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
Anticipatory Grief, Family Connection, and Memory-Making Tools with Devan Christian-Vermeer - Episode 52
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WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone experiencing anticipatory grief, supporting a parent with serious illness, or seeking tools to preserve family connections before loss.
WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Practical grief strategies, compassionate caregiving tools, and a framework for legacy-building that supports healing now and in the future.
DESCRIPTION:
In this heartfelt episode, Nick sits down with licensed clinical counselor Devan Christian-Vermeer to explore the deep realities of anticipatory grief. Devan shares her family’s journey through her father’s cancer diagnosis, his unexpected remission, and the urgency of creating meaningful connections before loss. She introduces her Compassionate Care Method—a four-part framework for memory-making, legacy preservation, and relationship repair. The conversation dives into the emotional toll of preparing for grief, the importance of recording voices, capturing family traditions, and intentional connection across generations. Together, Nick and Devan explore how to ease guilt and regret by taking proactive steps now. This episode highlights the balance between honoring the present and preparing for the future, offering listeners hope, comfort, and actionable guidance for their own grief journey.
This episode answers:
- What is anticipatory grief and how can families cope with it?
- How does the Compassionate Care Method help preserve legacies?
- What practical steps can you take to capture memories before loss?
- How do you support children in grief when a grandparent is ill?
- How can families reduce guilt and regret after a loved one dies?
Key Takeaways:
- Anticipatory grief is real and can be navigated with intention.
- Capturing memories before loss creates priceless comfort later.
- The Compassionate Care Method guides families through legacy work.
- Open conversations strengthen relationships and reduce future regret.
- Healing starts by embracing presence, memory-making, and connection now.
DEVAN'S LINKS:
Counseling Links
Website: https://devanceciliacounselling.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devanceciliacounselling
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devanceciliacounselling/
Coaching Links
Free Resources: https://payhip.com/DevanCeciliaCoaching
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DevanChristianVermeer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devanceciliacoaching/
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