Our Dead Dads

It's a short episode. After last week's three-hour marathon, you deserve a little bit of a break!Give this a listen and hear about what's going on right now and what's coming up in the near future.Please continue to spread the word about this show. Grief is something that impacts everyone we know and everyone we don't know. Together, we can change the world. And even if we don't change the entire world, changing one person's world is the best place to start.GIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS! FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM! BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/

Find the show on Apple Podcasts! Click the FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode! Give us a 5-star rating and leave a review! This will boost our visibility and help others to find the show!WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone coping with grief, family loss, or domestic violence, and those searching for hope and resilience.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Powerful grief support, tools for healing, insights on honoring loved ones, and inspiration from Joe & Tara’s journey.DESCRIPTION: In this heartfelt episode, host Nick Gaylord sits down with Joe and Tara Petito, the father and stepmother of Gabby Petito, to explore the deep intersections of grief, family, and healing. Together, they share stories filled with laughter, dark humor, and the enduring pain of losing Gabby, while showing how love and joy can coexist with grief. The conversation highlights their work through the Gabby Petito Foundation, raising awareness for domestic violence and supporting families worldwide. Joe and Tara open up about parenting, marriage, and legacy, as well as the challenges step-parents face in grief and recognition. Listeners will hear how they continue to carry Gabby’s spirit in their daily lives while building global change through advocacy. This episode blends humor, honesty, and heartbreak, offering both comfort and empowerment for anyone walking through loss.This episode answers:How do parents find joy while living with grief after losing a child?What lessons can grieving families learn from Joe and Tara Petito’s journey?How does the Gabby Petito Foundation create change for domestic violence victims?Why is step-parent grief often overlooked, and how can it be honored?What role does humor and community play in healing from grief?Key Takeaways:Grief and joy can coexist in healing after loss.The Gabby Petito Foundation drives global domestic violence awareness.Step-parents play vital roles in grieving and legacy building.Dark humor and laughter can ease the pain of tragedy.Advocacy work transforms grief into meaningful change.IMPORTANT LINKS:GPF - www.gabbypetitofoundation.orgRun With The Angels 5k Registration - www.gabbypetitofoundation.org/eventsGabby Petito Foundation Night with the NY Mets - https://www.gofevo.com/event/Gabbypetito2GIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS! FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM! BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/

Find the show on Apple Podcasts! Click the FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode! Give us a 5-star rating and leave a review! This will boost our visibility and help others to find the show!WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone navigating grief after childhood loss, family estrangement, or sibling death.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Insight into grief recovery, coping with family trauma, and the power of resilience through heartbreaking experiences.DESCRIPTION: In this episode, host Nick Gaylord sits down with longtime friend and loyal listener Lisa Spychalski to share her deeply moving grief journey. Lisa opens up about losing her mother at just eight years old, reconnecting with her estranged father only to lose him again as a teenager, and enduring the tragic death of her sister in a devastating car accident. She reflects on the silence around her mother’s alcoholism, the complicated emotions of estrangement, and the weight of decades of grief carried forward. Lisa also shares the recent loss of her beloved dog Hazel, underscoring how grief continues to shape her life. Through heartbreak, humor, and raw honesty, Lisa demonstrates how resilience and connection make survival possible. This powerful episode shines light on how grief changes families, reshapes identity, and tests the bonds of love and memory.This episode answers:How do you cope with losing a parent at a young age?What happens when you reconnect with an estranged parent and lose them again?How does sibling loss in a tragic accident shape lifelong grief?What role do grandparents play in raising children after parental death?How can humor and resilience help process decades of grief?Key Takeaways:Early childhood loss leaves lifelong impacts that resurface throughout adulthood.Estrangement complicates grief, adding layers of anger and unresolved emotions.Sibling death in sudden accidents creates trauma that families carry for decades.Silence around causes of death, like alcoholism, deepens confusion for children.Resilience, loyal friendships, and small moments of humor sustain healing.GIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS! FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM! BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/

