and guests for dinner. Two of the guests, singers Bill Dell and Jack "Johnny Angel" Hunt joined the ladies for a special episode.
This episode was recorded before the big trolley ride. Opening jars... cleaning windows.. helping arond the house... when living alone, who do you call for assistance around the house when you need it?
NOTE: By the time this episode as posed, the trolley ride will have occurred. We're sure that will be a notable episode! Stay tune!
Was it 3 or 4 of the Merries that were sick since the last pod recording? Was there really a "robot" medical assesment? But seriously, who comes to help ya when you live alone and you get sick? Or do you want to be left alone?
A big storm knocked out the power at the Merry's podcast dinner but they were not to be denied! The discussion, in the dark covered their thougths on artificial intelligence!
The Merrys gathered at Eileen's dinner table while Donna was on vacation. They are looking forward to events and inviting all to interact on the Facebook page. The need to do and old-fashioned spring cleaning was discussed and, how, at this age... everything hurts for no good reason!
As you may know from following the Merrys, Jan doesn't typically cook but this week she did! And they had "dippy desserts!"
Jan cooked a 1-pan meal, pork chops, and everyone loved them as they talked about spring and attending the 3WS cruise on April 25th. Hoping to see you all there. Get info HERE.
Between birthday dinners, Lenten fish fry preferences and planning St. Patrick's Day events, the merry widows have their event calendar ALMOST full. They and with a traditional Irish durge!
Donna's dinner prep for this episode was featured on a recent segment of YaJagoff Podcast's Jeet Jet. Watch it here.
The Merries gathered at Jan's house for some ham barbeque.. leftover from what Jan created for some relatives that missed a flight! Then, it was time to have a discussion about fish on Wednesday AND Friday's or just Friday's and which local fish fry had the best fish!
The ladies are back from their '25 cruise and, well, time to reflect on it as they have their usual Tuesday night dinner!
As the Merries gather for a stuff chicken breast dinner, they discuss the concept of "granny pods" and how to take care of things around the house by yourself. But they are also making plans for their February cruise and looking forward to Gallentine's Day events.
Are ya feelin' lousy with the winter blues/chill? The Merry Widows are the perfect picker-upper. The Merries also reflect on the turn of the new year!
"The Merries" get together to chat about the upcoming Holidays. Is it "the most wonderful time of the year" for everyone? The ladies chat about how to get through and, of course end with a sigature rendition of that Christmas song classing, "Most Wonderful Time!"
A small crowd of the Merries gathered at Donna's house for this episode but what a great convo. Is there such a thing as being single too long i.e. stuck in your habits and routines and settled in to being single that partnering up with someone or even falling in love is out too difficult?
Are you a grandparent raising your grandchildren? The Merry Widows gathered at Jan's house and invited a special guest to the podcast recording. The special guest, Ange Pringle is a widow (2005) and also lost her daughter, (2020). Both were losses to drug overdose. The widows and Ange talk about the various grieving processes associated with drug addiction and her grandparent Facebook support group.
The group also turn the subject matter to their $150 prize for their group Halloween costume!
Celebrating birthdays for Iris and Lynne at Andora's Restaurant, prepping for fall and the February cruise are all in this episode and the ladies finish with the song, "Spooky!"
Shout out to their server who put their tangerine cocktails into to-go soup containers! She knew about the Merry's priorities.
As the Merry Widows head into fall, they remind everyone about the February cruise but also remind everyone about the upcoming cold weather and holidays that can lead to some feelings loneliness. It’s time to be aware of those thoughts for yourself as well as your friends. Lynnie, pops up and leads the Merrie’s in a version of Nat King Cole’s “Unforgetable.”
The Widows headed to the theater to see a movie… but it was the WRONG theater! They also took in a Pittsburgh Pirates game on the same weekend. At some point, Bloody Mary cocktails were in order because there’s no rest for the Merries! Time to plan their trip to Conneaut Lake in Western Pennsylvania to see an Eagles tribute band.
After a nice, homemade salmon dinner at Eileen's the ladies talk about their plans for the rest of the summer which includes a cruise on a Pittsburgh pontoon boat. But wait, that's not it... there's a Carribean cruise in February! All aboard!!
As the ladies gathered at Jan's for pizza, they continued to talk details of their Conneaut Lake trip in August, encourage everyone to get info about the February cruise and.... give details of their dinner at one of Pittsburgh's great italian restaurants, Alla Famiglia. Yes, they were treated like royalty!!!! The real special treatment.
The ladies get together for the first time in 3-4 weeks because everyone has been busy. This episode, they are talking about summer plans... including them going to Conneaut Lake for a weekend. They also give some editorial about people taking dogs on planes! Someone is going to come up with a get-rich scheme!
