Our Dead Dads

Bonus Re-release - When Everything Falls Apart: Jocelyn Bates’ Journey Through Grief and Healing

Losing 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 journey, from facing her childhood wounds to discovering new ways of healing, including art therapy, journaling, and exploring alternative methods of self-discovery. We discuss the complexities of grief, trauma, and how societal expectations often pressure people to "move on" rather than process their pain.

We’re re-releasing this powerful conversation because next week, Jocelyn’s husband, Matthew Struck, joins me to share his own journey of loss, grieving the suicide of his father and the complex family history that shaped their relationship. Then, in Episode 42, I sit down with both Jocelyn and Matt as we discuss how their grief experiences have shaped their marriage and family. This episode is a reminder that healing takes time, and it starts with giving yourself permission to feel.


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/