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 15 — Building a Life Worth Living What a “second chance” really means — and why this time, it’s personal
EPISODE 15 — Building a Life Worth Living
What a “second chance” really means — and why this time, it’s personal
After a heart attack, people love to say things like “You’ve been given a second chance.”
But what does that actually mean when you’re the one waking up every day trying to piece your life back together?
A second chance isn’t about becoming some perfect version of yourself.
It’s not about pretending you’re suddenly grateful or fearless or full of purpose.
It’s about choosing — slowly, quietly — to build a life that feels meaningful, honest, and true to who you are now.
In this episode, we explore what it really looks like to rebuild a life worth living after everything has been shaken.
In this episode:
– Why the idea of a “second chance” can feel strange or heavy
– What changes inside you after a close call
– How your priorities, boundaries, and relationships shift
– The pressure men feel to “get it right” this time
– What rebuilding actually looks like day to day
– Why meaning grows slowly — and why that’s ok
A second chance isn’t a performance.
It’s a direction — one that you shape moment by moment.
Next week: Episode 16 — Courage in the Quiet Moments: Why the real breakthroughs happen when no one is watching.
💻 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.