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Our Dead Dads
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The concept of Our Dead Dads was born through the daily discussions of seven men who share bonds of blood, friendship and all having lost their fathers. Nick Gaylord, the show’s host, shares his life experiences with his deceased father while exploring the complications and realities of that relationship. Life is intense, grief and loss come in many forms, and no parent-child relationship is black and white, which is why this show touches on all shades of grey.
Join Nick for candid conversations with his three brothers and three of his lifelong friends, along with other special guests who discuss their experiences with loss, grief, laughter, and moving forward. Nothing is off-limits here. Nick learned after his father's passing that he couldn't process what he was going through alone and sought the help of a therapist, who helped him to let go of his anger toward his father. Looking back, he realized just how many people are being crushed under the weight of grief, loss, and in some cases, anger.
Nick's mission through Our Dead Dads is to offer a platform for anyone who needs or wants to tell their story, to have that opportunity. He also hopes to reach many more who need to talk but don't know how to start the conversation, hopeful that by listening to these stories, they will be able to start talking with someone.
Nick has always sought to help others and to make everyone around him laugh. Along with his brothers and friends, he has frequently used humor to get through the hardest times in their lives, and hopefully, you will permit yourself to do the same. Get ready for an emotional deep dive. Nick has a lot to say and so do his guests. He's here for you and ready to help. Everyone has been through trauma, grief, and loss. Now, along with Nick and his guests, everyone will get through it together.
Nick is changing the world one damaged soul at a time. Welcome to Our Dead Dads.
51 Episodes
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In this special episode of Our Dead Dads Podcast, I sit down with returning guests—and real-life couple—Matthew Struck and Jocelyn Bates. Both have shared their powerful grief journeys individually: Jocelyn losing both of her parents just a week apart, and Matthew processing the loss of his father to suicide. But today, we go beyond their personal stories to talk about grief in relationships—what it looks like to navigate loss together, how it shapes a partnership, and the ways they’ve suppor...
In this episode of Our Dead Dads Podcast, I sit down with Matthew Struck for an incredibly raw and honest conversation about grief, trauma, and the complexities of losing someone when the relationship was already difficult. Matthew lost his father to suicide, a devastating loss compounded by years of unresolved pain and unspoken words. We dive into what it means to grieve someone when the relationship was strained, how suicide grief carries a different kind of weight, and how Matthew ha...
Losing a parent is one of the hardest things we can face in life—but what happens when you lose both parents in the span of a week? In this special re-release, we revisit my emotional conversation with Jocelyn Bates, who shares how she navigated the overwhelming loss of both her mother and father during the COVID-19 pandemic. As an only child, she was left to manage not just the immense grief, but also the legal and logistical challenges of handling her parents’ estate while raising three chi...
In this powerful episode, Robbie Parker shares his deeply personal journey after losing his six-year-old daughter Emilie in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. Robbie reflects on cherished memories of Emilie and how her loving, creative nature brought joy to their family. He opens up about the emotional challenges he faced in the aftermath, including harassment and conspiracy theories that disrupted his grieving process. Despite these challenges, Robbie’s journey toward healing...
In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Dave Roberts, a man whose journey through profound loss has reshaped his entire perspective on life, grief, and spirituality. Dave lost his daughter, Jeannine, at just 18 years old to cancer, and his path toward healing has been filled with deep reflection, transformative experiences, and a unique understanding of continued bonds with those who have passed. His story is one of resilience and reconnection, as he shares how he found a way to mai...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Have you ever faced a challenge so profound it reshaped your entire existence? Join us on a heartfelt journey as we sit down with Jason Tuttle, who opens up about his emotional path through the loss of his beloved son, Zachary. With remarkable courage, Jason shares the inspiration behind his touching new project, "Letters to Zachary," a coloring book designed to help parents and children converse about grief in a gentle and meaningful way. Throughout our conversation, Jason emphasizes the imp...
