Our Dead Dads

By Nick Gaylord

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, shar

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FAQs about Our Dead Dads:

How many episodes does Our Dead Dads have?

The podcast currently has 70 episodes available.

Our Dead Dads episodes:

May 27, 2025Grief, Therapy, and Breaking Generational Silence: Transforming Pain into Purpose with Chris Tidrick - Episode 51
WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS:
Anyone processing grief after losing a parent, struggling with complicated family relationships, or carrying unprocessed anger and trauma.
WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET:
Tools for navigating grief, insights into forgiveness and therapy, and perspective on building healing spaces for honest conversations about loss.
DESCRIPTION:
In this powerful conversation, host Nick Gaylord steps into the guest chair for a feature on ILLUMENATE with Chris Tidrick. Nick reflects on the grief that followed his father’s death, the anger that therapy helped him release, and the path toward forgiveness that reshaped his life. He shares the inspiration behind creating Our Dead Dads Podcast and why building safe spaces to talk openly about loss is essential. The discussion dives into masculinity, vulnerability, and how grief often carries silence across generations. Nick explores what it means to break those patterns, build resilience, and help others navigate their pain through storytelling. This episode is both deeply personal and widely relatable for anyone searching for hope on the other side of loss.
This episode answers:
How do you process grief after losing a parent with a complicated relationship?
Why is forgiveness an essential part of healing grief and trauma?
What role can therapy play in releasing anger tied to loss?
How do men learn to talk about grief and vulnerability?
What inspired Nick to create Our Dead Dads Podcast as a healing space?
Key Takeaways:
Grief is not about moving on but moving forward.
Forgiveness is a gift to yourself, not just the person who hurt you.
Therapy can provide tools for releasing unprocessed anger.
Honest conversations break generational silence around grief.
Creating space for others to share stories builds community and healing.

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Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/
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1h 7min
May 20, 2025Childhood Loss, Grief Healing, and Hope After Sandy Hook with Scarlett Lewis - Episode 50
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WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Parents, families, and anyone navigating child loss, trauma, or grief healing.
WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Tools for processing grief, stories of resilience, and hope for finding meaning after tragedy.
DESCRIPTION:
In this powerful episode of Our Dead Dads Podcast, host Nick Gaylord sits down with Scarlett Lewis, mother of Jesse Lewis, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Scarlett shares her journey through unimaginable child loss, the moments of grief and shock, and the small but profound miracles that carried her forward. She opens up about her son’s bravery, her family’s healing, and the pivotal chalkboard message—“nurturing, healing, love”—that became the foundation for the Choose Love Movement. Together, Nick and Scarlett explore the intersection of personal grief, public tragedy, and the power of resilience in the aftermath of school shootings. This conversation is filled with raw truth, hope, and the reminder that even in the darkest moments, love can lead the way toward healing.
This episode answers:
What is the grief journey of a Sandy Hook parent?
How can families process child loss after a school shooting?
What role does community support play in grief healing?
How did Scarlett Lewis turn trauma into the Choose Love Movement?
What lessons of resilience and hope come from Jesse’s story?
Key Takeaways:
Grief after child loss can be transformed into purpose.
Community and faith play crucial roles in healing trauma.
Jesse’s act of bravery saved nine classmates at Sandy Hook.
“Nurturing, healing, love” became a global grief-healing message.
The Choose Love Movement offers resilience tools for families and schools.
JESSE LEWIS CHOOSE LOVE MOVEMENT (website): https://chooselovemovement.org/
Check out the entire website! So many FREE resources are available! Lessons from Pre-K through 12th grade! Register now to start receiving your curriculum!

You can also become an ambassador! Our children are worth it! Change the world! Say his name!

