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 7: Why Rest Feels Like Failure — How to Let Yourself Heal Without Guilt
For many men, rest feels like the hardest part of recovery. After a lifetime of working, providing, and pushing through, being told to stop can feel like weakness — even failure.
In this episode, Dougie opens up about the long stretch of recovery between his heart attack and returning to work — the stillness that tested his patience, his identity, and his pride.
He shares how learning to rest without guilt became one of the most powerful parts of his healing journey. From quiet walks in nature to simply sitting in stillness, Dougie discovered that real strength isn’t found in doing more — it’s found in learning when to stop.
If you’ve ever struggled with slowing down or felt guilty for taking time to recover, this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen in to rediscover the meaning of strength, rest, and recovery — and how to give yourself the grace to heal.
💻 Visit: https://strongerafterthestorm.com
📩 Join Dougie’s free Reflection Letters for men rebuilding life after a heart attack.
⭐ Follow, rate, and share to help another man find his way back to strength.
💻 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.