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
Healing Grief Through Death Doulas and End-of-Life Care with Kacie Gikonyo - Episode 58
Find the show on Apple Podcasts! Click the FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode!
Give us a 5-star rating and leave a review! This will boost our visibility and help others to find the show!
WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS:
Anyone struggling with grief, end-of-life decisions, or the painful memory of loved ones dying alone.
WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET:
Practical grief support, insight into death doula care, and strategies to bring dignity, compassion, and human connection back into end-of-life experiences.
DESCRIPTION:
In this episode of Our Dead Dads, host Nick Gaylord speaks with certified death doula and nurse-turned-educator Kacie Gikonyo about grief, caregiving, and humanizing the dying process. Kacie shares her journey from nursing through the COVID-19 pandemic to founding her Death Doula School, training doulas worldwide to support grieving families. She explains why end-of-life planning, advanced directives, and compassionate presence are essential for reducing fear and loneliness at the end of life. Listeners will learn how death doulas bring dignity and empathy to dying, how cultural silence around death harms families, and how education and advocacy can create better grief outcomes. This conversation offers hope, healing, and powerful lessons for anyone facing loss or supporting others in grief.
This episode answers:
- What is a death doula and how do they support grieving families?
- How did the COVID-19 pandemic change the way people experienced grief and dying?
- Why is end-of-life planning so important for families facing loss?
- What role does compassion and human touch play in easing grief at the end of life?
- How can social media and education spread awareness about grief and death doulas?
Key Takeaways:
- Death doulas provide human connection and dignity at the end of life.
- COVID-19 revealed deep gaps in compassionate end-of-life care.
- Advance care planning reduces trauma and unresolved grief.
- Social media can powerfully educate and normalize conversations about death.
- Training and regulation ensure doulas are equipped to support grieving families.
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/