Grow In Your Grief

As I Live and Grieve®

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When was the last time you found yourself in a safe space to talk about grief? In this heartfelt conversation, Kathy welcomes back Nick Gaylord, host of "Our Dead Dads" podcast, for a candid exploration of grief community and the transformative power of shared stories.
Nick opens up about creating his unconventionally-named podcast after his father's death left him struggling with unexpected anger and communication challenges. Despite seeking therapy himself, he recognized how many people lack access to professional grief support due to financial barriers or societal stigma. His solution? Build a platform where anyone could find connection through honest grief conversations without judgment or cost.
The discussion takes a powerful turn when Nick shares insights from his most impactful interviews—conversations with Gabby Petito's parents and Sandy Hook father Robbie Parker. These stories highlight how public tragedies create additional layers of grief, yet also showcase the resilience of those who transform devastating loss into meaningful action. Nick's upcoming participation in the Gabby Petito Foundation's charity golf event demonstrates how grief communities extend beyond podcast conversations into real-world connection and purpose.
Perhaps most revealing is Kathy's personal evolution with death conversations. She recounts arranging "escape calls" to avoid her mother's funeral planning discussions, only to later find herself hosting a grief podcast after gradual exposure through hospice work transformed her relationship with mortality. This journey from avoidance to advocacy perfectly captures why these conversations matter—they create safe spaces for others still struggling to face their grief.
Both hosts emphasize that grief isn't something we can outrun or drink away—it must be processed and moved through. As Nick poignantly puts it, "If we're going to jump off the cliff into the abyss, then let's all hold hands on the way down."

Contact:
www.asiliveandgrieve.com
[email protected]
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To Reach Nick:
Website: http://www.ourdeaddads.com
E-mail : [email protected]

Credits:
Music by Kevin MacLeod

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Copyright 2020, by As I Live and Grieve
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Chapters

1. Welcome to As I Live and Grieve (00:00:00)

2. Nick Gaylord and Our Dead Dads (00:07:13)

3. Grief Is Not a Pissing Contest (00:19:45)

4. Lessons from Nick's Podcast Guests (00:25:19)

5. Sandy Hook and Gabby Petito Stories (00:31:01)

6. Kathy's Journey with Death and Grief (00:37:00)