What if you could turn profound loss into a driving force for personal growth and ambition? Join us as we sit down with our youngest guest, James Brackin IV, to uncover his transformative journey through grief and resilience. At just 20 years old, James has faced the unimaginable, losing three pivotal male figures in his life between the ages of 6 and 12. Listen as he opens up about these significant losses, the lessons he's learned, and how they've shaped his aspirations and given him a unique perspective on life. This heart-to-heart conversation reveals the power of vulnerability and the strength found in sharing our most challenging experiences.

As we navigate through the emotional terrain of unexpected loss, we also explore the rich tapestry of family stories and memories that provide solace and strength during tough times. The importance of cherishing relationships with grandparents and the wisdom they impart becomes a focal point, reminding us to treasure these connections before they're lost. We dive into the intriguing paradox of grieving for someone never known and how the absence of a parent shapes one's identity and life choices. Through personal narratives, we aim to shift the narrative around grief, making the conversation more inclusive and less taboo, ultimately fostering a supportive community where open discussions are celebrated.

From the serious to the light-hearted, our episode covers the rising cost of living in paradise-like Hawaii, the joy of culinary exploration, and the journey towards becoming a life coach. We emphasize the value of setting meaningful goals, embracing spontaneity, and living authentically in the present. With inspiring stories of overcoming adversity, including those of past guests, we invite you to reflect on what brings true fulfillment and how personal growth can lead to a more purposeful life. Whether you're charting your own path or seeking guidance through life's challenges, this episode offers insights and encouragement to navigate grief with grace and determination.

James's Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.brackin.507
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrackiniv/
The You Can Too Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-can-too-with-james-brackin-iv/id1593897435
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesbrackiniv
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-brackin-iv-506069216/

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What if sharing your grief could help heal not just your heart, but also those of others? That's exactly what happens as I, Nick Gaylord, sit down with my youngest sister, Queen Helene, to revisit the kaleidoscope of emotions and experiences from our childhood with our father. Our conversation is filled with laughter and a few eyebrow-raising tales about family hierarchies, the quest to find our brother Joseph a partner, and the unforgettable escapades involving our father's multiple marriages. It's an episode that promises to resonate with anyone who's ever felt the unique blend of pain and comfort that comes with familial bonds.

You'll hear about the clever antics that kept our family on its toes, including the infamous 'banana' password that led to an unexpected clown prank—stories that shine a light on our father's vibrant intelligence and humor. We reminisce about the joy and tension of family gatherings, like weddings where our absent father was an unexpected guest, and the unwavering love from our stepmother that weathered decades of family drama. Plus, there's a nod to the simpler pleasures he instilled in us, from a love of baseball to a fondness for festive Christmas traditions.

As we navigate the emotional terrain of our father's passing, Helene and I open up about the complexities of care, decisions made in difficult times, and the heartache of saying goodbye under COVID restrictions. We reflect on the irreplaceable presence our father had in our lives, even as we forge ahead in his absence. This episode is not just about remembering our father but also holding space for others to share their stories of loss and find strength in shared experiences. Join us to explore the laughter, love, and lasting impact of a father who left an indelible mark on our hearts.

HELENE'S LINKS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helene.gaylord
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenenicole93/
Instagram (Krapf's Kreations): https://www.instagram.com/krapfs_kreations/

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Hurricane Milton might have blown through Tampa with a vengeance, but it also gifted my family and me the chance to hit pause and reconnect during a chaotic time. I'm taking a short break from new episodes of Our Dead Dads to share these personal updates. We were fortunate to come away from the storm mostly unscathed, though it temporarily zapped our connectivity. The silver lining? We got to unplug, tackle a thousand-piece puzzle, and make the most of some rare downtime. While the storm kept me from working on the podcast, it also gave me moments of reflection and gratitude, particularly as I gear up for some exciting personal milestones like my birthday and Halloween.

