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
Childhood Loss, Grief Healing, and Hope After Sandy Hook with Scarlett Lewis - Episode 50
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WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Parents, families, and anyone navigating child loss, trauma, or grief healing.
WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Tools for processing grief, stories of resilience, and hope for finding meaning after tragedy.
DESCRIPTION:
In this powerful episode of Our Dead Dads Podcast, host Nick Gaylord sits down with Scarlett Lewis, mother of Jesse Lewis, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Scarlett shares her journey through unimaginable child loss, the moments of grief and shock, and the small but profound miracles that carried her forward. She opens up about her son’s bravery, her family’s healing, and the pivotal chalkboard message—“nurturing, healing, love”—that became the foundation for the Choose Love Movement. Together, Nick and Scarlett explore the intersection of personal grief, public tragedy, and the power of resilience in the aftermath of school shootings. This conversation is filled with raw truth, hope, and the reminder that even in the darkest moments, love can lead the way toward healing.
This episode answers:
- What is the grief journey of a Sandy Hook parent?
- How can families process child loss after a school shooting?
- What role does community support play in grief healing?
- How did Scarlett Lewis turn trauma into the Choose Love Movement?
- What lessons of resilience and hope come from Jesse’s story?
Key Takeaways:
- Grief after child loss can be transformed into purpose.
- Community and faith play crucial roles in healing trauma.
- Jesse’s act of bravery saved nine classmates at Sandy Hook.
- “Nurturing, healing, love” became a global grief-healing message.
- The Choose Love Movement offers resilience tools for families and schools.
JESSE LEWIS CHOOSE LOVE MOVEMENT (website): https://chooselovemovement.org/
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