Our Dead Dads

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, trauma, addiction, or unresolved loss—especially men who feel isolated in silence.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Strategies for processing grief, insight into men’s mental health, and inspiration from Tony Lynch’s powerful journey of resilience.DESCRIPTION: In this moving episode, Nick Gaylord welcomes grief advocate, podcaster, and international author Tony Lynch. Tony shares his extraordinary story, from childhood struggles and prison time to his near-suicide and eventual calling to help others heal. Together, Nick and Tony explore the impact of unresolved grief, addiction, trauma, and the stigma men face when expressing vulnerability. They dive into the rise of suicide and mental health struggles since COVID, the need for safe spaces where men and women alike can grieve without shame, and how dark humor can provide comfort along the journey. Tony also discusses founding Grief Talk Magazine, the Global Grief Network, and his Resilient Men Support Group, all created to bring community, resources, and awareness to those navigating grief. This episode is a raw and authentic reminder that grief is universal, healing is possible, and no one should ever face loss alone.This episode answers:How can men talk about grief and trauma without shame?What role does unresolved grief play in addiction and suicide?Why is community so important in the grieving process?How does dark humor help people cope with grief?What resources exist for men struggling with loss and mental health?Key Takeaways:Grief, trauma, and loss must be discussed openly, not hidden.Men face unique challenges in expressing grief and often feel silenced.Community resources like Grief Talk Magazine and support groups are critical.Dark humor can be a healthy coping mechanism in grief work.Healing requires both vulnerability and connection with others.TONY'S LINKS:Website: https://www.mensgriefsupport.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tony.lynch.188Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mensgriefsupport/GRIEF LET'S TALK ABOUT IT PODCAST:https://www.youtube.com/@griefletstalkaboutitGIVE 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 complicated grief from losing a parent, childhood trauma, or unresolved family relationships.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Practical insights into grief healing, childhood trauma recovery, and end-of-life caregiving from a deeply personal story.DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Nick Gaylord sits down with Courtney Moore for an unflinching conversation about grief, trauma, and loss. Courtney shares her story of losing her mother as a baby, growing up in a volatile home with her father, and the complicated dynamics that shaped their relationship. She reflects on the trauma of abuse, the struggles of living with a parent who may have been undiagnosed autistic, and the emotional toll of caring for him during his final days with pancreatic cancer. Nick guides the discussion into how childhood wounds intersect with grief, forgiveness, and acceptance in adulthood. Together, they explore the relief and guilt that often follow a parent’s death, the complexity of grieving someone who was both caregiver and source of pain, and how breaking the silence around family trauma fosters healing. This is an honest, raw, and powerful episode that highlights how grief and trauma are deeply connected—and how sharing our stories builds community and hope.This episode answers:How do you process grief after losing a complicated parent?What is complicated grief and how is it different from typical grief?How does childhood trauma affect the grieving process in adulthood?What happens during end-of-life caregiving for a parent with cancer?How can forgiveness and acceptance help heal unresolved family pain?Key Takeaways:Complicated grief often stems from difficult or traumatic family relationships.Childhood trauma shapes how we process loss later in life.End-of-life caregiving can reopen old wounds while offering closure.Forgiveness requires acceptance, not denial, of someone’s flaws.Sharing grief stories helps normalize trauma and fosters collective 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/

WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone grieving during the holiday season who longs for connection, family traditions, and community.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Tools for balancing grief and joy, stories of healing through family connection, and reminders that support is found in shared memories.DESCRIPTION: In this special Christmas Eve episode, host Nick Gaylord brings together the people closest to him to reflect on grief, family, and holiday traditions. Joined by his siblings, wife, and longtime friends, the conversation blends humor, storytelling, and heartfelt memories. Together, they explore how grief shapes the way families gather, the importance of rituals, and the bittersweet reality of celebrating holidays after loss. Nick shares personal reflections on creating magical Christmas experiences for his younger siblings while navigating his own grief. Guests open up about family traditions, holiday foods, and memories of loved ones no longer here. This episode highlights the powerful bond of family and the way grief and love coexist during the holiday season. It’s a reminder that grief doesn’t take a break during celebrations, but connection can bring comfort and healing.This episode answers:How do you handle grief during the holidays with family traditions?What role do shared stories play in processing grief after loss?How can humor and memories coexist with grief at Christmas?Why do rituals and traditions help families navigate grief together?How does reflecting on childhood experiences shape grief healing?Key Takeaways:Grief and joy often coexist during holiday gatherings.Family rituals help carry memories of loved ones forward.Humor can be a valuable tool in grief healing.Storytelling strengthens family bonds and collective healing.Traditions create continuity and comfort when facing loss.THE BEST STEAK BUTTER SAUCE YOU WILL EVER TRY: https://pin.it/6hsr9X7opGIVE 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: Listeners coping with grief during the holidays, anyone missing loved ones at Christmas, and those seeking comfort in shared family experiences.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Insights on grief, family traditions, holiday challenges, and stories that highlight both loss and resilience.DESCRIPTION: In this Hot Seat bonus episode of Our Dead Dads, host Nick Gaylord sits down with his wife, Kim, to answer listener-submitted questions about grief, family, and the holidays. Together, they explore the emotional weight of moving away from New York, memories of Christmases past, and the impact of Nick’s father on his traditions. They also reflect on travel, family meals, and even the bittersweet humor of difficult times. Nick opens up about childhood trips, his father’s obsession with Lionel trains, and the complicated mix of joy and strain during Christmas. Listeners will hear candid stories, relatable grief experiences, and a heartfelt reminder of how loss continues to shape holidays. With warmth, honesty, and laughter, this episode offers comfort to anyone carrying grief into the festive season and a chance to feel less alone.This episode answers:How do you cope with grief during the holiday season?What family traditions become more meaningful after a parent dies?How can holiday memories help us process grief?What are common challenges when grieving during Christmas?How do shared stories of grief provide comfort to others?Key Takeaways:Grief often intensifies around the holidays, but storytelling creates healing space.Family traditions can both comfort and complicate grief experiences.Childhood memories of Christmas and travel reveal how loss shapes identity.Humor and honesty are powerful tools in grief conversations.Listener participation through questions deepens community 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 loss of a parent, struggling with unprocessed grief, or searching for ways to honor their father’s memory while raising their own children.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Insight into father loss, healing through revisiting childhood memories, and practical ways to process grief that resurfaces decades later.DESCRIPTION: In this episode of Our Dead Dads, host Nick Gaylord sits down with his childhood friend John Gerst, who lost his father, John Sr., at just 21 years old. Together, Nick and John reflect on grief that lingers for decades, the regrets of never getting to know a parent as an adult, and how parenting revives old lessons passed down through generations. John shares his recent experience revisiting his childhood home on Long Island—an emotional journey that forced him to confront unresolved grief, say goodbye to his past, and pass on family values to his son. This heartfelt conversation dives deep into father loss, childhood memories, parenting, and the importance of community. Through humor, honesty, and shared reflection, Nick and John reveal how grief never fully disappears but instead reshapes who we become.This episode answers:What is it like to lose a father right before graduating college?How does revisiting a childhood home trigger unprocessed grief?Why do regrets about father loss resurface later in life?How can parenting bring forward lessons from a deceased father?What role does community play in healing grief after father loss?Key Takeaways:Grief can resurface decades later, often triggered by unexpected life events.Revisiting childhood homes can unlock powerful and unresolved emotions.Losing a parent young creates regrets about missed adult relationships.Parenting often revives lessons from deceased parents in unexpected ways.Community, friendship, and shared memories are vital to healing grief.