In this season opener of Hey Pops, Cori returns to the mic after three months away—on a date that holds deep significance: February 12th, the last time she spoke to her dad. From uncovering old text messages to preparing for yet another move, she reflects on the unexpected ways grief and life keep colliding.

This episode is a mix of nostalgia, resilience, and the bittersweet humor that comes with navigating the chaos of change. Cori shares how she’s been rebuilding—financially, emotionally, and physically—after another rough season and how, even in the hardest times, her dad’s words still find a way to guide her forward. With big moves (literally) on the horizon, she’s leaning into the unknown, trusting the process, and, of course, planning a pizza party.

Show Notes:

• Season 2 Kickoff: Cori returns to Hey Pops on a meaningful date, unsure of where this season will go but ready to dive back in.
• The Last Call: February 12th, 2021, was the final video chat Cori had with her dad and brother. She reflects on that moment, the screenshot they saved, and why it still matters.
• Old Texts, New Moves: A four-year-old message from her dad resurfaces at the perfect time—just as she prepares for another big life transition.
• Rock Bottom and the Climb Back Up: Cori opens up about the financial, emotional, and personal struggles of the past few months, plus the steps she’s taking to rebuild.
• Creating Rituals in Grief: How she’s making this move a ceremony of its own, aligning it with her birthday, her dad’s day, and her love of making ordinary moments meaningful.
• What’s Next: A new home, a fresh start, and a season ahead full of stories, reflection, and maybe even a few surprises.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about the podcast: https://coriorak.com/hey-pops-podcast
• Submit your own voicemail or story about Dan: https://www.speakpipe.com/HeyPops
• Get involved with the Dan Culhane Memorial Fund: https://www.danculhanememorialfund.org/

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