Find the show on Apple Podcasts! Click the FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode! Give us a 5-star rating and leave a review! This will boost our visibility and help others to find the show!WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone struggling with grief, end-of-life decisions, or the painful memory of loved ones dying alone.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Practical grief support, insight into death doula care, and strategies to bring dignity, compassion, and human connection back into end-of-life experiences.DESCRIPTION: In this episode of Our Dead Dads, host Nick Gaylord speaks with certified death doula and nurse-turned-educator Kacie Gikonyo about grief, caregiving, and humanizing the dying process. Kacie shares her journey from nursing through the COVID-19 pandemic to founding her Death Doula School, training doulas worldwide to support grieving families. She explains why end-of-life planning, advanced directives, and compassionate presence are essential for reducing fear and loneliness at the end of life. Listeners will learn how death doulas bring dignity and empathy to dying, how cultural silence around death harms families, and how education and advocacy can create better grief outcomes. This conversation offers hope, healing, and powerful lessons for anyone facing loss or supporting others in grief.This episode answers:What is a death doula and how do they support grieving families?How did the COVID-19 pandemic change the way people experienced grief and dying?Why is end-of-life planning so important for families facing loss?What role does compassion and human touch play in easing grief at the end of life?How can social media and education spread awareness about grief and death doulas?Key Takeaways:Death doulas provide human connection and dignity at the end of life.COVID-19 revealed deep gaps in compassionate end-of-life care.Advance care planning reduces trauma and unresolved grief.Social media can powerfully educate and normalize conversations about death.Training and regulation ensure doulas are equipped to support grieving families.GIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS! FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM! BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/

Find the show on Apple Podcasts! Click the FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode! Give us a 5-star rating and leave a review! This will boost our visibility and help others to find the show!WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone navigating grief after cancer, dementia, or chronic illness and those experiencing anticipatory grief while caregiving.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Practical insights on managing loss, balancing family caregiving, processing long-term grief, and keeping loved ones’ legacies alive.DESCRIPTION: In this powerful conversation, Nick Gaylord sits down with Dorothy Graham O’Dell to explore her layered journey with grief. Dorothy shares her experience as a devoted daughter, caring for her father through years of chronic pain, cancer, and eventual death. She also opens up about her grandmother’s dementia, her role as power of attorney, and the emotional toll of constant caregiving. Together, Nick and Dorothy discuss anticipatory grief, the complex balance of celebrating milestones while preparing for loss, and the importance of legacy through storytelling. Dorothy reflects on her father’s positivity despite immense suffering, the challenges of making end-of-life decisions, and the healing power of community events like the golf tournament held in his honor. This episode reminds listeners that grief is both deeply personal and profoundly universal, offering hope, honesty, and connection in the hardest of times.This episode answers:What is anticipatory grief and how do you cope with it?How do you balance caregiving responsibilities with personal life?What are healthy ways to honor a parent’s legacy after death?How can families support each other through cancer and dementia?What does navigating grief years after loss actually look like?Key Takeaways:Anticipatory grief can be just as heavy as the loss itself.Caregiving often requires balancing control and compassion.Honoring loved ones with legacy events keeps their memory alive.Grief resurfaces in waves—through songs, smells, or daily reminders.Healing requires both self-care and community support.4th ANNUAL DON GRAHAM MEMORIAL FUN CLASSIC (AUGUST 9, 2025)Text: (519) 359-4743Email: austin315@hotmail.comDOROTHY'S LINKS:UNSTOPPABLE OVERCOMERS PODCAST: https://www.youtube.com/@theunstoppablenetworkFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/dorothy.graham3INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dorothygrahamodell/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@unstoppableovercomerLINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothyann-graham-o-dell-49943026/DOROTHY'S BOOKS: THE OVERCOMER: FACING CHALLENGES WITH FAITH AND COURAGE: https://www.amazon.ca/Overcomer-Facing-Challenges-Faith-Courage/dp/B08VLQ91WM/THE OVERCOMER PLAYBOOK: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1778081517GIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS! FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM! BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/