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 unresolved grief, father loss, or the lasting trauma of childhood bereavement.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Insights into unprocessed grief, the ripple effects of trauma, and the importance of support systems in healing across a lifetime.DESCRIPTION: In this powerful episode, Nick Gaylord sits down with his longtime friend Eric Piragnoli to unpack the lifelong impact of losing a father at age six. Eric shares what it was like to grow up without memories of his dad, and how unprocessed grief followed him into adulthood. From childhood anxiety and stress responses to the challenges of marriage, divorce, and raising his own children, Eric reflects on how grief shaped his life at every stage. He also opens up about losing and later reconciling with his sons, the role of his stepfather, and the emotional weight of fatherhood as he nears 50. Together, Nick and Eric discuss father loss, unresolved trauma, and how grief continues to surface in unexpected ways. This conversation is a reminder that grief has no timeline, and that healing is always possible—even decades later.This episode answers:What happens when childhood grief is never processed?How does losing a father at a young age affect adulthood and parenthood?Why do stress, panic, and anxiety often connect to unresolved trauma?How can divorced parents rebuild relationships with children after years apart?What role can step-parents play in supporting fatherless children?Key Takeaways:Grief doesn’t end with time; it resurfaces throughout life.Childhood trauma can manifest later as anxiety, stress, or health struggles.Father loss leaves unique emotional voids, even with strong support systems.Reconciling with estranged children requires patience, honesty, and forgiveness.Supportive step-parents and community figures can help fill critical gaps.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 after losing a parent or spouse, especially fathers raising children through loss.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Guidance on grief, parenting through trauma, and building resilience while honoring family legacies.DESCRIPTION: In this episode of Our Dead Dads, host Nick Gaylord speaks with Kyle Jetsel about navigating unimaginable grief after losing both his father and his wife of 30 years. Kyle shares stories of raising six children while honoring his dad’s legacy of joy and resilience, and the lessons that shaped his own journey through grief. Together, Nick and Kyle explore how men can embrace vulnerability, find meaning in suffering, and lead with compassion even in the darkest moments. Listeners will hear powerful stories of parenting through trauma, honoring loved ones after death, and transforming loss into legacy. This conversation offers practical hope for anyone walking the painful road of grief and healing.This episode answers:How do you parent children while grieving the death of a spouse?What lessons about grief can be passed down from father to son?How can men embrace emotions and vulnerability during grief?What strategies help families stay connected after losing a parent?How can suffering be transformed into purpose and legacy?Key Takeaways:Parenting through grief requires vulnerability and open conversations.A father’s legacy can guide resilience after devastating loss.Men need safe spaces to express emotions during grief.Turning suffering into purpose can help families heal.Compassion and storytelling strengthen community in grief journeys.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, burnout, or the loss of identity after losing a parent. WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Practical insights into grief recovery, burnout healing, and building a new life with meaning and purpose.DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Nick Gaylord welcomes grief storyteller and podcaster Nicole Maitland for an intimate conversation on grief, burnout, and self-discovery. Nicole shares her journey from a high-pressure legal career to life as a digital nomad, while coping with the devastating loss of her father. She opens up about how grief and chronic stress collided to create burnout, forcing her to step away from law and reevaluate her identity. Together, Nick and Nicole explore the universal challenges of grief, the impact of parental loss, and the ways workplaces often fail to support grieving employees. Nicole also discusses the healing power of storytelling, the importance of family connection, and the lessons she has carried into her podcast, Yarns for the Soul. This powerful discussion is a reminder that grief, trauma, and burnout can coexist—but so can resilience, healing, and hope.This episode answers:How do grief and burnout overlap and intensify each other?What happens when workplaces fail to support grieving employees?How can losing a parent at a young age impact identity and career choices?What tools and practices help when rebuilding life after grief?How can storytelling and community help normalize conversations about grief?Key Takeaways:Grief and burnout often intersect, creating deep emotional and physical exhaustion.Workplaces rarely provide enough support for grieving employees to truly recover.Parental loss can spark identity shifts and major career changes.Storytelling and honest conversations reduce the stigma around grief.Healing requires both self-compassion and a supportive community.