Shows
Our Dead Dads048 - The Emotional Weight of Waiting with Dr. Mary Ann MercerIn this episode, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Mary Ann Mercer — psychologist, author, and someone I’m proud to call a friend — for a deeply moving conversation about what it means to grieve before the loss even happens. Dr. Mary shares the story of her best friend Willa, who spent the last three years of her life battling a rare form of cancer. As Willa’s health slowly declined, Dr. Mary experienced a grief that started long before the final goodbye — one filled with emotional whiplash, conflicting thoughts, and moments of profound connection.Together, we talk about...2025-05-061h 22
ILLUMENATEEpisode 013: Holding Space for Grief with Nick GaylordIn this episode of ILLUMENATE, host Chris Tidrick sits down with Nick Gaylord, founder and host of the Our Dead Dads podcast. With nearly 30 years in the pharmaceutical industry focused on quality assurance and compliance, Nick spent much of his professional life ensuring the integrity of life-saving medications. Yet, a more personal calling tugged at him—one rooted in pain, introspection, and a desire to connect with others on a human level. After the loss of his father and a period of unemployment, Nick launched a podcast that would give voice to the unspoken and create a sa...2025-04-301h 02
Our Dead Dads047 - Living Fully in the Face of Loss with Vicki GoodmanIn this beautifully honest episode, Vicki Goodman shares her experience of losing her beloved husband Sam after a two-year battle with liver cancer. Vicki reflects on their love story, their decision to live fully even after a terminal diagnosis, and the bittersweet journey of caring for Sam through his final months.Vicki opens up about the anticipatory grief she faced — how she prepared for his passing while holding onto hope, the complex emotions of caregiving, and the unexpected moments of strength and peace that surfaced in the darkest times. She also shares how music, co...2025-04-291h 58
Our Dead Dads046 - Five Days Before Christmas: The Day Everything Changed with Linda HendersonIn this deeply moving episode, Linda Henderson shares the heartbreaking story of losing her 27-year-old daughter Andrea in a car accident just five days before Christmas. Andrea — a social worker, wife, and expectant mother — was killed instantly when a distracted transport truck driver slammed into her car. What followed was not just unimaginable grief, but a years-long battle with a failed justice system, a fight for grandparent visitation rights, and a struggle to rebuild after everything had shattered.Linda opens up about the anger and paralysis that took hold in the years after Andrea’s death, including the em...2025-04-221h 23
She's Brave Podcast - Kristina DriscollPodcast Host Nick Gaylord Interviews Kristina on the Complexities of GriefSend us a textIn this episode my former podcast class student Nick Gaylord interviews me and unpacks it all- soulmate love, family and loss with my late husband Bill Driscoll.Nick Gaylord is the podcast host of "Our Dead Dads" and a former podcasting student of mine. He took my podcasting class 1 year ago and is now in the top 5% globally. Nick is passionate, incredibly curious, and has a podcast that studies grief in all its shapes, sizes and forms. Grief can be so ambiguous and cause more issues such as shame and additional...2025-04-151h 49
Our Dead Dads045 - How Love Endures: Alzheimer’s, Caregiving, and Everything in Between with Kristina DriscollIn this deeply moving episode, Kristina Driscoll shares the powerful story of her late husband Bill’s battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s — and the emotional and spiritual journey that came with being his caregiver for more than a decade. What began as a storybook romance quickly turned into a full-time fight for normalcy, stability, and hope. From the moment of his diagnosis, Kristina was thrust into the roles of caregiver, mother, nurse, decision-maker, and emotional anchor for her family.Kristina opens up about the mental toll of those early years — from the denial that clouded...2025-04-151h 48
Our Dead Dads044 - Legacy at 35,000 Feet: A Story of Survival and Service with Kathy JulienKathy Julien has spent the last 40 years flying jets and defying expectations. But nothing in her storied career could prepare her for the loss of her 24-year-old son, Eric. In this deeply emotional episode, Kathy opens up about parenting twins, navigating a son’s battle with addiction and type 1 diabetes, and the grief that followed when she lost him. What began as a conversation about motherhood quickly deepens into a raw and powerful account of love, loss, and what comes next.Kathy shares what it was like to fight for her son again and again—through relapses, reco...2025-04-081h 27