Find the show on Apple Podcasts! Click the FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode! Give us a 5-star rating and leave a review! This will boost our visibility and help others to find the show!WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone grieving a parent, navigating Alzheimer’s caregiving, or struggling with anticipatory grief.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Insights on surviving deep grief, finding peace after loss, and transforming pain into writing, art, and healing practices.DESCRIPTION: In this heartfelt episode, host Nick Gaylord speaks with poet and author Cleo Childs about her journey through grief after caring for her mother Candice, who faced early-onset Alzheimer’s. Cleo shares the challenges of anticipatory grief, the emotional toll of caregiving at a young age, and the lessons she learned about patience, grace, and forgiveness. She opens up about the anger and rage that surfaced after her mother’s passing and how writing became her outlet for honesty and healing. Through poetry, Cleo captured both the devastation and beauty of grief, creating a book that helps others feel less alone. Nick and Cleo explore how grief reshapes identity, the importance of community and therapy, and the power of turning pain into purpose. This episode offers a deeply relatable and compassionate perspective for anyone navigating loss.This episode answers:What is anticipatory grief and how do caregivers experience it?How does early-onset Alzheimer’s impact families and young adult caregivers?Why does anger and rage often appear in grief, and how can it be expressed?How can writing and poetry become tools for healing after loss?What does it mean to “move with grief” instead of “moving on” after death?Key Takeaways:Anticipatory grief is real and often as painful as grief after death.Caregiving at a young age creates unique challenges and emotional burdens.Anger is a natural, valid part of grief and must be acknowledged.Writing and art can transform pain into connection and healing.Moving forward in grief is about carrying your loved one with you, not leaving them behind.GIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS! FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM! BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/

Find the show on Apple Podcasts! Click the FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode! Give us a 5-star rating and leave a review! This will boost our visibility and help others to find the show!WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone coping with the death of a parent or struggling with parenting while grieving will find validation, connection, and hope.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Insight into living with grief after losing a mother, how writing can support healing, and the importance of honoring legacy while navigating everyday life.DESCRIPTION: In this heartfelt episode of Our Dead Dads Podcast, host Nick Gaylord welcomes grief writer Chelsea Ohlemiller, who lost her mother Rita to cancer in 2017. Chelsea shares how grief reshaped her life as a mother, wife, and teacher, and how writing became her most powerful outlet. What began as journal entries evolved into Hope and Harsh Realities, a platform reaching over 200,000 grieving hearts, and her book Now That She’s Gone: A Daughter’s Reflection on Loss, Love, and a Mother’s Legacy. Together, Nick and Chelsea discuss identity after loss, the challenges of parenting without a parent, and the guilt and grace that come with finding joy after grief. Listeners will hear stories of family, second marriages, and even beloved pets that illustrate how grief touches every corner of life. This conversation is both tender and empowering, reminding us that grief is lifelong, unpredictable, and deeply human, yet it also carries hope, connection, and legacy.This episode answers:What does grief feel like after losing a mother to cancer?How can writing help process grief and healing?What does it mean to parent children while grieving a parent?How do milestones like marriage or graduation trigger new grief waves?What role does legacy play in navigating grief?Key Takeaways:Grief doesn’t end after the first year; it evolves with new life milestones.Writing can transform private pain into healing for a wider community.Parenting without a parent carries unique challenges and ongoing grief.Joy, humor, and even pets play a role in grief resilience.Honoring legacy helps balance harsh realities with hope and healing.CHELSEA'S LINKS:Website: www.hopeandharshrealities.comFacebook: @hopeandharshrealitiesInstagram: @hopeandharshrealitiesTikTok: @chelseaohlemillerGIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS! FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM! BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/

Find the show on Apple Podcasts! Click the FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode! Give us a 5-star rating and leave a review! This will boost our visibility and help others to find the show!WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone grieving child loss, stillbirth, or the death of a parent who seeks connection and hope.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: An honest conversation about grief, parental loss, survivor’s guilt, and using writing as a healing outlet.DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Nick Gaylord sits down with Michelle Rix for a raw discussion about grief, child loss, and the journey of living with tragedy. Michelle shares the heartbreaking story of losing her daughter Paisley to stillbirth at 38 weeks, followed by the devastating loss of her father just a few years later. Together, Nick and Michelle explore the lifelong weight of grief, the struggle with survivor’s guilt, and the pain of addiction and estrangement that often follows trauma. Michelle also reflects on how writing, spirituality, and support from her family helped her rebuild her life and navigate years of sorrow. Their conversation highlights the importance of grief storytelling, the courage to share painful truths, and the healing power of community. For anyone coping with the death of a child, the loss of a parent, or the ongoing impact of grief, this episode offers validation, hope, and a reminder that no one has to walk through loss alone.This episode answers:How do you cope with the grief of losing a child to stillbirth?What are healthy ways to process grief after losing a parent?How can writing and creativity help with grief and healing?Why does survivor’s guilt affect so many grieving parents?How can sharing grief stories reduce isolation and shame?Key Takeaways:Child loss and parental grief reshape life in profound ways.Survivor’s guilt is a common but misunderstood part of grief.Writing and storytelling can provide powerful outlets for healing.Addiction, estrangement, and anger often arise in grief journeys.Grief conversations build community, resilience, and connection GIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS! FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM! BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/

