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
Turning Grief into Healing, Hope, and Creative Expression with Cleo Childs - Episode 56
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WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone grieving a parent, navigating Alzheimer’s caregiving, or struggling with anticipatory grief.
WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Insights on surviving deep grief, finding peace after loss, and transforming pain into writing, art, and healing practices.
DESCRIPTION:
In this heartfelt episode, host Nick Gaylord speaks with poet and author Cleo Childs about her journey through grief after caring for her mother Candice, who faced early-onset Alzheimer’s. Cleo shares the challenges of anticipatory grief, the emotional toll of caregiving at a young age, and the lessons she learned about patience, grace, and forgiveness. She opens up about the anger and rage that surfaced after her mother’s passing and how writing became her outlet for honesty and healing. Through poetry, Cleo captured both the devastation and beauty of grief, creating a book that helps others feel less alone. Nick and Cleo explore how grief reshapes identity, the importance of community and therapy, and the power of turning pain into purpose. This episode offers a deeply relatable and compassionate perspective for anyone navigating loss.
This episode answers:
- What is anticipatory grief and how do caregivers experience it?
- How does early-onset Alzheimer’s impact families and young adult caregivers?
- Why does anger and rage often appear in grief, and how can it be expressed?
- How can writing and poetry become tools for healing after loss?
- What does it mean to “move with grief” instead of “moving on” after death?
Key Takeaways:
- Anticipatory grief is real and often as painful as grief after death.
- Caregiving at a young age creates unique challenges and emotional burdens.
- Anger is a natural, valid part of grief and must be acknowledged.
- Writing and art can transform pain into connection and healing.
- Moving forward in grief is about carrying your loved one with you, not leaving them behind.
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