Our Dead Dads
The concept of Our Dead Dads was born through the daily discussions of seven men who share bonds of blood, friendship and all having lost their fathers. Nick Gaylord, the show’s host, shares his life experiences with his deceased father while exploring the complications and realities of that relationship. Life is intense, grief and loss come in many forms, and no parent-child relationship is black and white, which is why this show touches on all shades of grey.
Join Nick for candid conversations with his three brothers and three of his lifelong friends, along with other special guests who discuss their experiences with loss, grief, laughter, and moving forward. Nothing is off-limits here. Nick learned after his father's passing that he couldn't process what he was going through alone and sought the help of a therapist, who helped him to let go of his anger toward his father. Looking back, he realized just how many people are being crushed under the weight of grief, loss, and in some cases, anger.
Nick's mission through Our Dead Dads is to offer a platform for anyone who needs or wants to tell their story, to have that opportunity. He also hopes to reach many more who need to talk but don't know how to start the conversation, hopeful that by listening to these stories, they will be able to start talking with someone.
Nick has always sought to help others and to make everyone around him laugh. Along with his brothers and friends, he has frequently used humor to get through the hardest times in their lives, and hopefully, you will permit yourself to do the same. Get ready for an emotional deep dive. Nick has a lot to say and so do his guests. He's here for you and ready to help. Everyone has been through trauma, grief, and loss. Now, along with Nick and his guests, everyone will get through it together.
Nick is changing the world one damaged soul at a time. Welcome to Our Dead Dads.
Our Dead Dads
037 - Beyond the Headlines: Gabby Petito’s Legacy; Grief & Advocacy with Nichole & Jim Schmidt
In this deeply moving episode of Our Dead Dads, I sit down for an in-person conversation with Niki and Jim Schmidt, the mother and bonus dad of Gabby Petito. While many are familiar with the tragic circumstances surrounding Gabby’s story, today’s conversation focuses on the grief, resilience, and advocacy that have defined her family’s journey in the years since. Niki and Jim share what it was like to process the unimaginable loss of their daughter while also stepping into the role of advocates for missing persons and domestic violence awareness. They open up about how they’ve channeled their grief into action through the Gabby Petito Foundation, working to prevent future tragedies and provide resources for those in dangerous situations.
Beyond the headlines, this episode is about healing, both for Gabby’s family and for anyone experiencing grief. We discuss the challenges of navigating personal trauma in the public eye, the importance of mental health awareness, and the role of self-forgiveness in the grieving process. Jim, a first responder, reflects on how his career shaped his ability to cope with loss and how his perspective has evolved in the wake of Gabby’s death. Niki speaks candidly about the emotional weight of their advocacy and how she balances the drive to make change with the need for personal healing.
Despite the heavy themes, we also find moments of laughter and light, emphasizing that grief is not just about sadness—it’s about remembering, growing, and finding ways to move forward. Niki and Jim’s message is clear: grief doesn’t have to be faced alone, and through conversation, support, and action, we can create a safer world for those at risk. This episode is a testament to their strength, their love for Gabby, and their determination to turn pain into purpose.
This episode is sponsored by Kim Gaylord Travel and Dotted Avenue Creative Studio. Please visit https://www.ourdeaddads.com/our-friends to contact.
LINKS FOR GABBY:
Gabby Petito Foundation: https://gabbypetitofoundation.org/
Gabby Petito Alliance: https://gabbypetitofoundation.org/gabby-petito-alliance
National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs): https://namus.nij.ojp.gov/
National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/
or call (800) 799-SAFE (7233), or text “START” to 88788
Gabby Petito Foundation Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/EnglightenedEntrepreneur
GABBY PETITIO FOUNDATION GOLF EVENT - FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2025 (MOUNT SINAI, NY):
Register Today: https://gabbypetitofoundation.org/events/golf
Or email golf@gabbypetitofoundation.org
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