I'm thrilled to announce that my youngest sister, Helene, will join me for Episode 22 on October 29th, marking both my birthday and our return to regular programming. Before then, I want to extend heartfelt thanks to some key players who made the storm's aftermath a little easier to bear. A big shout-out goes to Denis Phillips, the ever-reliable chief meteorologist at ABC Action News in Tampa, whose calm demeanor and thorough coverage were a beacon amidst the chaos. And a massive thank you to Tampa's local radio stations for their invaluable updates on shelters, sandbags, and power restorations. Tampa's Emergency Personnel, the linemen and linewomen who are still working around the clock to get everyone's lights back on, we take so many things for granted and we have all of you to thank for keeping us safe, and literally keeping the lights on.

Check out Denis Phillips' Etsy Shop link below, where the proceeds from your purchases for the remainder of October will go toward the victims of Hurricne Milton. Your patience during this hiatus means the world to me, and I can't wait to be back with fresh episodes and more poignant conversations around grief and healing. Thank you to everyone for the love and support you have shown Our Dead Dads and all those affected by the recent storms. Get ready because 2024 will finish strong and 2025 will start even stronger!


DENIS PHILLIPS' LINKS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisphillipsweatherman

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

Denis's Hurricane Rules and Hurricane Preparedness List: https://tidings.town.news/g/tampa-fl/n/211939/denis-philips-hurricane-storm-rules-and-prep-list

Rule #7 Etsy Shop: https://rule-7-stuff-2.creator-spring.com/

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Grief, trauma, and resilience take center stage as we bring you another heartfelt episode of Our Dead Dads. This time, I sit down with my friend Annie LaBeth, whose journey through losing her father at 23 offers a poignant look at the complexities of family dynamics and loss. Annie's story, laced with moments of dark humor shared over morning mimosas, highlights the vital role supportive communities play in navigating the turbulent waters of grief. Her insights remind us of the power in sharing our stories—a collective healing that can transcend the pain of loss.

Join us as we reminisce about our shared Texas roots, uncover surprising family histories, and explore the intricate dance of familial relationships. From the revelation of herfather's late-in-life fatherhood and the unique circumstances of her birth to Annie's experiences with an aging, ailing parent in Brenham, Texas, the episode paints a vivid picture of how parental health and habits shape our lives. We traverse the emotional landscape of significant life events and the unexpected paths they carve, underscoring the necessity of therapy and honest engagement to process grief and find closure.

This episode doesn't shy away from the raw and real—whether it's recounting the bittersweet timing of a father's passing shortly after witnessing a child's wedding or navigating the emotional maze of a mother's intense yet incomprehensible grief over an abusive partner's death. We confront the challenges of processing grief during a global pandemic, the complex journey to forgiveness, and the awkwardness of social interactions post-loss. Through it all, we emphasize the importance of vulnerability and genuine connection in fostering understanding and healing from one damaged soul to another.

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What if the advice you’ve been giving to grieving friends is doing more harm than good? Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Mark Lucero, the author of "What to Say When You Don't Know What to Say: Loving a Friend Through Grief." Mark shares profound insights and practical advice on how to truly support those navigating the heavy waters of grief. From debunking myths about grief to exploring the nuanced difference between grief and mourning, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and addressing the emotions tied to loss.

Our discussion highlights the often-overlooked importance of allowing grief to unfold naturally and without societal pressure. We talk about the transformative power of embracing grief, and how facing these difficult emotions head-on can foster resilience and empathy. You'll hear personal anecdotes that underline the therapeutic benefits of addressing old traumas, and how societal attitudes towards mental health and therapy are slowly evolving. This episode is a call to action for creating a supportive community where open dialogue about grief, trauma, and loss can flourish.

Wrapping up on a lighter note, we present a fun segment featuring random questions that reveal the personal side of our guest. From Mark’s love for environmental philanthropy to his collection of vinyl records and his travel adventures, this part of the episode offers a delightful glimpse into his life beyond his professional insights. Whether you're looking for guidance on supporting a grieving friend or simply want to hear an engaging conversation, this episode promises to leave you with valuable takeaways and a renewed perspective on dealing with loss. Tune in and join our journey toward understanding and healing.

