Our Dead Dads

In this powerful episode of Our Dead Dads Podcast, we sit down with Jason and Kirsten Clawson, a couple who found love after profound loss. Both Jason and Kirsten lost their young spouses to cancer—Jason’s wife, Valerie, to stage 4 colon cancer, and Kirsten’s husband, Cody, to acute myeloid leukemia. Through unimaginable grief, they each navigated their journeys with resilience, eventually crossing paths in a widowed support group. Their connection, built on shared loss and deep understanding...

02-25

01:38:38

In this deeply moving episode of Our Dead Dads, I sit down for an in-person conversation with Niki and Jim Schmidt, the mother and bonus dad of Gabby Petito. While many are familiar with the tragic circumstances surrounding Gabby’s story, today’s conversation focuses on the grief, resilience, and advocacy that have defined her family’s journey in the years since. Niki and Jim share what it was like to process the unimaginable loss of their daughter while also stepping into the role of advocat...

02-17

01:55:08

In this episode, I sit down with Laura Bennett for an in-depth and emotional conversation about grief, loss, and the complex relationships we have with our parents. Laura shares her deeply personal story about growing up with an older father, navigating a difficult family dynamic, and eventually coming to terms with his passing. We discuss how grief isn’t just about mourning the moment of death, but often begins long before and continues to evolve over time. Laura opens up about the ways in w...

02-11

01:30:29

In this episode, I sit down with Moira Khan, a grief educator and the founder of GriefSpan, to discuss her incredible journey through loss and healing. Moira opens up about losing her mother, father, and brother within a span of just five years—all while navigating motherhood, major life changes, and a move to a new country. She shares the deep emotional toll of grief, the ways it manifests unexpectedly, and how she eventually found the strength to confront and process her pain. Her story is ...

02-04

01:33:43

In this heartfelt episode of Our Dead Dads, host Nick Gaylord sits down with Faith Sage, an author, artist, and podcast host, to share her profound journey through grief and resilience. Faith recounts the heartbreaking loss of her stepdaughter Cassandra in a tragic car accident, followed years later by the devastating loss of her granddaughter Peyton in another accident. She discusses the emotional aftermath of these tragedies, the complexities of grief, and how she navigated the blame, despa...

01-28

01:34:26

What if losing a grandparent is a journey of unexpected gratitude and comfort? Join me and my incredible wife, Kim, as we take a heartfelt journey honoring the life of my beloved grandmother, Jeanne Harris. We share our reflections on her remarkable legacy, from her nearly 70-year marriage to my grandfather, Stanley, to the cherished memories that continue to shape our lives. This episode offers a comforting connection for anyone navigating the unique grief that comes with bidding farewell to...

01-21

01:02:39

What if the path through grief could forge an unbreakable community bond? Join us as we unravel the compelling life journey of Tony Lynch, an international best-selling author and grief advocate, who has turned personal turmoil into a beacon of hope for others. From academic triumphs to the depths of prison, Tony's experiences not only highlight the resilience of the human spirit but also the power of shared stories in healing. Throughout our conversation, Tony underscores the importance of n...

01-14

02:07:11

Courtney Moore shares her heartfelt journey through a complicated relationship with her father, delving into the challenges of navigating grief after losing him to pancreatic cancer. The episode explores acceptance, healing, and the profound impact of their dynamics on her life. • Introduction and background of Courtney’s family • Childhood marked by loss and complex relationships • Reflections on leaving home at 15 for independence • The importance of understanding f...

01-07

01:42:24

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of family traditions, love, and loss during the holiday season. We share stories that reflect on cherished memories and lighthearted moments, offering insights on how to navigate grief while celebrating togetherness and honor loved ones. • Reflection on the past year and the journey of Our Dead Dads podcast • Introduction to guests sharing holiday memories • Sharing laughter through Christmas traditions and family tales • The bittersweet nature of holi...

12-24

01:18:43

What would you do if you stumbled upon unclaimed funds linked to a loved one who's passed on? Join us as we navigate this unexpected discovery, sharing the humorous and sometimes frustrating journey of claiming these hidden assets. We also find ourselves in the midst of holiday nostalgia, reminiscing about the warmth of family gatherings and the mesmerizing world of a Lionel train collection that consumed our childhood winters. From bustling celebrations in Greenport to quieter moments, our m...

12-20

01:18:43

What happens when a childhood friendship is woven with shared grief and cherished memories? Join us on a heartfelt journey with my dear friend, John Gerst, as we navigate the profound impact of losing his father at a young age. Reflecting on our Boy Scouts days, we explore how those formative years shaped us and delve into the emotions stirred by John's unexpected encounter with unresolved grief during a surprise trip back to his childhood home. Together, we uncover the bittersweet feelings o...

12-17

02:13:52

When you've faced profound loss at a young age, how do you navigate the complexities of grief, trauma, and personal growth? Eric Piragnoli joins us to unpack his lifelong journey after losing his father at just six years old. From unprocessed emotions to the healing power of humor, Eric shares how he found solace and strength in community support, illustrated by the unique bond formed through an ongoing English muffin pizza thread with friends. This episode is a reminder that while time may n...

12-10

02:09:25

Have you ever wondered how to navigate the turbulent waters of grief while maintaining a sense of family stability? Kyle Jetsel joins us, sharing his powerful journey through the loss of both his father and his wife of thirty years. Through Kyle's candid reflections, we explore the impact of embracing emotions, the importance of community support, and the societal pressures men face in expressing their feelings. This episode touches on the transformative power of vulnerability, humor, and com...

After the unexpected loss of her father and the burnout from a demanding legal career, Nicole Maitland found solace and healing in podcasting. Join me as I chat with Nicole, the inspiring host of the "Yarns for the Soul" podcast, who courageously shares her journey from the courtroom to the podcasting world. Together, we explore the rollercoaster of emotions that accompany grief and burnout, and emphasize the healing power of storytelling and community connection. Nicole's reflections on the ...

What does it take to turn a life filled with grief and tumultuous family experiences into one of healing and transformation? Our latest episode gives you an intimate look at the journey of Mel Mosier, marked by the loss of her father, time spent in foster care, and the enduring impact of childhood trauma. Mel shares her story publicly for the first time, reflecting on a difficult past and the power of storytelling as a means of finding solace and connecting with others who feel alone in their...