Stronger After The Storm
You survived the heart attack — but now what?
Welcome to Stronger After the Storm, the podcast for men over 50 rebuilding their lives — emotionally, mentally, and spiritually — after a heart attack. I’m Dougie, and I know this road. At 50, I had a heart attack that changed everything. What came after wasn’t just physical recovery — it was fear, anxiety, silence, and a deep questioning of identity and purpose.
This show is for the men who lie awake wondering, “Am I going to die tonight?” “Will I ever feel like myself again?” “What do I do now?”
Each episode is real talk — no sugar-coating, no fluff. Just honest stories from a man who’s been there, still there, and still rebuilding. I’ll walk with you through the tough stuff: fear after heart attack, isolation, masculinity, emotional healing, connection, and reclaiming life on your terms.
We’ll explore topics like:
- Anxiety and panic after heart surgery
- Rediscovering identity and purpose after trauma
- Mental health for older men
- What strength really looks like now
- How to reconnect when you're feeling alone
- Honest reflections and conversations with other survivors
Some episodes are just me sharing my story and the lessons I’ve learned. Others will feature real men and heart professionals who understand what we’re up against. If you’re looking for hope, direction, or even just someone who understands — this podcast is for you.
You’re not broken. You’re rebuilding. Let’s do it together.
New episodes every week. Listen on Apple, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform — and head to StrongerAfterTheStorm.com to join the private newsletter for reflections, support, and updates.
Stronger After The Storm
Latest Episodes
Episode 46 — Why Support Matters | Giving and Receiving Help After a Heart Attack
Episode 46 — Why Support Matters | Giving and Receiving Help After a Heart Attack It's always been easier for me to give support than to receive it. I found that out properly after my heart attack — twice, in two very different situ...
Ep 45: Men, Vulnerability, and Real Talk
Ep 45: Men, Vulnerability, and Real Talk Something changed in me after my heart attack that made it a bit easier to talk about the hard stuff. I don't think it was courage — not really. It was something different ...
Episode 44 — One Year Stronger | Reflecting on a Year of Stronger After the Storm
Episode 44 — One Year Stronger | Reflecting on a Year of Stronger After the StormA year ago I sat at my desk with my finger hovering over a button. Do I press it or don't I?I'd spent weeks building it — recording at home, editing ...
Episode 43 — What I'd Tell My Younger Self | Lessons on Delegation and Letting Go
Episode 43 — What I'd Tell My Younger Self | Lessons on Delegation and Letting GoIf I could sit down with the man running those hotels — before any of this happened — I know exactly what I'd tell him. Not slow down. Not stop dreaming. So...
EPISODE 42 — Learning to Respond, Not React | Steadying Your Triggers After a Heart Attack
EPISODE 42 — Learning to Respond, Not React | Steadying Your Triggers After a Heart Attack I've always known how to stay calm under pressure — behind a bar on a chaotic night, running a kitchen where every second counted. But it too...