Grief Is Not A Dirty Word

WHO THIS EPISODE HELPSAnyone navigating childhood grief, parental abandonment, complicated grief, or unresolved trauma.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GETA compassionate, grounded conversation about healing father-loss, understanding generational patterns, and building a renewed relationship with grief.DESCRIPTION:Dave Roberts returns to Grief Is Not A Dirty Word for a powerful, vulnerable conversation about growing up without his father and learning to make peace with decades of unresolved grief. Nick Gaylord guides the interview with care, exploring Dave’s early childhood trauma, emotional wounds, and the healing work that helped him understand his father’s absence. Dave speaks openly about forgiveness, ancestral patterns, spiritual insight, and the impact of supportive male figures who shaped his life. The conversation expands into grief education, emotional resilience, and the lifelong search for belonging. Nick and Dave also reflect on the importance of storytelling, connection, and giving people a safe space to process difficult emotions. This episode offers a grounded pathway toward compassion, healing, and reclaiming your own narrative after loss.This episode answers:What does childhood grief look like when a parent leaves without explanation?How do adults process abandonment years after the original loss?What role does forgiveness play in healing complicated grief?Why do generational patterns and ancestral trauma influence how families cope?How can someone rebuild emotional trust and identity after growing up without a parent?Key Takeaways:You did not cause a parent’s departure or the breakup of your family.Childhood grief often mirrors abandonment, fear, anger, and unmet emotional needs.Understanding generational patterns can bring clarity to a parent’s behavior.Forgiveness does not excuse harm — it frees you from carrying it.It is never too late to heal, seek support, and rewrite your emotional story. 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/

Episode 63 - Dan AdamsCHECK OUT DAN'S WEBSITE:https://brokenyellowline.com/homeWHO THIS EPISODE HELPSAnyone navigating grief, divorce, family trauma, identity loss, or major life transitions.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GETPowerful insight into grief recovery, emotional rebuilding, personal resilience, and reclaiming identity after life-altering loss.DESCRIPTION:Dan Adams shares an emotional, unfiltered look at the four-month stretch that turned his entire life upside down—losing his mother, facing painful revelations about his father, and watching a 24-year marriage come to an end in rapid succession. Nick guides Dan through the grief, trauma, and identity collapse that followed, exploring the emotional fallout and the long, honest road back to himself. Dan talks about the loneliness of grief, the shock of divorce at midlife, and the disorientation of becoming an empty nester in the same season. Together, they explore how rebuilding happens piece by piece—through truth, community, vulnerability, music, and connection. Dan explains how hearing others’ stories helped him feel less alone and how sharing his own creates healing for others as well. This episode is a raw, inspiring look at grief, resilience, and the courage to rise when everything falls apart.THIS EPISODE ANSWERS:What does grief look like when multiple losses hit at the same time?How do you rebuild your identity after divorce, parental loss, and family trauma?How do midlife transitions and empty nest grief impact emotional wellbeing?Why does hearing other people’s grief stories reduce isolation and shame?What helps someone recover when life radically changes in just a few months?KEY TAKEAWAYS:Grief doesn’t only come from death—it also comes from truth, identity, and family shifts.Multiple losses in quick succession can dismantle a person’s emotional foundation.Rebuilding requires honesty, community, vulnerability, and support from others.Sharing stories normalizes grief and helps people feel less alone in their pain.Healing is possible even after the most disorienting seasons of life. 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/

Episode 62 (Part 2) - Elissa SwihartTO HELP SUPPORT TALA'S CLOSET, CLICK HERE:https://bit.ly/m/thedvsurvivorsisterhood?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bioTO LISTEN TO DISMISSED TRUE STORIES PODCAST, CLICK HERE:https://open.spotify.com/show/3sp42T4Tr0NaPas6Q8nQ27WHO THIS EPISODE HELPSSurvivors navigating trauma, grief, domestic violence, and post-separation challenges.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GETA deeper understanding of how grief, healing, triggers, and survivorship continue years after abuse—and how purpose and community transform the recovery journey.DESCRIPTION:In this powerful conversation, Nick guides Elissa through the second half of her story—a deeply human look at what long-term healing from domestic violence really feels like. Elissa opens up about triggers that still appear years later, how grief intersects with trauma, and why survivorship is an ongoing process of unlearning and rebuilding. She shares the emotional and spiritual turning points that led her into advocacy and the extraordinary, grief-anchored moment that connected her to Tala, the young woman whose legacy inspired Tala’s Closet. Nick and Elissa also discuss the impact of post-separation abuse, the realities of healing while co-parenting, and the courage required to reclaim your identity after trauma. The conversation expands into community, purpose, grief education, and the life-changing ripple effect Elissa now creates for survivors everywhere. This episode is both a testament to the power of healing and an invitation to believe that rock bottom is not the end of your story.  Elissa interview - transcript -…This episode answers:What does long-term healing from domestic violence and trauma actually look like?Why do triggers and flashbacks appear years after leaving an abusive relationship?How does grief show up in survivors long after the abuse ends?What is Tala’s Closet, and how does it support survivors starting over?How can someone still in an abusive relationship recognize the moment they’re ready to leave?Key Takeaways:Survivorship is an ongoing grief-infused process of unlearning fear and rediscovering identity.Triggers often surface unexpectedly, even in healthy relationships, and do not signal failure.Post-separation abuse, legal abuse, and co-parenting challenges extend trauma long after leaving.Tala’s Closet grew from grief, purpose, community, and Elissa’s commitment to honoring a life lost to domestic violence.Rock bottom is not permanent—healing begins when survivors reclaim self-trust, anger, and agency. 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/

