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
Fear and Anxiety After a Heart Attack | How to Cope and Rebuild Confidence
The fear doesn’t end when you leave the hospital. In this first episode, Dougie shares his personal journey of panic, sleepless nights, and how he began finding strength again.
Episode 1: Fear and Anxiety After Your Heart Attack
You’ve made it out of the hospital — but the real storm might just be beginning. In this honest and raw opening episode, Dougie, a heart attack survivor, shares what no one talks about: the fear and anxiety that follow you home. With calm strength and personal experience, he invites men into a conversation about what it feels like to live in panic, to lie awake at night wondering if it will happen again, and to face the silence with courage.
This episode is for men who feel lost, afraid, or unsure of how to start healing emotionally after a heart attack. If you've experienced fear after a heart attack, or you're struggling with anxiety during recovery, you are not alone. Tune in to begin rebuilding your life with strength, truth, and connection — one step at a time.
Struggling with night time fear? This episode is just the start — sign up for my weekly letter where I share more on handling anxiety after a heart attack.
💻 Visit the website: StrongerAfterTheStorm.com
📩 Get my free weekly reflection letter for men rebuilding after a heart attack — sign up on the site.
🎧 Follow the show so you never miss an episode.
⭐ If this episode helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it really makes a difference.
🤝 Share this with another man who’s rebuilding life after a heart attack. You never know how much it might help.
💻 Visit StrongerAfterTheStorm.com — the home of the podcast and weekly Reflection Letters.
📩 Each week I write an honest letter for men rebuilding life after a heart attack. You can join in on the site.
🎧 Make sure to follow the podcast so you don’t miss the next episode.
⭐ If something in this episode helped you, please leave a review on Apple or Spotify — it really helps more men find us.
🤝 And if you know someone going through the same storm, share this with him. It might be just what he needs today.