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
055 - A Mother's Legacy, A Daughter's Voice with Chelsea Ohlemiller
In Episode 55, grief writer and speaker Chelsea Ohlemiller joins the podcast to share the story behind Hope and Harsh Realities, her widely followed platform that began after the loss of her mother, Rita, to cancer in 2017. What started as private notes on her phone turned into something far greater — a space for honesty, healing, and connection for anyone grieving a mother.
Chelsea opens up about how her grief affected everything — her identity, her parenting, her marriage — and how writing gave her the voice she didn’t know she needed. Along the way, she and Nick talk about invisible grief, parenting without a parent, and how it feels to carry the weight of a mother-shaped absence. They also swap laughs over cats, dark humor, sticker planners, and second chances in love.
This episode is deeply human, funny in all the right places, and full of hard-earned insight. Whether you’ve lost your mother, are navigating a new identity after loss, or just want to feel less alone in your grief — Chelsea’s voice will meet you right where you are.
CHELSEA'S LINKS:
Website: www.hopeandharshrealities.com
Facebook: @hopeandharshrealities
Instagram: @hopeandharshrealities
TikTok: @chelseaohlemiller
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