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
044 - Legacy at 35,000 Feet: A Story of Survival and Service with Kathy Julien
Kathy Julien has spent the last 40 years flying jets and defying expectations. But nothing in her storied career could prepare her for the loss of her 24-year-old son, Eric. In this deeply emotional episode, Kathy opens up about parenting twins, navigating a son’s battle with addiction and type 1 diabetes, and the grief that followed when she lost him. What began as a conversation about motherhood quickly deepens into a raw and powerful account of love, loss, and what comes next.
Kathy shares what it was like to fight for her son again and again—through relapses, recovery centers, and missed milestones—while also juggling the demands of a high-profile career. But this is more than a story about grief. It’s a story about how Kathy chose to survive it. From planting a memorial tree near a skate park, to launching her podcast Another Empty Kitchen, to starting a foundation in Eric’s name, Kathy’s journey is filled with action, healing, and intention.
We also talk about manifesting new chapters, breaking generational patterns, and the power of turning pain into purpose. Kathy doesn’t sugarcoat her story—but she does show us what it means to keep going, to find meaning, and to honor a loved one by living out loud. Her story is equal parts heartbreaking and uplifting—and an unforgettable listen for anyone who’s ever felt lost inside their own grief.
CHECK OUT KATHY'S PODCAST - ANOTHER EMPTY KITCHEN
WEBSITE: https://www.anotheremptykitchen.com - Click into the website and select "PODCAST" at the top
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/