Dating after Loss Speakers

A dating after loss speaker is someone who guides audiences through the emotional and practical complexities of reentering the dating world after the death of a partner. They blend expertise in grief, relationships, and personal development to help people navigate a deeply sensitive transition.

These speakers might come from a range of backgrounds - therapists, authors, coaches, or individuals with lived experience. What unites them is their focus: helping people understand that it's okay to seek love again, and offering tools to do so with compassion for themselves and others.

Unlike general relationship coaches, dating after loss speakers address the unique emotional terrain that comes with bereavement. They talk about guilt, identity shifts, family dynamics, and even societal judgment. Some may also touch on spiritual or cultural perspectives around love and loss.

In virtual summits, podcasts, or workshops, these speakers often combine storytelling with actionable advice. They might share frameworks for emotional readiness, communication strategies for new partners, or ways to honor a late spouse while moving forward.

Ultimately, a dating after loss speaker helps normalize a journey that's often filled with conflicting emotions. They offer validation, guidance, and hope - not by pushing people to move on, but by helping them move forward on their own terms.

When someone loses a partner, the idea of dating again can feel like a betrayal, a minefield, or just plain impossible. That's where a dating after loss speaker becomes essential - not as a cheerleader, but as a guide through uncharted emotional territory.

Grief doesn't follow a timeline, and neither does healing. A dating after loss speaker helps people understand that their feelings - whether of guilt, fear, or desire - are valid. They offer a space where it's safe to ask, "Is it too soon?" or "Will anyone understand my story?"

In many communities, especially where grief is still taboo or misunderstood, these speakers play a crucial role in breaking silence. They challenge outdated narratives that say you only get one great love, or that moving forward means forgetting. This is especially important in cultures where widowhood carries social stigma or isolation.

From a practical standpoint, they also help people rebuild confidence. Whether it's learning how to talk about your past on a first date, or navigating blended families, dating after loss speakers provide tools that are both emotional and strategic.

And for event hosts, summits, or podcasts, bringing in a speaker on this topic sends a powerful message: that your platform values emotional depth, real conversations, and inclusive healing. It's not just about finding love again - it's about making space for the full human experience.

Dating after loss speakers serve a unique function in the personal development and relationship space - they help people navigate the intersection of grief and new beginnings. Here's a breakdown of what they actually do:

1. Educate and Normalize
- They explain the emotional stages of grieving and how they intersect with dating readiness.
- They help audiences understand that it's okay to feel conflicted - to miss someone deeply and still want companionship.

2. Share Personal or Professional Insights
- Some speakers draw from personal journeys of losing a partner and finding love again.
- Others bring clinical or coaching expertise, offering evidence-based approaches to healing and connection.

3. Offer Practical Tools
- They provide frameworks like "emotional readiness checklists" or communication scripts for talking about a late spouse with a new partner.
- Some may lead exercises or journaling prompts to help participants explore their own readiness.

4. Facilitate Conversations
- In live events or summits, they often host Q&A sessions, workshops, or panels.
- They create safe spaces for people to share stories, ask questions, and feel less alone.

5. Advocate for Compassionate Dialogue
- They challenge societal assumptions about grief and love.
- They promote inclusive language and diverse experiences, acknowledging that grief and dating look different across cultures, ages, and identities.

In short, dating after loss speakers don't just talk - they teach, support, and empower. Whether on stage, in a podcast, or through a virtual summit, they help people reclaim their right to love again, without shame or pressure.

If you're thinking about becoming a dating after loss speaker, you're stepping into a space that blends vulnerability with empowerment. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started and build credibility in this niche:

1. Define Your Core Message.
- What unique perspective do you bring to the table? Maybe you've navigated dating after losing a spouse, or you've coached others through it. Clarify your story and the transformation you want to help others achieve.
- Tip: Focus on one key takeaway per talk. For example, 'How to love again without guilt' or 'Rebuilding confidence after grief.'

