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
The Silent Struggles of Estrangement and Grief Healing with Mary Fields - Episode 43
Find the show on Apple Podcasts! Click the FOLLOW button so you never miss an episode!
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 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!
FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM!
BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com
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/