Our Dead Dads043 - When Absence Hurts More Than Presence: A Daughter’s Story with Mary FieldsMary Fields grew up without a relationship with her father. In fact, she hadn’t seen him face-to-face in nearly 20 years when a sheriff arrived at her door to inform her that he had died. What followed was a surreal journey into the life — and the death — of a man she barely knew. With no one else to handle the aftermath, Mary found herself responsible for his estate, including navigating his hoarded trailer, dealing with legal red tape, and making difficult decisions about his remains.In this deeply honest conversation, Mary opens up about what it means to gri...2025-04-011h 50
Our Dead Dads042 - When Two Worlds of Grief Collide: Love, Loss, and Moving Forward with Jocelyn Bates & Matthew StruckIn 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 supported each other through the hardest moments.This conversation is honest, raw, and unexpectedly full of...2025-03-252h 28
Our Dead Dads041 - Reckoning with the Past: Family, Loss, and Moving Forward with Matthew StruckIn 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 has worked through both the loss and the emotions that came with it. There’s no roadmap for...2025-03-181h 57
Our Dead DadsBonus Re-release - When Everything Falls Apart: Jocelyn Bates’ Journey Through Grief and HealingLosing 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 children of her own.Jocelyn takes us through her grief jour...2025-03-141h 38
Our Dead Dads040 - A Father’s Fight: Robbie Parker’s Journey Through Grief and HealingIn 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 has been one of resilience, self-reflection, and learning to connect with others through vulnerability. Through therapy, spiritual growth, and even plant-based medicine, Robbie found ne...2025-03-112h 21
Our Dead Dads039 - When the Psychology Professor Met the Minister: The Journey of Dave RobertsIn 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 maintain his relationship with his daughter beyond the physical world.Dave’s journey led him to...2025-03-041h 12
Our Dead Dads038 - Light After Grief: Jason & Kirsten Clawson on Love & LossIn 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, led to an inspiring new chapter in their lives.Jason and Kirsten open up about their personal experiences—Jason's...2025-02-251h 38
Our Dead Dads037 - Beyond the Headlines: Gabby Petito’s Legacy; Grief & Advocacy with Nichole & Jim SchmidtIn 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 advocates for missing persons and domestic violence awareness. They open up about how they’ve chann...2025-02-171h 55
Our Dead Dads036 - Making Peace With The Past with Laura BennettIn 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 which unresolved trauma and family conflict shaped her early years, and how she ha...2025-02-111h 30
Our Dead Dads035 - How Grief Changes Us: A Story of Strength and Healing with Moira KhanIn 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 one of resilience, survival, and ultimately finding purpose in helping others cope with lo...2025-02-041h 33
Our Dead Dads034 - When Grief Knocks Twice - Turning Pain Into Purpose with Faith SageIn 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, despair, and guilt that rippled through her family. Faith also opens up about her unique experience as a stepmother, weaving her personal...2025-01-281h 34
Our Dead Dads033.1 - Saying Goodbye To Grammy with Nick and Kim GaylordWhat 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 a cherished grandparent.Take a nostalgic trip with us to an unforgettable lunch at Charlie's Restaurant on...2025-01-211h 02
Our Dead Dads033 - Building Resilience and Unity from Grief's Shadow - Tony LynchWhat 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 normalizing discussions around grief and introduces his latest project—a magazine dedicated to extending his mission of support and healing.2025-01-142h 07
Our Dead Dads032 - Understanding Parental Bonds and the Path to Forgiveness with Courtney MooreCourtney 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 family dynamics • Journey of returning to a dying parent and reconciliation • Acceptance as key to healing from complex relationships • Creating space for collective grief and understanding...2025-01-071h 42
Our Dead Dads031 - Home For The Holidays - Goodfellas ReunionThis 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 holiday celebrations amidst grief• Exploring how traditions evolve and new memories form• Importance of storytelling in remembering lost loved ones• Encour...2024-12-241h 18
Our Dead Dads030 - Bonus - The Hot Seat December 2024What 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 memories reflect the joyful chaos and cherished traditions that shaped our lives.Ever wondered what your last day on...2024-12-201h 18
Our Dead Dads029 - The Influence of Community and Parental Legacy with John GerstWhat 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 of missing out on an adult relationship with a parent and the powerful role of community and...2024-12-172h 13
Our Dead Dads028 - Exploring Fatherhood and the Cycles of Life with Eric PiragnoliWhen 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 not heal all wounds, a shared understanding can create a safe haven for those feeling isolated...2024-12-102h 09
