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 38 Helping Others Without Losing Yourself
Episode 38 Helping Others Without Losing YourselfIn this episode I talk about something that crept up on me without me realising it — the weight of carrying other people's struggles when you've been open about your own.When you've...
Episode 37 - Saying Goodbye To The Life Before
Episode 37 - Saying Goodbye To The Life BeforeThere's a part of recovery nobody really talks about. For me, it looked a lot like grief — but nobody had died.This week I talk about saying goodbye to the life I had before the heart ...
Episode 36 | The Gap Between Knowing and Doing
Episode 36 | The Gap Between Knowing and DoingAfter everything I'd been through — the heart attack, the recovery, the lessons — you'd think I'd be the first to stop when my body told me to.This week I wasn't. And it caught me out....
Episode 35 - You're Not The Same Man After A Heart Attack — Here's Why That's Okay
Episode 35 - You're Not The Same Man After A Heart Attack — Here's Why That's OkayYou survived the heart attack. You did the rehab. You went back to work. But something underneath has changed — and nobody warned you about that part.<...