The ladies gathered to talk about spring and summer plans! Elileen says, "Its not every day you get applesauce and a little hickey!" :) A spring dance, espresso martinis and a party plan are all up for discussion on this episode.
The widows get together at Jan's house to get updated while Donna is visiting family. The big debate ends up being the propper pronunciation of the Pittsburgh resetaurant, Scoglio's!
The ladies took the show on the road....quite literally. The headed to the north suburbs of Pittsburgh to a fantastic place called Flour Power. Amy Knight, owner/operator of Flour Power in Allison Park, Pa, welcomed the ladies and some of their followers. They recorded the week's podcast and then made a great dessert, had a few libations and some great conversations.
Eileen REALLY enjoys herself a few sips of espresso martini as the ladies reflect on the last couple of weekend outings, an upcoming event at Flour Power in Allison Park and... a little Irish durge to prepare for St. Patrick's Day.
The ladies had Kentucky Fried Chicken for dinner because Jan doesn't cook on her night. But, they had some drinks and, Isaly's Ice Cream gave them a new flavor of ice cream to taste... Vanilla Chocolate Chip ... where the chips are chocolate "jimmies!" This one gets a little wild as Eileen drops the ice cream into her drink!
The ladies get together over dinner, as usual, and talk about their latest trip but then announce a cruise for 2O25. Who's going? Meantime, there's a dance coming up in West View on February 1Oth.
The ladies review their night at a New Year's Eve party... seemed like the music was geared toward couples vs. groups. Does that frustrate them? Does that frustrate you?
The ladies are only 6 for this episode but, they take some time to talk about their Christmas party gifts, what they're planing as gifts for others... one might actually be a toilet... and prepping of New Years Eve!
The ladies got together to talk about hanging out at a couple of local fundraisers and then turned their discussion to who is most prepared for the Holiday... shopping, wrapping and decorating!
The widows set down for a chicken dinner prepared by Donna and reflected on events. They were part of the Made In Pgh "Great Yinzer Tailgate" at South Pointe Town Center. They even took part in a "yinzer olympics" set of games. All of this was to raise money for the Mel Blount Youth Home. They are about to head out to see Johnny Angel and the Halos on the Saturday after Thankgiving.. you're invited AND.... in '24 they are headed to Antigua. If you want to make the trip with them, message and we will get you in touch with the travel professional.
Over a few espresso martini's after a great dinner at Jan's house, the ladies talk about Halloween traditions. Are you a dresser-upper or are you blah about Halloween? Which one of the widows is the Halloween "Grinch?"
As we head into Fall, the Merry Widows reflect on who all decorates for fall, halloween, Thanksgiving and the Holidays. Some do and some don't. One thing that they all do, is take care of each other and, that's what they suggest that you do! Make sure that you stay in touch with your friends who may be going through a tough time but may not say anything to you.
The widows recap their weekend trip to Conneaut Lake and talk about their second meet and greet coming up at the end of September. But in between, they talk about how they all define "self care" a little differently and take care of themselves a little differently while looking out for each other.
On this episodes, the Merry Widows met at Eileen's house to eat a garden fresh meal! They have been asked by numerous folks about starting their own group like the Merry Widows. Each have a few thoughts. Also, there's another meet-n-greet at Denny Park in Ross Township on September thirtieth. It is BYOE.. Bring your own everything... drinks, food, setups and the MWs will bring the smiles and convos!
Are you fexible when it comes to life changes? How flexible are you? The merry widows discuss the idea of adapating to change in this episode
The ladies gathered to recap the weekend's activities as well as Donna and Jan's TV breakthrough to stardom on Talk Pittsburgh with Heather Abraham. They talk about their "behind the scenes" and green room experience. Finally, the ladies are gearing up for the big meet and greet and Papa J's. Hoping you can join us!
Instead of a Tuesday night dinner, the Merry Widows gathered at Donna's house following Sunday mass. The reflect on the importance of mass in their lives and also the importance of Sunday rituals such as Sunday dinners.
First, the Merry Widows reflect on their latest trip and Donna's driving habits! Then, the discuss the past as far as being the organizers of events, vacations, etc and how that part of their life is missing. However, being part of the Merry Widows fills that void in a way as they're seemingly always planning trips.
When is it an OK time to clean out your spouse's personal items? The ladies have some fantastic experiences and thoughts on keeping the memories alive from personal items to stories.
The Merry Widows welcome a guest to dinner and the podcast recording. Patty Murphy has been a widow for 5 years. The ladies discuss the phrases and comforting comments that folks use at the time of death.
