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 16 Embracing These Early Changes After a Heart Attack- Adapting to a New Lifestyle
Episode 16 Embracing These Early Changes After a Heart Attack- Adapting to a New Lifestyle.
After a heart attack, the early changes don’t always arrive loudly or clearly. Often, they show up quietly — in how you move, how you feel, and how you begin to listen to yourself differently.
In this episode of Stronger After the Storm, I reflect on those early shifts after survival. The physical adjustments, the emotional undercurrent, and the gradual process of adapting to a new lifestyle without rushing to label it or fix it.
This isn’t about discipline or reinventing your life overnight. It’s about awareness, patience, and learning how to live differently at a pace that feels honest.
If you’re in the early stages of recovery — noticing that things feel slightly “off,” uncertain, or unfamiliar — this episode offers space to reflect and feel less alone in that experience.
🎧 Stronger After the Storm — real talk for men rebuilding life after a heart attack.
💻 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.