2. Build Your Expertise.
- You don't need a PhD, but you do need credibility. That can come from lived experience, certifications (like grief counseling or relationship coaching), or case studies from your work.
- Consider joining grief recovery groups or relationship coaching communities to deepen your insights.

3. Create a Speaker Page.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to set up a professional speaker profile. Include a bio, headshot, talk topics, testimonials, and a short video of you speaking.
- Pro tip: Add a downloadable one-sheet with your speaking topics and contact info for event organizers.

4. Connect with Hosts and Event Planners.
- Reach out to podcast hosts, virtual summit organizers, and grief support networks. Use Talks.co to get matched with relevant opportunities.
- Start small: local grief groups, online webinars, or guest podcast spots are great entry points.

5. Practice and Polish Your Talk.
- Record yourself, get feedback, and refine your delivery. Focus on clarity, empathy, and actionable advice.
- Join a speaker mastermind or Toastmasters group to sharpen your skills.

Becoming a dating after loss speaker is about showing up with authenticity and offering hope. Start where you are, and grow from there.

Being a dating after loss speaker requires more than just a compelling story. It's about combining personal insight with professional delivery, and offering real value to your audience. Let's break it down:

First, you need a clear and authentic message. This niche is emotionally charged, so your story must be both relatable and respectful. Whether you've personally experienced loss or supported others through it, your perspective should be grounded in empathy and transformation.

Second, you'll need communication skills. Speaking about dating after loss involves navigating sensitive topics like grief, guilt, and vulnerability. You don't have to be a polished TED speaker, but you should be able to engage an audience with clarity and compassion. Training in public speaking or storytelling can be a game changer.

Third, credibility matters. This could come from professional credentials (like being a certified grief counselor or relationship coach), or from your lived experience and the results you've helped others achieve. Testimonials, case studies, or media appearances can all help build trust.

Fourth, you'll want a platform. That includes a speaker page-ideally on a site like Talks.co-where event organizers can find you, see your topics, and book you. A short speaker reel or video clip is also essential to showcase your delivery style.

Finally, you need a network. Connect with podcast hosts, summit organizers, and grief support communities. The more visible you are, the more likely you'll be invited to speak. Talks.co is a great way to get matched with hosts looking for speakers in your niche.

In short, to be a dating after loss speaker, you need a mix of authenticity, communication skills, credibility, visibility, and connection.

Yes, dating after loss speakers can and do get paid-but how much and how often depends on several factors. Let's break it down:

First, the demand for this niche is growing. As more people seek support after loss, especially in the wake of global events like the pandemic, there's a rising need for speakers who can address grief, healing, and re-entering the dating world. That said, not every event has a budget.

Here are a few scenarios:

- Free gigs with high visibility: Podcasts, virtual summits, or nonprofit events may not pay, but they offer exposure and lead generation.
- Paid speaking engagements: Conferences, corporate wellness programs, or dating industry events may offer speaker fees ranging from $500 to $5,000 depending on your experience.
- Workshops and trainings: Hosting your own events or being hired by grief support organizations can lead to consistent income.

Pros:
- Builds authority and visibility.
- Opens doors to coaching, book deals, and media appearances.
- Can be scaled with digital products or group programs.

Cons:
- Not all gigs are paid.
- Emotional labor can be high.
- Requires ongoing marketing and networking.

So yes, dating after loss speakers do get paid-but often it's part of a broader income strategy, not a standalone revenue stream.

Dating after loss speakers generate income in a variety of ways, often combining multiple streams to build a sustainable business. Here's a breakdown of the most common revenue models:

1. Paid Speaking Engagements
- Conferences, retreats, and summits focused on grief, relationships, or personal development often pay speakers. Rates vary based on experience, audience size, and event budget.
- Example: A grief recovery summit may pay $1,000 for a keynote plus travel expenses.

