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
043 - When Absence Hurts More Than Presence: A Daughter’s Story with Mary Fields
Mary Fields grew up without a relationship with her father. In fact, she hadn’t seen him face-to-face in nearly 20 years when a sheriff arrived at her door to inform her that he had died. What followed was a surreal journey into the life — and the death — of a man she barely knew. With no one else to handle the aftermath, Mary found herself responsible for his estate, including navigating his hoarded trailer, dealing with legal red tape, and making difficult decisions about his remains.
In this deeply honest conversation, Mary opens up about what it means to grieve someone who wasn’t really there, and how the absence of a relationship can still leave behind an overwhelming emotional burden. She describes the confusion, anger, guilt, and even compassion that surfaced during this unexpected chapter. Through it all, Mary’s resilience shines — and her voice gives power to a kind of grief that often goes unspoken.
We also talk about therapy, breaking down emotional walls, and finding meaning in the act of honoring someone who may not have deserved it. Mary’s story is equal parts heartbreaking and empowering — a testament to what it means to be human, to hurt, and to heal.
MARY’S LINKS:
FACEBOOK (BUSINESS): https://www.facebook.com/merryassistant
FACEBOOK (PERSONAL): https://www.facebook.com/nononopenope
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/merryassistant/
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