What if you could turn profound loss into a driving force for personal growth and ambition? Join us as we sit down with our youngest guest, James Brackin IV, to uncover his transformative journey through grief and resilience. At just 20 years old, James has faced the unimaginable, losing three pivotal male figures in his life between the ages of 6 and 12. Listen as he opens up about these significant losses, the lessons he's learned, and how they've shaped his aspirations and given him a uniq...
What if sharing your grief could help heal not just your heart, but also those of others? That's exactly what happens as I, Nick Gaylord, sit down with my youngest sister, Queen Helene, to revisit the kaleidoscope of emotions and experiences from our childhood with our father. Our conversation is filled with laughter and a few eyebrow-raising tales about family hierarchies, the quest to find our brother Joseph a partner, and the unforgettable escapades involving our father's multiple marriage...
Hurricane Milton might have blown through Tampa with a vengeance, but it also gifted my family and me the chance to hit pause and reconnect during a chaotic time. I'm taking a short break from new episodes of Our Dead Dads to share these personal updates. We were fortunate to come away from the storm mostly unscathed, though it temporarily zapped our connectivity. The silver lining? We got to unplug, tackle a thousand-piece puzzle, and make the most of some rare downtime. While the storm kept...
Grief, trauma, and resilience take center stage as we bring you another heartfelt episode of Our Dead Dads. This time, I sit down with my friend Annie LaBeth, whose journey through losing her father at 23 offers a poignant look at the complexities of family dynamics and loss. Annie's story, laced with moments of dark humor shared over morning mimosas, highlights the vital role supportive communities play in navigating the turbulent waters of grief. Her insights remind us of the power in shari...
What if the advice you’ve been giving to grieving friends is doing more harm than good? Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Mark Lucero, the author of "What to Say When You Don't Know What to Say: Loving a Friend Through Grief." Mark shares profound insights and practical advice on how to truly support those navigating the heavy waters of grief. From debunking myths about grief to exploring the nuanced difference between grief and mourning, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to...
What if the key to transforming your life lies in the balance between your mental and physical health? Join us for a heartfelt and enlightening conversation with Sean Christopher, a dedicated nutritionist and health coach, who opens up about his incredible journey. From the emotional challenges of experiencing a massive heart attack to redefining his life's purpose, Sean's story offers profound insights and practical advice on nurturing both body and mind. Throughout this episode, Sean share...
Ever wondered how losing a parent at a young age shapes your life? My friend Michael Graham lost his dad when he was only five, a loss that profoundly impacted his childhood and beyond. Join us on "Our Dead Dads Podcast" as Michael opens up about his journey through grief, the surrogate father figures he found along the way, and the significance of growing up in a household of women. This heartfelt conversation aims to normalize discussions around loss and trauma, creating a supportive commun...
What if the bond between a father and daughter could only be forged through years of emotional distance and transformative conversations? Join us as Yvonne Caputo, semi-retired author of "Flying with Dad" and "Dying with Dad," unveils the poignant journey of her relationship with her father. Yvonne opens up about their challenging yet ultimately rewarding emotional connection, sharing heartwarming anecdotes and hints of her future writing projects. Through her story, Yvonne illustrates the pr...
Have you ever felt the sting of an absent parent and the ensuing emotional complexities it brings? Join us for this raw and heartfelt conversation with Jessica Parente, a trauma-informed coach and nurse, as she opens up about her strained relationship with her largely absent father and the profound impact his absence has had on her life. We explore how she navigated the emotional landscape of her father's lack of presence and the evolution of her feelings towards him after his passing. Jessi...
What happens when your most trusted person and biggest supporter is no longer there? Join us as Leslie Kuny shares her deeply personal and emotional journey of navigating life after the loss of her father, her rock and guiding star. Through Leslie's heartfelt story, listeners will gain insight into the profound impact of losing a loved one and the often unspoken challenges that come with it. We promise you an episode filled with raw emotion, valuable lessons, and the importance of creating a ...
