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 14: Gratitude isn't Weakness - How Thankfulness Turns Survival into Strength.
EPISODE 14 — Gratitude Isn’t Weakness
How thankfulness turns survival into strength
A lot of men hear the word “gratitude” and think, Aye right… that’s no’ for me.
It can feel soft, forced, or completely out of place after a heart attack.
But real gratitude isn’t weakness — it’s awareness.
It shows up quietly in the small moments you used to rush past: a steady breath, a warm voice, a cup of tea you actually taste, or the nudge from the dog that reminds you you’re still here.
In this episode, we explore how gratitude becomes part of recovery — not because you’re trying to be positive, but because your perspective has changed.
In this episode:
– Why gratitude can feel uncomfortable for men
– How it arrives in tiny, unexpected waves
– The shift from survival mode into meaning
– Why anger and gratitude often sit side by side
– The everyday moments that stitch your life back together
– Why gratitude doesn’t mean pretending you’re fine
Gratitude doesn’t erase the hard bits — it helps you make sense of them.
Next week: Episode 15 — Building a Life Worth Living: What a “second chance” really means — and why this time, it’s personal.
💻 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.