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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/
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2h 10min
May 13, 2025Turning Grief Into Motivation and Hope for Others with Scott Tavlin - Episode 49
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WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS:
Anyone navigating grief after losing a parent or loved one, especially those seeking meaning, healing, and resilience in the face of loss.
WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET:
Listeners will hear Scott Tavlin’s grief journey, how he honored his late mother through purpose-driven challenges, and how resilience, family, and legacy shape life after loss.
DESCRIPTION:
In this powerful episode, host Nick Gaylord sits down with Tampa Bay radio host and motivational speaker Scott Tavlin to discuss his deeply personal grief journey after losing his mother. Scott reflects on his mother’s legacy, her unwavering belief in him, and how her lessons continue to guide his life. From early struggles with self-confidence to finding his voice in radio, Scott shares how grief shaped his identity and inspired him to live with greater purpose. He recounts the miracle years his family received after his mother’s first health scare, the heartbreak of her final decline, and the raw pain of her death. Scott explains how running, including completing a marathon in her honor, became both a coping mechanism and a way to give back. His story is one of resilience, healing, and transformation—offering hope to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one.
This episode answers:
How do you cope with grief after losing your mom too soon?
What is the role of resilience in the grieving process?
How can you find meaning and purpose while grieving?
Why do physical challenges like marathons help with grief healing?
How can family connection support grief and loss recovery?
Key Takeaways:
Grief changes everything, but purpose can guide healing.
Family connection provides vital support during loss.
Resilience is built through small, intentional steps.
Physical challenges can channel grief into strength.
Honoring a loved one’s legacy creates lasting meaning.

FOLLOW SCOTT!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scotttavlin/

Listen to Scotty in the Mornings!

Magic 94.9: https://www.mymagic949.com/

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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/
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1h 37min
May 06, 2025Anticipatory Grief and the Long Goodbye: Coping with Loss, Pain, and Healing with Dr. Mary Ann Mercer - Episode 48
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WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS:
Anyone navigating anticipatory grief, long-term illness, dementia, or the drawn-out process of losing a loved one.
WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET:
Practical insights on anticipatory grief, tools for supporting loved ones, and guidance on handling the emotional rollercoaster of the long goodbye.
DESCRIPTION:
In this episode, Nick speaks with Dr. Mary Ann Mercer about the unique challenges of anticipatory grief and the painful reality of the long goodbye. Dr. Mary shares deeply personal stories about supporting her best friend through a prolonged cancer journey, the mixture of emotions that come with wishing for peace while fearing loss, and the importance of validating a loved one’s feelings without interruption. She also reflects on supporting a lifelong friend facing dementia, offering powerful lessons on companionship, patience, and presence. Nick and Dr. Mary highlight the universal need for compassion, silence, and human connection when words fall short. Together, they explore how anticipatory grief differs from sudden loss, why it carries unique layers of guilt and exhaustion, and how small gestures—like saving a voicemail or sitting in silence—can carry profound healing. This heartfelt conversation is a resource for anyone struggling to support loved ones through decline, illness, and end-of-life grief.
This episode answers:
What is anticipatory grief and how is it different from other types of grief?
How do you support a loved one through a long goodbye with cancer or dementia?
Why does anticipatory grief often bring feelings of guilt, sadness, and relief?
What are the healthiest ways to comfort someone facing the end of life?
How can silence and presence be more healing than words during grief?
Key Takeaways:
Anticipatory grief brings a complex mix of sadness, guilt, and relief.
Silence and presence can validate emotions better than rushed comfort.
Long goodbyes often leave caregivers emotionally drained and isolated.
Saving tangible memories (voicemails, notes, cards) provides lasting comfort.
Compassion, patience, and listening are essential in end-of-life support.

DR. MARY'S LINKS:

WEBSITE: www.PositiveLifeAnswers.com
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/positivelifeanswers/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/positivelifeanswers/
E-MAIL: [email protected]

POSITIVE LIFE ANSWERS PODCAST LINKS:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/pod

