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 5: Awakening to Life — Why We Worry About Others More Than Ourselves
When you’re facing a heart attack, your first thought isn’t always about yourself — it’s about the people you love.
In this deeply personal episode, Dougie shares the story of his own heart attack and the question that changed everything:
“What will my family do without me?”
From that moment of fear came something unexpected — clarity, gratitude, and what he calls an awakening to life.
Join Dougie as he reflects on the night everything changed, how recovery reshaped his outlook, and the quiet lessons that helped him rebuild.
This episode is a reminder that even after the storm, life can feel richer, calmer, and more meaningful than before.
If you’ve ever worried about your loved ones more than yourself, this one’s for you.
🎧 In this episode:
- Facing the night of the heart attack
- The moment of awakening
- Learning gratitude and connection
- Finding purpose after survival
💻 Visit StrongerAfterTheStorm.com
for past episodes, stories, and Reflection Letters.
📩 Join Dougie’s weekly letter — real talk for men rebuilding life after a heart attack.
⭐ Subscribe, share, and leave a review on your favourite podcast platform — it helps others find the show.
💻 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.