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 impacted by domestic violence, intimate partner violence, trauma, or childhood abuse who is seeking grief support and healing resources.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Listeners will gain practical grief insights, domestic violence awareness, survivor perspectives, and emotional support strategies for healing.DESCRIPTION: In this powerful milestone episode of Our Dead Dads, host Nick Gaylord sits down with podcaster and survivor advocate Mel Mosier to break open the silence around domestic violence and its lifelong connection to grief. Mel shares her story of surviving abuse at the hands of her parents and two ex-husbands, navigating the foster care system, and the painful grief that comes from trauma passed down through generations. She describes the courage it took to uproot her life, protect her children, and start over. Nick highlights her creation of The Faithful Sparrow, a safe space for domestic violence survivors seeking resources and hope. Together, Nick and Mel discuss grief, healing, cycles of abuse, and the importance of breaking stigma. This raw and emotional conversation underscores how survivors can transform grief into strength and community.This episode answers:How do grief and domestic violence connect in long-term healing?What are the signs of intimate partner violence survivors often overlook?How can survivors of abuse rebuild their lives while raising children?Where can domestic violence survivors find grief resources and safe support?Why is storytelling essential in breaking cycles of trauma and grief?Key Takeaways:Domestic violence and grief are deeply interconnected and often hidden.Breaking generational trauma requires courage, boundaries, and awareness.Support systems and resources are critical for survivors to start over.Sharing stories reduces stigma and connects survivors to community.Healing from grief is possible even after lifelong trauma and abuse.MEL'S LINKS:CONTACT MEL: mel@thefaithfulsparrow.comWEBSITE: www.thefaithfulsparrow.comIF YOU ARE IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP, YOU HAVE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO YOU! DO NOT EVER SETTLE FOR ABUSE. YOU DO NOT DESERVE IT! NO ONE DOES!!!IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, IF FEASIBLE, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITIES OR CALL 911. IF YOU NEED TO BE MORE DISCRETE AND NEED MORE INVOLVED HELP, PLEASE CONTACT MEL AT THE EMAIL ADDRESS ABOVE. HER MISSION IS TO HELP ALL VICTIMS OF DV AND IPV.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: Parents, caregivers, and grieving families coping with child loss, trauma, or complicated grief.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Hope, practical grief support, and insights into healing from a father’s perspective on child loss, grief, and rebuilding life.DESCRIPTION: In this powerful episode, host Nick Gaylord sits down with Jason Tuttle to share his journey of love, loss, and healing after the death of his son, Zachary. Jason opens up about his son’s rare medical condition, the challenges of raising two children with special needs, and the devastating experience of losing a child to sepsis and cardiac arrest. He reflects on the shock, trauma, and grief that followed, offering an honest perspective on how men process grief and why emotional expression is often silenced. Together, Nick and Jason explore the role of resilience, the importance of grief community support, and the creation of Jason’s grief project Letters to Zachary. This conversation offers both raw vulnerability and a sense of connection, reminding listeners that grief is lifelong but healing is possible when we share our stories.This episode answers:How do fathers process grief after the loss of a child?What is Eagle Barrett Syndrome and how did it affect Jason’s son?How does sepsis lead to sudden and unexpected child loss?What are healthy ways men can express grief and emotions?How can grief support communities provide healing and connection?Key Takeaways:Child loss impacts every part of life, from marriage to identity.Men often struggle to express emotions due to cultural expectations.Sepsis can quickly become fatal and is often misunderstood.Grief is lifelong, non-linear, and does not follow a fixed timeline.Sharing stories builds community and helps normalize grief conversations. JASON'S LINKS:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TuttlepatriarchWebsite: www.letterstozachary.comEmail: letterstozachary2022@gmail.comBUY THE BOOK: https://www.ourdeaddads.com/book-recommendationsGIVE 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/