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What if the key to transforming your life lies in the balance between your mental and physical health? Join us for a heartfelt and enlightening conversation with Sean Christopher, a dedicated nutritionist and health coach, who opens up about his incredible journey. From the emotional challenges of experiencing a massive heart attack to redefining his life's purpose, Sean's story offers profound insights and practical advice on nurturing both body and mind.

Throughout this episode, Sean shares personal anecdotes that highlight the significance of immediate action and the profound impact of having a supportive community. He recounts the tough love from his father that spurred him to embark on a health journey, as well as the transformative decision to quit alcohol and embrace healthier choices. These moments of resilience and determination serve as a powerful reminder that it's never too late to make positive changes, especially when facing life's adversities.

Moreover, we delve into Sean's advocacy for better nutrition education, particularly for children, and his exciting new initiative, Save Our Kids. His passion for health and wellness is infectious, and his commitment to leading by example shines through as he discusses the importance of spiritual and mental well-being. With practical tips and motivational stories, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways, inviting listeners to reflect on their own health journeys and the impact of their choices on future generations.


SEAN'S LINKS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Iseanwrench
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtheseanchristopher/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamtheseanchristo
Website: www.alifefullyalive.com
Email: [email protected]

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Ever wondered how losing a parent at a young age shapes your life? My friend Michael Graham lost his dad when he was only five, a loss that profoundly impacted his childhood and beyond. Join us on "Our Dead Dads Podcast" as Michael opens up about his journey through grief, the surrogate father figures he found along the way, and the significance of growing up in a household of women. This heartfelt conversation aims to normalize discussions around loss and trauma, creating a supportive community for those navigating similar paths.

Curious about the traits we inherit from our parents and how they influence our lives? Michael shares his reflections on the qualities he inherited from his father and the emotional challenges of embracing these traits. We dive into the importance of acknowledging these influences, even when it's difficult, and the role a supportive spouse can play in fostering open communication and personal growth. Through stories of kindness, Star Trek memories, and personal resilience, this episode offers a poignant look at the long-lasting impact of parental loss.

Discover the importance of breaking the taboo around fatherless childhoods and the power of sharing personal stories. By opening up about his experiences, Michael hopes to inspire others to speak out and seek support. In lighter moments, we engage in fun, rapid-fire questions that reveal more about Michael's personality, from his impromptu parody songs to his thoughts on lottery winnings. Tune in for a deeply moving episode that balances heartfelt reflections with moments of levity, offering both solidarity and encouragement for anyone grappling with similar challenges.

MICHAEL'S LINKS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.graham.777
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/egghawk/

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WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone navigating complicated grief, unresolved family trauma, or father-daughter relationships strained by silence and emotional distance.

WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Tools for healing parent-child grief, inspiration to initiate difficult conversations, and hope that even fractured relationships can transform through storytelling and compassion.

DESCRIPTION:
In this episode, Nick Gaylord speaks with author and psychotherapist Yvonne Caputo, whose journey of grief and healing with her father became the inspiration for her books Flying with Dad and Dying with Dad. Yvonne opens up about growing up with a father who struggled to express love, and how late-in-life conversations transformed their relationship and gave her the connection she had long desired. She shares the powerful role of storytelling, history, and psychotherapy in bridging decades of distance. Together, Nick and Yvonne explore themes of grief, trauma, healing, and how honesty about death and dying can ease the burden of loss for families. This deeply personal interview highlights the importance of taking the first step toward healing, even when years of silence or pain stand in the way. It is a testament to how grief can evolve into sacred joy when we lean into vulnerability and conversation.

This episode answers:

• How can storytelling help heal grief and family trauma?
• What steps can you take to repair a strained parent-child relationship?
• Why is it important to talk openly about death and dying with loved ones?
• How can grief be transformed into connection and even joy?
• What role does psychotherapy play in navigating grief and trauma?