Some of the Merry Widows traveled to catch some sun and have some fun. While they were away, those left back in Pittsburgh missed their cohorts. But, what about traveling after your significant has passed.... even to a place that was YOUR place or a dream-to-go-to place? Is it normal to feel guility but happy at the same time?
In this first episode of 2023, the Merry Widows discuss dating, the use of dating apps and what happens if one of them finds a date.
The Merry Widows, minus 2 of them due to illness, gathered to reflect on each other. Why do the lean on each other? Each one at the table talks about the person, at the table, to their right! I;s a sentimental episode but one that will possibly help you reflect on who your GALentine might be!
The Merry Widows are back together for the new year. The reflect on how the podcast has helped them stay close and what, if any, should be the new mission for '23. But, there's a story about a guy with a kilt and someone trying to verify the storied question... does a man wear underwear under his kilt?
Donna and the rest of the girls reflect on the subtle sadness moments that can creep up during the holidays. They talk about who they lean on for support and Donna reflects on how she is currently supporting a friend whose mother recently passed away. And, of course, we end it with a seasonal salutation!
Stay tuned for more information on the first Merry Widows meet-and-greet in upcoming podcasts and on the The Merry Widows Facebook page.
The winter holidays will never be the same. Not matter how long it has been since a passing, holidays seem to dredge up emotions and the Merry Widows are glad that they have each other. They know who, from their group, is going to have a tough time and can be proactive in calling each other.
The ladies discuss their losses.. were they sudden or over time? Do the ladies miss their diceased mates and does the grief ever get easier?
The ladies discuss their losses.. were they sudden or over time? Do the ladies miss their diceased mates and does the grief ever get easier?
First.. the ladies recap the weekend. Then they chat about how to stay busy, including Iris getting a new job.. but not full time! They talk about having each other to rely on.
One thing the Merry Widows talk about, regularly, is the closeness and bond that they have between each other and how it is not necessarily 1OO% fullfilling. That's because the loved ones that they have lost were there soulmates. Is one able to find a second soulmate?
The ladies had an interloper this week! PR specialist, Colin, stopped by to interview the ladies for their first press pitch! Yes... they gave him all of the scoop...including who the best cook is! Of course, the seranade Colin with a song too!
The girls get back together to talk about what they all did over the long July 4th weekend. A discussion of intimacy ensues. What is it? How do each define it? How do they manage carrying on life without it?
The Merry Widows have had a few members off ill or taking care of family that had been ill. Some were even traveling so they are back together again and reflecting on Father's Day and who takes care of THEM when they are sick since they don't have spouses.
After the ladies talk about their Kentucky Derby winnings and non-winnings, including their homemade hats, they tell the story of how the Merry Widows Wagon came to be and, to add some color to the story, how they all get in and pile out of it!
As you transition to "widow life," you may have to pick up certain required life tasks that you never did before.. paying the bills, putting laundry away and washing the car. The Merry Widows share stories and, of course, you know there are a couple of odd ones in there!
A recent Dr. Phil episode talked about a group of women who interact with each other regularly. Based on that, the Merry Widows talk about how the group started and why the group is relevant to each of them today.
After the ladies reflect on their Lenten Friday Fish.. the ended up with leaving a local pub at 12:3Oam, the reflected on new hobbies that they have attempted.. including a lemon cheesecake and Zumba classes,
The Merry Widows recap the weekend of eating such at the Penn Avenue Fish Market and then discuss memories.. like watching football or other activities that their spouses used to do regularly.
"Lean on me" is the theme for this episode. The Merry Widows reflect on their individual strengths as women but also their cohesive strength as a group of very close friends who are honest and straightforward with each other.
Is music a savior for the soul and memories or does it make you sad? Dancing, singing, drinking wine... music is key to many emotions.
The ladies went out for dinner and drinks and then came home and sat around the fireplace recapping. Oh, and one of them gets a surprise for her upcoming seventeith bday!
The Merry Widows talk about living alone.. security, dogs, regular contact with kids and siblings and cooking for one. But, before that, Donna and Eileen did some dog sitting in Chicago while some of the others spent the weekend out with Bob (The Bartender).
The Merry Widows talk about the "firsts." The first year is difficult. Adjusting to being alone varies between individuals. But, before they address the "firsts,", the talk about attending their first Halloween themed wedding in the Merry Widows Wagon!
After a review of hanging out at the V.F.W. and a few stories about a road trip, and a guy "falling" for Jan, The Merry Widows talk about the various phases of grief. Where are each of them on the grief spectrum? How did they move forward? Do they ever slip backward?
We were so happy with the practice recording, we decided to publish it. What do we have to lose? We are the proud Merry Widows of Pittsburgh and happy to be on the internet with our stories.