How do we break the cycle of trauma and build healthier relationships? This week on "Our Dead Dads," we sit down with Doug Beitz, host of "Intuitive Conversations with Doug," who opens up about his tumultuous relationship with his father and the impact of his dad's traumatic childhood. Doug's commitment to raising his own children differently shines through as he shares heartfelt stories of growth, resilience, and the powerful group conversations he's initiated that have connected people worl...
What happens when a parent’s love turns into an unshakeable pillar of support for an entire community? Join us for a deeply touching conversation with Jason Tuttle, a father who transformed his grief into a mission of advocacy and support. In this episode, we discuss Jason's new book, "Letters to Zachary," a 70-page coloring book inspired by the life and memory of his late son, Zachary. Jason shares the emotional rollercoaster of raising two special needs children, grappling with Zachary’s ra...
Can a camp really change the life of a grieving child? Join us as we welcome Paul Rubin, the visionary behind Camp Good Mourning on Long Island, a haven where children aged 7 to 17 find solace and community after losing a parent or sibling. Paul shares his heartfelt journey from volunteering at a similar camp in New Jersey to establishing this indispensable resource on Long Island. You’ll hear about how Camp Good Mourning’s unique overnight stays forge deeper connections among campers, and ho...
Can you imagine the unimaginable—losing both parents within a week during a global pandemic? This episode promises an empathetic and raw conversation with Jocelyn Bates, who shares her harrowing experience and the journey of processing such an immense loss. We unravel the bravery it takes to face profound grief, the struggle against anger and frustration, and the crucial importance of openly discussing these intense emotions. Jocelyn's story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest tim...
What if you could find peace amidst unimaginable sorrow? Join us for a poignant conversation with Suzy Easterling Wood, who bravely shares her heartbreaking journey of losing two of her three children. Suzy reveals the stark contrasts between her experiences with loss—one that brought unexpected peace, and another that was unbearably painful. She offers profound insights into how she found the strength to move forward, providing a beacon of hope for those navigating similar paths of grief. W...
Losing a parent can change everything. Join us on this special 10th episode of "Our Dead Dads" as we sit down with Laura Cina, who recounts the profound impact of losing her father at just 11 years old. Through her tears and laughter, Laura brings a unique perspective on how grief shapes family dynamics and how humor can coexist with sorrow. Laura's journey is a testament to the enduring process of grieving and the importance of normalizing conversations around loss. Family relationships can...
Imagine growing up with an abusive, schizophrenic father and then surviving a school shooting where you knew the shooter. On this week's episode of "Our Dead Dads," we feature an incredible interview with Melissa Armstrong, a nurse turned trauma-informed functional health coach, who bravely shares her life story. From witnessing her brother's tragic death to navigating a career in nursing amidst personal turmoil, Melissa opens up about the profound layers of grief and trauma she has endured o...
Ever wondered what it’s like to kick-start a podcast from scratch while navigating personal memories and relationships? Join us for our first bonus episode of "Our Dead Dads" where Nick takes the hot seat to answer your most burning questions—co-hosted by the ever-supportive Kim Gaylord. From the joys of achieving a lifelong goal to the candid, humorous moments shared, this episode is a rollercoaster of emotions and insights. Learn about the hurdles we faced and the triumphs we celebrated in ...
What if embracing your grief could unlock a new purpose in life? This week on Our Dead Dads, we're inviting you into deeply heartfelt conversations about loss, healing, and the surprising paths they can lead us down. We begin with a poignant interview with Colleen Coleman, who recounts her raw and emotional journey after losing her father to alcoholism. Colleen opens up about the anger and sadness that clouded her days, leading to self-destructive behavior until she courageously faced her gri...
