PR Executive Lisa Woolery: From Writing Dreams to Widowhood—and Back Again

<p>On this episode, Helen Jonsen sits down with writer, public relations expert, and self-described California Girl, Lisa Woolery, to talk about her “kaleidoscope career.” From teaching middle school English in SoCal to shaping messages in politics, public service, and corporate PR, Lisa built a life around words—until life rewrote the script.</p><p>After relocating her family to Kansas for a quieter life, Lisa’s husband, Eric, died suddenly just months later. What followed was a season of grief, survival, and, eventually, a return to the creative work that had always been calling her. Lisa shares howloss led her back to writing—through her memoir <em>The Widow’s Comeback</em>, a daily grief calendar, and a growing community for widows—while opening the door to a new chapter as a literary consultant and novelist.</p><p>It’s a conversation about resilience and reframing, and what it means to find your voice again when everything changes.</p><p> </p><p>00:00 Writing Through Grief</p><p>02:03 Early Dreams and Teaching</p><p>03:12 Politics and Public Service</p><p>05:20 City PR to Corporate Offices</p><p>09:39 Family Pressures and Leaving Work</p><p>12:27 Moving to Kansas and Finding Voice</p><p>15:00 Dream Interrupted</p><p>16:46 Adoption and Building a Family</p><p>20:09 The Day Eric Died</p><p>23:07 Memoir Spark and Purpose</p><p>25:33 Sponsor Break</p><p>25:56 Publishing TheWidows Comeback</p><p>28:05 Workbooks andWidow Community</p><p>32:38 Literary Coachingand New Fiction</p><p>37:21 Kids Update andResilience</p><p>40:49 Life Now and Closing Reflections</p><p> </p><p><strong>Thanks to our sponsor:</strong></p><p>Support for This Kaleidoscope Career comes from Divine Asset Management, a woman-ownedfirm advising individuals, families, and business owners on long-term strategies that align wealth with values.Explore more at WorkWithDivine.com</p><p> </p><p><strong>About Helen Jonsen &amp; This Kaleidoscope Career</strong></p><p><em>Helen Jonsen lives a kaleidoscope career built on decades of experience as a strategic adviser to corporate, nonprofit and public leadership, and a multi-platform journalist in front of the camera and behind the scenes.</em></p><p><em>Helen is available as a keynote or workshop leader on This Kaleidoscope Career, and on topics to help you strengthen your spoken message to deliver it with confidence. Learn </em><a href="https://helenjonsen.com/engaging-topics"><strong>moreat</strong></a><em> </em><a href="http://helenjonsen.com/">