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 11 — The Loneliness Men Feel
The Loneliness Men Feel — the quiet kind that doesn’t look like loneliness at all.
In this episode, I talk about the subtle, hard-to-explain moments of loneliness that showed up during my recovery — even though I had people around me, support, and check-ins.
It’s not about being physically alone… it’s about that feeling of being slightly “out of sync” with the world.
I share:
- why men often hide this feeling
- how loneliness shows up in tiny, everyday moments
- the difference between contact and real connection
- the small steps that helped me feel part of life again
If you’ve experienced that quiet sense of disconnection during recovery, you’re definitely not alone — and there’s nothing wrong with you.
This episode might help you feel understood, seen, and a little less isolated in the process.
🎧 Listen now and take the next step in your emotional recovery.
💻 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.