2. Workshops and Group Programs
- Many speakers host their own virtual or in-person workshops. These can be one-day intensives or multi-week programs.
- Example: A 6-week group coaching program on 'Dating After Loss' priced at $497 per participant.

3. One-on-One Coaching
- Speakers often offer private coaching to individuals navigating dating after loss. This can be a high-ticket service.
- Example: $150 per session or $1,200 for a 3-month package.

4. Books and Digital Products
- Publishing a book or creating a course can generate passive income.
- Example: An eBook titled 'Loving Again: A Guide to Dating After Loss' sold for $19.99.

5. Affiliate Marketing and Sponsorships
- Speakers with a strong online presence can earn through affiliate links or brand partnerships.
- Example: Partnering with a dating app or grief support platform.

6. Talks.co and Other Platforms
- Using Talks.co, speakers can get booked for virtual events, podcasts, and summits. Some hosts pay a fee, while others offer exposure and lead generation.

In short, dating after loss speakers often blend speaking with coaching, content creation, and partnerships to build a diversified income model.

The income of dating after loss speakers varies widely based on experience, audience size, and business model. Here's a closer look at what you can expect:
Entry-Level Speakers
- Typically earn $0 to $500 per talk.
- Most income comes from coaching, workshops, or digital products.
- May speak for free to build credibility and grow their network.
Mid-Level Speakers
- Earn $500 to $2,500 per speaking engagement.
- May have a book, podcast, or online course.
- Often combine speaking with paid group programs or consulting.
Established Experts
- Can command $5,000 to $15,000+ per keynote.
- Often featured in media, have large followings, or run their own events.
- Diversify income with licensing, brand deals, and high-ticket coaching.
Average Annual Income Estimates

Level	Estimated Annual Income
Beginner	$10,000 - $30,000
Intermediate	$30,000 - $75,000
Advanced	$75,000 - $200,000+

Keep in mind, many speakers use Talks.co and similar platforms to land gigs and grow their audience. The more visible and booked you are, the more you can earn-not just from speaking, but from the ecosystem you build around it.

Hiring a dating after loss speaker can range from free to several thousand dollars, depending on the context. Here's a breakdown of typical pricing scenarios:

Free or Low-Cost ($0 - $500)
- Community events, podcasts, or nonprofit support groups.
- Speakers may waive fees in exchange for exposure or lead generation.
- Common for newer speakers building their portfolio.

Mid-Range ($500 - $2,500)
- Virtual summits, corporate wellness programs, or grief retreats.
- Includes a 30-60 minute talk, sometimes with Q&A or breakout sessions.
- May include travel and accommodation if in-person.

High-End ($2,500 - $10,000+)
- Keynotes at national conferences or major events.
- Speakers with books, media appearances, or large followings.
- Often includes custom content, workshops, or follow-up sessions.

Factors That Influence Cost
- Speaker's experience and credentials.
- Event type and audience size.
- Travel and prep time required.
- Whether the talk is live, recorded, or part of a series.

If you're booking through a platform like Talks.co, you can often filter by budget and see speaker rates upfront. Some speakers also offer sliding scales for nonprofits or bundled pricing for multiple sessions.

Bottom line: the cost of a dating after loss speaker depends on your goals, budget, and the speaker's value proposition.

David Kessler. A world-renowned grief expert and author of 'Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief'. He often speaks about love, loss, and moving forward.

Megan Devine. Author of 'It's OK That You're Not OK', Megan brings a raw, honest voice to grief and healing. She's a frequent speaker at mental health and grief conferences.

Claire Bidwell Smith. A licensed therapist and author of 'Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief'. Her talks often explore the intersection of grief, anxiety, and relationships.

Nora McInerny. Host of the podcast 'Terrible, Thanks for Asking', Nora uses humor and vulnerability to talk about widowhood, dating, and resilience.

Christina Rasmussen. Founder of Life Reentry Institute and author of 'Second Firsts'. She speaks globally about reentering life and love after loss.