Our Dead Dads027 - Embracing Emotions and Rebuilding After Loss with Kyle JetselHave 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 community in healing from loss.Parenting, as Kyle and I discuss, is an ongoing lesson in accountability and grace. A...2024-12-031h 49
Yarns for the SoulEpisode 43- Yarns on communicating through grief and starting 'Our Dead Dads' podcast with NickSend us a textOn this episode I yarn with the creator and host of 'Our Dead Dads' podcast Nick Gaylord. After the death of Nick's father (and a healthy dose of therapy to help move through the grief, anger and all of the feels), Nick realised we weren't having enough conversations about grief and healing. So he decided to start his own podcast and have yarns about grief and loss with guests from all over the world. Nick is motivated to continue creating a safe space for guests to share their experiences, talk about...2024-11-301h 01
Our Dead Dads026 - Redefining Happiness Through Change and Community - Nicole MaitlandAfter 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 support from her sister and the unpredictable path of life changes remind us of the strength and resilience we all possess.2024-11-261h 55
Our Dead Dads025 - Overcoming Childhood Trauma and Domestic Violence - The Journey of Mel MosierWhat 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 struggles. Join us as we unravel the complexities of grief and...2024-11-194h 38
Our Dead Dads024 - Art, Emotion, and Family Bonds on the Path to Healing with Jason TuttleHave 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 importance of creating safe spaces for discussing difficult emotions and how storytelling within the grief community has been a...2024-11-121h 52
Our Dead Dads023 - Transforming Grief into Growth: A Young Man's Journey with James Brackin IVWhat 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 unique perspective on life. This heart-to-heart conversation reveals the power of vulnerability and the strength found...2024-11-051h 54
Our Dead Dads022 - A Journey Through Family Dynamics and Fatherly Wisdom - Helene KrapfWhat 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 marriages. It's an episode that promises to resonate with anyone who's ever felt the unique blend of pain and comfort that...2024-10-292h 07
Get Best Full Audiobooks in Mystery, Thriller & Horror, EspionageKarla's Choice: A John le Carré Novel by Nick Harkaway, John Le CarréPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/768825to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Karla's Choice: A John le Carré Novel
Author: Nick Harkaway, John Le Carré
Narrator: Simon Russell Beale
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 10 hours 42 minutes
Release date: October 24, 2024
Genres: Espionage
Publisher's Summary:
Brought to you by Penguin. A gripping new novel set in the universe of John le Carré's most iconic spy, George Smiley, written by acclaimed novelist Nick Harkaway It is spring in 1963 and George Smiley has left the Circus. With the wreckage of the West's spy war with the Soviets strewn across Europe, he has eyes only on a m...2024-10-2410h 42
Our Dead Dads021.1 - Moving Past Hurricane MiltonHurricane 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 me from working on the podcast, it also gave me moments of reflection...2024-10-1508 min
Our Dead Dads021 - Family Bonds and Emotional Journeys with Annie LaBethGrief, 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 sharing our stories—a collective healing that can transcend the pain of loss.Join us as we...2024-10-081h 51
Our Dead Dads020 - Supporting a Friend Through Grief: Insights and Practical Advice with Mark LuceroWhat 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 understanding and addressing the emotions tied to loss.Our discussion highlights the often-overlooked im...2024-10-011h 28
Our Dead Dads019 - From Heart Attack to Health Advocate with Sean ChristopherWhat 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 shares personal anecdotes that highlight the significance of immediate action and the profound impact of having a supportive community. He recounts the...2024-09-271h 33
Our Dead Dads018 - Navigating Early Parental Loss and Finding Resilience with Michael GrahamEver 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 community for those navigating similar paths.Curious about the traits we inherit from...2024-09-241h 18
Our Dead Dads017 - Transformative Dialogues in a Father-Daughter Relationship with Yvonne CaputoWhat 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 profound role that community support and open discussions play in navigating grief, loss, and trauma.As we continue to explore family dynamics, Yvonne takes...2024-09-171h 12
Our Dead Dads016 - Navigating Absence and Emotional Healing with Jessica ParenteHave 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.Jessica's journey is one of survival, growth, and ultimately, healing. From recounting the turbulent years...2024-09-101h 47