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
Child Loss, Addiction, and Resilience in Grief with Kathy Julien - Episode 44
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WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Parents grieving a child, families facing addiction, and anyone seeking hope in the aftermath of devastating loss.
WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Insight into grief recovery, how to honor a child’s legacy, and ways to channel pain into healing, service, and community.
DESCRIPTION:
In this deeply moving episode, host Nick Gaylord welcomes Kathy Julien, a trailblazing jet pilot and mother who lost her 24-year-old son Eric to the devastating mix of addiction and diabetes. Kathy shares her raw story of child loss, addiction struggles, and the ongoing grief that forever changes a parent. Listeners will hear how she fought for her son through multiple rehabs, survived the heartbreak of his decline during COVID, and found ways to process unimaginable pain. From creating a tree memorial at his skate park to launching her podcast Another Empty Kitchen, Kathy reveals how grief can transform into connection, advocacy, and purpose. This episode is about loss, resilience, and building a legacy of love in the face of tragedy.
This episode answers:
- How do parents cope after losing a child to addiction and illness?
- What role does community support play in processing grief?
- How can grief be transformed into purpose and legacy?
- What strategies help parents avoid being consumed by depression after child loss?
- How can creating a foundation or podcast help honor a child’s memory?
Key Takeaways:
- Grief after child loss never disappears but can fuel purpose.
- Addiction is a disease, not a moral failure.
- Memorials and rituals create living legacies for lost children.
- Transforming pain into service helps parents survive devastating grief.
- Sharing stories publicly can connect grieving families worldwide.
CHECK OUT KATHY'S PODCAST - ANOTHER EMPTY KITCHEN
WEBSITE: https://www.anotheremptykitchen.com - Click into the website and select "PODCAST" at the top
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