Michelle Neff Hernandez. Founder of Soaring Spirits International, she's a powerful voice in the widowed community and frequently speaks on dating after loss.

Marisa Renee Lee. Author of 'Grief Is Love', Marisa speaks about navigating grief as a Black woman and the complexities of healing and dating.

Julia Samuel. British psychotherapist and author of 'Grief Works'. Known for her compassionate and practical insights on rebuilding life after loss.

David Kessler (USA). Globally recognized for his work on grief and healing, David's talks reach audiences across continents. He's collaborated with Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and Oprah Winfrey.

Megan Devine (USA). Her book and platform 'Refuge in Grief' have international reach. She's been featured on NPR, The New York Times, and global mental health summits.

Claire Bidwell Smith (USA). With international clients and speaking engagements, Claire's work resonates with audiences in North America, Europe, and Australia.

Christina Rasmussen (Greece/USA). Originally from Greece, Christina has spoken in Europe and the U.S., bringing a cross-cultural lens to dating after loss.

Julia Samuel (UK). A psychotherapist to the British royal family, Julia's influence spans the UK and beyond. Her talks are featured on BBC, TEDx, and global grief forums.

Michelle Neff Hernandez (USA). With Soaring Spirits International hosting events in Canada, the UK, and Australia, Michelle's reach is truly global.

Nora McInerny (USA). Her podcast and TED Talk have been translated and shared worldwide, making her a relatable voice for international audiences.

Marisa Renee Lee (USA). Her advocacy and speaking engagements include global platforms like the United Nations and international wellness conferences.

Let's talk about a few assumptions that tend to follow dating after loss speakers around. These misconceptions don't just limit the speakers themselves-they also shape how audiences engage with their message. So here's a breakdown of the most common myths, and why they don't hold up.

1. They only speak to widows or widowers.
This is a narrow view. While many dating after loss speakers do connect deeply with those who've lost a spouse, their reach often extends to people who've experienced all kinds of loss-divorce, long-term breakups, even estrangement. Speakers like Krista St-Germain have built platforms that resonate with anyone navigating grief and intimacy, not just one demographic.

2. They must be therapists or grief counselors.
Not true. While some speakers do have clinical backgrounds, many come from coaching, writing, or even business leadership. What matters most is lived experience, empathy, and the ability to communicate transformation. Think of it like TEDx: it's not about credentials, it's about clarity and resonance.

3. They focus only on sadness and recovery.
That's a big miss. In fact, many dating after loss speakers emphasize joy, humor, and rediscovery. Their talks often pivot from pain to possibility. Audiences don't just want to cry-they want to feel seen, inspired, and hopeful. Speakers like Nora McInerny blend grief with wit, showing that healing and laughter can coexist.

4. It's a niche with no real audience.
This one's flat-out false. According to Pew Research, the number of single adults over 50 is growing, and many of them are reentering the dating world after loss. Podcasts, YouTube channels, and virtual summits on this topic regularly pull in thousands of listeners. The demand is there-it's just underserved.

5. You have to have 'moved on' to speak about it.
Healing isn't linear, and audiences don't expect perfection. In fact, vulnerability is often what makes these speakers so powerful. Sharing the messy middle, not just the polished end, is what builds trust. The myth that you need to be 'done grieving' to speak is outdated and counterproductive.

In 2018, a former nurse from Ontario named Michelle transitioned into public speaking after losing her partner of 20 years. Her first talk was at a local grief support group. She didn't have a polished deck or a fancy mic-just a story. That talk led to a podcast interview, which led to a TEDx stage two years later. Today, she runs a six-figure coaching business helping people reenter the dating world with confidence. Her secret? She never tried to be a guru. She just stayed honest.