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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/
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1h 23min
April 29, 2025Coping with Cancer, Caregiving, and Grief Transformation with Vicki Goodman - Episode 47
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WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS:
Spouses, caregivers, and anyone navigating anticipatory grief or struggling after the death of a loved one.
WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET:
Practical insights on caregiving, grief recovery, resilience, and finding healing and purpose after loss.
DESCRIPTION:
In this episode of Our Dead Dads Podcast, host Nick Gaylord speaks with author and widow Vicki Goodman about her powerful journey through anticipatory grief, caregiving, and healing after the death of her husband Sam. Vicki shares the love story that defined their marriage, the reality of facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, and the emotional challenges of stepping into the caregiver role. She reflects on anticipatory grief, the support she received, and the complicated reactions from friends who struggled to face mortality. Vicki also discusses her healing process, including moments of serendipity, discovering new passions, and writing her book To Sam with Love. This conversation explores how grief can inspire growth, purpose, and peace while honoring the memory of a beloved partner.
This episode answers:
What is anticipatory grief and how does it impact caregivers?
How do you support a spouse through terminal cancer?
What role does caregiving play in healing after loss?
How can widows and widowers rebuild purpose after losing a partner?
What lessons can grief teach us about resilience and acceptance?
Key Takeaways:
Anticipatory grief prepares you emotionally before loss occurs.
Caregiving can reveal unexpected strength and resilience.
Community support is essential, but not always easy.
Finding new passions can help channel grief into growth.
Love, memory, and legacy continue to shape life after loss.

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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/
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1h 59min
April 22, 2025Living with Grief, Child Loss, and Renewed Purpose Through Healing with Linda Henderson - Episode 46
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WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone grieving the devastating loss of a child or struggling with complicated grief, anger, or isolation.
WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Insights on grief recovery, coping with child loss, justice system struggles, healing through community, therapy, and creating meaningful memorials.
DESCRIPTION:
In this episode of Our Dead Dads, host Nick Gaylord speaks with Linda Henderson, who lost her daughter Andrea in a tragic car accident caused by a distracted truck driver. Linda shares the profound grief of child loss, the anger of a failed justice system, and the long custody battle to remain connected to her grandson. She reveals how support groups, therapy, and community became lifelines, and how creating a memorial garden for Andrea transformed her healing journey. Linda also discusses her book The Road of Love and Hope and her mission to help others embrace grief, cherish memories, and find purpose after unimaginable loss. This powerful story highlights the resilience of a grieving mother and the enduring power of love through grief.
This episode answers:
How do you cope with grief after the sudden loss of a child?
What happens when the justice system fails grieving families?
How can grandparents fight for visitation rights after child loss?
What role do support groups and therapy play in grief recovery?
How does creating a memorial space help in healing from grief?
Key Takeaways:
Grief after child loss is lifelong, but healing is possible through small steps.
The justice system can compound trauma, but personal healing must continue.
Fighting for connection with grandchildren can be a critical part of healing.
Community support groups and therapy provide lifelines in grief’s darkest moments.
Creating memorials and writing can transform grief into purpose and hope.

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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/
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1h 24min
April 15, 2025Ambiguous Grief, Spiritual Signs, and Rebuilding After Loss with Kristina Driscoll - Episode 45
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WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Caregivers, spouses, and families experiencing grief, ambiguous grief, or long-term anticipatory loss.
WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Insight into caregiving, healing, spiritual signs, and rebuilding life after profound grief.
DESCRIPTION:
In this heartfelt episode of Our Dead Dads, host Nick Gaylord speaks with Kristina Driscoll about her 12-year journey caring for her husband Bill through early-onset Alzheimer’s. Kristina shares candidly about the slow decline, the ambiguous grief of losing someone piece by piece, and the challenges of raising her son during this painful season. She discusses the guilt, anxiety, and exhaustion that caregiving brings, while also highlighting the importance of asking for help and building community. Kristina opens up about the spiritual signs that comforted her after Bill’s passing, the role of dreams in healing, and the unexpected synchronicities that shaped her journey. Her story offers hope, resilience, and a reminder that grief is not about forgetting, but about integrating love and loss into a new life.
This episode answers:
What is ambiguous grief and how does it affect caregivers?
How do families cope with the long goodbye of Alzheimer’s?
What role can spiritual signs and dreams play in healing grief?
How do you balance caregiving, parenting, and personal survival?
What steps help rebuild life and identity after losing a spouse?
Key Takeaways:
Ambiguous grief begins long before physical death in Alzheimer’s caregiving.
Caregivers must learn to ask for help and accept support.
Spiritual signs and dreams can provide deep comfort in grief.
Children process grief differently, often suppressing emotions until later.
Healing after loss is about integration, not forgetting.