Find the show on Apple Podcasts! Click the FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode! Give us a 5-star rating and leave a review! This will boost our visibility and help others to find the show!WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone grieving the death of a loved one or searching for hope after loss.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Insights into grief support, community healing, and how advocacy turns pain into purpose.DESCRIPTION: In this special episode of Our Dead Dads, host Nick Gaylord takes listeners inside the Gabby Petito Foundation’s Change the World Charity Golf Event. Rather than a traditional interview, Nick shares a series of live conversations with family members, supporters, and volunteers who have all been touched by grief and committed to turning their loss into action. From laughter and hugs to heavy moments of remembrance, the event highlights how community can transform unthinkable pain into meaningful change. Listeners will hear from Gabby’s family, foundation leaders, and advocates about their ongoing work to raise awareness of domestic violence, support missing persons cases, and foster healing across communities nationwide. This episode is both a window into the foundation’s powerful mission and a reminder that grief can be channeled into lasting impact.This episode answers:How can community events support families grieving a tragic loss?What is the mission of the Gabby Petito Foundation in grief and healing?How does advocacy help transform grief into meaningful action?What resources exist for families facing domestic violence and missing persons cases?How can grief be honored through remembrance and community connection?Key Takeaways:Grief can be transformed into advocacy and purpose.Community events provide healing and connection for grieving families.The Gabby Petito Foundation raises awareness for domestic violence and missing persons.Volunteers and supporters play a critical role in sustaining grief support efforts.Honoring loved ones through remembrance keeps their legacy alive.GIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS! FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM! BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/

Find the show on Apple Podcasts! Click the FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode! Give us a 5-star rating and leave a review! This will boost our visibility and help others to find the show!WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone experiencing anticipatory grief, supporting a parent with serious illness, or seeking tools to preserve family connections before loss.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Practical grief strategies, compassionate caregiving tools, and a framework for legacy-building that supports healing now and in the future.DESCRIPTION: In this heartfelt episode, Nick sits down with licensed clinical counselor Devan Christian-Vermeer to explore the deep realities of anticipatory grief. Devan shares her family’s journey through her father’s cancer diagnosis, his unexpected remission, and the urgency of creating meaningful connections before loss. She introduces her Compassionate Care Method—a four-part framework for memory-making, legacy preservation, and relationship repair. The conversation dives into the emotional toll of preparing for grief, the importance of recording voices, capturing family traditions, and intentional connection across generations. Together, Nick and Devan explore how to ease guilt and regret by taking proactive steps now. This episode highlights the balance between honoring the present and preparing for the future, offering listeners hope, comfort, and actionable guidance for their own grief journey.This episode answers:What is anticipatory grief and how can families cope with it?How does the Compassionate Care Method help preserve legacies?What practical steps can you take to capture memories before loss?How do you support children in grief when a grandparent is ill?How can families reduce guilt and regret after a loved one dies?Key Takeaways:Anticipatory grief is real and can be navigated with intention.Capturing memories before loss creates priceless comfort later.The Compassionate Care Method guides families through legacy work.Open conversations strengthen relationships and reduce future regret.Healing starts by embracing presence, memory-making, and connection now.DEVAN'S LINKS:Counseling LinksWebsite: https://devanceciliacounselling.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devanceciliacounsellingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/devanceciliacounselling/Coaching LinksFree Resources: https://payhip.com/DevanCeciliaCoachingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DevanChristianVermeer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devanceciliacoaching/GIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS! FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM! BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/