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
Episode 4: When Friends Just Don’t Understand – How To Keep Your Circle Involved Without Losing Yourself
🎧 Episode 4: When Friends Just Don’t Understand – How to Keep Your Circle Involved Without Losing Yourself
When you come home after a heart attack, you expect life with your mates to go back to normal — but it rarely does. In this episode, Dougie opens up about the awkward shift that happens when friends mean well but just don’t understand what you’re going through.
From feeling pressure to “be fine” to realising that the banter hits differently now, Dougie talks honestly about friendship, boundaries, and what it means to stay connected when your world has changed. He shares simple ways to keep your circle involved — with honesty, space, and truth — without losing yourself in the process.
If you’ve ever felt like your friends just don’t get it, or you’re tired of pretending you’re “back to normal,” this one’s for you.
💻 Visit StrongerAfterTheStorm.com to join the weekly Reflection Letters — real talk for men rebuilding life after a heart attack.
💻 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.