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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/
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1h 49min
April 08, 2025Child 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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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/
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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/
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1h 28min
April 01, 2025The Silent Struggles of Estrangement and Grief Healing with Mary Fields - Episode 43
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WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone grieving estranged parents, unresolved loss, or complicated grief.
WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Insight into estrangement grief, anger, family abandonment, and paths to healing.
DESCRIPTION:
In this episode of Our Dead Dads Podcast, host Nick Gaylord speaks with Mary Fields about the deeply complicated grief of losing an estranged parent. Mary’s father had been absent from her life for nearly two decades when she suddenly became responsible for managing his affairs after his death. She describes the overwhelming burden of cleaning out a hoarder’s home, facing shocking realities, and stepping into the role of next-of-kin for someone she barely knew. Together, Nick and Mary unpack the invisible grief of estrangement, the anger of abandonment, and the conflicted emotions of honoring someone who offered little in return. Mary opens up about her therapy journey, the release that came from processing her emotions, and the dignity she ultimately chose to give her father through a military service. This powerful conversation highlights resilience, compassion, and the courage it takes to grieve what never was.
This episode answers:
How do you grieve an estranged parent you barely knew?
What happens when you become responsible for a parent’s affairs after decades of absence?
Why does parental estrangement create such complicated grief?
How can therapy help with unresolved anger and grief toward absent parents?
What lessons can be learned from honoring someone who never showed up for you?
Key Takeaways:
Estrangement creates unique grief challenges distinct from typical loss.
Managing a parent’s affairs can feel like business, not grief.
Therapy provides space to process anger, abandonment, and unresolved emotions.
Honoring someone with dignity can offer healing even in fractured relationships.
Grief can surface for what never existed, not just what was lost.
MARY’S LINKS:
FACEBOOK (BUSINESS): https://www.facebook.com/merryassistant
FACEBOOK (PERSONAL): https://www.facebook.com/nononopenope
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/merryassistant/

GIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS!

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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/
...more
1h 51min
March 25, 2025Love, Loss, and Resilience: Navigating Grief and Marriage Healing with Jocelyn Bates and Matthew Struck - Episode 42
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WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS
Couples navigating grief, families balancing trauma, and listeners seeking insight into shared loss.
WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET
Powerful lessons in grief support, resilience, communication, and navigating loss within relationships.
DESCRIPTION:
In this episode, host Nick Gaylord welcomes back previous guests Jocelyn Bates and Matthew Struck for a rare and candid conversation about what it means to grieve as a couple. Jocelyn lost both of her parents within a week during the COVID-19 pandemic, while Matthew lost his father to suicide and his grandfather soon after. Together, they share how grief shaped their marriage, tested their communication, and forced them to navigate survival mode while raising three children. Nick explores how different grieving styles can either divide or strengthen a partnership, and how humor, anger, sadness, and silence all became part of their process. The conversation sheds light on the unique challenges of shared grief, including estate planning stress, parenting through loss, and redefining family identity. Most importantly, it highlights the resilience, vulnerability, and love required to move forward together.
This episode answers:
How do couples process grief differently after major losses?
What happens when parents die close together and leave no estate plan?
How can families support children through grief while coping themselves?
What role do anger and sadness play in grieving styles?
How can communication and vulnerability strengthen marriages after loss?
Key Takeaways:
Grief affects couples differently and can challenge relationship dynamics.
Estate planning and practical matters intensify emotional stress after loss.
Children process grief uniquely, often mirroring parental coping styles.
Allowing sadness, not just anger, is critical for healing.
Shared grief can become a source of resilience and deeper connection.

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/
...more
2h 29min

FAQs about Our Dead Dads:

How many episodes does Our Dead Dads have?

The podcast currently has 70 episodes available.