Then there's Jamal, a former pastor from Atlanta. After his wife passed, he started writing about his experience on Medium. His posts went viral. He was invited to speak at a virtual summit hosted by a relationship coach in the UK. That one appearance opened doors to a global audience. Now, Jamal's keynotes blend faith, humor, and practical dating advice. He's been featured on BBC Radio and hosts a monthly webinar series with over 5,000 subscribers.

Another example: Priya, a tech executive in Bangalore, began hosting Instagram Lives during the pandemic to talk about dating after her fiancé's sudden passing. Her raw, unfiltered sessions attracted a loyal following. She was soon invited to speak at corporate wellness events, especially in industries where mental health is still taboo. Her talks now bridge personal grief with professional resilience-a combo that's rare and in demand.

What ties these stories together isn't a single formula. It's adaptability. Each speaker found their lane by leaning into their unique voice and audience. They didn't wait for a perfect moment or a massive platform. They started where they were, spoke from the heart, and let momentum build.

So if you're thinking about becoming a dating after loss speaker, remember: your story doesn't need to be finished. It just needs to be shared.

The landscape for dating after loss speakers is shifting in some interesting ways. As more people seek nuanced conversations around grief, intimacy, and second chances, the demand for authentic voices is growing. Here's where things are headed:

- Micro-niche personalization. Audiences want speakers who 'get' their specific experience. That means more speakers focusing on sub-niches like LGBTQ+ dating after loss, dating in later life, or cross-cultural grief and romance. The days of one-size-fits-all talks are fading.

- Virtual-first platforms. With the rise of virtual summits and digital communities, dating after loss speakers are finding global audiences without ever stepping on a plane. Platforms like Talks.co and HeySummit are making it easier to get booked and build authority from your laptop.

- Collaborations with therapists and coaches. Expect to see more partnerships between speakers and mental health professionals. These collaborations offer a blend of storytelling and clinical insight that audiences crave. Think speaker panels where a grief coach and a clinical psychologist co-host a session.

- Content repurposing as a strategy. Speakers are turning their talks into books, courses, and social media series. A 20-minute keynote can become a podcast episode, a carousel post, and a lead magnet. This multi-channel approach helps speakers stay top-of-mind and build recurring revenue.

- AI-assisted storytelling. Tools like Descript and ChatGPT are helping speakers refine their message, edit transcripts, and even generate talk outlines. While the message still needs to be human, the process is getting smarter.

In short, the future isn't just about speaking-it's about building a platform. Dating after loss speakers who embrace tech, collaboration, and niche clarity will be the ones leading the conversation in the next five years.

- Talks.co. This podcast guest matching tool is a goldmine for new speakers. It helps you get booked on relevant shows, build credibility, and test your message with real audiences. Tip: Filter by 'grief', 'relationships', or 'personal development' to find aligned hosts.

- HeySummit. Ideal for hosting or participating in virtual summits. You can build your own event or join others as a guest speaker. It's a great way to reach targeted audiences without needing a massive list.

- Canva. For creating speaker decks, social media graphics, and event promo materials. Use templates to keep things professional without hiring a designer. Pro tip: Create a 'Speaker One-Sheet' to send to event organizers.

- Descript. This tool lets you edit video and audio by editing text. Perfect for repurposing your talks into reels, shorts, or blog posts. It also helps you clean up ums, ahs, and filler words.

- ConvertKit. Once you start building an audience, you'll want to stay in touch. ConvertKit is an email platform built for creators. Use it to send newsletters, promote events, or offer free resources.

- Grief.com. While not a speaker tool per se, this site offers deep insights into grief psychology. Understanding the emotional landscape of your audience can help you craft talks that truly resonate.

- SpeakerHub. A directory where you can list your profile, find speaking gigs, and connect with event organizers. Make sure your bio clearly states your niche-'dating after loss' is specific and searchable.

These tools won't do the work for you, but they'll make the work easier. Combine them with clarity on your message and audience, and you'll be ready to step onto any stage-virtual or otherwise.