Episode 62 (Part 1) - Elissa SwihartTO HELP SUPPORT TALA'S CLOSET, CLICK HERE:https://bit.ly/m/thedvsurvivorsisterhood?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bioTO LISTEN TO DISMISSED TRUE STORIES PODCAST, CLICK HERE:https://open.spotify.com/show/3sp42T4Tr0NaPas6Q8nQ27WHO THIS EPISODE HELPSSurvivors of domestic violence, people navigating trauma, and anyone grieving the loss of identity, safety, or self-worth.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GETA deeply honest look at surviving abuse, understanding trauma bonding, rebuilding identity, and finding hope after profound emotional grief.DESCRIPTION:In this powerful episode, Nick Gaylord sits down with Elissa Swihart to unpack the hidden emotional cost of domestic violence, trauma, and identity loss. Elissa shares how her abusive relationship began, the isolation that followed, and the brutal erosion of her confidence, voice, and sense of self. She describes the moment she realized she had become a shell of the person she once was—and the day she finally escaped with her son, her dog, and a single laundry basket of clothes. Nick guides the conversation through the grief that survivors carry long after leaving: grief for the life they imagined, grief for the version of themselves they lost, and grief for the safety they never had. Elissa’s story is raw, grounding, and rooted in truth, offering survivors and supporters a roadmap toward healing, self-awareness, and reclaiming personal power. This episode opens the door to conversations many survivors have never been able to speak out loud, shining a light on emotional strength, community, and the long road out of darkness. Elissa interview - transcript -…This episode answers:What are the early warning signs of emotional abuse that most people miss?Why do so many survivors stay, return, or feel trapped in abusive relationships?How does identity loss show up during long-term domestic violence?What does the escape process really look like for survivors with children?How can survivors rebuild confidence, autonomy, and safety after trauma?Key Takeaways:Abuse often begins with love-bombing, isolation, and subtle emotional erosion.Survivors grieve the loss of identity, safety, and autonomy long before they can leave.Leaving an abusive relationship is rarely a single event—it's a repeated, dangerous cycle.Self-awareness is one of the most powerful tools a survivor gains after escaping.Healing requires support, community, and the reclamation of personal voice and power. 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/

Episode 61 - Heather LocklearWHO THIS EPISODE HELPS Anyone navigating grief, trauma, sudden loss, suicide loss, or unresolved emotional pain. WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET Tools, language, and emotional clarity to better understand grief, support others, and process layered loss. DESCRIPTION: In this powerful conversation, Nick sits down with Heather Locklear to unpack the deep emotional impact of family trauma, sudden loss, and lifelong grief. Heather reflects on learning about suicide at a young age, and how early exposure to death shaped her identity and emotional patterns. She discusses the heartbreaking losses within her family, the grief of watching her daughter struggle, and the complicated terrain of animal loss and anticipatory grief. Together, Nick and Heather explore the generational weight of unspoken pain, the need for grief education, and the reality of healing when multiple losses collide. The episode also examines how sleep, avoidance, and self-protection can become coping mechanisms. Through honesty, humor, and vulnerability, Heather reveals how she continues to grow, forgive, and reconnect after decades of grief. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how grief shapes families—and how healing remains possible at any age. This episode answers: What does grief look like when someone grows up around suicide, trauma, and unresolved family pain?How do you support a child or adult who is overwhelmed by grief or panic after sudden loss?Why does pet loss trigger such intense grief, and how can people better respond to it?What are the long-term effects of learning about death or suicide too young?How can someone rebuild emotional strength after years of layered grief and family trauma?Key Takeaways: Early exposure to suicide and death can create lifelong emotional patterns around grief and fear.Supporting someone in deep distress requires calm language, presence, and nonjudgment.Pet loss carries real grief weight and deserves validation, compassion, and proper emotional space.Generational trauma impacts how families communicate, cope, and emotionally self-protect.Healing expands when people speak openly about loss instead of hiding or minimizing it. 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/

Welcome to the World Premiere of Grief Is Not A Dirty Word! You will remember this podcast as Our Dead Dads. The evolution is complete, and the new name is now a fuller representation of everything this podcast has become in the last two years.Please enjoy this trailer, and get ready for new episodes beginning December 2, 2025.WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS Anyone navigating grief, emotional trauma, unresolved loss, or the weight of unspoken feelings. WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET A grounding introduction to grief, healing, connection, and the mission behind the podcast’s rebrand. DESCRIPTION: In this premiere episode, host Nick Gaylord opens the door to a deeply honest conversation about grief, healing, and the emotional weight so many people carry in silence. He shares how unprocessed anger after his father’s death became the starting point of a journey he never expected to take. This episode explores how grief shows up in ways we don’t always recognize, especially when it’s tied to long-standing wounds and unresolved stories. Nick reflects on the origins of Our Dead Dads, how it grew into a community, and why the show has evolved into Grief Is Not A Dirty Word. He speaks to the universal truth that grief is messy, unpredictable, and deeply human — and that connection is what helps us move forward. This is an invitation into a space where truth replaces silence, where emotions are honored, and where grief finally has room to breathe. This episode answers: What does grief actually look like when it doesn’t feel like grief at all?How do anger, avoidance, and emotional shutdown connect to unresolved grief?Why did Nick rebrand Our Dead Dads into Grief Is Not A Dirty Word?How can storytelling and community support healing after loss?Why do we need safe, honest spaces to talk about grief without shame?Key Takeaways: Grief can appear as anger, distance, or emotional overwhelm long before we recognize it.Healing often begins when we stop hiding what hurts and start naming it.Community and connection make grief more bearable and less isolating.Honest conversations help break cultural pressure to “stay strong” or “move on.”The rebrand reflects a broader mission: grief of all kinds deserves a place to be heard. 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/

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/