Key Takeaways:

• Healing grief often begins with a single, honest conversation.
• Storytelling can bridge generations and repair broken relationships.
• Preparing for death through conversations and documents like Five Wishes reduces family stress.
• Grief is not linear—sorrow and sacred joy can coexist.
• Vulnerability and compassion create space for reconciliation and healing.

YVONNE'S LINKS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xcskiyvonne

To purchase Yvonne's books, please go to https://www.ourdeaddads.com/book-recommendations. You will find Amazon and Barnes & Noble links for both of Yvonne's books!

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WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone coping with father loss, complicated grief, or unresolved trauma.

WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Guidance on grief healing, trauma recovery, and embracing emotional honesty.

DESCRIPTION:
In this episode, Nick Gaylord sits down with nurse and trauma-informed coach Jessica Parente to explore her deeply personal story of loss, estrangement, and grief recovery. Jessica shares the painful reality of losing her father to cancer after years of disconnection, compounded by the deaths of her grandmother, aunt, and close friend in just over a year. Together, Nick and Jessica dive into the complexity of father loss, the survival mode that follows trauma, and the shame often tied to grieving. Jessica opens up about her struggles with anger, guilt, and emotional survival, while also revealing how therapy, writing, and body-based healing helped her finally process her pain. This powerful conversation highlights the importance of breaking grief taboos, honoring both the good and the bad in lost relationships, and allowing emotions to surface without apology. Listeners will find validation, tools for coping, and the reminder that grief has no timeline.

This episode answers:

• How do you heal after losing an estranged parent?
• What is the impact of multiple losses in a short period of time?
• Why does unresolved childhood trauma complicate grief?
• How can therapy and body-based healing help process grief?
• What are the best ways to stop outrunning grief and start feeling it?

Key Takeaways:

• Father loss can trigger complicated grief and mixed emotions.
• Survival mode often masks unprocessed trauma and grief.
• Therapy and somatic practices help release stored pain.
• Grief recovery requires honesty about both good and bad memories.
• Sharing stories breaks stigma and builds supportive community.

JESSICA’S LINKS:
 
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/generationaljess
Instagram (personal): https://www.instagram.com/jessmolikewhoa/
Instagram (business): https://www.instagram.com/generational.jess/
Website: https://itendswithyoullc.com/
 
 

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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 grieving the death of a parent, coping with complicated grief, or struggling to balance family dynamics and unresolved trauma.

WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET:
Practical insights into father-daughter connection, the impact of addiction on grief, and how storytelling and legacy work can bring comfort.

DESCRIPTION:
In this episode, Nick Gaylord sits down with Leslie Kuny for a powerful conversation about love, loss, and grief. Leslie opens up about her close bond with her father, the challenges of his addiction, and the heartbreaking reality of losing him in her twenties. She shares the rage, sorrow, and isolation that followed, along with the long road toward finding peace and meaning. Nick and Leslie discuss the complicated emotions of family grief, the stigma around addiction, and how grief evolves over time. They explore how grief reshapes identity, how memories can be preserved through writing and legacy work, and the importance of safe spaces to talk about loss. This heartfelt interview is filled with honesty, vulnerability, and lessons for anyone walking the difficult path of grief.

This episode answers:

• How do you cope with grief after losing a parent to addiction?
• What is complicated grief and how does it affect healing?
• How do you balance grief with family conflict after a death?
• What are ways to keep a loved one’s memory alive after loss?
• How long does grief and rage last after losing a parent?

Key Takeaways:

• Grief is deeply personal and no two journeys look the same.
• Addiction complicates grief but does not erase love or legacy.
• Rage and sorrow are normal parts of long-term grieving.
• Storytelling and legacy projects help preserve a loved one’s memory.
• Safe spaces and supportive communities reduce isolation in grief.

LESLIE'S LINKS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leslie.nadon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekuny/


ABSOLUTE MOTION PERFORMANCE & DANCE STUDIO:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559258507569
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/absolutemotiondance/

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