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
Finding Joy Again-Relearning laughter, music, and the small things that bring back life.
Episode 13 — Finding Joy Again
Relearning laughter, music, and the small things that bring back life
Joy doesn’t always return in big ways after a heart attack. More often, it arrives quietly — through tiny sparks you might not even notice at first. A familiar song. A sudden laugh. A calm morning. A small moment that feels… lighter.
In this episode, I share how joy slowly found its way back into my own recovery — not in dramatic bursts, but in gentle reminders that life was still worth leaning into.
Here’s what we cover:
• why joy returns quietly, not with a fanfare
• why men think they need everything “sorted” before they can feel good
• how laughter sneaks back in when you least expect it
• how music can reconnect you to the person you were before
• the tiny moments that show healing is happening
• why joy isn’t forgetting — it’s recovering
If you’ve felt even the smallest lift — a smile, a calmer breath, a lighter moment — that’s not random. That’s healing. And it’s worth paying attention to.
If you’ve noticed wee lifts here and there — a smile, a calm breath, a lighter moment — they’re not random.
They’re part of your recovery. And you’re further along than you think.
Next week: “Gratitude Isn’t Weakness — How Thankfulness Turns Survival Into Strength.”
Listen to Episode 13:
https://strongerafterthestorm.com/episodes
💻 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.