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 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.<...
Episode 34 - It Took Me 11 Years to Talk About This (After a Heart Attack)
It took me 11 years to talk about this. After my heart attack, I didn’t just carry the physical recovery — I carried everything that came after it. The fear. The silence. The questions I di...
Episode 33 Telling Your Story When You’re Finally Ready
Episode 33 Telling Your Story When You’re Finally ReadyA lot of men go through something life-changing… and then stay quiet about it for years.Not because they’ve forgotten it. Not because it didn’t matter.But beca...
Episode 32 - The day I Felt Normal Again - Moments of Calm That show How Far You've Come.
Episode 32 - The day I Felt Normal Again - Moments of Calm That show How Far You've Come.After a heart attack, you wait for a big moment that tells you you're getting better.A clear sign. A obvious marker. Something you'll recogni...
Episode 31 — Getting Older Without Fear - Making peace with aging after a heart attack
Episode 31 — Getting Older Without Fear - Making peace with aging after a heart attackAfter a heart attack, aging stops feeling like something in the distance.It moves closer.It becomes something you thi...