Could you imagine being 14 and losing your father, only to lose your brother eight years later? Join us in this heartfelt episode of Our Dead Dads, where we dive deep into Kevin Crater's emotional journey through consecutive family tragedies. Kevin, host of the Kevin Crater Show, opens up about the impact of losing his father and brother at such a pivotal time in his life. Hear how these experiences not only shaped his outlook but also forced him to confront his deepest fears, such as the anx...
Ever wondered how to navigate a brand new website packed with cool features? Join me, Nick Gaylord, as we explore the official launch of OurDeadDads.com, the new digital home for Our Dead Dads podcast. We’ll walk through every nook and cranny of the site, from the homepage’s embedded episode player to the sleek navigation designed by the talented Anisur Rahman (who also goes by A.R.) of Dotted Avenue Creative Studio. Discover how you can effortlessly listen to your favorite episodes, connect ...
What happens when profound loss becomes the turning point for a new beginning? On this heartfelt episode of Our Dead Dads, we sit down with Nikki Critchett, a life coach from the UK and the heart behind Tomorrow's You Life Coaching. Nikki has faced unimaginable personal tragedies, including the losses of her mother, sister, and father. She shares her inspiring journey from grief to healing, offering practical advice for those navigating similar paths. Her story is raw, real, and filled with a...
What if surrendering could lead to profound joy and fulfillment, rather than weakness? Renowned author and transformational speaker Kute Blackson joins us to unravel this very question. Kute shares his moving journey from speaking at his father’s churches to bravely stepping out on his own, culminating in the wisdom found in his book, "The Magic of Surrender." Discover how his personal experiences with grief, particularly his mother’s battle with cancer, inspired his deep insights on surrende...
What if navigating the complex emotions of grief could bring you closer to your loved ones? Join us on this special episode of "Our Dead Dads" as we welcome my wife, Kim, to share her poignant journey of growing up with her father and the starkly different ways she and her sisters coped with his loss. We dive into the unexpected similarities between our dads and how their passing has shaped our lives in profound ways. Together, we emphasize the importance of open conversations about loss and ...
What happens when childhood friends navigate through the maze of grief, humor, and life's chaotic moments together? Join me, Nick Gaylord, with my three close friends—Mike, Ed, and Denis—as we explore the profound impact of losing our dads and the importance of openly discussing grief and trauma. From the hilarity of technical difficulties and morning chaos to the nostalgic memories of junior high school pranks and heartfelt stories of friendship spanning 37 years, our journey is one of resil...
Ever wondered how humor can be a lifeline through grief? Join me and my three brothers—Jack, Joe, and Mike—as we share the untold stories of our late father in this second full interview for "Our Dead Dads" podcast. Expect to laugh, cry, and be surprised by some of the revelations as we recount our childhood mischief and the unique quirks that made our dad unforgettable. From his love of "Monty Python's The Meaning of Life" to the oddball traditions that shaped our upbringing, this episode is...
What if your most painful experiences could become your greatest source of strength and connection? Join me, Nick Gaylord, on the premiere episode of the "Our Dead Dads" podcast as we explore the uncharted territories of grief, trauma, and loss with both humor and raw emotion. Inspired by daily text exchanges with my three younger brothers and three close friends who have also lost their fathers, this episode sets the stage for candid conversations that are both deeply personal and universall...
Time for a quick update and an announcement! Less than one month before the show's launch! Listen now to find out when the launch is happening, what you can expect in the first week, and hear about a very special book that is an absolute must-read! The book is called "What To Say When You Don't Know What To Say - Loving A Friend Through Grief". You can purchase the book on Amazon right here: https://tinyurl.com/4hdurxnk Go here and give us a review AND a 5-star rating: https://podcasts....
While I make final preparations for the full launch in June 2024, here's a short glimpse into who I am and why I'm here. Please follow the show, give a 5-star rating and leave a review telling what you like and what you're looking forward to. Follow us on Social Media: (don't worry, the amount of content will grow. Just follow them to start so that you never miss anything!) FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod/ TI...
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